Ghungru

Time

It is said that time heals every wound everything. But sometimes this time also creates gap between people. Only having abundant time will cure nothing, heal nothing.

Shana was still in Ali's arms but she never hugged him back. She was crying but it wasn't simply tears of happiness. Maybe she was crying at her weak heart, her weak resolution.

She felt cheap, helpless and low. Someone who was thirsty for a person's love. A love which she doesn't know whether it really existed or not.

Soon her eyes dried up. She pushed him away and looked with cold eyes at him.

"Actions speak louder than words." She said sternly to Ali.

Ali was there infront of her dumbfounded. But finally opened his mouth and said,"I'll not disappoint you this time. I'll win your tru-"

Before Ali could complete, Shana turned around and left. She was holding a lot inside her. She wanted to feel happy that how Ali is taking her seriously but she couldn't be. As if she can't forget those words he said. Something was really empty.

Shana hurried to her room. Her perfectly done makeup was now a mess. She was taking off her ornaments. There was a lot going inside her head but what was it exactly she didn't know.

Shehnuba came into her room. She looked at Shana's pretty face which wasn't pretty at that moment.

There was no expression, her eyes were swollen, the kohl was messed up under her eyes. But none of those mattered to Shana, she was sitting infront of her silver mirror silently. As if trying to figure out what she needs to do.

Shehnuba approached her and put a hand on her shoulder. She got startled by that and looked straight at her aunt's eyes. As if searching for the right path, many unknown answers. She wanted to ask why she hates Ali so much, what is the past that Ali is hiding.

So many questions but all she uttered was,"Should I trust him?"

"I did the needful by telling you what you should in the past, now it's upto you."

Shana remained silent by lowering her head.

"But remember a mother always wish for her child's well being" Shehnuba said while hugging her closer.

She was so troubled. She didn't know whose words to believe. On one side it was her Ali Sahab who is asking for another chance and on the other side it was her mother like aunt who wishes her well being.

That night Shana couldn't blink a wink. She thought to herself... 'Am I really so much in love with him that I feel troubled? Or is it just his looks that I'm attracted to...? But if also I'm close to him why is aunt so furious?... Isn't it a big opportunity that many dreams for...?'

Then suddenly some senses strike her head,'No no what am I thinking?! Yes I wish for love but not temporary infatuation... I want to trust him but I can't...'

All these thoughts and such questions didn't let Shana sleep all night. She took a nap at the dawn but she woke up tired.

As soon as she got out of her bed, she found a note on her dressing table. It was a note from Shehnuba. It stated:

Dear Shana,
I'm not waking you up as you look really tired. But I've to go out of the palace for some business and on the way back if possible I'll also meet your family. And try my best to make them understand your situation. I'll also make sure to let you out of this place as soon as possible. You don't have to worry much.
Your loving
Aunt

On reading that note, Shana sighed and sat on her bed. Another tension added to her stock.

But she got up quickly and took a bath. Then got ready and went out for a stroll. As she came out in the garden there was already someone waiting for her.

Ali was standing there in a very casual dress. Inspite of that his handsome face can't be hidden, he had a different charm maybe every ruler has such aura.

She softly asked her,"How may I help you your Highness?"

Ali frowned and said,"Just shut up and come with me"

Shana silently followed Ali. They soon reached near a garden which had a beautiful fountain in the centre. Ali sat near it and gestured Shana to sit beside him.

After Shana sat near him he gently took her hand while looking at her eyes,"My past is really ugly and I fear my beautiful Shana will hate it"

Shana's eyes got widened up. She was amused at his words. Was he simply saying the truth or some new flattering tricks? Such questions were running in her mind.

"Well how about you try telling me?"

Ali lowered his eyes, his hands started shaking,"Yes I want to..."

"Please say.." Shana put her other hand over his hand to give him strength and assurance.

"Shana... please a lil bit more time..."

Shana sighed inside.. how much more she thought.

But all she did was just nodding in agreement.

To be continued...

Author's note: Frustrated yet? A bit more patience readers