𝟏𝟗𝟒𝟔 ：𝑬𝒌 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒎 𝒌𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒂 ✓

𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘐𝘝. 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘛𝘪𝘦𝘴

Edward returned to his house, changed into fresh clothes, and composed himself with renewed determination. He then made his way back to the old man's home. After ensuring his son was safely settled with the other children, he addressed the working woman with a nod. "Look after him until I return," he said before heading out again.

Their destination was Meera’s house, a small but charming abode nestled amidst the bustling lanes. As they approached, Edward felt a twinge of nervousness—his heart thudding against his ribs. What if she was here? What if this was the moment he would finally see Manjari again?

Brushing away the rising tide of thoughts, he forced himself to focus. The house was alive with the sound of children’s laughter as he entered. Two young, rosy-cheeked kids darted around, their carefree giggles filling the room. He took a seat on the worn but inviting sofa, his restless gaze flitting about as he awaited Meera’s arrival.

Moments later, a couple entered the room. The woman, youthful and striking, carried an air of warmth as she bent to plant a gentle kiss on each of her children’s cheeks, wishing them a happy birthday in Hindi. She then straightened, her eyes narrowing as they landed on Edward. It was a glance of polite curiosity, tinged with wariness.

Ramu Kaka stepped forward, breaking the silence. "Beta, yeh aadmi mere ghar aaya tha. Tumhe dhundhte hue. Is ladke ko tumse kuch zaroori baat karni thi," he explained.

{Beta, this man had come to my house. He was looking for you. This boy had something important to talk to you.}

The woman’s brow arched slightly, but she said nothing. Instead, she turned and stepped toward the door, signaling Edward to follow.

Outside, they sat across from each other, the evening air heavy with unspoken words. Edward, gathering his courage, began softly, "Hi. Main Edward. Aap Meera ho, na?"

{Hi. I am Edward. You are Meera, right?}

She nodded, her expression unreadable.

"Meera, kya aapko main yaad hoon?" he pressed, his voice laden with both hope and hesitation.

{Meera, do you remember me?}

Her brows knitted in confusion, and she shook her head. "Nahi," she replied firmly.

{No}

Edward leaned forward, urgency creeping into his tone. "Main, Edward! 1946 ka British officer. Kuch yaad aaya?" He searched her face for a flicker of recognition, but when none came, he sighed. "Chhodo… aapko Manjari to pata hogi na? Tumhari badi behen? Kahan hai woh ab?"

{I am Edward! The British officer from 1946. Does that ring a bell?}
{Forget it... you must know Manjari, right? Your elder sister? Where is she now}

At the mention of Manjari’s name, Meera froze. A shadow of shock passed over her features as her lips parted slightly. "Aapko unse kyu milna hai? Aur aap unhe kaise jaante hain?" Her tone was sharp, almost defensive.

{Why do you want to meet her? And how do you know her}

Edward flinched but kept his composure. "Main woh sab baad mein bataunga. Bas yeh batao ki woh kahan hai," he implored.

Meera crossed her arms, her voice tinged with frustration. "Mujhe nahi pata ki woh kahan hai, kiske saath hai, ya kya karti hai. Bas yeh pata hai ki woh Calcutta mein nahi hai."

{I will tell you all that later. Just tell me where she is}

Her words hit him like a blow. Edward’s shoulders slumped as the weight of disappointment settled over him. He had come so far, only to find another dead end. His search for Manjari was far from over, but this was not the breakthrough he had hoped for.

Silence lingered between them, broken only by the distant laughter of children inside the house. Edward looked down at his hands, then up at Meera.

Edward's face fell, the spark of hope in his eyes extinguished. Disappointment settled heavily on his features, a quiet sorrow evident in his demeanor
It was clear this step in his search for Manjari had not led to the breakthrough he had desperately sought..

~~~~~

Hello loves ❤

Here comes chapter 4!!

So what do you think was his plan to meet meera was successful or unsuccessful? Let me know in the comments!

Pls do vote and follow
Thankyou for reading 📚

Stay tuned for Chapter 5 🧡

*637words*
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~ Nishaa♡