A U T H O R ' S    P O V

 “Hurry up, yaar, we’re getting late. Just hand this thali to Pandit ji and let’s leave, otherwise Anvi won’t spare us. We’re already late,” Naintara said, standing by the roadside, her eyes scanning the traffic before stepping forward.

Nishi parked her scooty to the side, adjusting her dupatta casually. “Yeah, yeah, I’m coming,” she replied.

Across the road stood a Shiva temple.

It wasn’t grand or towering, but there was something quietly beautiful about it. A peaceful charm that didn’t demand attention, yet held it effortlessly.

A long staircase led up to the entrance. The white-painted walls were lined with small lights, probably meant to glow softly at night. Even in daylight, the decorations stood out. Fresh flower garlands hung neatly along the sides, adding warmth and color.

Devotees moved constantly, some walking up the stairs with folded hands and offerings, others coming down after their prayers. Near the entrance, a few beggars sat quietly, their tired voices asking for alms. Outside, small stalls displayed puja items—flowers, coconuts, incense sticks—while people paused to buy what they needed.

Nishi had just come to stand beside Naintara when her phone started ringing.

She glanced at the screen.

And smiled.

Naintara noticed that smile.

Her eyes narrowed slightly, a silent question passing through them.

“Umm… I’ll just take this call and come?” Nishi said, trying to sound casual.

“Hmm. Fine. But come quickly, don’t vanish somewhere,” Naintara replied, her tone light but edged.

Nishi nodded quickly and stepped aside.

Naintara crossed the road and reached the stairs. For a brief second, she paused at the bottom, adjusting her hold on the puja thali before beginning to climb.

Each step was steady, unhurried.

The faint scent of incense lingered in the air. People brushed past her, some in a hurry, some lost in quiet devotion.

Only a few steps remained.

Three… maybe four.

And then—

A sudden force hit her side.

A small child rushed past at full speed, colliding with her without warning.

Her balance slipped instantly.

Her foot faltered.

The world beneath her seemed to shift.

The thali tilted in her hands.

Her breath caught.

Her eyes shut tightly.

She was about to fall.

But before gravity could pull her down—

Someone caught her.

A firm grip around her wrist.

Strong. Steady.

Stopping her fall mid-motion.

The person stood a step above her, dressed in a simple white kurta.

Everything happened too fast to process and yet, in that single moment.

Time seemed to stretch.

The puja thali flew upward slightly from the sudden jerk.

Flower petals scattered into the air, drifting slowly around them. A streak of sindoor lifted, spreading like a soft red cloud before falling, dusting the steps and staining their clothes.

Her white kurti.

His white kurta.

Red marks blooming across both.

Naintara’s eyes were still closed, her face tense, her breath uneven.

But he—

He wasn’t looking anywhere else. His gaze was locked on her face.

Still.

Unmoving.

As if he had found something he had been searching for without even knowing. 

As if the world had narrowed down to just this one moment.

Slowly…

She opened her eyes.

And met his.

There was something intense in his gaze. Something that lingered too long.

But her eyes held none of that.

Only irritation.

And a faint flicker of anger.

Without hesitation, he pulled her slightly toward him, helping her regain her balance fully.

Carefully.

Gently.

She steadied herself on the step below. In that moment, her right hand came to rest against his chest, right above his heart, while his fingers still held her wrist.

And his heartbeat— It lost its rhythm.

Raced.

Pounded.

As if it didn’t know how to behave anymore.

She looked at him now, properly.

Her brows furrowed, her lips tightening slightly.

Without warning, she pulled her wrist free from his hold and stepped back, creating a clear distance between them.

Standing straight, she met his gaze and said,

“Are you a little blind or something?”

Her voice wasn’t loud.

But the irritation in it was sharp enough to be felt.

He didn’t respond.

Didn’t even blink.

Just stood there, staring at her as if he had forgotten how to exist normally.

“As if hearing wasn’t enough, are you deaf too? Didn’t you hear what I said?” she snapped.

He gave a slight nod.

“Why are you nodding like that? Are you mute?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.

And like an absolute idiot—He nodded again. 

The truth was, he wasn’t blind.

He wasn’t deaf.

He wasn’t mute. 

