Rooted Past

A month ago on 9th Jan., 2002 - 
In the serene and idyllic Casa Rivera, nestled close to the sparkling shores, resided a diligent and hardworking individual named Harsh. The first rays of the sun gently filtered through his window, casting a warm glow on his face, as the mellifluous tune of his alarm clock jingled melodiously, rousing him from his peaceful slumber. With a gentle sigh, Harsh stirred from his sleep and reached out to hit the snooze button, groggily contemplating the day ahead of him. As he rose from his bed, his mind already racing with the tasks he had to accomplish throughout the day, he felt a surge of determination wash over him. He knew that he had to give his all to each task, dedicating himself to the pursuit of excellence with unbridled fervor. Harsh's daily chores called out to him, beckoning him to attend to them with utmost dedication and efficiency. With a sense of purpose, he headed to the bathroom to freshen up, his mind already buzzing with anticipation for the day ahead. As he splashed water on his face and brushed his teeth, his father's call interrupted him, and he answered it with toothpaste still lingering in his mouth. "Good marning, Dad," he gargled, "Yes, I just woke up. Can you believe I got a job in Ashok! The suit is here, dry cleaned and pressed. Don't worry, I won't be late. It's my first day, Dad. Ta-ta," he concluded the call, leaving his father happy over the news with pride. 
[WRITER'S NOTE - Harsh's father had gifted him a formal suit from the renowned brand "AZURE". The checker French blue whole attire with a red tie exuded a classic aviator style that the brand was known for. The suit's impeccable attention to detail was evident in every stitch and fold - a testament to the brand's exceptional craftsmanship. The sophistication and elegance of the checker french blue design were undeniable, while the striking red tie added a touch of boldness to the overall look. The "AZURE" brand was well-regarded for its dedication to quality, and this suit was a prime example of their commitment to excellence.]
Feeling proud and excited, Harsh quickly finished his morning routine and hurried out to a nearby laundry to pick up his suit, which he had forgotten to collect the previous night. The suit was not only dry cleaned but also expertly pressed, enhancing its appearance and making Harsh feel confident. As he donned his suit, he examined himself in the mirror, admiring how suave and sophisticated he looked, meticulously adjusting his tie to ensure that it lay perfectly on his crisp, white shirt. Glancing at his analogue wristwatch, he realized he still had time on his hands, but he decided against eating breakfast, choosing instead to embrace the day with a sense of pride and accomplishment. He sauntered out of his apartment, his face glowing with confidence and determination, and hopped into his car, eager to commence his journey to Ashok Technologies in Mumbai. As he navigated through the bustling streets of the city, his mind abuzz with anticipation, he felt a sudden pang of hunger. However, he steadfastly focused on his destination, refusing to let his hunger distract him from his goals. 
[WRITER'S NOTE - Ashok Technologies Pvt. Ltd. is a well-known private IT sector located in the city of Mumbai. As one of the largest and most popular companies in the area, it holds a prominent presence in the industry.]
With his heart pounding with excitement, Harsh arrived at his workplace - the grand Ashok Tech building. However, it was eerily quiet, leaving him to wonder if he was early for his meeting. As he climbed the stairs, he checked the time on his wristwatch. But as he reached the top landing, he spotted an elevator and quickly pressed the call button. While waiting, he straightened his suit to ensure he looked presentable. Suddenly, a disheveled woman with a pile of files in her arms came rushing towards him just as the elevator doors slid open. Harsh tried to hold the doors open for her, but as she stumbled towards him, she fell against him and her files scattered. In his haste to steady her, Harsh accidentally touched her breast and squeezed it in panic. For a moment, Harsh was transported to another dimension as he marveled at the softness and warmth of her breast, and the silky hair cascading down her shoulders. The scent of her hair tantalized him, as he tried to place where he had smelled it before. But suddenly, Harsh snapped back to reality, realizing what he had done. He withdrew his hand from her chest, stammering apologies. However, she immediately cut him off, shivering and apologizing profusely as she offered to help him. Harsh was confused as to why she was apologizing and asked her why. It was then that she pointed to his chest. To his horror, he saw that a thick, bright pink smoothie had splattered all over his once-pristine suit, completely ruining his outfit. Frustrated and angry, Harsh couldn't help but exclaim, "What the fuck!" 
