𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟑

✨ 𝐇𝐞𝐲, 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐘𝐞𝐬, 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐌𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 ✨

I just want to take a moment to remind you you're doing better than you think. Life has its ups and downs, moments of uncertainty, and days that feel heavier than others. But trust me, every step you take, no matter how small, is leading you somewhere beautiful. 💫

So, take a deep breath, keep going, and remember you're not alone. And if you ever need a little escape, this story is always here for you. 💙

Now, let's dive into the next chapter, shall we? 😉

✨𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐡𝐢 | 8:𝟎𝟎 𝐀𝐌✨

A new morning. A new beginning.

Aashima stepped out of the bathroom, wrapped in the fresh scent of jasmine, her maroon Anarkali flowing gracefully around her. She stood before the mirror, she ran lotion over her arms and face, moving through her usual skincare routine before reaching for her kajal, gliding it smoothly along her eyes.

A touch of mascara, a small red bindi, and a subtle shade of lipstick brought out her elegance. She fastened her bangles around her wrists, their soft clinking filling the quiet room, and completed her look with delicate earrings her first love..

With a final glance at herself, she turned toward the door and walked into the hallway, heading straight for Tanya's room. As she pushed the door open, she sighed. As expected, Tanya was still buried under the covers.

Shaking her head, Aashima walked up to the bed and nudged her shoulder. "Tanu, wake up. Bohot der ho gayi." (Tanu, wake up. It's really late.)

Tanya groaned, pulling the blanket over her head. "Kya hai, Aashi? Sone de na." (What is it, Aashi? Let me sleep.) Her voice was muffled with sleep.

"Nahi! Get up, yaar. Hum already late ho rahe hain!" (No! Get up, yaar. We're already getting late!) Aashima huffed, yanking the quilt off her.

Tanya peeked at the clock and let out a dramatic whine. "Arre, abhi sirf 8:30 hue hai. Konsi dukaan khul rahi hogi itni subah shopping ke liye? Let me sleep aur ek kaam kar tu bhi so ja." (It's just 8:30. Which store even opens this early? Let me sleep, and do one thing, you also go to sleep.) She grabbed a pillow and stuffed it over her face.

Aashima rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "Shopping ke liye nahi, hum mandir ja rahe hain! Chal, get up!" (Not for shopping, we're going to the temple! Come on, get up!)

Tanya peeked out from under the pillow, eyes half-open. "Ye toh plan hi nahi tha, chal let's do one thing, we'll go tomorrow. Now let me sleep." (This wasn't the plan, let's do one thing, we'll go tomorrow. Now let me sleep.)

Aashima groaned, yanking the pillow away. "Tanu, agar tu abhi nahi uthi na, toh main tujhe uthane ka koi aur tareeka dhoondh lungi." (Tanu, if you don't wake up now, I'll find another way to wake you up.)

Tanya narrowed her eyes. "Tu aisa kuch karegi, nhi toh fir dekh, main tere saath kya karti hun!" (If you do something like that, just wait and watch what I do to you!)

Aashima smirked. "Try me."

Before Tanya could protest further, Aashima grabbed the water bottle from the side table and tilted it just enough for a few drops to fall on her face.

"AASHI!" Tanya shrieked, jerking up.

Aashima bit back a laugh. "Ab chalegi?" (Now will you come?)

Tanya groaned dramatically, rubbing her eyes. "There's no one more evil than you!" 

Aashima grinned. "I know. Now hurry up, warna phir hum sach mein late ho jayenge." (I know. Now hurry up, or we'll really get late.)

Tanya, still grumbling, threw off the covers and dragged herself out of bed. The day had just begun, and Aashima had already won the first battle.

After half an hour, Tanya finally emerged from her room, dressed and ready.

"Chale?" Aashima asked, adjusting her bangles. (Shall we go?)

Tanya rolled her eyes dramatically. "Do we even have a choice?" she asked sarcastically.

Aashima chuckled. "Nope." She grabbed Tanya's hand. "Chal ab!" (Let's go now!)

With that, they headed to the temple.

✨𝐀𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞✨

The temple courtyard was bustling with devotees. The scent of fresh flowers and incense filled the air as Aashima and Tanya bought offerings and climbed the stairs. Just as Aashima reached the last few steps, her eyes caught sight of an elderly woman who suddenly lost her balance.

