FALSAFA

CHAPTER 16 - You and Me!

It was around 4:30 am the next morning. Both of them were almost ready. None of them had slept.

Dhruv's parents were awake too. It was a strange environment in the house. They were stressed for Dhruv.

Mom: Kartik ji! I am feeling very nervous. We shouldn't allow Dhruv to go alone.

Dad: He isn't a kid anymore. And btw he is not alone. Kriti will be there with him. I have lot of faith on that girl.

Dhruv's mom was going to speak when she heard footsteps and went quiet.

Dhruv and Kriti both came from their rooms.

Dhruv didn't speak anything and straight went towards the car.

His mom turned to Kriti and caressed her head.

Mom: I know that you are going through a tough time, but please take care of yourself and my son.

Kriti nodded her head. Dhruv was waiting in the car.

Kriti went and sat beside him.

They started their journey!

Dhruv was silent. He didn't look at Kriti even for once.

She was tired due to lack of sleep, and didn't realize when she slipped to sleep.

After few hours she woke up and found Dhruv's jacket over her. The weather seemed to have dropped by few Celsius.

The car was parked by a valley, but Dhruv was not on his driving seat.

Kriti's heart skipped a beat. She looked at her phone. It was 9:35 am.

She suddenly remembered that Dhruv's mom had warned her about Dhruv's trauma. She felt scared.

She quickly went out the car and started searching for him.

She walked a few steps ahead of the car where she saw him.

She felt the relief.

He was facing the valley, staring at the distant snow covered mountains.

Kriti went up to him and placed her hand over his shoulder.

Dhruv: (turns) Oh, you are up!!

Dhruv wiped his eyes. Kriti noticed that.

Kriti: Yeah... You were not in the car....I got a scared.

Dhruv: Actually I was feeling a bit drowsy.... and the road from now on is mostly hilly, I couldn't take risk. Thus took a break. You were sleeping so I didn't disturb you.

Kriti: (handing over his jacket) Thanks for this.

Dhruv: It's cold, keep it with you. Come on let's go now.

They started their journey again. The rest of the way Kriti was trying to gather courage to ask Dhruv about his past. But she didn't succeed.

Around 12:15, their car reached an old property. Dhruv halted and asked Kriti to get down while he parked.

Kriti ran inside the house and saw her mom sitting with few other people.

As soon as her mother saw her, they went for a hug and cried out their heart.

They shared an emotional moment and finally parted.

Kriti's mother suddenly noticed an unknown face standing at the doorstep.

She asked –

Maa: Sorry, do we know you?

Kriti turned to see it was Dhruv.

Dhruv: I .......

Kriti: He is Dhruv, maa. I work for him. He is a good friend too. Infact he brought me here in his car.

Maa: Ohh!!! Why are you standing outside? Please come in.

Dhruv stepped inside the house.

The whole day passed. Kriti became busy in treating the relatives and didn't pay much attention to Dhruv.

Infact Dhruv didn't want to get focused. He was comfortable in the corridor, alone.

After a while everyone left. Kriti and her maa came from the garden, when they saw Dhruv.

They went to him and said –

Maa: I am so sorry Dhruv beta! We became busy and couldn't give you time. Please don't mind.

Dhruv: No please, don't be sorry, I'm absolutely fine.

Maa: You must be tired, Kriti please show him the guest room. And make sure he is comfortable. (turned to Dhruv) Beta you take rest, I'll send your dinner to you room.

Dhruv nodded.

He followed Kriti to the room.

They went in the room.

The rooms were very old fashioned yet well maintained.

Kriti: My room is right next to you. Please ask if you need anything.

Dhruv: Sure, goodnight.

She was hoping for something more but fake smiled and left.

Dhruv had his dinner in his room. He went to bed but it was just another sleepless night for him

He had already decided the next day's plan....To encounter the dark past!