Later on, Harsh offered to help her pick up her scattered files. Grateful for his assistance, she suggested that he clean up his stained suit in the nearby men's restroom. The restroom was eerily empty, and as she stationed herself outside the entrance, Harsh desperately tried to salvage his suit by scrubbing away at the stubborn stains. Despite his best efforts, the dark smudges persisted, and he gazed down at his reflection in the mirror with a deep sense of disappointment. "Why do I lazy fuck have to forget my handkerchief? It's my kind of luck to run out of tissues at this moment," he muttered to himself before finally giving up and removing his ruined suit. As he lay it over the basin, he shook his head in frustration. "This suit is like shit. I can't even go anywhere in this state," he thought as he surveyed the damage, the stains spreading from the coat to his shirt, a visible reminder of his carelessness. As he sat there, feeling helpless and defeated, a voice interrupted his thoughts. He turned to see a woman standing outside, peering in through the open doorway. Despite his initial reluctance to accept help, he couldn't deny the warmth in her voice and the kindness in her eyes as she offered assistance. Though he couldn't help but feel a pang of bitterness towards her - after all, it was her actions that had led him to this moment - he found himself drawn to her in spite of it all. As she asked if he needed anything, he hesitated for a moment before admitting that he was in need of tissues. Without a word, she reached into her pocket and produced a green cotton handkerchief, offering it to him with a gentle smile. For a moment, he was transfixed by the softness of her gaze and the gentle curve of her lips. In that moment, he realized that she was a goddess among mortals. As he reached out to take the handkerchief, he paused, unsure if he deserved such kindness. But she was insistent, and with a nod of her head and a quiet apology, she encouraged him to accept it. And so he did, feeling a rush of gratitude and admiration for this stranger who had shown him such unexpected kindness. As he retreated back inside, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness as he looked at himself in the mirror. The exhaustion and hunger he felt were etched on his face, a reminder of the struggles he had faced. As Harsh held the delicate handkerchief in his hands, memories flooded back to him. Its soft fabric reminded him of the sweet scent of jasmine that used to linger in the air whenever she was near. He knew he had to find her, to ask her about this small token of her affection. But before he could take a step towards the door, a man and woman appeared out of nowhere, blocking his path. The woman grabbed him by the arm, pulling him back into the crowded washroom. Harsh protested, his voice echoing against the tiled walls. "This isn't a girl's washroom, you know!" But the woman silenced him with a sharp look and a finger pressed against his lips. She turned to the man and asked, "Is he with Heran?" The man shrugged and looked at Harsh's soiled suit. "Looks like it." Harsh struggled against the woman's grip, demanding answers. "Who are you guys? Who are you looking for? And who is Heran?" Then she glided through the doorway, a gentle breeze followed her in, carrying with it the sweet fragrance of jasmine flowers. "I'm Heran," she announced in a confident, melodious voice. "I apologize for not introducing myself earlier. These are my dear friends, Kajal and Sam. I called them over to assist with the trouble I caused you today, and I'm sorry." Her eyes sparkled with sincerity, and she tilted her head slightly in frustration. 
[WRITER’S NOTE - Heran is typically reserved in the presence of men, including Sam, and she only communicates with them when there is something special about that personality. Current behavior of Heran bothered Kajal when she saw Heran talking to Harsh, who is a male individual.]
