Threads of Destiny

Chapter 6: Unexpected Encounters

Author's note: I'd like to mention that I have made a change in the character's name from Jenny to Khushi. I have also edited the previous parts accordingly. I wanted to inform you that Khushi is the same character previously referred to as Jenny.

Now, let's get back to the story!

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"Today is a new day," Maitree mumbled, smiling and looking in the mirror. Satisfied with her white sleeveless anarkali with pink floral work, there was something she loved about anarkalis, not just anarkalis, but all Indian wear—they were just so beautiful! "Wish I could wear this all day," she mumbled again. But, alas! She would have to change into blue scrubs once she reached the hospital locker rooms. "Sahi bhi hai! I don't want to get this dirty" she said adjusting her dupatta.

After brushing her hair, she picked up a hairband to tie it back. Dr. Adhikari's words boomed in her ears, "Is this the first time you've left your hair untied? I think you often prefer to keep it tied up or in a bun." Maitree scolded herself, "Snap out of it, Maitree."

"Its decided I am keeping them untied, I am not giving some doctor the satisfaction of knowing after one meet" she said defiantly while putting pins to keep her hair back.

Maitree went out to see Sonakshi all ready to go, sitting on the couch, reading case files and sipping coffee. Unlike Maitree, Sonakshi preferred jeans and solid-colored t-shirts. Her excuse was, "Why dress up when I have to change into scrubs in an hour? It's too much hassle."

Sonakshi looked up and said, "Did you forget to do your hair? Go on, I'll wait for you."

Maitree hesitated for a moment before responding, "I didn't forget."

"Did you run out of hairbands? You know you don't have to ask, just take one from my drawer. I've told you that a million times," Sonakshi said, still engrossed in the case files.

Maitree mustered up her courage and said, "I didn't run out of hairbands."

Sonakshi finally looked up, intrigued by Maitree's unusual behavior.

"I am thinking about keeping them untied. Don't I look good like this?" continued Maitree

"What?" Sona asked astonished, dropped files and got up from the couch. "Don't get me wrong you look great. But, the only other times you kept your hair untied was when I insisted or ran out of hairbands. Toh yeh kis khushi mein?" (What is the reason for this)

"Nothing much, I wanted to look and feel good about myself" Maitree said trying to go to kitchen

"Hold on," Sonakshi said firmly, gripping Maitree's wrist. "If this is just for a change, I'm all for it. But I know there's something more going on. You can either tell me now, or I'll find out on my own."

Maitree sighed, feeling the weight of Sonakshi's concern. She gently freed her wrist and looked at her friend. "Sonaaaa, it's really nothing," she insisted. "Stop playing around and let's go. We'll be late." Maitree quickly grabbed her handbag and hurried towards the door.

Sonakshi stood her ground, pointing at herself. "I'm not the one playing around here. You're the one who decided to make a big change and lie about it," she said, locking the doors. Determined, she walked alongside Maitree towards the elevator, continuing to nag her about the reason for the sudden change.

As they rode the elevator, Sonakshi's persistence lingered, making Maitree realize that she couldn't escape her friend's scrutiny so easily.

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"Will I see her today?" Rudraksh wondered as he adjusted his collar, ensuring his appearance was presentable. "I can't just barge in; she might doubt my intentions. It has to happen naturally, as Shourya said. Patience is the key," he thought, carefully arranging his hair.