Ela giggles," Because she has a weird phobia of police officers. She said she is afraid of police officers and whenever she sees a police officer, she panics badly. So, she went outside before you even came here. I would have told your name but I do not know her name. Police Bhaiya...She looked hurt and scared.
I think something scarier than her phobia is haunting her. Her eyes were brave but her body looked terrified and she was injured from head to toe. She asked my parents to not expose her name or identity because she doesn't want to but I feel she needs someone to protect her. And the police protect us from bad people, I thought you might be able to help her but she ran away. Hmmmmmph."
Soma's mom reassures Ela," Don't worry, beta. She might be scared right now, we will find her, if you can give us a description of hers. And soon, we will rescue her, okay? She saved you, right, that means she is courageous and smart, she can take care of her till we find her soon."
Hrida had been listening to them all this time, hiding outside the house near a window, she peeked in through the window and clearly saw their faces, she not only recognized their faces but she also knew them by their names as well. She observed Lakshman Bhaiya's face, he didn't look in pain but still, she felt a wave of guilt as she was reminded of her attack.
She was sickly worried when Ela was giving out all the details but then she was at least relieved that she didn't know her name because she didn't tell her name to them. She was touched by Ela's concern for her, her heart was swelling with warmth, while Tapish was at her feet staring at her with a fond gaze.
Tapish let out a soft 'meow', Hrida knew what he wanted with a simple gaze, she unzipped her backpack, fed him a bunch of grapes, and petted his head at the same time.
After a long conversation between Ela's family and police officers, they retired from Ela's home. After they were finally gone, Hrida went inside the house, and there at the police station, Lakshman was permitted to return to his duty, he was happy to be back and now he can continue the investigation in full form without the need to hide anymore.
Lakshman arrives home with Soma's mom, as soon he enters, Soma takes his hand and drags him into their room, which puzzles their family members at Soma's behavior but they let it off as Soma is quite attached to Lakshman.
Lakshman asks him with a warm tone, " What is the matter, Soma? Why are you in a rush? Hmm?" Soma questions back, " Bhaiya, is this true? The news about an old lady worker who forced Child labor and used to torture her co-workers, did she really do it? And is this related to Hrida as well?
The news said they got an anonymous call who reported the situation and my brain assumes, this anonymous call is Hrida, maybe, because everything you have told me till now indicates one thing, Hrida somehow gets involved in the cases being reported these days. Am I correct, Bhaiya ?"
Lakshman is baffled for a second at his smarty brain," Woahhh..Soma, you heard about this news already. Waaah ! News channels are quite faster than even a bullet train. Yes, the news you heard is right but partially as there is a small portion of truth hidden, which we had to, otherwise, it would scare the civilians if they knew the whole truth about the recent cases.
And, yes, my brainy cousin, Hrida was there at the site, she saved that girl and she was the informer. And, we were almost near to find her but Hrida is quite smart like you, I must say."
Lakshman then reminds him that their plan will be executed soon, so be prepared and inform Shashi as well about it, Soma nods his head.
At Shashi's home,
Shashi also heard the news and tension relaxing on his brows, while he rambled about Hrida, " Again another case, and the hidden truth behind this is scaring me more. But at least I am aware that Hrida is safe for now but according to Soma, she was present at the site where all this happened... And she now even hates me…..otherwise, I could have talked her out of this matter and brought her back home.
But...I can't do that…Not yet. Oh Ohhhh! That shadow master ' Ka-….Now I wouldn't utter his name. Shadow Master is fine for now. That being is…..not going to stop until he gets to Hrida but I won't let that happen. I won't let that thing touch any of my loved ones at any cost I might have to pay."
On Hrida's side;
Hrida is enjoying each second of peace and comfort slowly dancing in her heart, soothing every corner of her heart, she can finally release the tensed breath and inhale the smooth breath of relief inside her body. Her chaotic mind finally shushed and became peacefully silent.
The delicious smell of warm food circled her nose, and the family's chatter talk sounded like a radio playing vintage songs taking back to your comfort memories. A toothed smile widens on her lips, and Tapish purrs happily seeing his sister being happy.
Ela jumps over Hrida's back and asks her to give her a piggyback ride, Ela's parents lightly scold her to not trouble Hrida but Hrida just smiles at Ela's parents indicating she doesn't mind.
Hrida gives her a piggyback ride while Ela begins her creative stories about her parents, and Hrida listens to each and every word like a child listening to a story. Hrida bursts out into laughter at Ela's cute antics, her laughter being contagious makes Ela's parents laugh too. The house looked the brightest in the whole city filled with the pure joy of light, peace, and happiness.
After having a warm plate of meal, her stomach chimes in happiness within, Ela plays with Hrida's hair, combs her hair, and makes a beautiful braid, Hrida thanks her and hugs her tight, small teardrops escape from her eyes whispering constant ' Thank you' to the sky.
