Where Have We Come Up To?

Chapter 47:- Making Connections

I know I'm extremely late, but after an age and a half, I'm finally here with a long update with twists! 

I've had exams, assignments, and procrastination due to which I hadn't been able to update.. :(

Thank you to all the PrAjajans for bearing with me! 

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The journey to Haldighati wasn't short, but a peaceful one. With a drive of 3 hours and 7 minutes to be precise, silence prevailed amongst the four of us in the rented SUV. The ride to a mountainous area seemed bizarre to the driver and nostalgic to Faisal and I. This trip was planned very unexpectedly and suddenly, based on our mere instincts. Not just instincts of us, but of our true selves; powerful warriors. Of ostracized souls that had to be redeemed. We resolved we would find answers where it all ended.

Starting at 8 in the morning, Faisal and I had taken the seats at the back while Reem and Siddharth occupied the middle two in the three rowed SUV. These three hours were very much needed to contemplate everything that had taken place in the last few hours. An hour seemed like a day and a day like a year. I was going through so many transformations; both emotional and physical, that it was nearly impossible to comprehend. For example, this morning,

4:59 AM. Hospital Room #23.

After a lot of pleading and convincing, and much against his wish, I had planned on sneaking out. This was as important to me as it was to him. And he couldn't stop me from my rights. I slowly pulled the IV tape that made me look like a patient, gasping a little in pain.

"I can't let him know..." I reprimanded at myself for writhing. I couldn't let anything alert him, or else he wouldn't allow me to do as per my wish. I wanted to fight with him, for us. And no minor injury could be a barrier between me and my goal. With a determined expression I curtly slid the blanket that had cozily been covering me.

However, as soon as I tried to stand, I suddenly got plunged back to my bed by an extraordinary force. The pain was unbearable, uncontrollable. 'Don't let him know...' echoed each time I heaved, but the situation wasn't in my favor. I could feel my body stiffen, turning into ice with each passing second. There was nothing I could do than scream in agony. My attempts at flexing my hands went in vain as my eyes squeezed shut. I gritted my teeth, trying to gather all the anger I had in me to compel this force. My throat felt palpable as my voice screeched in suffocation.

"Faisal..." was the last thing I could whisper before darkness engulfed me.

"Ajabde?" A calm voice pierced through the blackness.

"Ranima?" My eyes scrutinized at the ethereal sight beyond me. My attire felt heavier than it usually did, as anklets tinkled and bangles dangled.

"How are you here?" I questioned, baffled at her sudden presence.

She laughed incredulously, "Where else would I be, Ajabde?"

I looked at my surroundings, trying to absorb the turn of events. But my mind still swirled with confusion.

"Now that you're here, make sure you do Pratap's 'tilak' before he leaves for war." My lips that had curved into a smile at the news of Kunwar Pratap faded as soon as it came.

"War?" I frowned in perplexion. Ranima had disappeared as abruptly as she had arrived.

"Ajab..." The soothing voice chimed in my ears, bringing a sense of solace.

"Fai--Kunwar Pratap..." I automatically corrected myself, bringing the 'aarti' plate in front of me. My eyebrows furrowed at the attire that complemented Ranima's words. Sturdy armor, a shining sword, a 'Rudraarksh Mala' and a determined face.