Whisper's of destiny

Chapter 12: Cracked bonds

As Aarohi and Ishani strolled through the bustling market, their laughter filled the air, blending seamlessly with the vibrant chatter of the vendors and shoppers around them.

But in that bustle their was one more bustle going on inside Ishani and Aarohi couldn't help but notice the distant look in Ishani's eyes, even amidst their animated conversation.

"Ishani, everything okay?" asked Aarohi noticing Ishani's distant expression.

"Yeah, yeah, everything's fine. Just thinking about some stuff." she replied forcing a smile.

"Stuff? You mean Kabir?" Aarohi said looking at her. "How do you always know?". Ishani asked her with a sigh.

"Because I know you all in and out," "You can't hide anything from me you know that right?" Aarohi said. "I guess I can't hide it from you, can I?" Ishani replied. "It's just... I don't know, Aarohi. Sometimes I feel like I'm walking on eggshells around him."

"Ishu you know what is the solution, you are just denying yourself for everything." Aarohi told her. "I know, but sometimes I feel like I'm trapped in this cycle of trying to please him." Ishani replied with a sigh.

Aarohi placed a comforting hand on Ishani's shoulder "You don't have to stay trapped, Ishani."

As they strolled through the vibrant market, talking about Ishani's feelings, their eyes caught sight of a young man walking by, his confident stride complemented by the presence of a guitar slung casually over his shoulder. The familiar sight stirred memories within Aarohi and Ishani, reminding them of Sameer.

"Ishani, look... that guy with the guitar... it just reminded me of Sameer." Aarohi said. "Yeah, it does, doesn't it? Sameer and his guitar were inseparable back in when he was here." Ishani replied both feeling happy and nostalgic.

They both indulged in shopping talking about various topics and enjoying the moment. Ishani stood outside her house, her arms laden with bags filled with festival essentials. She watched as Aarohi disappeared into the distance. With a sigh, she turned towards her front door, ready to unload the bags and immerse herself in the preparations for the upcoming festivities.

She entered her home, and found her mom in the hall. "Hey, Mom," Ishani said cheerfully, setting down the bags. "I've got everything we need for the puja. Is there anything else you think we might need?"

Her mother smiled warmly. "Let me check the list and see if there's anything missing."

Ishani nodded, watching as her mother glanced over the items she had brought. After a moment, her mother shook her head. "No, everything seems to be here. You've covered everything well, Ishani."

Relieved, Ishani grinned. "Great! I'll go and get freshen up now."

Her mother nodded approvingly. "Yes, go ahead, dear."

With a sense of satisfaction, Ishani headed to her room, as she was done with her chores her mind drifted back in thoughts of Sameer and how she haven't talked to him all this time.

The last time she talked to him was her birthday she felt bad that she didn't even called him once all this time.

She checked her phone and the message she sent him on her birthday, their was no reply from him till now. Lost in her thoughts of Sameer, she sat down on her bed, her fingers hovering over her phone. She scrolled through their last conversation, a pang of longing tugging at her heart.

Just as she was about to send him a message, her mother's voice called out from the kitchen, breaking her reverie.

"Ishani, lunch is ready," her mother called. "Coming, Mom!" Ishani replied, setting her phone aside reluctantly. Thinking she'll text him later. With a sigh, she headed to the dining table.