Suhanika glances at Vineet, trying to compose herself. Her eyes are teary, and she’s breathing heavily. Vineet passes a glass of water to her and repeats his question. He is persuading her to tell the truth.
“Suhanika, kya hua? Mujhe puri baat batao, tabhi main tumhari kuch madad kar paaunga,” Vineet says, his tone soft.
“Vo din hamara Alibaug mein aakhiri din tha. Humne decide kiya tha ki hum beach par jayenge, phir lunch ke liye jayenge, aur uske baad back to Mumbai. Bahut perfect plan tha hamara, lekin… lekin kismat ko kuch aur manzoor tha,” Suhanika replies, her tone soft.
She trails down memory lane.
That day was supposed to be their last day in Alibaug. Anamika and Suhanika went to the beach for a stroll. Being their last day, they wanted to enjoy it thoroughly. They spent their time swimming in the sea, then had some chaat and pani-puri from the stalls on the beach. They had been laughing and giggling all the while.
“Wow! Aaj toh mazaa hi aa gaya, Di. Hume toh yahan har mahine aana chahiye,” Anamika chuckles, her features showing deep pleasure.
“Haan, this was a much-needed break. Tujhe pata hai, Anu, bas yahan se jaake mujhe na sirf results milenge, aur training dates bhi aa jayengi. I am so excited,” Suhanika says, her tone filled with excitement.
“Yay, and I’ll start with my final year. Bahut maza aayega,” Anamika says, she’s excited at the moment.
“Zindagi badalne wali hai,” both of them say in unison.
Little did they know that their lives were going to change in such a way that their equation with each other would also change.
“I was about to get my MBA results. Aur police training ki dates bhi aane wali thi. Uss vacation ke baad main training ke liye jaati, lekin uske pehle hi sab khatm ho gaya,” Suhanika says, a tear trickling down her cheek.
That day, when the sisters returned home, they found their parents ready. They were all set to leave for lunch. They had decided that they would leave for Mumbai straight after dinner. The sisters quickly got dressed; their stuff was already packed, and so the family of four left home after locking it perfectly. They headed to their favorite restaurant, and the way to the restaurant was filled with chit-chat and giggles.
As they reached the restaurant, things were going smoothly. While they were waiting for the food, which was all of the girls’ favorites, an announcement was made giving storm warnings. However, it was said that the storm might arrive during the late hours of the night, and Suhanika believed that by that time, they’d reach home.
Her father thought of staying for one more night, but Suhanika insisted that they drive the same day. However, she was also scared of the storm warnings, but she wanted to go home as soon as possible. Neil also thought that it would be easier to drive right then rather than driving the next day. Also, if it rained, it would be hard to drive on wet roads.
And the most unanticipated incidents happened afterward.
“Sach kehti hai, Anu, maine zidd ki thi, maine hi kaha tha papa se, ki abhi nikalte hain, lekin sach mein, uss din jo hua wo achanak se hua, aur kisi ko kuch samajh nahi aaya,” Suhanika says, her tone heavy with emotions.
Vineet watches her as she silently cries. He gently pulls her into a hug, trying to comfort her. She also leans into him, basking in the warmth that he’s exuding.
On the other hand, Anamika is sleeping peacefully, cradled in Ruhana’s arms. Her cheeks are warm and wet, it seems like she’s been crying for a while. Ruhana kisses her head, and after assuring herself that Anamika is soundly asleep, she heads out of the room and dials Vineet’s number. She wants to know if Suhanika has told him something. As soon as Vineet picks up the call, Ruhana showers him with questions.
“Vineet, tum kahan ho? Suhani kaisi hai? Usne tumhe kuch bataya?” Ruhana asks, her tone concerned.
“Relax, Ruu. Suhani thik hai. Usne mujhe bataya uss din kya hua tha? Sab thik tha dono ke beech. Usne bataya ki uss din storm warning hone ke baad bhi unhone travel kiya aur phir wo accident hua,” Vineet informs.
“Janti hoon, Vineet. Main bas ye nahi samajh pa rahi hoon ki jab weather conditions kharab thi, Anu kyun Suhani ko blame karti hai?” Ruhana asks, her tone questioning.
“Mujhe lagta hai, Ruu, jo kuch bhi hua tha usse Anamika ko shock laga hai. She is unable to differentiate, aur isliye usko lagta hai ki sab kuch Suhanika ki wajah se ho raha hai. Mujhe lagta hai, hume in dono ko alag se samjhana hoga,” Vineet says, his tone soft yet convincing.
“Tum thik keh rahe ho, Vineet. Main kal Anu se baat karungi. I need to solve this as soon as possible,” Ruhana says.
“Haan, in dono ko saamne baitha kar baat karni hogi, Ruhana, nahi toh yeh galatfehmi kabhi door nahi hogi,” Vineet says, his tone soft.
They talk for a little while and then plan on bringing Anamika and Suhanika together to sort out the mess.
To Be Continued.
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General Fiction[COMPLETE] Suhanika and Anamika are sisters who once shared a beautiful unbreakable bond. They were like one soul in two bodies. However, an unfortunate accident shakes their life. They lost their parents in the accident and Anamika blames Suhani...