Silently...

Part: 41

Flashback

In the morning, when Arjun leaves for the ETF office with Sameer to find out the truth about Sakshi, Riya first cleans the entire house. After that, she tries on the clothes and jewellery her mother-in-law—who was like a mother to her—had given her. She clicks countless photos, striking different poses.

Food isn’t a problem, because Arjun has started keeping cooked food in the fridge these days. He knows very well that Riya—his Naina—doesn’t know how to cook. Riya heats the food, eats, and rests for a while. But today, time seems unwilling to pass. To kill time, she watches new recipes on YouTube—though the truth is, she doesn’t try making any of them.
In the evening, she calls Arjun once to ask when he’ll be home. Arjun replies that he’ll be late today. Bored and lonely, Riya walks into Arjun’s room. She lies down exactly where Arjun usually sleeps, trying to feel his presence. Suddenly, her hand touches something under the pillow—a diary.

She opens it and realizes it’s her own diary.

Riya (to herself): My diary! How strange… I don’t even remember my own belongings. I wonder what I wrote in it.

As she reads, tears start flowing uncontrollably from her eyes.

Riya (to herself): Did I love Arjun this much? Why, God… why did You erase my memories? I got Arjun back, I got his companionship, even his love—though he may not accept it—but why couldn’t You give me my memories back too?

She sits there for a while, mourning the loss of her memories, then places the diary back under the pillow. But suddenly—her hand touches something else.

A letter

It’s the same letter Riya had written to Liza—the one containing her love confession. The same letter that made Arjun realize that she was the woman Riya loved. Riya reads it again. Her heart grows heavy. All those emotions, dreams, love—being unable to remember them makes her feel suffocated, as if she can’t breathe.

Lost in these thoughts, she hears the doorbell ring.

Riya (to herself): Who could it be at this hour? Arjun said he’d be late.

Just then, the landline rings. Riya picks up the phone, and a smile appears on her face—it’s Arjun’s mother.

Riya: Hello, Maa. How are you?

Maa: I’m fine, my child. Are you resting?

Riya: Yes, Maa.

Maa: I’ve sent a housemaid. After today’s function, the house must be a mess. She’ll help you.

Riya: That’s not needed, Maa. I’ve already cleaned everything.

Maa: It’s fine. She’ll help with dinner.

Riya: Love you, Maa.

Maa: Love you too, beta.

The call ends. Riya goes to open the door, but no one is there. Actually, after ringing the bell and getting no response, the maid—Kanta—has gone around the back to check for another entrance.

Just then, Riya notices Liza sitting in an auto passing by. Shocked and excited, Riya runs after her.

Riya (thinking): Liza was my friend. I wrote that letter to her. She’s a forensic expert—maybe she can help me regain my memories.

Riya: Liiizaaaaa!

She’s so busy chasing the auto that she doesn’t notice a bike coming from the side. The bike hits her. At that very moment, Liza notices Riya falling through the auto’s side mirror. She stops the auto and rushes to Riya. Riya is unconscious. With the help of people nearby, they take her to the hospital.