𝗛𝗶 𝗖𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 ♡

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀｡❀

𝙳𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚟𝚘𝚝𝚎, 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜. 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚕𝚢 𝚖𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚎.

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People greeted me as I walked through the hospital corridors.

With nothing more than a small nod, I acknowledged them and continued toward my cabin.

Following my usual routine, I would first make my rounds to check on my patients. Only after that would the rest of the day's responsibilities begin.

Placing my blazer on the coat stand, I picked up my white coat and slipped it on before walking out of the cabin.

"Good morning, Rana Sa."

Dhruv greeted me respectfully while standing outside the door.

I responded with a small nod.

"Mere desk par signed files padi hain."
(The signed files are on my desk.)

"Ji, Rana Sa."
(Yes, Rana Sa.)

Bowing one last time, he entered the cabin while I walked toward the VIP ward.

The door to one of the VIP rooms on the ninth floor opened with a soft creak.

Seated comfortably on the hospital bed was an elderly woman in her eighties.

She looked exhausted... Yet her gentle smile remained exactly where it always was.

Neela Deshmukh.

"Aap hi ka intezar kar rahi thi, Doctor Sahab."
(I was waiting for you, Doctor.)

She greeted me warmly, just as she did every morning.

It had become a ritual between the two of us over the past month since she had been admitted.

Closing the door behind me with a soft click, I walked over to her bedside.

"Tabiyat kaisi hai aapki aaj?"
(How are you feeling today?)

I asked while picking up the medical reports resting on the side table.

She let out a deep sigh before leaning farther back against the pillows.

"Ek swasth insaan ko chaar diwari mein aise baand karke rakha hai toh kaisi bhala achhi hogi?"
(How could I possibly feel fine when you've locked a perfectly healthy person inside these four walls?)

She complained with a dramatic pout.

A faint smile appeared on my lips.

Healthy... She was anything but healthy.

She had suffered another heart attack barely two weeks ago.

Pulling a chair closer, I sat down, crossing one leg over the other.

"Yahin chaar diwari mein rahengi toh jaldi theek bhi ho jayengi."
(If you stay within these four walls, you'll recover much faster.)

She made an unimpressed face before folding her arms across her chest.

"Nahi, Bapu. Humein toh yeh bilkul achha nahi lagta. Aur waise bhi... humein hua hi kya hai?"
(No, Bapu. I don't like this at all. Besides... what's even wrong with me?)

The softness in my eyes deepened ever so slightly.

She was loved beyond measure by her family. Her son was one of the country's most influential politicians.

Yet despite the power and responsibilities he carried... Nothing mattered more to him than his mother.

"Chaliye phir maan lete hain ki aapko kuch nahi hua... phir yeh aapke chehre par aansu sookhe hue kyun dikh rahe hain?"
(Alright then... let's assume nothing is wrong with you. Then why do I see dried tears on your face?)

The smile on her face faded.

Silently... She looked away. She knew the truth.

Without these medicines... Without these machines... Her life wouldn't last much longer.

"Ab toh zindagi ke aakhri mod par pahunch gayi hoon. Pata nahi aur kitne din sabke saath reh paungi... par nahi... humara ziddi beta maanta hi nahi."
(I've reached the final stage of my life. I don't know how many more days I'll get to spend with everyone... but no... my stubborn son simply refuses to accept it.)

She sighed heavily.

At that very moment... The door opened once again.

Ahaan Deshmukh entered alongside his wife.

"Namaste, Rana Sa."
(Greetings, Rana Sa.)

Both of them folded their hands respectfully.

I rose from my chair and acknowledged them with a nod.

"Maa, aap kaisi hain?"
(Mother, how are you?)

Ahaan asked gently.

Instead of answering... She simply turned her face away.

Both Ahaan and his wife exchanged helpless smiles.

Watching the three of them quietly, I finally spoke,

"Hum kal kuch kaam se bahar ja rahe hain. Dr Vivaan aakar check-up karenge."
(I'll be away tomorrow due to some work. Dr Vivaan will come and conduct the check-up.)

He nodded in understanding.

We had known each other for many years.

Giving the family some privacy, I quietly walked out of the room and continued visiting the remaining patients for their routine examinations.

