A Tale As Old As Time - Page 10

Chapter - 14

“What a day!” Dev threw himself on his divan, letting out a loud sigh. Although his session with Ansh was rather brief, for some reason he couldn’t get his image out of his mind. The glint in his eyes was vastly different than what he usually saw in his other patients. Until he met him in person, he saw a common pattern and categorized his behavior, but their interaction made him question his own diagnosis; perhaps for the first time in his entire career, which only added to his frustration. What was it that he was missing?

He opened his bag and drew out Ansh’s sketchbook. He was awestruck by the meticulous detailing, “Gotta give him credit where it’s due, he is awfully good!” Just as he was about to turn the page over, Ansh barged into his apartment, “What the hell did you do with Piya?” Before he could process what was happening, Dev found himself lying in the other corner of the room, bleeding profusely as Ansh hit him with all his might. “For the love of God! Ansh stop it!” 

Karan rushed to Dev’s aid while Rishi stood at the doorstep, astounded at his cousin’s sudden outrage. Even an hour ago Ansh wasn’t well enough to walk properly. How on earth did he manage to run all the way up and then smack the psychiatrist so brutally! It felt as if he was possessed. And the sudden glow in his eyes! Was it real or did he simply imagine that? “Tell me what did you do?” Ansh punched Dev again, making the latter spit blood this time.

“Ansh please! You are killing him!” Karan shielded Dev from Ansh and tried to reason with him. “Why do you think I have harmed that girl?” Dev asked with much difficulty, angering Ansh further but this time Rishi held him from behind, protecting the young shrink. “Thank you so much!” Dev grabbed a tissue from the side table and wiped the blood off of his face. It wasn’t the first time that he had been attacked by one of his patients. However, never had it been so severe, and more importantly, what made the guy so violent towards him when they did not even interact properly? 

“I don’t have time for your games Dev. Last time, I fell for your trap, not this time. You may have succeeded to turn the wheel of time but you will never be able to separate us. One way or another, Piya will find her way back to me. I’ll make sure of that.” “I’m glad that you think you share a love so great that can defy the laws of time and space. But may I ask what exactly I have done to be treated as a villain in your story?” “Listen Sir,” Karan finally lost his patience, “I appreciate your dedication to your patients but this is insane. Stop this nonsense and tell us what you know for your own good.” “Alright,” Dev took a deep breath and faced the cousins, “Neha feels Ansh has schizophrenia.” 

“What?” “Schizophrenia - a disorder where a person slowly loses touch with reality.” “I don’t understand…” “I don’t blame you for that. It’s actually pretty confusing… All I can say is, it adversely affects a person’s behavior, often leading to isolation from family and friends; because they can’t differentiate between hallucination and reality.” He paused briefly, giving the trio some time to comprehend. “I suppose Ansh was in a relationship with some girl named Ruby and yesterday out of nowhere he dumped her which according to Neha is not something his brother would ever do…”

“And that made her suspect Bhai has schizophrenia! She has lost it!” Rishi was aghast. “That and this,” Dev handed him Ansh’s sketchbook. “Do you know what this is?” “It’s Bhai’s sketchbook.” “Yes, but not just any sketchbook. Take a closer look.” “It’s the comic book Ansh started writing for Vishesh.” Karan mumbled. “Wait, what!” Ansh was taken aback. “Please don’t tell me you have forgotten about it,” Karan got a little annoyed. 

“Last month when Vishesh’s favorite comic writer declared he was scraping off one of his favorite franchises, Vishesh was inconsolable and you promised him that you would write him a better one. We thought you were joking; at the very best you might write a few chapters and find something else to distract him. Guess we were wrong.” Appalled, Ansh took the book from Rishi’s hand and looked at it. On that particular page, Pralay Yudh (The Great Battle) was depicted where Piya took Goddess Kali’s avatar and he was lying before her.  

