chapter 6

Aditya: Now I have understood everything Aashi, and Thank you for bringing me to this institute. after coming to this place I have realised that no matter how much pain we go through in our life, there always comes a moment where we get a chance to rebuild it. n it depends upon us, whether we want to take that chance, or we want to remain depressed with our past memories. (Aditya replied with a voice filled with gratitude) Aashi smiled, relieved to see the change in Aditya. Aashi: So, what have you decided now Aditya? Aditya: after meeting you, the thoughts of committing suicide had gone out from my mind completely...but still somewhere...the painful things that have happened in my life in past were not going out from my mind...or you can say...I was not allowing them to leave, but not anymore...from now on...am a new person...I won't keep myself hurting with the past memories...now I want to smile again...I want to live life again. Aashi's heart swelled with joy as she heard Aditya's words. She had accomplished what she had set out to do – to inspire him to embrace life once more. Aashi: am so happy Aditya...really I am...come, let's begin your new life with a cup of coffee. Aditya: alright, but where? Aashi: well, we have a good coffee shop in our institute...let's go there. As they sat in the institute's café, sipping their coffee, Aditya couldn't help but stare at Aashi with a smile on his face. Aashi noticed his gaze. Aashi: What? Why are you staring at me like this dude? I know am very much beautiful, but stop staring now. (Aashi questioned him playfully) Aaditya: ah ...actually I...I was not staring at you...I was just thinking about something...Aashi: what is it? (Aashi questioned with curosity) Aditya: you had said that you have saved many lives the way you saved mine...now am finally able to understand why you said like that. but still there's a question that remains in my mind Aashi, why ...why didn't you reveal to me about your social work before? Aashi: the reason I didn't tell you is because I didn't want you to know, atleast for now. But seeing your pain and realizing that your past was still haunting you, I was compelled to reveal everything. I felt, bringing you to this place was the only way to inspire you to move on in your life. hence, I had to reveal everything. Aditya: but my question still remains the same, why you didn't wanted me to know about your social work? Aashi: its because I don't do this social work for gaining praises or popularity. I do it because it brings me genuine happiness to help others. Many people who engage in charity do it for the wrong reasons – to prove how great they are or to gain attention. but am not like that. in my opinion...charity or social work should be done secretly, and not by revealing to the entire world. Aditya was silent for a moment, taking in Aashi's words. Finally, he spoke, his voice filled with awe. Aditya: I don't know what to say Aashi. I am speechless. all i can say is that this world needs more people like you. You are truly amazing. Aashi: uff! I don't like hearing all these praises Aditya. What I do is nothing special. It's the responsibility of every person to help those in need. Imagine a world where everyone is selfless, where everyone helps each other without expecting anything in return. That would be a perfect world to live in, don't you think? Aditya: Yes, it would be. But it's only possible when there are more people like you. People like you who are willing to help others without any hidden agenda. You have a big heart Aashi. Aashi: uff! not again dude...Aditya: alright alright....I forgot that you don't like to hear praises for yourself...don't worry...from now on, I'll keep that in mind. Aashi: hmmmm, from now on, you better don't forget it (Aashi replied in a playful tone) Aditya: and what about Doctor Roy? how do you know him? Aashi: well 3 years ago I was doing a seminar...Uncle Roy saw me there for the first time...he was impressed with all the social work that I was doing...he showed interest in helping me. since then...he has done free treatment of many patients whom I brought in his hospital. he's a great person...he's like a family. Aditya: ohh...I got it. by the way, you know Aashi, the way you kept your social work secret from me, in the same way...I too hold a secret.Aashi: Really???? What is it, Aditya? Aditya chuckled Aditya: Don't worry, I'll reveal it to you soon. But not here. I'll take you to a place where I can share it with you. Aashi couldn't help but feel excited. Aashi: Come on Aditya, you're really creating suspense now. Tell me, what is it? Aditya simply smiled and didn't reply. After finishing their coffee, they got into Aashi's car. Aashi: so where is this place? where do you want me to drive? Aditya: you keep driving...I'll direct you towards the place. Aashi: hmmmm, you are creating too much of suspense ha...Aditya smiled hearing Aashis reply. as she drove the car, Aditya continued to guide her. They headed up a road that led to a beautiful mountain covered in lush green grass. Aashi couldn't help but admire the breathtaking view.Finally, they reached the top of the mountain, and Aditya told Aashi to stop the car. They both got out, and Aashi noticed a small wooden cabin nestled amidst the greenery.Aditya: Where have you brought me Aditya?Aashi's curiosity started growing.Aditya: This is my small world, a place I've kept hidden from everyone. Come, I'll show it to you. (Aditya replied, leading the way towards the cabin)As Aditya opened the door, Aashi's eyes widened in amazement. The cabin was filled with beautiful paintings. They were not just ordinary paintings; they held deep messages within them.Aashi: wooooow! These paintings are so amazing Aditya. Who's the artist? (Aashi asked, unable to tear her eyes away from the artwork) Aditya: Well, the artist is right in front of you.hearing Adityas reply, Aashi was taken aback.Aashi: You mean... you mean to say that all these fabulous paintings are made by you? Oh my God, I just can't believe it. This is really a fantastic work Aditya. Since when did you start painting? Aditya: I've had an interest in art since childhood, but I never shared it with anyone because no one cared. When I came to Chawanpur, I stumbled upon this cabin. It was empty and didn't belong to anyone, so I started using it as a place to practise my art. The atmosphere here was perfect for my creativity. Aashi: Well These paintings are not just paintings Aditya. You have depicted various phases of life, and they hold such deep meaning. you really have got some great talent ha. Aditya: Until now, I haven't shown this place to anyone, not even Sakshi. You're the first person to know and see this place. Hearing Adityas reply, Aashi couldn't help but feel touched. Aashi: Why did you show it to me Aditya? Why only me?"Aditya fell silent, his gaze locked with Aashi's. Aditya: I... I don't know Aashi. Maybe because you're the first person in my life who has tried to understand me as a person. You're the first person who has made me realize that I'm not a burden in this world. I would have given up if you hadn't come into my life. Before Aditya could say anything more, Aashi gently placed her finger on his lips, silencing him. Aashi: Shhhhh!... no more talk about death, okay? From now on, let's talk about life. I only want to see you happy Aditya, just happy. (Aashi replied in a calm and caring voice) Aditya's eyes filled with warmth and gratitude. Aashi: If you're there with me Aashi, then there is no chance of me staying unhappy. Just stay with me like this forever.Aashi: am always there with you Aditya. In that moment, they had come closer than ever before. They looked deep into each other's eyes, and Aashi's gaze shifted to Aditya's lips. She gently caressed them with her fingers, leaning in for a kiss.But just as their lips were about to meet, Aashi's phone rang, breaking the spell. Both of them were startled and snapped back to reality.Aashi: I'll... I'll pick up the callAditya: ya...ya sure. Aashi stepped outside to answer the call, leaving Aditya waiting inside the cabin. A few moments later, Aashi returned back. Aashi: hey, i guess we have to leave...it was a call from my dad....I need to go home...Aditya: ya...ya sure...let's go...Both of them were feeling bit akward and shy, due to the intimate moment that had risen between them minutes back, before the phone rang. to be continued in next chapter