At the Mall

"Did you sleep well?" Ms.Subedar asked me at the Breakfast table.

"Yes, and I had that dream again." I said.

She stopped mid drink to look at me. "really? what did you see?" she asked.

"Apparently, His name is, or was Anup Rao." I said remembering the conversation in my dream.

"oh.. that's a great improvement." she said and I agreed.

"before I couldn't remember my name or his name...it's a great improvement." I continued "And my name was Chaitali."

"and you were a princess right?" she stated with happiness in her tone.

Reasonably, I was a little bit surprised. I nodded slowly nonetheless before asking the question that has been bugging me since sometime now. "umm but what's your relationship with us...and why are you doing this?" I asked clearly confused with her generosity.

She chuckled looking through the glass windows giving a nostalgic vibe. "I...well my past life self had watched your life quite closely. Just know that you have a huge favour on me and it's still pending to get returned from my side." she looked at me and smiled.

I didn't say much after that. "but how do I find him? Do you know where he is?" I asked her once the breakfast was done.

"I can help only so much. you have to find out the way to him yourself." she said and I lost the little hope that had started to rise within me.

The town of Ahwa was comparatively larger than Rupsi and much much old. There were many buildings and offices here. ofcourse I won't be able to go around everywhere here. I just can't go around roads asking people. Even if I could, what would I ask? Just like in this lifetime my name is Parul and not Chaitali, he must also have a different name. What if he is not even here? what if he doesn't remember me, what if-

"Are you scared already?" Ms. subedar's voice snapped me off my train of thoughts. I looked up at her to deny.

"I am not scared, I am just unsure and confused." I reasoned.

she sighed softly. "I know... it's totally understandable dear. But I also know that if someone, it is only you who can find him. It may take some time, you may face many difficulties, but always remember, the thing that connects you both is above everything."

I didn't answer her as various thoughts ran through my mind. I know that it is really special whatever memory I have of him. Everything that I share with him, every moment of it. I really want to meet him too. But why is it that he only comes when I close my eyes and disappears when I open them. I want to see him in this lifetime too. I must find a way to do so. I must.

But at this point I can't afford to waste anymore time. I need to make sure that he is in Ahwa or else find a way to go wherever he is. I looked up at Ms. Subedar before asking "how are you so sure that he is here?"

For a second she was taken aback before she brought both her hands to cover her mouth in what appeared like shock. "how could I forget!" she mumbled to herself and she just hurried inside leaving me alone in the hall to think what just happened. She returned shortly though, an album tucked in her hands.

"here, look at this picture" she said after opening the first page of the album. It looked pretty recent. The picture was taken in a mall. Maybe on last year's Christmas or New year's if the Christmas tree decoration in the background was anything to go by. She pointed out at a person behind her accidentally caught in the frame. I took the photo out of the plastic to have a closer look.

A sudden increase of heartbeat and pure happiness is what you feel when you find something you were longing for since a long time. I felt relieved, really relieved to see him. He was simply passing by wearing a blue jeans and black shirt. Never in my life I had been so happy to see a photograph.

"it's him right?" I asked her and she smiled and nodded. "which mall is it?" I quickly asked.

she took sometime to think before answering "I think it's the Raghuleela mall." she answered. so the first place that I need to visit is the shopping mall. I have never been this happy to go to a mall before.

I went to my room to get ready bouncing on my toes. Random thoughts dominating my mind. What should I wear? How do I do my hair? The first impression is the most important afterall. But I think it's better to be subtle and look like I usually do. After a few minutes of contemplating I decided to go with a blue shirt and black jeans and since I don't want my hair to fly out I tucked it into a neat pony tail.

I hung my purse on my shoulder before taking out the wallet to see if I had enough cash. I was about to go out when my eyes fell on the book that ms. Subedar gave me yesternight. It would be good to have it with me. Because... just in case.

"Here use it wisely" ms. Subedar handed me an envelope when I was out of my room.

"What is it?" I asked her taking it. My eyes went wide as I took a look inside it. "I can't take it." I said returning her the envelope back. How can she trust me with this much money.

But she refused to take it back. "Take it, you may need money." She said.

But still this much was..."I think for now you should keep it with you. Whenever I need money I will ask you for it." I said and she finally relented, taking the envelope which I still held out.

"But make sure to ask. Don't hesitate." She said and I smiled and nodded.

"I must get going then." I said wearing my shoes.

"I will see you in the evening princess." Ms. Subedar said.