Banaras never sleeps.
The streets are full of noise, fear, and shadows.
He had a past full of blood and secrets.
She had a heart full of life.
Jeevika-
"Pehli nazar mein... itna kareeb aata hua mehsoos hua. Dusri nazar mein... kahin yeh Yuvan S...
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"Hum nahi jayenge."
(I will not go.)
Jeevika declared firmly while grazing her goat in the field, tapping a tree with small branches she held.
"You won't do even this much for me?" Kritika pleaded, turning Jeevika to face her.
"You want me to take part in the play today that your family has been doing for years?" Jeevika stressed each word, placing her hands on her waist, clearly frustrated with her friend.
"So you are not going to listen to me?" Kritika asked, and Jeevika shook her head in firm denial, making Kritika feel deceived.
"Okay, fine then."
Jeevika watched from the corner of her eye as Kritika began to leave with a sad face.
"Alright, tell me what time I need to be there," Jeevika finally relented.
Kritika ran back to Jeevika, her face lighting up with joy. "You need to be there at six in the evening."
Jeevika nodded, knowing she could do this for her friend. They had supported each other for years.
"That's all very well, but where is this horse ride of yours going?" Jeevika asked teasingly, giving Kritika a mischievous look that made her blush.
"Oh, come on, why are you blushing? What's the matter?" Jeevika tilted her head, looking at Kritika with mock shock.
"I am going to meet him; he has called me," Kritika confessed, making Jeevika tickle her stomach, causing them both to laugh.
"The speed of your romance is moving too fast. Be careful not to announce any good news before the marriage," Jeevika teased.
Kritika's face turned red with embarrassment, while Jeevika laughed, holding her stomach.
"I'm leaving," Kritika said, unable to bear the teasing any longer, but Jeevika's efforts stopped her.
"Hey, bride-to-be, why are you in such a hurry?" Jeevika teased again.
This time, Kritika playfully hit Jeevika on the shoulder. "May Mahadev give you wisdom," she muttered, flicking Jeevika's forehead.
"Now stop it, Jeevi," Kritika said, and Jeevika nodded, pressing her cheeks because her jaws were starting to hurt from laughing so much.
"The work will be done, but what will I get in return?" Jeevika asked with a smirk, knowing that when a friend is asked to do something, it's customary to make some demands in return.
"Whatever you ask for," Kritika said without hesitation, making Jeevika amused.
"I'll tell you when the time comes," Jeevika replied. The two friends continued talking until it was time to leave. As the sky turned saffron, indicating the onset of evening, Kritika reminded Jeevika to meet her at six o'clock at home.
