Kuch Toh Likha Hai《 ON HOLD 》

3 | Haunting Memories

The blazing star's fingers reached to touch her face. Her shady tresses swayed to the rhythm of wind. Hope inside her soul flamed to reach her orbs as sparkle with her each step.

She halted in her way and her pupils dilated as a familiar yet unfamiliar eyes came into her sight. Those beads averted its gaze towards her. His magnificent orbs met hers and the reality blurred for Ashi. It was only him, who didn't care about her existence.

His eyes were plain, yet alluring. His hair was short and silky. His face was glowing in elation, but it didn't reach his lips. His brows were adorned with a frown. She felt some resemblance in him that made him more engaging for her.

"You guys get introduced to each other." Shashi Mittal said and moved out of the place, leaving Ashi face to face with him. He was not even smiling at her. But her lips held them very strong.

"Hai. I am Randeep Rai." He extended his hand with a tight lipped smile. The glint in her eye darkened, as she remembered those eyes which she saw 2 years before. It was him. She got the answer for the feel of resemblance. Ashi slipped hers inside his and informed, "This is Ashi Singh. Nice to meet yo. . . " Randeep left her hand even before she could complete her sentence.

She wanted to tell him that they worked together years before. But kept mum after his behaviour with her. That was quite rude. Anyway, she should spend her work days with him. They met just now. It would take time.

• • •

Her face was gleaming and her lips were curved upward, into a stunning smile. She tapped her phone with her palm, waiting for her car to arrive. She bit her lower lip and checked the time.

"Hey A-ashi . . . ?" She turned to the source of the voice. Her grin widened as soon as she the most charming face. Her breath hitched. She found him more nigh to her. His cocoa mint scent lingered around her, even after he took two steps backward.

"H-haan . . . bolo . . . " She didn't know how those words left her mouth. She was busy losing herself in the orbs of magic. Those eyes were esoteric, hiding many things behind its flicker. That attracted her more.

"Kya hum pehle kabhi mile hai?" His voice was calm and composed, not exposing any emotions as his eyes.

"Mujhe yaad nahi hai. Lekin mujhe bhi aisa hi laga." She lied. The reason was unknown to herself. But that felt good.

"Oh . . . Anyway, bye Ashi." Her pupils dilated. Her name never seemed so mellifluous to her. She formed a new love to her name at the moment. She was gazing at her finger and was biting her lower lip. Her face radiated than ever. When she glanced up, Randeep was not before her. Her smile dropped along with the radiance.

"Ashi!" She immediately gazed to her right and the grin and glow returned to her. "I heard this is your first show as lead. All the best." His face was genuine and warm with a soothing smile. Ashi's heart was thumping fast and she felt something she never experienced in the 20 years of her lifetime. It was something pure. Something happy yet sad. Something tranquil yet painful. Something sweet yet spicy. Something lovable yet hateful.

And, the moment, Ashi Singh lost her heart to the man ahead her; Randeep Rai.

She wiped the lone tear escaping from her eyes, which lost its memory of the process of blinking. She was ensconced in the gloominess of the atmosphere. Tapping of water drops was the whole city of Mumbai was hearing along with the euphonious voice of clouds as thunder. It was not just the clouds that were leaking water, but Ashi's eyes too did the same job.