OLD LAMENTATION

The maroon Bentley gleamed like a jewel against the dusty Jaipur road, pulling to a stop right in front

of Meera’s flower shop. Meera stood at the entrance, one hand on her hip, the other clutching a

half-eaten guava. She narrowed her eyes suspiciously, her expression turning into that of a seasoned

spy who had seen too many Bollywood thrillers

She adjusted her dupatta like a detective putting on a trench coat, then marched to the car

with purposeful strides. Knocking on the tinted window, she leaned in as if interrogating a

suspect.

The window slid down, revealing Shiv in his crisp white shirt, his aviators firmly in place.

His sharp features and relaxed demeanor were enough to make anyone think twice about

pulling off a stunt, but not Meera.

she , raising an eyebrow. ‘’You the mysterious guy …What brings you here to my shop”

Shiv tilted his head slightly, lowering his aviators just enough to meet her gaze. “I’m here for

flowers,” he said, his voice deep and measured.

Meera took a step back, crossing her arms dramatically ‘’here for flowers or here for flower’s

owner?’’ she narrowed her eyes as she was interrogating him

Shiv said, stepping out of the car with effortless grace. His towering figure and sharp

presence made Meera blink twice, but she quickly straightened her posture

she said, waving him into the shop. “VIP service milega aapko, but no discounts. Hum shop

chalate hain, charity nahi.”[you get VIP service but not discount we run shop not charity]

Shiv followed her inside, his calm composure unshaken. As he scanned the shop’s neatly

arranged flowers, Meera kept a close eye on him, her spy instincts still in full swing.

“Waise,” she said, pretending to dust the counter, “so what kind of flowers would you like?”

Shiv glanced at her, one eyebrow raised. “Something simple.”

“Simple?” Meera’s voice dripped with mock disbelief ‘’rich these days …haa..ask for

something expensive at least that which drains your WALLET’’

Shiv’s expression didn’t waver, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes. “She works

here, doesn’t she?”

Meera narrowed her eyes, slammed her hands dramatically on counter. “I KNEW ITTTTT! .

that you have an ulterior motive toward my friend spill the beans you MR KUDRAT KA

KARISHMA WHO THE HELL ARE YOU Ex-boyfriend? Secret admirer? College crush?

Don’t make me Google you.” Her gaze lingered on him her eyes shooting an unspoken

warning that could only be felt she left no room for excuse

Shiv smirked faintly but said nothing, his silence only fueling Meera’s curiosity.

“Oh, I see,” she said, her hands on her hips. “You’re the mysterious type. Dark past, brooding

eyes, and now—”

Before Meera could continue, the soft jingle of the doorbell sounded, and Arya walked in, her

presence commanding and unintentional at the same time. Shiv turned instantly, his

movements uncharacteristically sharp.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the air thickened. Shiv’s usual composure slipped, his

gaze softening yet intensifying as if every unspoken word.

“Shiv,” Arya said, her voice steady but her expression betraying her shock.

“Arya,” he replied, the simple word carrying weight.

Meera, watching this exchange like an audience to the climax of a romantic drama, couldn’t

resist. She picked up her phone and blasted an old Bollywood love song. The overly dramatic

strains of "Tum Hi Ho"~~~ filled the room.

Both Arya and Shiv turned to look at her, breaking the spell. Arya shot her a death glare that

could melt steel.

“What?” Meera said, shrugging innocently. “The vibe demanded it!”

“Turn. It. Off,” Arya said through gritted teeth.

Meera pouted her lips, turning it off. “Fine, fine. ”

Arya gave her another glare before turning back to Shiv. “What are you doing here?”

“I needed flowers,” Shiv said, the barest hint of a smile tugging at his lips, as if enjoying the

chaos Meera had created.

Arya rolled her eyes but said nothing, while Meera looked between the two, a knowing grin

plastered on her face. “This is gonna be fun,” she whispered to herself

Arya ignored her, placing the bouquets on the counter. “What kind of flowers?”

