Humsafar

Chapter 7 - What's wrong?

Chapter Seven:

On the Way:
As Pravya walked, she suddenly felt dizzy and stumbled. Just as she was about to fall, strong arms caught her.

Ranbir: (worried) "Are you okay? You look pale."
Pravya: (quickly recovering) "Yes, I'm fine. Thank you."

Ranbir: "You don't seem fine. Should I call the doctor?"
Pravya: (raising her voice) "Nooooo!"
Ranbir looked taken aback, confusion etched on his face.

Pravya: (calming down) "I mean, really, I'm okay. There's no need for a doctor. Thank you."
She stepped out of his hold and hurried away.

Ranbir watched her leave, feeling a mix of concern and bewilderment. What was going on with her?

Fast Forward⏩:

After the cake-cutting ceremony, the guests began to leave. In Ranbir's room, he was scrolling through his phone when he noticed Pravya emerging from the washroom.
She held her head, swaying slightly, and Ranbir rushed to catch her.

Ranbir: "Pravya! Are you sure you're alright?"
They locked eyes, and in that moment, time seemed to stand still.

Pravya: (breaking the gaze) "I really need to go."
But before she could leave, he tightened his grip on her hand.

Ranbir: "For how long will you ignore me like this? Talk to me!"
Pravya: (tears welling) "Ranbir, please... just let me go."
She pulled away forcefully and dashed out, tears streaming down her face as she recalled the events of the previous hours.

The Next Day:
In the dining hall, the atmosphere was tense. Everyone was seated for breakfast as Ranbir entered, dressed in a tuxedo. He hoped Pravya would sit beside him, but she surprised him.

Dida: "Pravya, come join us!"
Pravya: (forcing a smile) "No, thank you, Dida. Commissioner ma'am called me. I have to leave."
Ranbir felt a pang of disappointment.

Dida: "But you should eat something first!"
Pravya: "I'll grab something on my way. See you later."
She left, leaving Ranbir feeling dejected.

At Commissioner Ma'am's Office:
Pravya arrived at the office and saluted Commissioner Nandini Dixit.

Commissioner Ma'am: (smiling) "Good morning, Pravya!
How's the investigation going?"
Pravya: "Ma'am, I'm not finding any leads yet, but I'm certain Ranbir didn't divorce his wife. I can feel it."

Commissioner Ma'am: "What makes you so sure?"
Pravya pulled out two papers and laid them on the table.

Pravya: "Look at the signatures. This one is from the divorce papers, and this one is from the document I had him sign. See the difference?"

Commissioner Ma'am: (inspecting) "They look almost identical."
Pravya: "Exactly, but there's a subtle difference. I know Ranbir still loves his wife. He keeps her photos around, and he was genuinely worried about me. That kind of care doesn't come from someone who's moved on."
Tears began to well in her eyes.

Commissioner Ma'am: (noticing) "Pravya, are you alright? You seem emotional."
Pravya: (wiping her tears) "I'm fine, just... thinking about how much he still cares."

Commissioner Ma'am: (holding her shoulders) "You can talk to me. You're like a daughter to me. If something's wrong, please don't hesitate to share."
Pravya broke down, hugging her tightly.

At Ranbir's Cabin:

Meanwhile, Ranbir was preoccupied with thoughts of Pravya. Why was she acting so distant? Just then, his phone rang; it was Pallavi.
Ranbir: "Hello?"
Pallavi: (urgent) "Ranbir! You need to come back home right away!"

Ranbir: (uninterested) "Why? I have work to do."
Pallavi: "If you don't come, you'll regret it! Trust me!" She hung up abruptly.
Ranbir felt a flicker of concern and decided to head home, wondering what could be so urgent.

The Scene Continues:

Just then, Pravya entered, looking pale. Ranbir's heart raced as he approached her.

Ranbir: "Pravya! Can we talk?"
Pravya: (avoiding eye contact) "I don't think that's a good idea."

Ranbir: "Why? You can't keep running away from me! Please, just tell me what's wrong."
Pravya: (voice trembling) "I... I can't. It's complicated."

Ranbir: "I don't care how complicated it is. I want to help you."
Pravya hesitated, her heart racing. She felt drawn to him but was terrified of revealing her feelings.

Pravya: "Ranbir, it's not that simple."
Just then, she started to feel dizzy again, and as she swayed, Ranbir rushed to her side.

Ranbir: "Not again! You really need to take care of yourself."
Pravya: (breathless) "I'm fine, really."
As she tried to step back, she stumbled, and Ranbir caught her once more, holding her steady.

Ranbir: "You're not fine! You need to talk to me!"

Cliffhanger:

Just then, a loud crash echoed from the dining room. They both turned, startled.

Dida: (shouting from the other room) "What's going on in here?"
Pravya's heart raced as she exchanged a look with Ranbir.

To Be Continued...

Questions of the Day
1. Why did Pravya scream when Ranbir suggested calling the doctor?

2. What made Pravya cry after leaving Ranbir's room?

3. What flashback triggered her tears?

4. What urgent situation awaits Ranbir at home?