DREAMY TALES

Arylie || Aracunum: The Connection ||

Monday, 7:35 PM, at Sukoon Cafe.

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

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

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

Rupi 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," Rupi added.

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

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

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

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

Rupi 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 Imile, he froze. In a barely audible whisper, he said, "Imile."

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

Imile managed to say, "Abp."

The man was none other than Aryan Singh Rathore himself!

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

Pushing Imile towards Aryan, she said playfully, "Aryan, hold onto your Imile. You know, I couldn't get her to recognize anyone else, but maybe seeing you triggered something. Aryan Singh Rathore, what a troublemaker."

Imile stepped back, asking, "Aryan, what are you doing here?"

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

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

After some light conversation, Rupi broached the topic directly, "Look, Aryan, you're mistaken. After college, Imile 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 Imile was also injured. She was in a coma for a year."

Continuing with a sigh, Rupi 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, Aryan asked, "Imile, do you really not remember anything?"

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

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

Taking a deep breath, Aryan said reassuringly, "It's okay, Imile. 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."

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

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

Imile began, "I don't know, Aryan. 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."

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

Imile 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 Aryan grabbed the doorknob and closed it firmly before she could open it.

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

Imile 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..."

Aryan 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 Aryan Singh Rathore has forgotten Imile. Even today, Aryan Singh Rathore cries in Imile's grief and smiles in her happiness."

Imile sobbed, resting her head on his chest, "I'm not crazy, Aryan."

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