8

..𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ🪽་༘࿐

Inside his room-

Ayaan sat alone.

Silence surrounded him, yet his mind was anything but quiet.

Files were open.

Maps spread out.

His laptop screen glowed faintly in the dim light.

He was working-

But more than that-

He was thinking.

About the mission scheduled for tomorrow.

Every detail mattered.

Every step had to be precise.

One mistake-

Could cost lives.

His expression was sharp. Focused. Controlled.

Exactly how a soldier should be.

After a while-

He closed the file.

Leaning back slightly, he exhaled.

Work was done.

At least for now.

He stood up and walked toward the window.

Opening it slightly-

A cool breeze entered the room.

Soft.

Refreshing.

Carrying with it the quietness of the night.

He closed his eyes for a brief second-

Feeling the wind brush against his face.

Calming.

Grounding.

And then-

Without warning-

A face appeared in his mind.

Mahika.

His brows furrowed slightly.

The memory replayed itself.

The way she had been looking at him.

Not just looking-

Staring.

Unblinking.

Intensely.

He had noticed.

Of course he had.

Even when he was standing in front of her-

Even when his phone rang-

Even when he started talking-

He had noticed everything.

Everyone thought he hadn't.

That he was too busy on the call.

Too distracted.

But that was far from the truth.

Ayaan never lost awareness of his surroundings.

Not even for a second.

He remembered it clearly-

The way her eyes didn't leave him.

The way her heartbeat-

Yes-

Even that.

He had heard it.

Fast.

Unsteady.

Almost restless.

And when she had taken those steps toward him-

Slowly.

As if pulled-

He had seen that too.

Every movement.

Every shift.

Every emotion.

Ayaan opened his eyes.

The calmness of the breeze no longer reached him.

Something about her gaze-

It unsettled him.

And that-

Was rare.

Very rare.

"Yeh ladki... normal nahi hai..."
(This girl... isn't normal...)

He muttered under his breath.

There was something about her.

Something he couldn't understand.

Something that didn't fit into logic.

He shook his head slightly.

Dismissing the thought.

Or at least trying to.

Closing the window-

He turned away.

And walked toward his bed.

But even as he lay down-

One thought lingered.

Unanswered.

Unresolved.

And strangely-

Unforgettable.

Morning arrived quietly.

But the house-

Was already alive.

On the terrace-

Taahiri was once again training Sanju.

Teaching her new moves.

Correcting her stance.

Focused.

Disciplined.

And just like yesterday-

Mahika stood there.

At a distance.

Near the edge.

Looking down.

Or maybe-

Waiting.

Though even she didn't know why.

After a few minutes-

She saw him.

Ayaan.

Walking inside the house.

And behind him-

Ronit.

Slightly out of breath.

Her eyes followed him.

Every step.

Every movement.

Until he disappeared inside.

Only then-

She turned.

And went back to her room.

Downstairs-

Everyone gathered at the dining table.

Breakfast was being served.

The usual chatter filled the air.

Today-

Ayaan was there too.

Sitting with everyone.

Eating quietly.

Eyes occasionally dropping to his phone.

Taahiri came down as well.

Taking her seat.

But one chair-

Was still empty.

Mahika's.

Malini ji noticed it.

As always.

She turned to Aarti-

"Mahika ka breakfast uske room mein de aana."
(Take Mahika's breakfast to her room.)

Aarti nodded and picked up the tray.

But before she could leave-

Footsteps echoed.

Soft.

Steady.

Everyone looked up.

And froze.

Mahika.

Coming down the stairs.

Without looking at anyone-

Without greeting anyone-

She walked straight toward the door.

As if she was about to leave.

And then-

Her eyes fell on him.

Ayaan.

Sitting at the table.

She stopped.

For a fraction of a second.

Something changed in her expression.

Something decided.

Without a word-

She turned.

Walked back.

Placed her bag on the sofa.

And moved toward the dining table.

Everyone watched.

In shock.

Because this-

Never happened.

Mahika-

Sitting with everyone?

Unbelievable.

She pulled a chair.

And sat.

Right in front of Ayaan.

Where their eyes-

Could meet directly.

"Good morning di!"

Sanju chirped happily.

"Good morning."

Mahika replied simply.

Taahiri blinked.

