Sneak Peek
Without wasting time on introductions, Jhanvi unlocked her phone and held it out to him. The photograph on the screen was old but clear—Annika during one of the pre-wedding rituals. She wore an off-white kurti layered with a neon green, flowy top, faded jeans visible beneath. She was smiling, unaware, alive in a way only memories are.
“I’m looking for this woman,” Jhanvi said, her voice firm but respectful. She pointed lightly at the screen. “Her name is Annika. I was told she lived here with her brother.”
The man squinted, taking the phone from her hand to look more closely. He leaned back slightly, as though the recognition startled him.
“Yeh toh Annika bitiya hai,” he said immediately. “I bought this house from her only.” His tone shifted, suspicion creeping in as he looked up at Jhanvi again. “Lekin aap kaun hain?” he asked. “Do you know her? Aur aap uske baare mein kyun pooch rahi hain?”