She sits among the pieces of a life that felt like someone else's.
The old bruises are fading, but the emptiness left behind is loud.
She no longer recognizes the face staring back from the glass.
Instead of fixing the past, she begins to breathe slowly...
One quiet breath at a time, she stops asking who she was.
She starts deciding, for the first time, who she wants to be.

Aman removed the brush off the canvas, staring at the masterpiece in front of him, priding at the art of it.

So far the best work till date, he thought with admiration. He rarely admired his works,, that was his clients' job. But this one, was sure to win hearts, he knew it.

A wretched heart, he decided to call it. It was raw, heartfelt and poignant and born out of pain.

He thought of Debu with a smile. The latter would be thrilled with the prospect of campaigning. It's money, my friend, he could almost hear his friend echoing in enthusiasm.

He reclined on the easy chair and closed his eyes. His art room, the only quietest part of the studio where he didn't entertain anyone,not even his best friends.

The slow buzzing of the phone brought him to a start. It was an international number. Curious, he received the call.

"Hey bro, it's me" Akhil's booming voice filled his ears "how's it going?"

"I'm good...how about you? Everything okay?"he asked, uncertain why Akhil was calling him at this time. He wasn't keen on socialising with any of his old friends, it only reminded of his brother.

"Yeah bro...just wanted to ask if you're doing okay" Akhil said in a concerned voice "how are your folks doing?"

"Good...we're moving on" Aman replied "there were upside downs but we're okay...thanks for asking".

"That's great...and um..how's Sakshi?" Akhil asked.

Aman thought of her and the incomplete conversation they had. It was a week since she'd gone on to stay with her parents and he would call daily to check in on her.

"I'm fine Aman!"she would giggle, thrilling his heart "will you stop treating me like an invalid?"

"I'm worried for you" and I love you

He didn't understand why she couldn't feel his turmoil. There was no way he was proposing to her; it'll end whatever little respect she had for him.

"Well...don't be...I'm so sick of papa treating me like one..he wouldn't allow me to even go to the kitchen and cut a fruit..let alone help mama in cooking".

"That's because you don't know cooking" he teased.

"How do you know that?"she squealed "that's so..rude..I know okay? I know few things..."

"Maa told me once.." he laughed and added hastily "not that she was complaining. She said it in a lighter way"he clarified "so what was it you wanted to tell me?"

"I told you already, I don't want to discuss it now" she frowned "maybe later, I'll let you know okay?"

"Come on! You can't keep me hanging like this" he said "my curiosity is over the peak".

"Then keep yourself busy..like concentrating on your...artwork" she replied playfully "maybe if you're lucky, I might tell you".

He wouldn't know whether she was serious or not.

"Bro? You there?" Akhil's words brought him to the present "er...yeah..she's fine..she's doing great.."

"Oh thank God" Akhil said "I'm happy.. for both of you...listen, if ever you need me, I'm always there". There was a pause and Akhil asked again "so..did you find out about...that party night? Any leads?"

"No dude...I tried in a lot of ways but its reaching a dead end...I gave up" Aman replied, waiting for his reply.

"That's good...I tried too you know, before leaving to States. Even I couldn't get any leads" Akhil said slowly "it's better to forget the whole thing and move on".

"You're right" Aman replied "anyway, if you find anything let me know". The call went disconnected.

Aman went back to his couch, feeling guilty for lying to his friend. Ever since Sakshi had told him about her nightmares, he had been restless. After seeing her going through pain umpteenth number of times, he had decided he wouldn't rest until he caught the culprit who destroyed her innocence. He would make sure she got retribution..justice..and peace.

The process hadn't been easy. He called the local police who wouldn't help as it was a high profile resort and they weren't ready to get their hands dirty on it.

He approached a closed aide to the city commissioner who informed of the risks involved "see Mr Shrivastav" the man Hari Prasad said, scrutinising Aman after the latter had told him of his situation "what you're asking isn't an easy case....to find the cc TV footage is the only chance we can catch the culprit...but to go ahead with further investigation requires lot of responsibility and undue risks..."

"I'll help you..with whatever way I can but please find him" Aman requested "I'll pay you generously..."

And thus it had begun, bringing a surge of hope...

No one should know...

◇◇◇◇◇

Sakshi went over the website brochure over and over again, debating whether to apply for the course or not.

When she was pregnant, the uncertainty of future hung on her like a misty fog but now, it felt like a dream; the whole ordeal was over, just like that.

She tried to concentrate on her future, but still felt the misty layer covering her...she wouldn't see past anything.

Soumya had realized her inner dilemma "what have you thought?"she asked one day when Sakshi was lying on the bed.

"About what?" Sakshi asked, almost knowing what was coming.