Once.

Twice.

Almost on the verge of fainting.

What is happening today...?

Malini ji smiled warmly.

Walking over, she gently placed her hand on Mahika's head.

Serving her breakfast with affection.

Today-

Even Kalyani ji said nothing.

Ayaan-

Didn't react.

Didn't look.

Didn't acknowledge.

He simply continued eating.

Eyes on his phone.

Calm.

Unaffected.

And Mahika-

Didn't eat.

Not even a bite.

Her eyes-

Were fixed on him.

Again.

Just like before.

Watching him.

Studying him.

Losing herself in him.

Ayaan focused on his phone.

Taahiri focused on Mahika.

And Mahika-

Focused only on Ayaan.

At first-

It had been a doubt.

A suspicion.

But today-

It became clear.

Crystal clear.

She came down... for him.

Taahiri's lips curved into a faint smile.

Relief.

Understanding.

Certainty.

"Toh jo maine socha tha... woh sahi tha..."
(So what I thought... was right...)

She thought to herself.

"Thanks God..."

Her eyes softened.

"Par kya Mahi ko pata hai...?"
(But does Mahi know...?)

A pause.

Then determination-

"Agar nahi... toh main hoon na... main usse ehsaas kara dungi..."
(If not... then I'm here... I'll make her realize...)

A deeper thought followed-

"Mahi ko badalna hoga... aur yeh badlav zaroori hai..."
(Mahi needs to change... and this change is necessary...)

Malini ji noticed something.

Mahika wasn't eating.

Taahiri seemed lost.

She called out-

"Kya hua Mahi, Taahiri? Nashta accha nahi bana kya?"
(What happened, Mahi, Taahiri? Didn't you like the breakfast?)

Everyone's attention shifted toward them.

Ayaan looked up.

For the first time.

And his eyes-

Met hers.

Directly.

In that instant-

Something clicked.

That strange feeling he had been having-

The sensation of being watched-

Made sense.

It was her.

All along.

His expression hardened slightly.

A flicker of discomfort passed through his eyes.

Taahiri snapped out of her thoughts quickly.

Smiling lightly, she replied-

"Nahi aunty, nashta bahut tasty hai... main bas aaj ki meeting ke baare mein soch rahi thi."
(No aunty, the breakfast is very tasty... I was just thinking about today's meeting.)

Malini ji shook her head gently.

"Beta, itna kaam mat kiya karo ki khana khate waqt bhi kaam yaad aaye..."
(Child, don't work so much that you think about it even while eating...)

Then, teasingly pointing at Yash ji-

"Mujhe poora yakeen hai inhone hi sabko itna kaam de rakha hai."
(I'm sure he's the one giving everyone so much work.)

Yash ji immediately defended himself-

"Arre maine kya kiya? Main toh kisi ko zyada kaam deta hi nahi hoon!"
(What did I do? I never give anyone too much work!)

Then smiling-

"Yakeen nahi ho toh Taahiri se pooch lo."
(If you don't believe me, ask Taahiri.)

Taahiri nodded-

"Haan aunty, yeh toh kaam ka hissa hai... sabko apna hissa karna hota hai."
(Yes aunty, it's part of the job... everyone has to do their part.)

Malini ji smiled again.

Then looked at Mahika-

Softly.

"Kya hua beta? Tumhare liye kuch aur banaun?"
(What happened, child? Should I make something else for you?)

Mahika blinked once.

As if returning from another world.

She tore her gaze away from Ayaan.

And looked at Malini ji.

"Nahi... yeh theek hai."
(No... this is fine.)

Malini ji smiled.

But Taahiri-

Was not convinced.

Sitting beside her-

She glanced at Mahika's plate.

Untouched.

Not even a single bite.

Before she could say anything-

Mahika noticed.

Their eyes met.

For a brief second.

And then-

Without drawing attention-

Mahika picked up her spoon.

Slowly.

Silently.

And pressed it-

Right into Taahiri's hand.

A sharp, subtle jab.

A warning.

Taahiri flinched slightly.

Looking at her in shock.

Mahika didn't react.

Didn't speak.

Didn't even look at her again.

Her gaze-

Had already returned.

To Ayaan.

Taahiri suddenly felt a sharp sting in her hand-

And before she could stop herself-

She let out a loud scream.

