Winters !

The mornings of the winters are always lazy though the surroundings covered in the thin layer of fog makes them beautiful as well.

Wrapped in the quilt with knees curled up, one hand under the face while the other being sandwitched between the knees, feels too comfortable to get up and move out.

The gush of cold wind outside doesn't let you leave the comfort of your bed.

Yet, winters are beautiful !

Curled up in her bed with her one arm wrapped around the teddy, she was snuggled up in her baby pink coloured quilt.

The chirping sounds of birds just outside her glass window fills the room with the soothing music making her lips slowly curl up in her sleep.

They have come !

Them telling her about their arrival, her mornings cannot be any more good than this.

"five minutes bss pkka, abhi aa ri hun" showing her palm towards the glass window she spoke while snuggling more into her quilt.

Her eyes were closed. The comfort of her bed was not letting her wake up but she wanted to tell them to wait for her.

They would have, anyway!

Minutes passed away making her wake up in a jerk. It felt as if she slept for hours but she wasn't. Looking outside the window she felt relieved while rubbing her eyes with both her hands.

"sorry babies, maine aapko wait karwaya" finally getting out of the bed she wore her slippers and took the bird's food from her table.

She keeps the bird's food in her room every night so she can feed them in the morning.

"aa jaao saare jldi jldi chlo" opening her glass door she called the birds while pouring food in the bowl placed in a stand outside her window.

Standing near her window she looked at the birds with a smile as they ate the food. She felt her heart filling with a sense of peace.

Feeding the voiceless is the best feeling in the whole world !

She was one of those very few people who experienced it in their routine.

The cold wind blew on her face making her wrap her arms around herself. She feels too cold!

"okay babies, khana khaa ke chle jana, abhi mein jaa ri hun theek hai" everyday she talks to them like this and everyday they listen to her.

"sanu, uth gyi hai toh neeche aaja fresh ho ke, breakfast karna hai" there was a knock on the door followed by her mother's voice calling her downstairs.

"yes mumma, uth gyi hun. aati hun thodi der mein" she answered while closing her window as the cold wind made her face go cold.

Taking her mobile she put in on charging and walked towards her wardrobe. Opening the wardrobe she looked for the clothes which she wanted to wear today.

Today is special for her.

"ye winters mein nahana kyun padta hai, mujhe ni pasand" mumbling to herself with slight irritation lacing her voice she walked towards the washroom with lazy steps.

"agar aaj jana nhi hota, toh maine ni nahana tha" still not ready for the bath she came back in the room while her lips formed a pout.

Laying on her stomach on the bed she felt like snuggling back into the quilt and just sleep. It was the best option.

"sanu, naha le chup chap jldi se, aise baar baar bed par let ke kuchh nhi hoga" knowing her daughter well, her mother knocked the door again making her get up from the bed unwantedly.

"mummaaaa, annn kya hai" uninterestedly she just dragged herself towards the washroom.

__________________________

The car was running on the roads of Mumbai at a decent speed. It was 10 in the morning and the weather was a little warm as compared to morning.

"sanu, mera mann toh nhi maan raha hai par aaj aur koi option bhi nhi hai. University mein exams na hote toh mein tere sath hi chalthi" keeping her focus on the road her mother spoke with concern lacing her tone.

"mumma, aap itni tention kyun lete ho. sirf ek painting exhibition hi toh hai ye mumma. wahan kuchh hai hi nhi darne wala. aap tention free ho ke university jaana mumma. meri itni tention mat liya kro na" this was the fifth time she was making her mother understand the same thing wanting to take away all her tention.

Today, one of the most popular painting exhibitions of the year was being held in Mumbai. It was her dream that someday her paintings get selected for this exhibition.

Her art, her passion !

She never made it her profession yet her heart always desired to present her art in front of the world someday.

She wanted the world to see her imagination, the imagination of her fairy tale world.

That's the world she knows !

That's the world she belongs to !

A fairy in her fairy world!

She loved her passion. The pureness, the innocence of her imagination made her paintings look so surreal which made three of her paintings get selected for this exhibition today.

This exhibition was well known among the elite society. The famous industrialists, the well known faces of the business world were to be a part of this exhibition like every year.

"phir bhi sanu, tujhe akele kahin bheja nhi hai na toh mann maan nhi raha" her mother sighed knowing there was nothing to worry yet she could not stop herself.

Her daughter was the only one left with her. She cannot help the fear which she always felt inside for her daughter.

