She: Dhara! I need to talk to you.

Me: Sure didi!

She: But not here. People will think that you are ... umm ... mad.

Me: Oh ...

I looked around. They were already looking at me as if I am insane, talking to myself. I scratched my head, not knowing what to do. She laughed and pinched my cheek.

She: Tell the nurse attending Anil to inform you if he wakes. We shall go to the garden.

I gave the nurse my contact number. We then headed to the lawn outside the hospital and found a quiet spot. After making sure that no one was observing us, she started speaking.

She: Dhara, you have been wondering about our past right?

I nodded. I had too many questions.

She: Now is the time that all your unanswered questions are answered.

My heart started thumping hard.

She: You are a wonderful lady.

Me: What are you saying? How can I be a wonderful lady, after all that I have done to you?

Tears formed in my eyes. {I still hate myself for hating and misbehaving with a lovable person like her.}

She: That is what I am saying. You are a wonderful lady because you have done, what you have done to me.

Me: Don't joke. I was being a devil to you.

She: No. If there would have been any other lady in your place; she would have kicked me out of his life. But you were so nice to me, accepting me as your elder sister.

I bent my head. {She was right. I too felt like kicking her out of his life. After all, he was my husband and which woman would want another woman in the life of her husband? But then why did I accept her?}

She: All your questions will be answered ... when you hear our story ... would you want to?

{Can I bear to hear the love story of my husband; when I am not a part of it?} But I decided to hear it. I nodded.

She started with their first meeting, how she slapped him and later about their friendship ... when she came to that part where she thought he was dead; I literally cried. {She has undergone lots of hardship. That is what made her so strong and wise.} My respect for her doubled. When she narrated the part where he returned, I jumped in excitement. She laughed and kissed my cheek. I wished for a 'happily ever after'...

[I was so engrossed in their happy moments, that I forgot to be jealous. I secretly prayed for a happy ending ... but ... silly me! I would not have entered their lives, if it was a happy ending. I forgot that.]

When she told that their parents agreed for their marriage, my happiness knew no bounds. But she stopped narrating after that. I begged her to continue the story, expecting her to narrate their marriage.

She gave a sad smile.

She: I don't need to narrate. You know the rest.

Suddenly, realisation dawned over me. {Ironically, during the dusk} SHE DIED!!!

She placed her palm on my shoulder. Tears flowed from my eyes like a waterfall. I cried and cried until my eyes went dry. {Why does this happen? Why does god trouble people? Why did she have to die? Why ... when they aspired for a wonderful future?}

It got darker, both around me and inside me. I was brooding over the past. We sat in silence for a few moments.

Me: But didi, if you are a spirit, why do you feel solid?

She: After leaving that body, I prayed god for a way to be closer to him. So he granted my wish. He gave me this body, which can be seen and felt only by the 2 of you.

Me: Why me?

She: Because I have work with you.

Me: What work?

She: You will come to know later.

Me: So ... you mean to say, only Krishna and I can see you, and touch you.

She: And hear me.

Me: Others ...?

She: Nope. But there is an advantage with my new body. It does not have the limitations of physical body. I can go anywhere anytime. I can appear and disappear anywhere, anytime. I can be invisible. I am totally enjoying this new body.

A shiver ran down my spine.

She: Don't worry. I will only use it for the welfare of people. Moreover, it is temporary. I will lose it, once my task is completed.

Me: What task?

She: I don't have permission to reveal it.

Me: Does he know?

She: Yes, he knows everything.

Suddenly, my phone rang. I picked the call.

It was from the nurse, informing me that the patient gained consciousness and I could meet him.

I entered the emergency ward, and spotted him immediately. Radha didi was close behind me. I approached him slowly. The moment he saw me, he started crying. I was shocked.

Me: What happened? Why are you crying? Is it hurting you?

I asked, pointing towards his injured leg.

Anil: Yes, it is hurting; a lot. But not there. Here!

He pointed towards his chest. I panicked. {Has the venom affected his heart?} I was about to call for the doctor. But he stopped me, grabbing my arm. I was confused.

Anil: You saved my life ...

Me: It is my duty ...

Anil: Please! Don't interrupt me. I have to get this out of me.

Me: Okay ... Sorry ... continue.

Anil: You saved my life, while I tried to kill you.

................................................................................................................................................................

Hahaha ... I am so EVIL!!

But you are all very smart. Try to guess what must have happened.

Don't forget to enjoy your zindagi!!