Varanasi, India
It was around four-thirty in the morning, the sky was a soft glowing haze, beautiful ashy pink was endlessly soothing, birds were chirping in their melodious voice, and the rest of everything was serene, tranquil, and peaceful.
Hundreds of small temples that dot the banks of the river Ganges were decorated for the morning Aarti (Prayer). Painters and artists around the dawn create magic on the walls of the Ghats and the graffiti they create on the walls gives the Ghats a very flamboyant and cheerful vibe.
A number of Hindu devotees were worshipping, and flowing diyas in the water, Shiva sadhus (ascetics devoted to Lord Shiva) and pilgrims were deep in meditation.
The foreigners were riding on the boats clicking pictures of migratory birds like large cormorant, bar-headed geese, northern pintail, reddish shelduck, and golden pheasant as they glided over river Ganga and they were all set to capture the beautiful pictures of the world famous Ganga Arti which was about to begin.
The sound of a sacred chank followed by the first Azaan of the morning, and the ringing sound of the temple bells echoes all over the gullies to wake up the people before their alarms.
As soon as the sun rises over the river Ganga to brighten the day, its first rays fell on the holy river Ganga and a woman emerged out of the river with her waist down deep in water. She folded her hand before the rising sun, closed her eyes, and chanted some mantras.
Soon the ghat started flooding with pilgrimages who came to witness the Ganga Aarti and the ringing bell echoed, marking the start of the day of the spiritual capital of India.
A boy, around fifteen years of age with deep blue hypnotic eyes, was searching for his sister, but it was almost impossible to find her in the increasing crowd.
Defeated, he turned to go back when his eyes landed on a woman in a pink kurta and a smile spread on his lips. He quickly descended the stairs, walked towards the river, and stopped where the holy water touched his feet.
“Mishka di!” The boy shouted from behind, but the woman didn’t turn.
Mishka quickly tried to complete her prayer when Aryan shouted again, “Mishka dii!!” She ignored it again and continued chanting the mantras. But the boy kept on shouting her name and she finally lost it.
“What!!! You are such an impatient boy. Why are you shouting? Aliens attacked Earth?” She turned and snapped at the boy. “What is it, Aryan?”
“Nothing! I was just checking if it’s really you or I am disturbing someone else.” He chuckled and Mishka was even more annoyed with his answer. “The priest told me to call you. It’s time for the veneration.”
“You go, I’ll change clothes and join you soon,” Mishka said, brushing her damp hair as she stepped out of the river.
“Here is your mobile phone, and it has ten missed calls.” Aryan forwarded the mobile in Mishka’s direction and disappeared into the crowd. Mishka sat on the stairs and glanced up at the sun. The memories of her meeting with Leo flashed in the back of her mind.
A sad smile appeared on her lips, recalling the past, when her mobile phone started ringing, breaking the trail of her thoughts. She looked at the screen and a beautiful smile stretched on her lips, replacing the sad one.
“Hello, baby, already missing me?” She said.
“When are you coming back?”
“Ummm.. I’ll be there tomorrow,” Mishka replied.
“Then I guess we will meet after three days.”
“It’s just three days. It’s alright.” Mishka said.
“I know, but you know, I hate leaving you. I love you so much.”
“I love you too. Now, I have to go for the veneration. I will talk to you later!” Mishka said, ending the call and after changing her clothes, she entered the temple where she and Aryan were supposed to perform veneration for their deceased parents.
***
New York,
Starlight Ltd. is one of the top companies in New York headed by thirty-two-year-old Nikhil Khanna. He is one of the top ten influential people and is known for his killing looks and single status.
Nikhil was in deep trouble as he was about to lose his status because of Amblys and their ongoing conflict that were creating headlines in the prominent newspapers and news channels. He read an article in the newspaper about their ongoing cases and huffed in annoyance, throwing it away.
Riya knocked on Nikhil’s cabin and she heard a faint manly voice inviting her to come in. She quickly brushed her hair and turned the knob to walk inside holding a steaming hot Indian masala tea on a tray.
Nikhil was pacing back and forth inside his cabin. His head was throbbing with pain thinking about the uncertain future of the company. He tried to contact many lawyers but the best one denied taking it, as it was a hopeless case and Nikhil’s chances of losing were high.
“Good morning, sir.” Riya greeted while keeping the tray on his desk.
