Morning time, in office.
As Ruhani arrived at the office, she greeted everyone in a subdued tone and settled into her seat at her desk. She maintained her reserved nature, engaging minimally with colleagues and focusing on her work.
Just then, her senior, Langgam Sir, approached her desk. A 31-year-old man from Manipur, Langgam Sir had moved to Delhi a year ago for work, previously employed in Bangalore. Despite struggling with Hindi, he made an effort to communicate.
"Good morning, Ruhani! How are you?" Langgam Sir asked, his warm smile infectious.
Ruhani responded with a faint smile and a subtle nod. Langgam Sir repeated, "Good! Good!" before retreating to his cabin.
Ruhani immersed herself in work once more. During a brief pause, she checked her phone, scrolling through WhatsApp chats until her thumb halted on a particular name. Transfixed, she stared at the screen for a moment before abruptly setting her phone down.
Her eyes began to well up, and as her throat constricted, Ruhani swiftly rose and hastened to the restroom.
Ruhani's throat constricted, and as she reached the restroom, tears began to flow. After composing herself, she washed her face, adjusted her hair in the mirror, and returned to her desk.
Her junior colleague, Aaina, sitting beside her, asked, "Are you all right?"
Ruhani cleared her throat before responding, "Yes, I'm fine."
Aaina's concerned expression lingered. "But you don't look okay. If you're unwell, take a half-day and go home."
Ruhani reassuringly patted Aaina's hand. "I'm fine, don't worry."
Aaina, 20 years old, had joined the office as an intern three months ago from Uttarakhand. Now a full-time employee, she held Ruhani in high regard, viewing her as an elder sister in this unfamiliar city. Aaina had consistently received support from Ruhani, fostering a deep affection.
Evening time
As Ruhani strolled out of her office in Green Park, she headed toward the metro station, a routine 10-15 minute walk. She cherished this daily ritual, breathing in the tranquility amidst the lush greenery lining her path.
The trees and foliage brought her solace, a calming escape from life's chaos. This brief respite rejuvenated her, providing a fleeting sense of peace.
Just as she was lost in thought, her phone buzzed with Aakriti's message:
"Left office, heading to Chang Momos. Have you? Don't forget! Hurry up, don't keep me waiting."
Ruhani's eyes widened as she recalled promising Aakriti she'd meet her this evening. She had genuinely forgotten.
Chandni Chowk, Chang momos shop
Aakriti arrived at Chang Momos shortly thereafter. Not spotting Ruhani, she began to retrieve her phone to send a message. Just then, she saw Ruhani approaching.
With a warm smile, Aakriti rushed toward Ruhani, embracing her tightly. It had been ages since they'd last met.
Settling into chairs, Aakriti ordered steamed momos. After a moment, her expression turned serious. "How are you, Ruhani?"
Ruhani's reply, accompanied by a faint smile, was, "I'm fine, thanks. How about you? How's everyone at home?"
Aakriti responded, "I'm doing well. Visit my place and ask yourself." Her tone hinted at longing. "You've stopped visiting us altogether."
Ruhani's distant gaze returned, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just don't feel like going anywhere or meeting anyone anymore."
Aakriti's concern deepened. "Not even your best friend?"
Their steamed momos arrived, and Aakriti savored the aroma. "There's nothing like hot steamed momos and spicy chutney. Mmm... just divine!"
Aakriti brought a steaming momo to her lips, but her gaze shifted to Ruhani, lost in thought, staring at the napkin stand. Aakriti set her momo down, placing a gentle hand on Ruhani's.
"Ruhani! Eat, where have you drifted off to?" Ruhani emerged from her reverie, meeting Aakriti's concerned eyes.
"What's troubling you?" Aakriti asked again.
Ruhani's voice was laced with melancholy. "Can we truly forget?"
Her eyes welled up, and Aakriti grasped Ruhani's hand firmly. "No, but sometimes forgetting is better. How long will you remain lost in those thoughts, tormenting yourself? It's not healthy, Ruhani."
Tears rolled down Ruhani's cheeks. Aakriti gently wiped them away, holding a steaming momo to Ruhani's lips.
"Come, wipe away your tears and eat. I invited you for steamed momos, not to steam up yourself." Aakriti teased.
Ruhani's lips curled into a faint smile as she took a bite of the momo from Aakriti's hand.
*******
As Ruhani's story unfolds, what challenges will she face next?
A single name on WhatsApp had frozen Ruhani's thumb, halting her breath. Whose name held such power?
Ruhani's office breakdown had been a mystery, but Aakriti knew the truth. What secrets had driven Ruhani to tears?
Aakriti's words echoed in Ruhani's mind: forget the pain, let go of the heartache. But which memories was Aakriti urging Ruhani to erase?
Let me know in the comments and likes below!
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'Chat By Fate' exclusively on Web Novel.
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