Chapter 5:

The weather hung low, casting a silvery glow through the dense trees surrounding the old Haveli, each leaf shimmering like a memory coated in twilight. Daya's heart raced as he finally managed to untie the restraints that had held him down for what felt like an eternity, a storm of emotion swirling inside him. Freedom felt exhilarating yet terrifying.

Suddenly, Shreya stumbled forward, her strength failing her as she collapsed into his arms.

Daya: Shreya...

In that moment, Daya's world narrowed down to the soft warmth of her presence. His heart thudded violently against his chest as he gently rested his hand on her back. Time seemed to come to a standstill; he pulled her closer, feeling her hair brush against his cheek. He could hardly breathe, the rush of emotions overwhelming him.

Daya: (whispering) I love you, Shreya... I love you so much...

Those words—a soft melody—pierced the chaos surrounding them. A tear slid down his cheek, landing softly on Shreya's shoulder. As her eyes fluttered shut, surrendering to unconsciousness, Daya's resolve solidified.

Daya: Main tumhe kuch nahi hone dunga... kuch nahi, Shreya.

Tightening his embrace around her, he vowed to protect her with his very life. Just then, the door creaked open with a thunderous bang. A goon burst into the room, eyes wide with shock at the sight of Daya cradling Shreya.

Goon: Chodo usse...

His words dripped with menace. Slowly, Daya laid Shreya's head on the chair, raising his hands, palms up, hoping to diffuse the mounting tension.

Daya: Main janta hu tumlog inhe yahan kyun rakha hai, lekin meri baat ka yakeen karo, jo tum karo usse tumhe kuch nahi milega.

His voice held calmness, masking the tumultuous storm of emotions surging inside. Shreya's grandparents, who had just regained consciousness, exchanged worried glances. Shreya's grandfather fixed his gaze on Daya, his wrinkled face filled with trust.

Daya: (stammering) Main... Main Shreya ke saath kaam...

Dada (nodding): Hum Jante hain tumhe, Daya...

Dadi: (nodding) Shreya ne bataya tha tum aaoge...

A flicker of hope ignited in Daya as he glanced at Shreya. But the goon's expression twisted into irritation upon observing the calmness in Daya's demeanor. Enraged, he squeezed the trigger—bullets began to fly through the air.

Daya instinctively dodged, pushing a chair towards the goon to create a brief distraction. An intense fight erupted—punches were thrown, bodies collided, desperation fuelling every movement. Just as Abhijeet and a couple of officers burst into the room, chaos erupted further.

Abhi: Daya!

Abhijeet shouted over the mayhem as Daya held Shreya protectively in his arms. They quickly took cover, avoiding the barrage of gunfire.

Abhi: Daya... tu theek hain?

Daya: (twitching his tongue) Ye kinhe leke aaye ho? (Abhi looked at him, then smirked awkwardly)Boss, situation serious hai aur tum gundo se bachane ne gundo ko hi leke aaye.

Gunshots echoed around them as they ducked, Abhi holding Daya tightly with Shreya cradled in Daya's arms while Daya look around sliding Shreya aside on a barrel.

Abhi: (glaring at Daya) Iss waqt tumhein ye sab discuss karna hai?

Daya :(grinning his teeth)Boss tumne gundo ko gundo se bhida diya aur waha dekho Dada-Dadi kaise bach rahe hain.

Abhi : (putting his hand over his hips)Yaar mujhe nahi karni teri help(Daya watch him confused)Ek to tum gode pe sawar rehte ho, tumhe Mumbai se Ahemdabad aana hain ek minute mein pahunchana hain, tumhe police force ek minute mein chaiye sab jaldi ka kaam.. to kaha se leke aao ye sab jaldi jaldi? Batao mujhe.. (Daya roll his eyes eyeing the goons fighting)Jante ho na Police force mein aise nahi hota, hume protocol follow karne padte hain, approvals chaiye, documentation chaiye..

Daya : Ofho.. Boss bas karo..

Abhi: (faking anger) Abh kyu bas, ab tak to mujhe suna rahe the aur abh...

He shook his head, frustration evident.

Abhi: Ye gunde tumhari reputation jante hain, warna sab bhag rahe the tumhara naam sunke.