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

By the time I returned to my cabin... 

It was already afternoon.

"Dhruv, ek cup coffee lana."
(Bring me a cup of coffee.)

He nodded before quietly leaving the room.

Several new files had already been arranged neatly across my desk.

Some awaited my signature. Others required my approval.

But... One particular file immediately caught my attention.

My brows drew together slightly as I pulled it toward myself.

The moment I opened it... My gaze became unnervingly still.

"Kiski itni himmat ho gayi... humare Rajasthan mein sexual assault karne ki?"
(Who dared commit sexual assault... in my Rajasthan?)

By then... Dhruv had returned carrying a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

He carefully placed it before me before standing silently.

The cabin filled with the aroma of coffee, easing the tension a little. 

"Rana Sa, use aaj subah hi baandh kar care centre mein rakha gaya hai... aur uss parivaar ko bhi surakshit jagah pahunchaa diya gaya hai."
(Rana Sa, he was taken to the care centre this morning... and the victim's family has also been moved to a secure location.)

Every trace of softness disappeared from my eyes.

Slowly... I leaned back into my chair before taking a sip of coffee.

The bitter warmth steadied the storm brewing inside me.

"Chaar baje care centre pahunchna hai..."
(We have to reach the care centre by four.)

I placed the cup back on the table.

Dhruv remained completely attentive.

"...aur kal subah nau baje humein Delhi ke liye nikalna hai."
(...and tomorrow morning at nine, we're leaving for Delhi.)

"Ji, Rana Sa."
(Yes, Rana Sa.)

He bowed respectfully before leaving the cabin.

With that... I resumed my work.

Waiting... For justice to be served before the day came to an end.

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

We reached the care centre much sooner than usual.

Armed guards stood alert throughout the entire building.

To the outside world... It was known as a care centre.

But those who truly knew its purpose understood... This place existed only for sinners.

Our footsteps echoed through the deserted corridors until we finally reached the room.

Without wasting another second...

I stepped inside... My jaw tightened...My fingers curled into a fist.

The sinner lay on the ground, sleeping peacefully after being electrocuted.

Peacefully. As though he deserved peace.

Dhruv handed me a bucket filled with icy water.

Without hesitation... I emptied it over him.

He jolted awake with a gasp.

"Sukoon tum jaise logon ka haq nahi hota."
(Peace is not something people like you deserve.)

His eyes flew open.

The moment he recognised me... Pure terror spread across his face.

"Ra... Rana Sa... ma... maaf kar dijiye..."
(R... Rana Sa... p... please forgive me...)

Before he could finish...

My palm landed hard across his face. The sound echoed through the room.

Five bright red fingerprints immediately appeared on his cheek.

He trembled violently.

"Maafi maangne ke haqdar tum jaise log nahi hote."
(People like you don't deserve the right to ask for forgiveness.)

Tears streamed uncontrollably down his face.

A bitter chuckle escaped my lips.

First... He committed an unforgivable crime.

And now... He dared to act like the victim.

Ridiculous.

"Parso dopahar ek baje tumhari faansi hogi."
(The day after tomorrow, at one in the afternoon, you will be hanged.)

Without waiting to hear another word...

I stood up.

He could spend the next two days inside this dark room.

Alone. Dying a hundred deaths before death itself finally claimed him.

Dhruv and I walked out together.

Just before getting into the car... I looked at him one final time.

"Khana aur paani... kuch bhi uss kamre tak nahi pahunchna chahiye."
(No food or water should reach that room.)

"Ji, Rana Sa."
(Yes, Rana Sa.)

He nodded before I got into the car.

The doors closed.

Within moments... The convoy rolled back onto the busy roads of Rajasthan.

People looked toward the passing vehicles with excitement and admiration.

Children laughed. Families walked freely. Markets bustled with life.

Exactly the way I wanted my kingdom to be.

By the time my hands finally stopped moving across the iPad screen, the Parisian sky had already transformed into a breathtaking blend of soft purple and warm pink.

Setting the stylus aside, I slowly walked toward the balcony.

The moment I stepped outside, a gentle breeze greeted me, making my hair dance with the wind while a few stubborn strands slipped across my face.

