FLASHBACK - EIGHTEEN YEAR'S AGO

I was a 13-year-old boy, sitting in the garden of our mansion, lost in the adventures of my book.
The garden was my sanctuary, a place where the world of imagination met the tranquility of nature.

Our mansion was vast, with sprawling lawns and tall, ancient trees that whispered secrets in the wind.
It was a perfect day, with the sun casting dappled shadows through the leaves.

I glanced at the clock, noting that it was time for my 6-year-old niece, Akansha, to come home from her park visit.

Despite the fact that our mansion boasted a full park of its own, her stubbornness always won out, and she preferred to play at the nearby public park.

After a while, I heard her familiar, joyful scream, signaling her arrival.
"Uncel uncel took I mad a nui fend, and see will be my besfend!" (Uncle, uncle! Look, I made a new friend, and she will be my best friend!) Akansha's excited voice pierced the stillness of the garden.

I set my book aside and walked over to see them.
Akansha, wearing her favorite pants and top, was beaming with pride.
I noticed a little girl standing beside her and crouched down to their height.

She was about Akansha's height, with chubby cheeks, pouty lips, and the cutest hazel brown doe eyes.
She wore a light sky blue frock and had a small bunny backpack slung over her shoulders.

(Shreeja's backpack)

"Hello, baby," I introduced myself with a smile. "I'm Idhayan. What's your name?"

In a cute yet slightly annoyed voice, she responded, "I'm Seeja." Her voice had a cute yet melody to it that amused me, and I found myself smiling wider.

Curious, I asked Akansha, "How did you know she'll be your best friend?" I glanced at Shreeja, who looked slightly annoyed.

"Ansha makes her own decisions because Ansha is intelligent like Uncle," Akansha declared proudly, her hands on her hips and her chest puffed out.

(Author : E ladki pehele bhi waise hi thi, par bhi cute hai)
(This girl was the same before, but she is also cute)

I couldn't help but laugh at her confident declaration. Akansha then grabbed Shreeja's hand and started dragging her away with all her might to meet everyone in the mansion. I followed them, chuckling at Akansha's determination.

However, halfway through our journey, Shreeja's feet started hurting.
The mansion was indeed too large for her tiny size. "Sree legs hurt," Shreeja let out a small sob, looking up at me with those big, pleading eyes.

Without hesitation, I bent down on my knees and asked, "Should I carry you in my arms, little one?"

(Author : Guys look he's already on his knees for her🥺)

Shreeja nodded lightly, I gently patted Shreeja's head. But Akansha, never one to be left out, jumped up, her eyes wide and playful.

She wanted her share of head pats too, a silent demand for affection, I also patted her head and I scooped shreeja up.
She clutched my t-shirt, and I could feel her tiny heart beating against my chest.

There was something so endearing about her trust in me, a stranger who was quickly becoming her friend.

From that day on, Shreeja would come over and play with Akansha and Akash often.
Although I couldn't always join them because of school and other responsibilities, whenever I was home, it was a joy to be around them.

They filled the mansion with laughter and life, transforming the grand, quiet halls into a playground of endless possibilities.

It was later that I learned her name was actually Shreeja, a beautiful name meaning "Goddess Lakshmi."
I chuckled at the revelation, finding it fitting for someone who brought so much joy and light into our lives.

One day, as I watched them play, I was irresistibly drawn to Shreeja's soft, marshmallow-like cheeks.
I reached out to touch them, but she slapped my hand away, glaring at me with those adorable eyes. "Seejaa doesn't like hmphh," she declared with a pout.

Her fierce protectiveness over her cheeks was too cute for words. I quickly apologized, offering her a piece of chocolate as a peace offering.

She accepted it with a slight nod and a tiny smile. "Okiee, you can touch Seeja's cheek," she conceded, and I gently poked her cheeks.

To my surprise, she didn't protest. Encouraged, I lightly squeezed her cheeks, marveling at their softness.

