Chapter 1:

In the stifling atmosphere of the prison, Daya's hands trembled as he gripped the file, its weight heavy with secrets. The faint sounds of shuffling feet and jangling keys were drowned out by the tempestuous storm raging within his mind.

Suddenly, a voice cut through the silence, sending a chill down his spine. 'Daya Sir,' the familiar voice echoed, reverberating through the corridors of his haunted past. It was a voice that had tormented him for twenty-five years, a constant companion in his nightmares.

'Itne saal hogaye, Aap bhul kyu nahi jaate, nahi karti main...'

The words trailed off, hanging in the air like an unspoken accusation. Daya's knuckles turned white as his grip on the file tightened. The triumphant smile that had momentarily illuminated his face vanished, replaced by a mask of terror.

As Daya stumbled backwards, he collided with a water pot, shattering it into a thousand pieces. Shards of glass rained down upon him, but it was the words that pierced his soul, igniting a dormant nightmare.

Collapsing to the floor, Daya's body trembled violently. He closed his eyes, the horrific dream consuming him once more. When he opened them, he found himself in the familiar confines of his bedroom, the echoes of the nightmare still lingering in his mind.

As he sat up, his heart pounding in his chest, he brushed his trembling hand through his hair, trying to calm his racing thoughts. Just then, his phone rang, shattering the silence, with trembling fingers, he answered.

'Daya,' a voice spoke on the other end, a pause and a sigh carrying an ominous weight. 'It's me, Aman. I have news.'

Daya sat up, his heart pounding in his chest.

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Kashmir:

In the ethereal wilderness of the Indian Himalayas, Daya's weathered heart carried a profound burden of loss. For two decades, he had roamed the icy peaks, lending aid to stranded souls and guiding lost travelers. Yet, his own path remained shrouded in obscurity, burdened by the memory of Shreya, the love he had torn apart from.

Amidst the relentless snowfall, Aman's faint voice echoed from a distance. '

Aman:(from a distance)Daya(he looked at Aman as he signaled him)Hum inhe niche le jaa rahe hain tum bhi chalo mausam kharab ho raha hain.

Daya: Aata hu..

Daya nodded absently, his gaze fixed on the swirling snow. Twenty-five winters had passed since he bid farewell to Shreya, their abrupt separation leaving a gaping void in his soul. With a sigh, he retrieved his camera and began filming a vlog.

Through the lens, Daya unfurled the fabric of his arduous journey, each step marked by a vlog that served as a coping mechanism for the pain he carried within. Once a fierce warrior on the frontlines of life's battles, he had now retreated to the silent solitude of the mountains. As the pristine snow whispered beneath his boots, the wind carried through the leafless branches, echoing the whispers of his grief.

He paused, his snow stick planted firmly in the frozen ground. His breath hung heavy in the cold air, and a surge of bittersweet memories flooded his mind. Shreya's laughter seemed to reverberate through the desolate landscape. '

Daya;Aaj itna kyu yaad aarahi ho?(looks at the snow fall)Tum theek to ho na?

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**In Mumbai...**

Amidst the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, Maahi's ambition burned bright as she ventured into the depths of the Central Investigation Department headquarters. As a determined young Document maker, she sought to unravel the enigmatic disappearance of Daya and Abhijeet, two former CID officers and ex. Suspended officer Shreya and Dr.Tarika had vanished without a trace in the records.

However, her pursuit was abruptly halted when Suraj, her enigmatic and resourceful ally, arrived at the headquarters in nick of time. Together, they deftly evaded the authorities and made a daring escape.

As they reached the cafe, Maahi slams her hands on the table and shouting at Suraj while he kept staring back at her bearing all her screams and frustrations. The sound of the clattering dishes and people talking in the background. Birds chipping around with the cold breeze flowing around air.

Maahi :(raising her eyes) What the hell Raj? If you hadn't come, none of this would have happened! Why did you pull me away at the last minute? I was about to get the file!

Suraj :(talking her hands into his)Maahi... {Maahi looks at him in confusion. He smiles, nodding his head}First of all, if the authorities had caught us there, we'd be in a lot of trouble. And secondly, brace yourself because I've talked to my boss. Soon, we'll have intel on Daya Sir and Abhijeet Sir.

Maahi: (Shocked)What? How did you manage that?

Suraj: Maahi, we've tried everything, but nothing's working. So I emotionally blackmailed my boss a little, and dekho he agreed to help. He knows someone named Pakiya who used to work with CID 25 years ago as a informer for them

Maahi: (Intrigued) Are the resources reliable?