He had just forgotten how to speak.

A

s if his mind had stopped working the moment he saw her.

“Tara, are you okay?!” Nishi rushed toward her, her voice filled with concern.

He glanced at Nishi briefly, and she looked back at him, a little confused.

“I’m fine,” Naintara said, her tone controlled. “But if I stay here any longer, I might actually lose my mind.”

Without waiting another second, she grabbed Nishi’s hand and turned away.

No second glance.

No pause.

Step by step, she walked away, disappearing into the crowd.

And just like that~

She was gone.

. 

. 

. 

“Pata nahi kaisa gunga aadmi tha” (I don’t know what kind of mute man he was) Naintara muttered, irritation still lingering in her voice as she made her way down the narrow staircase at the back of the temple.

The rear side was quiet—almost deserted compared to the front. No loud bells, no crowd pushing past. Just silence, broken occasionally by the rustling of leaves and distant temple chants.

Nishi followed right behind her, trying to match her pace but Naintara was walking unusually fast today. Almost as if she was trying to leave something—or someone—behind.

“Mujhe nahi lagta vo gunge the.” (I don’t think he was mute.)  Nishi said as she finally caught up.

By the time they reached the road behind the temple, the atmosphere had completely changed. A narrow one-lane road stretched ahead, nearly empty. A couple of bikes passed by occasionally. The air felt calmer here lighter.

“Tujhe bada pata hai?” (Oh, so you know a lot?)  Naintara stopped abruptly and turned toward her, raising a brow.

“Mere boyfriend ke bade bhai hai ab itna toh pata  hoga hi na mujhe”  (He’s my boyfriend’s elder brother I’d know that much, at least)  Nishi mumbled under her breath, almost unintentionally.

"Did you say something?" Naintara’s eyes narrowed instantly.

They both came to a halt under the shade of a tree. A soft breeze brushed past them, lifting a few loose strands of Naintara’s hair. The calm surroundings stood in contrast to the tension building between them.

“Nahi– matlab haan mera matlab hai ki vo dekhne se nahi lagte ki vo gunge honge aur vaise bhi tune hi unhe bolne ka mauka bhi nahi diya.”  (No– I mean yes I mean, he didn’t look like someone who couldn’t speak. And honestly, you didn’t even give him a chance to talk.)  Nishi explained carefully.

"I didn’t give him a chance?" Naintara let out a dry laugh.

“Seriously? Maine do baar pucha aur dono baar sirf sar hilaya unhone. Jaise zubaan hi nahi hai unke paas. Vo hai gunge aadmi.”  (Seriously? I asked him twice and both times he just nodded. Like he doesn’t even have a tongue. He is definitely mute.)

She said, her tone firm, leaving no space for argument.

“Seriously, I hate men, yaar… and after what just happened, I’m even more irritated. Don’t they know how to respond? The rest of the time, their tongues run like scissors,” Naintara added, her voice filled with frustration. 

“Not everyone is the same. How many times do I have to explain this to you?” Nishi replied, trying to calm her down.

“They are all the same,” Naintara said, her tone firm, almost bitter. “Once their purpose is fulfilled, they don’t care about anything else.”

“Still stuck there, aren’t you?” Nishi said gently, her voice softer now, careful not to push too much.

Naintara didn’t answer.

But her silence said enough.

A light breeze passed by, carrying with it the faint, distant sound of temple bells.

“I know you’ve been through things, Tara,” Nishi continued quietly. “But don’t punish everyone for something one person did.”

“And as for that guy we just met, he’s not—” Nishi tried to add, but one sharp glare from Naintara stopped her mid-sentence.

“Tu meri hi dost hai na… kisi ajnabi ki itni side kyun le rahi hai?” (You’re my friend, right? Then why are you taking a stranger’s side?)

Naintara said, her tone slightly defensive, trying to brush away the direction the conversation was taking.

There was a pause.

Nishi looked at her for a moment  then shook her head lightly, letting it go.

“haan, baba. I’m on your side only,” she said with a small smile, easing the tension.

“Par itna bhi kya gussa ho rahi, unhone toh teri jaan bachayi hai.”( but why are you so angry, he literally saved your life.) 

Nishi added, half teasing, half serious.

