The timeline of this one shot is mid 1930s.

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The lamp that illuminates this dark room reminds me of you. You used to light up my dark world just like this. I remember how you would hold me close in your embrace. When I'd break down in tears, you'd wipe them away. You would hold my hand tightly in yours erasing my fears and telling me that yes, together we can fight.

Without you, I'm nothing but a broken glass. When someone tries to put me back together, I end up piercing them with my sharp words. I may be put back to my usual form but the cracks will never disappear.

Please come back, Bondita.
Please come back.
I need you, more than life and more than death.

I don't even have the courage to face death without you being there.

Come back to me, Love.

With Love
Your Pati Babu

Anirudh closed the diary as he finished writing. Fresh tears rolled down his cheek, glistening as they were marked on his skin.

He sat in the dimly lit room, with a lamp flickering on the table. It was the only thing that illuminated the dark room. Taking off his spectacles, he wiped his tears off with the edge of his thumb. He looked around the room and saw his five years old daughter, his Anidita, sleeping soundly on the bed. He lived for her.

He got up and stood by the window which was left ajar. The white curtains that symbolised peace were mocking his misery as these inanimate objects were aware of the storm going on inside his heart. They teased him with the way they brushed on his face.

A strong wind blew the lamp off. The surroundings went dark again, dragging him down in despair.

He just stood by the window, thinking about all the possibilities. He thought about all the ways which could help him find his Bondita, his wife.

Alas! It was dark all around.

Tere liye hum hain jiye, honthon ko siye
Tere liye hum hain jiye, har aansoo piye
Dil mein magar jalte rahe, chaahat ke diye
Tere liye, tere liye

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The mornings in Delhi were never pleasant, they were chilly. Anirudh sat by the window, in his white kurta. A dusky brown shawl was wrapped around his body keeping him warm.

He looked down at the crooked photo he had on his lap.

"Bondita.." he whispered, a lone tear rolling down his eyes.

He then looked at the baby she held in her arms whilst smiling. He was his son, Shyam. His heart was heavy with all the memories they had left behind.

The phone placed on the table on his right side rang, jerking him out of his thoughts. He immediately picked the receiver and whispered," Hello? Did you find something?"

"No, we're still trying. Anirudh, we have little hope and that too is slipping away slowly as the days are passing." Girish sighed from the other end.

"We have to keep trying till we find her." Anirudh's voice trembled as he said those words.

"It's been four years! There's no sign of her..Anirudh I understand your plight but sometimes we just need to accept the reality and move on. A lot of people were killed in those Calcutta riots. It's fortunate that you boarded a train to Delhi with your daughter." said Girish, in a calm voice.

"I didn't board the train Girish, I was unconscious and I woke up with Anidita in my arms. You brought us here, Girish. But my Bondita is still somewhere with my son. I don't even know where they are.." he choked as fresh tears rolled down.

Girish was left with a heavy heart. He had somehow saved his friend from that raging bloodshed but he couldn't save his family. Girish was a lawyer in Delhi and a friend of Anirudh who was on his visit to Calcutta when the riots broke out. The whole city raged in fire, with dead bodies lying everywhere. Communal riots were always induced by the Brits under their policy 'Divide and Rule'. People ended up killing their own men, their own kin. They with their own hands smeared their mother, their land with her children's blood.

Anirudh could not control the tears that flowed down his orbs. He had given up the idea of living. If it was not for Anidita, he would have ended up jumping in the waters of Yamuna that flowed down the city.

His whole family, everyone had moved to Calcutta from Tulsipur. When Anirudh had gone back to Calcutta in search of his wife and family, he found his house burnt down to ashes. There was no sign of life.

If it weren't for Girish, he would have done something wrong with himself.

"Anirudh.."

Girish's voice from the other end broke down his chain of thoughts and he sniffed, holding back his tears.

"Anirudh, listen to me. You cannot live your life like this, my friend. About your family , I know they are no more. Your kaka, your brothers, Sampurna Maa- no one's alive anymore. Their names were on the casuality list..."

Anirudh heaved a tearful sigh. His voice cracked as he uttered," But Bondita, her name was not there..we still have hope."

