Falling Into Oblivion

Chapter 10: Temporary freedom

Dhriti and Banhi were thrilled when Meena Bua and Anala returned from Meena's parents' house. The moment they arrived, the sisters rushed to the door, their excitement bubbling over.

"Meena Bua! Anala! Aap log wapas aa gaye!" Dhriti exclaimed, pulling Anala into a tight hug.

Banhi quickly joined in, wrapping her arms around both of them. "Humne aap logon ko bohot miss kiya!"

Anala laughed, hugging them back. "Humne bhi tum dono ko miss kiya! Yahan sab kaisa tha?"

Banhi and Dhriti exchanged a quick look, mischief dancing in their eyes. Banhi spoke up, "Anala, tumhe kuch batana hai. Chalo, hamare saath aao."

They dragged Anala into their room and shut the door behind them with a dramatic flourish. Once inside, they started narrating the events of the past few days—how the loud music from the new neighbors drove them crazy, their encounter with the arrogant Danish, and how they got back at him by cutting off the electricity.

Anala's eyes widened in shock. "Kya? Yeh sab hua? Tum dono theek ho na?"

Dhriti nodded. "Haan, hum ab theek hain. Lekin woh log... they're trouble. Unse door rehna padega."

Anala's expression turned serious. "Tum dono ko unse door hi rehna chahiye. Yeh log kuch bhi kar sakte hain."

Just then, Meena Bua's voice rang out from the living room. "Girls, bahar aao, kuch baat karni hai."

Startled, the trio quickly left the room, wondering what Meena Bua had to share.

Meena Bua stood there with a big smile on her face. "Girls, mere paas ek khushi ki khabar hai. Meeta ki shaadi fix ho gayi hai! Agle mahine 2nd ko!"

Dhriti, Banhi, and Anala's faces lit up with joy for their best friend, but there was a hint of sadness too. Meeta had been their closest companion for years, and the thought of her getting married and possibly moving away was both happy and heart-wrenching.

"Chalo, Meeta se milne chalte hain!" Banhi suggested excitedly.

Without wasting a moment, the girls hurried to Meeta's apartment, which was conveniently just down the hall. They knew Danish and his gang lived nearby, so they moved quickly, hoping to avoid another run-in.

When they reached Meeta's door, they knocked eagerly. Meeta opened it almost instantly, her face glowing with happiness.

"Hey, guys! Andar aao!" she greeted them with open arms.

They rushed inside, enveloping Meeta in a group hug, their congratulations pouring out all at once. They noticed her younger brother resting in the corner with a cast on his leg from a recent accident.

"Congrats, Meeta! Hum tumhare liye bohot khush hain!" Dhriti exclaimed, squeezing her friend's hand.

Meeta beamed, her eyes shining with joy. "Thanks, guys. Main khush hoon ki tum log yahan ho."

The rest of the afternoon was filled with laughter, memories, and playful banter. They reminisced about their childhood, shared secrets, and teased each other about the future. Despite the bittersweet reality of Meeta's upcoming marriage, the girls were determined to make the most of the time they had left together, ensuring that this day would be one they'd always remember.

Dhriti, Banhi, and Anala were overjoyed yet a little sad too. Meeta was their best friend, and the thought of her getting married and possibly moving away was bittersweet.

"Chalo, Meeta se milne chalte hain," Banhi suggested, her voice filled with excitement. "Usko congratulations bolte hain."

The girls quickly made their way to Meeta's apartment, which, unfortunately, was on the same floor as Danish and his gang. They hurried along the hallway, almost running to avoid being spotted by those menacing guys. Finally, they reached Meeta's door and knocked eagerly.