"Sonakshi, are you even listening to me?" Maitree asked, frustrated, as she sat cross-legged on her bed, the soft glow of the table lamp illuminating her anxious expression. Her phone was pressed to her ear, but for the past minute or two, she hadn't heard a single word from the other end.
"Yes, I'm listening," Sonakshi finally replied, sighing. "Mai, I just... don't know what to say."
Maitree paused, surprised. Sonakshi always had an answer for everything. She'd made her feelings about Vatsal crystal clear from the very first date and throughout their whirlwind two-day engagement. She was the one who helped Maitree pick up the pieces after that disaster. But with Rudra, it was different. Sonakshi had actually liked him—one of the reasons Maitree had decided to make this trip. Yet now, for the first time, Sonakshi didn't have an answer.
"Sona, you're supposed to have an answer," Maitree said, laying back on her pillow, the phone still pressed to her ear.
After a brief pause, Sonakshi's voice came through again. "What do you want to do?" she asked quietly. "Do you want to get a DNA test?"
Maitree hummed in response, her mind already swirling with thoughts. "I've been thinking about it."
"That's good," Sonakshi said gently. "We want to be sure."
"Yeah," Maitree replied, her voice trailing off.
"But?" Sonakshi prompted, sensing her hesitation.
Maitree closed her eyes, sighing deeply. Sonakshi knew her too well. "But..." Maitree's voice wavered. "I think she's my mother."
On the other end of the line, Sonakshi exhaled and pressed her fingers to her forehead, eyes closed. She loved Maitree like a sister. No, more than that—she saw her as a sister. And like any sister, Sonakshi felt fiercely protective of her. Maitree had always been someone who searched for family in everyone she met, and that vulnerability had led her into a two-day engagement with someone as worthless as Vatsal. Sonakshi had seen it coming—she didn't know when or how, but she'd known Vatsal would break Maitree's heart. And now, here they were again, with Maitree's heart on the line, looking for family in a stranger.
Sonakshi sighed and said, "Mai, you don't know for sure if she's your mother."
Maitree was at a loss for words. "I guess..."
"A DNA test first, then we'll decide what to do next," Sonakshi replied firmly.
Maitree nodded, even though Sonakshi couldn't see her through the phone.
"Alright..." Sonakshi hummed as she opened her laptop, scrolling through options. "I can get there by tomorrow evening."
"Okay," Maitree sighed in relief. She hadn't wanted to ask, but she really needed Sonakshi there with her, just in case...
"Get some sleep," Sonakshi said softly. "Goodnight, Mai. Love you always."
"Love you too," Mai whispered, lying down with a small smile as they hung up.
____________
Maitree jolted awake to the sound of her phone ringing. She turned on her bedside lamp and picked it up.
"Hello?" she mumbled sleepily.
"Maitree," Rudra's voice came through, quiet and a bit hesitant.
She checked the time and said, "Rudra, it's 2:30. Is everything okay?"
"Yeah... I just wanted to see if you're alright," Rudra sighed.
"I'm okay," Maitree replied with a soft smile. "I usually sleep well after a meltdown."
"Maitree..." Rudra's voice was laced with concern.
"I'm fine," she assured him, smiling to herself. "Actually, I'm thinking about getting a DNA test," she added, sighing.
"Alright," Rudra said gently. "You know, I was thinking—when we get back, we could go to that restaurant you like?"
"The one you found by stalking Sonakshi's Instagram?" Maitree chuckled, leaning back down.
"In my defense, I just wanted to impress you," Rudra replied, a small smile in his voice.
"Oh, you definitely impressed me," Maitree laughed.
"Hey! What's with the laugh? We had a great first date!" Rudra protested playfully.
Maitree stifled a laugh, picturing Rudra's indignant expression. "I know, I know! It was perfect. You pulled out all the stops."
Rudra's voice softened. "It was because I wanted you to feel special. And, well... I was nervous, too."
Maitree's smile widened. "You? Nervous? I don't believe that."
"Hey, I'm serious! I must've changed my outfit five times before I picked you up," Rudra admitted, chuckling. "And I had to wear Shourya's new shirt."
Maitree laughed quietly, feeling a warmth spread through her. "Well, it worked. You made it a night I'll never forget."
There was a pause before Rudra spoke again, his tone a little more serious. "I just... I want to be there for you, Maitree. Even at 2:30 in the morning."
She swallowed, touched by his sincerity. "Thank you, Rudra. That means a lot."
"Always," he murmured. Then, in a lighter tone, he added, "Now, get some sleep. I don't want you blaming me for being a zombie tomorrow."
Maitree chuckled. "Fine, fine. Goodnight, Rudra."
"Goodnight, Maitree," he said softly, and they both lingered for a moment before finally hanging up, each feeling a little more at ease than before.
_____________
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Threads of Destiny
Romance"I'm not interested in you, so I don't want to know anything about you," Maitree stated firmly. Rudraksh, responded with a playful tone, "Well, maybe you should go on more dates with me. You might find yourself becoming interested once you get to kn...
