Kindle to Rekindle

39. The Meeting

In the tapestry of life, sweet and sour moments intertwine, weaving a story of resilience, growth, and the beauty of contrast.

Nivedya returned home with his mother after Amber was discharged from the hospital. Nandini asked him to change and come for dinner while she and Rudra were discussing the attack on Amber. When Nivedya joined them, the worn-out look on his face made his parents worried.
Rudra assured him things will settle soon as Randeep had warned the head of Hawk-eye, the agency Amber worked for, strictly against their malicious practices. Nivedya didn't know how well Nimrit was coping with the attack on her father because if he was in her place, he would break. Nivedya hugged his father tightly and said, "I love you, dad. I don't know what would I do without you."

Rudra reciprocated his hug and remembered his friend Swadesh, (Swarnima's father) who died for him. "I promise you, Nivi, no one will sacrifice their life in this war, anymore. I promise you." Nivedya slept in his parent's room that night because Nandini didn't want him to be alone.

At school, Nimrit and Nivedya decided to tell their friends that her father met with a minor accident but was doing better. Nimrit was lost and Nivedya couldn't see that. He wanted her smile and he tried several tricks to make her normal.

"Nivi, just give me time, please. I appreciate your efforts but understand, my father is very special to me. If anything happens to him, I cannot bear it. I am terrified." Nimrit came close to Nivedya and taking his hand in hers she requested him, "Nivi, if you know who the royals are, just tell them to claim the throne as soon as possible. My father... we are suffering a lot because of..." Nimrit stopped abruptly and took a deep breath. "Forget what I said. Sorry. Papa told me not to discuss with you still I could not help it. Just... I am sorry. I do not want to trouble you."

"Nimrit, relax. It's just me. You can tell me anything you want. My father has told me, phuphu has spoken to the head of Hawk-Eye to settle the issue. He asked me not to tell you but I am telling you so that you can relax." Nivedya pulled Nimrit in a hug and assured her, "It's just a matter of time, Nimrit. Just trust me."

Nimrit tightened her grip around Nivedya's torso and he kissed her hair. "Which shampoo do you use? Your hair smell amazing."

"It is homemade. Papa makes it."

"Is there anything your father doesn't do? Except of course, passing me a smile. He has like never, never ever, given me a kind look. I feel like a goat he will slaughter, anytime." Nivedya earned a titer from Nimrit that was blessing to his ears. He just wished to keep her smile intact.

The clouds of romance had always covered the sky of Swarnbhoomi and that year, the fresh flowers that bloomed in the rain spread love in the entire atmosphere.

The school became Nivedya's favourite holiday destination where he could spend time with the girl he loved. Holding hands or talking about random to important matters, he loved it all. Sneaking in empty classrooms for a small hug and on some lucky days, when Nivedya got a kiss on his cheek, he felt jubilant.

Nimrit had never been happier. Her father was back to work and was relatively at ease. She refrained from telling him about Randeep's interference in the matter.

Nivedya finally spoke to Barkha who in excitement revealed Nimrit's little secrets to him. Nivedya warned Barkha to not put ideas of dating a dozen boys in Nimrit's mind because she had already found her high school sweetheart who loved her like the dried Earth loved the first rain.

Nimrit not only ruled Nivedya's heart but she also became the best friend to the triple-A who had never given that space to anyone since kindergarten. Collin and Nimrit still shared the love-hate relationship but they both shared a common goal and that was happiness of Nivedya.