Daya: (shaking his head) Tum bhi na...

Suddenly, a goon charged at them and swiftly retreated in terror upon seeing Daya.

Goon: Bhago, Daya aagaya!

Abhi pointed a finger at them with a sarcastic expression while the fight becomes furious. Abhi quickly push Daya aside.

Abhi: Tum Shreya ko leke niklo yahan se, main baaki sab dekhlunga.

Daya: (worried) Par boss...

Abhi: Daya, maine kaha na, waise bhi ye mere gunde hain(he winks glancing at shreya)Tum jao, jis kaam ke liye wapas aaye ho, wo karo.

Abhi gave Daya's shoulder a reassuring pat as he smiled. Understanding the urgency, Daya carefully scooped Shreya into his arms and dashed away from the destruction.  As he fled into the dense forest, the sounds of conflict faded into the distance. But as they ran, a startling realization hit him—they were surrounded by a small troop of tribal people, their expressions a mix of curiosity and caution.

Daya clutched Shreya tighter, his heart racing anew—not just from the chase, but now from the unknown that lay ahead. The world around him had changed; the shadows had thickened, and every rustle of leaves sounded like danger lurked just beyond sight. But one thing was clear—he would fight for her, against anything that dared to challenge their love in this unforgiving night.

₊˚ ‿︵‿︵‿︵୨୧ · · ♡ · · ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿︵ ˚₊₊˚ ‿︵‿︵‿︵୨୧ · · ♡ · · ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿︵ ˚₊

Daya stood inside the dimly lit tented hut, the air heavy with the scent of herbs and soft murmurs of concern. Around him, a few tribal members gently tended to Shreya, who lay unconscious yet alive, her chest rising and falling with each laborious breath. Daya felt the weight of darkness lift from his shoulders, slowly but steadily replaced by the flicker of hope that she would recover.

The head of the tribe, an elderly woman with a wisdom etched across her face, approached Daya, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

Head: Fikar maat karo,sab theek hoga.

Daya: (nodding, gluing his fear) Aap sab ka bohut shukriya, aap sab log humari help kar rahe hain... Main hamesha iss yaad rahunga.

Head: Koi baat nahi, aao kuch khalo. Tumhe dekhke lagta hain tumhe kuch khaya nahi...

Daya: Nahi.. main theek hu. Main yahi Shreya ke pass rahunga jab tak usse hosh nahi aajata.. meri guzarish hain aapse...

As the tribal people smiled at his unwavering concern, they stepped out of the tent at the head's gentle insistence. Daya settled beside Shreya, holding her hand delicately, brushing his fingers against hers.

Daya: Main yaha hoon tumhare saath...

Hours passed, the sun transitioning into a golden hue, and Daya, exhausted, laid his head beside Shreya. Suddenly, he felt her fingers brush against his. His heart raced as he shifted to check on her, noticing the flicker of consciousness returning to her eyes as they locked onto him.

Shreya: (softly) Da... Daya sir?

Daya: Tum theek ho??

Relief flooded through him at her faint smile. He gently moved a strand of hair from her forehead behind her ear, watching her closely, his heart swelling with a mix of emotions.

Shreya : Dada.. Dadi..

Daya : Wo bilkul theek hain, fikar maat karo..

He smiled cupping her face with piece finally settling on his face. At the same moment, a tribal women entered the tent. Just then, a tribal woman entered the tent, her face lit with a gentle smile.

Woman: Uth gaayi tum...

Daya instinctively withdrew his hand and stood aside, letting the woman check on Shreya, who looked at Daya with gratitude and curiosity as he waited for updates.

Woman: (glancing at Daya) Bilkul theek hain tumhari gharwali...

A shy smile crept onto Daya's face at the term Gharwali, glancing back at Shreya, who was already looking at him. The air thickened with unspoken words as the woman watched them both.

Woman: Tumhara gharwala tumse bohut pyaar karta hain.

Daya's heart skipped a beat as he processed her words, while Shreya looked taken aback, lowering her head in deep contemplation.

Woman: Sharmagaayi... par kismat wali ho, iss waqt mein aise koi tumhare saath hain jo tumhe bachane ke liye raat bhar tumhare pass raha, tumhari dekh bhal ki... pata hain ghat pe mandir hain waha thand mein jaake manaat mangi thi tumhare theek hone ki..

