•·•·•·•·•·•·•·••●❍•❅•°•❈•°•❅•❍●••·•·•·•·•·•·•·•

~ His name lingers, a spark in the night,
A warmth that dances, soft and bright.

A flutter stirs, I can't explain,
A hidden longing, quiet with pain.

A mother's love, a tender touch,
Yet something pulls me, far too much.

His future set, my heart unsure,
A secret ache I can't endure.

In the quiet of the tailor's place,
Her presence stirs with gentle grace.

Soft eyes that draw me in, so deep,
A dream that wakes while I still sleep.

Her warmth, her grace, they linger near,
A flutter in my chest, unclear.

She's the whisper I can barely hear,
The heart's unspoken, silent cheer.

A chance encounter or fate's own call?
Their hearts entwined, standing tall.

In that moment, time stands still,
Love's spark ignites, with tender will.~

•·•·•·•·•·•·•·••●❍•❅•°•❈•°•❅•❍●••·•·•·•·•·•·•·•

5th November 1899
Calcutta, Bengal

KAVITA POV ~

"Look didi, this one looks good," Prachi says, tugging at my dupatta, showing me an orange coloured dupatta.

"Yes, it is," I whisper, touching the smoothness of the fabric.

Prachi and I, both are currently in the local market, shopping for Mehreen's marriage.

It's evening. The light rays of sunlight are filtering through the dense fog in the atmosphere, creating warmness in the coolness.

The ground is damp, with patches of grass peeking through the frost, glistening with dew.

Today, the market is unusually quiet, almost deserted, because it's very cold outside.

I turn to see Prachi playing while creating clouds of fog that swirl and dissipate like tiny smoke signals.

While the shopkeeper walks inside to take out a few more dress items to show, I join Prachi in creating the clouds of mystery.

Each exhalation is a fleeting ghost, momentarily hanging before vanishing into the crisp atmosphere.

The distant chirping of winter birds adds a subtle melody to the scene, harmonizing with our joyful moment.

"Mine is bigger than yours!!" Prachi says proudly, again exhaling warm breath, creating a small yet big cloud of fog.

"Here's mine!" I say, creating my own cloud, not giving up on my warm breathing.

The scent of earth and wet grass fills the air, mingling with the crispness of winter.

Occasionally, a waft of wood smoke drifts from the nearby street, where few elderly men are having their tea talk, its warmth inviting and comforting.

Suddenly my eyes catch a small boy, eyeing the hand bag of an aunty, who is busy checking the fabrics, from the corner of my eyes.

Before that pocket-thief manages to snatch her bag, I shout at him, " STOP!!!"

My voice cuts through the air, startling him and he flees from the scene.

"What-!!?" Aunty gasps, getting startled.

"Thank you, daughter," Aunty thanks me, quickly guessing the situation, clutching her handbag tightly.

"It's okay aunty" I say with a smile, greeting her who greets me back.

"You are so kind, dear" she says, causing me to smile, feeling happy.

"Riya!??" Prachi chimes, jumping forward towards aunty and I see Riya walking from the other street, beside that aunty.

I smile seeing Riya and Prachi happily hugging each other.

"You know each other?" Aunty says, making me slightly frown.

"Didi, she is my Maa!" Riya beams, introducing her mother to us.

"Maa, she is Prachi didi and she's her elder sister" Riya introduces us to her mother.

I blink my eyes in shock, yet smile nervously.

My heart races as the realization hits-this is Darsh's mother. I bite my lip, trying to keep my expression calm, though my hands fidget with my dupatta.

"Oh~ so it's you both, huh- dears" Aunty says, smiling happily.

"Did Darsh and Riya tell her about the diwali night.... Everything that happened" I ponder nervously, still keeping a small smile on my face.

"N-no... they would not.... If they did that, she would have mentioned it by now, but she looks like she has no idea about it" I ponder, sighing in slight relief, fidgeting with the hem of my dupatta.

"Thank you for inviting Riya with you all and taking care of her" Aunty says, caressing Riya's head, thanking us.