Sam cleared his throat as Heran finished speaking, excusing himself to catch a breath of fresh air. Kajal's eyes widened in surprise as she noticed the handkerchief in Harsh's hand, and then gazed back at Heran. It was then that she realized Harsh was different from them. He stood there in awkward silence, unsure of how to react, while they exchanged concerned glances, attempting to discern what had caused the sudden shift in mood. Sam re-enters the room, carrying a bag adorned with the label "Agarwal cloths" which he promptly delivers to Kajal. Without delay, she passes it over to Harsh and instructs him to grasp it tightly. Eager to discover its contents, Harsh eagerly peers inside the bag and finds that it contains yet another exquisitely tailored suit. However, Harsh appears troubled, his head shaking in a definitive "no" as he protests, "I'm sorry, I can't take this." Quick to clarify the situation, Kajal interjects, "This isn't for you. We brought this because she asked us to bring it." Heran joins in the exchange, his voice filled with a sense of desperate urgency as he pleads with Harsh to accept the offering, "Please take it." Despite the growing pressure from his friends, Harsh remains unyielding in his refusal to accept the suit, his determination unshakeable. Sam strode towards Harsh, his gait exuding confidence and determination, he placed one hand gently on Harsh's shoulder. With his other hand, he casually held his glasses, as if they were a prized possession. "Whoa there, bro," he said in a tone that was both teasing and concerned. "You sure you want to go in looking like that? Today's your first day at work, and you've got to make a good impression on the boss. But with that shabby uniform and being late, you're as good as fired before you even start." Harsh felt his heart race as Sam's words sank in. He had worked tirelessly to land a job in this prestigious IT hub, and now, everything could be undone by his appearance. He hesitated, unsure of how to proceed. Kajal regarded Sam with a hint of suspicion, her eyes narrowing as she asked, "How do you know all this?" Sam rolled his eyes, a playful smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "Isn't it obvious?" he replied, arching an eyebrow. "These glasses aren't just for show, you know." Kajal couldn't help but shake her head, muttering under her breath, "Geek." "Don't worry," she said, turning to Harsh. "We're not going to charge you anything. We're doing this for our friend's sake. If you don't want our help, we'll take it back." Heran insistently implored once again Harsh to put on the suit, to which he sighed and begrudgingly agreed. As he agreed to change, a sudden commotion at the entrance startled them. A man had appeared out of nowhere and stood there, gaping in disbelief at the sight before him. In his mind, he must have stumbled upon women in the men's washroom with a half-dressed man, Harsh. The man hastily uttered, "forget I was here, I didn't see anything," before scurrying away from the scene. Sensing the need to diffuse the awkwardness, Sam spoke up, suggesting that the women should leave. Kajal and Heran nodded in agreement, making their way out of the washroom. Once outside, Kajal pressed Heran for the details of what had just transpired. "Tell me everything that happened," she insisted, "that man may not be conventionally handsome, but he seems like a decent person." Heran teasingly retorted, "Since when did you become an expert?" to which Kajal quipped, "I was born an expert, silly. Now spill the tea!" Heran leaned in, her hands clasped together as she recount her first encounter with Harsh. 
Thousand hours ago on, 30th Nov., 2002 - 
In the bustling Ashok Tech office, a new recruit list was posted on the billboard. As Heran scanned the names and faces of the fresh hires, her eyes came to rest on the picture of a man named Harsh. Memories from the past came flooding back to her. A month or so earlier, on a sunny weekend morning, Heran had joined her colleague Sakshi for a trip to a nearby temple. Though not particularly religious, Heran was excited for the outing, as she had never been to a temple before. She arrived at the agreed-upon meeting spot and was immediately struck by the stunning sight of Sakshi in a vibrant orange saree, a traditional Indian garment that draped elegantly around her form. Heran couldn't help but stare in admiration, taking in every detail of her colleague's impeccable appearance. Sakshi, sensing Heran's gaze, teased her playfully, saying, "Don't look at me like that! You're making me feel like I'm being stalked." Heran quickly explained that she meant no harm, and Sakshi, still chuckling, revealed that she wasn't even a fan of sarees. But Heran couldn't believe it - Sakshi looked absolutely stunning in the garment, and she told her so. Sakshi blushed at the compliment and graciously thanked her, then asked Heran if she herself was a fan of sarees. Heran shared with Sakshi that wearing a saree was not a part of her family's custom, which had left her never donning one before. This revelation surprised Sakshi, who then offered Heran the opportunity to try one on. Heran initially declined, but Sakshi insisted and took her to her house, where she presented Heran with a stunning peacock green silk saree. Although Heran had some difficulty wearing it, Sakshi was there to lend a helping hand. After finally changing into the saree, Heran emerged and asked Sakshi how she looked. Sakshi replied that Heran looked even more beautiful in a saree, but Heran mentioned