Daya's gaze flickered between the woman and Shreya as her eyes watered, touched by the kindness and truth behind the woman's words.

Woman: Abh manat utar ke jaana... waise bhi aaj humari kuldevi pooja hain.

Daya wanted to decline, feeling unworthy, but the warmth radiating from Shreya's smile made him reconsider. A feeling of connection blossomed amid the chaos of their surroundings.

      ₊˚ ‿︵‿︵‿︵୨୧ · · ♡ · · ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿︵ ˚₊₊˚ ‿︵‿︵‿︵୨୧ · · ♡ · · ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿︵ ˚₊

As the day went by, the air around them transformed. Laughter echoed, filled with the sound of drums beating in time with joyous celebrations. Daya, caught between nostalgia and anxiety, realized he had deprived himself of these moments after Shreya's marriage to Sid. Work and Abhijeet were his only companions for far too long.

Some villagers, noticing his distant demeanor, pulled him into the heart of the celebrations, encouraging him to dance. His reluctance melted away as the warmth of their spirits enveloped him. As he danced, he turned to find Shreya, breathtaking in her vibrant saree, her hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall.

Daya: Shreya!

He moved toward her, only to be intercepted by a cluster of women who ushered her away to the kitchen, where the scent of freshly made sweets filled the air. He felt like a kite trapped in a web, yearning to soar yet held down by unseen strings.

Hours passed, and adorned in traditional attire, Daya felt out of place yet oddly handsome. He caught glimpses of Shreya from afar, their eyes meeting, sparking memories long buried, demanding acknowledgment. As dusk settled, villagers gathered for the rituals, and Daya prepared to fulfill his vow to the deity. He took five hundred rounds around the sacred fire, his heart lifting with each step, the flames illuminating his determination as he prayed for Shreya's safety.

Shreya felt a urge to stop everything but she could sense that there was no pain in Daya's eyes or discomfort. She felt peaceful looking at him and he recollected the first instance when they meet.

{{{Daya's eyes widen with pupils glancing the her. His facial expressions screamed that it wasn;t the first time they are meeting. He kept rubbing his eyes intensely as others kept glancing at him. How slowly with trembling he held her with pulled her into a hug repeating his words}

Daya : Shreyaaa.. i am..am..so...sorry...}}}

She shook her head watching daya perform the rituals with whole heartedly. After a while Daya and Shreya were made to sit side by side, their fingers brushing against one another. He felt the warmth of her hand against his, a stark contrast to the cold world he had grown to know without her.

Shreya: (tentatively, her heart racing) Sir, aap theek hain?

Daya looked at her, his palm meeting hers in warmth.

Daya: Bilkul theek hu...

Shreya faltered, her gaze shifting back to him.

Daya: Kya hua? Tum theek ho na??

She nodded, even as confusion clouded her thoughts. The sun set behind them, bathed in the soft glow of the flickering flames, both Daya and Shreya realized that amidst the turbulence of their lives, love had begun to weave a tapestry of hope, binding their hearts once more. The evening air was thick with anticipation and festivity.

Daya: (holding her finger softly) Yaha bohut acha lag raha hain mujhe, sab kuch acha lag raha hain aur ye kafi saalon baad ho raha hain mere saath... Janti ho, Shreya, ye sab isliye ho raha hain kyunki mujhe lagta hain tum mere saath ho... Main aise hi jeena chahta hoon tumhare saath... tum...

Daya and Shreya stood together amidst the vibrant chaos of the village's annual pooja. The thud of drums echoed through the gathering, a heartbeat of tradition that pulled everyone into its rhythm. Caught in the moment, Shreya slowly withdrew her hand from Daya's grip, her eyes lingering on him.

The village erupted into motion—men and women twirling in colorful attire, laughter spilling over like the overflowing mud glasses of tea that were passed around. Daya felt the joy seep into his bones as he clumsily joined the dance alongside Shreya, their laughter mingling with the music under the golden glow of festoon lights. With each drumbeat and every sway, Daya felt a part of himself—his defenses—begin to unravel.