Suraj: (nodding his head)I doubt it till now... but then again, Main bhi yaha aane tak reliable kaha tha, Its the dam letter that changed me(Maahi's anger melts away into a smile.) And I told you to call me Suraj not Raj.

Maahi : (Smiling) Okay, my lifeline.

She pulls his cheeks playfully. He smiles, kisses her hand, and squeezes it.

Suraj: Maahi, I was thinking... if you'd... (Maahi looks at him expectantly) accompany me home.

Maahi : (Smiling) Of course. Once this is all over, we have to go back to London. My mom doesn't know I'm here.

Suraj:(Shakes his head) No, not about London. I was talking about Dalhousie.

Maahi immediately pulls her hands away, looking at him warily. He looks back at her nervously.

Maahi : Suraj, you know the only reason I came to India was to find...Pap.. (Shakes her head)I mean Daya Sir... and..

Suraj : (Staring into her eyes) You love me, don't you?

Maahi softly breathing was clearly heard by Suraj, she looked keenly at him few second before answering and shifted to chair beside her holding his hand in hers brushing her fingers against his.

Maahi : Of course, I do.. You are the best thing that's ever happened to me, Raj. (jerking her head)I mean Suraj.. but right now my whole focus is finding him. Please understand, I can't risk anything else right now and divert my view.

Suraj Nods half-heartedly as Maahi cups his face, turning it to hers.

Maahi : Please, understand. I really need to complete this story that's been left unfinished. Mujhe dhundna hain unhe wo jaldh se jaldh.

Suraj :(held his hands)Maahi, you have changed after coming here.(she started at him)Jab hum yaha aaye the in this crowded city of Mumbai you were silent and compose one and over this one month period you became someone who is not the girl i knew where as main wo bangaya hu jo main kabhi tha hi nahi.

Maahi : (concern)Suraj...

Suraj(Coldly) : I understand your priority, lekin please maintain your compose and stop over reacting. Daya sir aur Abhijeet ka pata chal jaayega. They've worked for the CID for a long time. There must be records of their whereabouts somewhere.

Maahi : (Nodding her head) I understand. I was just a little impatient.

Suraj coldness disappear in seconds as his heart beats fast looking at her.

Suraj (Holds her hands) : I know, me too.. I need to read Shreya Ma'am's letter. (He winks at her as she smiles) And I have to go to Dalhousie. So, until I get back, please take care of yourself and have patience.

Maahi : You're leaving today?

Suraj : Yes, there's a flight tonight. Main jaldh se jaldh wapas aaunga. Mom Dad se mile kayi saal hogaye and DK bhi aaraha hain to i have to be there(she nodes as he held her by her chin touching their nose)Mom Dad ki 25th Anniversary hain tum aati to bohut acha lagta.

Maahi :(touched her forehead with his)I know but iss waqt please i cant.

Suraj : Fine(perk on her cheek)i will not force you but please promise me ki tum shanth rahogi. Main hu tumhare saath we will find them.

She nods, resting her head on his shoulder. He wraps his arms around her shoulders, and they both feel the warmth of each other's presence.

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Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh :

Nestled in the picturesque town of Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh, Abhijeet and Tarika embarked on a new chapter in their lives as educators.

Abhijeet's charisma and skills earned him respect as a sports teacher, while Tarika's knowledge and dedication made her an asset to the local school's chemistry department. Despite the tranquility of their surroundings, a sense of emptiness lingered in their hearts. Little did they know that fate had grand plans in store for them, as the threads of their past and present lives were destined to intertwine once again.

In the town of Dalhousie, nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Himalayas, In the cozy living room of Abhijeet and Tarika's home. The walls are adorned with family portraits, capturing moments of laughter and love. A warm fire crackles in the hearth, casting an inviting glow upon the room.

Abhirika were sitting at the breakfast table. They both were in their fifties, but they still look young and vibrant. Bothe were smiling at eachother as Abhijeet held a rose flower in his hand and in other held Tarika hand.

Abhijeet: Mujhe aaj bhi yaaken nahi hota ki humari shaadi ko 25 saal hogaye hain, (he brushed his finger against her)I love you Rika..

Her smiled disappeared as he looked at her with confusion while she withdrawn her hand and pored the hot coffee from kettle into the cups.

Tarika: 25 saal ke baat bhi galat naam (he smirked while he glared at him)Mujhe na tumse koi baat hi nahi kari.

He held her hands hands as she resisted getting up from her place but he insisted with his expression making her melt for his antics. He kissed her on her hands pulling towards him.

Abhi : Tarika, mujhe yaad hain lekin humne apne naam badle hain na.