“Everyone in your family is aware that Ansh dotes on Vishesh, not that it’s a bad thing but has it ever occurred to you that his attachment with the boy is almost on an obsessive level?” “No, it hasn’t,” Rishi replied firmly, “Vishesh is our baby brother. Each one of us loves him to the moon. There’s nothing wrong or unhealthy about it.” “Is that so?” “Yes. My sister might hero worship you but to me, you are nothing more than a quack who is hell-bent on proving something is wrong with Bhai. You know what, we have heard enough. Let’s go Bhai.” “I respect your opinion Rishi, I really do. But before you leave, please answer one last question - can you tell me in full confidence that the fire incident didn’t shake Ansh’s core or affect his behavior in any way?” “Well, I…” “Your hesitation spoke for itself.”

“I have had enough of your riddles and honestly… I don’t even care. It was a mistake that I came here. Go ahead, plot as much as you want but if you dare to harm Piya or my family, you’ll see the worst of me. Let’s go guys.” Ansh was about to leave when Dev stopped him again, “I know you don’t trust me, fair enough. But you trust and more importantly love Neha, right? Then hear me out for her sake, you have a shot at a normal life, with people who love you dearly. Don’t toss it away; don’t let one accident dictate your life forever.” “What do you mean?” Ansh stopped immediately. He was least curious about any of Dev’s stories let alone believe in them. Nonetheless, he had to know what conspiracy Dev hatched this time to manipulate his family.   

“Neha told me a massive fire broke out in your apartment when Vishesh was merely six months old. Only Vedashree Ji, Vishesh a,nd you were at home. If she wanted, she could easily flee with her child. But she didn’t. She prioritized you and saved your life while endangering her own along with Vishesh’s. Ever since that day, you made them the center of your life, even if it came at your own expense.” He paused for a moment, “Tell me something Ansh, this girl you are so worried about - Piya. If something is really wrong with her, shouldn’t you be by her side right now? Instead, you are here, fighting me because in your imagination I’m some evil wizard who wants to come between you two.” “Interesting hypothesis. Still, what makes you so confident that all of these things are interrelated and Ansh needs help?” 

“Because I have gone through his books. Neha isn’t some idiot who would try and get Ansh treated simply because he broke up with his long-term girlfriend. But then it struck her, as per her, Ansh has been acting weird for the past couple of weeks. He does something and then he forgets, there’s been frequent mood swings and then sometimes he completely disconnects from his surroundings. I can tell from the look on your faces that you two have noticed this as well. But yesterday, it went out of hand when he attacked his mother and then got into an accident only to wake up to a complete stranger who he now considers the love of his life.”

Suddenly Ansh felt nauseous. How did Dev come to know about all these things? This was exactly how he behaved when he first began to experience his powers. At that time, he was clueless and Ruby with Mohana’s aid took full advantage of his confusion until Piya stepped into his life. Even if Dev got the upper hand this time due to his association with Kalashree, he couldn’t have known every single detail of their past. And more importantly, if he indeed was repeating his behavior, how come he lost his powers? Yes, at this stage he did not have any control over them but his Daavansh side always took over when he got injured or his life was at stake. Then why did it not work the previous day when Avinash hit him?

“Vishesh loves these stories and I guess that’s what triggered Ansh. The adoration in his little brother’s eyes made him want to become the protagonist of the story who ultimately becomes the protector of mankind.” “You are lying.” “I wish I were but I’m not; your love for your brother is so great that you would do anything to please him. It was endearing as long as it didn’t overwhelm your conscious but now things are going out of hand. I’m not saying you shouldn’t pamper your brother. But you should also understand that your Badi Maa made a conscious decision when she saved you because she loves you unconditionally. That makes you a fortunate young man, not a culprit.”

Ansh couldn’t decide how to react. Every cell in his body warned him of Dev’s treachery. Yet, somewhere deep down he felt there was some truth in his narration. Just as Piya was the light in his life, Vedashree was the one who truly gave life to him. He could understand certain changes in this timeline considering someone went back decades ago. But how was it possible that both of his parents were alive and Mohana was a normal human being? 

“Both Vedashree Ji and Vishesh are well aware of what they mean to you. You don’t have to prove your loyalty as a means of repaying your debt. You need to forgive yourself for a tragedy that did not even take place. You must know where to draw the line, where love becomes obsession and easily one can blur the line separating fantasy from reality.” Ansh blankly stared at Dev. Could he be right? The memories that gave him strength, were they all mere his imagination? 

