Love Story

Chapter 4

When nighttime arrived, Pallavi finished eating and went upstairs to her room. She lay down on her bed, closed her eyes, and hoped to fall asleep. But something strange happened. Scary pictures started playing in her mind—broken glass, bloodstains, and a bright light. These visions were not new to her; they always bothered her. In the bright light, she saw someone coming closer to her. She wanted to get up and run away, but she couldn't move. She tried really hard and suddenly woke up, feeling scared. She didn't want to scream and wake up her brother and sister-in-law, who were taking care of her. They were always there for her, and she didn't want to trouble them. They had been kind enough to take her in and look after her.

Outside her window, everything was quiet, except for occasional sounds of owls or passing cars in the distance. She longed for the morning light to chase away the shadows that haunted her thoughts.

She went to her balcony, the only place where she could find solitude for her troubled mind. Sitting there in the silence of the night, she noticed Raghav on the adjacent balcony. He seemed troubled as well. Choosing to ignore him, she continued to sit quietly, seeking solace.

Lost in her own thoughts, she glanced at Raghav for a moment, but then turned her gaze away. She didn't want to get involved in his problems. Instead, she focused on the stillness around her, finding comfort in the peacefulness of the night.

The darkness embraced her, offering a momentary escape from her own worries. Seated in contemplation, she allowed the tranquility of the night to soothe her restless mind. The gentle breeze caressed her face, carrying away some of the burden that weighed upon her.

In that moment, she realized the power of silence. It held the potential to heal, to provide a respite from the chaos within. And so, she sat there, quietly absorbing the serenity of the night, cherishing this brief interlude of calmness amidst the turmoil that surrounded her.

In the morning, Pallavi got ready and came downstairs. She went to greet her sister-in-law and wish her a good morning. Pallavi noticed her brother sitting there, looking tense as he read the morning newspaper. Carrying a cup of tea, Pallavi approached him and saw the headline that caught her attention - "Krishna Rao running for MLA elections." Curious, she asked her brother, "What's wrong, bhau? Why do you look so worried?" Saket brushed off her concern and asked her to get ready for the shop.

Later, Saket approached Disha and reminded her about Krishna Rao. Disha recalled him as the person who had threatened Saket to sell his shop. Saket confirmed it and informed Disha that Krishna Rao was now running for the MLA elections. Disha's expression changed, and she asked Saket what they should do. Saket responded with uncertainty, saying, "Let's see," before closing the conversation.

Saket stepped outside of the house and sat on his scooter. He tried starting it, but it just wouldn't start. He attempted to kick-start it, but it still refused to work. Raghav, who was about to leave, noticed Saket's struggle. He approached him and asked if he needed help. Saket requested, "Can you please take a look? I've tried everything." Raghav simply pushed the scooter forward and turned it on. Miraculously, it started. Saket expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you so much." Raghav responded, "No problem. By the way, I'm Raghav or Raghu." Saket introduced himself as Saket and asked if Raghav was their new neighbor. Raghav confirmed it, and the two engaged in conversation.

Meanwhile, Pallavi emerged from the house and overheard their discussion. Intrigued, she wanted to know what they were talking about. Saket introduced her, saying, "This is Pallavi, my sister. Pallavi, meet Raghav, our new neighbor." In a low voice, Pallavi murmured, "I know." Saket, not catching her words, asked her to speak up. Pallavi quickly brushed it off, saying, "Nothing, bhau. Nice to meet you, Raa...ghav," with a slight tone. Raghav responded in a similar manner, "Nice to meet you too, Pall...avi." They exchanged forced smiles and went their separate ways.

Farhad sat inside his house, enjoying his morning tea as he watched everything happening outside. A smile formed on his face, and he whispered to himself, "Here we go again, the beginning of a love story. Anna, God has given you another chance. I promise, Farhad will make sure nothing gets in the way this time."