Morning dawned on Kausal Bhavan, nestled in the heart of Delhi's Chandni Chowk.
Ruhani Kausal, a striking 22-year-old with porcelain-smooth skin and raven-black hair cascading down her back, prepared for another day at the office.
In the kitchen, her mother, Abha Kausal, 44, called out, "Ruhani, dear! Come down soon, breakfast is getting cold."
Ruhani, her eyes still puffy from sleep, replied from her room, "Maa, just pack my lunch, I'll be right there."
She grabbed her bag and descended the stairs, the creaking of the steps announcing her arrival. Her 16-year-old sister, Naina, sat at the dining table, munching on breakfast.
Naina teased, "Didi, you're always late, and now I'll miss my school entry because of you."
Alok Kausal, Ruhani's father, 50, intervened, his voice calm and reassuring, "Naina, dear, when Papa drives, how can you be late? Don't worry, I'll drop you and your didi on time."
Mrs. Abha emerged from the kitchen with lunch boxes, cautioning, "Just drive safely, don't speed."
Naina protested, "But Papa, didi and I have different routes. How can you drop us both at the same time?"
Ruhani, overhearing, took her lunch box from her mother and said softly, "Naina, you go with Papa. I'll take an auto."
As Ruhani headed out, Mrs. Abha reminded her, "Ruhani, dear, at least have your breakfast."
Ruhani replied, her voice still laced with sleep, "Maa, I'll eat in the metro. You've packed extra parathas for me, haven't you?"
Ruhani departed, leaving Mrs. Abha concerned. "Bye dear..." she called out, but Ruhani had already stepped out of the main gate.
Mrs. Abha's worry deepened. "Ruhani's been so withdrawn lately. She barely eats with us. Naina, do you know what's troubling your didi?"
Naina shrugged, her mouth full of paratha. "Maa, didi's grown up. Work must be exhausting her."
Naina hugged her mother and dragged her father out the door, saying, "Papa, you're making me late! Bye, Maa..."
Mrs. Alok and Naina drove off to her school, while Ruhani took an auto to the metro station. Lost in thought, Ruhani didn't notice when they arrived.
The auto driver broke the silence, "Madam!! Madam!!!!"
Ruhani snapped back to reality, her expression unreadable. The driver repeated, "Madam, your stop has arrived."
She disembarked, paid the fare, and began walking toward the metro station. The driver called out again, "Madam!! You forgot your box!"
Ruhani turned back to see her lunch box still in the auto. She retrieved it and continued toward the metro.
After clearing security, Ruhani waited on the platform for her train. Her phone buzzed with a notification - a WhatsApp message from Aakriti: "Good morning!"
Ruhani checked her phone, then resumed waiting. Her train arrived, and she boarded, finding a spot near the door.
As the doors closed, another notification popped up: "Shall we meet after office today?" Again, Aakriti's message.
Aakriti Sharma, Ruhani's childhood friend and confidante, was a stunning 24-year-old with a captivating smile. Though shy by nature, Aakriti transformed into a chatter box when with Ruhani.
Their life long friendship, forged in school and college, made people mistake them for sisters.
Ruhani responded to Aakriti's message with a simple "No" on WhatsApp.
Aakriti's messages poured in, pleading, "Why??? Come on, let's catch up and grab momos at Chang's! We haven't had them in ages. Please, dear...".
Their college days were filled with laughter and momos at Chang's cozy stall. It was their sanctuary, where they shared secrets and dreams.
Ruhani dismissed Aakriti's appeal with another "No". Undeterred, Aakriti called Ruhani immediately.
Ruhani answered softly, "Hello!" Aakriti unleashed a playful barrage, "Why won't you say yes? You used to eagerly accompany me to Chang's. What's changed?"
Ruhani's voice barely rose above a whisper, "I'm just not in the mood, buddy."
Aakriti's tone softened, her concern palpable. "How long will you stay like this, Ruhani? You weren't always so withdrawn. Forget everything, dear... I want my lively, carefree Ruhani back."
Ruhani remained silent, absorbing Aakriti's words. Aakriti's determination returned, her voice firm but playful, "We're meeting tonight, and we're going to Chang's. That's final. No more no's, okay!!"
Ruhani relented, agreeing to placate Aakriti. "Okay, fine."
Their brief exchange ended with warm good byes, the connection severed.
*******
As the mystery deepens, questions linger.
What lies ahead for Ruhani?
Why had she been shrouded in silence?
What secret was Aakriti desperate for her to forget?
The enigma surrounding Ruhani's reddened, puffy eyes haunted her. What tormenting thoughts held her captive?
Finally, what are the answers to all these questions?
Let me know in the comments and likes below!
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'Chat By Fate' exclusively on Web Novel.
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