Aadhya enjoys dinner with Ruhana and her parents, which is a feast, courtesy of Ruhana's mother. She has cooked parathas, aloo sabzi, vegetable rice, and fryums. The ice cream is the cherry on top. The girls are happy and, after spending some time together, they rush into Ruhana's room. Ruhana locks the door, and they settle on the bed. Aadhya is already under the duvet, and Ruhana settles behind her, her eyes lingering on the book kept on the bed.

"Secrets of the Past Life"

The question is-does past life exist? She has heard her grandma say that people's luck depends on their deeds in their present and past lives. But Ruhana is unsure at the moment. She looks at Aadhya, who tends to understand her state of mind. Aadhya shows something to Ruhana on her mobile.

"We dream when we sleep. Our subconscious mind shows us all the things that are stored in our brains. The dreams can be weird and repetitive. However, there's a possibility that we see our past lives in dreams."

"So, is it possible, Aadhya?" Ruhana poses her first question.

"I feel so. Your repetitive dreams make me think so. You always say that you see yourself, but your surroundings are different. Isn't it?" Aadhya asks.

"Yeah. Some visions are different, though mostly they're the same. I always see myself with someone whom I don't know," Ruhana says dejectedly.

"Who's the person? Have you seen them anywhere around you?" Aadhya asks softly.

"No, Aadhya. I haven't seen anyone anywhere. I see a guy and then some more people. I cannot understand why I see them," she says dejectedly.

"Ruu, it happens. I believe it's something related to your past. Maybe there's some connection you need to find out," Aadhya says convincingly.

Ruhana nods understandingly. She feels the same as her grandma explained things to her. Her frequent dreams have brought her to a stage where she believes that past lives exist and wants to dig into them. She wants to find out the meaning of her dreams. Silence prevails between the two best friends. They are contemplating their thoughts about the facts they have read. Ruhana sighs deeply and looks at Aadhya.

"We need to find the secrets, Aadhya. I mean, if it is really a past life, I want to know why I experience such dreams. It's crucial now. If I tell Mom and Dad, they won't believe it," Ruhana says dejectedly.

"Ruu, relax. I have got this book for you. We can read it and find the answers. Maybe we'll get a solution that can help you decipher your dreams," Aadhya responds.

"Yeah. I can't thank you enough, Aadhya. You gave me something I have been searching for. I got late at the boutique today; otherwise, I'd have gone to the library," Ruhana shares her feelings with Aadhya.

"Tomorrow is Sunday. The Central Library will open in the morning. We can go and search. Until then, you should start reading this one," Aadhya suggests, as she holds the book in her hands.

Ruhana's eyes twinkle with joy. She pulls Aadhya into a tight hug. She's unable to express her feelings, and Aadhya pats her head softly, telling her that she's by her side and will help her as much as she can. Ruhana smiles. She's touched to have Aadhya, who's ready to believe her. She needs nothing more in life. Having someone who believes you matters a lot in such scenarios. She is touched by her friend's support, and now, she's determined to unravel the mystery of her dreams.

*****
Ruhana begins to read the book. The two friends have decided to start reading it and not procrastinate anymore. Maybe they might find all of their answers in this book. Ruhana starts flipping the pages and suddenly stops at a certain page. Aadhya is astonished and looks at her. She can't read the page fully.

"What happened? Why did you stop here?"

"Aadhya, it says that if we feel that certain events have happened to us before, then it must have some connection with our past lives."

"Has it happened to you, Ruu? I mean, do you feel that you have experienced all of this somewhere at some point?"

"Yes, many times, Aadhya. Even yesterday, when I was working on my designs and talking to myself, it felt like it had happened to me earlier as well," Ruhana explains.

"You didn't tell me about it." Aadhya rolls her eyes at her best friend.

"It has happened many times, Aadhya. Some days ago, I had an argument with a cousin, and I felt as if the same thing had happened before, but it was the first time I argued with Mansi," Ruhana explains her point.

"It's okay, Ruu. I am just kidding. Relax! We need to find out more," Aadhya says, trying to comfort Ruhana.

"And it has three categories, and now I feel, yes, I have experienced all of this," Ruhana says as she's reading the page.

The page explains the events of déjà vu: these are the events that we feel have occurred before. These are divided into three categories. However, Ruhana is intrigued and continues reading the book. It mentions that some people experience events they have lived through, while some dream of a place they have already been to. And the third one is an event triggered by something-a voice or an incident.

Ruhana looks up from the book to contemplate her thoughts. She gazes at Aadhya, who is fast asleep. Ruhana smiles while looking at her and checks the clock. It's 1 a.m. Oh! It's late, and it's time to sleep too. She keeps the book on the side table and covers herself and her friend with the duvet. She can't thank her enough for being so considerate and bringing this book to her.

Many questions are bubbling in her mind, but she needs a good night's sleep. And she hopes for the same.

*****

She sees herself arguing with someone. The other person is trying to attack her, and she's defending herself. The other one is angry for some reason.

"Who are you to do this? And why-why did you do this?"

"I didn't know that. If I'd known, I'd have left you forever."

"You can't do this. We can work it out."

"Nooo..."

Her voice faints.

*****

In the next instant, she finds herself talking to some guy. She knows him dearly, but his face is blurred. She's laughing and hugging him.

"You're sweet. You know how much I missed you."

"I am feeling weird. I don't understand why."

"I am always there. Don't worry! We will find out the truth."

"Trust me!"

"Okay! Relax! Don't tense up so much."

*****

"Why-why did you do this?"

"You... how could you do this? I can't believe it."

A scream echoes in the surroundings.

*****

Ruhana wakes up with a jerk. She's breathing heavily and sweating badly. She keeps her hand on her chest and feels the pounding of her own heart. She's trying to calm herself when Aadhya wakes up. She sits up and holds Ruhana's hand, asking her if she is fine.

"Ruu, what happened? Is everything okay?" Aadhya asks softly.

"I saw the same dream, Aadhya," Ruhana says, her heart still pounding.

"Here, have some water." Aadhya fills a glass of water and gives it to Ruhana.

"Aadhya, this time, there-there were three sequences," Ruhana says, trying to calm herself.

"Were they different from what you saw earlier?" she asks, caressing Ruhana's back.

"Yep, I found myself conversing with two people, Aadhya. And that same familiar place," Ruhana replies, sighing deeply.

"The second conversation happened with a guy. I couldn't see his face, but I feel that I've heard that voice somewhere," Ruhana says, calmer now.

"And the other two?" Aadhya asks.

"Someone-someone tried to attack me, maybe even tried to kill me," Ruhana says, tense at the moment.

Ruhana's eyes are teary. She further tells Aadhya that she again saw that same place she regularly sees. She's still not fully calm, so Aadhya embraces her and pats her back. Aadhya feels that Ruhana is losing herself in her embrace, so she begins to stroke her head. She repeatedly tells her to relax, and soon, being drowsy, Ruhana falls asleep.

Aadhya lays Ruhana on the bed and covers her with the duvet. She pecks a kiss on her head and makes a silent promise to herself that she will help her decipher all these dreams.

To Be Continued.