I was having serious issues with wattpad. So posted again.

2 years later :

Amarendra startled with a jerk, realising that he had dosed off. He looked around embarrassed, but discovered that no one was actually watching him.

He slowly got up, walking towards the coffee counter at the corner of the lounge. The boy smiled and churned out an espresso.

" Good morning Dr. B. "

Amarendra smiled back, nodding his head. He then checked the time.

Four.

He felt the phone vibrating in his pocket. But ignored it.

He walked towards his cabin after throwing a glance at the sliding door on the right end of the lounge.
The light above the door showed red.

He was tired.

The phone began ringing again.
Amarendra settled on his revolving chair and swiped the call up.

" I'll call you back once it's over, I promise. My head's aching for the time being...  "

Amarendra laid back on the chair watching drops slide down the glass windows of his chamber. The noise of rain didn't reach his ears in these almost sealed air conditioned rooms. But the feel made him alright as if.

It's been two years now, and yet he was afraid. A hell lot. He wished not to be at all. But maybe that's what it was. None could help.

The door to his chamber opened slightly, and a staff ducked her head in. Amarendra sat up apprehensive. The lady smiled, " Someone wants to meet you sir. Maybe talking to someone could relieve you a bit. "

Amarendra fell back again.
" Any emergency? At this time....  "

" The person likely is a friend of yours. "

Amarendra nodded and asked to send in.

True enough.Though he didn't feel like stirring even, yet maybe a second presence would help.

A person pushed the door and walked in with a smile.

Amarendra sat up, quite taken aback.
The person settled down.

" I know this is the oddest hour one could visit someone at his workplace. But trust me, my plane landed just an hour ago. And though it's tiring, this indeed is a huge auspicious moment. Isn't it? "

Amarendra slowly brought a pale yet wide smile on his face.

" Jesus!!! Where had you been Avanthika!! For all this time!!!! "

Avanthika comfortably settled on the chair before. Long hours of flight made her face pale but a different glow lit her up altogether.

" I'm in New York these days. At Texas."

" Oh god, when did you leave exactly! No trace of you suddenly one day! "

" I received a scholarship. You people were in London then. "

" And you didn't care to contact even after that.... "

" I hardly knew about your whereabouts then. "

Amarendra silently stared at her.

" But I had promised myself. I would return to be with you on this very day.
I had even called Adway. He sounded happy.. "

" So you people are in touch. But none are with me. I had called Adway several times after returning from London. Even visited his home..... "

" I know. After you left for London, Adway returned to Paris. And I don't even know after how long you had returned to permanently settle in India, but I had gone away within a month of you leaving.
Suddenly stumbled on your facebook one day. Have been trying to follow you since then with whatever little status you put up there..... "

Amarendra nodded.

" You look tired. Lemme order some coffee for us. "

Avanthika smiled to this and Amarendra order for two espresso again.

" So? How's Katappa dada? "

" Tense as hell. " , Amarendra scratched his beard.

" And you? " , Avanthika winked.

Amarendra didn't answer.
Rather looked into her eyes.
" Have you gotten over your dilemma Avanthika? Are you ready to know the truth? "

Avanthika nodded sideways.

" The biggest truth is, I am here with my friend. And I have no complaints, no demands, just loads of love. "

" But.....  "

" Why complicate lives with pasts Amarendra? Let it be! "

Amarendra slowly smiled. Then looked at the window panes which were still getting wet.. 

" An incident happened just after our marriage, you know!
At Lucknow. Do you know of the bhool bhulaiyaa? The labyrinth? "

Avanthika fell back on the chair, casually caressing her hair.
" Of course I do! Bada imambara! I heard no one gets out of it if lost. "

" Well.....  Devasena got lost in it. And....

Never returned.......  "

****

An hour ago...

A phone was constantly ringing, and went unanswered for the fifth time.

The caller paced up and down, and was clearly pissed off.

" You cannot ditch me this way. Never ever can you do that! "

The phone began ringing again.
Finally someone picked it up. 

" I'll kill you I swear, damn it! How the hell were you leaving my call unanswered! Do you think it's a joke??? I have travelled all the while only for this, and you....  "

The answerer hissed,
" Calm down for god's sake! I could not pick up the call because I was surrounded by people! Do you want me and you to get caught? Remember if I'm fired, you'll be in jail. "

" Shut up!!
Okay, what's the status? In how much time? "

" It's a complicated case. So it's taking time. Once it's over, I'll text you. In how much time are you reaching?? "

" In an hour. Listen, for the umpteenth time, I don't want any mess. Do you get that? You have been paid! "

" And for the umpteenth time, Sister Nancy doesn't break her promise. "

" Good. Remember that.
I'll be at the basement as soon as I get your call. You should be there within fifteen minutes. And remember, don't dare come alone. "

" I won't. For god's sake. "

" Oh listen. Don't call me once it's over. Just leave a text. I may not be in a position to take the call. All the best. "

The call ended.
The caller stopped a cab.

" Can you take me to Charring Cross Hospital, Bhopal? "

****

The door to Amarendra's cabin was pushed open by a huge man, still dressed in an apron. 

A ear to ear smile lit his face.

Amarendra jumped up, keeping his statement incomplete.

" Doctor Alok??? Is everything.... "

The huge man came forward and hugged Amarendra tight.

" Doctor Amarendra,

You've got a cute little baby girl. "

The air around suddenly started smelling of lavender, while a lone text entered the phone of Avanthika Mohan...