"Both mother and daughter are the same- sweet" I chuckle softly, thinking to myself.

I secretly glance around, not knowing why.

"Is Darsh with them too?" I ponder, scanning the surrounding market.

"I'm so happy to meet you both" Aunty says with a gentle smile and I can't help but bow down in front of her to take her blessings.

"What are you doing, dear!? Daughters shouldn't bow their heads, they are the goddess of the home" Aunty says with kindness, still she caresses my head, giving me her blessings.

I smile with admiration as her words are the same as Anjali Chachi and Radhika Bua- my inspirations for poems.

I straighten up, smiling at her and whisper softly "When a goddess meets the creator of the home, she should bow to show respect"

An instant affectionate smile adorns her face and she caresses my cheeks softly.

Her touch feels like a warm balm against the winter chill, and for a fleeting moment, I'm reminded of Anjali Chachi's tender ways-comforting, encouraging, and full of love.

"Your words are heaven itself" She compliments me, causing me to blush shyly.

A small laugh escapes me as I tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear, but her words stir something deeper.

It's as though she sees something within me, a part that I've carefully tucked away from the world.

"Aww~ aunty you're so kind! I remember Darsh bhaiya, your future daughter-in-law will be so lucky to have you" Prachi says with a slight tint of fun, making aunty chuckle.

The mention of Darsh's name sends a sudden rush of warmth through my heart, unbidden and unfamiliar.

A small bashful smile tugs at my lips as my thoughts wander back to that Diwali night.

His quiet, steady gaze, his hand on my waist, the way his presence lingered even after he'd left-why do these memories feel so alive?

Before the warmth can fully settle, a tinge of unease creeps in. His future wife- .

A strange flutter stirs in my chest, one that is neither joy nor sorrow but something I can't quite place.

I clear my throat, trying to steady my thoughts, feeling a lump forming inside and a strange flutter in my heart.

The idea of someone else being by Darsh's side feels like a weight pressing on my chest. Why does this thought linger, tugging at my heart?

"why am I suddenly feeling like this, hearing about aunty's future daughter-in-law...?" I mutter to myself, pouting a little.

Prachi, oblivious to my internal turmoil, continues chatting with Riya, who beams with pride.

"She'll be the best mother-in-law! And I'll be the best sister-in-law!! " Riya grins, wrapping her arms around her mother's arms.

Aunty chuckles warmly, her laughter wrapping around us like a gentle embrace.

"Okay, dears, we'll take our leave now, get home safe" Aunty says, her motherly affection evident as she caresses Prachi's hair.

We bid them farewell, and I watch as they walk away, Aunty's arm draped protectively around Riya's shoulders, full of affection.

The sight tugs at my heart-a bond so pure, so full of love.

"May god no evil eyes fall on your bond" I pray softly, feeling a swirl of familiar emotions, which I have never experienced.

"At Least others have a loving mother," I whisper softly, glancing at my bracelet, with a bittersweet smile.

I run my fingers over the ruby bracelet, its familiar coolness grounding me.

A strange mix of warmth and longing settles in my heart. Why do I feel so connected to them already?

The thought lingers like the faintest wisp of a cloud as I turn back to Prachi, who's excitedly examining another dupatta. Her joy is infectious, and I force a smile, trying to focus on the present.

"Come on, let's finish shopping. We still have a lot to prepare," I say, gently nudging her towards the shopkeeper, where a few last choices await us.

6th November 1899
Calcutta, Bengal

DARSH POV ~

Sitting on my bed, I work on my math assignments, the quiet of the room broken only by the soft rustling of the pages.

The familiar weight of the ink pen feels reassuring in my fingers, its smooth surface cool against my fingertips.

I dip the nib into the inkwell, watching as the dark liquid clung to the metal tip, glistening like a small pool of midnight.

As I move the pen across the page, it scratches softly, a rhythmic whisper that fills the quiet room.

The scratch of the nib against the paper produces a distinct sound, a rhythmic whisper that accompanies each stroke, enhancing focus and immersion.