From then on, our little ritual was established. I would give her chocolate, and she would let me squeeze her cheeks.
It was a small but significant bond, one that made her My little goddess.
(Little did I realize that she was destined to be the one for me).

As time went on, our friendship grew stronger. Shreeja, with her innocence and stubbornness, became a cherished part of my life.
Those early days were filled with laughter, mischief, and a deep sense of connection that would last a lifetime.

Looking back now, I realize that those moments were the foundation of a beautiful friendship that would stand the test of time.

"Everything seemed flawlessly in place, until that ominous day arrived, shattering our world into pieces and leaving us in a web of unanswered questions."
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Come Back To Present

On The Next Morning --

Shreeja woke up with a pounding headache, her surroundings slowly coming into focus. The room was dimly lit, the curtains drawn shut. She winced as she tried to sit up.

"Where am I? What am I?" she wondered, rubbing her temples. The room was beautifully decorated, yet it felt oddly familiar.

(Author : Tere ghar pe behen, aur kaha hogi) (Sister at your house, where else would it be)

Her eyes caught some photos on the wall. Squinting, "That photo looks familiar. I think I've seen her somewhere, but where?" she mused, resting her chin in her hand (it was her photo guys).

"Yeahhh, I remember, I was in a club... but why?" Her memory was foggy, but she recalled being with friends.

(Author : E kya hua e to aapna yaddash hi kho bhethi hain, seriously girl) (What happened? She lost her memories)*facepalmed*.

Her mother's voice cut through the haze. "Oh to rajkumari uth geyi", (Oh, so the princess is up) her mother said, sarcasm dripping from every word as she stood in the doorway, arms crossed..
"Kal raat ke hungame ke baad rajkumari ne apni khubsurat neend puri ki hai" (The princess has just finished her beauty sleeping after the ruckus last night).

"Mom? What are you doing here? Do you know where I am?" Shreeja asked, confused as she squinted at her mother.

The room was familiar-but her memory remained elusive. What had happened?

(Author : Behen tera samay ho chukka hai , agar jaldhi kuch yaad nehi aaya to mujhe pata nehi kya hoga fir )
(Sister, your time is over, if you quickly doesn't remember anything then I don't know what will happen then)

Her mother, armed with a mop, marched over and started swatting at her. "First, you didn't tell me about your plans, and I was worried sick! Second, you didn't call to say you'd be late, and lastly, you embarrassed me so much yesterday, you little brat!"

Shreeja dodged her mother's attacks, running around the room. "Ouch! Maa, it hurts! I really don't remember anything! "Kya hua tha ? ma , bolo na mujhe" (Just tell me what happened!)" she pleaded.

Her mother paced, hands on her hips. "What didn't happen, you brat!" she exclaimed.

Her mother shouted, "You don't remember, huh? Wait, I'll help you remember everything. Just wait, I'll beat you to death!" Shreeja, in a panic, ran and hid in the washroom, clutching her aching head.

As she crouched behind a pile of clothes, the previous night's events slowly came back to her. She had gone out with friends, had one too many drinks. And the room she was in now was indeed familiar-it was her own room.

But Shreeja wasn't ready to face her mother's wrath or the embarrassment of last night just yet.
From her hiding spot, she began plotting how to make amends, all while her mother fumed outside, mop in hand.
At the last her mother shouted " Quickly freshen up, and come down" and gone from there.

As Shreeja freshen up and came out of the washroom, she caught sight of her phone lying on the dresser.
She picked it up, the screen revealing a lengthy conversation with someone named 'Sir'."Who was this 'Sir' again, and why had we talked for so long?" she mumbled.

Then sudden realization hit her "Ohhh it's my Sir..., ummm...Maybe I'll call him," she thought, but before she could dial, her phone buzzed. Akansha, her best friend, was calling.

"Yeah, hello?" Shreeja answered.

"Are you up? Okay, good," Akansha's voice crackled through the line. "Now tell me, are you okay? He didn't do anything, right?"

