Crystallized Truth

Chapter 15 - Cold Evening

A high shrill voice disturbed the trance engulfing the two with a warmth. Amelia pulled away from Ashley not so gracefully. She avoided looking at him even when Ashley almost fell.

Instead she turned her attention to the old age woman standing beside her. Caked in makeup and every fake thing; from red wig to thick eyelashes, to look young, Amelia was least attracted by the weird old woman in short dress holding the shopping bags.

With her widened eyes, she oscillated her gaze between Amelia to Ashley. Amelia wondered if her eyelashes would fall.

"OMG, OMG," the old woman muttered.

Amelia raised her brow, but the old hag kept on staring the two and muttering uncontrollably. Amelia rolled her eyes. In all senses, the hag was a maniac.

The woman talked as Amelia turned her back and messaged Dhruv. "Abhay Raichand, Priya Azaad"

"Oh god, tm donon zinda ho. Aur sath bhi. (You two are alive. And even together."

Amelia understood nothing and took a step to leave for the forest when her hand was held, stopping her from leaving. For a fleeting moment she thought the old woman stopped her but somehow she knew it was not so, even before she looked at the large hand. Maybe it was size and the roughness, the ragged doll was not capable of.

What was his damn problem now?

With a question in her eyes and warning lingering on the periphery, Amelia faced Ashley.

"Translator," Ashley demanded without any preamble.

Amelia gave him a look that said if he lost it at last. But Ashley seemed unfazed by the humour in her eyes and insult in her looks.

"Quick, Amelia," Ashley hissed urgently. Her name sounding weird from his mouth and his demand even weirder.

"Why shall I give you mine?" Amelia folded her arms. He was stupid, if he thought she would forget everything and give him whatever he wants, if he would act serious.

He gave her a look as if she was stupid to ask that question. But she stood unmoving.

"... Mjhe yaqeen nhy arha (I can't believe)..." The woman beside them kept on blabbering and was fanning herself acting to be dizzy.

"Because I don't have one," Ashley groaned annoyed of her attitude.

Amelia took it as offend. "Then repent it now."

She looked away. Once again, ready to leave.

"I can't believe you two are still together." The words caught Amelia attention. Maybe because of the way woman switched to English and the way she uttered those words.

Amelia turned to her and narrowed her eyes. "We are not together."

"Don't joke now, Piya, it's not necessary. Wese tmhe pta hai sb ne socha tum sab mar gye ho but look here you both are. Alive and together. Blkl pehle ki trah. (By the way, do you know, everyone thought you all are dead but look here you both are. Alive and together. Just like before.)" She paused. "But tell me, tum donon itna young kese ho?"(how are you two so young?)

Amelia slapped her forehead with a groan. She turned away from the certified insane woman.

"Can you please repeat it in English?" Amelia heard Ashley speaking with soft tone to charm the old woman.

What was he doing?

She stopped in her steps to enjoy the show.

Why was he so interested?