“Are you thinking about what Dev said? There was nothing true or logical about his statement… Look at me Ansh, we haven’t reunited after six years to be separated again. We are made for each other; that’s why we are together despite so many problems and misunderstandings. No one can come between us. 

“He’s a Daivik Piya.” 

“I don’t care who he is. And his identity should not have any effect on our relationship… As long as we are together, we can face anything. Just don’t ever think our separation is the only solution to this problem.” 

“I’m not concerned about this problem Piya, it’s about the connection between two Daivik.” 

“I am connected to you Ansh... And this is how it’ll forever be… You are mine and I’m yours, there’s no place for a third person between us, not even another Daivik…”

No, it was a trap. All those moments he spent with Piya, their love, their loss, her unwavering faith in their connection - he couldn’t let them go in vain. He had to fight with everything in his being to come out of Dev’s spell. “I don’t believe you.” “Ansh…” “You have been talking about my obsession with Vishesh. Fine, I agree it explains some of my actions. But what about Piya? How could I describe her entire family with such perfection when I met her only yesterday?” “You are a creative person. Do I really need to spell it out for you? Inspiration comes in many forms. Maybe you had seen her before with her family and something about them resonated with you. Perhaps that’s why you named your characters after them.”

“So your theory is my characters are very much real but I’m living in an imaginary world where their stories pan out differently?” “Yes.” “You are insane. A delusional person would want to escape the bitter reality not the other way round. Nothing about this book is pleasant. In my sketches, Piya is abandoned in childhood and my character grew up without his biological parents. Why would I want something like that when we both have a complete, happy family in your so-called version of reality.”

“Because tragedy has its own charm Ansh. How many people care about Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”? It’s funny and has a happy ending but people don’t fondly remember him for his comedies as much they fantasize about his tragedies. Be it “Othello” or “Romeo and Juliet”, even kids are aware of them. I told you before also, you have woven a compelling tale here. Two people whose destinies were intertwined for the sake of the greater good, came across and found their missing pieces in one another; two soulmates whose love transcended the barrier of the living and the dead and emerged triumphant; who wouldn’t want to be consumed by such love? I know I would; and so should you. If this Piya girl truly makes your heart flutter, then you should be with her no matter what. Just remember, you should be with a person because you love her, not because you feel compelled to fulfill someone else’s fantasy.” 

Ansh was about to say something when Rishi’s phone beeped. “It’s from the hospital Bhai. She has regained consciousness.”  “Thank God!” Ansh heaved a sigh of relief and smiled. “We better be going Ansh. This entire Q and A session has been nothing but a waste of time.” Karan faced Dev and folded his hands, “I apologize on my brother’s behalf. But we are done here. Let’s go Rishi.” “I wish you all the best Ansh. May Goddess help you find your way. I just hope you don’t come back seeking my help when it’s all over.” 

His last words sent a shiver down Ansh’s spine. What did he mean? Was it some sort of foreshadowing? He turned around again only to see Devs smiling at him. “Your Piya is waiting for you Ansh. Decide with a clear mind how you want her story to end.” “Bhai!” Rishi’s voice startled Ansh, “What’s taking you so long?” “I’m coming.” He closed the door on his way out and took a deep breath. “It doesn’t matter what Dev says. I won’t let him get inside my head. I won’t squander Piya’s efforts because of my baggage. This time, when she opens her eyes, she’ll find the Ansh she always deserved...  

Chapter - 15

“We need to reverse the spell right now!”  It took Naman a moment to register what Saavi had just said. The last couple of hours had been nothing but chaotic. If Piya’s deteriorating health wasn’t enough, he had a hard time convincing the doctor not to inform her parents. And now this… Why couldn’t he catch a break? “Are you listening to me?”  Saavi raised her voice in frustration. “Did your sentence start and end with reverse and right away?” “Yes.” “Then I’ve heard you just fine.” He crashed on the visitor’s chair and let out a sigh. “Why are you being so casual about it?” “I can ask you the same thing, why can’t you be patient for once? We came here to help Piya, not to add to her problems.” 