Without thinking twice, she rushed forward and held the lady before she could fall.

"Aunty, aap theek toh hain?" she asked, concern evident in her voice. (Aunty, are you okay?)

The elderly woman steadied herself, taking a deep breath. "Haan, beta, thank you very much... agar tum na hoti toh pata nahi kya hota." (Yes, dear, thank you so much... If you weren't here, I don't know what would've happened.)

Aashima smiled warmly. "Kuch nahi hota, aunty. Main nahi hoti toh koi aur zaroor hota." (Nothing would've happened, aunty. If it wasn't me, someone else would've helped.)

The lady placed a gentle hand on Aashima's head. "Kitni pyaari ho beta... naam kya hai tumhara?" she asked, admiration in her eyes. (You're such a kind girl... What's your name?)

"Aashima," she answered with a soft smile. Then, noticing the woman was alone, she hesitated before asking, "Aunty, aap akeli aayi hain? Aapke saath koi nahi hai?" (Aunty, did you come alone? Is no one with you?)

The woman's face fell, her smile fading into something distant, something painful.

Aashima immediately regretted asking. "I'm sorry, aunty... agar maine kuch galat bola ho toh." (I'm sorry, aunty... if I said something wrong.)

The woman shook her head, offering a sad smile. "Nahi, beta... aisa kuch nahi." (No, dear... it's nothing like that.) 

She sighed, looking away for a moment before continuing, "Actually, I was in a coma for the last ten years... and when I woke up, I had lost my memory. I don't know who I am or who my family is... I just live in an NGO now." 

Aashima's heart clenched. {How is it possible that her family never tried to find her? How could they be so careless, so emotionless?}

She forced a hopeful smile. "I'm really sorry, aunty... main dua karungi ki aapki yaadash jaldi wapas aaye aur aap apne parivaar se mil sakein." (I really hope you remember everything soon and reunite with your family.)

The lady gave her a small nod.

"Waise aunty, kaunsi NGO mein rehti hain aap? Main aapse milne aaungi," Aashima said sincerely. (By the way, aunty, which NGO do you stay at? I'll come to visit you.)

The lady's face lit up with surprise. "Sach beta?" (Really, dear?)

Aashima nodded.

"Main Prerna Care Home mein rehti hoon," the woman said, her voice holding a hint of hope. (I stay atPrerna Care Home.)

Aashima smiled. "Theek hai aunty, main koshish karungi jald he aane ki." (Alright, aunty, I'll try to visit soon.)

"Aashi, chale?" Tanya's voice interrupted as she walked over. (Aashi, shall we go?)

"Yes, coming," Aashima replied, before turning back to the elderly lady. "Aunty, mujhe ab chalna chahiye... aap apna dhyaan rakhna." (Aunty, I should get going now... please take care of yourself.)

The woman smiled, gently patting Aashima's head before walking away.

After seeking blessings and taking prasad, Aashima and Tanya walked out of the temple.

"Ab kahan, madam?" Tanya asked, stretching her arms. (Where to now, madam?)

Aashima checked the time. "It's ten! Let's go have breakfast at a cute café, then Sarojini for some shopping, and then bookstore, pleaseee! Uske baad mall jaayenge, wahaan dinner karenge, phir ghar!"

(It's ten! Let's go have breakfast at a cute café, then Sarojini for some shopping, and then—the bookstore, pleaseee! After that, we'll head to the mall, have dinner there, and then go home!)

Tanya groaned dramatically. "Rajdhani express, ruk zara! Aur ye bata rahi hai ya puch rahi hai?" (Rajdhani Express, slow down! And are you telling me or asking me?)

Aashima grinned mischievously. "Bata rahi hoon." (I'm telling you.)

Tanya shook her head, laughing. "Toh chalo, madam Sharma.  I'm ready for your madness." (Alright then, madam Sharma.)

And with that, their day of adventure officially began.

They went to a cozy café, sipping on their coffee while having their breakfast and indulging in endless gossip. Laughter echoed between them, their conversations flowing effortlessly. 

Just then, the café door swung open, and Aashima's heart skipped a beat. She frowned slightly, confused. Kya ho raha hai mujhe? (What's happening to me?)

