❝ हाँ, ये तक़दीर मेरी मुझे तुझ तक ले आए,

पर ना जाने मेरी किस्मत मुझ पर क्यों इतने ज़ुल्म ढाए। ❞

A little girl entered inside with a tray in her small hands, taking each step carefully. The room was consumed by darkness, but still there was a shaft of light bursting through the windows. The air was thick, dipped in pin-drop silence.

The girl was moving slowly, her hands trembling, eyes flickering between the tray and the figure in front of her.

As she reached near the massive bed with quiet steps, her feet halted for a second on seeing the lady sitting on the bed, leaning back against the headboard. Her face was pale, her eyes blank and unreadable, her body numb and motionless.

The little girl gulped the lump forming in her throat before setting the tray down on the bed and sitting in front of her.

“Mom…” her voice was just above a whisper. She reached out for her hands, holding them lightly and carefully… like fragile glass.

“M-mom chalo khana khate hain.”

(M-mom, come… let's eat food.)

Her voice cracked as she tried to hold back her tears, lips curving into a forced smile.

But… her mother didn’t move an inch. Still in the same position, unaware of her daughter’s presence.

“M-Mumma! I’m s-sorry,” she said while shifting closer to her mother, holding her hands more tightly yet carefully.

Now it became difficult to breathe as her throat tightened, aching as she suppressed the tears from flowing down her cheeks.

That’s when… her breath got caught in her throat when the hand she was holding moved a little.

“Mu-Mumma…”

She broke down into tears, hugging her mother tightly from the waist, digging her head into her as if it were the only escape from the dark reality of her little world.

Muffled sobs filled the room. Her mom’s hand moved… and that little child couldn’t decide whether she should feel happy or sad.

The muttering between her sobs stopped when the door of the room opened with a loud thud.

“AANWII!” a man barged in while shouting.

Her breath stopped, her body stiffened. She backed away as quickly as possible but—

When her eyes opened, which had been tightly shut in terror because of the mistake… her world changed.

Fists clenched on both sides of her bedsheet, she stared at the white ceiling of her room. Her breaths were quick, lips parted, and her body shivered. That stern voice was ringing in her ears, making her numb… even after escaping from the nightmare.

“AANWII!” Again a shouting voice hit her ears.

Hearing that, she blinked and looked around. Catching her breath, she realized it was her room. The sun was up, spreading sunshine and casting away the darkness from every single corner of the room.

“Aanwi! Uth jao warna der ho jayegi.”

(Aanwi! Wake up or you’ll be late.)

The voice was sharp and piercing, indicating that her grandma was getting angry now.

She closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the reality. Taking a long breath, she opened them again and sat straight on her bed.

“Ji Nani, uth gayi.”

(Yes Nani, I’m awake.)

She got down from her bed and headed towards the bathroom. Her face was neutral, hair ruffled, eyes heavy and glistening… from tears. Seeing her reflection in the mirror, she stared blankly at herself. Like a secret meant only for her, something to keep hidden from the world.

After some time, she stepped out of the bathroom, drying her drenched hair with a towel. Dressed in a simple red suit, she reached the dressing table.

Now… her reflection looked pretty. Those heavy eyes were replaced by bright brown ones, yet her face was telling a different story.

She dropped the towel on the chair and picked up a comb. Her hands froze midway while brushing her hair. She looked at herself and, with a deep sigh, her lips stretched into a smile… not too bright, not too dull. Like a measured and practiced one.

After getting ready, she stepped out of her room. The fragrance of jasmine incense sticks lingered in the hallway.

Following that fragrance, she reached the Pooja Ghar. Her grandma was performing Aarti, her grandpa standing beside her ringing the bell in his hand.

She joined her hands, closed her eyes, and sang the Aarti along with them.

When the Aarti ended, her grandma extended the plate toward her grandpa while waving the diya before him, then turned to Anwita and did the same.

She put tilak on their foreheads one by one and then gave them prasad.

