A Sew Through Time [Banbudh And Budbak]

29: Error404: Friends not found

During times of crisis, when doubt and vulnerability shake hands and sip tea, the result is despair. It doesn't necessarily have to be in the physical sense, but more towards the mind. To the survivors, Yuvati became the symbol of hope. And Khushi, though grew closer to hope, became a stranger to Budh and Badri.

The duo often noticed her chiding around the bleak corridors like a supermodel on a runaway carpet, arguing with anyone to prove herself of something. Her narcissism threw Budh into silent despair, and slowly, he found himself avoiding her.

But what made him both surprised and confused was Badri's indifferent attitude towards her smug countenance. He thought of all this, hanging upside down from their beloved mango tree as his friend sat below and continued going through his phone.

Khushi approached him and leaned down, smirking,

"Aaj akele baitha hain?"

He switched off his phone and threw a childish grin,

"Yeah, you were the one doing karoke with your new friend and all"

"Karoke nahi, karaoke!" She rolled her eyes, "You's so stupid man!"

Budh clicked his tongue on hearing the comment.

"And what's this act you have put on? Every time I see you, you're always in that phone!" She crossed her arms.

"Oh no" He smiled coyly, "You sound just like mummy!"

"Even mumma would have spared you right now" she scoffed, "And how irresponsible you are"

"Irresponsible?" His unibrows flared up, "What did I do?"

"Yuvati searched all the dimensions and couldn't find your sister" she scolded, "And you're sitting here pretending it's nothing?!"

"Is it something?"

The reply made her step back. Her lips parted to mumble something.

"I don't wanna think about her now" he shrugged, "Besides, your new friend might find her some time again"

"I trust her but..." she paused, "Blindly believing that she'll bring her back? You sound like a clown in an existential crisis!"

"Yuvati said that the time traveller has kidnapped her" he put up a sad expression, "I think it was definitely that guy"

"Nahi!" the word blurted out of her mouth.

He gazed at her.

"I'm gonna talk to Yuvati about this" she turned around to leave, "Are you coming or I have to drag you by your leg?"

He looked up. Budh was still hanging upside down, his bangs swooning as he tried to shake his head.

"Oh!" Khushi scoffed, "You don't wanna come because your thief friend said no?'

"You go first" Badri smiled at her softly, "I'll come later, okay?"

She shrugged and left the spot.

A gust of cold wind blew over Badri's sore face, as he felt the wind gush into his ears. Budh climbed down from the tree, watching Khushi vanish around the corner.

"I thought we were cool about this" said Badri.

"Would you ever call me a thief if I took your stuff?"

"Not at all! Despite the fact you always take my stuff, " he looked at him and chuckled "And never return them back"

"She called me a thief" his voice stung from agony "She's not my friend!"