Chapter 16

Anika awoke with a gentle shake on her shoulder, her vision initially blurred, slowly sharpening as she focused on the figure of the driver before her. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, she sat up, her surroundings coming into focus in the dim light of dawn.

"We've reached your destination, ma'am," the driver informed her, his voice cutting through the haze of her drowsiness.

Anika looked around, her mind struggling to comprehend her surroundings. "Where are we?" she asked, her voice laced with confusion.

"Sachin, India," the driver replied matter-of-factly, but Anika's confusion only deepened.

"Sachin? In Surat, Gujarat?" she repeated, her eyes widening in disbelief.

The driver nodded. "Yes, ma'am. We've arrived at your destination."

"No, that's not possible," Anika protested, her mind reeling with disbelief. "Please, take me back home."

"Madam, I've driven for six hours. I can't go back to Mumbai now. You'll have to get out of the car. I need to head home," the driver insisted, his tone firm but not unkind.

Anika felt a wave of panic rising within her, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she grappled with the reality of her situation. She was lost, far from home, and unsure of how she had ended up in this unfamiliar place.

Anika frantically searched for her phone and wallet, her heart pounding with fear as she realized both were missing. "Can I use your phone to make a call?" she asked the driver, her voice trembling with panic. The driver nodded sympathetically and handed her his phone.

With trembling fingers, Anika dailed Advik's number, her desperation mounting with each unanswered ring. He cut the call twice, sending waves of despair crashing over her. "Please, Advik, pick up," she pleaded, her voice cracking with emotion.

Finally, she heard the sound of the phone being picked up on the other end. "Advik," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the rush of emotions coursing through her.

"Anika, where are you?" Advik's voice was urgent, filled with concern.

"Somewhere named Sachin in Surat. i am standing in front of the railway station. It's six hours away from Mumbai," Anika sobbed, the weight of her situation crashing down on her.

"Don't worry, Anika. I'll find you," Advik reassured her, his words a lifeline in her moment of despair. With a sense of urgency, he ended the call, determined to reach her as quickly as possible.

Anika stepped out of the car, watching as the driver drove away, leaving her alone in the unfamiliar surroundings. Glancing at the clock, she felt a surge of panic as she realized it was already 6:30, and midnight would pass before Advik could reach her. The sense of isolation and helplessness threatened to overwhelm her.

Suddenly, an elderly lady approached her, her face etched with concern. "What happened, beta?" she asked kindly, her voice a comforting presence amidst Anika's turmoil.

"i am lost," Anika replied, her voice barely above a whisper, the weight of her situation heavy on her shoulders.

"Don't worry, sit here," the old lady said soothingly, guiding Anika to a nearby chair. "Your husband will find you. He must be here, searching for you in the crowd."

Anika nodded silently, allowing herself to be comforted by the old woman's words. She sat still, her mind racing with worry and uncertainty, but finding a sliver of solace in the stranger's reassurance. "He will, like he always does," she whispered to herself, clinging to the hope that Advik would soon arrive to rescue her like he always did

Flashback to their trip to Singapore

Anika found herself ensnared within the labyrinth of the Bhool Bhulaiya, its intricate corridors twisting and turning without end. Panic surged through her veins as she realised she was utterly alone, the oppressive silence of the maze amplifying her sense of isolation.

With a heavy heart, Anika sank to the ground, her head bowed low as tears cascaded down her cheeks.

She hugged her knees tightly to her chest, the weight of her fear and uncertainty pressing down upon her.

"Anika!" She heard Advik's voice like a beacon of hope in the darkness,Anika lifted her head, her tear-streaked eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of him.

An she saw him. Advik, running towards her with urgency etched upon his face. Relief flooded her being as he drew near, his presence a balm to her wounded soul.

"Are you okay?" His voice, soft and gentle, washed over her like a soothing melody. Anika nodded, unable to speak as she struggled to contain her emotions.

"Don't worry, now I am here," he reassured her, his words a lifeline in the darkness. A small smile graced Anika's lips as she took comfort in his presence.

