Beyond The Palace Walls| ONGOING

Chapter - 18

Harshith stormed out of Agastya's cabin, his mind reeling with Agastya's words.

He drove to the temple and went in. When he didn't find Meera there he walked towards the lake and saw her.

Harshith's eyes widened as he saw Meera standing with her bag, ready to leave. "Kaha Jaa Rahi ho?" he asked, trying to sound casual despite the growing concern in his chest.
(Where are you going?)

"I'm heading back to Pali," Meera replied, her voice firm and resolute.

"Kyu? Kya hua?" Harshith pressed, sensing something was amiss.
(Why?what happened?)

Meera's expression turned stoic. "Bas waqt aagaya hai ki hum chale jaye."
(It's just time for me to go)

Harshith took a step closer, his mind racing. "Meera, ruko. Mujhe lagta hai ki koi galat fehmi Hui hai. Mein-"
(Meera, wait. I think there's been a misunderstanding. I-)

But Meera cut him off, her voice firm. "Hume Agastya ke baareme baat nahi karni, Harshith. Everything he gave me was pure pain. I'm done."
(I don't want to talk about Agastya, Harshith)

Harshith's eyes locked onto hers, searching for a glimmer of hope. But Meera's gaze was unwavering, her determination clear.

Meera's gaze drifted back to Harshith, her eyes sparkling with a mix of sadness and gratitude. "Aap ek sache dost hai, Harshith . Agastya bhagyashali hai ki aap unke sath hai."
(You are a true friend, Harshit. Agastya is lucky to have you with him)

Harshith's smile faltered for a moment before he replied, "This could all be yours too, Meera. Ek parivaar Jo parvah karta hai, ek ghar jise tum apna keh sakti ho"
(A family that cares, a home you can call yours)

Meera's chuckle was barely audible, her thoughts whispering what she dared not say aloud: If only Agastya didn't have Rakhi in his life... But she pushed the thought away, not wanting to taint the moment with bitterness.

Instead, she turned to Harshith, her smile warm and genuine. "Shukriya, Harshith. That means a lot coming from you."
(Thank you, harshith)

With a gentle nod, Meera turned and disappeared into the temple, leaving Harshith standing alone by the lake. He watched her go, his heart heavy with the knowledge that Meera was slipping away, and he couldn't stop her.

As Meera entered the temple, she sought out Karanveer Kaka, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "I'm leaving now, Kaka. Apna khayal rakhna"
(Take care)

Karanveer's eyes twinkled with warmth. "Main tumhare sath bus stop tak chalunga, Meera.Ye toh Kam se Kam mein kar sakta hu"
(I'll walk with you to the bus stop, Meera. It's the least I can do.)

Meera hesitated, not wanting to trouble him. "No, Kaka, really, I can manage."

But Karanveer was insistent. "Nonsense, child! Main tumhe surakshit Vida karunga."
(I will see you off safely.)

Meera smiled, touched by his concern. Together, they strolled through the temple grounds, the early evening sun casting a golden glow over the landscape.

As they approached the bus stop, Meera felt a pang of gratitude towards Karanveer. His kindness and support meant the world to her.

"Shukriya, kaka," she said, her voice sincere. "For everything."
(Thank you, kaka)

Karanveer Kaka's face creased into a warm smile. "Remember, Meera, you're never alone. Thakur ji tumhare sath hai aur main bhi"
(Thakur ji is with you and so am I.)