"It seems Professor Sahab has some chemical imbalance in his mind," Bhoomi muttered to herself as she walked into her room. She pulled out some old pictures from her closet. Suddenly, she stumbled upon a photo from her 18th birthday celebration at her home. But her gaze was fixed on Aakash.
"Aakash Danath, who are you, anyway? Why did you enter our lives? What do you want from me? You're dancing on my head," Bhoomi continued to mumble.
Meanwhile, Aakash stood on the rooftop, right above Bhoomi's window. He looked remarkably handsome today, sporting a different look. His black shirt had the top two buttons undone, and his sleeves reached his elbows. His hair fell across his forehead, and his eyes resembled a deep ocean, fixed on a single point, as always. His face was expressionless.
He took a sip of his coffee, but spat it out instantly. His face turned stern, clearly indicating the coffee was terrible. His grip on the coffee mug tightened. Yet, with the same serious expression, he downed the entire coffee in two gulps.
A little later, Bhoomi stepped out into her balcony, surrounded by lush green plants. There were numerous indoor plants and beautiful flowering plants, the only reason she visited this house. These plants were her sole source of joy, multiplying her happiness tenfold; otherwise, life seemed hollow.
She adored her plants, conversing with them since childhood. Bhoomi had a passion for planting since her youth, although her parents never approved, considering it a waste of time. However, plants were her friends, confidants that lightened her mood.
Today, she sat amidst them, watering and pruning the overgrown grass. As she tended, she affectionately scolded, "You're so naughty! Look at all this weeds!" The plants swayed gently, as if abashed by their mother's reprimand.
"Why are you so dry? Don't you know I can only visit you once a week? But you can't even wait that long, can you? You dry up and turn into wood if I'm away for just a few days. Take care of yourselves, understand? Mischievous children!" Bhoomi continued to scold her plants.
Aakash stood on the rooftop, watching the scene unfold, his hands resting on the railing, his eyes fixed intently on Bhoomi. He heard every word, his expression unwavering.
After tending to her plants, Bhoomi retreated to her room and soon fell into a deep sleep. She woke up with a start around 1 pm, feeling disoriented. Bhoomi sat up with a jolt, rubbing her eyes. She rose and descended downstairs, scanning the entire house with her eyes.
यह रहा आपके प्रश्न का उत्तर:
"Must have left," Bhoomi said to herself, walking towards the kitchen. But she halted upon entering. Aakash was warming up food, leaving Bhoomi astonished.
"Since Mom and Dad left, he's never stepped into our kitchen. What's gotten into him today? Why is he following me around like a shadow? He's such a strange person. We're living like strangers in our own home."
As she turned to leave, Aakash's deep voice stopped her, "Food's warm. Eat first."
Bhoomi froze, refusing to face him. Aakash carried two plates to the dining table, sitting beside her. Their eyes met briefly; Bhoomi's gaze faltered, and she looked away, flustered.
Bhoomi headed to the kitchen, assuming Aakash had left. But instead, she found him warming up lunch, leaving her perplexed.
Since Mom and Dad's departure, he's never cooked. What's changed? Why is he shadowing me? We're living like strangers.
Aakash's deep voice broke her thoughts,
"Lunch is ready. Eat first." Aakash's deep voice stopped Bhoomi in her tracks, but she didn't turn around.
Aakash picked up two plates and sat beside her at the dining table. Bhoomi's face was toward him, but she wouldn't meet his gaze. Aakash glanced at her, and Bhoomi flinched.
She sat at the farthest corner of the table, still sneaking glances at Aakash, who focused intently on his food. Bhoomi's gaze drifted to his chest, visible through the open buttons of his shirt.
"Stop staring, Miss Bhoomi," Aakash said. "Remember, if you want to achieve something in life, focus on your studies, not Akhil. Or you'll end up good for nothing. If Mr. Pathak finds out, he'll marry you off next year. You'll be stuck cleaning and scrubbing. Take your studies seriously, for your own good. This is the last time I'm saying this."
Aakash picked up his plate and left. Bhoomi remained stunned, while he washed his plate and exited the house.
"Who does he think he is, interfering in my personal life?" Bhoomi muttered to herself, starting to eat.
It was 7 pm when Jeebi arrived with dinner for Bhoomi. She was sitting in the hall, her face lighting up with a smile.
"Thank God you're here, Jeebi. I've had a terrible day since morning," Bhoomi said, nodding.
"Come on, Bhoomi, don't overthink. Let's eat first," Jeebi suggested, and they sat at the dining table.
