CHAPTER 3 : "EXPLORING & SHARING SECRETS"

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In the days that followed, Vishwanath and Kashi found themselves drawn together more frequently. Vishwanath had managed to join the factory as the junior manager under a forged identity, using the name 'Veer.' With his influence and expertise, it hadn't been difficult for him to acquire the necessary documents. His real mission, however, was to investigate the corruption that had crept into the textile unit, and slowly but surely, he had begun the work to peel the layers of deceit.

Kashi, completely unaware of his true identity and motive, proved to be an unexpected yet invaluable ally. Her dedication, honesty, and genuine insights gave Vishwanath a better understanding of the ground realities, and he began to trust her deeply. With each passing day, their conversations grew longer and more personal. Vishwanath admired Kashi's strength and resilience, while she found herself drawn to his gentle demeanor and unwavering support.

Though neither spoke of their growing feelings, their connection was undeniable.

One evening, after their shift at the factory, they strolled through the local market, on their way home. The sun had dipped below the horizon, leaving a trail of warm hues in the sky. As they passed a small vendor's stall, Vishwanath noticed Kashi had suddenly gone quiet. Her eyes lingered on a delicate silver bracelet adorned with tiny charms that shimmered in the fading day light.

"Tumhe yeh bracelet pasand hai Kashi?" (Do you like this bracelet, Kashi?) Vishwanath asked, catching the light in her eyes.

Kashi nodded shyly. "Haan, bohot sundar hai." (Yes, It's really pretty )

A warm smile spread across Vishwanath's face. Without thinking twice, he stepped forward and bought the bracelet. Turning back to her, he gently handed it over. "Yeh lo, abse yeh tumhare hua, Kashi." (Here, from now on, this belongs to you, Kashi.)

Her eyes widened in surprise. "Veer ji, iski kya zaroorat thi...." (Veer ji, what was the need for this.)

"Yeh mere liye zaroori tha," (This was necessary for me) Vishwanath interrupted softly. "Tumhe muskurata dekh mujhe khushi milti hai." (Seeing you smile makes me happy)

Kashi hesitated a little but then accepted the bracelet, her fingers brushing against his as she took it. "Shukriya, Veer ji (Thank you so much Veer ji) . Main isse hamesha sambhal kar rakhungi. (I will always keep it safe with me)"

The bracelet glittered on her wrist as they walked on, a silent testament to the bond forming between them.

As they made their way back, Kashi asked him a question that had been on her mind. "Veer ji, aap Jhansi se toh nahi hai? Toh aap yahan kya job dhundne ke liye aaye the? Aur aapka ghar kahan hai?" (Veer ji, you're not from Jhansi, right? Then did you come here looking for a job? And where is your home?)

Vishwanath hesitated for a moment, but then he finally spoke "Nahi Kashi, main yahan job dhundne nahi, balki ek bohot zaruri kaam ke silsile mein aaya hoon." (No, Kashi. I didn't come here looking for a job, I came for some very important work)

"Kaisa zaruri kaam?" (What kind of important work?) Kashi asked, her brows furrowing.

He sighed, the weight of his thoughts pressing heavily on his shoulders. After a long pause, he looked at her. There was something in her eyes,something honest, unfiltered, untouched by the world's cruelty. And it disarmed him in a way nothing else ever had.

It wasn't just her innocence it was the way she carried it with silent strength. The way she spoke with such sincerity, the way she cared for others despite having so little herself, it all reached a place within him he had long buried. He wasn't sure when it had started, but her presence had begun to soothe a part of him he didn't even know needed healing.

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