Girish sighed from the other end as he said," Anirudh, not all the casualities are listed. The numbers are always shown to be less than the actual numbers. What if Bondita and Shyam are no more?"

"Girish.."

"No, listen to me. Did you not venture all around Bengal? Yes, you did! Anirudh, I know how much you had suffered and you're still suffering! You have been behaving like a maniac since then, just think about your little child for once. She needs your love and care. I know you are a great father but you cannot stay gloomy everytime. Am I not aware of the fact that you scribble words for your wife every night on your diary? Look at yourself, you don't even eat properly. She is always on your mind. This will only hurt you , Anirudh..." his voice cracked in agony. He couldn't see his friend like that.

Anirudh couldn't help but cry and his muffled sobs troubled Girish's heart. Anirudh was in so much pain, his whole world had died down and he couldn't do anything.

Girish said in a calm voice, trying to hold back his own tears," You are fortunate enough to have your daughter safe and sound in front of your eyes. Most of the people lose everything. They witness their home and family burning right in front of their eyes. You were saved, you are alive, you fool! I love you and I'm always there for you...you have me. You are alive for a cause, Anirudh. Please you have to live, for your innocent child. It breaks my heart to see you crumbling down, please"

Anirudh cried uncontrollably on the other end. He just hummed and Girish understood his plight. He put the phone down and covered his face with his palms, trying his best to control his tears. They were spilling down his eyes like a waterfall.

His specs were wet and he took them off, placing them on the table.

Suddenly, he felt two tiny hands wrapping around his arm. He looked up to find his little daughter crying. His heart broke to a million pieces. She very gently wiped his tears away and put the photo aside.

Settling her body on his lap, she wrapped her arms around his neck as she muttered," Baba, I will punish the person who made my sweet Baba cry. So stop crying. You Anidita is there for you."

Her innocent words only made his heart fill up with warmth and his tears rolled back and she hugged him tightly, rubbing his back with her tiny hands.

His daughter was a reflection of his Bondita.

Zindagi le ke aayi hai beete dino ki kitaab
Ghere hain ab humein yaadein be-hisab
Bin poochhe mile mujhe kitne saare
jawab
Chaha tha kya, paya hai kya, humne dekhiye
Dil mein magar jalte rahe, chaahat ke diye
Tere liye, tere liye

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Brushing his hair gently, she hummed a tune. Her son was at last sleeping. She adjusted her saree and went on do her daily chores. She had a simple saree draped around herself with a pinch of vermilion adorning her hairline.

"Bondita.." she heard Amina's voice and she rushed outside towards the door.

Amina lived in the next apartment that she rented. It was a small accomodation, a cheap one. Bondita could only afford that with the little that she earned. She didn't practice as a barrister, her degree and card were lost during the riots. Bondita had landed in Allahabad. Circumstances had proved to be brutal but the people of this generous city were ready to accept her. Her sharp brain had given her an opportunity to assist a barrister. He had realised her worth and she worked under him. The little that she earned would be spent mostly on her son, Shyam's education.

"Is he finally asleep?" Amina asked as she peered over Bondita's shoulder to look at Shyam.

"Yes"

"Then what are you waiting for! Go buy some grocery before this little devil of yours wakes up! I'm here to take care of him." said Amina, smiling.

"Thank you, Aapa." Bondita smiled at her.

It was dusk when Bondita was returning from the market after buying some groceries. It was cold and she had wrapped a warm shawl around herself. As usual, people were eyeing her with disgust but she decided to ignore them. She always ignored them.

She could hear a woman whispering," Is she married? Why does she live alone then?"

"Her husband must've left her!"

Bondita could feel her tears wetting her eyes and anger ebbing in her heart but she decided to keep mum. She couldn't fight, she needed a place to live. She had to bear it all for her son. He was the reason why she was alive after not being able to find Anirudh and Anidita anywhere.

"She is so beautiful, a sight to cherish! Why would her husband leave a beautiful woman like her? " she could hear the voice of a man.

A woman gave her a disgusting look as she uttered," I heard she works under Barrister Vikram Singh. I wonder if she offers him some special services as a part of her job."

