The Haunted Fortress of Bhangarh: Book 1

30. Hypnosis

Shweta's question haunted him throughout the time he freshened up to get ready for the day. His reaction troubled him too. The way in which he smiled at her and declined the offer without giving it a second thought was making him jittery. Of course, he wished to meet his biological mother, for he had far too many questions swirling in his mind, and he knew he needed to seek answers to those as soon as possible. But at the same time, he didn't wish to make his mother insecure. The tears in her eyes conveyed very well that Shweta was not chummy with the idea, and hurting them furthermore was the last thing on his mind.

Hence, he chose to dismiss the thoughts and concerns of the woman for the time being as he went about his day despite the weight of the truth hanging in the air. He was actually not an orphan. He had a mother, perhaps a father too. A family too. Probably they had financial constraints that coerced them into giving him up or perhaps there were other inhibitions they had.

He was too involved in his woes when he ignited the engine of his bike, but the sharp giggle of the erstwhile annoying girl fell on his ears. Her rosy fragrance fell on his nostrils the following moment, and he craned his neck to take a good look at Ishita. Her injury from the previous day crossed his mind, and he found himself ambling towards the swing she was perched on.

A fond smile was plastered on her lips as her fingers tapped on the screen of her phone as adroitly as humanly possible. An innocent blush was perceptible on her cheeks and neck, and she bit her lips way too often.

He was surprised she didn't hear him walking towards her. Even when he cleared his throat to grasp her attention, she continued to text away without a care in the world. He went ahead to snap her fingers in front of her, and she finally glimpsed at him.

Noticing the frown on his features, she giggled. "What are you irked over today?"

He rolled his eyes and plopped alongside her. "How is your arm?"

She caressed the white bandage enveloping the gash she had sustained the other day. Shrugging, she said, "Much better. I will be fine."

He bobbed his head, allowing the creaking of the swing to settle between them.

"How is Aman doing? Heard from Surbhi that he got into a terrible accident yesterday."

"Yeah, he did. He is fine now. His father texted me about his health updates. The doctors will discharge him tomorrow as Aman has his vitals stable now." He cast a furtive glance at her. "Do you want to visit him?"

"Yes, of course." She stowed her phone away. "I want to visit him. When are you going? I will accompany you."

He gestured at his bike. "Now."

Her face fell. "I have to go to college now. I need to submit an assignment."

He grinned. "You and I will go in the evening. Sound good?"

She nodded with exuberance shining in her eyes. "Definitely."

He jutted his chin towards her phone. "Whom were you texting this seriously?"

A brighter blush appeared on her cheeks. "I might have a boyfriend now."

He chortled. "Congrats! Uh... the... the guy who dropped you off the day before yesterday?"

"Yeah." She tittered. "Rishabh. He is a classmate, and he is just," she sighed, "too dreamy to be true."

Grinning, he shook his head in amusement. "Good for you."

***

Shravani was dismayed after the disastrous conversation she had with Rudra the previous evening. He was agitated and infuriated over her refusal and constant rebuttals, but how would he know the kind of emotions playing in her mind each time he came in close propinquity to her? Rudra could never comprehend the depth of the feelings she had for him, the love of her life, the person for whom she was ready to sacrifice her entire being, her existence. She didn't expect Rudra to understand her point of view either. He was a modern, educated, extroverted guy with certain expectations from his girlfriend, and she wasn't certain if she was capable enough to fulfill those, given her heart and soul still resided with him.