While Hrida is making her bed on the ground, Ela's mom asks her," Beta, I want to ask you something. Can you tell us how are you wandering alone like this? How did you end up here? What is your past story, beta? Is everything alright, can we help you somehow?"
Hrida flashes a warm smile, and answers with a polite tone," I would answer anything else but not that question, I am sorry. I can't tell you my past. I just don't want to recall my past, it only brings pain and heartache, and I don't want to ruin our happy moment. A smile is better than tears. Please don't think it is an offense….I just want to preserve the happiness, I don't want it to vanish again.
And, you are doing the biggest favor by letting me stay here with you for some time. I am grateful for that and I will never ever forget your kindness. Thank you once again and let's enjoy our piece of happiness. Oh yes! If you have any other questions, then please ask."
Ela's parents didn't want to pressure her about her past, so they shrugged it off and smiled back at Hrida. Ela's father asks her in a fatherly tone," Beta, Is our decent cottage comfortable to your liking since it lacks some basic facilities ?"
Hrida kindly replies, " Uncle, this home is not just decent rather it is the most luxurious home that I ever lived in till now. I have never felt rich like I am feeling right now. I always wanted to experience how luxury feels but I know how it feels. Luxury is not about the materials that surround us but it is more about the type of people surrounding you.
It is not about how many items or facilities rather it is about the number of arms there to care for you. It is not about how expensive is the gift rather it is about the love immersed in the gift, it is…..It is about warmth, comfort, love, peace, and true feelings. And your house is full of that because of you all."
Ela's mom patted her head softly and placed a kiss on her hair, fondly mumbling," Hrida, you are the sweetest person I ever met. Beta, never lose this sweetness because that is who you are, beta. We are glad that we met you. Aughww, How cute you are! You are like a daughter to us."
Hrida lay on her mat, Tapish snuggled to Hrida, and she mumbled in Tapish's ears," Tapish, we won't have to sleep alone today. Finally, we are not alone.*sighs*" Ela also lay beside her, Hrida hums the same lyrics that she recorded on Shashi's phone, hearing her melodic lullaby, Ela fell asleep, Tapish also snoring lightly and Ela's parents are also deep asleep except her.
Hrida fondly stares at Tapish and Ela, who are so cute, and then all her attention shifts to Tapish, his form looks relaxed and happy, she caresses his head lightly and gives soft kisses on his head and a warm smile spreads on her lips seeing her brother happy, the smile widens reaching her crescent moon shaped birth-mark near her lip on the left cheek, the birthmark disguised in the form of dimple as she fully smiled.
Seeing her smile full of warm light, the shadows outside can feel the light radiating from the house, they snicker, but for now, they can't reach the house.
The next morning, Hrida's sleep is interrupted when screams and shouts reach her ears, she looks around her, there is no one in the room, and she feels the environment sickly gloomy, fear grips her knees, and she can't stand for a second when disturbing thoughts were haunting her mind.
The crispy early morning breeze sneaked into the room through the window, making him shiver, a current running in her veins, she stood up and slowly crept outside the house, she gasped covering her mouth.
Ela lay cold blue on lively green grass, her eyes staring at the sky with her mouth wide open, Hrida couldn't process anything for long minutes. Her eyes traced Ela's body from head to toe, noticing two black dots deeply engraved on her palm.
But she didn't see Ela's parents and they were not present in the house as well, but then she saw Ela's parents running after Tapish, Tapish looked scared as Ela's parents furiously roared in a bitter tone, " You! BECAUSE OF YOU, WE LOST OUR DAUGHTER. Our innocent daughter had to face death because of your presence. Black cats are never good, they are an invitation to bad things. Ela didn't deserve this. Your evil presence took her away from us, you took our happiness. You took our life. You will pay for this, you will PAYYYY…!"
Hrida was confused and speechless at why they were after her brother, as she sprinted to defend him, a sharp ringing in her ears, stilled her steps, she hissed in pain causing her to cover her ears but the noise didn't diminish instead it got louder and unpleasant.
Among those loud and sharp noises, she heard a clear and audible mocking voice," Hridaaaa! See, what your cat did? TCH Tch...Poor Ela. She was so young but due to your cat, she had to face the consequences, or should I say because of you, the girl had to suffer.
After all, you were the one who jokingly said that you wanted a beautiful flower before the sunrise, didn't you? She took it seriously, how sweet, she wanted to give you a surprise in the early morning and she did give a surprise, and that too a shocking one. You are lucky, they saw Tapish, who followed Ela out of curiosity but he couldn't save her after all and Ela's parents came at the wrong….no, at the correct timing.
And, they think Tapish is the real culprit but dear, we know who is actually responsible for her painful death. Tch tcchhhh... Ohhhh.Hrida, you should know what to wish carefully it might bring chaos since I am willing to fulfill your wishes. The time is near when you will be the most beautiful darkest light."
Hrida screams loud in her head, " Jjjust…. go away! I don't want to hear you. Go!"