Timeless Bonds : Dhruv Tara × Arjun

9. Bitter-sweet Dreams

Rajkumari Tarapriya! A blood curdling scream pierced her ears in the pitch darkness, metals clanked and some loud thuds were heard.

A lamp touched the curtain and it began burning brightly, illuminating the room. Tara's hand burned in its heat.

Tara woke up panting. Yet another nightmare. She opened her eyes, turning on the night lights. The unfamiliarity kicked in. She looked at her unburnt hands, still feeling the heat.

The pain in her abdomen intensified. She changed her blood soaked pad into a fresh one. Returning to the bed she gulped some water, her heart pounding in anticipation.

She walked into the kitchen, opening the fridge. She scans the shelves, filled with fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods, and lets out a frustrated sigh. The cool air brushes against her face, but it does little to calm her racing heart. "Why is everything so healthy?" She muttered.

She grabs a bottle of water and closes the fridge, leaning against the counter. The pain in her abdomen is a constant reminder of her condition, and the nightmare only makes it worse. She takes a sip of water, trying to steady her breathing.

Her eyes trail off to the picture of Buddha on the wall. The soft smile and meditative eyes captures her thoughts. She glanced at the little terracotta figurines of Buddha in various poses, neatly arranged along with the incense holder.

Compassion and Non-violence. Dhruv was an embodiment of these two qualities.

She walks over to the balcony and looks out at the night sky. The stars twinkle brightly, a stark contrast to the darkness she feels inside. She wraps her arms around herself, seeking some semblance of comfort.

The cold breeze sent chills down her spine. She returned inside a few minutes later.

The frames on the opposite wall caught her attention. A toddler Dhruv with his parents. Tara smiled at the frame. "You were an adorable child."

Next was a teenage Dhruv with another couple. "Those seem to be his adoptive parents." Another frame of two teenagers, one is Dhruv- she recognised him.

Was Maya pretty? Piya asked.

She was beautiful. Dhruv admitted.

Tara looked at her doe-shaped eyes, brown skin and lovely smile. Beautiful indeed. A recent frame from his graduation day, one with his friends including Aditi.

Tara's eyes glanced at the bookshelf. Jane Austen and some more classics. She smiled, picking her favourite, Pride and Prejudice. A handwritten message was scribbled on the first page.

Dhruv ♡
My Darcy, may you find your Elizabeth. You absolutely deserve someone who will enchant your mind, body and soul.
Happy Birthday!
Love, Maya.

Tara sighed putting back the book on shelf. Can I be your Elizabeth, Darcy?

Audio cassettes of Kishore, Lata, Rafi, Asha. A section on Bhajans and Ghazals. You have quite refined tastes, Dr. Dhruv.

A shooting pain in her abdomen returned. She sat on the couch, crossing her arms around her stomach. She sat in discomfort for a while.

Don't hesitate to wake me up, Tara.

She knows she needs to talk to him, to find solace in his presence. With a determined sigh, she heads to his bedroom. She hesitantly knocks on the door, which opened on its own.

"Dhruv." She called his name softly. Her heart pounded seeing his handsome face resting peacefully. "Dhruv." She said slightly louder.

He groggily opened his eyes. "Tara? Are you okay?" He turned on the lights.