The scent of iron gall ink wafts up to meet me, earthy and slightly metallic, mingling with the musty aroma of aged paper.

"Why on earth did they make maths!!?" I grumble under my breath, scribbling equations furiously.

I pull the woolen blanket tighter around myself, cocooning in its warmth. As I adjust my position, a faint sizzling sound drifts in from the kitchen. My ears perk up instantly, and a small smile spreads across my face.

"I think Maa is making some pakoda" I mutter, the thought alone lifting my spirits. I quickly speed up my writing, eager to finish.

"Just this last one-" I mumble, ignoring the throbbing in my wrist from the relentless pressure of writing.

The scratch of the pen grows more urgent, blending with the rhythm of my thoughts. The room feels both stifling and comforting, the duality mirroring my determination to finish this task.

"Yes!!!!" I finally breathe out, stretching my stiff back and shoulders. The tension seeps out of me as I realize I'm done.

Pakodas and a warm bed beckon.

But fate has other plans for me.

As I arch my body a little while stretching myself fully, my knees bump into the open inkpot.

The world slows for a moment. My eyes widen as I watch the small, treacherous pot tip over. The dark blue ink cascades onto my freshly completed assignments and splashes onto the bed sheet.

"Wow~ what an art, bhaiya~~"

I freeze, hearing Riya's sing-song tone behind me.

I turn to find her standing behind me with a mischievous smirk on her face, making me gulp.

"What do you want, dear Shona," I ask, attempting to sugarcoat my tone.

"I want to tell Maa about your art~" She says playfully, making me nervous.

"Maa will scold me so much if she'll get to know that the bedsheet got stained" I ponder to myself, glancing around to find something to stop Riya.

"S-shona!... I'll get you whatever you want... but please help me escape Maa's scolding, please" I whisper urgently, pulling her back as she turns to leave with mischief.

"Anything~?!" She asks, playfully raising her eyebrows with mock curiosity and I nod at her words.

"Anything, just don't tell Maa about this" I whisper, glancing at the door, praying to not let Maa enter now.

"Relax bhaiya, I was joking, I'll not tell her... you should see your face, you look so funny. It's priceless!" Riya giggles.

I exhale loudly, relief washing over me as I shake my head at her antics.

"Thank you, Shona," I mutter gratefully, my voice low to avoid Maa overhearing us.

"Let's remove the bedsheet first and rub the stained area with water," Riya says, slipping into a conspiratorial tone.

"I'll grab some lemon and salt to clean it before the ink sets." she whispers, sharing her plan and I nod my head in agreement.

"What a brilliant plan~"

A very familiar, dangerously sweet voice halts both of us siblings in mid-motion.

Riya gasps softly, gazing at me with wide eyes and I share the same expression as hers.

I slowly lift my head and Riya turns around nervously.

A pure shiver runs down my spine as I see Maa standing in the doorway, leaning to the door, her arms crossed, her smile deceptively calm.

"M-maa!...y-you!?" I stammer, my mind racing.

"If you needed something, you could've called me. W-why trouble yourself coming here?" I try to change the subject, fumbling in my words.

" Mere bete ne itni shaandaar kalakriti ki hai... kaise nahi aati dekhne ke liye... hai na Darsh? Aur phir meri shatir beti ne itni badi yojna banai hai wo sunna to banta hai~ hai na, Shona?" Maa says, her tone dripping with mock sweetness.

[ MY SON HAS CREATED SUCH A MAGNIFICENT PIECE OF ART... HOW CAN I NOT COME TO SEE IT... RIGHT, DARSH? AND THEN MY CLEVER DAUGHTER HAS MADE SUCH A BIG PLAN; IT'S WORTH LISTENING TO, ISN'T IT, SHONA? ]

She slowly walks inside, glancing at the mess as if admiring it.

Riya and I share nervous glances.

"What an amazing masterpiece~" Maa continues, her gaze sweeping over the mess.

