Category: Fiction

That evening, she approached her father.

“Baba, can I ask you something?”

“Of course, what is it?”

“Everyone is hiding something from us, aren’t they?”

Her father hesitated for a moment.

“What are you talking about?”

“Whenever Kajal asks something, everyone goes quiet. Even Mamoni got angry! But why?”

Her father let out a deep sigh.

“Lata, don’t ask too many questions about Kajal. She has no past. That’s not for you to worry about.”

Lata’s breath caught in her throat. “Kajal has no past? Baba, what do you mean by that?”

Her father spoke slowly, his voice grave. “What you need to understand is this—Kajal has no past, because that past… is yours.”

Lata felt dizzy. “My past?”

Her father’s voice hardened. “Don’t ask any more questions about this, Lata.”

Lata shuddered. But she knew, without a doubt—something was being hidden from her.

Just then, an unfamiliar voice interrupted them—

“Sorry to intrude on your conversation. I’m Kushagra.”

Lata’s father immediately brightened up. His eyes lit up as he looked at the tall, well-groomed young man standing before them.

“Ah! Kushagra! You’ve finally arrived—that alone is wonderful news!”

He stepped forward and embraced the man warmly, as if they had known each other forever.

Kajal observed quietly, while Lata’s face reflected deep thought.

She leaned toward Kajal and whispered, “I’ve heard this name before… I’ve seen him somewhere… but I can’t remember where!”

Kajal studied Kushagra as well. Six feet tall, confident eyes, neatly dressed—a perfect gentleman.

Kushagra smiled politely. “Even after all this time, it feels like I never really left.”

Baba beamed with joy. “Sit down, Kushagra! We have so much to talk about!”

Lata pulled out a chair, feeling oddly uncomfortable. Her mother sat quietly, her face unreadable.

Then, suddenly, Kushagra’s gaze fell on Lata.

Lata stiffened. Those deep eyes… Where had she seen them before?

Kushagra smiled knowingly. “Do you remember me?”

Lata quickly turned away. “I… I’m not sure. Maybe we’ve met somewhere.”

Kajal stayed silent, watching everything unfold.

Something about this man’s presence felt… secretive.

But what was it?

To be continued…

Kajal and Lata were out shopping. After all, it was Lata’s wedding! Sarees, jewellery, cosmetics—everything had to be perfect.

They were having fun, reminiscing about old memories, when Kajal’s eyes fell on a beautifully designed card. It was Lata’s wedding invitation!

Excited, she picked it up. “Oh, let me see! My precious Lata’s wedding card must be so beautiful!”

But just then, a sharp voice interrupted her—

“There’s no need to touch that!”

Kajal froze. Mamoni?!

Lata’s mother hurriedly snatched the invitation from her hands.

Kajal was stunned. “Mamoni? Why are you saying that? I was just looking!”

There was an unusual sternness in her eyes. In a low voice, she said, “Kajal, don’t interfere too much in Lata’s wedding. This is our family’s matter.”

Kajal felt her heart drop. What did that even mean?!

Lata, too, was taken aback. “Mamoni, why are you saying this? Kajal is like my sister! Why should she be kept out of this?”

But Mamoni walked away in silence.

Kajal stood frozen. Mamoni had never spoken to her like this before! And for some reason, an unsettling mystery seemed to be unfolding around Lata’s wedding…
Kajal remained silent, but Lata couldn’t let it go so easily.
To be continued…

The exam results were out.

Lata—C Grade (Totally expected!)
Ankur—A Grade (Smart guy!)
Kajal—B Grade (WHAT….?!)

Kajal was shocked! She had always been the topper! How did this even happen?! 

With a heavy heart, she thought to herself—”Love and all is not for me! My only true love is books!” 

Lata, on the other hand, pounced like a tiger! 

“See? Love makes your grades drop! I told you before! I, on the other hand, have two crazy fans of mine—one tells me the answers during exams, and the other buys me ice cream! Perfect balance! And look at you, you fell in love and turned into a fool!” 

Ankur burst out laughing. “Okay, okay, everyone calm down! Let’s observe a minute of silence for our ‘former topper’!” 

Kajal slumped down. “I just can’t accept this B grade!” 

But the real problem was yet to come!

BABA!!! 

