It has been 2 days since things have been well. Now the smiles have returned back, replacing the sad and gloomy expression.
Both of them started laughing and smiling more. The distance they created brought them even more closer when they reconciled. Shinde thanked all the existing God for reconciling them as happy Vikram means safe Shinde.
Vikram stood infront of his mirror, fixing his khaki uniform, ready to heed for his duty. He grabbed his cap and phone and walked out of his room, descending down the stairs elegantly.
Reaching down the dining table. He saw Kavita arranging the dishes. He sighed seeing the meal. Again those heavy ones. He silently pulled his chair and sat. Glancing his eyes upon all the bowls laid perfectly.
"Good morning beta" Kavita wished him with a warm smile.
"Morning mausi. Aaj fhirse heavy breakfast?" He asked making a face. Kavita chuckled at it, serving him the parathas.
"Beta aapko kam karna haina. Toh thoda jyada kha ke jawo. Waise bhi aapka khane ka thikana rehta hi nahi. Kabhi khate ho kabhi nahi" Kavita sighed as she passed the bowl to him
"Aap ko toh tab tak tasalli nahi milega jab tak mera pet na nikal aaye" he chuckled slightly and shook his head. To which Kavita let out a soft laugh.
"Aare nahi nahi. Pet nahi nikal sakte iss umar mein. Abhi aap kuware, nojawan ho. Shadi bhi nahi huwi. Pet nikal aayega toh bahu aapko kaise pasand karegi?" She shook her head immediately, making a laugh rumble through his chest.
Kavita and her bahu were a never ending story. Vikram tore a piece of the paratha and dipped it in the chutney before pushing it in his mouth.
"Betho na mausi. Aap bhi kha lo" he gestured her to sit. But Kavita smiled politely and shook her head.
"Aap khalo. Aapke jane ke baad mein aaram se kha lungi. Waise bhi kal raat ko jyada kha liya tha. Bhook nahi hai aaj" she responded. Vikram was about to say something when his phone rang in his pocket. He straightened his leg and pulled out his phone.
Either it would be Shinde or someother constable or inspector. He assumed confidently. But as soon as he saw the screen, he froze. His eyes widened slightly. Thabal? Why was she calling him this morning. It was unusual. He quickly picked the call and placed the phone under his ear.
"Hi" her soft, gentle voice came. And damn! It would be a lie if he says it won't make his day. He sighed slowly and softened his voice.
"Bolo" he asked. And Kavita immediately looked at him with wide eyes. Her lips curling into a slow grin knowingly. Him using soft tone for the first time? No doubt it would be for his girl. There was no questioning to it nor any argument.
"College pe function hai. Aajawoge lene?" She asked, her background full of chaos. Yelling and laugh filled.
"Hmm. Kab aana hai?" He hummed softly. Playing with his food now.
"Aadha ghanta ke under aa sakte hai?" She asked, making him hum in return.
"Aur Meera aur Shreya bhi hogi mere saath" she added quickly, informing beforehand. Vikram chuckled slightly hearing her.
"Haan thik hai. Aa raha hoon" he said and ended the call. And as soon as he did Kavita jumped in with excitement.
"Meri bahu thi na?" She quickly chimed in happily, eyes glinting with joy. Vikram couldn't help but chuckle at her enthusiasm. He said nothing, just stood up, grabbed his keys, his half-eaten paratha forgotten on the plate.
"Aare kidhar ja rahe ho abhi. Kuch khaya bhi nahi aapne toh" Kavita frown looking at him. Vikram didn't said anything. Just picked up his cap and phone.
He turned to her and gave her a sly smirk.
"Aapki bahu ko pick up karne ja raha hoon. Baad pe mein apna aadmi bhejunga, aap usko tiffin de dena" with that he walked away, taking long strides towards his jeep. Rumbling the engine, he ran the jeep.