"Don't you think I should reward you both for your amazing talents?" Maa says, smiling at us, making us gulp more.

"S-sorry Maa, w-wo..g-galti se gir g-gaya..." I stammer clearly, smiling nervously.

[ S-SORRY MAA, I-IT F-FELL DOWN.. BY M-MISTAKE... ]

Maa suddenly bursts into laughter, leaving Riya and me utterly confused.

"I'm not serious, dears! Look at your faces!!" Maa teases us, laughing and giggling, wiping her eyes.

I place my hand in my chest feeling relief washing over me.

"Don't smile yet, bhaiya, it must be her trap" Riya whispers in my ear and I quickly straighten myself, knowing it can be true.

Maa steps forward, her expression softening.

"I'm not angry enough to scold you over something this silly. Just take off the bed sheet; I'll clean it later." Maa says with a gentle smile, tapping our cheeks gently.

I chuckle and nod my head, standing up from the bed to remove the bedsheet.

"And come fast, then we'll eat pakodas together" Maa adds with a smile, walking out of the room.

Riya darts after her, leaving me to deal with my ruined assignments.

I sigh in frustration, seeing my ruined assignments, which I wrote with great care.

"Now I have to rewrite all of this" I click my tongue, picking up the ruined papers and tossing them over the wooden table.

"I'll write it later" I mutter, feeling frustration bubbling up in me.

I glare at the empty inkpot, who can't even stand properly.

"Weak inkpot" I taunt, picking up the inkpot, glaring at it for ruining my hard work.

------------------•°•°•°•------------------

AT EVENING -

"Darsh, can you pick up our clothes from the local market's tailor Ramesh?" Maa says, entering my room and I glance up at her.

"Yes!... But which clothes, Maa?" I nod and ask her about which clothes she's talking about.

"I have given Riya and my clothes for stitching to tailor Ramesh a week ago and we went there yesterday to pick it up but he told me that it's still not completed, and to pick it up today. I have work at home, so you go and pick our clothes" Maa explains, handing me some money and a dress colour's slip.

"And if you see anything you like, buy it" She caresses my head, giving me extra money.

"Okay Maa" I whisper, with a small smile, walking out of the room to pick up the clothes.

As I walk outside of the house, the dark grey clouds shine over my eyes and the cool breeze brushes against my covered skin with a woolen sweater and coat, making me shiver.

I rub my palms together, blowing warm air to warm my freezing fingers.

"Looks like it'll rain soon, I have to hurry up" I mumble, walking towards the local market, glancing up at the dark grey sky.

While walking, I see a few cats running to their mother in the alley. I smile seeing the kittens cuddling with their mother.

Mostly, men are in the streets, only a few women, either with their families or their friends, are walking around.

I turn left, entering the local market street. I see the tailor Ramesh shop is open. I enter the shop and see Ramesh uncle stitching some patiala.

The scent of fresh cotton mingles with the faint odor of oil, a reminder of the machine's industrious nature.

As I watch the tailor at work, the rhythmic clatter of the sewing machine fills the air, a mechanical heartbeat in the silent shop.

Each stitch snaps into place, echoing softly, while threads unwind from spools above, gliding effortlessly through the eye of the needle.

"Uncle, I came to pick the clothes, Maa came here yesterday" I say, taking the slip out of my coat's pocket.

Ramesh uncle stops his movements and looks up at me and takes the slip, and looks at the slip, adjusting his glasses.

"Okay...wait here" He says, standing up and walking back to the small room with the slip.

I scan the stitching machine, tracing the side wheel, to pass the time.

The machine's metal frame gleams under the dim light, its intricate gears whirring like a well-oiled clock.

I turn around when I sense someone entering the shop and my body freezes, as my gaze meets with the beautiful brown eyes, who visit me daily in my dream.

~ Moon or Stars?
-your eyes.

჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻.✾.჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻

How is the chapter?

Which scene you liked the most ?

What do you think about this chapter ?

What do you think will happen in next chapter ?

Love you my readers 🎀