CH 2- Whispers in the shadow

She was lost in the lurking whispers of the words the cassette played. Thinking about the past, the burden she was carrying hinged into her soul as the memories glanced again.

Back to the past. The past 15 years.

“Hello everyone! So here we see the cascading mesmerized house of the biggest lm sta-” As she could continue her lines a stranger came in front of the camera.

He was pretty charming, his black hair was owing like a silk embroidered cloth smooth yet voluminous. His eyes were in the shade of the chocolate fountain in which anyone could indulge.

He was in a frame like a god or to say “A Charming Prince just like a prism” which casts its positive aura in every single direction.
As I caught my sight into his charms and our eyes made a sweet yet unspeakable contact suddenly he knelt I didn’t know what he was going to do. And then suddenly he took a ring out of his pocket which was quite familiar as I gazed upon it I remembered that it was my peacock-feather embedded ring which I thought was lost it meant the world to me and didn’t know how he found that and then he spoke—

“Main neend mein bhi tumhara naam leta hoon, aur sapno mein bhi tumhari muskan dekhta hoon, kya tum meri adhoori kahani ko poori karogi?”

The world around me stopped as he confessed to his feelings. I didn’t know him. He was ‘A stranger’. I felt like it was the right time to move on with a person whom I worshipped for the past 10 years. But he wasn’t the one I was waiting for. He had been changed. Since he had been caught cheating “kissing someone else?” I guess I wasn’t enough for him but not this time. It’s the right time to experience to know how it feels to be loved. Loved by a person who loves you.

“Yes, I would like to be the sunshine you are adoring for. Let’s start a new chapter here by starting a new journey. I would like to know more about you. I way you feel about me—” As I agreed with his confession the crowd started shouting and cheering and suddenly I felt the movements and sounds of the world which I thought was stopped. And suddenly I realized that the show was on air. And now this confession was started as a hot topic around.

We were locked into the sizzling eye contact which was like a warm hug. He was trying to say something but he can’t he gently whispered and asked me if he could make me wear the ring in the buzzing crowd “May I?”.

“Yes, go ahead Mr. Stranger.” I allowed him to make me wear up the ring and he gently slid it through my finger and the ring which I thought was lost. Was back again in its right place and at the right time.

As the ring slid onto my finger, a wave of emotions washed over me. It felt as though time had bent around us, creating a moment that was both meeting and eternal. The crowd’s cheers faded into a distant hum, and all I could focus on was the warmth of his touch and the gentle smile that graced his lips.

“Thank you,” he murmured, his voice low and sincere. “For giving me this chance.” His eyes sparkled with a mix of joy and vulnerability, and I realized that beneath his charming facade lay a depth I was eager to explore.

The energy in the air shifted, igniting a new kind of excitement within me. I was stepping into uncharted territory, embracing the unknown. “So, tell me more about you, Mr. Stranger,” I teased, the nickname rolling off my tongue with playful curiosity.

He chuckled softly, his confidence radiating like the sun breaking through the clouds. “I’m just a simple guy with big dreams, but I’ve always believed in the magic of connections. When I saw you, it was like something clicked inside me. I couldn’t let the moment pass without
telling you how I felt.”

The sincerity in his words sent a shiver down my spine. I hadn’t expected this kind of openness from someone I barely knew, but it only fueled my intrigue. “And what makes you think I’m the right person to share your journey with?”

“Because you’re radiant,” he replied, his gaze unwavering. “In a world full of noise, you shine like a beacon. I want to be part of your light, not just for today, but for all the tomorrows to come.”

His declaration sent a warmth blooming in my chest, but I reminded myself to tread carefully. The ghosts of my past still lingered, haunting the edges of my heart. “I appreciate your words, but I’ve been hurt before. I’m still healing, you know? This is all so sudden.”

“I understand,” he said, his expression softening. “But sometimes the best things in life happen unexpectedly. You don’t have to rush into anything. Let’s take our time and see where this journey leads us.”

His gentle approach soothed my apprehensions, and I found myself nodding. “Okay, I’m willing to give this a chance. Let’s see where this path takes us.

The crowd erupted in applause as we shared a moment that felt both intimate and public, the spotlight shining brightly upon us. I could see the curiosity and excitement in their eyes, but it only added to the moment’s magic.

As the cheers continued, I felt a shift within me. The burden I had carried for so long began to lift, replaced by an icker of hope. Maybe this was the beginning of something beautiful—something I had longed for but feared to embrace.

“Now, let’s get to know each other better,” I said with a smile, and he grinned back his eyes
dancing with anticipation.

“Absolutely. How about we start with your story? I want to hear everything.”

As we walked together, the buzz of the crowd faded into the background, becoming a mere hum beneath the rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins. The warmth of Rudra’s hand in mine felt like an anchor, grounding me as I navigated this new reality.

“Let’s get out of here,” he suggested, glancing around at the urry of cameras and excited voices. “How about we grab a coffee? Somewhere quiet?”

I nodded, grateful for the idea. The bustling atmosphere of the event felt overwhelming, and the thought of stepping away with Rudra was incredibly appealing. We made our way through the crowd, his presence radiating an unshakeable calm that soothed my racing heart.

Once we found a small café tucked away from the chaos, we settled into a cozy corner, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloping us. As we waited for our drinks, I couldn’t help but study him more closely—the way his dark hair fell over his forehead, the subtle way his smile transformed his entire face and the depth in his eyes that hinted at stories yet to be told.