"oho mumma, mein chup chap andar jaungi aur jab aap mujhe lene aaoge tabhi bahr aaungi, theek hai abhi?" giving a quick kiss on her mother's cheek she moved back on her seat making her mother smile.

Her cuteness could make anybody smile. Her daughter was her strength. She was the one who makes her mother keep going.

The car slowed down as they entered in the parking lot. Coming to a stop the mother daughter came out of the car.

"sanu, apna dhayan rakhna aur kuchh bhi zarurat pade toh mujhe call kar dena" taking her daughter in a hug her mother instructed.

"yes mumma, pakka" hugging her back she assured her mother.

"abhi ye hath mein pehn le" her mother gave her a diamond bracelet making her look at her mother.

"mumma, ye toh aapka favourite bracelet hai" she looked at the bracelet then her mother.

Looking at the bracelet with longing in her eyes, Devyani Shergill felt a pang in her heart.

The first ever present she had received from her husband.

Rajbir Shergill.

It wasn't only her favourite, it has her heart !

"haan, ye mere liye humesha se lucky raha hai. aaj tu pehn le aur isse sambhal kar rakhna" her mother tied the bracelet on her wrist making her look at it with a sad smile.

She knew why it was her mother's favourite!

"don't worry mumma. mein isse sambhal kar rakhungi" holding her mother's hands in hers she assured her.

Giving a kiss on her forehead, Mrs. Shergill nodded at her telling her to go inside.

Once she was gone inside her mother sat inside the car. Sending a quick prayer to God she started the engine and drove away.

_________________________

Entering inside the hall through the large double doors she looked around like an excited child.

Dressed up in a loose baby pink chicken kaari kurta with denim jeans she looked simple yet elegance drooled from her appearance.

After talking to the manager of the exhibition she moved towards the hall where the paintings were set up for the exhibition.

With every step she took nervousness as well as excitement settled in her heart. This was her first time being alone and that too for such a big moment of her life.

She didn't want to bother her mother but she was already missing her beside herself.

Taking slow steps she finally entered inside the hall. Looking around her eyes stopped at her paintings which were kept along with the paintings of other artists.

Just like that the nervousness was gone. Her watching her art in front of her eyes in such a well known gallery, she was the happiest.

Walking closer to her paintings she touched them with her hands taking in the emotion she was feeling in the moment.

The exhibition was mainly attended by elite group. Slowly the hall was filled with the slow voices of people talking to each other while admiring the work of different artists.

Standing at the side of one of her paintings she explained the painting whenever someone enquired about it.

The way she would explain while her expressions changing from cute to cutest made people adore her more than her work. They couldn't help the smiles she brought on their faces without even making any efforts.

The businessmen from the different corners of the country were visiting the exhibition. People came, people went but her paintings were not given the appreciation they deserved.

People would enquire about her painting and move forward. They adored her but not her talent. Not as much which could convince them to buy her paintings.

Standing near her painting her face started to pale with the time passing. All the excitement was slowing fading away. She didn't sound excited now while explaining her paintings.

May be, these people couldn't understand her paintings ? With that thought she just moved out of the hall while sadness took over her.

Moving towards the washroom she went inside and closed the door. Standing in front of the mirror she looked at herself. The next moment tears brimmed in her eyes.

"kisi ko meri paintings achhi nhi lagi" she talked to herself as tears rolled down her eyes. Rubbing her eyes she tried not to cry but the sadness she felt didn't let her stop.

"shayd meri paintings achhi hi nhi hain" taking her lower lip under her teeth she sobbed like a kid.

She never needed to deal with any such situation before. If ever she had to, her mother was always there to console her, to cheer her up. Now she was standing there all alone not knowing what should she do to stop herself from crying.

"mumma ko call karti hun" she tried to take out her mobile from her sling bag but the thought of worrying her mother stopped her.

Her mother was already worried. She didn't want to give her stress. Thinking she cried again while hiding her face with her palms.

___________________________

"Mr. Raichand has arrived" the voice echoed in the hall making the place go silent.

Every voice in the room went silent !

"Welcome to our art gallery sir, please come" the manager came forward while the fear in his voice could be felt clearly.

Decked up in a three piece black suit, there he stood on the door with his one hand tucked inside his pant pocket.

Sidharth Raichand !

Keeping his hands folded behind his back, there stood Rana behind Sidharth.

