Dream or Reality

In the tumultuous tapestry of life, destiny often weaves intricate threads that intertwine the paths of individuals, leading them to crossroads where their very essence is put to the test. Such is the plight of Kunal, a man whose destiny has brought him to an unfathomable juncture, compelling him to make a life-altering choice that pits his desires against his responsibilities. Kunal, once a young man filled with aspirations and dreams, found his world upended when he became entangled in a treacherous web of love and duty. On one side stands Dhruv, his beloved best friend, whose unwavering loyalty and infectious laughter have been a constant in Kunal's life. Yet, on the other side looms the weight of his duty to his family and the Police Department he serves, a duty that demands his undivided attention and allegiance.

Torn between his heart and his head, Kunal grapples with the agonizing choice between his own happiness and the well-being of others. As he delves deeper into the labyrinth of conflicting emotions and loyalties, Kunal is forced to confront his own mortality and the fragility of his relationships. The once-unbreakable bond with Dhruv is tested, the love of his family is put on the line, and the very foundation of his identity is shaken to its core with Love playing an important role in this destiny's relentless game of chances which continues to toy with Kunal's life, leaving him at the mercy of its unpredictable whims.

The question remains: will Kunal emerge victorious or will he succumb to the relentless forces that seem determined to destroy him? Will the curtain fall on his destiny or will he find a way to break free from the relentless cycle of pain and heartbreak? Only time holds the answers to these questions, as the final scene of this tumultuous destiny play unfolds, leaving its everyone on the precipice of anticipation.

CHAPTER:1

August 29, 2022:

In the otherwise bustling office of the Professional Investigation Department in Ark Ville City, an eerie silence had engulfed the space. This sanctuary, where camaraderie and collaboration had once thrived, now stood empty and desolate. The absence of the usual banter between Sam and Shambu, their food fights, and teasing remarks created a void that was both profound and unsettling. Kiran, the techno-wizard, whose skills had illuminated countless cases, was conspicuously absent, leaving behind only the echo of his virtual presence. Vyom, the relentless pursuer of criminals, had vanished, his lightning-fast reflexes now dormant.

The walls were adorned with reminders of the team's collective achievements: Kunal's unmistakable slap stamp on the faces of hardened criminals, ACP Ashwin's eloquent speeches, Dhruv's razor-sharp intellect, Tarun's meticulous attention to detail, and Avani's unwavering determination in chasing down evidence. But Vikram's legendary bravery, which had once propelled them through countless dangerous encounters, was nowhere to be found. This was not merely an office for these individuals; it was their home, a haven where their professional family had once resided. ACP Ashwin, Kunal, Dhruv, Vikram, Tarun, Vyom, Shambu, Sam, Avani, Kiran, and Ishika, along with Drs. Anu and Sekhar, had formed a close-knit family that had faced countless challenges together. But now, the bonds that had united them had somehow fractured, leaving behind a void that seemed impossible to fill.

Within the walls of the Ark Ville City Investigation Department, a family of detectives once thrived, their laughter and shared triumphs echoing through its corridors. But now, a somber silence had descended, casting a pall over their spirits.

ACP Ashwin, once a formidable force in the department, had vanished without a trace. His disappearance had left a profound void in their ranks, extinguishing their radiant smiles.

Dr. Sekhar and Dr. Anu, the department's resident forensic experts, were consumed by grief. Their hearts sank as they analyzed the chilling blood samples recovered from the evidence - they held the devastating truth that their beloved Ashwin was no more.

Saluke, the heartbroken detective, was tormented by guilt. As a physician, he had been unable to prevent his son's untimely demise. Shambu and Sam, once renowned for their infectious laughter, now found themselves drowning in sorrow.

Tarun, Kiran, Vikram, and Vyom were shattered. They had lost not only their fearless leader but also the vibrant camaraderie that had united them. They clung desperately to their memories, but even those now carried the weight of an unbearable loss.

