Chapter-19

Author's POV,

Venturing outside, the cool breeze of Varanasi's cloudy day greeted them as they strolled through the park. Pihu's words hung in the air, echoing the sentiment shared by many. "I can't help but think about our time in America. Who knows when we'll be back here? It's funny how we took wandering around Varanasi for granted. Now, it feels like a luxury."

Shivani nodded, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "You're right. Our lives are taking a big turn. But let's not dwell on it today. Today, let's embrace the city that has been our heaven."

With determination in their hearts, they fetched Shivani's trusted scooty from their apartment. Their initial plan was simple: a leisurely ride to Assi Ghat, a place they cherished, which was just a 10-minute ride away.

However, as they reached Assi Ghat and parked there scooty in parking and moved toward ghat, the familiar surroundings pulled at their hearts, and they decided to extend their adventure.

"Should we go to Dashashwamedh Ghat?" Shivani mused aloud.

Pihu's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Or perhaps we let the flow of the day decide. Let's allow Varanasi to lead the way, just like old times."

Noticing a boat nearby, they made an impulsive decision to climb aboard, surrendering themselves to the Ganges' gentle currents. The boat embarked on a leisurely journey, guiding them toward Dashashwamedh Ghat, an epicenter of spiritual vibrancy in Varanasi. Pihu's voice carried a sense of reverie. "We've spent countless evenings watching the Ganga Aarti from these ghats and the water."

Shivani's smile mirrored the sentiment. Her gaze lingered on the ghats that held countless memories. " And how can we forget the times we used to grumble about getting lost in these narrow lanes? Now, I'd give anything to navigate them again."

The boat's journey allowed them to witness people finding solace in the river's flow, performing rituals and ceremonies that seemed to tether them to something beyond the material world. The sight of Manikarnika Ghat, the cremation site, cast a solemn reflection on life's inevitable truth – death.

As their voyage brought them to Dashashwamedh Ghat, an indescribable feeling pulled them toward the Vishwanath Temple, a place etched in their collective memories. The temple's sacred aura was now accompanied by the grandeur of new corridors and developments, a testament to the passage of time.

They entered the temple with a sense of awe, offering their prayers with hearts brimming with emotion. The serenity they found within those walls seemed to be an acknowledgment of their journey's ups and downs.

Retracing their steps to Assi Ghat, they settled themselves, clutching 'chaat' – a local street food – their anticipation palpable as they waited for the Ganga Aarti to commence.

As the first notes of the 'Mantra' echoed, their surroundings transformed, becoming a sacred theater of light and sound.The Ganga Aarti seemed to whisper secrets of eternity, its divine melody resonating with the depths of their souls. The juxtaposition of life's transient nature against the permanence of the river seemed to paint a larger portrait of existence.

As the Ganga Aarti unfolded before them, the lines between the divine and the earthly blurred, allowing them to be part of something larger than themselves. Amidst the chants and the flickering flames, they felt a deep-rooted connection not only to their city but to each other, their friendship solidified by the memories they were creating that day. The city of Varanasi, with its timeless beauty and spirituality, had etched itself even deeper into their souls, becoming a sacred sanctuary of remembrances that they would carry with them, wherever life's currents might take them.

The experience left them feeling content and deeply connected to their city. As they strolled back to their apartment, their hearts were light with the warmth of shared memories. Little did they know, a storm of consequences was brewing, an aftermath of their brief adventure.

Their return home was met not with open arms, but with a stormy expression on Shaurya's face. He stood there, a mixture of concern and anger simmering beneath his exterior.

Pihu and Shivani exchanged guilty glances, their eyes telling a tale of realization. They had knowingly pushed the boundaries this time. Shaurya's voice was stern, his words cutting through the air like a sharp wind. "Do you have any idea how worried I was?"

Pihu bit her lip, her contrition evident. "We know, Shaurya. We just wanted a little change, a taste of freedom."

Shivani's tone held both apology and determination as she chimed in. "We kept close and were cautious, we promise."

Shaurya's response held a mixture of disbelief and worry. "Close? Seriously? I have my men watching over you for your safety. I'm well aware of what you did—venturing halfway across the city. And now you're saying you were close?"

Pihu nodded, her gaze finding refuge in the ground. "We understand that now. We genuinely apologize, Shaurya."

Shaurya's expression softened, but worry still lingered in his eyes. "I understand your need for a break, but you can't take risks like this. Rudra's people are still out there searching for you, Pihu."

He let out a sigh, his worry transitioning into a resigned understanding. "I can't keep you locked up, but please, for your safety and the people who care about you, be more careful."

Shivani nodded earnestly. "We will, Shaurya. We promise."

Shaurya's stern facade melted into a small smile, his concern still evident. "Alright then, let's just chalk this up as a lesson learned. But from now on, no more unapproved adventures, okay?"

Pihu and Shivani exchanged a grateful glance, feeling both scolded and loved at the same time. "Agreed," Pihu said, her voice sincere.