Hours melted into each other, and the crowd gradually thinned. Later, Daya found solace against a weathered rock, lost in the chaos of his thoughts, contemplating the uncertain paths their lives might take. His musings were interrupted when Shreya appeared before him, a steaming glass of tea in hand, her sparkling eyes betraying an underlying seriousness.

Shreya:(whispered) Daya sir... Mujhe kuch baat karni thi..

Her voice barely cutting through the remnants of laughter. Daya, feeling the weight of her words, hesitated, holding the glass without sipping. He slowly swallowing hard against the apprehension building in his throat whispered back.

Daya: Uss...usse pehle mujhe kuch kehna hai tumse...

Shreya:(smiled alittle) Wahi baat jo aap tab kar rahe the..

She encouraged, a gentle smile playing on her lips. Daya fell silent, searching for the right words. Shreya's gaze was unwavering, prompting him forward.

Shreya(softly): 2020...

Instantly, Daya's heart raced. He turned towards her, alarmed, as she showed him his wallet.

Shreya: Mujhe ye puchna tha ki kya... (she bit her lip slowly pulling his id cards and showing 2020 on them) 2020 mein main marne wali hu?

Shock washed over Daya's features as realization hit him like a cold wave. He dropped the glass, the tea rolling down the hill as he instinctively pulled her into a tight embrace.

Daya:Tumhe kuch nahi hoga... main tumhe kuch nahi hone dunga..

He declared urgently, emotion heavy in his voice. Her eyes sparkled with reassurance, and slowly, she wrapped her arms around him, sharing warmth in that haunting moment.

Shreya : (whispered)Daya sir...

Not ready to let her go, he tightened his grip, feeling both her heartbeat and his racing together. Moments stretched, and he finally pulled back, swiping at the tears that threatened to spill over. Time seemed to decelerate as he cupped her face, their foreheads gently touching.

Shreya: Mujhe aapka saath acha lagta hain... (she murmured, her eyes reflecting a mix of vulnerability and affection)Main bas iss baat se khush hu ki aap meri zindagi mein ho. Aap ke hote hue mujhe kabhi kuch nahi hoga. Ye main ache se samjh gayi hoon, Daya sir...

Daya : Yakeen karo mera, (hope intertwining with desperation in his voice)Tum nahi ho to sab kuch adhura hain. I promise you, main tumhe kuch nahi hone dunga... kuch nahi...

Tears streamed silently down his cheeks as she brushed them away smiling at him.

Daya : Main hamesha tumhare saath rehna chahata hoon...

He confessed meekly, a smile breaking through the tension while her smile lighted up the fading dusk.

Shreya: Main bhi...

She closed her eyes, absorbing his words. In one swift, gentle kiss from him brushed against her forehead, sending shivers down her spine. With the barriers between them finally dissolved, they embraced, hearts fluttering with the warmth they shared. But as they lost themselves in each other, hidden in the shadows, a pair of eyes watched them, fists clenched in silent turmoil.

‧˚₊꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒦꒷‧₊˚⊹‧˚₊꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒦꒷‧₊˚⊹

As the celestial bodies blanketed the night sky, Daya and Shreya fell into a comfortable silence, hands intertwined, Shreya resting her head on his shoulder while he ran his fingers through her hair, cherishing these fleeting moments.

Shreya: Abhijeet sir...

Shreya mused, breaking the tranquility while Daya's expression shifted to one of confusion as he scanned the surroundings, anxiety bubbling within.

Shreya: Daya sir.. Main puch rahi thi ki Abhijeet sir jante hain na aap 2020 se aaye hain.

She chuckled, trying to lighten the atmosphere. He sighed, nodding.

Daya : Haan, janta hain...

Shreya: Aap jab yaha nahi hote ho to wo mere aas paas hi ghumte rehte...

Shreya's tone was mischievous, causing Daya to smile softly. He smiled at their bond which was unchanged over the time lines.

Daya :Abhijeet nahi hota to aaj main tumhe nahi bacha pata...(laughed)Dekha jaiye to uss jaise dost ke liye maine zaroor koi ache kaam kiye honge...

She smiled making circles around in his palm around the brunt area, he glanced at her smiling feeling with the moments spend with her.Their hearts swept along the currents of night, laughter and tenderness swirling around them.