"Aaah!"

The sound echoed across the dining area.

Everyone instantly turned toward her.

Kalyani ji frowned, concern visible on her face-

"Arey beta, tumhe kya hua? Tum cheekhi kyun?"
(Oh child, what happened? Why did you scream?)

Taahiri blinked, forcing an awkward smile, trying to cover up-

"Arey kuch nahi dadi... lagta hai kisi keede ne kaat liya."
(Oh nothing, grandma... I think some insect bit me.)

Yash ji immediately reacted-

"Kya? Keeda? Yahaan keeda kaise aa gaya?"
(What? An insect? How did an insect come here?)

Then looking at Malini ji-

"Dawai chhidak dena... kya pata kisi aur ko bhi kaat le."
(Spray some insecticide... what if it bites someone else too.)

Taahiri shot a sideways glare at Mahika-

Her tone slightly pointed-

"Haan uncle... woh kisi ko bhi kaat sakta hai."
(Yes uncle... it can bite anyone.)

Mahika didn't respond.

Didn't react.

Her attention had already shifted back-

To Ayaan.

This time-

Her gaze wasn't wandering.

It was fixed.

On his lips.

He was drinking juice.

The rim of the glass touched his lips lightly-

And with every small movement-

Something about it-

Pulled her in deeper.

Her eyes followed the motion.

The way his lips moved.

The way they pressed against the glass.

The way they looked-

Unknowingly attractive.

A strange dryness spread through her throat.

Her breath hitched.

And then-

A thought crossed her mind.

Sudden.

Uninvited.

Dangerous.

What would it feel like...?

The moment the thought formed-

Mahika stiffened.

Her eyes widened slightly.

And instantly-

She looked away.

"Main aisa kaise soch sakti hoon...?"
(How can I even think like this...?)

Her mind raced.

"Mere dimaag mein aisa khayal aaya kaise...?"
(How did such a thought even come into my mind...?)

Before she could process anything further-

Ayaan finished his breakfast.

He stood up.

Without looking at anyone-

And walked out.

Mahika's eyes followed him.

Every step.

Until he disappeared.

And then-

Her expression changed.

Darkened.

Her jaw tightened.

Her fists clenched slightly.

Something about him leaving-

Like that-

Didn't sit well with her.

Taahiri noticed.

Of course she did.

The shift.

The reaction.

The way Mahika was still staring toward the gate-

Even though Ayaan was long gone.

She leaned slightly toward her and whispered-

"Major bahar chale gaye hain... ab wahan koi nahi hai."
(Major has already gone outside... there's no one there now.)

For the first time-

Mahika felt something unfamiliar.

Embarrassment.

Her gaze dropped for a brief second.

And Taahiri-

Just stared.

Almost in disbelief.

Is this really Mahika Singh...?

Mahika stood up abruptly.

Walked toward the sofa.

Picked up her bag.

And headed toward the door.

"Arey di!"
(Hey di!)

Sanju called from behind.

Mahika stopped.

Turned slightly.

"Main bhi chalti hoon na aapke saath... hum dono saath jayenge."
(I'll come with you... we'll go together.)

Before Mahika could respond-

Rohan snatched Sanju's glasses playfully-

"Kyun? Woh kyun jayegi tere saath? Tu khud nahi ja sakti kya?"
(Why? Why will she go with you? Can't you go alone?)

"Papa! Dekho na, yeh mujhe tang kar raha hai!"
(Dad! See, he's troubling me!)

Sanju complained, running to Yash ji.

Yash ji gave Rohan a look.

That was enough.

Rohan sighed and handed the glasses back.

Sanju quickly wore them and said-

"Maine di ko isliye bola... kyunki di mere hi college mein padhati hain."
(I asked di because she teaches in my college.)

Malini ji looked surprised-

"Kya? Tere college mein?"
(What? In your college?)

"Haan maa, mujhe bhi kal hi pata chala... maine inhe kal dekha tha... aur kal main inke saath hi aayi thi."
(Yes mom, I found out yesterday... I saw her there... and I came back with her.)

Yash ji nodded, looking at Mahika-

"Achha hai... tum iske saath ho toh humein iski chinta nahi rahegi."
(Good... if you're with her, we won't have to worry.)