“Riya, I told you to call me Nikhil when we are alone and thank you for the tea. I really needed that.” Nikhil said and took a sip of the Indian masala tea, sitting back on the head’s chair while Riya sat across from him with an enchanting smile on her face.
“Thinking about the case?” She asked and Nikhil nodded his head.
“It’s very messy. Ambly’s are trying to put the blame on us and no reputed lawyer is ready to take the case. I don’t know what to do, shares of our company are drowning each day.” Nikhil stated, feeling completely helpless, and Riya tried to motivate him.
“Don’t worry, we will figure out something for sure.” She said, caressing the back of his hand.
“I don’t know, Riya. My head is spinning now. I will be doomed if I lose this case.” He said, holding his head, and massaging his temples. Riya pursed her lips in a straight line, thinking about something to help him, and finally, slid the business card in his direction, but she wasn’t sure herself if she did the right thing.
Nikhil picked up the card in confusion and read the name. ‘Mishka Ranawat’
***
It was late evening when Christian stirred in his sleep and slowly opened his eyes, only to find Vera stroking his forehead lovingly.
“Did I faint again?” He asked and sat against the headrest.
“Yes, are you feeling good now?” Vera asked. “Do you need something?”
“Water,” Christian answered, and Vera handed him a glass of water.
“It’s already evening. You were sitting beside me the entire day?” He asked, and Vera nodded.
“I am so sorry for troubling you.” Christian apologised.
“Are you really okay or should I call Dr Ken?” Vera asked and Christian smiled, looking at her.
“Mom, I am alright. Please stop worrying so much about me.” He replied softly, and Vera’s eyes lingered on him a little longer.
“What happened?” Chris asked.
“Nothing. It still feels like you are calling me mom for the first time,” Vera stated, and Christian gave her a side hug.
“I love you, mom!” He said, and a smile stretched on Vera’s lips.
“Get fresh and come down for dinner. I am making your favourite risotto.” Vera said, but Christian stopped her, glancing at his watch.
“I am going to Danny’s place. He is throwing a party.” He said and rose from the bed.
“You just woke up and you aren’t well.” Vera tried to stop, but Christian convinced her.
“I am alright, mom and I am taking the driver with me.” He said and walked into the walk-in closet to change while Vera appeared a little worried about him.
***
Mishka packed their luggage as it was time for them to head back to New York, but there was no sign of Aryan. She called him several times, but he wasn’t picking up her calls. She groaned in frustration when the caretaker of the orphanage walked into her room.
“Are you ready?” She asked, and Mishka turned to her.
“Yeah, but I can’t track Aryan. Do you know where he is?” Mishka asked.
“Where do you think he will be if it’s his last day in India?” The caretaker smiled.
“Right, I should’ve guessed,” Mishka said and walked out of the small hotel where they were staying, and covered her face with a scarf. She crossed narrow alleys and passed the troops of devotees chanting Bam Bam Bhole (Hails Shiva), who were walking towards Sri Vishwanath Temple to worship Lord Shiva.
She quickly reached the Ayyar’s Cafe and the baba (the caretaker), who looked after the cafe, gulped in nervousness. Mishka noticed his stiffened features and his action to stop her from entering inside, but her stern look was enough for the caretaker to let her go.
Mishka’s eyes looked for Aryan in the small restaurant and she was stunned to find his table filled with all the possible South Indian dishes and he was eating as if it was his last day on earth. She gazed at how fast he was eating and then she looked at the caretaker.
“I told him not to eat so much, but he didn’t listen,” He whispered, and Mishka sauntered towards Aryan.
“My God, Aryan!!! Are you crazy??” Mishka exclaimed, and Aryan stopped eating, turning to her. “We have a flight to catch, and you eating like a pig. Do you want to spend all your time in the Plane’s toilet?”
“Don’t disturb me! Let me eat. I’ll get to eat all these delicious dishes next year. Go away!” He said and continued to eat. “And Baba, I bribed you to keep her out, then why did you let her in?”
Mishka creased her nose, “Oh, shut up and get up!” She said, gripping his wrist and forced him to stand up. Her eyes lingered on the untouched food on the table and she turned to the caretaker. “Give it to some poor kids.” She said and dragged Aryan out while he tried his best to take the last bite of dosa (South Indian Food), but failed.
They reached the hotel soon where they were staying and Mishka saw the Orphanage’s caretaker zipping their suitcases. Mishka smiled and embraced her from behind. “Thank you, Amma,” She said.