Anwita moved forward and touched Goddess Durga’s feet before joining her palms and making a wish.

Breakfast was ready, and we were all eating together.

“Nanu! Lily aur Max nahi dikh rahe.”

(Nanu! I can’t see Lily and Max.)

I asked while roaming my eyes around the living room.

“Woh dono apne room mein hain beta, so rahe hain.”

(They are in their room, beta… sleeping.)

My brows frowned at his reply. They’re sleeping?

“So rahe hain?”

(Sleeping?)

I repeated, questioning the reason. Grandpa was about to say something when a calm but sharp voice cut him off.

“Haan… sab inki galti hai.”

(Yes… this is all his fault.)

Grandma said before taking a sip of tea while looking at Grandpa.

“Ji main… par maine kya kiya?”

(But… what did I do?)

Grandpa asked, looking clueless like a lost man.

“Aapne hi bigaada hai un dono ko.”

(You’re the one who spoiled those two.)

Grandma said, glaring at him this time.

“Nani… nani…” I called her, and she looked at me. Of course, she hated seeing anyone sleeping when it was past 6 a.m. With a slight smile, I said,

“Koi na, woh dono toh free rehte hain… chahe jab uthe ya soyen.”

(It’s okay, they are free anyway… they can wake up or sleep whenever they want.)

Nanu looked at me and sighed in relief. But Grandma replied,

“Toh kya hua? Khane-peene ka apna time hota hai… raat bhar dono jaag rahe the aur ab so rahe hain.”

(So what? Eating has its own time… they stayed awake all night and now they’re sleeping.)

I took the last sip of my tea while processing her complaint and said, “Un dono ko main samjha dungi… aap chinta na karein.”

(I’ll explain it to them… you don’t worry.)

Then I passed her a bright smile before getting up from the chair. And there was my grandpa giving me a thumbs-up for rescuing him from his wife.

I entered the room—my workroom—and the scene was… relaxing. On their soft cushions they were asleep. Max was resting his head on Lily's neck and holding her with his paws around her stomach.

I chuckled at the sight, admiring them for a second before walking towards the table beside them. I picked up my backpack and checked all the things required for today, silently and carefully.

But then… my phone rang.

I stopped and quickly silenced it. But the damage was done. Those two sleeping beauties were awake now.

I picked up the call and held it near my ear. “Hello?” I said first, unaware of the person on the call while packing my bag.

“Hmm… is meethi awaaz ke peeche ka kya raaz hai… hume bhi batao.”

(Hmm… what is the secret behind this sweet voice… tell me too.)

A heavy, raspy voice came from the phone. My brows frowned and I froze for a second.

Then my mind clicked.

I got it.

“Yeh kya tha… main toh dar gayi thi.”

(What was that… I got scared.)

I replied and checked the caller ID again. Unknown number.

“Aap kyun darein… aapse toh hum darte hain, janeman.”

(Why would you be scared… I am the one who’s scared of you, darling.)

Again that cheesy, heavy voice playfully hit my ears.

I closed my eyes at the words, then held the phone between my shoulder and ear and zipped my bag after checking it one last time.

“Kannu…” I said, letting her know she had been caught.

I picked up my backpack and hung it on my shoulder before holding the phone again.

After a few seconds of silence, a slight chuckle escaped… like she tried to stop it but I heard it.

Then she laughed fully.

“Okay genius, tumne pakad liya mujhe.”

(Okay genius, you caught me.)

I turned toward the gate and saw the two cats stretching, yawning, still stumbling in their sleep. I chuckled and said,

“Hmm… aur yeh unknown number se call karna kab band karengi aap?”

(Hmm… and when will you stop calling me from unknown numbers?)

“Jab aap kahen, janeman… aapka hukm sar aankhon par.”

(Whenever you say, darling… your wish is my command.)

She said in her playful voice, continuing her cheesy talks. Even though I couldn’t see her, I knew she was grinning proudly.

