KUCH ANKAHA

2. || The Connection ||

Monday, 7:35 PM, at Sukoon Cafe.

The day's work at the cafe was finally finished. Mishti was engrossed in some accounts when kuhu tapped her shoulder from behind, causing her to jump reflexively.

Suppressing a laugh, kuhu said, "Chal Mishti, we're already late. We need to go to the doctor's."

Mishti lazily threw herself back into her chair, sighing, "Kuhu, just for a nightmare? uski wajha se doctor ke paas kyun hi jaana "

Kuhu tried to restrain herself, "Yes, just for a nightmare that's causing you to live in fear, getting scared over trivial things like you did just now. Don't you think #we need a doctor?"

"Now, shut down the cafe and come with me. I don't know how many hoops I'll have to jump through to get you treated," kuhu added.

Mishti absentmindedly nodded, closing her cafe and settling into the car beside kuhu as she drove them towards their destination.

After a while, kuhu stopped the car in front of a grand mansion. They stepped out, admiring the lush greenery that surrounded the house.

Frowning, kuhu remarked, "Strange man. He's a wealthy doctor, yet he can't even keep a guard."

Mishti shook her head, "Whether there's a guard or not, it's not our concern. Let's go."

Kuhu nodded, and they proceeded to the front door. After a moment, it swung open, revealing a man in casual attire, wearing transparent glasses and a serious expression.

As his eyes fell on Mishti, he froze. In a barely audible whisper, he said, "Mishti."

Kuhu grinned broadly, while Mishti stared at him with a mix of emotions in her eyes.

Mishti managed to say, "Abirr."

The man was none other than Abir Rajvansh!

Kuhu threw her hands up in delight, exclaiming, "Oh God, #finally someone other than me, tune Kisi aur ko pehchana toh sahii!"

Pushing Mishti towards Abir, she said playfully, "Abir bro, hold onto your Mishti. You know, I couldn't get her to recognize anyone else, but maybe seeing you triggered something."

Mishti stepped back, asking, "Abir, what are you doing here?"

Abir gazed into her eyes deeply, "I've been here all along, Mishti. You were the one who left everything and disappeared a year ago."

Abir shook his head, correcting himself, "Ah, I mean... I'm sorry. Why are you standing outside? Come in, and kuhu, you too." They both nodded and followed him inside.

After some light conversation, kuhu broached the topic directly, "Look, Abir, you're mistaken. After college, Mishti left the city because her father got transferred. Woh humhe jaan puch kar chod kar nahi gaye the . God knows what happened there, but her parents had a fatal accident, and Mishti was also injured. She was in a coma for a year."

Continuing with a sigh, kuhu added, "When she woke up, she couldn't remember anything about what happened to her. She struggles to recognize people, but there are a few like you and me whom she remembers. Today, seeing you triggered something."

Trying to hold back his emotions, Abir asked, "Mishti, do you really not remember anything?"

Mishti sighed, "No, Abir. I don't remember anything about what happened to me. I remember only kuhu and now you. I have flashes of moments spent with you all, but nothing concrete. There's a strange connection I feel."

Kuhu smiled sadly, "Connection... it's a heart-to-heart connection." She murmured silently.

Taking a deep breath, Abir said reassuringly, "It's okay, Mishti. If you don't remember, don't strain yourself. Don't mix your past and present lives. You need rest, and your brain needs time."

Kuhu interjected, "It's not okay, Abir. You always think everything is fine, issiliye joo khena hota haii tu kabhii keh hi nahii paya. Mishti is suffering from strange nightmares, nightmares that are pushing her into depression. She can't live peacefully because of them."

Abir asked with a furrowed brow, "What kind of nightmares?"

Mishti began, "I don't know, Abir. Every night, I see the same dream-a familiar house, a familiar place, a song, a feeling... It's so familiar yet terrifying. I can't forget it even in the daylight."

Abir commented thoughtfully, "That's unusual. Mishti, I don't believe in supernatural nightmares. It could be hallucinations from your head injury during the coma."

Mishti stood up, tears welling in her eyes, "So now you think I'm lying? That I'm crazy? Can't anyone believe me?"

She rushed towards the door, wanting to leave, but Abir grabbed the doorknob and closed it firmly before she could open it.

In a cold tone, Abir asked, "Where are you going?"

Mishti pulled away, "What's the use? I'm crazy. I had a head injury. I say anything. What do you know about the pain I'm going through..."

Abir placed a finger on her lips, silencing her, "I'm telling you today, don't say it again. Just because I haven't been in your touch for a year doesn't mean Abir Rajvansh has forgotten Mishti. Even today, Abir Rajvansh cries in Mishti's grief and smiles in her happiness."

Mishti sobbed, resting her head on his chest, "I'm not crazy, Abir."

He held her close, comforting her, "Shh, I know you're not."