As they settled into their apartment, the echoes of Shaurya's lecture still reverberating, they knew that their little escapade had been a reminder of the fragile line they were walking.

Little did they know that their innocent desire to explore their hometown would set off a chain of events that would challenge their safety, their plans, and their very freedom. The storm they had unwittingly invited was beginning to gather, and they were about to face its turbulent force.

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After a week,

Inside his office, Rudra's presence exuded an icy aura, radiating a palpable sense of foreboding. His very demeanor seemed to warn anyone who dared to approach him that they were in the vicinity of a tempest. His gaze, sharp and unforgiving, held the promise of a storm about to be unleashed. He sat there, his patience hanging by a thread, waiting for Veer to arrive.

As Veer entered the room, Rudra's voice cut through the silence, devoid of any semblance of warmth or compassion. "Have they managed to unearth any information about her?"

Veer's shoulders sagged, and his voice carried the weight of disappointment. "I'm sorry, Rudra, but our efforts have led to nothing. It's as if she's vanished into thin air, leaving no trace behind. It's almost as if someone is aiding her escape. I even entertained the thought that she might have fled the country."

Rudra's brow furrowed, his frustration simmering beneath his calm exterior. "This is unacceptable, Veer. How can she simply vanish? Have all our resources failed us?"

Veer's expression mirrored the frustration that seemed to permeate the room. "I understand your frustration, Rudra. Our resources have been stretched to their limits, yet it's as if she's eluding us deliberately."

Rudra leaned back in his chair, a mixture of anger and determination flickering in his eyes. "Find her, Veer. I don't care what it takes. Leave no stone unturned. She can't just disappear like this. I won't allow it."

Rudra's fingers drummed restlessly against the polished surface of his desk, his intense gaze locked onto the window as though seeking answers from the world beyond. "She can't simply have vanished into thin air. There has to be something, some trail, a hint."

Veer's voice, a reassuring presence in the tense room, attempted to calm the storm of Rudra's thoughts. "Rest assured, Rudra. We won't rest until we find the trail we need."

Rudra's features twisted into a mixture of frustration and determination. "Give them a week. If they can't locate her by then, they should prepare themselves for dire consequences."

Veer nodded, acknowledging the gravity of Rudra's words. "I'll make sure they understand that."

"Good," Rudra replied curtly, his mind already shifting to the next matter at hand.

Veer's tone shifted, a reminder of the immediate schedule. "Rudra, you have a meeting scheduled for the opening of the new hotel."

Rudra's gaze refocused on Veer. "Right. Let's go,"

As they entered the meeting room, a palpable tension filled the air, suffocating even with the hum of the air conditioning. The attendees sat rigidly, fully aware that even a minor misstep could have severe consequences. Each face bore the weight of the responsibility they carried, and the knowledge that they were under the scrutiny of a formidable force.

The person designated to present felt the gravity of the situation keenly. He cursed his predicament internally, fully aware that a single misjudgment in this room could unravel his life.  With a sense of urgency, he launched into his presentation, meticulously elaborating on the significance and potential of various locations for the new hotels. Each city was chosen with care, their sacred and tourist-friendly nature making them prime candidates for this venture.

Amidst his explanation, a slide showcasing a Varanasi ghat caught Rudra's unwavering attention. His gaze fixed upon it with an intensity that demanded everyone's notice. In a voice that resonated with command, Rudra ordered, "Stop. Everyone except Veer, leave."

Veer's confusion was palpable as the attendees hurriedly left the room, leaving him alone with Rudra. A mix of bewilderment and concern laced his question, "Rudra, what's going on?"

Rudra offered no immediate response. Instead, he strode purposefully toward the projector, expanding the image to reveal a broader view. On the screen were two girls, both wearing face masks. A small, affectionate smile curved Rudra's lips as he pointed to one of the girls. "My Pearl."

Veer's perplexity deepened, a crease forming on his forehead. "I don't understand, Rudra."

Rudra's smile held a touch of nostalgia as he recalled a significant moment. "In the one of our meets my gaze went on the bracelet. She was wearing a half-heart bracelet with 'bes fre' engraved, symbolizing 'best friend.' I inquired about the other half, and she told me Shivani wore it." A distant fondness colored his words.

(Both Pihu and Shivani wore half of it)

Veer's gaze shifted to the picture, noticing the matching bracelets on both girls' wrists. His skepticism lingered as he spoke, "But there could be many bracelets like that, Rudra."

Rudra's smile didn't waver; instead, it exuded unwavering confidence. "You're right, but it's not merely the bracelet. It's her eyes – the unmistakable, unique eyes of My Pearl. The bracelet became a connection, but her eyes are the true identifier."

Veer's skepticism began to dissolve, replaced by a growing realization. The storm that had loomed on the horizon now seemed to have found its first hint, with Rudra's certainty acting as the catalyst. The room was charged with an air of expectancy, a sense that Rudra's conviction was poised to set off a series of events that would reshape their circumstances in unforeseen ways.

To be continued...........