Mahika just gave a slight nod.

No words.

Malini ji came from the kitchen with a tiffin-

"Lo beta, tum ise bhool hi gayi thi... kha lena."
(Here, you forgot this... eat it.)

Mahika looked at her.

Then at the tiffin.

Her face-

Expressionless.

As always.

She silently took it.

"Chalo, main chhod deta hoon... waise bhi main hi Sanju ko drop karta hoon."
(Come, I'll drop you... I usually drop Sanju anyway.)

Rohan said.

"Haan beta, jao... tum teenon ka rasta ek hi hai."
(Yes, go... all three of you have the same route.)

Yash ji added.

Mahika didn't reply.

She simply walked out.

Sanju followed.

Rohan grabbed his keys and went after them.

Two days passed.

Ayaan was away.

On a mission.

Mahika-

Stayed busy.

Or at least-

Pretended to be.

She barely spoke to anyone.

Ate in her room.

Stayed distant.

Cold.

But-

Something had changed.

She hadn't seen Ayaan for two days.

And that-

Was affecting her.

More than she realized.

She was irritable.

Restless.

Snapping at Taahiri over small things.

"Mujhe irritate mat karo."
(Don't irritate me.)

"Chup raho."
(Stay quiet.)

Her anger-

Was growing.

But she didn't understand why.

She stepped out of her room-

And her eyes would automatically scan the house.

Searching.

For him.

And then-

She would question herself-

"Main aisa kyun chahti hoon...?"
(Why do I want this...?)

Nights were worse.

The moment she looked at the moon-

His face appeared.

Uninvited.

Unavoidable.

And yet-

She tried to stop herself.

To hold back.

To not let herself fall deeper.

Taahiri, on the other hand-

Was busy planning.

Thinking.

Observing.

How do I make her realize...?

Sunday arrived.

Everyone was home.

Except Ayaan.

Taahiri sat in Mahika's room since morning.

But Mahika-

Didn't even acknowledge her presence.

She was busy.

Typing on her laptop.

Focused.

Detached.

Taahiri sighed.

Then tried-

"Waise Mahi... aaj ka mausam kitna mast hai na..."
(By the way, the weather is so nice today...)

Mahika glanced toward the window.

It was raining.

Unseasonal.

Relentless.

She looked back at her laptop.

No response.

Taahiri's face fell slightly.

But she tried again-

"Waise Vaibhav shayad India aa gaya hai..."
(By the way, Vaibhav has probably returned to India...)

Mahika nodded slightly.

Without even looking up.

Another failure.

Taahiri exhaled.

Then smiled mischievously.

Last move.

She leaned slightly, watching Mahika carefully-

"Mahi... yeh Major Ayaan do din se dikh nahi rahe... pata nahi kahan gayab hain..."
(Mahi... Major Ayaan hasn't been seen for two days... don't know where he disappeared...)

And there it was.

Mahika's fingers-

Stopped.

Mid-typing.

Taahiri's eyes lit up.

Got you.

She continued, teasingly-

"Waise... Major Ayaan kitne handsome hain na..."
(By the way... Major Ayaan is so handsome, right...)

"Unke baal... unke hoth... unki body..."
(His hair... his lips... his body...)

"Sach mein... kitni ladkiyaan marti hongi unpe..."
(Seriously... so many girls must be crazy about him...)

A pause.

Then deliberately-

"Aur unki girlfriend... kitni lucky hogi na..."
(And his girlfriend... she must be so lucky, right...)

Mahika's expression changed.

Slowly.

Visibly.

Her eyes-

Darkened.

Then-

Turned red.

Every word-

Hit her.

The praise-

Didn't sit well.

At all.

But the last line-

About his girlfriend-

That-

Was unbearable.

Because somewhere-

Deep inside-

Without even realizing-

She had never imagined-

That he could belong to someone else.

Mahika turned sharply toward Taahiri-

Her eyes blazing.

Red.

Burning with anger.

So intense that for a moment-

Even Taahiri felt a chill run down her spine.

But she didn't step back.

Didn't look away.

She was used to this.

She knew Mahika.

Better than anyone.

Still, she swallowed lightly and steadied herself.