In the aftermath of a heart-wrenching tragedy, the room was filled with a chorus of lamentations. Amidst the sea of despair, two figures stood out in their silent torment. Avani, her eyes swollen and her tears an unending cascade, struggled to comprehend the cataclysm that had befallen her. Beside her, ACP Ashwin, his face etched with anguish and disbelief, held his forehead in his trembling hands, consumed by guilt and remorse.

His unwavering loyalty and unwavering support had led him to a fateful decision that had now claimed his beloved son's life. The weight of his mistake crushed him, for he knew that it was his permission that had set the stage for this unimaginable loss.

At a distance, another figure sat in stunned silence, his gaze lost in the abyss of grief. Rohan's mind was flooded with vivid memories of their shared moments, their laughter and adventures now replaced by an insatiable void. The year had promised so much, but it had swiftly turned into a curse, a cruel mockery of their youthful dreams.

Eight months prior, fate had begun to weave its sinister web. Rohan and his companions had embarked on a seemingly ordinary adventure, only for tragedy to strike with relentless force. The memory of that fateful day haunted Rohan every waking moment, casting a perpetual shadow over his heart. He yearned to rewind the clock, to alter the course of events that had led to this unbearable pain.

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FLASHBACK:-

28 DEC 2021...SUNDAY MORNING

In the silken embrace of dawn's early light, as the vestiges of night yielded to the promise of a new day, a scene unfolded that was both enchanting and enigmatic. Within the confines of a spacious and airy bedroom, a round, opulent bed took center stage. Its pristine white sheets, adorned with a shimmering bedcover, invited slumber as soft and ethereal as a summer breeze.

Upon this royal slumbering mound, two figures rested in tranquil solitude. Avani, the female protagonist of this unfolding drama, lay in the heart of the bed, her body a testament to innocence and grace. Her cherubic face, framed by a halo of raven hair, bore a hint of a smile, as if she were privy to a secret that only her dreams could unravel. Clad in the traditional Indian attire of a white churidar, her slender form exuded an ethereal beauty, enhanced by the transparent dupatta softly draped over her chest.

When the last two days of the year 2021 dawned, the air crackled with anticipation of what the future held. Little did they know that a dream, as vivid and elaborate as a grand tapestry, was being woven by fate, with Avani, Kunal and Dhruv as its intricately intertwined threads.

Amidst the quietude of the night, Avani's slumber was abruptly disturbed by a symphony of voices resonating within her mind. Curiosity and trepidation intertwined within her as she stirred from her sleep, her senses heightened. Avani swiftly rose from her bed and followed the ethereal call, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and anxiety.

With a frantic pace, she descended the stairs, her eyes darting around the house in search of the source of the voices. She burst into the garden, the cool night air enveloping her. Determinedly, she pressed on through the maze of paths, her footsteps echoing in the stillness.

As she emerged from the garden, the dim moonlight illuminated a sprawling field awash in vibrant yellow flowers, a breathtaking spectacle against the somber sky. Exhausted from her relentless pursuit, Avani sank to her knees, her head bowed low. Her long tresses cascaded over her shoulders as she struggled to catch her breath.

Suddenly, her eyes snapped open, her heart leaping in her chest. Before her stood a vibrant bird, a golden locket encircling its neck. The locket, an exquisite memento gifted by Kunal, surged through Avani's mind like a bolt of lightning. Her gaze shifted toward the distance, where Kunal stood framed against the field's verdant backdrop.

Kunal, a towering figure of strength and grace, his countenance adorned with an innocent smile that radiated love and compassion. His attire was simple yet elegant, a crisp white t-shirt contrasting against the deep black of his jeans. Avani's heart skipped a beat as she beheld him, a symphony of emotions coursing through her veins.

With outstretched arms, Kunal beckoned her into a warm embrace. Avani's eyes filled with tears of joy as she surged forward, their bodies entwined in a passionate hug that melted away all the distance and doubt between them. The beating of their hearts became a mesmerizing rhythm, a testament to the unbreakable bond they shared.

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In the depths of the early morning sun rays falling through window Kunal, a seasoned detective by profession but now playing a role of best friend stood at the entrance of the bedroom door of senior inspector “Dhruv” as he was lost in the world of dreams.