He took my hand, lifting it slightly as if to showcase the ring. “It suits you,” he said, a charming smile playing on his lips. I blushed, feeling the heat of his gaze.

“What’s your name?” I asked, curiosity bubbling within me. He grinned, the kind of smile that made the world feel a little brighter.

“Rudra,” he replied. “And I promise, I won’t just be a stranger. I want to know you, Avantika. I want to be someone you can count on.”

His sincerity struck a chord deep within me. It felt like a melody, a promise of something beautiful. “I want that too,” I confessed, feeling the weight of my past beginning to lift, replaced by a icker of hope.

The moment lingered, a fragile balance between what had been and what could be. Yet, shadows from my past hovered at the edges of my mind. Agastya’s ghost loomed large, whispering doubts and fears that had kept me anchored in place for far too long.

“What are you thinking?” Rudra asked, concern bickering across his features. “You seem… distant.”

I hesitated, torn between the comfort of my memories and the allure of this new beginning. “I just—this feels so sudden. I’ve been through a lot. It’s hard to let go.”

Rudra stepped closer, lowering his voice. “You don’t have to rush into anything. Let’s take our time. I want to learn about you, your dreams, and your fears. Let’s build something real together.”

His words wrapped around me like a warm embrace, oering solace in a world that had often felt cold and unforgiving. I nodded slowly, realizing that maybe this was the chance I had been waiting for—a new beginning that didn’t erase the past but honored it by allowing me to move forward.

As the cheers of the crowd faded into the background, I found myself smiling genuinely for the first time in a long while. “Okay, Rudra. Let’s start our journey. But promise me one thing.”

“What’s that?” he asked, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

“Promise me that you’ll be honest with me. I need someone who will be real—someone who won’t keep secrets.”

“Absolutely,” he vowed, his expression earnest. “I won’t hide anything from you, Avantika. I want you to know me completely.”

“So, tell me about yourself, Avantika,” he urged, leaning forward with genuine interest. “What makes you tick? What are your dreams?”

I took a moment to gather my thoughts. “Well, I’ve been working as a journalist for a few years now. I love storytelling, uncovering the truth, and giving a voice to those who often go unheard.” I paused, the memories of my past experiences coming back. “But I’ve also faced some challenges along the way—especially in my personal life. I thought I knew what love was until everything fell apart.”

Rudra’s expression softened, his eyes reecting understanding. “You don’t have to share everything right away. Just know that I’m here to listen whenever you’re ready.”

His kindness made me feel safe, a feeling I hadn’t experienced in a long time. “Thank you, Rudra. That means a lot.”

The waiter arrived with our coees, and as we took our rst sips, I could see the spark of curiosity in his gaze. “What about you? What’s your story?”

I hesitated, the shadows of my past creeping back in. I didn’t want to dampen the warmth we had just begun to build. “Honestly, I’ve been a bit lost for the past few years. There was someone in my life who meant everything to me, but it ended in betrayal. It took a long time for me to rebuild myself after that.”

Rudra’s brows knitted together in concern. “I’m sorry to hear that. It’s tough to move on from someone who was significant in your life.”

“It is,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “But I want to move forward. I want to learn how to trust again, to feel loved for who I am, not for who someone wants me to be.”

Rudra nodded, the weight of my words resonating between us. “You deserve that, Avantika. Everyone deserves to be loved for who they truly are.”

As the conversation continued, I found myself opening up more than I expected. We talked about our passions, our dreams, and our fears. Rudra shared snippets of his life, his journey as an aspiring filmmaker, and how he had chased his dreams with relentless determination.

“Sometimes, I feel like I’m not enough,” he confessed, a shadow crossing his features. “There are moments when I doubt myself and think I’ll never make it.”

I reached across the table, placing my hand over his. “We all feel that way sometimes. It’s a part of being human. But look at you—you’re talented, and driven, and you have a genuine heart. That counts for so much.”

He met my gaze, and for a moment, the world outside faded completely. It was just the two of us, two souls connecting on a level I hadn’t anticipated.

“Thank you,” he said, his voice low and earnest. “It means a lot to hear that from you.”

As we continued to share our lives, I could feel the walls around my heart slowly crumbling. The burden of my past, while still present, began to feel lighter. Maybe this was what it felt like to truly connect with someone again—to share laughter, dreams, and the unaltered truth.

After an hour that felt like mere minutes, the café began to ll with more customers, the hum of conversation rising around us. I realized how late it had gotten, and the bittersweet reality of our circumstances began to set in.

“Rudra,” I started, my heart tightening at the thought of parting ways, “I really enjoyed this. Thank you for today.”

“Me too,” he replied, a smile lighting up his face. “But it doesn’t have to end here. I want to see you again, Avantika. I want to explore this connection we have.”

The words made my heart skip a beat. I had only just begun to open up to him, but the prospect of seeing him again filled me with excitement. “I’d like that.”

“Great! How about dinner tomorrow? We can take our time, no cameras, just us,” he suggested, his eyes twinkling with hope.

“Yes, dinner sounds perfect,” I agreed, feeling a thrill of anticipation at the thought of our next meeting.

As we stood to leave, I felt an utter of nervousness combined with excitement. This was new territory for me—something beautiful waiting to unfold.

With our goodbyes lingering in the air, I walked away from the café, my heart light and my spirit soaring. Maybe, just maybe, I was ready to embrace this journey with Rudra and see where it would lead.