The Sacred Alliance

• Chapter 13 •

It had been a month since Abhay's passing yet Jaanvi found herself grappling with another significant loss in her life. Losing her parents at the tender age of five in a tragic accident left a void that she couldn't comprehend at the time. Now as a grown-up, losing her nanu, who had been her lifeline, her pillar of strength, was proving to be an overwhelming emotional hurdle

Despite the weight of deep sorrow, Jaanvi remained determined to face that challenging time and sought solace in her work. She opted for work for home for the time being and immersed herself in her office tasks, which provided her a distraction and a kind of comfort. Despite her effort to cope, her elder aunt continued to criticise her for prioritising work over household chores. However, Jaanvi paid no heed to the constant taunts and kept her focus on her work. 

An usual morning, Chhavi decided to check in on Jaanvi to see what her best friend was doing 

Chhavi: Good morning, my sweet pie !!

She chirped as soon as she entered the room and settled on the bed beside Jaanvi, who was engrossed in some work on her laptop

Jaanvi: Morning !

With her eyes fixed on the laptop, Jaanvi returned the greeting to her best friend. Chhavi shook her head in displeasure at Jaanvi's distracted response 

Chhavi: Kya yaar Jaanu, phir se office ka kaam ? Give yourself a break. It's barely morning and you're already diving into work. And heck, today is Sunday for babaji's sake 

Jaanvi: Oh my Chhavu, chill. I am not doing any office work right now

Chhavi: Acha ? Toh kya kar rahi hai phir, chatting with jiju ?

She asked teasingly, wiggling her brows playfully, a mischievous glint in her eyes

Jaanvi: Ji nhi, madam. Mai apni flight ki ticket book kar rahi thi 

Chhavi: Flight's ticket !! Tu jaa rahi hai ? 

Jaanvi: Haa jaa rahi hu mai wapas Mumbai 

Chhavi: Par kyu yaar ? I mean you're already working from home toh kya problem hai. Kuch waqt aur ruk jaa yeha

Jaanvi: Mann nhi lagta ab yeha, bas nanu aur unki baatein yaad aati rehti hai 

Chhavi: Yaad toh Mumbai mein bhi aayegi na 

Jaanvi: Haa aayegi unki yaad yeha bhi woha bhi. Par Chhavi jana toh parega na,  office hai woha mera. 

Kab tak ese ghar bethe bethe kaam karungi. Office jaungi, sab se milungi toh nanu ki yaad thodi si kam aayegi 

Chhavi: Hmm I can understand, par reh payegi tu woha akele ? 

Jaanvi: Akele rehna toh sikhna parega na. I can't always depend on others

Chhavi: Yeah, waise bhi kuch hi mahino ki hi baat hai, phir toh Abhi jiju aur tu saath hi rehne wale hai. 

Jaanvi didn't reply, nor did react; she simply stared at Chhavi with a blank expression 

Chhavi: Aur phir yeha se jaayegi toh atleast tujhe kuch not-so-good logon ke taunts se rahat toh milegi 

Jaanvi couldn't help but feel grateful at her friend sensing the genuine care and affection in her words and mouthed a small thank you and love you towards her. 

At that moment, Tiya, Jaanvi's cousin stepped into the room with a contented smile across her face and spoke up 

Tiya: Finally, Jaanvi !!  Tum jaa rahi ho is ghar se. –