Stretching my arms above my head, I tried to ease the stiffness that had settled into my back after sitting for hours.

Leaning lightly against the railing, I let my gaze wander across the city.

"Zindagi bhi kitni uljhan bhari hoti hai na... pehle sab cheen leti hai, phir koshish karti hai ki sab khush rahein."
(Life is so complicated, isn't it? First, it takes everything away from you... then it tries to make sure everyone else stays happy.)

A painful... Bitter smile found its way onto my lips.

My eyes drifted across the beautifully bustling city.

Paris... The City of Love.

How unfortunate... My heart had died long ago... Along with my family.

I remained standing there, motionless, completely lost beneath the endless evening sky.

"Thodi jalan toh humein bhi hoti hai... jab sabka family apni beti ke ghar lautne ka intezaar karta hai."
(I feel a little jealous too... when I see families waiting for their daughters to return home.)

The words escaped my lips as nothing more than a whisper.

The passing breeze carried them away before anyone else could ever hear them.

Slowly, I slipped both hands into the pockets of my trousers before quietly walking back inside the suite.

Without wasting another second, I headed straight toward the bathroom.

"Ajeeb dastan hai yeh... kahan shuru, kahan khatam..."
(What a strange story this is... where it begins and where it ends...)

I softly hummed the old melody while filling the bathtub with warm water.

"Yeh manzilein hain kaunsi... na woh samajh sake na hum..."
(What destination is this... neither they could understand it, nor could I.)

My voice barely rose above a whisper.

Removing my clothes, I slowly slipped into the comforting warmth of the bath.

Almost instantly... Every tense muscle in my body relaxed.

For a brief moment... Even my thoughts grew quiet.

"Alexa... play 'Ajeeb Dastan Hain.'"

My favourite song had never once failed to comfort me.

Closing my eyes, I leaned farther back as the melody gently echoed throughout the bathroom.

For those few precious minutes... I forgot everything.

I simply existed... As an ordinary human being.

One song ended. Another began automatically.

The warmth of the water and the soothing music relaxed me so completely that I nearly drifted to sleep.

But then... Without warning... My past flashed before my eyes.

Immediately... My eyes snapped open.

I sat upright so abruptly that water splashed over the edge of the bathtub.

"Hey Maa Kali!"
(Oh, Mother Kali!)

A shaky breath escaped my lips.

This wasn't anything new. It happened often.

Yet every single time... The pain returned with exactly the same intensity.

As though it had happened only yesterday.

Drawing in a long, steady breath, I slowly calmed my racing heart before stepping out of the bathtub.

After drying myself, I changed into a simple black co-ord set.

Carefully combing my hair into a long braid, I tucked it beneath a cap.

Today... I didn't want to attract anyone's attention. I simply wanted to disappear into the crowd.

Walking out of the suite... Almost hurriedly...

I realised the walls themselves had begun suffocating me with memories.

"Ranjiv... bahar khana khane chalte hain aaj."
(Ranjiv... let's go out for dinner today.)

Standing in the hotel lobby, he nodded respectfully.

The car was already waiting outside.

Within minutes... We were driving through the dazzling streets of Paris.

Golden lights illuminated every corner of the city.

The Eiffel Tower stood proudly against the darkening sky...

Looking as magnificent as ever.

"Princess."

Hearing my nickname, I shifted my gaze toward Ranjiv.

He was seated beside the driver.

Although he was looking at me... There wasn't a trace of his usual professionalism.

Only concern. I raised an eyebrow.

"Tum theek ho?"
(Are you alright?)

His voice was unusually soft. Gentle.

He didn't know everything about my past... Only fragments.

Enough to understand... That some memories still refused to loosen their grip on me.

Offering him a reassuring smile, I simply nodded before turning my attention back toward the passing city.

Some wounds... Were better left fresh.

After all... Pain had a strange way of pushing people toward their goals.

Nearly thirty minutes later... The car came to a halt outside a small family-owned restaurant.

Ranjiv stepped out first before opening the door for me.

Smiling faintly, I stepped inside.

Exactly as I had hoped... The restaurant wasn't crowded.

Only four or five customers quietly occupied a few tables.