The inspector, Dhruv, lay sprawled across his desk, lost in a deep slumber. His lips moved in a silent murmur, a gentle smile playing upon them, hinting at a blissful dream. Kunal sighed, knowing all too well the nature of Dhruv's musings. They revolved around a certain someone named Anu, and the joy she brought into his heart.

As Kunal observed Dhruv's tranquil slumber, he pondered his own predicament. He had a pressing case that required his immediate attention, but his senior was unwilling to rouse himself from his fantasy-filled reverie. With time slipping away, Kunal resorted to more audacious measures. He yanked the blanket from Dhruv's grasp, startling the sleeping inspector awake.

'What the hell, man!' Dhruv exclaimed, his eyes frantically scanning his surroundings before settling on Kunal. 'Who are you calling so desperately?'

Kunal chuckled, 'C'mon, Bro, it's me. Get up, it's already late.'

Dhruv rubbed his bleary eyes, his smile fading as he realized the bittersweet reality. 'Oh man, not again,' he murmured under his breath. 'When will I ever get to stop dreaming about Kunal and Avani finally being happy? When will it finally become more than just a dream?'

Sensing Dhruv's disheartened tone made kunal smiles as he wasn’t able catch Dhruv mummering words. Dhurv looked at kunal as he raised his eyes pulling over the curtains.

As the warm rays of the Sunday sun peeked through the curtains, Kunal's eyes opened to the sight of his friend, Dhruv, curled up under a blanket. A puzzled expression washed over Kunal's face as he watched Dhruv bury himself deeper under the covers, his blanket forming a cocoon around him.

'Bro, today's Sunday,' Dhruv mumbled from beneath the blanket, 'At least let me sleep and get my beauty rest. I need to have clingy dreams about Anu.'

With a mischievous grin, Kunal considered his next move. His expression then turned serious as he stared at Dhruv's blanketed figure, knowing he had something important to convey. Kunal pulled the blanket back, much to Dhruv's annoyance.

'Boss,' Kunal said using their affectionate nickname for each other, 'You have a meeting with Dr. Anu today. Did you forget?'

Dhruv emerged from his cocoon, his eyes wide with surprise. 'What? When did this plan get made?'

Kunal shook his head in disbelief. 'You're the best officer I know, but when it comes to personal stuff, you're forgetful as a goldfish.'

Dhruv frowned. 'What are you talking about?'

Kunal narrowed his eyes, trying to jog Dhruv's memory. A moment later, recognition dawned on Dhruv's face. He let out a sigh. 'Oh, right,' he said dejectedly.

Kunal continued to narrate the details of the meeting, reminding Dhruv of their plan to confess their love to the women they were interested in and start the new year in romantic bliss.

Dhruv listened intently, but a shadow of concern crossed his face. 'I remember that, but don't you recall the other condition we agreed on?'

Kunal's confusion grew. 'What condition?'

Dhruv's eyes held a hint of sadness as he whispered, 'We agreed that if any one of us failed to confess our feelings successfully, we both would start the new year as single as ever...'

In the dim morning light, as the soft rays of dawn crept through the curtains, Dhruv stirred awake with a heavy heart. He had been delving into the chronicles of his past, dwelling on the bittersweet memories shared with his dearest companion, Kunal. Destiny had bestowed upon Kunal an unforeseen turn of events, extinguishing the flames of his love for Avani. His best friend had been a silent observer, privy to the torment gnawing at Kunal's soul.

As the sun began its ascent, casting golden hues upon the room, Dhruv raised from his slumber, his eyes drawn to the figure standing by the window. Kunal had risen before him, his back turned as he gazed out, lost in contemplation. The weight of Kunal's heartache was evident in his somber expression.

With measured steps, Dhruv approached his friend, his heart filled with a surge of empathy. 'Kunal, my intention was never to inflict pain upon you,' Dhruv uttered, his voice soft and apologetic.