"About your career" Soumya replied in a serious tone "after everything that happened..I feel you should think about your future...you were saying something about clinical research, isn't it? What about it?"

"I'm planning to apply in a university for fellowship...it's a good opportunity" Sakshi stated, turning to look at her mother "but now I'm not sure"

"Then you should apply" Soumya patted her shoulder from behind, "did you talk to Aman about it?"

Sakshi felt her heart leap at the mention of his name. She had wanted to talk to him about so many things but the ocassion wouldn't come. She knew he was curious and dying to know but somehow she wouldn't bring in to discuss with him now. Maybe later.

"I didn't...but he would never discourage me...I know that much" Sakshi got up from bed "he's not like the others".

Soumya raised an amused eyebrow "is it?"She teased "you seemed to know a lot about him"

Sakshi nodded "yeah...he's built differently.." her eyes held a look of admiration. It was true; Aman wasn't like any of them, not even like Amit.

Soumya took a seat next to her "really? What way is he different?" Sakshi realized her mother was teasing her and blushed "I'm not saying anything" she pouted "I know you're making fun of me!"

Soumya laughed, and patted her head "you seem to be happy when you talk about him..." she said "and I'm very happy that he isn't like any of us...I love the way he cares for you...he wouldn't leave your side at the hospital...till you woke up.."

Sakshi nodded, thinking about Aman. She knew his concern and worry was only platonic; he had clearly stated that his intentions were merely an obligation, nothing more. And there was Deepa, whom he was deeply in love with.

Then why her heart ached when she thought about the other girl? Now that her baby was gone, there was nothing keeping them together, wasnt it? Even when she thought about it, she felt a painful void in her heart.

"I was searching for you two" came a voice from behind and they turned to see Ranjit approaching them, "what's for dinner tonight?"

Soumya cleared her throat "well..I thought about making paneer kofta, its Sakshi's favourite".

"Wonderful" said Ranjit, beaming at her daughter "it's my favorite too...what about kheer? You love that too, don't you?"

Sakshi knew he was only doing this to make her forget whatever had happened and never complained "yes papa" she replied with a smile.

"Why don't you invite Aman for dinner? It's been long since we saw him" Ranjit said in an excited tone.

"Papa...he must be busy..." Sakshi went on but her father cut her off midsentence "that's okay...one night won't stop his career" Ranjit smirked "he can paint some other time. Call him".

Smiling at his choice of words, Sakshi had no option but to call him, all the while wondering whether he would make it or not, but the prospect of meeting him thrilled her.

**********

"Man! This serial's still going on?"

Startled, Devaki turned to see her son nestled next to him and smiled, turning her gaze back to the TV screen "yeah.. interesting twist coming on..don't disturb" she chided.

Aman rolled his eyes in amusement "you know there's nothing to miss...you can start watching anytime and still won't miss any twists and turns".

Devaki hit his arm playfully, pleased for the umpteenth time that he was back here, with his parents.

Ever since the conversation with his father, things have brightened between them and Devaki couldn't help but feel glad that her son had started living with them, atleast for most times.

"Amrita called..." she began, lowering the TV volume "about that land...Rishab was asking..."

"Maa? Can we talk something else?" Aman interjected "I'm not in the mood to talk about our beloved jeeju"

Devaki frowned "please make some decision...since it's in your name, it's you who has to decide. Just do as he says".

"And give him the satisfaction? No way!" Aman sneered "I'm not letting him off so easily...I want more time and I have already discussed this with baba.."

Atleast that part was true; his father hadn't pressed him further about it. "It's yours now" Shekhar told his son, remembering the last time how the conversation had turned into a full fledged fight "I'm okay with whatever decision you make".

But Amrita wasn't too pleased about it, and coerced her mother to put some sense into her brother "it's a deserted land maa" she had chided "atleast Rishab's doing his best to sell it to a large company...Aman should be glad he's getting a good price for that property.. instead of that, he's deliberately goading my husband...I know it"

Devaki didn't agree with her "give him some time' she consoled her daughter "you know he's going through tough time too...and you shouldn't stress about it either...with the baby coming, that should be your priority".

Reluctantly, Amrita let go of the argument but requested her mother to persuade Aman. Only her words he could listen, if at all...

"How's Sakshi?" Devaki asked, leaving the topic in vain and knowing her how stubborn her son was.

At the mention of her name, Aman leapt up "er...yeah...she's fine" he replied, pretending to be indifferent.

"Did she say she's coming home?" Devaki stared at her son, the serial somehow forgotten.

"I don't know..." Aman shrugged "besides, let her stay for some more time...after everything that happened". He was glad his mother couldn't see how much he missed her, or rather pined for her.

"That's true...if I think about it, I feel guilty.." Devaki almost whispered "if it weren't for us, she would be peacefully living her life somewhere else. The poor girl had to endure so much....for one small incident..."