She brushed it off, blaming it on the caffeine rush.

Little did she know, her heart was whispering a truth she wasn't ready to hear yet.

After finishing breakfast, they paid the bill and made their way out. Just as Aashima stepped toward the exit, she bumped into someone. The sudden collision threw her off balance, and she almost fell almost.

A strong hand wrapped around her wrist, steadying her.

Tanya rushed forward, glaring at the man. "Kya bhai, dikhta nahi hai? Kaise chal rahe ho?" (Dude, can't you see where you're going?)

Aashima quickly turned to her. "Tanu, shant ho ja! Kyu chillaa rahi hai? Meri bhi galti thi." (Tanu, calm down! Why are you shouting? It was my mistake too.) She turned to the man, still adjusting her dupatta that had slipped over her face.

 "I'm really sorry," she said sincerely without even looking at him properly.

The man said nothing. He simply stood there, staring at her.

"Chalegi ab? ...Chal!" (Will you come? Let's go!) Aashima grabbed Tanya's hand and walked away, completely unaware of the lingering gaze behind her.

The man stood frozen, watching her disappear into the crowd.

From there, the two friends headed to Sarojini Nagar, excited for a shopping spree. They roamed through the bustling streets, bargaining like pros, stuffing their bags with clothes, jhumkas Aashi's first love accessories, and little knick-knacks.

Next, they made their way to the famous Faqr Chand Bookstore, their hearts instantly at home among the shelves lined with endless stories. Both picked out books, their love for reading as boundless as ever.

Finally, they headed to the mall, shopping for home essentials and, of course, a little something for themselves. Their last plan for the day? A movie because no girls' day out is ever complete without a cinematic emotional rollercoaster. 

"Sanam Teri Kasam."

A classic heartbreak saga.

By the end, both sat in their seats, eyes red and noses sniffly. Tanya wiped her tears dramatically. "Yaar, koi iss film ko miss kaise kar sakta tha? Haaye, dil toot gaya!" (How can anyone miss this movie? Ugh, my heart is broken!)

Aashima shook her head, sighing. "Acha chal, ab ghar chalein. Late ho raha hai." (Alright, let's go home. It's getting late.)

At the food court, they grabbed dinner, still discussing the film in between bites. Once they were full and exhausted, they finally headed back home.

As soon as they stepped inside, Tanya flopped onto the couch dramatically. "Ufff, aaj toh thak hi gaye!" (Ugh, we're so tired today!)

Aashima chuckled, handing her a glass of water. "Haan toh, movie ka plan kisne banaya tha?" (Well, whose idea was the movie?)

Tanya sighed dreamily. "Yaar, koi Sanam Teri Kasam  kaise miss kar sakta tha? Haaye!" (Dude, how could we miss Sanam Teri Kasam? Ugh!)

Aashima rolled her eyes with a fond smile. "Acha chal, ab so jaate hain. Late ho raha hai." (Alright, let's sleep. It's getting late.)

Tanya stretched and yawned. "Haan yaar, chal. Aur please, kal mujhe jaldi mat uthana!" (Yeah, let's go. And please, don't wake me up early tomorrow!)

Aashima smirked. "Ok meri maa, nahi uthaungi. Happy?" (Alright, my queen, I won't wake you. Happy now?)

Tanya grinned. "Bohot." (Very.)

With that, the two best friends finally called it a night, unaware of how the day had quietly set something in motion something neither of them saw coming.

✨"𝐄𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐣𝐚𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐦𝐞𝐡𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐭 𝐧𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐥 𝐤𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐳𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫 𝐝𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤 𝐝𝐢 𝐡𝐚𝐢... 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐝 𝐤𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐚𝐛𝐡𝐢 𝐬𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐮 𝐡𝐨 𝐫𝐚𝐡𝐢 𝐡𝐚𝐢."✨

𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐝... 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐧 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤, 𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫, 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞.

💫 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝—𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠.

𝐀𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐧𝐨 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐤, 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐚𝐰 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠...

𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞, 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬! 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝. 🖤✨

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐚'𝐬 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐮𝐭? 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡? 𝐋𝐞𝐭'𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬! 💬

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐳𝐳𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫... 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭? 😉🔥

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠
𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫🌹

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