“Haan toh maine thodi bola tha unhe meri jaan bachane ko!” (Did I ask him to save my life) 

Naintara muttered, clearly annoyed.

“Because of all this, look what happened to my beautiful white kurti!"  She glanced down at herself.

Red stains marked her kurti. Even her hair wasn’t spared.

“Jaan bach gayi uska shukr manaa ne ki jagah kapde gande hone ka dukh mana rahi hai pagal ladki.” (Instead of being thankful that your life was saved, you’re upset about your clothes crazy girl.) Nishi muttered softly.

 “What did you say?” Naintara narrowed her eyes again.

“Nahi, mai toh kuch nahi bol rahi. jaise aap bologi, waise hi sahi hai.” (No, I didn’t say anything. whatever you say is right.) Nishi replied quickly, raising her hands in surrender.

Naintara shook her head, letting out a small sigh.

"Come on, let’s go home first, change your clothes. we also have to meet Anvi."

Nishi said, trying to move things along.

It had been six days since Naintara arrived in Delhi yet she hadn’t stayed at her own house even for a day. For the past five days, she had been living at Nishi’s place.

“Nahi! aise hi chalte hain. Late ho jayega. Anvi ka tujhe pata hai, main wahan jaa kar change kar lungi.”

(No! we’ll go like this. Otherwise we'll get late. You know Anvi, I’ll change there.)

Naintara replied.

Nishi nodded, and both of them started walking toward the scooty.

Just then— Click.

A notification flashed on Naintara’s phone.

She paused.

Opening it, her brows furrowed.

₹1,00,000 credited.

Her expression changed instantly. Without wasting a second, she dialed the number.

They stood beside the scooty while Nishi watched her silently, asking with her eyes what happened?

Naintara shook her head slightly.

The call connected after two rings. 

“Why did you send so much money?” Naintara asked immediately. 

“I told you I don’t need it. You’ve already paid my entire college fee. At least let me manage the rest.” she said, her tone firm but respectful.

Nishi quietly watched her, noticing the shift in her voice.

“How many times do I have to tell you?” His Dadu from the other side replied. “I have the right to do this. I know you don’t take money from your father or your bua.”

“But–”

“Tara, beta,” he interrupted gently, “you are my granddaughter. I have every right to take care of you. I promised your grandmother that I would look after you so let me do that.”

Naintara went quiet.

“I know you’ll say you’re working and can manage everything yourself,” he continued, “but don’t burden yourself so much. Right now, just focus on your studies. Leave the rest to us.”

“But this is too much, Dadu…” she said softly.

“Too much?” he chuckled lightly. “This is nothing. You already refused to stay here with us, and I didn’t say anything. Do you know why? Because I was happy that at least we were in the same city now I can meet you whenever I want.”

Naintara’s eyes softened.

“But don’t refuse this,” he added firmly. “And yes, Anvi has been waiting for you for a long time. Come home quickly. We’ll talk more here.” 

Before she could respond, he cut the call.

Naintara stared at her phone for a moment then smiled faintly.

“I trouble everyone too much, don’t I?” she said quietly.

She asked quietly.

Nishi immediately shook her head.

“Offo itna emotional mat ho. chal, late ho raha hai. Varna humari Anvi hume zinda nahi chhodegi.” (Oh stop being emotional. Come on, we’re getting late. Otherwise Anvi won’t spare us.)

She was already sitting on the scooty, waiting.

Naintara sighed lightly, then walked over and sat behind her.

"Yeah yeah, let’s go."

“Jaise aaram se aayi thi, waise hi jaana zyada hawa mein gaadi udaane ki zarurat nahi hai.” (Drive the way we came no need to fly the scooty.) Naintara added.

Nishi rolled her eyes.

“Yes, yes my lady."

And the next second— The scooty engine roared to life.

They drove off.

Unaware…

That somewhere behind themFate had already started moving its pieces.

The Sharma House

The atmosphere was completely different.

The house was beautifully decorated, glowing with soft lights and fresh flowers arranged neatly at every corner. It was clear guests were expected, and not just any guests.

Inside, Sanvi was busy in the kitchen, managing last-minute preparations. Naintara’s grandfather rested in his room, unaware of the quiet storm about to unfold. 

