Annahita's POV
In the heart of Kashi, amidst the ancient rituals and the sacred Ganges, I found solace. The flames that consumed my parents may have taken them away, leaving me utterly alone, but Kashi welcomed me with a comforting embrace. Bestowed with strength from my best friend's father, who became my anchor in this sea of grief, I performed the rituals to ensure my parents' journey to moksha.
The ghats witnessed my tears and the echoes of the priest's chants reverberated in my soul. Kashi became more than a place; it became a sanctuary where grief and loss met the soothing whispers of the sacred river. As I walked through the narrow alleys, the weight on my shoulders lightened with each step. Digvijay uncle, a pillar of support, guided me through the rituals, and his mentor, Guru Ji, shared wisdom that slowly mended the fractures in my heart.
In the quiet moments by the riverbank, under the watchful eyes of ancient temples, I discovered a profound connection to something greater than myself. Kashi became the canvas on which I painted my healing journey, a place where the rhythm of life and death played a haunting melody that echoed the impermanence of existence. Through the rituals and the wise words whispered by the Ganges breeze, I found a sense of peace, an oasis of calm in the storm of my grief.
Sitting by the Ganga River, I watched the flow of life around me. It had been a month since I arrived in Kashi, finding comfort from the deep pain of losing my parents. The river's gentle whispers and the timeless rituals offered a feeling of healing, yet the ache in my heart persisted.
Lost in my thoughts, I felt a soft pat on my head. "Annahita, my child," Digvijay uncle, smiled at me with understanding eyes. His presence, like a comforting balm, reminded me that I wasn't truly alone. As I continued to watch the river, he asked if I wanted to return with him.
With a heavy heart, I confessed that I had no one left and no home to return to. His smile widened, and he spoke with a warmth that echoed in my soul. "Call me Baba, Annahita. I want you to consider me as your father. Only then will I talk to you," he insisted.
Hesitant at first, I chuckled at his playful demand, understanding the depth of his affection. "Alright, Baba," I said, testing the unfamiliar word on my lips. Yet, in that moment, it felt right-like a bridge between us, connecting our hearts.
He declared that I was not only his daughter in words but also in his heart. He assured me there was a family ready to welcome me with open arms.
Expressing my affection for Kashi, a place that had become a gentle bandage on my broken heart, I admitted, "Baba main kashi se jana nahi chahti"
(Baba, I really don't want to leave Kashi.)
He acknowledged the city's magnetic pull but reminded me of my best friend, Nandini, and everyone eagerly awaiting my return. Reluctantly, I agreed, grappling with the upcoming departure from the place that had embraced my grief.
He informed me that someone from Anuvarta would pick us up, and tomorrow we would say goodbye to Kashi. An uneasy acceptance settled within me, and I decided to visit the ashram one last time to bid farewell to the newfound friends who had become my solace.
As evening came, I strolled through the familiar paths of the ashram, sharing laughter and tears with those who had become my companions in this healing journey. Baba, understanding my need for closure, suggested that we explore the streets of Kashi one final time before our departure.
Together, we roamed through the ancient lanes, each corner holding memories of my time here. "Baba, thank you for everything," I said, grateful for his unwavering support.
The night air carried the essence of Kashi, a blend of spirituality and earthly delights. Returning to the ashram under the evening sky, I felt a bittersweet mixture of gratitude and sorrow. Kashi had been my safe place. Tomorrow, a new chapter awaited in Anuvarta, but tonight, I embraced the final moments in the city that had stitched the fragments of my broken heart back together.
Author's POV
The next day arrived, a bit too early for Annahita's liking. Seated with other ladies in the ashram, she was approached by a girl who informed her that Guru Ji was calling her. Making her way to the back garden, she found Guru Ji engaged in conversation with Digvijay, and to her surprise, a man she recognized from television and newspapers - Shivaay Thakur, the state minister.
Digvijay introduced them, and Annahita acknowledged Shivaay's prominence in their village. Turning towards Shivaay, he said, "Shiv, she is Annahita, Nandini's best friend and also like my daughter." Shivaay politely nodded but remained silent.
Gestured to take a seat, Annahita joined them as Digvijay continued his conversation with Guru Ji. Guru Ji, curious, inquired why Shivaay had come to pick them up when Adhiraj was scheduled to do so. Shivaay explained that Adhiraj had to leave the country for some urgent matters, prompting him to step in.