that the saree was quite heavy. Sakshi reassured her that sarees are meant to be weighty, and the two headed out of the apartment to their car. However, as they were leaving, Heran realized that she had forgotten her purse and had to go back to retrieve it. Nevertheless, she didn't let this inconvenience affect her mood and simply held her handkerchief in her hand instead. The duo Heran and Sakshi made their way to a nearby temple, situated along the beach. The temple was serene, with only the sounds of the sea waves breaking the quietude. They spent some time in the temple, worshipping the idol of Lord Shiva. Heran, in particular, held her handkerchief to her head and muttered some inaudible words. After finishing their temple session, they headed out to the beach but couldn't do much due to their heavy clothing. They lay on the beach, enjoying the sand and the waves. As they grew hungry, they decided to go to a local restaurant that served delicious dosas. While waiting for their food, Heran's friend Kajal called her and asked about her plans for the day. Heran responded, stating that she was with Sakshi. Kajal retorted, questioning why Heran was with that "whore" and who else was with them. Heran explained that they were only at a restaurant together, just the two of them. Kajal pressed on, inquiring whether they were on a date. Heran denied it, and Kajal demanded to know the location of the restaurant. In no time at all, Kajal arrived at the restaurant and confronted Sakshi, asking who had invited her there. Sakshi demanded to know why Kajal felt the need to ask permission to be anywhere, causing Kajal to slam her hand on the table in frustration. The two engaged in a heated verbal exchange, with Sakshi insisting that she was just spending time with her best friend and asking to be left alone. Kajal retorted, expressing the same sentiment in a different way. Throughout the argument, Heran attempted to intervene and calm the situation, but her efforts were in vain as Kajal and Sakshi refused to listen to her and told her to stay quiet. In the end, their disturbance of other customers caused the manager to intervene and kick them out of the restaurant. 
Then, Harsh revved his motorcycle to life and cruised toward the restaurant, his stomach growled in protest. Being alone in his apartment near the seashore, he often had to resort to eating out or cooking his meals. The tantalizing aroma of spices and savory dishes greeted him as he parked and strode inside. However, what he saw inside was unexpected - a group of women were engaged in a heated argument, with the manager frantically trying to intervene. But upon catching sight of Harsh, the manager's stern expression softened, and he welcomed him with a warm smile and called him by name. Inquisitive, Harsh asked the manager what was happening, and the manager simply dismissed it as "just some girls acting like kids." As Harsh was about to take a seat at a table, he noticed a green handkerchief left behind by the group of women who had been arguing earlier. He picked it up, hoping to return it to the owners, but despite shouting for them to stop, they didn't seem to hear him and soon disappeared from sight. Harsh searched for them on the streets, but to no avail. His search ended when his rumbling stomach called him back to the restaurant, and ordered his meal: a delicious serving of Palak Paneer and freshly-baked Naan bread. After his meal, he strolled outside and was captivated by the sunset over the horizon. He noticed a woman in a stunning green saree searching for something on the ground nearby. Curious, he approached her and asked if she needed help, his voice oozing with charm. But to his surprise, the woman remained silent and unresponsive. It wasn't until Harsh showed her the handkerchief that he'd found that her eyes widened in joy, and she couldn't stop beaming. As he handed the handkerchief to her, the fragrance of jasmine flowers from the woman Heran filled the air, adding to the moment's magic. Harsh felt a wave of satisfaction wash over him as he saw how delighted she was to have it back. The woman was still speechless, trying to express her gratitude. Harsh reassured her that he was glad to have found her and returned the handkerchief to its rightful owner.
[WRITER'S NOTE - The delicate handkerchief clutched in her hand is more than just a piece of cloth to her; it's a tangible connection to her late father. This was the last item he ever gave her before he was tragically killed in a senseless gang fight, struck down by a stray bullet. The handkerchief is her most treasured possession, and she carries it with her wherever she goes. Whenever she sees it, she feels her father's presence nearby, almost as though he's watching over her. The handkerchief's intricate design is a testament to her father's love for her. The deep green fabric is adorned with a white fairy clutching a gleaming orb, an ethereal pattern that seems to glow in the light. But there are also dark red splotches scattered across the fabric, reminders of the violent end her father met. The bloodstains stand out starkly against the otherwise pristine handkerchief, a haunting reminder of the fragility of life. Despite the stains, the handkerchief remains a symbol of hope and comfort to her. Its soft texture and familiar scent bring her a sense of peace and security, as though her father's love is still with her, even after all these years. And so she keeps it close at all times, a tangible reminder of the man she loved and lost too soon.]