Meanwhile,  Naintara and Nishi didn’t waste a second. The moment they arrived, they headed straight toward Anvi’s room. 

“Tayyar rehna Anvi pakka hum par gussa karne wali hai. itna late jo kiya humne.” (Be ready, Anvi is definitely going to be angry. we’re so late.) Nishi said as they reached the door.

“Chill, I know kaise sambhalna hai usko.” (Relax, I know how to handle her.) Naintara replied confidently before knocking. 

Within seconds, the door opened.

Anvi stood there— Dressed in a soft pink kurti, looking effortlessly beautiful. There was a glow on her face but her expression?

Completely blank.

“Wowww Anii, kitni sundar lag rahi hai tu!” (Wow Anii, you look so beautiful!) Nishi exclaimed.

But Anvi said nothing.

She simply turned around and walked back inside.

Naintara and Nishi exchanged a glance.

Naintara smiled faintly then walked in anyway, with Nishi following right behind.

“Anvi…” Naintara called softly.

No response.

Anvi stood facing away from them, deliberately keeping her distance.

“Arey humari baat toh sun le.”

(At least listen to us.)

Still nothing.

Nishi and Naintara looked at each other again. “Nishi, lagta hai koi humse naraz hai dekh na, humari taraf dekh bhi nahi raha.”

(Looks like someone is upset with us… she’s not even looking at us.) Naintara said, watching Anvi’s back.

“Haan, lagta toh hai.” Nishi agreed.

“Ab koi humse baat hi nahi karna chahta toh hum yahan ruk kar kya karenge, chal wapas chalte hai.” (If she doesn’t even want to talk, what’s the point of staying, let’s go back.)

Naintara grabbed Nishi’s hand and started walking toward the door.

Nishi let out a small chuckle—she knew exactly what her friend was doing.

“Yaarrr! Kaise ho aap dono? Main naraz hoon idhar aur aap log mujhe bina manaye hi jaa rahe ho? Galat baat hai!” (Seriously? I’m upset here and you both are leaving without even convincing me? That’s not fair!) Anvi finally turned, unable to hold it in.

Both girls stopped and turned back.

“Toh uske liye sorry toh bol rahe hain par tu toh humari baat hi nahi sun rahi thi.” (We were trying to say sorry but you weren’t even listening to us.)

Naintara said calmly.

“Ek toh itna late aaye ho, upar se nakhre dikha rahe ho jaise naraz mai nahi, aap ho.” (First you come so late and now you’re acting like you’re the ones upset, not me.)

  Anvi shot back.

“Areee bachche sorry.” (Oh my baby sorry.)

Naintara said, stepping forward to hug her—

But stopped midway.

“Ugh, I can’t even hug you… your dress will get ruined because of mine."

Anvi’s eyes immediately dropped on Naintara's kurti.

The white fabric was stained with noticeable red marks.

“how did this happen??"

Anvi asked, her brows knitting together in confusion as her eyes stayed fixed on the stains.

“Mat puch. ek gunge aadmi ki wajah se hua hai.” (Don’t ask. because of a mute guy.) Naintara replied casually, as if it was the most normal explanation in the world.

“Gunga aadmi?” (A mute guy?) Anvi frowned, clearly not convinced.

“Anvi, iski baaton par mat jaa. isko toh saare mard gunge, andhe, bewafa aur disloyal lagte hai.”  (Don’t listen to her. according to her, all men are mute, blind, disloyal and useless.)

Nishi said. 

Naintara rolled her eyes in annoyance.

“Haan toh… saans lene wale mard kabhi loyal ho bhi nahi sakte.”

(yess, Men who breathe can never be loyal.)

she said bluntly, folding her arms.

“Tu pagal ho chuki hai. apni fictional duniya se bahar aaja.” (You’ve seriously gone crazy. Step out of your fictional world) 

Nishi shot back instantly.

“Main pagal ho chuki hoon?” (I’ve gone crazy?) 

Naintara turned to her, narrowing her eyes.

“Yes, you–”

Before Nishi could continue, Anvi quickly stepped in— 

 “Aap dono abhi shuru mat ho jao… meri baat sun lo warna der ho jayegi.” (Don’t start now… listen to me first or it’ll be too late.)