Kunal slowly turned to face Dhruv, his eyes revealing a mix of pain and resignation. 'Dhruv, Avani and I are finished before we even truly began. She has found happiness with Sid, and they're engaged. Let's let sleeping dogs lie and move on from this,' Kunal said, his voice devoid of bitterness.

Dhruv reached out to comfort his friend, but Kunal gently pushed his hand away. 'Please, Dhruv, don't dwell on this anymore. We have a day ahead of us,' Kunal said.

In the bustling heart of the city, amidst the skyscrapers and constant hum, two close friends, Kunal and Dhruv, found themselves entangled in a web of unspoken emotions. Kunal, the suave and confident criminal investigator, possessed an air of superiority that commanded respect. His chiseled features and sharp gaze hinted at a past marked by both triumphs and wounds. Conversely, Dhruv, the eloquent and gentle-natured artist, was a study in contrasts. His soft eyes and timid smile betrayed a heart burdened by secret yearnings.

As both stood across eachother, Kunal hint of a smile gracing on his lips. 'You have something important to do. Remember Dr. Anu?'

A flicker of recognition crossed Dhruv's face. Dr. Anu, the brilliant oncologist, had captured his attention and ignited something within him. However, he had been hesitant to express his feelings, fearing rejection.

'Kunal, she's a remarkable woman. I'm not sure if my feelings are reciprocated,' Dhruv said, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Kunal placed a hand on Dhruv's shoulder, his eyes twinkling with determination. 'Dhruv, sometimes, you have to take a leap of faith. You never know what might happen if you don't.'

'But Kunal, it's too early. I haven't even had a chance to...' Dhruv protested, his mind racing.

'It's 11:00 AM,' Kunal interrupted, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. 'You have an appointment with destiny at the Zuozi Café.'

Dhruv's eyes widened in surprise. '11:00 AM? Why so early?'

'Oh, come on, boss, where's your spirit? Besides, Dr. Anu already confirmed. Now, chop-chop, go get ready. Your fate awaits you,' Kunal said, a playful twinkle in his eye.

As Dhruv reluctantly began to assemble his outfit, he couldn't help but question his friend's involvement in this grand scheme. 'Kunal, are you going to join me?' he asked, a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

Confusion washed over Kunal's face. 'Join you? Why would I do that?'

'Well, you know... for moral support,' Dhruv suggested, his voice trailing off.

Kunal burst into laughter, his hilarious mimicry of Dhruv's nervousness eliciting a chuckle from his friend. 'Oh, Dhruv, you're so predictable. Of course,I'm. Who said I would abandon you in your hour of need?'

With that, Kunal sauntered towards his wardrobe, contemplating his own attire. He had a special surprise in store for Dhruv, one he knew would create an unforgettable memory for his best friend.

As Dhruv was blushed recollecting Anu standing across the mirror, Kunal smiling stealing glazes dropped a bombshell that sent shock waves through Dhruv's being. 'I texted her from your phone,' Kunal proclaimed, a mischievous glint in his eye. 'She thinks you'll be meeting her at that cafe. I'm out of this.'

Dhruv's heart skipped a beat. 'But... what am I supposed to do?' he stammered, nervously biting his lip. The thought of facing the woman he had always loved in secret filled him with a mixture of terror and longing.

Kunal, sensing his friend's apprehension, tried to reassure him with a dismissive shrug. 'You're just going to confess your feelings. I should be the one saying those things.' Dhruv scratched his head in bewilderment as Kunal broke into a wide grin. 'Don't worry, boss,' Kunal consoled, his voice laced with a hint of sarcastic amusement. 'You handle criminals all the time. What's a little girl compared to that?'

A ripple of unease washed over Dhruv. 'I'd rather you came with me,' he implored, his voice laced with a desperate plea. 'It's going to be awkward just the two of us.'

Kunal's expression hardened as he glared at Dhruv. 'Firstly, it'll be perfectly fine,' he growled. 'Secondly, I've got work piling up. I can't afford to go with you.'said Kunal

‘But, you said you will never abandon.’ me enquired Dhruv raising his eyes.

