Kartik's Hotel Room
The sun broke through the curtains of the hotel room, painting soft golden streaks on Kartik's face. He stirred awake, his eyes heavy with the remnants of the vivid dream.
He glanced over at his sleeping children. Akshu lay peacefully in her baby cot, her tiny fists curled up near her face. Kairav, in contrast, had sprawled across the bed, his blanket tossed aside as if battling imaginary foes in his dreams. Kartik smiled faintly, brushing away the lingering unease.
But his heart wouldn't let go of the voice he'd heard at the ice cream shop. It had stirred something deep within him, a flicker of hope he dared not entertain. Could it really be Naira? He shook his head. "No, Kartik. Don't set yourself up for heartbreak again."
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"Kaka!" Sirat called out as she stepped into the living room.
Kaka, who was busy folding some clothes, turned to her with a smile. "Ji Betaji, boliye."
"Main soch rahi thi... aaj phir se market ho aate," she said, trying to keep her tone casual.
Kaka raised an eyebrow. "Betaji, kal aapki halat dekhi thi maine. Aap toh ek chhoti si baat pe dar gayi thi. Phir se jaane ka kya kaam?"
Sirat crossed her arms and pouted. "Kaka, woh sab toh kal ki baat thi. Aap bhi na, har chhoti baat ko leke lecture dete hain! Mujhe jana hai."
Kaka sighed, shaking his head. "Aap toh waise bhi meri baat nahi maanengi. Theek hai, chaliye."
A triumphant smile spread across her face. "Thank you, Kaka! Aap bilkul best ho."
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Kartik decided to take the kids for a stroll around the market again. He told himself it was just for fresh air, but deep down, he hoped to hear that voice again.
As they wandered through the bustling streets, Kairav tugged at his arm. "Papa, yeh dekho! Mujhe yeh khilona chahiye!"
Kartik chuckled and ruffled his son's hair. "Accha, le lo. But remember, no more toys after this."
While Kairav inspected the toy, Kartik's gaze wandered aimlessly until it fell on a woman standing by a jewelry store. She was dressed simply, but there was something about her posture, the way she tilted her head, that caught his attention.
For a moment, he thought it was her. Naira? His heart skipped a beat.
But as the woman turned, his hope shattered. She wasn't Naira. Kartik sighed, berating himself for letting his emotions get the better of him.
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Sirat found herself drawn to a bookstore. She didn't know why, but the smell of old books always comforted her. She picked up a random novel and began flipping through its pages when a child's laughter caught her attention.
She turned instinctively, her eyes landing on a little boy running towards a toy store, his laughter echoing like a bell. Something about the boy tugged at her heart. His curly hair, his infectious smile-it all felt so... familiar.
She watched as a man caught up with the boy, placing a protective hand on his shoulder. The sight sent a jolt through her. She couldn't see the man's face, but his presence felt powerful, almost magnetic.
"Kaka," she said, tugging at his sleeve. "Woh... woh log kaun hain?"
Kaka squinted in the direction she was pointing. "Pata nahi, Betaji. Par chhota ladka toh bada shaitaan lagta hai!"
Sirat smiled faintly at his remark but couldn't shake off the strange connection she felt.
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Back at the hotel, Kartik stared at Naira's photograph, his heart heavy. He had promised himself he wouldn't chase shadows, but the nagging feeling that she was close gnawed at him.
Meanwhile, at the Chauhan residence, Sirat opened her diary again, her fingers trembling as she read.
"Some voices are etched into the soul. They guide you even when you're lost."
The words struck her deeply.
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Apologies for the long break. I got caught up in my career, which left me with little time to write. However, I have always wanted to continue this story, and I'm glad to finally share the next part with you all. I'll do my best to be more regular and post sequels moving forward. Thank you for your patience and support.
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Kaira- tales of heart wala connection!!
FanfictionHe was so close to her but due to a lot of pain he went through he did not wanted to have hope again. But just when he realized she is there he did not left any stone unturned to make her his again.