The other woman giggled.

"Why? She lives alone! She can cast her vicious spell on any man..he'd fall for her straight.."

Unable to take it anymore, she covered her face with the end of her shawl. Her tears rolled down uncontrollably as she felt her heart breaking with every word that they uttered. She didn't show her misery and plight to the world but such comments ended up loosening her guard down.

She ran as fast as she could. At once, she stumbled on something hurting her knees but she didn't care. With her face smeared with tears, she ran with all her might.

When she reached the door of her room, Amina was terrified to see her crying. But before she could ask or do anything, Bondita said between tears," Aapa, please leave me alone for a while."

Amina wanted to stay there but she knew what Bondita was going through from four years. She gave her a weak nod and rushed outside, her own eyes tearing up.

Bondita closed the door behind and fell down to her knees.

Anirudh's face flashed in front of her eyes and she muttered weakly," Pati Babu.."

She had tried to search for him all around but in vain. She had been trying to live but such nasty comments made her question her existence. She would often curse herself for becoming someone so weak, the complete opposite of what Anirudh had told her to be.

The world questioned her and they would often mock her son for he only had his mother, who wore vermilion and Shakhapola even though there was no clue of her husband.

Amina would often tell her that there was little hope that he was alive. But Bondita paid no heed. His voice would wake her up at night. The wind teased her when she felt it. It seemed as if Anirudh was caressing her face with his fingers when the wind blew.

She pulled her knees close to her chest, cursing her fate and reminiscing the memories that he had left behind.

Kya kahoon duniyaa ne kiya, mujh se kaisa bair
Kya kahoon duniya ne kiya, mujh se kaisa bair
Hukm tha, main jiyun lekin tere bagair

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As Anirudh made his way towards his chamber, he heard whispers. Faint but clear. He was used to it anyway.

People were always so interested to know everything about his past. A few women had tried to woo him for his money. All thanks to Girish that Anirudh was able to get placed in court, to get his own chamber.

Some would suggest him to get married for the second time while some would tell him to make visits to Mehfils and brothels. But he denied.

Most of them assumed his wife to be dead, crumbling his hope into pieces. Anirudh on his part knew that he was breathing because his Bondita was alive.

He would keep living for his Bondita.

Naadaan hai woh kehte hain jo mere liye tum ho gair
Kitne sitam humpe sanam logon ne kiye
Dil mein magar jalte rahe, chahat ke liye
Tere liye, tere liye

Anirudh sat down on his chamber when Girish barged in, panting heavily. Anirudh quickly got up from his seat, shoving a glass of water to Girish.

Girish gulped it in a single go and said breathlessly,"I found her!"

Anirudh couldn't register his words for a while but when he finally understood, fresh tears filled his eyes and he sat down on his chair, motionless. His lips trembled and his whole body shivered.

Girish got down on his knees in front of him, his own eyes filling up.

He held his hands tightly as he said," I am sorry Anirudh. I never knew that the power of love and togetherness is so strong. I mean, just look at this! We found her Anirudh!"

Anirudh was overwhelmed and shocked.

He stammered," Where is...my Bondita?"

Girish smiled at him through his tears and said," Do you remember Barrister Vikram Singh who lives in Allahabad? I once mentioned him to you."

Anirudh nodded his head in agreement.

"We graduated from the same University. We were having a general conversation on telephone when he casually mentioned a lady barrister who works under him. I was startled because we generally don't have lady barristers in court. Out of curiosity, I asked her name and it turned out to be your Bondita! She lives with her son, your son! Yes, she is alive!"

Anirudh felt as if his heart exploded in all different shades. He couldn't even react properly. So it was true that she was alive. His Shyam was alive. It was not a lie. His hope was not false.

He covered his face between his palms, crying uncontrollably. Girish stood up and wrapped his arms around his friend, he himself cried. He rubbed his back and comforted him.

He shoved a paper slip in his pocket and said," Here's her address.."

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With Anidita sleeping in his arms and her head placed on his shoulder, Anirudh stood outside the shabby apartment complex. His eyes were red from all the crying. He smiled weakly as he realised that he was here to take his Bondita with him. He could feel her again, he could touch her again.