‘I am morally supporting you Boss, I planned everything and have made arrangements and you just have to be their on time.’ Said Kunal checking his watch with a dismissive gesture, he turned away, disappearing into the confines of their bedroom.

Dhruv stood rooted to the spot, a myriad of emotions swirling within him. He knew Kunal had no desire to face the truth that he is still in love with Avani and now he is in dilemma of emotions to leave his friend heartbroken and mend his own heart. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of resentment for his friend's seeming indifference.

As Dhruv reluctantly began to get ready, Kunal emerged from the bedroom with a steaming cup of coffee in hand. Settling himself at the dining table, he immersed himself in the pages of a newspaper. The air crackled with tension as they waited in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.

Dhruv, with a heart filled with unrequited love, stood before a full-length mirror. His handsome features, adorned with a crisp suit, reflected determination mingled with a hint of trepidation.

'Anu,' he murmured, his voice a hesitant whisper. 'No, Dr. Anu would be better.' His gaze returned to his reflection, a momentary flash of self-doubt passing over his face. 'Dr. Anu, I would like...'

Abruptly, he broke off mid-sentence, tapping his forehead in frustration. 'Is this an official interrogation or a confession? What am I even doing?'

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. 'Boss, it's ten-thirty,' Kunal, Dhruv's loyal companion, announced. 'Would you mind joining us downstairs?'

'Coming,' Dhruv responded, a hint of irritation in his tone.

Kunal, a burly man with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, took one sip of coffee before his gaze fell upon Dhruv descending the stairs. His jaw dropped in feigned astonishment.

'Uhhh, uffh, you look handsome, boss,' he exclaimed, his whistle piercing the air. Dhruv's face flushed with embarrassment, a smile playing at his lips. 'Now, cut the blushing and let's get going.'

'But, Kunal,' Dhruv protested, 'we have time.'

Kunal rolled his eyes. 'No, you don't. Our beautiful Dr. Anu is waiting impatiently at the café. Take this car, I'll take my bike. Go, spend the whole day with her. It's your 'date,' man. Enjoy.' And with that, he pushed Dhruv out the door, locking it behind him.

Dhruv stood there dumbfounded, a mixture of nerves and confusion warring within him. Kunal, usually the most rational of the two, seemed unusually adamant about this. 'Are you trying to evict me from my own home?' he asked with a sarcastic quip.

Kunal's laughter filled the air. 'What? Why would I do that? Go, man. Drink your coffee, eat your heart out, with her. Go, enjoy. Leave.'

Dhruv, a bundle of nerves before a pivotal event. Kunal, ever the supportive companion, coaxed Dhruv into the car, his gentle smile and reassuring words providing a glimmer of comfort.

'You've got this, man,' Kunal declared, his warm gaze filled with unwavering belief. 'This is your moment, and it's going to be the best day of your life.'

Dhruv, his heart pounding in his chest, managed a hesitant smile. 'You really think so?' he questioned.

'I know it,' Kunal affirmed, his unwavering conviction evident.

The pair exchanged knowing glances, their shared camaraderie providing solace in the face of the unknown. Dhruv carefully started the car, while Kunal hopped onto his trusty motorcycle, ready to way path in their separate journeys.

As Dhruv anxiously fidgeted behind the wheel, Kunal pulled up beside the car. 'Hey,' he chuckled, nudging Dhruv playfully. 'You look like a criminal being hauled to jail.'

Dhruv shot him a mock glare before breaking into a smile. 'Don't forget the flowers,' Kunal reminded him. 'She's expecting them.' Dhruv nodded thoughtfully as Kunal ignited his engine and took off with a roar. 'All the best, boss!' he shouted, waving enthusiastically.

Dhruv grinned and waved back, his newfound determination buoyed by the unwavering support of his friends. As the cars and motorcycles sped away in opposite directions, fate set its enigmatic wheels in motion, unaware of the intertwining paths that lay ahead.

******************* End of Chapter 1****************

Let's me know how the story is and how are you liking it. As the story progress the confusions would be cleared, hope you will welcome me with smiles and warmth on this new journey.