“So you want me to stand by and watch my sister die?” “Saavi…” “Can’t you see her condition? Even the doctors were out of their wits when we brought her here.” “That’s because her problem is magical, not medical.” “Which is exactly why we need to intervene. I don’t care how Di feels about it, we’ll go back and reverse the spell externally so Di isn’t stuck here.” “And what about Ansh?” “We’ll come back later and convince him about this world being an illusion. But for now, our focus should be on Di. I can’t take any risk with her well-being, I won’t.” 

“I’m not so sure about it.” “What do you mean?” “This entire world is a creation of Piya and Ansh’s conflict. We don’t know what happened, we don’t even know whether Ansh wants to return or not. Do you think we would be able to convince him without Piya?” “I simply don’t care!” Saavi lost her temper completely. “If a grown-ass man like him can’t decide for himself, it’s not on Di to keep saving him. How many times has Di proved her love for Jiju Naman? How many times has she fought death so she could be with him? As if the supernatural world itself wasn’t enough, now she has to face the uncertainties of parallel universes too!”  

“Your anger is justified; nonetheless, how many times has Ansh risked his life to save Piya’s, or ours for that matter? I’m not saying he has never made any mistakes. His guilt for endangering his family has been his undoing. However, if there’s one constant in his life, it’s Piya. He would never willingly part away from her. You better understand one thing Saavi, this isn’t some regular fight where we can intervene and patch them up. Whatever happened between them, it must be complicated, and only Piya can help Ansh.” “Yeah right!” 

“I’m sorry; am I missing something? Why are you being so overtly critical of Ansh all of a sudden?” “Does it matter? I can see he has a staunch advocate in your form and Di… The less I say the better.” She took a deep breath to calm herself down and started again, “It’s irrelevant how I feel about him or this situation. You are right, we should let them be and decide for themselves. And that’s what I would have done if my sister’s life hadn’t been hanging by a thread. So forgive me for being an inconsiderate bitch and dismissing Jiju’s trauma because I just can’t…” 

“I know that! I don’t blame you for choosing Piya over Ansh. All I’m saying is he deserves some benefit of the doubt as well. Not everyone is blessed with the quality of being emotionally distant. Some of us are weighed down by our past and in those moments we end up screwing things up for us and our loved ones. I wish you understood that but… ” “You really think I don’t understand that?” 

Naman felt a pang in his heart seeing tears in Saavi’s eyes. He wasn’t known for saying or doing the most appropriate things. Lucky for him, his teammates always understood his perspective. Even so, what could possibly justify the statement he just made? While his sole purpose was to help Piya, he knew he would be lying if he said Dilruba/Sanam’s presence did not affect his judgment. Otherwise, why would he want to prolong his stay in this illusionary world? 

When Dilruba died, the only thing that kept him going was his love for their daughter. But it was never enough. Deep down, he was terrified of the possibility that the void in his heart would eventually devour Dafli’s world. It was Saavi who came to his rescue at that time. The proud Reevavanshi who had never broken a single rule, gambled everything to reunite him with his Mrs. Ji. It didn’t matter what was at stake, he knew even now if there was the smallest chance of resurrecting Dilruba, Saavi would turn the world upside down irrespective of the change in their dynamics, and step away. Then how could he blame her for being inconsiderate? 

“You are right Naman, I’m not as emotional as the others. Forget emotional, I can be downright insensitive but it’s okay; when you are on your own, you don’t make a big deal out of every single inconvenience. You learn to suck it up and move forward.” “I didn’t…”  “I know you are affected by Sanam’s presence.” She said with a melancholic smile. “Wanna know a secret? I too want to spend my life in this mirage; I want to rest in my mother’s lap, I want to experience how it feels to be indulged in silly fights with your siblings, I… I want such a world to exist where Dad and I are more than acquaintances.” 

“Listen I…” “Sooner or later, we will wake up from this dream Naman. When that happens, I want my Di to be safe. I had already lost her once, I can’t do it again, I won’t survive that.” “Hey, come here,” He hugged her gently, “We’re talking about Piya her; you know how strong her will is, right? She loves you as much as you love her. Do you really think she’ll abandon you?” “Not willingly… But if she has to choose, she will choose Jiju. She has done it before, she’ll do it again. And that’s what enrages me Naman... I know Jiju has his reasons. Still, nothing can justify his mistrust of Di. After everything they have been through together, why does Di still need to reinstate his faith? Hasn’t she suffered enough?”