“You don’t have to thank me for such petty help,” She said, but Mishka cut her off.
“For taking care of the orphanage,” She said, and the caretaker pursed her lips in a thin line.
“Are you not going to visit your home and orphanage this time as well? It’s been seven years since you last visited. What’s wrong, Mishka?” The caretaker asked.
Aryan plopped down on the bed. “Ahaan, now this is something I want to know, too. You always send me to visit orphanages and our home to check, but never even go near those places? Why?” He asked.
Mishka stiffened, and it took some second for her to gather her thoughts. “Those two places are very close to my heart, but we have to close some chapters of our life to move ahead. It’s better if I stay away.” She answered as her mind wandered back to the orphanage and her home, where she spent her childhood with her parents. She was dying to visit the place, but she feared that Leo or Christian will find out about her and her cute little secret.
***
“Who is she?” Nikhil asked, gazing at Mishka’s name. “Do you know her?”
“Yeah, I know her and she is the best lawyer,” Riya confidently stated.
“But I have never heard this name before. Look, Riya, I need someone experienced and reputed, not someone with a mere law degree. I want someone top notch,” He said and put down the card on the desk while Riya raised her eyebrows, watching him.
“But the top-notch is not ready to take your case. I understand what you mean, but I will still suggest that you give her a chance. I know you won’t be disappointed.” Riya assured and Nikhil stared at her for some moment, thinking about his next move.
“Okay, let’s see if she can do any magic,” Nikhil stated, and Riya beamed with a smile.
“It’s lunchtime. Do you want me to order something for you?” Riya asked.
“No, Let’s go out to eat,” He said, picking up his coat, and they walked out.
“Did you find any clue?” Leo asked someone on the call, and the reply shattered the little hope inside his heart.“No, sir. Mishka isn’t here this year as well. My people were keeping close watch around the orphanage and her house, but she didn’t even visit for once. I don’t think she even visits Varanasi or India anymore.”Leo smiled sadly. “It’s not possible. It’s her parent’s death anniversary. She is there, but she won’t let us find her till she wants to come out in the open.”“Anyway, keep searching. Engage more men if required. I don’t care about money,” Leo said and ended the call.“She doesn’t want to come back, dad,” Luke said and took long strides towards Leo, who in return gave him a heated look.“I don’t want her to come back either in this house or in Christian’s life. I want to say sorry for my mistake. Otherwise, I won’t be able to die peacefully. The feeling that I’ve ruined her life is eating me from inside and all of this is because of your son!!” Leo almost shouted
“Nothing serious! I went to that crime scene to find some evidence, but I stumbled upon something and scraped my elbow and knees.” Mishka said, showing scraped knees to her, and her expression turned slightly painful.“My god, let me bring the first aid box. It’s still bleeding!” Riya said, walking away and opened the wooden cabinet in their small living area to retrieve a rectangular box while Mishka closed her eyes to relax for some moment.“Why do you play with your life? Why did you go to that crime scene? Who will look after kids if something happened to you?” Riya bombarded Mishka with questions, dressing her wounds while Mishka took a sip of masala tea and moaned in pure bliss.“You make the best masala tea. I just love this!!” She said and took another sip.“Don’t you dare try to dodge my questions!! Why, Mishka? Why do you have to get into trouble to solve cases?” Riya asked, completely annoyed with Mishka’s irrational behaviour as she drowns herself in every damn case and fo
“I have planned something amazing for her. She’s going to love it,” Danny exclaimed with a mysterious glint in his eyes and Christian raised his brows.“Let’s see,” He said when a boy came out of nowhere and informed them they were ready with all the arrangements.“Bravo!” Danny said, straightening his silk white shirt, but his face soon dropped when he heard the next words.“But we have a problem. There seems to be an issue with the camera setup. It’s not working,” The boy said and Danny clenched his jaws.“You gotta perfect day to spoil everything.” He spat, and the guy looked down, embarrassed.“If you allow us some time, we can fix or arrange something, but we need an hour at least,” He said, but Danny was impatient.“We don’t have time and if anything goes wrong tonight, I’ll sue your event management company,” Danny said furiously when Christian interrupted.“Hey! Don’t spoil your mood. I’ll record everything on my phone. Chill!!” Christian said and looked around. “I’ll be right
