Sands Of Time - a timeless love saga

Chapter 72

"What a pleasure to see you again, Dev!" Gouri gushed as she greeted Dev Rai Singh. In his early forties, he was one of the most handsome and eligible bachelors, carrying the quiet grace of a man born to an old royal legacy.

Dev smiled warmly. "Thank you for inviting me, Rani Ma."

Gouri sighed. "No, Dev... this means a lot to me. I am on a mission to end feuds that have spanned generations. Both our families have suffered greatly, caught in this web of animosity." She fondly touched his shoulder and continued, "I extended my hand in friendship, and you have gracefully accepted it. That's all it takes to put a full stop to this feud."

Dev smiled. "Honestly, this is exactly what my mother wants too."

Vaishali had been busy all evening... juggling between greeting guests and overseeing the rituals that Vedavyas had assigned her and just as she taking a breather, she stopped dead in her tracks. A very familiar figure was standing across the room, deep in conversation with her mother. Her steps faltered slightly. Flashes of memory began rushing through her mind as she stood there, watching in quiet shock.

Spotting her at a distance, Gouri grinned and signalled her to come over. For a brief moment, Vaishali wondered if there was any disappearing spell she could borrow from the witch. It would have been very handy right then. But there was no spell, and no witch in sight. Clearing her throat, she walked with heavy steps toward where her mother and a certain someone stood.

"There she is! Vaishali, come, say hi to Dev," Gouri said cheerfully as she reached them. Dev's eyes found hers instantly, warm, steady, and carrying the same fondness she remembered. He held her gaze a little longer as she tried to find her voice. "Don't you remember him? You both went to the same school and college!"

And just like that, forgotten memories slowly began filling her mind.

Dev had been her best friend, like a shadow always right behind her, like a light that kept the darkness at bay. Their bond was something she had never quite been able to put into words. He could make her laugh effortlessly, and annoy her just as easily. Even when other kids bullied her for being different, for seeing and hearing things others couldn't, he had been there, warding them off. He believed her when she told him she could sense the dead. He stood by her even when certain things defied his own logic.

He was right by her side through all of it... until Harsh came into her life. After that, Dev had slowly, steadily begun to disappear. His presence thinning, visit by visit, until one day she confronted him about it. That, perhaps, had been the last time she saw him.

Vaishali cleared her throat when Gouri snapped her fingers in front of her face. "Sorry. Ah... yes, I remember. Hi Dev. Nice to see you. How are you?"

Dev shook her hand in greeting, and the moment their hands met, Vaishali felt a faint spark... a warmth that travelled straight to her chest. She looked at him, slightly wide-eyed. After years of dealing with spirits, she genuinely couldn't tell if her body was reacting to him, or if he was carrying something she needed to be wary of.

"You both catch up. I'll be back," Gouri said, excusing herself to welcome a fresh set of guests waiting at a distance.

Suddenly, Vaishali had no idea what to say. She noticed that he still had her hand in hers, stroking the back of palm gently. For a very brief moment, she let him do his thing, until, she shook her head and withdrew her hand abrutply.

Clearing his throat, and rubbing the back of his neck, Dev began, "I'm doing well. Seems like you have been doing well too... I've been hearing a lot about you lately actually.."