As Harsh prepared to leave, he felt a sense of unease and discomfort in the pit of his stomach. He wanted to know more about the charming woman, who had left such a strong impression on him with just a single expression. It was a moment that he would never forget, and he was eager to find out more about this enigmatic woman who had captivated his attention.The sun slipped below the horizon, Kajal and Sakshi arrived at their destination from opposite directions. The air was filled with anticipation as they approached Heran. When they finally met, Sakshi eagerly asked if they had found Heran's handkerchief. She explained that she had already searched every nook and cranny of the restaurant. Kajal let out a sigh and responded, "No, I haven't found it yet. I've searched all over the street and in our car, but to no avail." Disappointed, they both turned to face Heran, who was standing before them, tightly holding onto the handkerchief they had been searching for. That night, Harsh couldn't stop thinking about her, and it was the same for heran. 
In Present, 9th Nov., 2002
After Heran finished recounting the story to Kajal, she exclaimed, "So he's the same guy who helped you that day!" Heran nodded in agreement, relieved that Kajal finally knew everything. As Kajal leaned in closer, she inquired, "But didn't anything else happen?" Suddenly, Heran's mind raced back to the moment when she felt a strange sensation on her chest. She realized with a start that it had been Harsh's hand, and a deep blush crept up her cheeks. Kajal noticed the sudden change in Heran's demeanor and probed further, "Hey, why are you blushing so red? Tell me..." Feeling self-conscious, Heran quickly hid her face with her hands and pushed Kajal away before running off. But Kajal refused to let her go and followed closely behind, urging her to stop and explain herself. 
[WRITER’S NOTE - Earlier, Heran stepped out of the small kitchenette, her arms full with a freshly blended smoothie, a delectable slice of pie, and a collection of important files. As she entered the lobby, she caught sight of a tall figure ascending the stairs. Her eyes fixated on him and she felt an inexplicable urge to follow him. It was Harsh! Without a moment's hesitation, she rushed after him, her hands full but her determination unyielding. Harsh had already reached the elevator when Heran caught up, the doors beginning to slide shut. Heran pushed herself to the limit, sprinting with all her might, urging her legs to move faster. Just as she approached the doors, Harsh's sharp gaze locked onto her, causing her to lose her footing. Suddenly, she stumbled and slipped.]
Now, In the restroom, Harsh hastily donned his crisp new suit, which his companions had provided for him. Despite his polished appearance, he was quivering with fear, knowing he was already hours late. Sam inquired if Harsh felt prepared. "Not really," came his trembling response. "So be it, let's go," Sam replied, leading the way to boss room as they departed the washroom. Upon reaching the top floor, Sam bid Harsh good luck and offered his prayers and best regards before they exchanged a fist bump. Harsh grinned and muttered, "Okay, bro." As he entered the lair, Harsh surveyed the room for the boss, but to no avail. A large, dark chair was positioned beside a desk, which faced the balcony. Harsh surmised that the boss must be seated in the chair and, without delay, began apologizing for his tardiness. However, just as he was about to continue, the sound of a flush emanated from the washroom, and the boss emerged. He glared at Harsh and inquired, "Who are you, and why are you lying on the floor?" Bewildered, Harsh asked, "Sir, Who is sitting on the chair?" The boss strode over to the chair, spun it around, and revealed a cat perched atop it. Though Harsh was mortified, he maintained his composure and apologized once more. The boss, realizing Harsh was the recruit he was scheduled to meet, glanced at the clock and curtly commanded, "Get out." Harsh's words of apology fell on deaf ears as his boss refused to forgive him. The boss's face contorted into a scowl as he berated Harsh and demanded he leave. Sam, who had accompanied Harsh, seethed with anger and regretted coming along. In a fit of frustration, he