As he drove through the streets of Nashik, the morning sun filtered through the trees, casting golden shadows across the windshield. Traffic had just begun to gather, the distant hum of life building up, but Vikram was tuned out. He was focused only on reaching the hostel. The streets were still waking up.
He drove quick and fast. Going through the traffic skillfully and smartly. He stopped the jeep infront of the hostel building after a good few minutes. Leaning back on his seat slightly, he sent a quick message.
Vikram waited, drumming his fingers softly on the steering wheel. He looked around his surroundings, as if trying to observe more and pass his time. Nothing interesting at all. It was boring and lame? Maybe? He let out a sigh at it.
Just then his phone rang. He looked at the screen to see Shinde calling. He swiped on the green button and put the phone against his ear.
"Hmm bolo Shinde" he hummed on the other side.
"Good morning sir. Sir humne woh Sahu Pandey wala case ke suspect ko arrest kar liya hai. Custody pe hai sir. Lekin sir jitna bhi maro kuch bol hi nahi raha. I am damn sure sir, he is the culprit. Humko abhi bas bayan chahiye" Shinde said confidently.
"Marne se kam nahi chal raha toh aur tarika apnawo. Hazar tarike hai uske muh kholne ke. Apne aap ko taklif pe rakh sakta hai, maybe family ko dekhke muh khol de. Try more" Vikram said, tapping on the steering wheel in a rhythm.
"Okay sir i will work on that. Sir woh-" suddenly a delicate clinking of bangles was heard. Shinde's voice faded as only the sound of the bangles whirlled inside Vikram's ears. He whipped his head to his left instinctively. And there she was. His breathe got caught in his throat.
For a second, everything around him faded, Shinde's voice, the morning chaos, the city noise. Thabal walked out slowly, her soft yellow saree hugging her frame with elegant grace. The fabric shimmered faintly in the light, and her creamy skin glowed against it. The subtle pleats swayed gently with each step she took. Her mongoloid features, blended seamlessly with the traditional attire, creating a vision Vikram hadn't expected to witness.
It wasn't overly ornate. In fact, its simplicity made it even more striking. A muted border, a few minimal accessories, and those glass bangles chiming softly with each step. Vikram, the otherwise stoic and sharp-witted officer, sat motionless in the jeep.
He had seen her countless times, in jeans, in kurtas but never like this. The saree transformed her, but it wasn't just about appearance. There was a quiet confidence in her walk today, a softness in her gaze that made his pulse stir.
He didn't even realised he was staring until she reached the door, looking at him with a raised brow.
"Aapko kya huwa?" She asked. And that's when his trance broke. Vikram shook his head and leaned forward, opening the door for her to enter.
"Asa kyu lag raha hai jaise apne bhoot dekh li ho. Mein kharab lag rahi hoon kya?" She asked as she entered in, looking down at her dress again. Vikram quickly shook his head at that.
"Nahi-" he just started but was cut off.
"Sir?" And that's when he remembered, Shinde was still on the call. He closed his eyes and let out a sigh.
"I will come in 15 minutes. Tum sambhalo tabtak" with that he ended the call and placed his phone on the dashboard. He turned to her only to see her already staring at him.
"Kya huwa?" She asked softly and damn he could feel a whole warm feeling spreading across his chest. His eyes softened as he stared at her. Could she even be more beautiful? He let out a sigh of bliss.
"Kuch nahi. Bas tumhe dekh raha hoon" and Thabal couldn't help but smile hearing him. A blush coated her already blush applied cheeks, causing it to reddened more.
"Flirt mat karo" she muttered looking away from him. Vikram chuckled playfully hearing her.
"Sach bolna bhi abhi flirt hogaya kya?" He decided to tease her. In return got a smack on his arm.
Vikram let out a laugh at her shy self. Oh! How could he handle her cuteness. Just then two figures came running, their jewelleries clinking to each other. Producing a soft melody.
"Sorry sorry! Late hogaya" Meera huffed, running up to the jeep while clutching her saree. Shreya followed behind, panting slowly due to the slow run they did.
