Chandravati | ✔️

2. Second Chance

Advay's P.O.V

Being shocked would be an understatement of today's turn of events. Devastated, I came back to the restaurant after admitting Harit in the hospital.

There she was talking to the receptionist. Is life giving me a second chance. The universe heard my prayers? Should I keep my hopes high? Back then everything was right yet I couldn't...Now it's not the right time but I don't wanna lose this chance.

As they say,

"You know why they say love is hopeless because it blooms in hopelessness to give hope"

With a smile, I walked to my hope.

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I stared at the screen as sweat trickled over my forehead. We saw Harit mixing something in his drink. Before I could think further,

"Is he allergic to blue tea," asked Ruchi.

"No as far as I know, he is slightly allergic to mangoes. Nothing else nor any fatal allergies "

"I know you've been through a lot today Mr.Advay, but as this deals with some threat you've to shut down your restaurant for the time being"

"I understand..."

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Harit's P.O.V

Early hours on the day of the incident.

"Hello, who is this?" I could hear Ruchi's voice. I really hope she'll get the clue.

"There is threat to me; threat from the one, who was raised by the moonlight-

"Is this some kind of prank call? I'm hang-"

"No, don't let the darkness engulf me. I will not see the moon tonight"

This is my last chance to keep everything alive. I hope the truth blazes those bastards. Ruchi you're my only hope to light the truth.

                                        •───────•°•❀•°•───────•

Ruchi's P.O.V

I've already gone through the call recording for the fifth time yet I could only conclude that it's not a suicide and Harit knew what he was doing. It's been two days since the incident and there is no progress. Frustrated, I again searched for the book 'Chandravati'. It is written by Suchitra under the pen name 'Mitravinda '. It's a collection of  memoirs of her life.

My thoughts drifted to the memories of my sister's engagement. Everyone were delighted and enjoying the bliss of the union of the new couple. The festive atmosphere lightened the hearts with the spirit of happiness.   

I wish to see her be happy and carefree, the one she was.

Ved! As I recollected my memory It was Ved. How can I forget?! Ved's a huge fan of Chandravati. He even wished someone to dedicate a book like that to him.

Is it Ved who's behind all this. I can't believe it! What can I say, this profession taught me to not trust anyone. 

On my way to his home, once again the memory of meeting him for the first time was played. I met him at Advay's restaurant's opening. He was my sister's classmate and Advay's best friend. 

I stood in front of the familiar magnificent wooden door as I rang the door bell.

"Coming!" I heard that friendly voice once again after three years.

" Ruchi! What a pleasant surprise! I thought you would come sooner."

What does he mean by that? Was he expecting me?

"So how's Vennela? How's everything at home?"

"Do you know why I am here?" I asked him without wasting time.

"Oh! Straight to the point. You haven't changed Ruchi. Just a second I'll be right back"

I alerted myself and tried to see the possibilities of him harming me.

Ved is harming me... What kind of play is the universe playing with me?

Ved came back with a pen drive.

"Here is the evidence of all the crimes, even though I've been preparing myself to face this day...I... I hate to call that man as my father...I tried...People don't change...I'm sorry Ruchi...I should've... Don't worry about Harit, I think he took sleeping pills and it was recommended to cure his insomnia. He's unconscious due to that. He did everything he could to let the truth to be out. I suggested the hospital to him as it's a safe place. And my father wouldn't dare to do anything if Advay's family is involved. At least will not kill. Tomorrow he'll be back from his trip and I guess tomorrow is the day his smuggling , and other criminal activities will end. I really hope so," said Ved.  

He was on the verge of breaking down. I consoled him. I felt relieved. Never have I felt this happy,the happiness of him not being a criminal...I embraced him and bid my good byes not before inviting him to come over once this mess is cleared.

My mind once again repeated those words of Ved that made me rethink my life choices,

"Ruchi, Why don't you talk with Advay? I'm sure he has a lot to confess"

A lot to confess, I guess it's not only me who has to confess...will see it once this is over