𝑪𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆- 𝑾𝒂𝒓 𝑶𝒇 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆

𝟑𝟖. 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐍 𝐁

AUTHOR'S POV

"Kya cahiye tumhe?" She spat irritated by him following her all over the haveli.

"Tum." He replied with a wide smile.

She jolted awake, her heart racing like a runaway train, as if the memories of the past still lingered in her dreams.

"Not again!" She muttered under her breath and slept back.

Jo Pehle uske saath bitae palon ko bhulana chahti thi,
Ab wo sapno me bhi uski yaadon me khoyi rehti hai....

.
.
.
As the day's chaos dissipated, Vidya cradled a steaming cup of tea and stepped onto the balcony, despite the chill in the air. The morning view was breathtaking - a mesmerizing canvas of fog swirling around towers and buildings. The gentle breeze rustled through leaves, casting a serene ambiance over the surroundings. She slid the balcony door partially closed behind her, enveloping herself in the tranquil atmosphere. Just as she was about to let the peace wash over her, she heard Mrityunjay's name whispered in the wind.

Vidya's eyes widened in surprise not because she heard his name out of blue but because she heard it from her maid. She instantly walked inside to confront her maid who was busy listening to someone over the phone while dusting the showpieces.

"Kisse baat kar rahi ho aap?" Vidya spat.
(Whom you're talking to?)

Vidya's voice sent chills down her spin as if she had been caught red handed. The Maid's grip over the dusting cloth loosened and it fell on the floor immediately. Before turning to face Vidya, she hung the call and calmed herself. She turned to Vidya with a nervous smile,

"Kisi se nahi madam." She stammered.
(To no one)

Vidya arched her brow, "Jhuth mat bolo! Humne aapko Mrityunjay Sarkar kehte hue suna hai."
(Don't lie! I overheard you saying Mrityunjay Sarkar.)

For a moment there was silence and then the maid shouted in frustration, "Are madam! Mrityunjay Sarkar nahi kaha humne.... Uf!!" She banged her head in frustration. "Hum toh in fraud call walo ko keh rahe the ki Mrityu ho jaye in sabki, sar fate.... Subah Subah dimag kharab kar dete hai." As she spoke, she moved her hands vigorously.
("Oh dear! I didn't say Mrityunjay Sarkar... Ugh!!" "I was just telling those scammers to meet their demise... They ruin my morning with their nonsense.")

Vidya's eyes pierced through her soul trying to find out the truth.

"Madam aapko vishwas nahi ho raha toh ye dekhiye unknown number se call aayi thi." She extended her phone to take Vidya in her confidence.
("Madam, if you don't believe me, look at this - the call came from an unknown number.")

"Okay Okay!" She exclaimed with a little confusion and turned back to the balcony.

"Hush! Acha hai humne raja sa ka ye wala number save nahi kiya." The maid said to herself.
("Shh! Luckily I didn't save this number, or I'd be in trouble!")

Vidya took a step further to open the slider, but again the maid's phone rang making Vidya look back. Her eyes were fixed on the phone while the maid froze at her place.

"Uthaiye!" Vidya snapped with lifted brows.
(Pick it up)

"jii." She muttered nervously.

"Beech me hi aapka call disconnect kyu ho gaya tha?" Mrityunjay asked from the other side.
("Why did your call get disconnected right in the middle of our conversation?")