“They both have, whether we want to admit or not. Listen, this discussion isn’t gonna get us anywhere. I suggest we take some time out and come up with an alternative plan.” “You are right,” Saavi let out a sigh, “We can’t be hasty, it’ll put Di’s life in jeopardy.”  “What if we stick to our original plan but change the source of energy?” “That’ll solve one of our problems, yes, but we’ll still be dependent on Di as she’s the anchor.”  “Not necessarily, you may not possess any magical power but you are still a descendent of the Sarp Vansh. And I had been a Dosarpa for a brief period. Now that our consciousness has already been linked through Daayan Vriksh, theoretically speaking, shouldn’t we be able to reconnect with it independently?” 

“We should! Why didn’t I think of it this? Brilliant idea Naman! Let’s get back to work.” “Wait, don’t you think we should inform Piya first?” “I don’t think so, what if she says no? You know how stubborn she is.” “You are right.” Naman nodded his head. “The sooner we reverse the spell, the better.” “Once we touch these beads, they’ll transfer our consciousness to our actual bodies.” “We can then reverse the spell, give Piya some time to heal and reconnect.” “Yes,” Saavi smiled nervously, holding his hand, “Are you ready?” “Nope,” Naman took a deep breath and pressed her hand to assure her, “But when has that ever stopped us?” “On the count of three… One… Two…” “Three!” Both the Reevavanshis touched the Rudraksh amulets tied to their hands and started chanting to get back to their world… 

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“We’re here…” Before Karan could find a proper spot for parking, Ansh jumped out of the car and rushed inside the hospital. “Hey, slow down!” “Let it be Bhai, it’s pointless.” “For God’s sake Rishi! We’re not in a movie where everything will get sorted magically. Stop fooling around and be serious.” “This is me being practical Bhai. Ansh Bhai beat the crap out of that stupid psychiatrist just because he thought he hurt her. Do you think he’s in his right mind to listen to us? Let him meet the girl first. We can then try to talk some sense into him.” 

“That’s what I’m worried about Rishi, there’s no doubt our brother is madly in love with this girl. I just hope he doesn’t scare her or do something foolish to complicate things further.” “You want to follow him to her cabin?” “I kind of do. But you are right, we should maintain our distance and observe how things go. If things go out of hand, only then we’ll intervene, alright?” “Fine by me.” “Who are you calling now?”  “Neha, we don’t need her or any other family members to barge in here and make a bigger mess than it already is.” “Agreed. You handle Neha, I'll go inside and see if Ansh needs any help.”  

“Where are you Piya!” Ansh looked around frantically. So far, he had been to the ER and the general ward but she was nowhere to be found. “I should have asked Rishi where they have kept her.” He took out his phone and dialed Rishi’s number.  “Hello Bhai?” “Rishi, do you know in which ward Piya is admitted?” “Neuromedicine - 7th Floor, Room No.703.” “Thanks!” Seeing the long queue in front of the elevator, Ansh decided to take the stairs instead.

The 6th Floor was dedicated to the Pediatric Ward. On his way up, Ansh saw a young man cradling his child as they were waiting for their turn. Unknowingly a smile crept across his face. He still remembered the first time he had held Adi in his arms. It wasn’t an easy day, just as Piya went into labor, Mohana reached the holy temple to murder their newborn, and instead of supporting Piya through childbirth, he had to fight Mohana till the very last moment. Words would fall short of describing how he felt when he found Piya lying unconscious in that flooded cave.

But everything faded the moment he saw their son. He had the same glow in his eyes as his father; as if it was his way of telling he was equally excited to meet his parents. So many years passed, so many milestones he had been fortunate enough to celebrate be it Adi’s first step or his first word, nothing ever came close to the feeling of fulfillment when he became a father. 

He never told it to anyone but he regretted leaving Piya alone for those six months, even though it was essential for her and Adi’s safety. To assuage that guilt, he promised himself that he would make it up to her by making every moment special if ever, and whenever they would decide to have another child. How ironic was it that he did the exact opposite? The girl who gave him her all, he crushed her heart and threw her out of his life at her worst. 

