The one and the only reason why he thinks Kirti is the girl they have been looking for. But he knew she would never in her sane mind do what is expected from her. If she would have even found out that he loves her, it would have been the end of their friendship or maybe any relationship.
To say nothing about what is expected to be fulfilled by her. His clan's protection, the power that he and his people believe in, everything that she is supposed to do, that is on her hand. Yet he knew she would never agree. Not when the cost would be her own life.
So he came up with this urgent wedding idea. Yet, just before the main announcement, she was gone. Gone to attend some concert.Sigh. Now, what should he do?
~~
He thought his thoughts were always simple. But only now did he realize how complicated it was. Especially when he thinks about the things going on at present.
He had never felt the way he had felt with Yuvika before. The reason could be anything. But he had never hugged Kirti or patted her. No matter what she does. He had never thought about surprising her with a bouquet of flowers or being sensitive about her comfort.
But he has done that when it comes to Yuvika's case. He had felt happy when she had liked his surprises, both the family gathering and the bouquet. What's more, she had sincerely told him how her relationship with her family, friend, and relatives was.
Her reaction, her expressions, her smile, her teary face, her confused face, her nervous, worried stance, everything had been affecting him.
~~
After thinking for the whole night;
He made a clear decision. He won't do anything in haste. He will take his time to know about both Kirti and Yuvika. Because everything would depend on this decision that he will make.
He has to choose the right girl. He has to choose the girl in the prophecy. He can't afford to fail. Not when his entire clan's life depends on that. He has to find that 'prophesied girl.'
He might not have much time. He might have all the odds against him. But he can't falter. He has to make the right decision. Since the lives of many are at stake.
~~
Next morning ;
Yuvika woke up, only to find herself being a complete mess. It took her a moment to realize how tired she was, to not even wash her face before sleeping. She cleaned herself, got changed, then again was ready to lock her door and leave for work.
But the moment she opened her door, she was shocked by the sight. There was a long shadow in front of her, freaking the shit out of her. It took her a moment to realize, it was just a shadow and not some ghost in the broad daylight.
She followed the shadow, out of curiosity and fear. Only to find the source of direction turned out to be her boss's room, whose door wasn't closed, to form this shadow.
Her curiosity piqued up, she walked with the tip of her toes, to avoid any noise. Once she reached near the room, she peeked inside. Another shock hit her. Her boss was standing near the window, his gaze fixed on something, maybe the sun.
But his dressing, his swollen red eyes, his dark under eyes clearly shows he had been like this entire night. Making her wonder, what can affect this man so deeply. He wasn't like that when the market was bombarded with money when they faced near bankruptcy.
No matter whatsoever the situation would be, she had never seen him like this. Like a lost person.
'Boss!' She called him out but got no response.
She knocked on the door twice, which luckily brought the guy out of his reverie and made him face her. He stares at her and then raises his brow with a questioning look.
'Good morning, Boss.' She greeted him while reminding him that it was morning already.
As expected the first frowned, then stared at the sky and the realization hit him. Since the moon was replaced by the sun.
'Do you need something, Miss Chauhan?' He asked in a hoarse, deep, husky voice sending goosebumps all over her body. Though, not intentionally. But that's how his voice had turned into.
He cleared his throat twice, but then stared at her, expecting an answer to his question.
'Oh no. Actually, Mr. and Mrs. Shekhawat would be in the company within fifteen minutes. We need your presence for ' the tender on Project 'A''.' She explained.
' I know that.' He replied with a confused look, not getting why she is reminding him, of his schedule for the day.
' Then, are you planning to join the meeting like this?' She finally asked, after gathering all her courage.
Making him stare at himself and finally realize where she was getting into.
'Give me ten minutes and I will be there. Prim and proper.' He replied with an assuring smile, making her nod.
'Don't go to the cabin, directly. Firstly, visit the 'Food hub', get some food for the three of us. We must have had our breakfast before this meeting.'Ashutosh instructed her, to which she nodded and left.
Well, she was free, to begin with, for the next fifteen minutes.
Ashutosh stared at the departing figure and sighed heavily. He knows he has messed up pretty badly. But still, there's little hope in his heart. Then, he pulls himself together and shifts his mind in the 'work on' mode.
~~
The whole day went in a flash, with five consecutive meetings. The mischievous duo felt like one more meeting and they would be dead.
Luckily their boss showed some mercy and gave them some time for the lunch break. After which, another round of business meetings begins, making Yuvika and Vivek cry without tears.
Within a flash, it was evening already. Making Yuvika and Vivek thank all the heavens. Since there was no emergency, then it clearly means, they would be getting off.
~~
Evening;
Ashutosh finally let the duo off the hook. They finally get that infamous 'That's all for the day' quote out of his mouth. When Vivek and Yuvika were chilling happily, Ashutosh told Vivek to leave the duo alone, since he has something to talk about with Yuvika.
Vivek was more than glad to grant that. Since he wanted to laze around.
'Yes, Boss.' Yuvika asked once they were all alone.
' Miss Chauhan, Do you believe in god?' Ashutosh asks, catching her off-guard. Well, she might have expected many things, but this was the last thing to expect from an all about work, Boss.
'Umm. Yes, I do.' She replied, wondering where exactly the conversation is heading.
'Good. Then, come with me.' He said and then left his chair, picked up his coat, and started walking towards the door. Confusing Yuvika, who followed him nevertheless.
Again the drive was silent since she was lost in her own thoughts, while he kept exchanging glances in between her and the road. To Yuvika's surprise, Ashutosh didn't bring her to a normal temple.
She found herself in a place that was destroyed into ruins, where there was no sign of any life. In the middle of that place was an abandoned, half-destroyed, full of dust, leaves, creepers, and climbers, a temple, whose dome was definitely the highest of all, she had ever seen.
The temple in itself was not worth too much attention, but its 50 feet high ceiling, full of the beautiful architecture of all the deities that reside in heaven was breathtaking.
The temple didn't have any walls, except for the one at the back, even which was full of creative design. Just eight pillars holding that fifty feet high ceiling on its own. One of the pillars had actually been wrecked badly, but still, its core was keeping the ceiling and floor intact at their respective places, cool yet dangerous.
She found 'Shivling' in the middle of this abandoned temple. The symbol of 'Lord Shiva'. The only thing that remains unbothered, untouched from the destruction. She stared at the place, kept staring at each and every place, including the 'Shivling.'
[ FYI; A Shivling means the combination of 'Shav' or the body which Lord Shiva gives and 'Shakti' or the power of the soul. There is no point in the body existing without a soul, and a soul needs a body to reside in.
I googled it. Lol]
Ashutosh kept observing her. Whatever she did, wherever her gaze wandered. Well, if you need confirmation, then it has to be here. In this sacred place. For the normal eye, it might be an abandoned place. But for him, it was still the most wonderful, beautiful place in the world.
He could still see the glory of this place, which it once had. The people staying in those, now ruined houses. Children playing on the now destroyed streets. The domestic animals stayed and made pleasant sounds from their now burned sheds.