That was enough to pull them back.

The tension broke.

Naintara exhaled softly, her expression shifting from irritation to focus.

“Achha ab bata, itni jaldi kyun bulaya? Kya kiya tune?” (Alright now tell me, why did you call us urgently? What did you do?)

She asked, walking over and sitting down on the couch. Nishi followed, settling beside her, still giving Naintara a side-eye.

Anvi, on the other hand, sat in front of them.

Her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her dupatta Her nervousness was written all over her face.

“Maine kuch nahi kiya par aapko meri help karni hai. Aapko malum na aaj ladke wale aa rahe hain. Maa chahti hain ki mai shaadi kar lu, par mujhe abhi shaadi nahi karni.” (I haven’t done anything but I need your help. You know the groom’s family is coming today. Mom wants me to get married but I don’t want to marry right now.)

Anvi said, her voice filled with worry.

“Tune Bua Maa se baat ki iss baare mein? Ki tujhe shaadi nahi karni?” (Okay… did you talk to Bua Maa about this? That you don’t want to get married?)

Naintara asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Nahi! woh bohot zyada khush thi aur mujhe samajh nahi aa raha tha ki kya bolu unhe.” (No! she was really happy and I didn’t understand what to say to her.)

Anvi admitted, looking down.

Naintara let out a breath, slightly frustrated. “But you should have told her! The groom’s family is coming today and you’re telling me now? How is all this going to work?"

“Exactly! You should have told earlier but don’t worry. You know your sister, she’ll come up with something." Nishi said confidently, glancing at Naintara.

Naintara gave her a flat look.

“Haan haan mai toh jadugar hoon na tum dono ki nazar me. Bas meri chhadi ghoomi aur sab thik.” (Yes yes I’m a magician in both of your eyes. I’ll just wave a wand and everything will be fine.)

“Of course,” Nishi grinned. “Our personal magician.”

“Idiot,” Naintara muttered, glaring at her.

“Diii, I know only you can do something,” Anvi said softly. “If you talk to Mom, she’ll listen to you.”

Naintara sighed but nodded.

“But now it’s too late to talk directly,” she said thoughtfully. “The boy’s family will be here any moment. At this point, Bua won’t be able to say no.”

“Then what do we do?” Anvi asked anxiously.

Naintara leaned slightly forward, her expression turning sharp and thoughtful.

“Tujhe bas wahi karna hai jo mai bolungi, baaki sab mai sambhaal lungi. Toh dhyaan se sun....” (From here on, you just do exactly what I say, I’ll handle the rest. So listen carefully....)  

She began explaining her plan in detail.

Nishi listened closely, clearly impressed.

“Will this really work?” Anvi asked, unsure.

“It will,” Nishi said confidently before Naintara could answer. “Just do what Tara tells you.”

Naintara nodded in agreement.

“

Trust me.”

Nishi suddenly leaned forward.

“By the way where is the boy’s family from?” she asked curiously.

Anvi thought for a second.

“Umm... I think the proposal came from some Agnihotri family. Nanu’s friend’s grandson I guess.”

“Ohh achha ” Nishi murmured, her expression shifting as if a thought had just crossed her mind.

For a brief second, her eyes flickered—like she was connecting some invisible dots.

But before she could asked anything—

“Are you ready?” Naintara’s voice cut in, firm and focused.“Do exactly as I told you, they can arrive any moment.”

Anvi nodded quickly, her nervousness clearly visible now.

For a moment, silence settled in the room.

Not the peaceful kind but the kind that comes before something big unfolds.

Nishi crossed her arms, leaning slightly against the wall, watching both of them with a mix of curiosity and excitement.

“So, is operation ‘cancel the proposal’ officially about to begin?” she said with a small smirk.

Naintara shot her a look.

“It’s not about to begin–it already has." There was a strange confidence in her voice, the kind that made it very clear.

She already had everything planned.

Anvi looked between the two of them, her nervousness still there but now, mixed with a tiny bit of hope.

“Just don’t stress,”

Naintara added, softer this time.

“Jo hoga… dekh lenge.”

(Whatever happens… I’ll handle it.)

___________________________