The ambience of the college was still the same, but it pricked Anahita. She recollected her moments of happiness as she glided down the fleets of stairs, and then when it shattered. Anahita stopped at the end and was about to take a step when someone clad in a saree stood next to her. She got the whiff of their familiar perfume and turned her head to face the woman.

"Nausheen!"- She said in a small voice.

The sullen look on her face made it appear longer than it really was. Her eyes reflected sadness from Anahita's. Instantly, she felt hot tears in her eyes. Anahita blinked twice. Her friend wasn't able to keep her emotions, and she leaped forward, taking her in a bear hug.

Anahita clenched her fingers, trying hard to not cry as Nausheen sobbed in her ear. Taking a moment, she reciprocated to the embrace.

"How are you, my jaan?" Nausheen whispered.

Anahita's throat felt constructed. She swallowed the painful lump and managed to promptly

nod.

"How—is—"

Nausheen broke apart, - "Bhaijaan?"
Anahita looked away.

"He has requested me to not tell you where he was going?"- She wiped her nose from the corner of her pastel pink silk saree, - "But I can't—"

"Then don't. Just tell me if he is fine."

Nausheen closed her eyes, shaking her head, - "He isn't. Father found out about all this. He was furious. Your separation, already shattered Bhaijaan, just then father dropped the news of his third marriage. And he was brutal with Bhaijaan... He thinks his son shouldn't have messed with his best friend's daughter. He called him names and what not? It was terrible, Anahita."

She sniffed, and kept fidgeting with her fingers, - "Husna Baji broke her alliance. She and—even I—we want Bhaijaan to marry her. We are about to convince Dadijaan. Anahita, I am sorry. I know it will hurt you and you will feel like I back-stabbed you. But—all I want is you and Bhaijaan to find happiness." After she spoke, she exploded into another fit of crying.

Anahita felt a stab for sure, but it wasn't as intense as it used to be. She thought sadly; she has no rights to be jealous of Husna and Asif. In fact, she wants them to be married. He deserves a good life.

"Anu, Bhaijaan wanted me to inquire about you. He says he feels terrible. In impulse, he let go of you, but later regretted. He regrets that you might be in hands of someone evil, who must be ill-treating you. He was angry on himself for letting you marry a random person. Bhaijaan wanted you to be happy, instead he said, he might have pushed you into hell fire."

Anahita grabbed Nausheen's hands, - "I am fine, the man I married is a gentleman and I am—happy."

"Please tell me the truth. Bhaijaan is restless. He said, if you are in miserable hands he will help you out of this. He will help with the divorce." Her friend pleaded her.

Anahita shook her head, - "Divorce can never be an option, Nausheen. For us, to me, a marriage is for seven births. I cannot break it, at least not in this birth. But tell Asif to not worry about me. My husband respects me a lot and he is a fine gentleman."

She wanted add the lie that she and her new husband are in love, but she knew Asif will catch the lie and will assume everything she said was a lie.

"It is getting late for class." Anahita tugged on her friend's hand. Nausheen stilled.

"I submitted a letter for my TC. I am shifting to Bhopal."- She gripped her hands again. Anahita got her hint- He was in Bhopal.

"I think I might be pregnant."- For a fleeting second there was a twinkle in her eyes, - "I have said to Shoaib that I am no longer interested in studies."

Anahita nodded. She pulled her friend for another tight hug, - "Have a good life, my friend."

Nausheen squeezed her, - "Would you not stay in touch?"

"I won't. I am Anahita Singhaniya now. My identity is attached to Abhaiveer Singhaniya, and I mustn't fall weak. Any wrong move and I will be a stain on my new family."

Her friend flashed her a prideful smile, - "Bhaijaan said you will say the same. And we respect your decision."

It was the hardest thing to do, to say goodbye to a friend Anahita had known since her birth. As Nausheen's hand slipped from her grip, she realized a part of her was going with her. Forever.

❝Wo din kahaan gaye bataa

Jab is nazar me

Pyaar tha pyaar tha

Wo din kahaan gaye bataa ❞

-Tarana (1951)

Anahita watched the flickering flame and melting wax that accumulated at the feet of the slender white candle. Her mind focused on the music from the gramophone.

❝Mai ne to kuchh kahaa nahi

Jo yun nigaahe pher li

Mai ne to kuchh kahaa nahi

Wo raat yaad hai yahi

Kissa huaa tha pyaar kaa

Wo din kahaan gaye bataa ❞

It has been two weeks since her marriage, and ever since she spent excruciatingly burning like the flame. She had no complaints from her husband. Though, they barely spend time together, Abhaiveer was a thorough gentleman. 

❝Aankho me neend thi magar
Soye nahi the raat bhar

Wo din kahaan gaye bataa

Jab is nazar mein pyaar tha

Wo din kahaan gaye bataa ❞

As Anahita studied the flame, the lights switched on. The suddenness of the yellow lights blinded her. She hurriedly straightened on the bed.

"Is everything alright?" Abhaiveer's voice sounded as though coming from far. Anahita realized her hands had become numb as she kept them in the same posture for a long time.

"Ye—Yes." She replied, adjusting her dupatta and shifted closer to the wall. He eyed her, hugging her knees and recoiling.

"Do you not trust me?" He asked. She blinked at him. Her brain was fazed as well. It took her a moment to get everything.

She gulped and nodded, - "It was reflex."

Abhaiveer sighed and sat at the other edge. Just then another song played.

❝Mose ruth gayo

Mora saanwariyaa

Kis ki lagi haay haay

Kis ki lagi julmi nazariya ❞

Anahita's cheek turned crimson red with embarrassment. She quickly slid down the bed, muttering excuses. Abhaiveer smiled.

"You like depressing songs or the actors Dilip Kumar and Madhubala." He said in a lighter tone.

Anahita stilled, a slow sad smile appeared on her lips.

"You know my favourite actor, who is yours?"

"Madhubala."

She clicked her tongue, shaking her head. After Anahita had switched off the music, she hastened towards the door, - "I will see the arrangement for our dinner."

As she passed by him, he called her and she stopped in her tracks but didn't turn to him.

"I remember you as a free-spirited young woman, with dreams and love in her eyes. Now, I see a skeleton of a person whom I don't even recognize." He said kindly.

Anahita pressed her lips and found her eyes watering once again. It was a usual occurrence now.

He breathed deeply and shook his head, - "And it makes me feel guilty. I don't want to be the one to clip your wings."

She turned to him, - "Abha—"

"Abhay, please call me that. I want to be your friend, Anahita. I know we cannot be like before but—" He left the sentence hanging hoping she would catch his unsaid words. And she did.

Anahita smiled a little.

He got to her and extended his hand, - "Friends?"

She nodded, glanced at his hand and then they firmly shook hands, - "Friends?"

This way, her life would be easier.

How was the Chapter, my sweeties? I wonder what turn Anahita's life will take next? Drop your thoughts in the comments, please and Stay Tuned for next update *Lots of Love* *Hugs and Kisses*