Daya : Kya soch rahi ho?

Shreya looked at him while the night wore on, the villagers, with their charming interrupted yet again with new cuious.

But the reality of the moment seeped in as Daya and Shreya in no time were standing awkwardly inside the tent provided for them to rest for the night. Daya and Shreya felt a rush of nerves and ambiguity as they settled inside.

Daya tapping his fingers on his hands looked at shreya mummering nerveously.

Daya : Hume shamko nikal jaana chaiye tha....

Shreya bite her lips awkwardly as they remained a few feet apart while Daya glanced at her. He walked at a distance with his cheeks coloring red, unsure of how to navigate the sudden situation.

Daya : Tum sojao.. davai li hain na abhi..

Shreya: Sir, par aap bhi to kal se nahi soye ho..

Shreya added, biting her lip awkwardly as they remained a few feet apart. Daya felt the warmth of a blush creeping up his cheeks as he took a step toward her, unsure how to navigate the sudden situation.  He slowly suggested looking at him.

Daya : Ek kaam karte hain kuch der tum aaram karlo phir main thoda rest lelunga.. (twilting her hair)Kal subha jaldi nikalna bhi hain. Pata nahi Abhijeet ki kya halath ho rahi hogi waha.

She nodded as settling down and Daya stood at the the small passway window.

Shreya: Pata nahi Dada Dadi bhi kaise honge...

Her eyes twinkling with concern for her family. Daya staring out of the small passway window, turned to her with a reassuring smile.

Daya : Wo bilkul theek honge, akhir ek cid officer ki family hain strong to honge hi na.

The words echoed in the stillness of the night gave comfort to Shreya as they stood on the edge of uncertainty, comforted by a hope that intertwined their destinies. Shreya felt the weariness of the day wash over her, and slowly, she laid down, the herbs in her juice lulling her into a peaceful sleep.

Daya watched her for a moment, his expression softening as he leaned down to gently kiss her forehead. Each breath she took brought him a profound happiness that seemed almost surreal. Yet, just as she slept, she stirred instinctively, curling up against him. A shiver coursed through him, a delightful shock of warmth and connection.

With the world around them slipping away, Daya and Shreya stood on the edge of uncertainty, yet filled with hope, together facing whatever destiny held for them. The twinkling stars competing for attention with the subdued glow of the moon. In a cozy little room filled with the scent of herbs and gentle peace in eachother arms.

‧˚₊꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒦꒷‧₊˚⊹‧˚₊꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒦꒷‧₊˚⊹

Meanwhile, the atmosphere was considerably more tense. In a small bustling café, Abhijeet sat with Sachin and Nikhil, his phone clutched tightly in his hand.

Sachin: Sir, hum yaha kiska wait kar rahe hain?

Sachin asked, looking around, a frown creasing his forehead as he sipped his coffee. Abhijeet attempting to mask the worry beneath his casual tone replied.

Abhijeet : ACP Rana..

Nikhil leaned forward, concern evident in his voice.

Nikhil : Sir, Daya sir kaha hain? Unka bhi aana tha na?

Abhijeet's brow furrowed deeper.

Sachin : Sir aapne baki team ko ye Detective Ashish ke baremein pata lagane kyu kaha? Kaun hain wo?

As the three men exchanged anxious glances, the night felt charged with impending decisions. Abhi trailed off, lost in thought. The unease was palpable clenched his phone tighter.

Abhi : (thinking)Daya ne jo kaha tha, usse to ab tak ACP Rana ko aajana chaiye lekin wo aaya kyun nahi... Iss baar ACP sir ko call bhi nahi kiya.. Sachin aur Nikhil bhi mere kehne par yahan aaye hain... Iska kya matlab ho sakta hai...

While Shreya drifted in her dreams, nestled in Daya's embrace, the world outside stirred with questions and unknowns, the paths of their lives about to intertwine in ways none could imagine.

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Will the choices made in the still of the night lead them to unravel hidden truths, or will they force them to confront fears long buried? With the moon hanging high, the stage was set, and destiny awaited just beyond the dawn

Stay tuned to see how the story unfolds, and drop in your views and comments.

Lots of love.

Dareians rocks!