“Aapka hukm sar aankhon par…”

(Your wish is my command…)

I repeated in her tone, teasing her.

“Rehne hi do. Kitni baar keh chuki hun charger leke jaya karo… par nahi, aapko toh masti karni hoti hai.”

(Leave it. How many times have I told you to take your charger… but no, you just want to fool around.)

Now I was scolding her a little, my brows knitted. She always does that… forgetting her things at home. Only to hear her say,

“Hihihihi…”

I sighed in disbelief. And she said, “Abki charger bhi hai aur mera phone bhi charge hai… bas main hi tumhe tang kar rahi hun. Kya karun, main hun aadat se majboor.”

(This time I have my charger and my phone is also charged… I’m just teasing you. What can I do, it’s my habit.)

“Hey bhagwaan…”

(Oh God…)

I shook my head and then asked, “Achha yeh batao ghar kab aaogi?”

(Okay tell me… when are you coming home?)

“Aww… meri wifey mujhe yaad kar rahi hai.”

(Aww… my wifey is missing me.)

Again her teasing. Then she burst into laughter.

“Kanika..” I said in a stern voice this time. She cleared her throat after hearing me.

“Okay okay… dekho kal shayad.”

(Okay okay… maybe tomorrow.)

“SHAYAD?”

(Maybe?)

I repeated while crouching beside Lily, who was lying on her back waiting for me to pet her stomach.

“Tch… koi na. Lunch ke time milte hain wahin apne café mein.”

(Never mind. Let’s meet at lunch time in our café.)

Her voice softened at the thought of meeting. “Okay, done.” I said with a smile while petting Lily’s stomach.

“Okay byii…”

“Byii…”

I hung up the call.

Now Max also lay there, asking for attention. I chuckled at them. “Tum dono pitoge kisi din Nani se.”

(You two will get scolded by Nani someday.)

I ruffled both of their furs. “Shaitaan ho gaye ho dono.”

(You both have become little devils.)

I grabbed them both and turned them on their feet, indicating them to wake up. And they just replied with low meows. They walked toward me and rubbed their bodies against my legs, like saying goodbye in their own way.

I petted their heads softly. “Bye bye… aur Nani-Nanu ko pareshaan mat karna, hm?”

(Bye bye… and don’t trouble Nani and Nanu, okay?)

Then I stood up, placed light pecks on their heads, and walked out of the room.

And there in the living room, the TV was on, screening the news. Grandpa was sitting on his rocking chair with a newspaper in his hands, his eyes covered with rimmed glasses, and Grandma was sitting beside him on the couch, her hands busy stitching embroidery on a handkerchief.

The windows were open, giving a clear view of the porch outside. Dim sunlight entered through them, spreading over the table and kissing the green leaves of the planter, making them vibrant.

And I was just standing at the entrance, admiring and realizing what home feels like... Just them, my grandparents—the only thing left as my lifeline.

I turned on my heels and reached the kitchen’s gateway. Two helpers, Sofia di and Sonia di, were standing there near the gas stove.

“Di,” I called, and they turned their heads. “Maybe I'll be late today… please take care of them,” I said in a soft and respectful manner.

“Are Aanwi… ye bhi koi kehne ki baat hai.” Sonia di said, coming towards me and placing her palm on my back. (Oh Aanwi… is that even something you need to say?)

Then she continued, “Humare bhi Dada dadi lagte hai, hum khayal rakhenge tum befikr raho,” passing a sweet little smile and holding my gaze reassuringly. She patted my back before stepping back.

(They are like our grandparents too; we will take care of them, you stay worry-free.)

I nodded and said, “Ji…” then, pressing my lips together in a tiny smile, I added, “Achha mein chalti hun.” (Okay, I’ll get going now.)

They both nodded with smiles and turned towards the living room. As I approached them, I sat beside Grandma and gave her a side hug.

“Ab mein chalti hun nani,” I said, resting my head on her shoulder.