Tarika :(sadly)Mujhe nahi chaiye ye jhuti zindagi, tumhare kehne pe hum sabse itne dur aagaye. Aaj tak kisise milne tak nahi gaaye aur tum ho ki sahi naam bhi nahi lete.

Abhi :(lowering his head)Meri galati hain uska hi pachatap kar raha hu.

Tarika looked at him, she know what he talking about. She was the only one who aware of everything happened 25 years back while she jerked her head and wrapped her hands around his neck as he looked at her.

Tarika : Iss saal meri bas ek wish hain, hume humare naam wapas mile aur kuch nahi chaiye Abhijeet.

Abhi :(stared at her)Tum janti ho tum kya kehrahi ho?

Tarika:(Smiled)Haa, Abhijeet Daya ko maine jhut kaha hain ki tumhari tabiyat kharab hain wo aane wala hain.

Abhi jerked from his chair as he looked at her and she stared at him with guild of liying. He was numbed for few moments then looked at her hugging her tightly.

Abhi : Acha kiya warna wo aata hi nahi humse milne.

Tarika:(breaking the hug)Tum naraz nahi ho?

Abhi : Naraz, tarika tumne aaj tak kuch galat nahi kiya, galat to maine kiya tha(he remember the past and feel guilty)Bas wahi galat ko sahi karne ka mauka miljaye.

Tarika cupped his face as he wrapped his arms around his waist.

Abhi : I'm so grateful ki tum meri life mein aayi tarika, i love you.

Tarika:(smiling blushing)I love you too..

She blushed as he hugged her and she hugged him, they were lost in their moment until they heard some giggling and broke the hug looking at eachother.

Tarika slowly turned around and found the house helpers chuckling looking at them, she immediately took back steps as Abhi hugged her from back. Househelpers gossiped chuckling as tarika shut her eyes.

Tarika : jeet kya kar rahe ho, sab dekh rahe hain.

Abhi : Mrs.Abhijeet (she looked at him from corner of her eyes as he smiled)hum officially couple hain wo bhi 25 saal se. Kehne do duniya jo kehti hain.

Tarika blushed then hit his head from of her head and glared at him as he held his hand screaming in pain.

Abhi : Kya kar rahi ho?

Tarika : Teenager jaise behave karna band karo, adhi umar hogayi hain aur abh aashiqui shujh rahi hain tumhe?

Abhi rubbing his head looked at her as she glared back at him and took the tea cups mummering.

Tarika: Subha, doophar sham chai chai karte rehte hain lekin chai diye to romance shujhta hain(looks at the helpers)Abh khade khade khikhi karna hain ya kuch kaam bhi karna hain?

They moved with she crossing Abhijeet as he glup his breathe, as she passed by him he feel relaxed.

Abhi : Ye saas ke jaise behave kyu kar rahi hain,(thinks something and recollects things happeneds in past week)ohh to ragini ko roz isliye bulaya jaata hain. (Smiles)match making kar rahi hain apne bete ki.. abh wo yaha aayega to shaadi ke chakar mein phas jaayega. Mere pyaar bete tere haal hone ka waqt aagaya hain.

He smile to himself as he looked at the picture hanged on the hall wall and smile to himself.

Abhi : Kaha ho Daya? Abh aa bhi jaao raha nahi jaata tumhare bina.

Tarika:(setting utensils in kitchen)Aaj ke din hamesha Shreya ko miss karti hu, Purvi ka msg bhi aagaya lekin shreya ka itne saalo mein koi khabar nahi hain. Kaha hain wo? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As the sun rose over the majestic mountains of Dalhousie, two souls, connected by an unseen thread, prepared to embark on a journey that would rewrite their own destinies. The air sizzled with anticipation, for the new beginning that awaited them both held the promise of rediscovery and the potential for a love that had once been lost.

And so in the morning mist gently lifted, Daya stepped off the train in the picturesque town of Dalhousie. With each breath of the crisp mountain air, a sense of renewal washed over him. Stepping out of the station, he made his way towards Abhijeet's house with worried and tensed for him.

As he walked along the cobblestone streets, Daya couldn't shake the feeling and sensation he is having feeling her close by. He kept glancing and roaming his eyes around with failed hopes to find her.

As he walked through the narrow streets of junction, a faint whiff of perfume lingered in the air, and his heart skipped a beat as he realized it was Shreya's scent. Shreya, the woman he had known briefly but never forgotten, had once filled his thoughts with hope and longing and love in his life.

Daya: Shreya???