slammed his fist into the wall, his face contorted with silent screams. Suddenly, Heran burst into the room, causing Sam to look up in confusion. She strode over to Harsh's side, her eyes fixed on the boss. With a trembling voice, she apologized for Harsh's tardiness and explained the reason for it, speaking in a rush of words. Harsh's eyes flicked up to her, taking in the tears in her eyes and the stiffness in her posture. Despite Heran's plea, the boss remained unmoved, insisting that Harsh leave. It was then that Heran made an unexpected proposal: "If he goes, I am leaving this company too." Harsh protested weakly, his voice barely audible. The boss shifted his gaze towards the balcony and gazed up at the sky. As he did so, memories of the last quarter's steep drop in profits flooded his mind. However, the thought of Heran, one of the company's greatest assets, made him reconsider his decision. After much thought, he approved Harsh's employment under the condition that he worked double shifts for an entire week. Harsh quickly agreed, nodding in approval. Both Heran and Harsh shared a look of relief, at that moment. Then they stepped outside, and suddenly Sam jumped up and shouted "Yes!" in excitement. And enveloped Harsh in a tight hug. Unfortunately, Harsh fainted moments later, not due to Sam's enthusiasm, but due to an empty stomach. This shocked Sam and Heran, and then then quickly took him to the medical room. Where doctor revealed them that he had fainted due to weakness and instructed him to eat something to regain his strength. After waking up, Heran and Kajal cared for Harsh, urging him to join them in the cafeteria. Kajal sarcastically remarked that he would need the energy to work the whole night. Once in the cafeteria, Harsh ordered many dishes and ate to his heart's content. Kajal playfully asked him how long it had been since he had eaten anything and commented on his appetite, jokingly mentioning that Heran's treat was not meant for him to empty the entire canteen. "No, I need my energy back so I can go work," Harsh said firmly, "And I forgot my breakfast today." Kajal sighed and glanced outside. The sky was a warm orange hue. She asked, "Don't you see it's dusk now?" her voice tinged with concern. "I got stuck," Harsh explained, his voice growing more agitated. Heran, who had been quiet, suddenly spoke up. "Oh, I see. Sorry again for today," she said, offering an apologetic smile. "It's okay, I'm here thanks to you guys," Harsh replied, his tone softening. Feeling guilty for their friend's predicament, Kajal suggested that they pay for the meal. Harsh hesitated, but Kajal's commanding voice left no room for argument. "It was a treat by us, so you don't have to worry about it," she declared, her words ringing out in the cafeteria. Harsh's head fell, feeling both grateful and embarrassed. Kajal then bid them farewell and left, leaving Heran and Harsh alone. As they left the cafeteria, Heran took him to his workplace, which was conveniently located near her own. Harsh was ready to start working immediately. He then immersed himself in the project given. 
As the sun began to set outside the boss's room, he sat hunched over his desk, meticulously examining the profiles of potential recruits for his company. As he scanned through the various resumes, his gaze fell upon Harsh's. His eyes widened in surprise as he read through the details, noting that Harsh was not only highly skilled and efficient, but also incredibly fast in his work. As he stroked his cat absentmindedly, the boss couldn't help but feel a twinge of satisfaction. "Teaching this young man a lesson will be my ultimate goal," he thought to himself. However, his thoughts were quickly interrupted as he gazed upon a picture frame on his desk. The photograph depicted a woman holding the same cat he was currently petting, a small smile gracing her lips. Suddenly, the boss's resolve faltered, and tears began to stream down his face. "I may be a powerful businessman, but even I cannot compare to the strength of true friendship," he muttered, his voice choked with emotion. Despite his initial intentions, he knew that he couldn't bear to part with such a valuable asset. He would have to find another way to achieve his goals.
