Unseen Shadows

Three.

"श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्।
स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः॥" ( Bhagvad gita chapter 3 verse 35 )

Meaning : "It is far better to perform one's natural prescribed duties, though tinged with faults, than to perform another's prescribed duties, though perfectly. In fact, it is preferable to die in the discharge of one's duties than to follow the path of another, which is fraught with danger."

Drishti left the office, hopped into her car, and hit the road. She cruised towards the nearest grocery shop, but not without slipping her trusty AirPods in her ears. As she started driving, she played her all-time favorite song, "I Like Me Better" by Lauv. The catchy beats and heartfelt lyrics filled the car, and Drishti couldn't help but sing along With it.

"To be young and in love in New York City (New York City)
To not know who I am but still know that I'm good long as you're here with me
To be drunk and in love in New York City (New York City)
Midnight into morning coffee
Burning through the hours talking,

Damn, I like me better when I'm with you
I like me better when I'm with you
I knew from the first time, I'd stay for a long time, 'cause
I like me better when
I like me better when I'm with you"

The song reminded her of all the amazing moments she had shared with Dhruv. She thought about how he had sincerely apologized to her and how he had held her by the waist, saving her from a fall on their first day of meeting. She couldn't help but find him cute and funny. Was she starting to fall for him?

Lost in her thoughts, Drishti eventually reached the grocery store. She paused the song, got out of her car, and headed inside to pick up the ingredients she needed for tonight's dinner.

Drishti returned home. She shed the weight of the day with a refreshing shower, letting the warm water wash away the stress. After slipping into comfortable attire, she made her way to the kitchen, the heart of her home, to prepare for the evening ahead.

In the kitchen, the aroma of spices filled the air as Drishti chopped vegetables with practiced precision, her movements graceful and deliberate. The clock on the wall ticked steadily, reminding her that it was already 7:30 PM. With a quick glance at her phone, she composed a message to Dhruv, her fingers dancing effortlessly across the screen as she shared her location and the details of her society.

Meanwhile, Dhruv wrapped up his work for the day, gathering his case files and essentials before leaving the office. Stepping out into the cool evening air, he felt a sense of anticipation building within him. Upon arriving home, he indulged in a rejuvenating shower, the water cascading over his body, washing away the day's weariness. Emerging from the bathroom, he exchanged his work attire for a black plain hoodie and trousers, his messy hair adding to his rugged charm. With a mysterious glint in his eyes and an air of quiet confidence, he glanced at his reflection in the mirror, a faint smile playing on his lips.

With a glance at his phone, Dhruv's lips curved into a faint smile upon seeing Drishti's message. Her words sparked a flicker of excitement within him as he grabbed his phone and car keys, ready to embark on the journey to her home. Stepping out into the night, he felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins as he navigated the familiar streets.

Arriving at Drishti's society, Dhruv parked his car and stepped out into the cool night air, his senses heightened by the anticipation of seeing her. Unsure of her exact location within the complex, he dialed her number, his heart pounding with anticipation as he waited for her to answer.

"Hello?" Drishti's voice echoed through the phone, a melody that soothed Dhruv's nerves.

"Hey, Drishti, it's me," Dhruv began, his voice laced with anticipation. "I've reached your society, but I'm not sure which wing and floor you're on. Mind guiding me?"