For everyone in Allahabad, especially the Malhothra family, the Bharadwaj family had died ten years ago, and he very much suspected that they wouldn't like it if they knew that he, Dev Bharadwaj, was still alive! Perhaps even his little Chandni! He knew Chandni had nothing to do with what happened ten years ago but he could never exclude her or separate her identity with her Parents!! He wondered how she would feel if she knew his true identity!! But that situation would never arise of course because he would make sure that it wouldn't. Once he reached that decision, he wiped his tears and went about his tasks meticulously. ***** Chandni showered and took extra care in getting ready. She wore her favourite Kurti with jeans and let her hair out in soft

Chandni forcefully gulped down some milk and left the table, wondering what she must do now to set her mother's mood right again. As always, her warring parents were too busy bickering with each other and were least bothered with what she wanted, how she felt about anything! Nargis approached Sanjay with a worried face. "Sahib, Chandni bitiya hasn't eaten anything properly for the past three days. You do know, right? I have asked her several times, but she refuses to tell me anything. I can hear her sobbing in the nights and even having nightmares. Has something happened at the factory or maybe at Banaras? Do you know anything?" She turned to her husband Rashid who just joined them at the table. Sanjay stayed silent f

As Aryan walked out of the hospital, Chandni's pining and desperate eyes, full of love that he had so heartlessly rejected, continued to haunt him. He ducked behind a pillar the moment he noticed Sanjay at the Hospital Entrance. He was in no mood to talk to him or answer his questions. Sanjay might even think he had some hand in his daughter's current state!! He walked aimlessly through the streets of Allahabad. The busy traffic, the crowds and hustle bustle all seemed to be just white noise in the background. The city he thought he belonged to, which was once so dear to him suddenly seemed an alien city. Will he be ever happy? He wondered! He lost his parents, his brother and now his love, someone he met so suddenly and fell in love so violently, as if he was meant to be... all along. And now fate made him meet her again, but he walked away from this second chance too. But the pain and longing he felt fo

In the evening, he thanked Mukesh Bhai and Gurmeet once again, not only for saving his life but also for being such warm hosts. Just as he was about to leave, Mukesh bhai gave him a box full of Rice Pudding and asked him to take it home to share with loved ones. "No, Mukesh Bhai. I don't like sweet dishes at all and I don't have anyone to share it with." He briskly walked  away from him, wiping his tears stealthily, as he felt saying  those words aloud somehow made it final that Chandni was no longer part of his life. He found an Auto( 3 wheeler Taxi)  and gave directions to go back to the Outhouse. Even though it was barely Six pm, due to the wintery weather, darkness has already begun to engulf the town. He watched aimlessly at the flickering street lights and passing by vehicles for some time before leaning back against the seat of the auto, closed his eyes and let the tears roll. His he

Chandni stumbled forward to close the gap between them and Aryan hugged her fiercely, as he tried to convey all the unsaid things he felt inside. Chandni buried her face in his chest, responding with equal eagerness and dug her fingers into his back, almost fearful that her heart would burst with joy. They both stayed glued to each other for a long time,  finally glad that they could be together again. She realised only then how badly she was missing him on her special day.  A quick sob escaped her, in spite of her best effort to suppress it.  Aryan slowly drew her apart and lifted her face towards him. "Please Chandni, I said Sorry na? Please don't cry." He wiped her wet cheeks. "I am not crying.. I am just sooo happy to see you." Chandni's eyes shone