Next Morning,Danny and Maya were outside the ward, waiting for Christian’s doctor to come out. Danny was pacing back and forth anxiously while Maya stared at him, sitting on the bench. “Chris usually gets hyper or unconscious when something from his forgotten past is repeated.” She pointed, and Danny’s steps halted as he turned to look at her.“What is repeated at the party?” Maya looked at Danny for an explanation and the latter realised his grave mistake.“Fuck, how can this skip from my mind!!” He gripped his hair in frustration and Maya looked at his actions with wide eyes.“What happened? What did you do?” She asked in an uncertain tone.“The proposal, I copied Christian’s idea. He proposed Mishka the same way back in Brazil.” Danny said, “FUCK!!”“What the hell, Danny? How could you copy someone’s idea?” Maya shouted, but before Danny could open his mouth to explain, the doctor came out and Danny rushed to him.“Is he alright?” Danny asked, and the doctor nodded.“Yes, he is a
Vera was pacing back and forth, her heart was pounding inside her chest while staring at the giant closed gates of the Knight Mansion when the gates opened and a Mustang slid in. She walked out of the mansion hurriedly and hugged Chris as soon as he stepped out of the car.“Are you alright? Hurt anywhere?” Vera asked.“I am all fine, mom. Don’t worry.” Chris replied.“You say don’t worry, but always make me worried about you,” Vera said, but Chris only showed his charming smile in response.“Come, let’s go inside,” He said, holding Vera’s hand and they both walked inside the mansion while Danny followed them.They heard loud chaos upon entering inside and Chris glanced towards the living area where he spotted some guests sitting, facing the opposite direction.“Who is this new business partner I don’t know about?” Chris whispered to Danny, who appeared a little stressed about everything happening since morning.“Hey, Chris! Come join us,” Luke call him and Chris smiled, walking in the
[MATURE SCENE AHEAD]“This is just a rumour!! Not a confirmed news.” Riya said in a high pitch and Mishka left out a chuckle.“Rumour? Type about me and Chris and check out the next news,” She said and Riya turned the laptop in her direction typing Mishka’s name but there was nothing. In fact, news about Christian was also limited.Riya furrowed her eyebrows and typed different keywords, but still, nothing came. No news about their marriage, no news about the fashion show, no news about the car accident they suffered, no news about the modelling for Star Magazine, no news about the chemical factory incident. The last eight years of Christian and Mishka’s life were completely erased from the internet, including their famous hashtag CHRISHKA.“They have wiped out my existence and here I was trying my best to hide myself!” Mishka smiled, wiping tears from her eyes. “Knights never cease to amaze me,”Riya felt this weird, too. “Why are you crying? It’s not like you were planning to go bac
Summer Camp, A boy in blue jeans and a brown hoodie was sitting on the rock near the riverside, completely focused on the book he was reading while other children were enjoying themselves with their friends or involved in the activities assigned to them by their teachers. But he was sitting away from the crowd and his ocean blue eyes were busy reading the content of the book, flipping to the next pages when a group of kids of his age group appeared beside him and started to mock him. “Hey, why are you so boring? Come play with us.” They said, removing the cap of the hoodie from his head and his dark brown hair shined in the sunlight. The boy ignored them and continued to read, but his classmates started troubling him. They pulled his cheeks painfully. “Why are you always so miserable?” One of them said. “Of course, he will be miserable, his father never shows up and his mother is always busy.” The other boy said. “Poor unwanted baby,” They laughed at him, but he focused on his bo
At Summer Camp,Wearing a blue jacket and black trousers, a ten-year-old boy was standing facing the paper target. Black headband neatly lifted his light brown hair back, and he focused on the target through his eye blinder. He was holding Walther Hammerli’s ar20 air rifle in his hand and he waited for the next direction of his trainer.“Focus on the golden ring and shoot at 10,” The trainer said and the deep blue eyes of the boy focused on number ten in the middle of the target paper.“Shoot,” The trainer directed, and while he pulled the trigger, his friend Noah came running shouting his name, and the boy missed the shot.“Eric!!! Eric!!!” Noah came running to him and Eric lifted his eye blinder, looking apologetically at his trainer.“I am sorry, sir,” He looked down.“It’s alright, we’ll try again later!” The trainer patted his shoulder, but before he could say anything further, Noah interrupted them again.“Eric!” Noah rushed to him and was panting heavily while Eric glared at hi