Looking straight into her eyes, she spoke-

"Kya hua Mahi... teri aankhen laal kyun ho rahi hain?"
(What happened, Mahi... why are your eyes turning red?)

Her voice softened, but her words were sharp-

"Yeh toh tab hota hai jab tujhe gussa aata hai... toh tujhe gussa kis baat par aa raha hai?"
(This only happens when you're angry... so what are you angry about?)

Mahika froze.

Just for a second.

Because that question-

It hit somewhere deeper than she expected.

Her gaze dropped.

Her mind started racing.

Why am I so angry...?

What exactly is bothering me...?

She didn't have the answer.

And that-

Frustrated her even more.

Seeing her silent, Taahiri stepped closer.

Concern replacing the sharpness in her eyes.

"Yeh kya ho gaya Mahi... sab theek toh hai?"
(What happened, Mahi... is everything okay?)

She bent down on her knees in front of her-

Gently holding her hand.

"Mahi... meri taraf dekh."
(Mahi... look at me.)

But Mahika didn't.

Even after that-

She refused.

Her eyes stayed away.

Avoiding.

Hiding.

Taahiri inhaled deeply.

And then-

She said it.

Directly.

Without hesitation.

"Mahi... tu Major Ayaan ko chahne lagi hai."
(Mahi... you've started loving Major Ayaan.)

The words hit like lightning.

Mahika's head snapped up instantly.

Her eyes locked onto Taahiri.

Taahiri didn't look away.

Didn't hesitate.

"Haan Mahi... tu Major Ayaan ko chahne lagi hai."
(Yes Mahi... you've fallen for Major Ayaan.)

Mahika jerked her hand away.

As if burned.

Stepping back-

She turned and walked toward the window.

Standing there.

Rigid.

Shaken.

That word-

That feeling-

That truth-

She had been running from it.

Avoiding it.

Suppressing it.

And today-

Taahiri had dragged it out.

Right in front of her.

Mahika shook her head slowly.

In denial.

Taahiri walked up to her.

Turned her around forcefully-

Making her face her.

"Mahi meri taraf dekh... tu mujhse jhoot nahi bol sakti."
(Look at me, Mahi... you can't lie to me.)

Her grip tightened slightly-

"Tujhe jawab dena hoga."
(You have to answer me.)

Mahika met her eyes.

Cold.

Defensive.

"Main kisi ko nahi chahti."
(I don't love anyone.)

Taahiri let out a small, knowing laugh.

"Achha... maan liya."
(Alright... let's assume that.)

Then her tone turned serious-

"Toh phir jo main itne dino se dekh rahi hoon... woh pehle wali Mahika Singh nahi hai."
(Then the Mahika I've been seeing these days... is not the old Mahika Singh.)

Mahika said nothing.

Just turned her back to her.

Taahiri's voice came from behind-

Firm.

Unyielding.

"Aise peeche mudne se sach nahi badlega."
(Turning your back won't change the truth.)

"Jab bhi woh tere saamne aata hai... tu sab bhool jaati hai."
(Whenever he comes in front of you... you forget everything.)

"Tujhe yeh tak yaad nahi rehta ke tere aas-paas kaun hai... kaun tujhe dekh raha hai... kya soch raha hai."
(You don't even realize who's around you... who's watching... what they're thinking.)

Her voice lowered-

"Par teri aankhen... bina daare... bas usse dekhti rehti hain."
(But your eyes... fearlessly... just keep looking at him.)

She stepped closer.

Her words sharper now-

"Do din se woh nahi dikha... aur tu bechain hai."
(He hasn't been around for two days... and you're restless.)

"Jaise hi maine uski girlfriend ki baat ki... teri aankhen aag ban gayi."
(The moment I mentioned his girlfriend... your eyes turned into fire.)

"Uss Subah jab main usse dekh rahi thi... tujhe mujh par gussa kyun aa raha tha?"
(That morning, when I was looking at him... why were you getting angry at me?)

A pause.

"Bol Mahi."
(Answer me, Mahi.)

Mahika's voice came out low.

Confused.

Almost broken-

"Mujhe... nahi pata."
(I... don't know.)

She turned toward the window again.

Watching the rain fall endlessly.

"Mujhe nahi pata mere saath kya ho raha hai..."
(I don't know what's happening to me...)

