Ek Duje Ke Vaaste

Chapter 21 : The Phantom's Grip

" Didi hum theek hai na abhi, bukhaar bhi utaar gaya. Doctor kyu...? " Aadhira said.

" Aadhira, you had promised....! " Haseena said in a calm tone.

" Ahh.. theek hai, chaliye. " Aadhira looked at her wrist watch. " Par... Mujhe ek jagah jaana hai didi. " She hesitated a little.

" Is haalat mei... abhi toh theek bhi nhi huyi... aur kaha jaaogi...? " Haseena asked, her voice filled with concern

" I am fine didi... Almost fine, bas ab thoda meds le lenge toh theek ho jayege... aur uhm mujhe meri jiji k paas jaana hai... " Aadhira said smiling.

" Jiji..? " 

As Aadhira spoke, Haseena's mind drifted back to the previous night. In her feverish state, Aadhira had called out "Jiji," a term Haseena hadn't heard since her sister Karishma's death. It had ignited a flicker of hope in Haseena's heart, a desperate longing that maybe, just maybe, her sister had somehow returned to her.

" Haan wo actually wo DPS mei senior thi meri, kaafi accha bonding tha. " 

But now, as Aadhira casually mentioned her senior from DPS, that fragile hope began to crumble. Haseena's heart sank, and a void occupied her heart again, for the second time. She had clung to the possibility that Aadhira was Karishma, that her sister had found a way back to her. The rational part of her knew it was impossible, but her heart had refused to let go of the dream.

Haseena's eyes glazed over as she tried to process her emotions. The pain of losing Karishma resurfaced. She felt a lump form in her throat, and her chest tightened with the weight of her grief. The realization that Aadhira was not her sister, that Karishma was truly gone, hit her like a tidal wave. She wanted to burst into tears, but she couldn't. She couldn't let out the pain out that was tearing her apart from inside.

" Thik hai " Haseena managed to say, her voice strained. " Chalo, doctor ke paas chalte hain. "

As they left the room, Haseena's heart ached with the realization that her sister was truly gone. The hope that had briefly flickered was now extinguished, leaving behind a void that seemed impossible to fill. 

At the doctor's chamber

The doctor's chamber was a small, sterile room with walls of pastel shade and a faint smell of antiseptic. Haseena sat beside Aadhira, her mind still reeling from the earlier conversation. The doctor, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes, examined Aadhira thoroughly.

" Fever toh almost utar gaya, but body abhi bhi weak hai. Tumhe rest karna hoga aur medicines time se lena hoga " the doctor advised. " Aur haa, make sure you stay hydrated and avoid any strenuous activities for a few days. Samjhi? "

Aadhira nodded obediently, but Haseena could see the impatience in her eyes. " Thank you, doctor " Haseena said, trying to focus on the present.

As they left the clinic, Aadhira turned to Haseena. " Didi, ab main jaa sakti hoon? "

Haseena sighed, her heart heavy. " Theek hai "

Aadhira smiled and hugged Haseena briefly before heading off to her destination.

......

Aadhira made her way to a quiet neighborhood, stopping in front of a modest house. She knocked on the door, and entered inside.

" Hum aa gaye Nishu di " she said in a whispering tone.

" Come in, Karii ... " A voice came from inside.

.......

Haseena returned home, her mind still clouded with emotions connected to Karishma. She tried to distract herself, but the emptiness in her heart was overwhelming. She decided to sit down and gather her thoughts before attempting to concentrate on anything else.

Suddenly, a faint noise broke the silence. Her heart skipped a beat as she turned, but saw nothing. She shook her head, trying to dismiss the unease. Just as she began to relax, a shadow loomed behind her. Before she could react, a cloth was pressed against her mouth and the pungent smell of chloroform filled her nostrils. 

Hope you have liked the part...

Don't forget to vote and comment your reviews 💗💫