They got into the backseat, settling comfortably. Vikram started the engine and ran the jeep across the road. The drive to college was calm. Neither of them spoke much, but the silence wasn't awkward. It felt full, with questions, thoughts, perhaps something even deeper, something they weren't quite ready to say out loud.
Vikram's knuckles lightly tapped the steering wheel. He kept stealing glances at her, how she adjusted her pallu now and then, how the sunlight caught her earrings, how the bangles chimed softly with every turn she made.
And just like that Thabal caught him watching her like a thief. She raised her brow at him, as if questioning. Vikram just turned to her and smiled.
"Kuch nahi bas. Sundar lag rahi ho" he whispered the last line. Thabal couldn't help but smile. Shy and genuine one.
As they neared the college, the road buzzed with usual students and early morning energy. The only difference was that the girls were all dressed up in sarees. Beautiful one. He pulled up just outside the main gate and looked at her. The two climbed down, adjusting their sarees.
"Thanks for the ride" she said, pushing a loose hair strand behind her ear.
"Anytime"he replied, almost too quickly. She paused before stepping out, her fingers lingering on the door handle.
Then with a soft 'Bye' she climbed down the jeep and walked with the crowd, her saree swaying gently behind her, the scent of jasmine from her hair faintly lingering in the jeep.
Vikram sighed and looked down, his shoelace was tied loosely. He was about to fix it when.
"Vikram" his head snapped quickly towards the soft, familiar voice. He didn't move for a full minute. His eyes froze on her beautiful smiling face. That was the first time she called him by his name.
And damn he would be lying if he says it didn't did things to him. His whole body heated up. His pants suddenly felt too tight.
"You look good with the haircut" she giggled and turned back, emerging with the crowd of students. Vikram froze for a moment. What?
So she noticed his haircut. And then after a moment, a chuckle left his lips. He closed his eyes and placed his palm on his face.
"Fuck it Chand. What are you even doing to me" he let a small laugh as he muttered to himself.
His fingers stayed curled around the wheel, but his mind was miles away, draped in yellow saree, scented with jasmine, and chiming softly with glass bangles.
🦋🦋🦋---------------------
It was late, well past midnight. The hostel room was dimly lit, with only a soft desk lamp casting a warm glow on the scattered notes and open textbooks. The hush of the night was broken only by the rhythmic ticking of the wall clock and the occasional rustle of leaves brushing against the windowpane.
Thabal stretched her arms above her head and let out a quiet sigh. Her eyes were tired, but her heart was light, she had finally finished all her revisions. A small, satisfied smile danced on her lips as she closed her book gently, careful not to disturb her two balls of chaos, who had long surrendered to sleep. One of them lay sprawled on her bunk, murmuring incoherently in her dreams, while another clutched her pillow tightly, completely unaware of the world.
Just as Thabal was about to switch off the lamp, her phone vibrated on the desk, lighting up the screen.
Strict Sharma ji 😤❗
Her eyes immediately sparkled, and an involuntary smile tugged at her lips. Her fingers reached for the phone with a quiet eagerness, and she answered with a playful lilt in her voice.
"Well, well, aaj kaise officer sahab ne humme call kardiya" she teased. Vikram chuckled on the other end.
"I knew you would be awake, Miss Night Owl. Finished studying?" He asked, standing on his balcony, the night wind blowing on his face.
"Barely survived" she whispered dramatically.
"If I read one more definition, my brain might've exploded" she sighed with a groan, while settling on her bed. Vikram hummed hearing her.
"Don't pressurized yourself. Jitna limit pe hai utna hi karo. If you push yourself too much, if would affect a lot on your health" he slowly voiced his concern. Watching the night outside. Thabal smiled hearing him. She laid on her back, staring at the wall up there.
"Haan haan. Doctor mein hoon gyan aap de rahe hai" she chuckled, making Vikram chuckle too.
"Aaj kya program tha waise?" He asked regarding the program at her college.