Her voice trembled-

"Kyun unhe dekhte hi mera dil mere kabu mein nahi rehta...?"
(Why does my heart go out of control the moment I see him...?)

"Kyun meri aankhen sirf unhe dekhna chahti hain...?"
(Why do my eyes only want to see him...?)

Her breath hitched-

"Kyun jab unhone mujhe pehli baar pakda tha... unka ehsaas itna accha laga...?"
(Why did his touch feel so... good... when he held me that first day...?)

She closed her eyes-

"Unki woh touch... aaj bhi mehsoos hoti hai..."
(I can still feel that touch...)

Then she turned suddenly.

Looking straight at Taahiri.

"Aakhir kyun...?"
(Why...?)

Taahiri stepped forward.

Holding her shoulders gently.

Her voice softened-

"Iska jawab tera dil dega..."
(Your heart will answer that...)

"Tu dimaag ki sun rahi hai... ek baar dil ki sun."
(You're listening to your mind... listen to your heart once.)

Her eyes locked with hers-

"Usey mat rok... tujhe mohabbat ho gayi hai."
(Don't stop it... you've fallen in love.)

A whisper-

"Major Ayaan se."
(With Major Ayaan.)

Mahika shook her off instantly-

"Nahi! Yeh nahi ho sakta!"
(No! This can't happen!)

She started pacing the room.

Restless.

Agitated.

Trying to escape her own feelings.

Taahiri sat on the bed calmly.

Watching her.

"Chahe tu maane ya na maane... tujhe usse mohabbat ho chuki hai."
(Whether you accept it or not... you're already in love with him.)

"Aur jitni jaldi maan le... utna accha hai."
(The sooner you accept it... the better.)

Her tone turned serious-

"Kahin der na ho jaaye."
(Before it's too late.)

Mahika stopped.

Looked at her.

Taahiri lay back casually, staring at the ceiling-

"Waise... subah maine dadi aur aunty ko baat karte suna..."
(By the way... this morning I heard grandma and aunty talking...)

"Woh Major Ayaan ke rishte ki baat kar rahi thi..."
(They were discussing a marriage proposal for Major Ayaan...)

Mahika's fingers curled slightly.

"Keh rahi thi... ek ladki hai... susheel, sanskaari, perfect."
(They said... there's a girl... well-mannered, perfect.)

A small smirk-

"Aur unhe apne pote-poti khilane hain."
(And they want grandchildren soon.)

Mahika's face changed instantly.

Restlessness.

Discomfort.

Something close to panic.

Taahiri sat up, watching her carefully-

"Agar waqt par apni mohabbat ko accept kar liya... toh shayad zindagi bhar akeli nahi rehna pade."
(If you accept your love on time... maybe you won't have to stay alone forever.)

"Aur kya pata... tujhe teri mohabbat mil bhi jaaye."
(And who knows... you might even get your love.)

She stood up.

Walked toward the door.

Paused.

Without turning back-

"Jitni jaldi samajh jaaye... utna accha hai."
(The sooner you understand... the better.)

"Dimaag chhod... dil ki sunna shuru kar."
(Leave your mind... start listening to your heart.)

A final line-

"Tere paas bhi dil hai... usey kisi ke liye dhadakne de."
(You have a heart too... let it beat for someone.)

And she walked out.

Outside-

A small smile appeared on her lips.

"Chingari toh laga di hai... ab aag khud lagegi."
(I've lit the spark... now the fire will burn on its own.)

Inside the room-

Mahika stood frozen.

Taahiri's words-

Echoing again and again in her mind.

Especially one-

Girlfriend.

Marriage.

Her head started aching.

Thoughts colliding.

Clashing.

Destroying her peace.

Frustrated-

She opened her cupboard.

Took out a cigarette.

Lit it.

Standing by the window-

She took a long drag.

Then another.

And another.

Her fingers trembled slightly.

Her breathing uneven.

Her eyes distant.

All she could see-

Was Ayaan's face.

Again.

And again.

And again.

She looked outside.

Rain pouring endlessly.

And this time-

She didn't stop herself.

Removing the cigarette from her lips-

She whispered softly-

Her voice blending with the rain-

"Kuch nasha teri baat ka hai,
(There is an intoxication in your words...)