However, as he turned his head, a bus pulled up abruptly, blocking his view. When it rolled away, Shreya was nowhere to be seen. Only a fleeting glimpse of a pink saree and hair tied in a neat bun remained in Daya's mind. Destiny had seemingly intervened, tantalizingly close yet elusive.

Shreya : Daya sir..??

He felt her words but jerked his head feeling to his imagination and continued towards his destination.

As he moved away, on the other side of the street, Shreya felt his presence as if it were a phantom current. In her heart, she carried the memory of their brief encounter, a bittersweet reminder of what could have been and how she missed him daily.

Shreya:(roaming her eyes)daya sir..yaha? (She ran around on the other side of the road looking at each one of them while people started at her)Nahi ye mera yehaam hain.

She shakes off her thoughts and walked separate paths as the fate took a different turn.

Suraj, Abhijeet's son, stepped out of the bus that had parted Daya and Shreya. As he reached the curb, he stumbled slightly, his suitcase threatening to topple over. In a moment of kindness, Shreya extended her hand, saving both the boy and his belongings.

Suraj smiled his thanks, and Shreya returned to her own path. However, unknown to her, the chance encounter had set a chain of events in motion.

Suraj stood at end of the alley pulled out his phone, he swiftly sent a message to his boss, detailing the arrival of Daya and Abhijeet, former officers of the CID.

Message:

Suraj: Sir, Are you sure you will be able to find him Pakya by tommorow?

Boss: Yes Raj.. dont worry i will handle and inform you.

Suraj: Ok Thanks, please keep me posted and then i will handle your requested sting operation for thisone.

Boss: You are the best Raj.

He close the window and opened another message box, this time to his beloved Maahi, announcing his safe arrival.

Suraj : Maahi, i reached and will text you back once i have the details take care. Love you.

He smiled at the picture in the name as he made his way towards his destination, Suraj couldn't help but feel that something new and exciting was about to unfold.

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The door bell ranged of Abhijeet house as he opened the door while talking on phone and as soon as he saw the person infront of the him. Phone dropped from his hand and swift of happiness ran over his face with tears in his eyes.

Abhi :Daya??

Daya smiled back noticing his best friend Abhijeet after long period of time with tears filled in his eyes, Abhi couldn't contain his emotions and hugged Daya tightly while Daya hugged him back with both the friends comforting each other and tears rolling down.

Tarika who was standing back of them had tears of joy seeing Daya finally infront of them due to her lie. She wiped her tears thanking god as she quickly clicked a picture of them.

With the click Daya-Abhi broke the hug and looked at tarika, Daya was overwhlemed seeing her as he stepped into Abhijeet's house towards tarika and hugged her.

Tarika:Daya, kaise ho tum?

Daya patted her head nodding his head breaking the hug as Abhi followed inside wiping his tears and holding Daya suitcase.

Daya: Tum to aur khoobsurat hogayi ho..

Tarika blushed with tears in her eyes as Abhi tapped Daya shoulder.

Abhi :(grumpy)meri tarif nahi karega?

Daya chuckled between his emotinal feeling and eyes full of shining tears and nodded in no.

Daya: Nahi, tum to waise hi ho jaise the handsome hunk.

Abhi smiled noticing Daya had been looking dull from the pictures he send them last month and a sense of guilt formed in his heart. He lowered his head avoding daya gaze as Daya was confused while tarika held Daya hand and pulled him inside.

Daya : Kya hua?

Tarika : Itne saalo ke baad tumhe dekha na to emotional hogaya hain tumhara sabse acha dost.

Daya :(paused at his place and turn around) Lekin tumhari to tabiyat kharab thi na?

Abhirika exchanged glances as he quickly learned the lie they said and his heart skipped a beat. He took a deep breathe with sitting on the chair with glaring at both of them.

Daya: You know, main yaha duada duada chala aaya tha. Kaise kaise khayal aare the pata hain?lekin tum dono ho ki..

Abhi:(smiled)To kya kare warna to tu aane tayar hi nahi tha.

Tarika: (guilty)Sorry Daya, Aman se maine baat ki jhut maine bola tha.

Daya: Tum ne kaha isliye jaane diya warna..

She lowered her head as he smiled at her and she smiled back at him, Abhi glared at both of them feeling jealous. Relief washed over Daya face as he walked towards Abhijeet embraced him tightly.

Daya: Boss...(Abhi closed his eyes wrapping his arms around him)tum theek ho bas hain mere liye.

Tarika joined them in hug as the trio smiled rejoicing the old vibe they had long time with everyone heart remembering shreya unknow to one other.

Shreya kha ho tum?

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Here I end this simple chapter, hope you all like the simple start of the story.

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Dareians Rocks