(Now I’m leaving, Nani.)

Her palm reached my cheek and rested there softly as she said, “Ese nhi kehte… kitni baar samjhaun.” Her tone was commanding as she corrected my words.

(Don’t say it like that… how many times have I explained this to you.)

I raised my face from her shoulder. “Oh… sorry,” I said, then kissed her cheek before adding, “Jaldi aati hun… theek?”

(I’ll come back soon… okay?)

Her hand rested on my cheek and gave a gentle pat as she smiled brightly. My hands moved again and I embraced her in a hug before moving away. My heart fluttered, and my eyes smiled on their own.

Then I reached Nanu. His eyes were fixed on the newspaper while the television news blabbered in the background. I bent down and touched his feet with one hand, the other holding the bag at my side. I moved my hand back, resting it on my forehead, and said, “Bye bye, Nanu.”

“Khush raho beta… theek se jao,” his blessings broke through the rustling sound of the newspaper as he folded it down and placed his hand on my head.

(Stay happy, child… go safely.)

I straightened up, nodded, then turned towards the entrance. I picked up the car keys, wore my footwear, and gave them one last glance. They were waving their hands, and so did I.

.

.

.

.

.

I stepped inside the clinic after parking my car. The very first thing that welcomed me was a greeting. “Good morning, ma’am,” the receptionist said. I greeted back with a quick glance, a respectful tone, and a slight nod. “Good morning.” Still stepping in with my head up, each step echoed in the hallway with a dull clicking sound. I reached my cabin, twisted the knob, and the door opened with a click.

The leather fabric smell of the furniture hit my nostrils, while the fragrance of flowers lingered in the room. I placed my bag near the side table beside the black leather seat and then sat down.

I leaned back, resting my head, and rolled the chair slightly back with a push of my leg. My hand reached for the cord of the window blinds. I pulled it downward and the blinds moved up, allowing sunlight to enter, spreading all over my table.

Then there was a knock on the door, so I quickly corrected my posture. My fingers brushed the edge of my dupatta, adjusting it properly.

With my elbows resting on the wooden table, I said, “Yes, come in,” my voice low, measured with manners and respect. The door clicked open and, with a handful of files, Rashmi stepped inside.

“Ma’am, these are the reports of yesterday’s checkups, and the appointments are starting from 9 o’clock,” she informed. I nodded with a low “Hmm.” She turned around and started walking out of the office when I said, “Miss Rashmi, madam… you forgot to greet me.” Her steps halted. I leaned back in my chair.

She turned to face me and said, “Oh… sorry, ma’am,” with one raised brow. She stood straight, hands clasped in front, before greeting, “Good morning, boss,” and with that she also gave a salute, full of energy.

“Good morning, Miss Forgotten,” I replied, doing the same and matching her pace.

And with that we burst into laughter, our serious faces slipping into wrinkled smiles. “Okay… bye, Aanwi,” she said while controlling her laughter, then turned to leave. I sat back in my chair and gave a goodbye salute. Then she disappeared behind the door frame.

This is how we are—friends and colleagues. Of course we have to spend the whole day together; it’s important to have some lighthearted talks along with the responsibility of work.

This… this job is not just work… it’s a purpose to still be alive.

Hours passed—checkups, tests, reports, exhorting people, standing beside beds—without a break.

Am I getting tired?

Not now. Not ever.

It’s something that gives me peace and exhaustion at the same time. I get tired but never bored, never frustrated. Because I love what I do. Every person, every animal brings something new for me to face, to understand, to commit to, and to deal with.

And then it became lunchtime. The sounds of footsteps, doors, conversations, and pages eventually disappeared, leaving behind only the low hum of distant voices.

Am I forgetting something?

Yes.

The lunch. With her.

I checked the watch on my wrist and it was… past one o’clock.

SHIT!

She must be tired and hungry. And here I was, just standing.

Run, Aanwi, RUN!