Kuch nasha is dheemi barsaat ka hai,
(And some in this gentle rain...)

Humein yun hi paagal mat samajhna,
(Don't think I've lost my mind for no reason...)

Yeh asar pehli mulaqat ka hai..."
(This is the effect of our very first meeting...)

Outside-

The rain continued.

Inside-

The storm had just begun.

Meanwhile-

Taahiri was walking toward her room-

When she bumped into Sanju and Rohan.

"Arey di! Aap kahaan ja rahi hain? Aur Mahika di kahaan hain?"
(Hey di! Where are you going? And where is Mahika di?)

Sanju asked curiously.

"Main apne room ja rahi hoon... aur Mahi apne room mein hai."
(I'm going to my room... and Mahi is in hers.)

Sanju instantly grabbed her hand-

"Arey di chalo na mere room mein! Ek game khelenge... aur mummy ne pakode banaye hain!"
(Come to my room! We'll play a game... and mom made pakoras!)

Rohan nodded-

"Haan chalo... waise bhi bore ho rahe hain."
(Yeah, come... we're bored anyway.)

Taahiri smiled lightly-

"Achha theek hai... chalo."
(Alright... let's go.)

Inside Sanju's room-

Taahiri paused.

Looking around.

It looked like a princess's room.

Soft pink walls.

Teddy bears neatly placed on the bed.

Cute.

Warm.

Completely different from the rest of the house.

She chuckled softly-

"Tum abhi bhi inse khelti ho?"
(Do you still play with these?)

Before Sanju could answer-

Rohan jumped in-

"Aapko nahi pata... iski height hi badi hui hai... dimaag abhi bhi bacchon jaisa hai."
(You don't know... only her height has grown... her brain is still like a child.)

"Tumhe kya!"
(What's your problem!)

Sanju snapped.

And just like that-

They started fighting.

Taahiri quickly stepped in-

"Arey bas karo! Bacchon ki tarah kyun lad rahe ho?"
(Stop it! Why are you fighting like kids?)

Sanju sat on the bed, pouting-

"Main kuch nahi karti... yeh hi shuru karta hai."
(I don't do anything... he starts it.)

Rohan pulled her braid playfully.

Taahiri shot him a look.

He immediately backed off-

"Main pakode lekar aata hoon!"
(I'll bring pakoras!)

And ran away.

Taahiri shook her head, smiling faintly.

After a while-

Rohan returned with a plate.

All three sat together.

Talking.

Laughing.

Eating.

Sanju suddenly said-

"Di... Mahika di ko bhi bula lete hain."
(Let's call Mahika di too.)

Taahiri shook her head-

"Woh nahi aayegi... kaam kar rahi hai."
(She won't come... she's working.)

She knew.

Even if they called-

Mahika wouldn't come.

Rohan spoke thoughtfully-

"Waise woh itni chup kyun rehti hai? Humse baat bhi nahi karti."
(Why is she always so quiet? She doesn't even talk to us.)

Sanju nodded-

"Haan..."
(Yeah...)

Taahiri replied calmly-

"Woh shuru se hi aisi hai... use zyada logon se ghulna pasand nahi."
(She's been like this since the beginning... she doesn't like mingling much.)

Rohan added-

"Bilkul Ayaan bhai jaisi."
(Just like Ayaan bhai.)

Sanju laughed-

"Aur Ronit bhai bhi!"
(And Ronit bhai too!)

At the mention of Ronit-

Taahiri paused.

Something shifted.

A curiosity.

A quiet interest.

She leaned slightly-

"Ronit ke baare mein batao..."
(Tell me about Ronit...)

And slowly-

Through casual conversation-

She learned everything.

Ronit Mehra.

From Gujarat.

Family still there.

Ayaan's friend since college.

Both had dreamt of becoming soldiers.

Together.

Always together.

Tej had joined them during training.

"Woh kaafi samajhdaar hai... par zyada serious rehta hai."
(He's very sensible... but mostly serious.)

Taahiri listened.

Quietly.

A small smile forming on her lips.

For reasons-

Even she didn't fully understand.

She wanted to know more.

About him.

About Ronit.

🎶__________________________________________________________
🦋🎶

ִֶָ. ..𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ🪽་༘࿐