Kajal panicked! There was no way she could show this result to her father! If he saw it, she would definitely get a slap!

So, thinking smart, she decided to show it to Mamoni first.

“Mamoni, I need to tell you something…”

Mamoni lovingly said, “Yes dear, what is it?”

Slowly, Kajal handed over the marksheet. “Here… my results…”

One glance, and Mamoni screamed, “B GRADE?! My daughter got a B?! Unbelievable!” 

Lata was rolling on the floor laughing.

“Kajal, you’re in worse shape than me! Now, go show it to your baba and see what happens!” 

Kajal, on the verge of tears, said, “No way! If baba sees this, I’m done for!” 

Ankur calmly predicted, “Hmm… If baba sees the result, first, he’ll adjust his glasses, then, in a very calm voice, he’ll ask—‘What is this?’ And then… THWACK!! One tight slap!” 

Lata whispered, “Don’t worry, I get slapped once or twice a week. You’ll get used to it!” 

Kajal shook her head violently, “No, no! I’m not going to baba!”

BREAKING NEWS: Baba is now standing at the door!

Everyone froze. 

With trembling hands, Kajal held out the marksheet. 

Baba glanced at it…

Then…

He smiled.

Now, this is even scarier! 

Mamoni shouted, “Why aren’t you saying anything?! She got a B!”

Baba, in a calm voice, said, “This is a good result.”

Kajal was stunned! Baba is not angry?! How is this possible?! 

Lata whispered, “This is a new kind of danger! If baba smiles, it means a storm is coming!”

Ankur scratched his head and said, “Either baba is getting old… or he’s planning something so dangerous that your life is about to be over!” 

Kajal was still shaking with fear!
Baba clears his throat, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“Ahem! No problem. Try again next time… I know you’ve got it in you.”

It’s as if someone breathes life back into Kajal—her heart, moments ago heavy, feels light again.
But the real picture of joy is Lata. For once, the storm of Baba’s scolding has passed over her head, and a quiet sunshine spills across her face.

To be continued…

A flood of childhood memories came rushing back.

Kajal had always been a brilliant student, consistently securing the top position in class. Teachers adored her. And Lata?

“Uh! Math! I absolutely hate this subject!” Lata would nearly break into tears.

Mathematics was her worst nightmare! She would get scolded by the teacher almost every day, while the rest of the class giggled.

But there was one person who never laughed at her—

Someone just as brilliant as Kajal, but as mischievous as Lata—

Ankur!

Ankur was the most notorious boy in class. But he was sharp—exceptionally sharp!

He was the kind of student who could get away with cheating, ace his exams, and still manage to look completely innocent in front of the teachers.

Kajal would often shake her head and say, “You’re the smartest trickster I’ve ever seen!”

And Lata?

She and Ankur were two peas in a pod when it came to mischief!

From rubbing soap on the teacher’s chair, sneaking in little games during lessons, to secretly sharing lunch—these two were partners in crime.

Ankur would always sigh and say, “Lata, you’re going to get me into trouble one day!”

And Lata would laugh, “Oh, please! You’re a genius, nothing can happen to you!”

But one day, something did happen—something that changed their lives forever.

As time passed, their friendship deepened. Lata and Ankur remained the champions of mischief, but gradually, Kajal, too, found herself getting caught up in their antics.

Ankur had a terrible habit—teasing Kajal non-stop!

“Oh, studious girl, the sound of your page-turning ruins my sleep!”

“Are you a robot? Do you do anything other than study?”

And Kajal?

She would lower her gaze in embarrassment, unable to respond.

She didn’t realize when a tiny seed of affection had begun to sprout in her heart.

Slowly, Kajal started changing.

Now, after tuition, she lingered a little longer—just hoping Ankur would glance her way.
She changed her seat in class—right behind Ankur—so she could steal secret glances at him.
Whenever he sneezed, she would worry, “Oh no! Did he catch a cold?”

But Lata?

Lata was never one to stay quiet!

One afternoon, during lunch, as Kajal quietly unwrapped a cake, Lata noticed a dreamy smile on her face.

“Hey! What’s with that look? Are you falling in love with your cake?”

Kajal quickly wiped the smile from her face. “No! Nothing like that!”

“No way! No one smiles like that! Come on, tell me—who is it?”