Late at night, the Ashok Inc. office was quiet, except for the sounds of Harsh tirelessly working on his first project. As he focused on his task, Heran appeared with a platter in her hands, offering tea and a small snack. She carefully placed the platter on Harsh's desk and sat down beside him in a separate chair. Harsh, startled by her sudden presence, scolded her for being there so late. Heran's voice trembled as she tried to explain that she just wanted to bring him some tea. Harsh laughed in response, revealing that he didn't drink tea at all. Heran's face fell, her voice barely above a whisper as she replied, "Oh, I see." The dim lighting of the office illuminated her downcast expression. Harsh then carefully retrieved the handkerchief that she had given him earlier, his fingers lingering on its soft fabric for a moment longer than necessary. As he offered it back to her, his mind drifting back to the day they first met. The memory of the vibrant saree she wore and the fragrance of jasmine flowers from her hair still lingered in his mind, he couldn't help but ask, "Are you the saree girl from back then?"With a sudden jolt, she reached out to take the handkerchief from his grasp. Their eyes met, locking in an intense moment of shared recognition. The air between them crackled with a palpable tension as they stood there, silent yet deeply connected. "You remembered," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, but heavy with emotion. The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken feelings and a sense of unfinished business. Over the next few weeks, Harsh toiled tirelessly without respite, his workday stretching into endless hours, consumed by the humdrum of his daily routine. With unwavering determination, he persisted through the exhaustion, driven by the desire to impress his boss and excel in his duties. His efforts were rewarded when his boss took notice of his diligence and paired him with Heran, a fellow worker, in the same group. As they worked side by side, a friendship began to blossom. With each passing day, they grew closer, their conversations flowing with ease, devoid of any awkwardness. For Harsh, Heran was the only person with whom he could let his guard down, and his presence brought a sense of comfort that he had never experienced before. Gradually, their relationship transcended the bounds of mere friendship, and they became a couple, their hearts beating in sync. 
Current Present, 14th Feb., 2002
On that fateful night, the world outside was plunged into a darkness so deep it seemed to swallow everything in its path. The winds were howling with such ferocity that they threatened to uproot trees and topple buildings, while the heavy rain lashed against the windows with a force that sounded like an army of tiny fists pounding on the glass. There was no moon up in the sky to offer any respite from the gloom. The alarms were blaring all over the city, and the roads had to be closed as firemen rushed in to put out the raging fire. Despite the heavy rain, the flames kept burning and refused to be extinguished. It was a total disaster, a nightmare that seemed to have no end. Meanwhile, outside Harsh's apartment, the ground rumbled and shook as if the very earth itself were convulsing in fear. A woman dressed in an elegant red evening gown cowered in fear near the couch, her heart racing with terror at the sudden violence of the tremors. After what felt like an eternity, the trembling subsided, and the woman dared to peer out through the window. Despite the chaos and destruction raging all around her, the woman's first thought was for Harsh, whom she knew to be in the vicinity. She tried calling him, her voice shaking with worry, but all she got was a dead silence on the other end of the line. The following day, Heran was unable to make it to work. Instead, she spent the morning frantically calling every colleague of hers and Harsh's, hoping to gather any information about his whereabouts. Despite her best efforts, she couldn't find any leads on him. As the morning wore on, she made her way to the police station near shoreline to file a missing person report for Harsh. It was at this point that Sam called her. His tone was low and melancholic as he delivered the news that Harsh was gone. Heran was petrified, her heart pounding in her chest. Sam instructed her to meet him at the Stadium near Ultimate Cake Shop. Despite her fear, Heran gathered her resolve and made her way to the meeting spot, determined to find out what had happened to Harsh. Heran swiftly got into her gray car and drove with an air of urgency towards the location Sam had mentioned. She was driving so fast, it was as if she was in a race against time itself. The morning streets were left behind in a blur as she pressed on the gas pedal with determination. Eventually, she reached the vicinity of the incident and parked her car amidst a multitude of forensic tents that had been erected. As she stepped out of the vehicle, Heran was dressed in a pristine white gown. Her eyes were fixed on the area where the deceased bodies lay, covered in white sheets. She spotted Sam in the distance, standing next to one of the forensic tents, gazing at the row of lifeless forms. She made her way towards him, both of them standing side by side, facing the grim scene. Heran looked at Sam, who was trying to hold his composure but his face betrayed the deep sorrow he was feeling. Tears were on the brink of spilling out as he struggled to keep them at bay. When he met her gaze, he faltered and averted his eyes, tears now streaming down his face. Heran then looked at the array of bodies before her and the gravity of the situation finally hit her. The reality of what had happened to Harsh, and the horror of it all, came crashing down upon her. Overwhelmed by grief, she fell to the ground, her silent sobs echoing through the somber surroundings. Clutching her handkerchief tightly, she offered up a heartfelt prayer.
>> Here ends the 2nd chapter...