"What do you mean? HE? Who is HE?" Shreeja asked, confusion mounting.

"Do you remember anything?" Akansha pressed.
"Who are you? Where do you live? If you don't remember, I'll tell you-You're a chubby kitty, my one and only cutie cat who obeys her master. You live in my cat basket, now come on say 'Meowww!' to your master" She laugh.

(Author : *trembling while my hands on my face, it's very hard to control my laugh*)

Shreeja was silent. She was like she's done with her. Akansha's playful joke didn't elicit the laughter it usually did. Instead, it felt like a puzzle piece that didn't quite fit.

"Funny tha, lekin mujhe hasi nehi aayi" (It's funny, but I didn't laugh), Shreeja finally replied with roll her eyes.

"Aishh Damn It, but you don't remember anything right?" She state, "I remember about my identity atleast " shreeja answered.

"Ahhh not good at all. Okay, then," Akansha said, her tone shifting. "Be ready. I'll pick you up.We will have a lot of fun today. "

Before Shreeja could protest or ask more questions, Akansha hung up. Shreeja stared at her reflection in the mirror. Who was 'He'? Why did Akansha sound worried? And why she beaten up by her mom?.

(Author : Bhagwan e sab kuch bhul geyi hai, agar yesa jati hai to kyu piya utna )
(God, she has forgotten everything, if she goes like this then why did she drink so much?)

Then Shreeja called her Sir and clutched the phone, her fingers trembling. Idhayan's voice came through the receiver, crisp and professional.

"Hello, Ms. Gupta. Good Morning, How are you feeling now? Are you okay?"

"Yes, sir, Morning" Shreeja replied, her headache still throbbing. "I'm okay-just a little headache. It'll get better after some rest."

"Good," Idhayan said. "And today is your leave, okay?"

Shreeja's shock was palpable. "What? But why, sir?"

"It's okay," Idhayan reassured her. "Don't worry. Take a rest or enjoy your day-you don't have to work today."

(Author : Woaa kitna kheyal rakhta hai uska)
(how much he cares for her)

Shreeja opened her mouth to protest, but he cut her off with finality. "I said no."

"Umm, okay," she replied, defeated. He could almost see the cute pout forming on her face-the one that had melted hearts during office parties. But this was no time for cuteness.

"I just want to know-" Her thoughts collided with reality as Idhayan interrupted her "Anything else?" , "May I ask you something?" Shreeja questioned.

"Hmm, what is it?" he asked.

"Sir, can you tell me about last night?" Shreeja hesitated. "I saw that I talked to you for a long time, and I don't remember anything. It would have been better if you'd told me a little."

"You don't remember anything?" Idhayan's tone shifted, and Shreeja sensed his hesitation.

"Umm, no, sir," she confessed.

He sighed. "Nothing. I called you, but you were somewhere else. I thought I'd cut the call, but it kept holding. Just a mistake-don't worry."

Shreeja's mind raced. What had she been doing during that call? Why did Idhayan sound so guarded?

"Oh, okay then," she mumbled. "Sorry for disturbing you."

"Hmm, it's okay. Now, bye," Idhayan said, and the line went dead.

What had she missed? She don't remember anything, she frustratingly pulled her hair.

(Author : Abhi aur baalo ko noch ke kya hoga tumne to uska pura wajoot hi mita diya hai)
(What will happen if you pull out any more hair? You have destroyed his entire existence)

After getting ready, Shreeja came down, as her mother's voice trailing after her like a persistent echo. "Where are you going again? Don't you have to go to the office?"

"No, Mom," Shreeja replied, her excitement bubbling over. "Today is my day off, so I'm going out with my friends. Bye!" She waved, ignoring her mother's exasperated facepalm.

As she stepped out of her house, her friends' laughter reached her ears. Akansha and Akash was waiting outside.

Shreeja hopped in, the engine purring to life. Akash, their silent companion, took the driver's seat. "Ready for our adventure?" Shreeja nodded, her mind racing. The adventure began.