Aman didn't reply as the part of guilt had been eating him too; he had been the one to suggest Amit to take her to the party...if only that night never happened.

Talking to Akhil had him reminiscing about his brother. "I'll see you later" he told his mother and slowly walked out of the living room.

His brother's room was untouched, atleast that's what he felt when he opened the door and let himself in.

The study table was neatly arranged and Amit's desktop lay on the middle. Inwardly debating whether to switch on or not, Aman finally switched it on.

There was no password option and the screen came to life. Amit had nothing to hide, no resentments, no mysteries; he had always been an open book.

There were few folders on the desktop screen but one particular folder caught his attention: the one titled "engagement".

Aman couldn't help but open it only to find thousands of images creep up. He remembered the day when Amit had called him, sounding excited.

"Come on bro, I'm engaged to be married . Can't you come this one day?" Amit asked enthusiastically.

"And spoil your special day? Na thanks bro!" Aman sneered "besides, baba has already cut me off from his precious family list...let him be". Amit hadn't spoke after that.

Now when he went through the photos one by one, Aman could see how well arranged the function was.

There were many family photos, both sides looking happy and excited. Aman scrolled absently till he reached the photos of the couple.

Sure enough, there were wide range of photos, of Sakshi and Amit, hand in hand obediently posing for what seemed  like a picture perfect image which indeed it was.

Sakshi wore saree and he realized how beautiful she looked, his heart skipping a beat. There was no heavy makeup, no overly done hair. That was what he loved about her; there was nothing over rated about her. She dressed for comfort, and looked comfortable, and peaceful.

She brightly posed for the camera, he almost laughed and could imagine obeying the cameraman who was probably telling her how to pose.

But as he scrolled the next images, the excitement in him slowly turned to insecurity as he saw both of them, close to each other. Amit's hands on her waist, her eyes meeting her fiancee's. As if they had been soulmates forever. Aman felt like he was intruding on something personal, something too intimate.

His mind blurred, unable to comprehend. Were they intimate? Had they been lovers?

Shit! This was a bad idea! He thought as he closed the folder. Why was he insecure for? Debu was right, wasnt he? Amit was her past, he was her present, her husband. Why was he feeling so uneasy then?

No! I must tell her how I feel about her. Or else I would lose her forever.

He right clicked the folder again, and deleted the entire content.

◇◇◇◇◇◇

"Papa! Be nice to him" Sakshi said for the umpteenth time, setting the plates on the table "please".

Ranjit scoffed at his daughter "why does everyone around here think I'm a bad person huh?"

"I didn't say you were bad" Sakshi grinned "I merely suggested you have dinner and leave him alone"

"As if that boy is scared of me" Ranjit rolled his eyes "it's him I should be careful about"

Beside him, Soumya let out a laugh but watching her daughter's glare, suddenly straightened her face "It'll be alright....its  not like he's coming to ask for your hand".

Sakshi blushed at her mother's words "I shouldn't have called him" she kept shaking her head "I should have lied to papa".

When she called Aman, she half expected him to be hesitant but he didn't "what's the ocassion?"he asked, his voice cheerful "is it your birthday?"

"No! Not at all" she said in embarrassment "I..papa asked me to invite you..."

"Oh" she could hear his gasp, as if he was disappointment "do you want me to come?"

She didn't know what to reply to that "er..if you're busy, it's okay...I understand.."

"I'll be there" he said, disconnecting the call.

Weirdo! she mused, but pleased at his answer.

"Sakshi?" Soumya called her, breaking her thoughts "go change into some new clothes...you look tired".

"I'm fine in these" she pointed out to her year old white kurta which had minute stains in it but her mother wouldn't listen "please beta" she groaned.

Reluctantly, Sakshi changed into a salwar set, wearing matching hoop ear rings and bangles. The whole dinner thing had turned into a serious affair, much to her irritation.

The doorbell rang and she went on to open it.

Aman stood on the other side, holding a large package. His eyes met hers and she smiled at him brightly "er..hi"she began.

It was as if he was tongue tied, she mused as he simply stared at her. "Aren't you coming in?"she asked, a little loudly.

He blinked "Huh?"he nodded "yeah..hi" he smiled "I..uh...you...look different..I couldn't...I thought.."

"Are you dreaming?"she giggled as he held the package to her, making his way inside.

"Thank God I'm not" he whispered, she hadn't heard that as he met her parents who were in the living room.

"Why did you get all this?" Soumya smiled, as Sakshi kept the package at the side.

"It's nothing" Aman said, as he shook hands with Ranjit who looked pleased as well.

Sakshi stole a brief glance at him and realized he was doing the same, making her shy.

Outside, it had started raining heavily, the first storm marking its way towards the horizon...

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