Anika felt a sense of relief wash over her at the thought of Advik finding her soon. She spent the intervening hours with the old lady, who welcomed her like family.  She found comfort in the company of her newfound friend. With the knowledge that she had someone to stay with in this unknown place. Anika's anxiety began to ebb away, replaced by a sense of gratitude for the kindness of strangers.

At midnight, Anika glanced at the clock, her heart sinking as she realised it was already 12:30, and Advik had yet to arrive. The old lady and her children were fast asleep, their presence a comforting reminder of the kindness she had encountered in her time of need. But as the minutes ticked by, a new wave of worry washed over Anika. What would happen after their train departed, leaving her alone in this unfamiliar place?

Where is Advik? she wondered, her mind swirling with anxious thoughts. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes as she considered the possibility of him not arriving on time, leaving her stranded without a lifeline.

Suddenly, the silence was shattered by the sound of loud footsteps, echoing through the empty station. Anika's heart leapt as she turned to see a figure emerging from the darkness, frantically searching the platform. Without hesitation, she rose to her feet, determination coursing through her veins as she made her way towards the man, her hope reignited with the possibility that he could be Advik, finally arriving to rescue her from her ordeal.

As Anika moved closer, her heart pounding with anticipation, she realised with relief that it was indeed Advik. His expression softened as their eyes met, a mixture of concern and relief flickering across his features. He took a deep breath, his gaze never leaving hers, as if trying to reassure himself that she was truly safe and sound in front of him

"You came?" Anika's voice wavered, tears welling up in her eyes as she searched his face for reassurance.

"You called," Advik replied softly, his words a soothing balm to her distressed soul. With each step he took towards her, his presence filled her with a sense of safety and belonging.

"I was scared, I was far away from home," Anika confessed, her voice trembling with emotion as a tear escaped her eye, tracing a path down her cheek.

"And I was scared because my home was away from me," Advik replied, his words infused with tenderness as he enveloped her in a tight embrace, drawing her close to him.

"Even if I seem strong, your absence will break me apart like glass shattering into tiny pieces,” Advik said, pulling her closer. Anika felt an emotion stir inside her as she listened to his words.

“ Let's go and find a hotel to stay “ Advik suggested looking around at the station

“ Okay just let me tell grandma, I was with her and her family the whole time. She took good care of me.I need to inform her “ Anika explained him

Advik nodded in agreement with Anika's suggestion to inform the old lady, understanding the importance of showing gratitude for her kindness. Anika gently shook the old lady awake, and as she opened her eyes, Anika's smile radiated with relief and gratitude.

"My husband is here to take me," Anika whispered softly, her voice filled with gratitude.

The old lady smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling with understanding. "See, you were crying unnecessarily. I told you your husband would find you," she said reassuringly, her words a comforting echo of her earlier assurances.

As Anika touched the old lady's feet in a gesture of respect and gratitude, the old lady bestowed her blessings upon her. "Go home and take care of her," she said to Advik, her voice filled with warmth and kindness.

With a final exchange of heartfelt gratitude, Anika and Advik made their way out of the station.

As they sat in the hotel room, the weight of the day's events hung heavy in the air, their meal consumed in silence. Finally, Advik broke the quietude, his voice tinged with regret.

"It was such a cheap act on her part, and i am sorry you had to go through this because of me," he admitted, his gaze filled with remorse.

Anika reached out to gently touch his hand, offering him a reassuring smile. "It's not your fault," she reassured him, her voice soft with understanding. Then, concern crept into her voice as she asked, "Is she still at home?"

Advik shook his head. "No, I informed the police already, and she's in the police station now. Don't worry," he assured her, his tone gentle yet firm.

A sense of relief washed over Anika at his words, but she couldn't shake the feeling of unease lingering in the back of her mind. "Will you please not tell anyone about today? I don't want to worry them," she pleaded, her eyes searching for understanding.

"Of course," Advik agreed without hesitation, nodding in agreement. "Don't worry. Just eat and sleep. Don't take on any further stress. i am here," he said, his words a soothing balm to her frayed nerves. With a grateful smile, Anika leaned into his comforting presence, grateful for his unwavering support in her time of need.