FIRE & ICE

Bound To Me

                                                                                    || MANAS ||

It's been five days since I last saw her at the café, and my routine has become a monotonous search mission. Every morning on my way to work, every evening on my way back, I check the café like it's some kind of treasure hunt. But alas, she's nowhere to be found. It's like she vanished into thin air.

Right now, I'm supposed to be sleeping, but she's turned into a permanent fixture in my brain. Why did she have to show up that day? Agghhh, it's driving me insane.

What if she's married now? I don't even know why this is bugging me so much. She was just a stranger, right? So why am I so obsessed?

Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain in my head, and everything went black.

________________________________

When I came to, it was morning, but this wasn't my bed. Panic set in as I realized I was in a hospital. Why?

I pressed the call bell next to the bed. I was admitted to my own hospital, the one Grandpa had built and which I manage along with Vishnu Chachu. I wanted nothing to do with Mr. Rishabh Bajaj, and since Tauji refused, it's just Chachu and me running the show.

The doctor entered with a friendly demeanor.

Doctor: "Sir, how are you feeling now?"

Manas: "What happened to me?"

Doctor: "You had a high fever and were unconscious when you were brought in this morning."

Manas (in my head): "Great, look what you've done, pretty lady..."

Doctor: "So, how are you feeling now, sir?"

Manas: "Um, I'm feeling better. Can I leave now?"

Doctor: "Yes, I'll inform your family that you're ready to go."

As the doctor went to update my family, my mind drifted back to her. Would I ever see her again? I've never craved someone so much and yet known I could never love them.

The family soon stormed in, all questions and concern.

Vishnu Chachu: "Manas, what happened? When we came in this morning, you were unconscious!"

Manas: "Just had a severe headache. Don't know when I passed out."

Mother: "You had a high fever. Why didn't you take any medicine? You should've told me!"

Manas (in my head): "And here comes my mom, the detective."

Manas: "I must've caught it this morning. I didn't even know I was sick."

Mother: "Okay. Change and then we can leave."

Manas: "Sure. I'll be out soon."

Once I was out of the hospital, my family insisted I stay home. But I was restless. I needed to check the café. What if she came back and I missed her?

I called Priya, but she was busy. Vinay said I should rest. 😒

So, I had to go alone.

I arrived at the café, coffee in hand, scanning the place eagerly. No sign of her. I even asked the staff if there had been any complaints.

Then, through the café's mirror, I spotted her—two girls outside. It was her! A tiny smile played on her lips. Beautiful.

I was about to rush outside to see her up close, but she got on a bike and left with her friend. My heart sank.

Manas (in my head): "Why? Just why?"

Manas: "I'll find her again."

Manas (in my head): "Yeah, as if she'll just waltz into your life."

Manas: "I'll cage her forever. She'll be mine soon."

I went home feeling a strange mix of frustration and satisfaction. At least I'd seen her again. The chance to meet her was still there, and that gave me a sense of peace.

where ever i have written Mv in bold letters it is mind voice .

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