Outside... Our security personnel remained stationed at a respectful distance.

"Bonjour, Madame!"
(Good evening, Madam!)

A cheerful young man greeted me enthusiastically.

But the moment our eyes met...

His expression froze. His eyes widened in complete disbelief.

Just before he could shout my name aloud...

I gently raised a finger.

"Please... don't."

I said softly, offering him a warm smile.

Immediately understanding, he glanced around the restaurant before quickly pulling out a chair and sitting in front of me instead of taking our order.

"Madame Nandini! It's so good to see you in my restaurant."

His excitement made me chuckle.

His thick French accent somehow made the moment even more heartwarming.

Perhaps... Some things simply couldn't be avoided.

"I'm happy to see you as well."

Ranjiv quietly remained beside me while observing the surroundings.

The young man quickly wiped his hands on his apron before extending one toward me.

I happily shook it.

Only for—

Smack!

Someone lightly hit him on the back of his head.

"Combien de fois je t'ai dit de te concentrer sur le travail!"

(How many times have I told you to focus on your work?)

An elderly woman stood behind him with an affectionate glare.

Perhaps... His mother.

"Mama... Madame Nandini!"

He pointed toward me with both hands.

The moment her eyes landed on me... Both of her hands flew straight to her mouth.

"Bonjour."

I greeted her softly.

Within the blink of an eye... She also pulled over another chair before happily sitting beside us.

That was enough to make me laugh quietly.

Like mother... Like son.

"I'm Lisa... And this is my son, Noel."

She introduced both of them with a proud smile.

For the next several minutes...

Madam Lisa chatted enthusiastically before finally remembering that she actually owned the restaurant.

Laughing to herself, she hurried back toward the kitchen to prepare our order.

Noel also excused himself before returning to attend to the other customers.

The restaurant itself was beautiful. Warm lighting. Comfortable seating.

Delicious aromas drifting through the air. Everything about the place felt welcoming.

The food... Was exceptional.

The atmosphere... Peaceful.

Only one thing felt painfully out of place... There were barely five customers inside.

After finishing dinner, Ranjiv stood up to pay the bill.

Before he could reach the counter...

Madam Lisa and Noel walked back toward our table together.

"Madame... We're truly happy you came here today... But I don't want you to pay."

She spoke with genuine warmth. I smiled before gently shaking my head.

Taking the cash from my wallet, I placed it in her hands.

"The money is for your hard work... And the delicious food. Please... I insist."

The mother and son exchanged a brief glance.

Then... With grateful smiles... They accepted it.

Slowly standing up, I looked toward her once again.

"Why are there so few customers in your restaurant?"

Her smile weakened ever so slightly. Her eyes lowered toward the floor.

Beside her, Noel gently placed a comforting hand on her shoulder before answering.

"After my father passed away... We opened this restaurant together. But the bigger restaurants nearby threatened us. They don't allow anyone to promote us... Or even leave positive reviews."

His voice remained calm.

Yet the disappointment hidden beneath every word was impossible to miss.

My brows twitched almost imperceptibly.

Walking closer, I gently placed my hand over Madam Lisa's.

"If you're afraid... You'll never truly be able to live."

She slowly lifted her head.

That same warm smile returned to her face.

This time... A little stronger than before.

Both mother and son nodded silently.

"Can we take a picture?"

Noel asked hopefully before quickly adding,

"We promise we won't post it anywhere."

A small smile tugged at my lips.

I nodded. After taking a few photographs together, we stepped outside.

Standing beside the entrance...

Madam Lisa and Noel continued waving until our car finally pulled away.

Watching them through the rear window, I quietly spoke,

"Ranjiv..."

He turned slightly in his seat.

"Help them... Anonymously."

He understood immediately.

Without asking a single question... He simply nodded.

If I truly wanted... I could solve all of their problems tonight.

But sometimes... Helping someone too openly also meant taking away their dignity.

Their self-respect. Their pride. They were standing tall despite everything life had thrown at them.

The least I could do... Was make sure they never had to lower their heads while accepting help.

As the lights of the little restaurant gradually disappeared behind us...

I found myself hoping that the next time I returned... Every table inside would be full.

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