He looked around the place and it pained his heart to know that his wife had to live here, in such a shabby place. He looked around and found people staring at him but he didn't care.

He went towards a man and asked him," Do you know which of these rooms belongs to Bondita Roy Choudhury?"

The man threw him a disgusted look as he uttered," Why do you want to know? Did you pay her some money so she could have you over for a day? She is so cheap.."

Anirudh held his collars before he could utter more.

For the first time in four years, he shouted," I will rip off this tongue if you utter any nonsense about my wife! Where is Bondita?!"

Everyone was shocked.

Listening to her father's loud voice, Anidita stirred in her sleep and Anirudh patted her head gently.

Anirudh's demeanor was such that the man was immediately scared. Anirudh threw a deadly glance at him and he pointed at a room on the right end. The other people whispered among themselves but they were too scared to stop him.

Anirudh made his way towards the door and as he knocked it, his heart hammered wildly.

To his surprise, the door was unlocked and he slowly got inside. He looked around the shabby room and found the sofa to be empty. He put Anidita gently on the sofa and let her sleep.

As he walked around , he saw his son curled up on the mattress laid on the floor. His eyes pooled up and he ran towards him. Pulling his head gently on his lap, he brushed his hair. He was amazed to see the resemblance his son had with his own features. His tears wet Shyam's face and he smiled like a maniac. He kissed his forehead gently. He got up gently, not willing to disturb his sleep.

His eyes searched for his Bondita. He finally found her.

She was drying clothes on the balcony. Her back faced him and Anirudh couldn't control the tears that flowed down his eyes. He just wanted to hold her and embrace her in his arms. He didn't want to let her go again.

Taking a deep breath, he called her out as his voice cracked," Bondita..."

When Bondita suddenly heard his voice, she froze on her spot. Her eyes were all wet with tears and it felt as if her lips were sealed. She couldn't even comprehend anything. Words failed to come out.

She shivered.

Was he really there?

She took a deep breath trying to keep her heart calm. Before she could turn around to face him, she felt him wrapping his strong arms around her waist from behind, engulfing her in a back hug. She shuddered and her body felt so weak that she fell back completely on his chest. She felt this touch after so long.

Her Pati Babu was safe and sound. She sobbed and felt his face drop down to her shoulders.

His tears were wetting her shoulder and he muttered," I am sorry, Bondita. I couldn't.... protect...you.."

She felt her heart skip numerous beats when she heard his voice after so long.

She just muttered," Pati Babu.."

Unable to take it anymore, she turned around in his arms. Hiding her face in his chest, she cried like anything. Her sobs muffled and sent shivers down his spine. She was shivering in his arms and he was holding her as if she was the last hope of his life.

Yes, she was his everything.

Bondita clutched the front of his shirt tightly, trying to take refuge in his embrace. She just wanted to disappear in his arms. Anirudh rested his chin against her head, rubbing her back.

At once, he kissed her hair. Pulling away from the hug, he for the first time in four years looked at her beautiful eyes which were red and worn out. He analysed her facial features all over again. He kissed away the stray tears that lingered on her face and whispered, "Bondita..."

Happy tears streamed down her eyes and her hold on him tightened.

"Pati Babu.."

He wiped her tears and said," I'm so glad that you and Shyam are safe. I was so scared Bondita..."

Tears rolled down his cheeks and she wiped them away.

Suddenly, she was reminded of her daughter.

She asked him, breathlessly," Where's my Anidita?"

Anirudh hugged her again and he muttered," She is sleeping.."

Bondita felt as if a heavy weight was lifted off her shoulders. She held on to him tightly, clutching the back of his shirt . She had got her family back.

Rubbing her back, Anirudh whispered," I was alive because of you. I have lived for you, Bondita."

Tere liye hum hain jiye, hothon ko siye
Tere liye hum hain jiye, har aansun piye
Dil mein magar jalte rahe, chahat ke diye
Tere liye, tere liye

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This one's for you Jahanavi002

Was it boring?

It was better in my head I suppose..

Nevermind, lemme know your views through votes and comments.