Kajal’s face turned bright red! “Nothing! You’re just talking nonsense!”

Lata twisted her wrist playfully. “Nothing, huh? Nope, I need to know! Listen, if you don’t tell me the truth, I swear I’ll march straight to Madam and announce that you’re secretly in love!”

Kajal gasped. “Why would you do that?!”

“Because you’re not allowed to fall in love without my permission!”

Lata, when it came to love, was already quite the expert!

At that time, she had two boy-friends—
One who bought her ice cream every day for three rupees! (She called him “Mr. Kulfi”)
And another who whispered answers to her during exams! (She called him “Mr. Calculator”)

But Kajal?

She was innocent, shy—her love was all about stolen glances from afar and weaving endless daydreams!

To be continued…

After dinner, Lata took Kajal to her room.

“Come, let me show you my wedding saree! It’s exactly how I wanted it!”

She opened the wardrobe and pulled out a red Banarasi saree. Then, opening a jewelry box, she showed off her earrings, necklace, and bangles.

Kajal was admiring them, but then her eyes fell on a small perfume bottle on the dressing table.

In an instant, her heart skipped a beat.

This fragrance…

She slowly picked up the bottle.

“Lata, where did you get this?”

Lata was busy arranging her jewelry. She paused for a moment at Kajal’s question.

“What do you mean?”

“This perfume! Where did you get it?”

Lata frowned slightly.

“Ugh, Kajal, why so many questions? My fiancé gave it to me! So what?”

Kajal turned the bottle in her hand, examining it carefully.

“Your fiancé? Where did he get it from?”

Lata now seemed clearly annoyed.

“What do you mean? He gave it to me as a gift! How would I know where he got it from?”

Kajal gripped the bottle tightly.

A storm was raging in her mind.

This fragrance… this perfume… it belongs to him!

A memory from the past suddenly hit her.

A moment from years ago…

A man’s laughter… his voice… his touch… and the exact same bottle of perfume he had once given her!

Kajal felt breathless for a moment.

Lata’s voice snapped her back. “Kajal, why are you acting so weird? Why so many questions over a perfume? What’s wrong?”

Kajal stayed silent for a moment, then spoke softly.

“I know this perfume, Lata…”

Lata looked completely taken aback.

“You know it? What do you mean?”

Kajal took a deep breath.

“It was given to me by someone… someone I once loved deeply.”

Lata’s eyes widened in shock.

“What?! What are you saying? How is that possible?”

Kajal closed her eyes.

“You… you know my fiancé?”

Silence.

Lata’s voice trembled. “Answer me, Kajal! How do you know him?!”

The air in the room grew heavy.

Kajal slowly whispered—

“Because he’s not just your fiancé… he’s my past.”

Kajal watched Lata’s stunned expression and suddenly burst into laughter.

“Oh, silly girl! I was just joking! Why did you get so serious?”

Lata stared at her in disbelief.

“Really? You were just joking?”

Kajal nodded. “Yes! I just wanted to scare you a little. This reminded me of an old memory, so I acted a bit dramatic!”

Lata let out a sigh of relief. “You scared me for a moment!”

Kajal chuckled. “Alright, now listen, in this saree and jewelry, you’re going to look like a princess!”

Lata, delighted, turned to the mirror, imagining herself in the wedding attire.

“Do you really think so?”

Kajal grinned. “Absolutely! My crazy friend!”

But even as the words left her lips, something inside her shifted.
Kajal froze as the world went quiet.
Old memories rushed back—a glance, a laugh, a broken promise.
Each one hit her like waves on a forgotten shore.

To be continued…

As soon as she landed at the airport, Kajal saw that Lata’s mother had come to pick her up. But Lata wasn’t there.

Upon reaching home, Kajal ran to Lata and hugged her tightly—

“Hey! Are you mad at me?”

Lata didn’t say a word.

“You won’t talk to me? What’s wrong?”

Her mother stepped in, “She’s upset because you didn’t come during the festival. Go, make it up to her.”

While sitting in the car, Kajal handed Lata a small gift.

“Open it!”

Lata frowned. “Will this change anything? Do you think I’ll forgive you so easily?”

“Oh, just take a look!”

As soon as Lata unwrapped the gift, she gasped in surprise.