It was for the betterment of his family, or so he lied to everyone including himself.  When Piya pleaded with him to listen to her once, he chose his ego and turned a blind eye to her suffering. And when the time came, she once again brought their child into this world alone. While he wallowed in self-pity, she stood strong to raise Pari with all the happiness in the world. Perhaps it was better that way; at least Pari was spared of his antics, unlike Adi.

He was so focused on blaming Piya that he never even realized how his pride robbed Adi of his mother’s love in the first place. Kids were innocent. Maybe that’s why neither Adi nor Pari ever questioned him regarding their separation. They forgot their complaints the moment he reunited with Piya. But was it enough? He begged the Gods for a second chance, wanted to compensate for the lost time, and yet ended up hurting her again. This quest to find her and rekindle their romance - what good would it bring Piya when all she’d be left with is hurt and pain? And what about Adi and Pari? Wasn’t he going to wrong them again by recreating the history?

Suddenly Ansh felt weak in his knees, unsure of whether he should take the next step or not. For as long as he could recall, Piya’s memories were synonymous with his happiness. On the contrary, he was like a dark shadow, casting misfortune on her every step of the way. A hollow abyss of misery that engulfed not only Piya’s life but the next generation’s as well. He wanted to believe this time it would be different. Unfortunately, he felt powerless before his conscious that screamed at him for his duplicity and for doing things that would only benefit him. “Ansh! Is that you?” “Piya!” 

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“Do you realize what you are saying?” “As a matter of fact, I do.” Saavi replied calmly. As expected, Nishant wasn’t in favor of the sudden change in their plan. Not that she could blame him; seeing the pile of blood-soaked gauzes near Piya, Saavi was rather surprised that their father hadn’t done something impulsive already. “Sir Ji, let us explain…” “That won’t be necessary,” Nishant faced Saavi again, “I’m sorry for lashing out. You two have done a terrific job. Unfortunately, this time it isn’t enough.” He sat beside Piya and looked at her helplessly. 

“I’m sorry Dad. We… I failed you. But right now, this is our safest option. You know this as much as I do, we can’t stop Di from going behind Jiju.” “And from what we have seen, without our help, it would be even more difficult for her to handle the situation there.”  “I get that part. I’m more concerned about about Gudiya’s reaction, to be honest.” “I’m sorry, what!” “You think I was born yesterday? Even the most powerful evil entities have never been able to overpower Gudiya like this. This spell is killing her. However, until we wake her up, she has a chance to locate Ansh and bring him back. If we sever their connection now, it would take us another couple of hours before all three of you can reconnect. God forbid, if something happens to Ansh within that period, she will never forgive us.” 

“I am aware. But in those 5 - 6 hours that we spent there, Jiju put no effort into contacting Di. What difference will another few hours make?” “Actually, anything can happen within that time. Think about it, we had to be extremely careful with regard to maintaining the natural order of that world. Maybe that’s what stopping Ansh too. Remember what Piya said? She has seen his entire family including Mridul Ji and Karan. It must have been equally difficult for him if not more.”  

“All the more reason we should hurry.” “You still don’t get it, do you? If you three could get puzzled so much despite knowing everything, just imagine how confusing it must be for Ansh. I hope I’m proven wrong but if something or someone convinces him of the reality of his dreamland while Piya is stuck here, we might never be able to bring him back.” “I’ll take my chances.” “Saavi…” “You are right, Di will never forgive us if Jiju gets hurt. But even for that, she has to be alive. I’m willing to bear her hatred as long as she is safe and sound. Once the connection is broken, Di will still need some time to heal and that’s when Naman and I’ll reenter.” 

“You never intended to share your plan with Piya, did you?” “No, if there’s one quality that I share with Di, it’s our stubbornness. I can’t risk Di coming after us and wasting more time when we should be looking for Jiju. We’ll have to be real quick, there’s no place for any error this time. Dad, I know things did not go as we planned and I apologize for that. But you need to trust me. Please! Before you say something else just let me…” “You don’t have to say anything,” Nishant said in a soft tone.