"What's wrong? Why do you let him ruin your mood every time?" Jeebi asked, serving the food.
"You know he won't leave me alone. I can't even come home in peace. This time he's crossed a line. I get that he's responsible for me, but why does he have to be my guardian?" Bhoomi exclaimed.
Jeebi remained silent, and what could he say anyway? Both of them ate quietly, oblivious to the fact that a majestic eagle was perched on the railing of the gallery upstairs, listening to their entire conversation.
Suddenly, the eagle flapped its wings, spreading them wide, and took flight, disappearing into the night.
It was 8 am when Bhoomi arrived at college. She headed straight to the lab office where Aakash conducted research with scholars.
Wearing a loose white hoodie and carrying her backpack carelessly over her shoulder, Bhoomi looked like she was carrying a dead weight.
Her face appeared exhausted, as if she hadn't slept all night. Her eyes were puffy, and her face was flushed.
As she entered the lab office, she found all the scholars already seated. Bhoomi was the last to arrive, but fortunately, Aakash hadn't arrived yet.
Everyone stared at Bhoomi as if she was an alien. Akhil, sitting with Sam in the corner, nodded at her. Bhoomi ignored them and sat beside Jeebi, who smiled gently.
"Hey, what's wrong? Are you okay?" Jeebi asked.
"Hmm..." Bhoomi replied in a tired voice.
"Hey Bhoomi, want to take a break and travel somewhere? You must be bored staying in one place," Jeebi suggested.
"But Jeebi, do you think I have the freedom to make my own choices? You know I can't even move on my own. My life is controlled by others. I'm like a soap opera, just going through the motions," Bhoomi replied, her pain evident on her face.
Jeebi fell silent, and just then, Aakash arrived. Everyone stood up, and without looking at anyone, Aakash gestured for them to sit.
Aakash settled into his chair, his expression as serious as ever, yet radiating an unmistakable intensity. He began arranging artifacts on the large table.
Despite his strict teaching style, Aakash's lectures were mesmerizing. Students listened intently, absorbing every word. His unique teaching style made complex concepts stick in their minds forever.
A renowned researcher, Aakash had collaborated with institutions worldwide, from the US to China and Europe. His research was unparalleled in the department. Currently, he was working on an online project with London University, making him the university's prized asset.
Every archaeology student coveted the chance to pursue their PhD under Aakash's guidance, but few were fortunate enough. Bhoomi was among the lucky ones, although she considered it her greatest misfortune.
As Aakash began explaining, the scholars scribbled notes, entranced by his expertise.
"Scholars, I have some related material; I'll send it to the group. You can reference it for help," Aakash said, and everyone nodded except Bhoomi, who seemed lost in thought. Jeebi nudged her, and she snapped back to attention.
Aakash glanced at Bhoomi, his eyes revealing an inexplicable emotion, difficult for her to decipher.
After an hour-long discussion, Aakash turned to leave but paused at the door.
"Mis Bhoomi!" he called out, and Bhoomi turned to him.
"Yes, sir," she replied.
"Don't forget to reach the upper lab on time. I hope you haven't forgotten your punishment," Aakash reminded her and left without waiting for a response. Bhoomi looked at Jeebi with tired eyes.
"Who's bothered about you? You haven't been punished, have you? Go, my friend, your destiny awaits," Jeebi teased, and Bhoomi playfully slapped his arm before leaving.
"This isn't punishment! Students would kill to see Aakash sir's lab, and he invites that girl? We've never even seen it," Dhani complained.
"I know, right? Aakash sir doesn't share that lab with anyone, not even other professors. It's his personal space. Wonder if she's really being punished or...?" Chhaya speculated.
"If this is punishment, we want it too!" Dhani joked, and they both burst out laughing. Jeebi glared at them, and they mock-pouted.
Bhoomi arrived at the lab, relieved to find Aakash absent. She sat at her seat, scanning the uniquely equipped lab. Valuable artifacts, collected by Aakash during his research, surrounded her. But what caught her attention were the numerous black feathers. An unusual sensation, like itching, began on her shoulder. She slightly pushed down her hoodie, revealing a birthmark that resembled a wound from an arrow. Doctors claimed it was a birthmark, but Bhoomi always felt an inexplicable connection to it. As Aakash entered, Bhoomi quickly pulled up her hoodie. Aakash's eyes narrowed, then returned to normal. Bhoomi focused on her book, feeling Aakash's piercing gaze. Suddenly, he approached her, standing beside her. Bhoomi's eyes fell on his shoes, and she closed them, anticipating Aakash's outburst.