SHE SAW ME

PHOTOGRAPHS

Happy Reading ❤️ 📖 

_____________________________

"No, I can't right now. For the next few days, I can't leave Kullu," Kahini spoke over the phone, her voice carrying exhausting day as she walked into her house. Without a second thought, she let herself fall onto the living room couch.

"Yes, please reschedule it," she instructed, her tone firm. "No, I'll be the first one to talk to them aside from their therapist and psychiatrist," she added, rubbing her forehead in a vain attempt to soothe the tension building behind her eyes.

Her head fell back against the couch, eyes closed, as she continued, "No, they will stay at the NGO. I don't want any men around them—they need to feel safe." Just as the last word left her lips, she felt a pair of warm hands gently press against her temples, massaging her forehead with a tenderness that caught her off guard.

Kahini's eyes fluttered open, and she found Shirish standing behind the couch, his fingers working their magic on her tense muscles. Relief washed over her, tired smile formed on her lips. She saw the same bright smile mirrored in his eyes—filled with admiration, love, care, and, most importantly, pride.

"No, Misra ji, not even you," her voice now softer into the phone,, the tension easing as Shirish's hands continued their gentle work. "The police have already taken their statements. If they need anything else, ask them to send a lady officer, in civil clothes don't overwhelm them."

As the call ended, Kahini let out a soft sigh of appreciation, her body sinking further into the couch. "Ohhh, you are the best," she murmured, the gratitude clear in her voice as she looked up at Shirish.

"I know that," Shirish teased lightly, but concern laced his tone. "But don't you think you're overworking yourself."

Kahini looked up at him, her heart softening at the sight of his worried expression. She reached for his hand, pulling it gently, silently asking him to sit beside her. Shirish obliged, his presence a calming balm to her weary soul.

"Relax, Shree. I just took a break yesterday, remember? It's just the nature of my profession, you know that," Kahini reassured him, her voice steady but laced with the undercurrent of exhaustion that she couldn't hide.

"But slow it down a bit," Shirish urged, his fingers tenderly tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "I mean, look at yourself—drained and exhausted."

Kahini sighed, the weight of his words pressing on her chest. "I know, but it's not just work, you know that," she admitted, her eyes lowering.

Shirish's heart aching to see her so burdened. "Are you worried about Mom and Dad?" he asked gently. "Don't worry, Babe. You know they like Sanam. They just need time to adjust to this new normal."

"I know, I know" Kahini whispered, her voice carrying a vulnerability that only Shirish could draw out. "But it's not just about them, you know how didi is. It just worries me every time I go out, leaving her here."

"K, We're all here with her. Do you really think we'd let anyone hurt her?" Shirish reminded her, his voice firm yet filled with the warmth and reassured. 

Kahini's eyes softened as she looked up at him, the tightness in her chest easing just a little. "You two being here is the only reason I feel a bit of ease, you know that. I don't know what I'd do without you two," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper as she laid her head on Shirish's lap, seeking the comfort.

Shirish smiled softly, his heart swelling with love for the woman who meant so much to him. "Well, you'll never have to find out because we're not going anywhere, K," he assured her, as he planted a soft kiss on her head. Kahini smiled in return, her heart warming at the simple yet profound gesture.