Ruhana experiences three different scenarios in her dreams at night. Finding herself in the same unknown place has begun to annoy her. She wants to know the meaning behind it. This time, she has seen herself hugging some guy. Who is it? Why is she seeing him in her dreams?

Ruhana is lost in her thoughts while she gets ready for the day. Aadhya nudges her every now and then. She knows that Ruhana is disturbed but she has to move on. She finds Ruhana sitting on the bed and smooths her hair. In the next instant, Ruhana hugs Aadhya, wrapping her arms around her waist and hiding her face in her tummy. Aadhya says nothing but continues to comfort her best friend. She can’t bear to see her worried, but she has to help her decipher the dreams.

“Aadhya, I know nothing about the place. Neither do I know the guy. You know, I don’t have any male friends who are this close. Okay, there’s Dushyant, but I didn’t hear him in the dream. It’s someone else and I don’t know him,” Ruhana says dejectedly.

“Ruu, relax! We will find some answers. Let’s have some breakfast and then visit the central library. You can get all the books you need,” Aadhya tries to comfort her.

“Do you really believe that some of these things might have happened in the past?” Ruhana asks, looking at Aadhya.

“I don’t know, Ruhana. But in your case, I feel your dreams have some meaning. Maybe, past lives exist. We need to find out quickly,” Aadhya says, equally worried for her friend.

"But no one will believe us," Ruhana says dejectedly.

"Ruu! We need to have patience. We will tell the librarian that we need the books for some research," Aadhya suggests, knowing this question could come up.

"That's a good idea. I can't thank you enough for always being here. I wonder what I would do without you, Aadhya?" Ruhana says, holding Aadhya's hands in hers.

"I said I'd always be there. You're a sweetheart, Ruu, and I can't see you suffer alone," Aadhya says honestly and kisses her forehead.

Ruhana smiles at her gesture. This is an assurance that she’s not alone in her tough times. Her friend is by her side if her parents aren’t. Aadhya squeezes her hands gently and assures her. Ruhana smiles at her friend. Meanwhile, Ruhana's mother calls them for breakfast. They pick up their handbags and mobiles and rush out of the room. Ruhana's parents are astonished to find the girls ready.

"Are you two going somewhere?" her father asks sweetly.

"Yes, Dad. Heading to the central library. I want some books," Ruhana replies briefly, updating her dad.

"Is everything fine, honey?" her father asks lovingly.

"Yes, Dad. Just a little bored," Ruhana smiles.

"Ruhana and I are planning to visit the library and then the mall, Uncle. We'll be back by afternoon," Aadhya tells them the plan.

Ruhana's parents instruct them to take care and the two ladies acknowledge their love. Ruhana sighs. She wants to tell her parents about her dreams but knows they will tell her not to overthink. These dreams are taking a toll on her now. She needs to decipher the meaning.

*****
Aadhya and Ruhana leave the house after breakfast. Ruhana is holding her friend’s hand tightly. She’s scared, fearing that her dreams mean something more. Aadhya offers to drive and Ruhana agrees. She's still lost in her thoughts when Aadhya stops the car. Ruhana looks out of the window and finds they are outside the central library. Ruhana hops out of the car and Aadhya joins her at the entrance.

The girls log their details in the entry book and head inside the library. Ruhana runs to the nonfiction section and looks for books on past lives. She's very impatient to find the answers. She's looking at the books when Aadhya points out one on the upper shelf. They need a chair or a ladder to reach it but the available ones are already occupied. Ruhana gets on her toes but can’t reach it.

"May I help you?" a masculine voice falls on the girls' ears.

“No, thanks! I will help myself,” Ruhana replies bluntly, without looking at the guy.

“Hey! I'm just trying to help you. You won’t be able to reach it,” the man replies sweetly.

“I can manage, Mister….” she says but falters as the guy cuts her off.

“Vineet! My name is Vineet Mehra,” the man says and picks up the book that Ruhana is looking at.

Vineet hands over the book to Ruhana, who takes it and thanks him. She is still in a trance when Vineet clears his throat. He wants to talk to her but Ruhana isn’t interested.

“Hey, what’s your good name?” he asks softly.

“Mister, I mean, Mr. Vineet! I am not interested in talking to you. Will you please leave?” she asks softly.

“You’re sweet, Ms. Ruhana. But please be less angry, it doesn’t suit you,” Vineet says softly.

But hearing his voice for the second time, Ruhana is startled. She turns towards him and looks at him from top to bottom.

“You!? Do I know you?” Ruhana rolls her eyes at the man.

“No, we’re meeting for the first time,” Vineet says softly.

“You can trust me! Give me a chance. You will not regret it.”

Ruhana looks at him without blinking. His voice seems familiar. She steps back, but her eyes are fixed on his face. She feels she has heard his voice before. She glances at her best friend and points at Vineet.

“He’s the one! Ye wohi hain. It’s the same voice I heard in my dream.”

Aadhya is stunned, and so is Vineet. He rolls his eyes at Ruhana, not believing her. He asks her to repeat what she just said.

“Yeah, I heard your voice in my dreams,” Ruhana responds, her gaze lingering on Vineet.

“Excuse me, we are meeting for the first time. How can you hear my voice in your dreams?” Vineet questions.

“It’s the same. I saw you in my dream. Just leave…” Ruhana responds as she steps back.

Ruhana cannot believe that she heard a familiar voice from a stranger. She stares at Vineet for a few moments before leaving the library, while Vineet is baffled. He looks at Aadhya. She apologizes to him but doesn’t know how to explain the truth.

“I am sorry, Mr. Vineet. My friend is a little off track,” Aadhya says softly.

“But we haven’t met before,” Vineet says, curious to know how Ruhana could have heard his voice.

“Mr. Vineet, I am sorry for what she said. It’s a long story and I didn’t know she’d react this way. I apologize on her behalf,” Aadhya apologizes again.

“But what is the matter? Why did she say she has heard me before?” Vineet asks, wanting to know the reality.

“Vineet, I don’t think you should get involved in this matter. I have to see her now. And sorry on her behalf.” She apologizes again and leaves the library.

Vineet stands still, confused about what just happened. Ruhana’s face is flashing in front of his eyes. Her horror-stricken face is hard to forget. He’s trying to figure out the reality when his phone rings and he rushes out of the library, as phones are not allowed inside.

There’s a call from his office and he has to attend a meeting. He finally realizes that this query can wait. His work needs him and he can’t be unprofessional.

To Be Continued.