Guru Ji, understanding the situation, nodded and questioned Shivaay about his plans - whether he intended to stay for a day or depart immediately. Shivaay clarified that he needed to return to Anuvarta urgently since Adhiraj's absence left Nandini as the sole overseer of affairs.
With Guru Ji's agreement, the discussion concluded, and he wished them a safe journey back to Anuvarta.
As Shivaay efficiently ordered his men to shift their luggage into waiting cars, the journey to the airport unfolded. However, to Annahita's surprise, instead of boarding a regular airplane, she found herself entering a luxurious private jet. Flabbergasted, she couldn't hide her astonishment.
Observing her reaction, Digvijay chuckled and questioned her. "Anna, what's the matter?" he asked. Her reply revealed her innocence, stating that not only had she never sat in an airplane before, but this private jet was an entirely new experience for her. Digvijay smiled and ushered her to her seat.
Seated beside her, Digvijay, and Shivaay opposite, the jet's interior boasted a lavish setting with a unique logo catching Annahita's eye. Before she could voice her curiosity, she was guided to her seat, and the jet prepared for takeoff.
As the jet soared into the sky, Annahita, captivated by the view outside, was interrupted when Digvijay announced his intention to take a nap in the back room. Left alone with Shivaay, her curiosity got the better of her, and she found herself continuously glancing towards the mysterious back room.
Noticing her continuous glances, Shivaay, intrigued, asked why she kept watching that direction. She admitted her ignorance about the existence of a room in a jet. Shivaay, rather than explaining, simply nodded in response.
Turning her attention to the scenic view outside, Annahita was unexpectedly asked by Shivaay about her friendship with Nandini. The hum of the jet engines provided the backdrop as she began to share the story of her bond with Nandini during the flight.
As Annahita shared the tales of her friendship with Nandini, Shivaay listened with keen attention, a gentle smile gracing his lips. He discreetly covered his mouth, trying to conceal the amusement from Annahita's view, fostering a sense of comfort between them.
Growing more comfortable in their conversation, Annahita couldn't help but inquire about the apparent difference in surnames between Shivaay and Digvijay. Curiosity sparkled in her eyes as she questioned, "Why do you have a different surname than Baba?"
Shivaay, looking intrigued, raised one eyebrow and inquired if Nandini had never spoken about him. Annahita, explaining Nandini's reserved nature about her family, admitted, "Nandini rarely talks about her family, so I only know the names."
With a subtle smile, Shivaay posed another question, "Kya Nandini ne mere baare mein kabhi kuch nhi kaha?"
(Did Nandini really never mention me?) Annahita, growing suspicious, nodded, indicating that Shivaay was a mystery in Nandini's conversations.
Acknowledging the gaps in the information, Shivaay leaned in slightly and shared, "I'm not related to Digvijay uncle by blood. I'm just a family friend." Annahita, intrigued yet puzzled, couldn't help but wonder about the intricate connections weaving through Nandini's life, leaving the details to unfold in the course of their journey.
Annahita's POV
Shivaay asked me to wake Baba from his nap as the jet was about to land. I started to get up, but before I could move towards the room, Baba emerged with a calm expression. The air hostess approached us, signaling the landing of the jet in few minutes and instructing us to buckle up our seat belts.
As we touched down in Anuvarta, a sense of familiarity washed over me. It felt like returning home after a long journey. Baba guided us towards waiting cars, and as we moved, I noticed Shivaay's wallet on the ground. I instinctively picked it up and called out to him, "Bhaiya, your wallet."
Suddenly realizing what I had said, I covered my mouth in shock. Shivaay turned towards me, his expression equally surprised. Apologizing, I confessed that it was just a slip of the tongue. Baba paused, watching us with curiosity but chose not to comment. Shivaay silently took his wallet and walked towards the car.
Seated in the car, Baba reassured me that it wasn't a big deal, just a simple mistake. I remained silent. After about 10 minutes, we reached Baba's home. As I stepped out of the car, I noticed a group of people waiting by the gate, their curious gazes making me feel uneasy. Shivaay explained that they were awaiting Baba's return after a month. I nodded in acknowledgment.
As Shivaay began walking towards the mansion, he suddenly stopped, turning back to me. He casually mentioned, "You can call me Bhaiya if you like." Stunned by his unexpected statement, I found myself at a loss for words.
As Shivaay raised his eyebrows at me, I snapped out of my shock and nodded at him with a small, grateful smile. Baba, sensing the unspoken connection between us, guided us towards the grand mansion, where a new chapter of my life was about to unfold.