But then a message popped up on my phone screen and I stopped.

.

.

.

.

.

The second I stepped inside the café, I felt sharp glares boring into me.

And when I turned…

There she was, with a sarcastic smile and eyes—eyes full of warnings. With a sunflower bouquet in my hands, I walked towards her table. I extended the bouquet in her direction but—She was still glaring.

Cute.

A chuckle almost escaped my lips, but biting my lower lip I suppressed it before quietly setting the flowers beside her. I passed a nervous smile before sitting across from her.

Seconds passed in silence that screamed storm—my best friend’s angry storm, which came just for food.

Yeah…

She is foodie.

And here she had called me on a dinner date.

And as always, I was late.

Dinner.

At five o’clock.

Because as per our families—before 7 pm the world is safe for us… the ladies.

Suddenly, to my surprise, her face softened, almost dropping the act when she saw something behind me.

And then my eyes were covered as someone’s hand slid from behind my head, blocking my view.

But—

I was not shocked.

Because I know that “someone” pretty well.

.

.

.

.

.

I was heading back to the clinic.

The sky was becoming a canvas of deep violet, fiery crimson, and a soft glow of orange rays at the edges as the sun dropped below the horizon. The warmth of the air moved over my cheeks, matching the last traces of warmth on the breeze.

My steps slowed to feel more.

The city breathed in a low, rhythmic drone — a reminder that the world was still moving while the sun refused to go quietly and bid a sharp, golden goodbye.

Along the track, I saw many stalls, stores, toys, ice-cream carts, and my favorite flower market — the one from where I had bought the bouquet a while ago.

The smell of fresh flowers, leaves, and that dull but noticeable scent of wet soil lingered in the air. Slightly, my steps slowed on their own as my eyes roamed around the surroundings.

Crowds never came to these shops.

They always gathered where the bigger markets were.

That’s why I loved visiting these stalls.

But it was already getting late.

I started taking longer strides, hoping to reach home earlier, checking my wristwatch in between.

But then—

I heard a sharp scream.

I looked back over my shoulder, toward where the noise had come from. Many gazes darted in that direction.

I saw a bike speeding fast, as if the rider wanted the vehicle to fly. It passed just beside a girl, almost touching her.

I frowned at the scene.

Seriously… disgusting.

I swear, they need a proper knock on their heads—maybe that’ll finally set their brains straight.

I was still walking, but the scene that had passed before my eyes lingered in my head.

When the light rays started saying goodbye and the night became crowded, it happened.

It always happened.

At any corner of this world.

Again — the sound of a roaring engine echoed on the road.

But this time, something totally unexpected happened.

Someone screamed.

But the reason… was different.

On the other side of the road, on the walkway, there was a certain spot where people were running away from.

The second I got a clear view—

I froze.

Blood.

A man.

A man was standing there, still, but his forearm was bleeding.

For a second, my mind went blank.

But the sound of the bike engine brought me back.

They were running away.

The attackers.

That time I saw a knife.

My breath got caught before I even realized it.

My eyes widened and my legs moved a step back on their own.

They were reaching that man.

My eyes roamed around, searching for someone to step in and help.

No one moved.

Everything seemed still for a moment, yet it all passed in the blink of an eye.

The few people who were barely present were just running away.

And I…

I was frozen there.

The sound of the engine cut through the air.

That bike passed right beside me.

I tightly closed my eyes as the roaring noise sliced through the air like a sharp blade before slowly fading away.

My body trembled.

Screams, footsteps, and the blabbering of people echoed in my ears until my eyes were tightly shut.

Then I shot them open when the sound of something falling hit my ears.

A thud.

A bouquet of flowers… falling beside him.

And he…

He was—

I forgot to breathe.

To blink.

To move.

My body froze for a second and then—

I ran.

I just ran toward him.

To help.

To—

I don't know.

I couldn’t see anything clearly now.

Everything faded.

Blurred.

Just one thing remained clear in my view.

Him.

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