“Wait! This is that ring—the one you loved the most!”

Kajal smiled. “Yes, and from today, it’s yours.”

For a moment, Lata looked stunned.

“Really? You’re giving me something so precious to you?”

Kajal smirked. “You’re the most precious to me!”

“Hmm, yet it took you a whole year to come see me?”

They both laughed, but Kajal noticed something in Lata’s eyes—a shadow, as if she was hiding something.

A Shadow of Doubt–

Kajal smirked and said, “Look at the bride-to-be! So much celebration even before the wedding! If you’re getting this much pampering now, what will happen later?”

Lata’s father beamed with joy. “Oh, our daughter will live like a queen! The groom is a wonderful young man, just the kind of son-in-law we wanted!”

Kajal chuckled. “Alright then, tell me—what does this groom-to-be do?”

Lata, taking a bite of food, said enthusiastically, “Didn’t I tell you? He works at a bank! A government job! He’s such a sweet person—you’ll like him the moment you meet him!”

Kajal teased, “Hmm, well, I’ll have to wait and see! But listen, if he doesn’t talk to me properly, I’m going to be mad!”

Her father laughed. “Oh no, don’t worry! He loves talking. Once he starts, he won’t stop!”

But amidst all this, Mamoni remained completely silent.

Kajal noticed an unusual tension on her face as she served food, a quiet worry hidden beneath her usual warmth.

Kajal spoke gently, “You’re not saying anything, Mamoni? You like him too, don’t you?”

Mamoni didn’t respond—she just gave a faint smile.

Lata looked at her father and said, “Mom’s just too emotional! She can’t bear to stay away from me, that’s probably why she’s quiet!”

But Kajal sensed something was off.

“She’s definitely hiding something!”

To be continued…

A week later, Kajal boarded a flight from Bangalore to Kolkata. As she settled into her window seat, she let out a slow breath, watching the city lights blur beneath her as the plane ascended. The higher they climbed, the heavier her heart felt.

She and Lata had once been inseparable. Not just best friends—more like sisters bound by something even deeper than blood. When Kajal lost her mother as a child, it was Lata’s mother who had taken her in, who had wiped her tears and placed extra food on her plate without a word. Lata had been her shadow, her safe place, the one person who understood her without explanations.

But now? Now, she wasn’t sure.

She stared at the clouds outside, fingers gripping the armrest. Has time changed things between them? It had been years since they last sat together for hours, laughing over nothing. Their calls had grown shorter, their conversations more formal. There were things she had wanted to say, but somehow, she never did. And now, Lata is getting married.

Kajal should have felt happy. And she was—wasn’t she? But beneath that happiness, a strange unease lurked.

Would Lata still be the same? Would she still look at Kajal with that familiar warmth, or had something shifted between them, something Kajal hadn’t noticed before?

As the plane cruised through the night, a thought crept into her mind, uninvited.

What if things were already different?

What if she was returning to a home that no longer felt like hers?

To be continued…

Kajal’s phone kept ringing, but she didn’t feel like answering. After a long day at the office, all she wanted was some rest. And now, the phone? It was natural to feel irritated. The phone rang twice more and then stopped.
She wondered, Could it be Baba? But no—if it were him, he would have called after dinner, around 9 PM.
Then who could it be?
With questions in her mind, she picked up the phone from the dining table in the next room. Seeing Baba’s name on the screen, her heart skipped a beat. Why is he calling now? Has something happened? No, no, if it were serious, Mamoni would have called.
She quickly called back.
“Hello! Baba?” she asked, a little anxious.
Baba’s cheerful voice came from the other end.
“Arey, Kajal! Listen!”
“Baba, is everything okay?” she asked.
He laughed. A light, happy laugh.
“Oh, I’m absolutely fine!” he said. “I called to give you some good news!”
“Good news?” she repeated. “What good news?”
A strange uneasiness filled her heart. Was he going to talk about marriage again? She had told
him so many times—she wasn’t ready!
“Lata’s wedding has been fixed! “
Kajal went silent for a moment.
Lata was… leaving? Memories flooded her mind—their childhood games, late-night talks, and endless laughter. But along with the sadness, excitement grew in her heart.
Her best friend was getting married! It was going to be fun.

To be continued…