Iraade

chapter 7

His pov

Staring at my shattered phone screen and the locked door of her house, a wave of frustration and helplessness washed over me.Feeling completely lost and unsure of what to do next, I walked towards my car. The weight of uncertainty hung heavy as I reached for the handle, almost instinctively. But something made me pause. I turned back towards her front door and confirmed once more-it was firmly locked, just like before.

Standing there, caught in the throes of indecision, I took a deep breath to calm my racing thoughts. With no clear plan in mind, I closed my eyes and looked up at the sky. In that moment, a silent plea escaped my lips, directed towards the heavens, "Please, Bhagwan ji, show me the way. I need her."

( please, God, show me the way. I need her )

The morning air felt cool against my skin as I stood there, grappling with my emotions. It wasn't just about the locked door or the car anymore-it was about the overwhelming desire to find a path forward, to reconnect with someone who mattered deeply to me.

Time seemed to slow down as I stood there, lost in contemplation. The sound of distant traffic and rustling leaves provided a gentle backdrop to my thoughts. Each passing second felt like an eternity, yet I knew I needed to make a decision soon, to take a step forward, even if it felt uncertain.

With renewed determination, I opened my eyes, ready to face whatever came next. The silent prayer I had uttered lingered in the air, a reminder of my earnest plea for guidance. with a deep breath and a heart full of hope, I turned away from the door and towards my car

Suddenly, a sweet and elderly voice broke the silence around me. "Beta, kisi ko dhundh rahe ho?" The gentle sound pulled me out of my reverie, and I turned to my right to see an elderly woman, likely in her late 50s, with a serene expression on her weathered face.

( "son ,Are you looking for someone?")

Her presence felt comforting amidst the chaos of my thoughts and emotions. Without hesitation, I replied, "Ji, Miss Gururani ko aap jaanti hain?" My voice carried a mix of hope and uncertainty, eager to grasp any thread that might lead me closer to my goal.

(Yes, do you know Miss Gururani?)

She appeared puzzled for a moment, then a realization dawned on her. "Divyanshi beti, badi pyaari bachi hai, yahi toh rehti hai," she said, pointing towards Miss Gururani's house.

(Divyanshi is a very lovely girl; she is the one who stays here.)

Continuing, she asked, "Main unki padosan hoon, aap kaise jaante hain unhe?"

(I am their neighbor. How do you know them?)

I muttered to myself, grappling with how to respond without revealing too much. "I can't say I'm her boss, it will seem strange. And if she thinks about it too much and gets angry, who knows what might happen."

Observing my hesitation, she prompted me with a gentle "Ji?"

( Yes?)

Collecting my thoughts, I replied loud enough for her to hear, "Main uske saath kaam karta hoon, kuch office ka kaam tha."

(I work with her; there was some office work.)