They headed to a cozy café, sunlight streaming through the window. Plates piled high with pancakes, eggs, and crispy bacon.
Shreeja's phone clicked away-photos of steaming coffee mugs, syrup-drenched waffles, and the three of them grinning like mischievous schoolgirls.

Reels and posts flooded their social media-captions like "Brunching with my favorites"etc.

Next stop is shopping! Shreeja twirled in front of the mirror, dresses swirling around her.
Akansha and Akash played fashion consultants, their laughter infectious. "This one, definitely!" Akansha declared, holding up a sequined gown.
Shreeja's reflection sparkled back at her-like a star caught in a sequin storm.

Akash, the stoic photographer, found himself in a whirlwind of twirls and beats.
His camera captured their laughter, but his feet remained firmly planted. "Dance with us!" Akansha and Shreeja chorused, pulling him into their Instagram reels.

But Akash? He stood there like a marble statue, his expression unyielding. Perhaps he believed that dancing was best left to pixels and pixels alone.

Shreeja, however, was not one to be defeated. She eyed Akash's unmoving form, her competitive spirit ignited. "You're dancing today, Ash," she declared, rolling up her sleeves.
Akansha cheered, and together, they attempted to coax rhythm out of Akash.

(Author : Haan haan Akash kyase hi Shreeja ko mana kar sakta hai bhala)
(Yes yes, how can Akash say no to Shreeja)

Then Akash's mood shifted. Perhaps the coffee was stronger, or maybe the universe whispered some secrets to him.

Whatever it was, he joined their impromptu dance party. His steps were hesitant at first, like a deer testing frozen pond ice.
But soon, he spun, dipped, and-dare we say-grooved. Akansha and Shreeja gasped, their phones recording this mythical event.

Meanwhile, in the quiet of his cabin, Idhayan sat surrounded by paperwork and digital screens.
His phone buzzed incessantly. Curious, he glanced at the notifications. Ah, the trio-Shreeja, Akansha, and Akash-were at it again.
Their social media accounts erupted with life memes, selfies, and snippets of their escapades. Idhayan chuckled, imagining Shreeja's mischievous grin, Akansha's infectious laughter, and Akash's rare dance moves.

Among the notifications, one stood out-the sparkle in Shreeja's eyes. Her posts were a kaleidoscope of colors sunsets, coffee cups, and candid shots of her friends.
Idhayan found himself drawn to these glimpses of her world. Perhaps it was the way she tilted her head or the warmth in her smile. Whatever it was, those notifications became a secret delight-a respite from boardroom meetings and deadlines.

(Author : Jaduu Teri nazar.. hasii Tera chaman...)
(The magic of your eyes... the smile of your face...)

The amusement park beckoned, its rides daring them to scream. Shreeja, adrenaline coursing through her veins, jumped from one ride to another.

Akansha, camera always ready, captured her mid-air. Akash trailed behind, his smile a secret treasure. Roller coasters looped, Ferris wheels spun, and bumper cars collided. Shreeja's laughter echoed across the park.

As the sun dipped low, they found the ice cream stand. Shreeja's favorite indulgence-she sampled every flavor. Chocolate fudge, mint chip, caramel swirl, and a scoop of pure joy. Akansha and Akash shared a double cone, their friendship as sweet as the melting ice cream.

Then Arcadia awaited-a wonderland of neon lights and carnival music.
They won soft toys at the shooting range, Shreeja's aim surprisingly accurate. Akansha's victory dance was a sight to behold.
They devoured chocolates, pizza, and burgers, the taste of freedom sweeter than any treat. Coke fizzed, and French fries disappeared like magic.

The neon lights of Arcadia flickered, casting a kaleidoscope of colors on the trio's eager faces.
Shreeja, Akansha, and Akash stood before the first game booth, adrenaline pumping.
The rules were simple: whoever scored the lowest across all games would foot the bill for the entire day.
Aakash, the seasoned gamer, grinned like a cat who'd found the cream.
Akansha's eyes sparkled with mischief, and Shreeja-well, Shreeja was determined to give it her best shot.

