SHE SAW ME

CITYLIGHTS

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♪ ♪ Ye shaam mastaanee, madhosh kiye jaaye

Muzhe dor koee khinche, teree or liye jaaye ♪ ♪

The soft melody played in the background, weaving through the dimly lit room as Sanam stood by the glass wall, gazing at the shimmering Mumbai skyline. The city lights sparkled, reflecting in her eyes as she lost herself in the memory of yesterday. 

Kahini's voice echoed in her mind, teasing and soft, and the moments they spent together were replaying like a cherished film. Her heart fluttered, and a bright, almost giddy grin reached her eyes. 

The sun was high on Elephanta Hill, casting golden light over the vast expanse of the ocean below them. The two women sat under the shade of a large tree, the world feeling distant and hushed as they took in the view. Sanam, resting her hand on her knees, turned to Kahini, watching her play with a few fallen leaves.

"You didn't tell me how you're really doing," Sanam gently probed, laced with concern.

Kahini blinked, her thoughts disrupted by the sudden question. "What do you mean?" 

"With the orphanage, all the responsibilities Amma left you with. How is Amir doing?" Sanam's voice was tender, her gaze lingering on Kahini's profile. She had always known when something weighed on her friend's heart.

"You're asking like you don't know," Kahini smiled faintly, but it didn't reach her eyes. She sighed softly. "But yes, Amir is a great help. I'll never be able to thank you enough for sending him. I owe you, Sanam. Big time."

Sanam shook her head. "You don't owe me anything, Kahini. There's no give and take between us. But I wasn't just talking about Amir. I mean you," she clarified, unwilling to let Kahini avoid the conversation.

Kahini paused, sensing there was no easy escape. A heavy sigh slipped from her lips as she finally confessed. "I'm... I'm trying. Trying to get a handle on everything. It's been only a few months, and I'm still learning all the legal stuff. It's not just the orphanage—there are NGOs, the school, the properties... It's overwhelming sometimes." Her voice broke slightly, her lips attempting to form a reassuring smile that didn't quite mask the exhaustion and sadness in her eyes.

Sanam shifted closer, her gaze never leaving Kahini's. "It's okay, there's no rush. You're doing incredible, Kahini. You're strong, you have such a clear sense of right and wrong, and let's be honest—you're a little bossy by nature." She grinned, earning a small, much-needed giggle from Kahini.

"Thank you," Kahini murmured, her gaze locking with Sanam's. "I don't think I could've done this without your support." The sincerity in her voice, the vulnerability in her eyes—she wasn't just thanking Sanam for Amir, for the help; she was thanking her for being there, for understanding her in ways no one else had.

Sanam leaned in slightly, her eyes softening as she whispered, "I'm not going anywhere." Her words were a promise, not just to stay physically but to remain that constant, unwavering presence in Kahini's life. She could see the battle within Kahini's heart, the way her friend tried to mask the depth of what she was feeling.  There was a silent need hidden in her gaze, a longing that made her heart ache, a fear of emotions she had buried for too long.

Sanam found herself staring at her phone, looking at the picture they had taken on the hill. Her fingers traced over Kahini's face on the screen.

"What are you afraid of, Kahini?" Sanam murmured to the stillness of her hotel room. "What is it that you're not telling me?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, her thumb gently caressing Kahini's image on the screen.