Rudra stood outside the campus of JIT waiting for Gauri. The continuous ringing of his phone broke his preoccupation. He answered the call without even having a look at the caller ID, for he knew very well who might have sought him.

"Speak," he spoke in a rather irritated tone. The person on the other side didn't seem to notice his mood.

"You very well know what stunt you pulled today. It wasn't the most intelligent move, however, I must say, you managed to keep the traitors at bay. And..." Rudra paused and smiled to himself.
"Next time, if you decide to pass anything to me, ensure that you don't disturb me. Otherwise, I won't think twice before breaking your bones and parcelling you to the hospital. Am I clear?"

The inevitable sound of sniggering from the other side reached Rudra's ear. He cut the call instantly.

An inexplicable emotion passed through his features while he kept staring at his phone.

The very moment he felt a soft tap on his shoulder. He turned around to come face to face with Gauri. His face brightened.
"You, still here? Your work is completed right?" Gauri asked.

"Yes, in fact, I was waiting for you. Come let me drop you," Rudra offered with a smile. Gauri appeared reluctant, "No, no. It's okay. I could take a bus ride."

Rudra's eyes hardened. "No, Gauri. It has been a long strenuous day. Besides, it is late already. Please." Gauri was left with no excuse, she agreed. Both made their way towards his jeep.

Drive to Gauri's home had been a silent one with occasional talks. Rudra took full chance to glance at her face, drinking in the view of how her face glowed with the frequent shinning of headlights. He stopped infront of her house as per directed. She faced him with a bright smile.

"Won't you come inside?"
Rudra looked directly in her eyes making her self conscious.

"I don't think that's a good idea. We hardly know each other."

Gauri smiled. "Time hardly matters. A guy who can chase a thief, running a long distance for my handbag will not take long to become familiar. And what kind of a person would I be if I didn't invite you home? I insist, please."

"I think I'm going to accept your invitation. Let's go." He gave his answer, amused. Both entered the house. Rudra looked around; the house was neither too big nor too small. Certainly, it radiated the warmth of love and care. Moti Kunwar Singh along with her son, Rajveer, sat on the sofa discussing some points. They both turned their, somewhat, startled gaze to Gauri and the young man with her. Gauri never brought her friends home except Radhika, let alone male friends, if she had any.

"Nani sa, Mamo sa, he is Rudra. My friend. We met recently. You won't believe how he helped me today." She explained the incident right from the start. Moti Kunwar and Rajveer listened with absolute attention. They started talking to him. Gauri excused herself to freshen up and informed her mother and mami sa about Rudra's arrival. After sometime whole family sat enjoying his amiable nature. Savitri and Soumya presented some snacks to him.

"So, what are you doing now?" Moti Kunwar asked scrutinizing the young man infront of her. "Actually, I have recently returned from NYC. Now, will be joining Rathore industries in few days."

"Wow, that's one of the leading group of industries," Rajveer exclaimed. The family was impressed with Rudra. They kept chatting for what seemed to be an hour before Rudra decided to take his leave. Gauri walked with him till entrance.

"Thank you Gauri. Your family is so wonderful. I loved them."

"It's hard not to. Now that you are my friend you can meet them often. Rudra, thanks again." Rudra clicked his tongue in negation. They bid goodbye but not before exchanging their numbers.

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Rathore Palace, at night

Nights had always been tough to pass for Rudra. It had been years since he had a peaceful sleep. In fact, he couldn't remember a single night which hadn't passed without pondering over the reflections of his past which were rather excruciating. However, his body seemed to be adapted to these sleepless nights.

He took out the parchment and spread it over his study table. His eyes scanned each and every sentence of the parchment. Once read he took out his lighter and burned the paper, dumping it in a steel dustbin. It was of no use to him when everything was imbibed in his mind.

With each flicker of flame, intense rage clouded his face. He walked towards the side table to quench his thirst. Few sips of water did nothing to cool him. Instantly, the glass broke under the immense pressure of his palm. The shards embedded deep into his flesh.

One drop, two drop, trails of blood dropped on the immaculate white surface of marble. Not a wince or cringe marred his face. He looked at his hand and smiled sardonically. The walls of the massive room seemed to shiver with fear. These walls had witnessed what no outsiders could ever.

"Sometimes physical pain isn't enough to forget the past wounds. This blood, no matter how many times dropped, isn't capable of washing the haunting memories," Rudra spoke to himself, the grim smile never leaving his face. He walked out to the balcony without a care of his wound.

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Gauri woke up with a start. The constricting feeling around her chest was unbearable. It felt as if someone was stabbing her very soul. The feeling made her restless. She emptied the glass of water down her throat, however, it did nothing to calm her frenzied nerves. She decided to take some fresh air. After a while, she walked on the terrace and sat on the floor; gathering her knees to her chest. She looked at the stars. It was a moonless night but the starlight was too beautiful to be ignored.

She gazed at the stars with a pained look in her eyes. A figment of imagination, or an unknown part of her soul, was mourning. The pain had surpassed but the wounds were still very raw. And tender.

"Whatever it is. Please help to sooth this pain." Her whisper blended with air.

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Faraway, in Rathore Palace, the wind caressed Rudra's face; his hair dancing in the gentle breeze. He closed his eyes living the moment. The wind soothed him, murmuring gentle soothing chants, whispering his thoughts in his ears.

Out of no where, a face of a beautiful young lady popped up in his sub-conscious mind, bringing a genuine smile over his face. He opened his eyes.

"Gauri," he whispered.

The starlight shimmered in anticipation. A delightful and gloomy anticipation.