“It has been my greatest privilege to watch you grow into this strong, young woman. When I said I didn’t need your justification, it was because I knew you wouldn’t let anything happen to Piya or Ansh.  That doesn’t mean I’ll let you put your life at risk for saving Gudiya.” “But…” “Do you know what I regret the most?” “That you let Mom walk out on us when you could have stopped her?” 

“That and the fact that in my yearning for our lost family, I always made you feel alienated. It’s my fault that you feel compelled to prove your worth to me irrespective of the situation. I’m not belittling your love for your sister. But I’m painfully aware of how I have messed up both of your lives and it’s time I took accountability for my actions. As your father, it’s my duty to keep you safe. And that is what I’m gonna do; you are not going anywhere Saavi. I’ll accompany Naman this time.” 

Saavi stared at Nishant blankly, unsure of how exactly she felt at that moment. Wasn’t this what she always dreamt of? To have her father’s validation? Then why did it feel so futile? Why the thought of Piya being in danger overwhelmed her senses? “Saavi?” “You have no idea what your words mean to me Dad. I’m glad that I have finally become the daughter you can be proud of. However, I am not gonna leave Di’s side now just so you can feel better about yourself. Naman and I are taking a calculative risk. If our plan backfires, we will still need an expert Reevavanshi to reverse the spell. If you really want to help us, just be here and stop Di from unleashing her wrath on us, okay?” 

She hugged Nishant tightly and looked at Naman, “If you want to back out, now’s the time.” “I didn’t hold your hand to let go at the slightest inconvenience. We’re in this together whether you like it or not.” “You are giving Ansh a tough competition for making me uncomfortable.” Nishant cleared his throat to draw Naman’s attention. “Sorry! I was trying to…” “Just kidding, I’m relieved to know my daughter chose the right person. Now come on, we don’t have much time.” 

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“Piya?” “Didn’t I tell you, no matter what happens I’ll find my way back to you?” She could barely complete her sentence before Ansh engulfed her in a bear hug, letting out a silent cry. He didn’t know why but for some unknown reason his mind wandered off to the moment he had first met Piya - the way her eyes lit up seeing those flying lanterns, her childlike innocence, the tinkling of her earrings as they swayed with the wind. Everything about that night was magical. But what stayed with him was the sense of belonging he felt in her presence. Even when Mohana took control of his mind, every time he came across her he felt a flicker of warmth before drowning in the ice-cold ocean of darkness again. 

For the longest time, he didn’t quite understand why he felt so drawn toward her. What was the reason that every time their eyes met, something stirred in his soul? One might blame their shared destiny for that matter. But was it mere fate? Or there was something even bigger in the play? He didn’t know. For all that mattered, her touch felt the same as it felt years ago. Perhaps that was it; there was no need for any justification as to why someone like her would ever fall for him. He simply had to let go of his inhibitions and lose himself in her. 

“How are you feeling now?” Piya took a glance at his skull, carefully examining his wound. “Never better,” He held her hand and gently kissed her, “You don’t seem too well either. Let me call the doctor first.” “Ansh listen to me carefully, this world…” Suddenly she felt a strong pull, as if someone was trying to take control of her consciousness. “Piya what happened?” “I’m fine. We need to…” She clutched onto his jacket to resist but in vain. Every muscle in her body squirmed in excruciating pain. “Piya hey, look at me! Talk to me!” “Ansh…” Warm blood oozed out of her nose, alerting her of the impending doom, “None of it is real.” “What?” “Promise me you won’t…” She lost consciousness and fell into his arms leaving Ansh distraught. “Piya!” He kept screaming her name, trying every possible measure to revive her until realization dawned on him - she was gone...

*** Author's Note ***

Hello my dear readers!  I hope all of you are doing great.  Inspiration comes in different forms and this fic is no exception either.  In the last segment of this chapter where Ansh reminisces about their first meeting, I got the idea from a poem written by another loyal fan of Nazar who runs a fanpage named nazarmemes

With her permission, I posted the poem here since it blends with the theme perfectly. 

She is an extremely creative person with a great sense of humor.  Do visit her page and share your thoughts with her...    

jjjj