"Ohh, woh! Annual program tha aaj. Ladkiyo ka theme saree tha aur ladko ka kurta" she said remembering it. Vikram hummed at the other side, a smile playing on his lips.
"Aachi lag rahi thi" he said.
"Woh mein saree utna pehenti nahi hoon. Bohot kam. Yeh wali bhi Meera ki hai" she let out a giggle at it. Vikram said nothing just smiled hearing her.
"Aapko pasand hai kya saree pehenne wali ladkiya?" She asked, biting her lower lip. Vikram smirked at it.
"Saree ka toh pata nahi. Par northeast ki ladki jo medical par rahi ho. Woh pasand hai" he indirectly confessed. Thabal let out a hearty laugh hearing him.
"Flirt kar rahe hai aap?" She teased him, making him chuckle.
"Flirt nahi. Sach bol raha hoon" he responded. Thabal smiled lightly at it. Her heart thumping loudly. She bit her lips to stop the grin forming over her lips. Damn! Him and his words. Was he serious??
A slow, comfortable silence stretched between them. Thabal toyed with her pillow gently, letting out a soft sigh.
"Waise i have something to tell you" Vikram broke the silence. Thabal curiosity piqued, she rolled on the bed, laying over her chest.
"Kya chiz?" She asked curiously. There was a pause, as if he were building suspense, and then he said warmly.
"I was thinking. We will go on a trip. Just you and me... for two whole days. What do you say?" Thabal blinked at it. A bit frozen.
"A trip?" She asked, as if confirming what she just heard
"Yeah, your vacation starts tomorrow, right? So I thought why not begin it with a little adventure? I will pick you up at 8 a.m. sharp. Pack light" he informed, his voice laced with anticipation.
Her heart raced. A mix of surprise, joy, and nervousness washed over her. She couldn't answer anything. She was happy about it yet a bit scared too. Vikram sensing the silence asked.
"Hey? You don't wanna go? It's okay. I wasn't asking you to go. Tumhari marji ho tab hi jayenge, thik hai? Don't stressed out" he tried calming her down through the phone.
"N-nahi nahi woh-" Thabal started but then paused. Biting her lips in hesitation.
"Thabal. Don't hesitate. Tell me what are you thinking" Vikram soothed. And she closed her eyes. His voice, it was enough to calm all her nervousness down. She opened her eyes slowly and layed on her back again, facing the wall.
"Vikram" she called softly. And Vikram felt a current passed through his spine. Goosebumps erupted on his arms as the softness of her voice, calling his name hit his ears. Gulping a lump down, he hummed.
"Mein kabhi trip pe nahi gayi" she slowly confessed. Vikram didn't replied immediately.
"Doston ke saath?" He asked after a moment.
"Nahi, kisi ke saath nahi gayi" she corrected. Vikram inhaled a breathe in. Very odd. But he will investigate it later.
"Mein hoon na. I will be the first one to take you on the trip. If you want to" he said. Thabal hearing it smiled.
"I want to. I want to go with you" she whispered, a shy smile coating over her face.
"You trust me?" He asked slowly. Thabal smiled warmly at that.
"Nahi karne ki koi gunjayish nahi hai" she replied. And Vikram let a smile, a satisfied one. He entered inside his room, closing back the balcony's door.
"Good, i will make sure you never regret it" he said, his voice low and deep. Thabal replied nothing, just smiled and hummed.
The two of them talked for a while longer, about where they might go, what they might eat, the songs they would play on the way. Her voice grew softer as the conversation went on, replies turning into hums, hums into silence, until Vikram heard nothing but the calm sound of her breathing.
She had dozed off, phone still clutched to her ear, her lips curled into a sleepy smile. On the other side of the line, Vikram whispered.
"Good night Chand. We will meet again in the morning"
Click. He ended the call, heart full, while she drifted further into dreams, unaware that her tomorrow would bring more than just a trip,it would bring the start of something unforgettable.
___________☁️____________
Hope you liked it
Stay safe sweeties😁✨
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