Destiny

HER PAST

Ishika's day went by reading book,talking, watching movies.It was almost 10 and Avinash still has not came back.Avinash went to office early today as he had an important meeting.He always used to be back around 9 but today he was late.

By the time Avinash was back ,Ishika had already slept.He took off his blazer and placed it on the sofa.He had no mood to eat dinner so he directly went upstairs.As he was walking he heard Ishika's screamings.He ran towardherroom and saw her tossing and turning around.

"Noo....no....please...no"

"no....please....do...don't...hurt me....please"

"p...please...please"

Ishika was crying in her sleep as if she was suffering from something.Avinash couldnot understand what was happening .He quicklt moved toward her.He lifted her up and caress her hair.

"Jaan! Jaan wake up baccha"

"baccha! what happened? opened your eyes"

"baccha please open your eyes"

"Jaan," he whispered gently, reaching out to touch her trembling shoulder. "Jaan, wake up. It's just a dream."

Hearing voices she finally opened her eyes .She gasped for air, her chest heaving as she struggled to orient herself in the darkness but pushed Avinash away.

"dont touch me"

"l...leave me"

"p...please....leave me"

Avinash looked at her nd was shocked.He tried to go near him but she kept on begging him to stay away.After few minute she was finally calm , Avinash went near her and wrapped her in his arm.

"Baby"He called her but she didn't reply.She was shivering, her hands were cold,her faced looked pale. Avinash was tensed to see her in this awful condition.

When she saw Avinash's concerned face hovering above her, a wave of relief washed over her.

"Avinash?" she stammered, her voice shaky with residual fear. "What are you doing here?"

"I heard you tossing and turning,I heard you crying out in your sleep. I wanted to make sure you were okay."" Avinash explained softly, his hand still resting on her shoulder. 

After few minute she had finally relaxed.

"Mera baccha,idhar dekho"he said and Ishika looked at him.

("My baby,look here")

"What happened?"

Ishika didn't reply she lowered her gazed.

Tears welled up in Ishika's eyes as she recounted the horrors of her nightmare—the suffocating darkness, the feeling of being pursued by unseen forces, the overwhelming sense of dread. Avinash listened in silence, his presence a comforting anchor in the midst of her turmoil.

"You're safe now, Baccha," Avinash assured her, his voice steady and reassuring. "I won't let anything hurt you."

Ishika nodded, grateful for his comforting words. She reached out and squeezed his hand, a silent gesture of gratitude for his unwavering support.

"Baby,relax I am here okay?Go back to sleep now okay?"

As Ishika's breathing steadied and her heartbeat slowed, Avinash stayed by her side, watching over her until she drifted back to sleep.

It was early morning when Ishika woke up and found Avinash sleeping in a uncomfortable position.She tried to wake up but Avinash pulled her to him.

"Abhi?"she called in a low voice.