Chapter 2

Avni's POV 

 

I was in the kitchen, bustling about, preparing breakfast and lunch for my dad and me. When the wall clock struck seven, a sudden panic hit me. “Oh, God, I’m going to be late!” I hurriedly wrapped up my work and rushed to get ready.

 

At school, as I entered my classroom, the lovely smiles of the children instantly lifted my spirits. One little girl, especially fond of me, approached with a wildflower and a drawing in hand.

 

“Ma’am, I got a flower and a card for you. You are my… best teacher,” she chirped, her grin lighting up her face.

 

I knelt down, cradling her in a warm embrace. “Awww… thanks, sweetheart. But you should say ‘favourite teacher.’”

 

“Fav… favour… Best teacher!” she giggled, and in that moment, the purity of their smiles filled me with a strength that made every challenge seem a little lighter.

 

After teaching a new nursery rhyme and leading the children in practice, I made my way to the staff room during lunch. My colleagues were laughing and sharing food, lost in their gossip, while I preferred a quiet corner with my tiffin and my humble vegetable pulav.

 

Before long, a male teacher approached. “Hello ma’am, how are you? May I join you?” he asked.

 

Since it was a shared space, I nodded politely. Then, hesitantly, he added, “Um… Avni, I was thinking that maybe we could—would you like to go out this weekend?”

 

I shook my head softly. “I’m sorry, sir, but I don’t really like going out. I’m not interested.”

 

“But why? What is wrong with me?” he pressed, reaching out for my hand. I quickly pulled it away, apologizing, “It’s nothing about you—it’s just me. I don’t enjoy dating, going out, or even talking much to people. Please, don’t waste your time on me.”

 

He looked deeply into my eyes and said earnestly, “I’m really fond of you. You’re the simplest, yet the most beautiful girl around. I’d love to get to know you. We could try going out just once, and if you’re not comfortable, I won’t ask again.”

 

I shook my head firmly. “Sir, it’s not that I’m not interested—I simply know myself. I don’t want to date, I don’t want to go out, and I certainly don’t want to get married.”

 

“But why?” he persisted.

 

“Because I’m just not wired that way. Please, don’t waste your time,” I said, then excused myself.

 

Just as I was about to leave the room, a peon called out, “Ma’am, you have a visitor waiting near the main gate.”

 

“A visitor? For me?” I wondered aloud. Who would come all this way to see me?

 

I made my way to the main gate, where I saw a very tall, broad-shouldered man standing with his back to me. My heart began to race—who was he, and why was he here?

 

“Excuse me, sir? Did you want to meet me?” I asked, my voice trembling slightly.

 

He turned around, and for a moment, I thought my heart would stop. I couldn’t believe he was really here. I felt lightheaded and swayed a bit, but he steadied me by gently catching my arm.

 

“J–John?” I managed to say, calling out his name in disbelief.

 

He shook his head coolly. “No, Robert.”

 

“Robert?” I echoed, utterly puzzled.

 

“John’s brother,” he explained calmly.

 

“Oh, okay…” I murmured, still processing. They do look strikingly alike—both tall, dark, and commanding. Yet as I looked closer, I realized John’s gentle features were far softer compared to his strong, rugged presence.

 

For a brief moment, my mind wondered why I was even comparing the two. Then Robert continued, “Nice to meet you, Avni. I was in town for work, and my parents mentioned you work at this kindergarten.”

 

I smiled faintly. “Oh… How are they?”

 

“They’re fine. And how are you?” he asked. 

 

“I’m fine too,” I replied.

 

“They were quite concerned about you. My mom insisted that I should come and meet you. I hope you don’t mind.”

 

I hesitated, then said, “Hmm… no, I don’t mind. I thought you were…”

 

“John?” he interjected, a soft chuckle in his voice. “I know—we do look alike. I hope he told you about me?”

 

“Yeah, he did. But he didn’t mention the resemblance,” I answered.

 

“Oh, alright then! He showed me your pictures, though you look a bit… weaker than I expected. Are you alright?”

 

I felt a small flush of embarrassment. “I’m fine, thank you.”

 

I recalled John had mentioned he had an elder brother and an elder sister—he said Robert was two years older than their sister and their sister was three years older than him. I’d always been painfully shy, yet somehow, speaking with him had felt easier than with most strangers.

 

Since he was here, I felt I should offer a bit of hospitality. I invited him to join me in the staff room, but he declined politely. Instead, he asked, “Are you free to take a walk with me?”

 

I nodded, and we stepped outside together. Mid-walk, he suddenly asked, “So, what else do you do besides teaching kindergarten?”

 

I answered, “I run my father’s home. My mom died a few years back, and my elder sister got married about a month ago, so it’s just my dad and me. I take care of him.”

 

 “John told me that you both met at the riding club. Do you ride every day?” he asked. 

 

At that mention, old memories rushed back—memories I’d rather keep hidden. I wished you’d stop with all these questions, but as my guest, I had to be polite. “No, I don’t ride every day,” I replied.

 

“Alternate day?” he pressed.

 

I could sense my irritation rising, but I managed, “No.”

 

“Twice a week then?” he asked, gazing intently into my eyes. I felt a pang of exasperation, wondering if he would continue questioning me—whether it would be once a week, or even once a month.

 

“No, I haven’t ridden at all since I returned from Nainital,” I said.

 

“But why?” he suddenly demanded, his tone growing unexpectedly blunt and harsh. I saw a flash of shock in his eyes as he blurted, “Are you with a child?”

 

Oh God !!! Why did he have to ask that?? I was literally on the verge of crying. 

 

But it is not his fault, he must have assumed that... After all he doesn't know the reality. 

 

He has no idea about our relationship... No idea what happened that night before he died.

 

If only he knew he would not have come here and made polite conversation with me.