The Lost Thread

Planning a Trip

Present Day 

It took a full month for Dhruv to get out of his commitments. And there was the intense opposition from his family, especially his mum. Nobody wanted to see him gone. It was a close call last time. But Dhruv was adamant. He had just sealed a deal, and knew there was an intense period of work ahead of him. He had been non-stop for the past three years. Now he needed this break to dive back to work. Moreover, he liked the idea of going away for a while. The life in the city had become boring. A couple of weeks of fresh air will do him good. Also, he needed to prove to himself, that he has overcome his fears after the accident.

Besides, he needed to know more about the girl. The girl had been haunting his dream almost everyday now. She was a puzzle he wanted to solve at any costs.

Back in Time

The trip back to the village was uneventful. All three were shaken from their experience. Krish had attempted some small talk, but both of his companions did not seem interested.

 Krish was busy planning the trip up the mountains. They will walk for two days, before they reach their destination. They will spend 1 whole day there and then come back down another route, maybe in another day. They will again come back to the same village, rest for a few days, all depending on the weather, and then set out again. So, overall, he needed provisions for 6 days, and had to brief the team-members accordingly.

Maya was still shaking. It's not everyday you have near-death experiences. She wondered what would have happened if Dhruv had not caught her. How would have her colleagues reacted? And her parents, how would they have? Many such thoughts jumbled up in her mind, making her oblivious to her surroundings. 

Dhruv cast numerous glances at Maya. He could see she was trying hard not to cry. He could not explain the feelings in his heart when he saw this. He wanted to take her in his arms, kiss her and tell her he will always be there for her, but that won't be true. After a few weeks, they might not even see her again. The thought made him restless. 

All three were relieved when they reached the village. If anyone was surprised to see them together, they did not show it. It was nearly lunch time, so they headed for their respective rooms. Maya closed the door of her room and collapsed on the bed. The room was thankfully empty. So, Maya did not have any difficultly in crying her heart out. By the time she was finished, her face was swollen. She decided to have her food in her room. The rest of the day she spent sitting in front of her window, staring out into the valley below. 

At dinner time, Maya shook off her depressing mood and dressed up. Tonight was the last night she would see Dhruv. Maybe they might not return back to the village. Or, if they did, they might not be here. Life had given her a second chance, she will enjoy every bit of it now.

When Maya entered the room, dinner had not started yet. Krish was there, talking to the chef. A few of her friends were also seated in a corner. She selected a small table and sat down. Krish finished his conversation and came to her table.

'I wanted to apologize. I should have been more careful.'

Maya smiled and covered his hand with hers.

'No need to apologize. I am a grown up. I should have been more responsible. I saw how Dhruv behaved with you. I think you took the blame for my fault.'

Krish chewed his lips for a while and looked up with a very serious expression on his face.

'I should not meddle, but falling for Dhruv will be a mistake. Yesterday, I should have also asked if you had a boyfriend'

Maya blushed and removed her hand.

'I have just met him a couple of days back. He is not my boyfriend, neither am I falling for him. I can't deny the attraction, but a girl is allowed to feel this way about handsome men, you know'.

Krish smiled'

'Are you sure, it's just attraction? Anyways, it's none of my business, but for now on, I will be just your friend. But if things don't work out with Dhruv, will you give me a chance?'

Krish's question caught her off-guard. Will she?

Krish probably read her answer on her face and laughed in defeat.

'All right. I get it. There are some forces that you can't fight. I won't bother you anymore'

Maya was left confused and a little hurt. She felt completely out of her depth. Soon after dinner was served and Krish kept her engaged with small talk. She tried to keep listening, but deep down a new fear started, a fear that was greater than the one she had felt after the fall. Was she really falling for the cold Dhruv?