Whack-a-Mole:

The mallets were ready, and the moles peeked out from their holes.
Aakash's reflexes were lightning-fast; he whacked those critters as if they owed him money.
Akansha, on the other hand, giggled and missed half the time. Shreeja? She accidentally hit her own thumb. Scoreboard: Aakash-100, Akansha-50, Shreeja-ouch.

(Author : Ohh hoo koi nehi next time)
(Don't worry next time)

Ring Toss:

Aakash's rings sailed through the air, landing perfectly on the bottles. Akansha's rings wobbled but miraculously stayed put. Shreeja's rings? They defied physics, spiraling into oblivion. Scoreboard: Aakash-200, Akansha-150, Shreeja-black hole.

(Author : Hey bhagwan isme bhi, ok next time sure)
(Oh god In this also)

Whirling Teacups:

Aakash spun his teacup like a seasoned astronaut. Akansha laughed, her hair flying, while Shreeja clung to the safety bar, praying for solid ground. Scoreboard: Aakash-300, Akansha-250, Shreeja-green-faced.

(Author : Ohh shitttt, e ho kya raha hai tere sath)
(What's going on with you?)

Skeeball:

Aakash's skeeballs hit the bullseye every time. Akansha's bounced off the rim but still scored. Shreeja's? Well, they took detours-bounced off the ceiling, ricocheted off a kid's balloon, and landed in the popcorn machine. Scoreboard: Aakash-400, Akansha-300, Shreeja-buttery.

(Author : mujhe lag raha hai Aaj Tera naseeb kharab hai)
(I feel like you have bad luck today)

Shooting Gallery:

As the final game approached, Akansha leaned close to Shreeja. "Watch this," she whispered. Akansha's hand dipped into her purse, and came out a tiny magnet.

When it was her turn at the shooting gallery, she aimed, pulled the trigger, and-bullseye! The ducks quacked in protest. Shreeja's jaw dropped. Akansha winked. Scoreboard: Aakash 400, Akansha 450, Shreeja-betrayed.

(Author : Bechari ka sachi mein luck nehi hai Aaj pura 0)
(The poor girl is really out of luck today total 0)

As the scores were tallied, Shreeja's heart sank. She'd lost fair and square. Aakash, the reigning champion, patted her shoulder. Akansha, still smirking, counted her winnings. Shreeja's wallet groaned.

"Congratulations, Akansha," Shreeja said, handing over her credit card. "But next time, no magnets!"

Akansha laughed. "Deal!"

And so, Shreeja's day of triumph and trickery began. Shreeja vowed to practice-maybe even sneak in a magnet or two next time. After all, revenge was a dish best served with cotton candy.

The night unfolded like a melody-notes of laughter, neon lights, and the rhythm of friendship.
Shreeja, no longer intoxicated, swayed to the music, her heart lighter than before. Yet, a shadow lingered-the memory of her credit card's merciless depletion. Akansha and Akash danced beside her, their steps weaving stories in the dimly lit club.

As the night waned, they stepped out into the cool air. Akansha dropped Shreeja home, their goodbyes filled with promises of more adventures And so, they returned to their separate homes-the night's magic lingering in their laughter, the echo of music fading into dreams. Tomorrow awaited, promising new escapades and perhaps a gentler touch on Shreeja's credit card.

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FOURTH UNKNOWN PERSON'S POV

ON CALL :

Unknown Person: Where are you right now?

Someone: I'm following them, as you instructed, boss.

Unknown Person: Good. Send me pictures and videos of their every move. I want every fucking details.

Someone: Yes, boss. I'll send them to you right away.

Unknown Person: 'Make sure you do your job perfectly. You know what I can do if you fail.' His voice dripping with menace.

Someone: 'Y-y-yes, boss.' voice trembling

-3456 words
Published on - 30.06.2024
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Hello lovely people so here's the today's chapter..

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