Next Morning
When Mishti woke up the next morning, sunlight was already streaming faintly through the half-drawn curtains. The faint chill of the hills still lingered in the air. She blinked hereyes open, stretching slightly before realising she was still alone. Karan had not returned to the room last night.
She sat up quickly, glancing around the room. His duffel bag was gone too. She quickly hurried to the bathroom to get a shower.
It was already half past eight when she stepped out of the shower, wearing a soft pista-green churidar, her hair still damp over her shoulders. Looking one last time in the mirror, trying to compose her face for the people downstairs, she then headed out.
The farmhouse, which was lively with laughter and music last night, was now eerily silent. Empty glasses, decor and the faint scent of cologne still hung in the air, a ghost of the party that had ended hours ago.
She spotted one of the servants clearing the hallway. “Excuse me,” she said softly. “Do you know where Karan is?”
Before the servant could respond, she heard Rajat’s voice behind her. “He left early in the morning.”
She turned sharply. “Left? What do you mean?”
Rajat was already dressed to go. “Karan had an urgent meeting back in Mumbai. He and Kanika drove off together about an hour ago.”
“He left with Kanika?” she repeated. “Without even… telling me?”
Rajat sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m sorry, Mishti, I tried to stop him. But you know how he is…stubborn as ever. Once he decides something, no one can make him change his mind.”
Mishti blinked hard, trying to hold back the sting in her eyes. “He could have at least informed me.”
“I know. It wasn’t right. But when I tried to stop him, he had that look, the one that says‘Don’t argue or I’ll bite your head off’. You’ve seen it too, I am sure.” He tried to lighten the air.
She gave a weak smile, shaking her head.
“Anyways, so everyone else’s already left. I’m about to head out, too. I’ll drop you off at home.”
“Oh, that’s not necessary,” she said quickly. “I brought my car. The driver’s waiting.”
“So what?” Rajat chuckled. “Let him follow us. It’s a long drive, and I need company before I die of boredom.”
She hesitated, instinctively wondering what Karan would say, or rather, how furious he’d be if he knew. Rajat caught the thought instantly, reading it in her silence.
“Don’t worry about him,” he said gently. “You’re my friend too, remember? And making sure you reach home safely is my responsibility, not something even Karan can stop me from doing.”
That finally made her smile again. “Thank you, Rajat.”
“You are always welcome,” he replied, grinning as he led the way out.
The drive back to Mumbai was quiet for the most part. The hills rolled by, wrapped in thin mist. Mishti sat by the window, lost in thought. Last night’s memories kept returning. Karan’s nearness, his touch as he untied her doris, the thick tension that had burned between them. And then, his bitter words crushed the fragile hope she’d dared to feel.
She discreetly wiped the corner of her eye.
“I saw that,” Rajat said softly, eyes still on the road.
Mishti straightened. “Saw what?”
“The way you just brushed off a tear.” His tone was gentle, without pity. “I know right now your impression of Karan isn’t exactly glowing. But trust me, somewhere inside him, there’s still a man who knows how to care. He just doesn’t remember how to show it anymore.”
Mishti shook her head in denial. “You can’t excuse someone’s actions just by saying they have a good heart. It doesn’t erase the hurt they cause.”
“Maybe not.” Rajat smiled faintly. “But sometimes, the hurt is what pushes people to change. He’s not completely gone, Mishti. I’ve known him since we were kids. I’ve seen the side of him most people don’t.”
She turned to him, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “Then tell me… why is he like this? What happened in the past that made him so… distant, so angry all the time?”
Rajat shook his head, keeping his gaze steady on the road. “That’s his story to tell. And when the time’s right, he will. All I’ll say is that there was a time I thought I’d never see him smile again. But since you’ve entered his life…” He paused to glance at her once. “I’ve got this feeling thatonlyyoucan bring that old Karan back. The one who thinks from his brain but acts from his heart.”