Shiv’s lips quirked slightly, the faintest hint of a smirk. “something that could be a gift to an

old friend.”

“Really? After ten years, that’s the best excuse you could come up with?” Arya shot back, her

tone icy.

Meera gasped, pretending to be scandalized. “Ooooh, the plot thickens. Ten years? Shiv,

you’ve got some explaining to do.”

Shiv didn’t respond to Meera, his gaze fixed on Arya. “I don’t owe anyone explanations,” he

said evenly, his voice carrying just enough edge to convey authority.

Arya’s jaw tightened. “Of course not. Shiv Choudhary never does, right?The faintest twitch of his brow was the only sign her words hit a nerve. “I came for flowers, .

Not a confrontation.”

Ep5

“Well, congratulations. You’re getting both,” she said, turning toward the shelf of roses.

Meera, now leaning against the counter like she was watching her favorite drama, chimed in.

“Yaar, at least pick some flowers with meaning. Roses? Too predictable. Lilies? Too peaceful

for this tension. Tulips, maybe? They scream ‘unfinished business.’”

Shiv ignored her commentary,

A heavy silence followed, broken only by the soft rustle of petals in the breeze. Meera, wideeyed, muttered, “If this were a serial, the camera would be zooming in right now.

Dundundun.”

Shiv’s jaw clenched, but he didn’t answer. Instead, he reached for a bouquet of white roses.

“I’ll take these.”

Arya stared at him for a moment before nodding curtly. “Fine.”

As he handed over the payment, his fingers brushed hers briefly. She pulled away quickly,

her composure intact. Shiv glanced at her one last time before heading toward the door.

Before leaving, he turned back, his gaze lingering on her. “It was good seeing you, Arya.”

“Wish I could say the same,” she replied, her tone cutting.

The door closed behind him, leaving Meera to let out a dramatic sigh. “That. Was. Amazing.

Arya, how have you never told me about Kudrat ka Karishma ? I demand answers.”

Arya busied herself with the flowers, refusing to meet her friend’s gaze. “Drop it, Meera.”

“Oh, no. You don’t just drop something like that,” Meera said, wagging a finger. “I’m a

curious woman, Arya. And this…this is my new favorite mystery.”

Arya groaned inwardly, knowing Meera wouldn’t let this go anytime soon.

‘’Fine, don’t tell me ‘’ she sighed in annoyance.

At evening

The shop was silent after Meera’s departure, the only sound the soft rustle of leaves outside.

Arya moved to pack the flowers, but her thoughts kept drifting back to the tension with Shiv.

The place felt strangely empty, colder than usual, though the weather hadn’t changed.

Then, a sudden thud echoed from above—loud, unmistakable. Arya froze, her heart skipping

a beat. She glanced toward the ceiling, her pulse quickening. The attic.

She tried to dismiss it, but the sound came again—a low, deliberate scrape. Her breath

hitched, and a chill ran down her spine. She couldn't ignore it any longer.

With shaking hands, Arya grabbed a flashlight, the cold metal feeling too heavy in her grip.

She crept toward the attic door, every step echoing in the silence. Her breath was shallow as

she reached for the handle, her mind screaming to turn away, but she couldn’t.

She opened the door. The air inside was thick and stale, the shadows in the corner of the attic

stretching like fingers. The flashlight beam quivered in her hand as she scanned the darkened

room.

A sound—a faint shuffle behind her.

She whirled around, but before she could react, a hand shot out, clamping over her mouth,

pulling her into the suffocating dark. Arya’s body went rigid with terror, her breath coming in

panicked gasps.

A low voice whispered in her ear, sending ice through her veins: “SHHH .”

Her blood ran cold. She tried to scream, but the hand was firm, blocking any sound. The

flashlight slipped from her hand, clattering to the floor, its beam illuminating only the edges

of the room, as her world spiraled into darkness.

End--------------------------------

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