"We were waiting for you sir" presenting him with a bouquet the manager put forward his already shaking hand for a hand shake.

"Thank you" taking the bouquet Rana thanked him knowing well Sidharth.

Ignoring the hand of the manager Sidharth walked inside the hall along with Rana.

The man was scared. He didn't need the hand shake !

"Hello Mr. Raichand, bade dino baad mulakat hui aapse" a businessman from the corner of the hall came forward. Giving his buttering smile he forwarded his hand.

"pta nhi kyun hui" Sidharth stated clearly uninterested. The man smiled nervously after feeling insulted. He was someone whom one can never trust. Knowing Sidharth he chose to just go from there.

Moving forward he started to examine the paintings one by one. None

The painting made him look at it for longer. His gaze got fixed on the painting as he observed it calmly.

A girl dressed up in white gown sitting at the window of her room looking at the sky outside. The moon shining in the sky enhancing her beauty with the moonlight falling on her face amid the darkness of the night.

Stepping forward he stood a little closer to the painting. The innocence reflecting on the face of the girl in the painting made his thoughts go back to the girl he had encountered last night.

The girl in the painting was just like her !

Those doe eyes looking at him with innocence flashed in front of his eyes blurring his vision from the painting.

Those eyes never left his mind since last night. She never left his mind!

"aag, building mein aag lag gyi hai" the noises coming from outside the hall brought him back from his thoughts.

The loud noises coming from outside startled the people present there. Realising the situation people started rushing towards the door wanting to go out from there as soon as possible.

People pushing each other to go out first only caring about their own lives, selfish humans! Sidharth looked at them totally unfazed by the situation.

"Bhai, we need to go. This is a deliberate move by someone. Iss building mein aag kaise lag sakti hai?" understanding the situation Rana suggested while looking at Sidharth.

"Of course it is!" stated Sidharth while a smirk played on his lips.

Somone was eager to die !

Giving a last glance to the painting Sidharth moved out along with Rana.

_______________________

What was the commotion happening outside? The thought crossed her mind as she stood up from the floor in the washroom.

Sitting inside the washroom she was crying with sadness while totally being unaware about the situation outside. The noises coming from outside finally took her attention.

Cleaning her face with her hands she walked towards the door of the washroom. The moment she opened the door her eyes widened with the shock she just felt watching the scene in front of her eyes.

Smoke has filled the hall blurring the atmosphere. People were running here and there trying to move out of the building.

Fanning with her hand in front of her eyes she tried to understand the situation. The flames of fire erupting from different parts of the building made her gasp with the shock.

The building was burning. Her hands gripped the both sides of her kurta as she looked around with fear reflecting in her eyes.

She was trapped in a building which was engulfed in the flames of fire. She didn't know how to deal with the situation or herself. She was all alone.

"mumma, I need mumma" a slow whisper left her mouth as her eyes started to fill with the tears.

Not understanding anything she just ran behind other people following them blindly. This was the only way she could think to save herself.

The more she moved forward, the more she was pushed back by the people. Her petite form was lost in the crowd which was going insane to get out of the building. She could never pass through them.

"please, don't push me" she tried to speak while running ahead only to get pushed futher behind.

"kaise log hain, dhakke kyun maar rahe hain" the tears running down her eyes were blurring her vision as she just stopped at a point unable to pass through the crowd.

Everyone could go out easily only if people knew how to stay calm. Only if they knew how to help each other instead of thinking about themselves only.

The smoke being continuously inhaled in her breath made her cough. It started with a slow cough only to keep increasing as she kept inhaling the smoke with every breath she took.

The situation started to get worse as the main doors of the large hall caught the fire blocking the way. People started to rush towards different directions to find any other exits be it any other door or windows in the hall.

"mujhe mumma ke paas jaana hai" with the thought she tried one more time to run while coughing constantly.

Another push from someone faltered her steps making her stumble back.

"STOP" the rough voice reached her ears while a strong muscled arm wrapped around her stomach from behind.

With a quick pull her body was turned behind making her fists get slammed against his well built muscular chest.

The next moment her feet got lifted off the floor while he wrapped his arm around her waist making her hands move up to his shoulders holding onto them without even her realisation.

Kicking the door of an empty washroom towards his right side, he moved inside while holding her against himself in his strong hold.

Her feet resting on his as he walked.

Closing the door behind he loosened his hold around her waist slowly putting her back on her feet. His arm was still wrapped around her waist keeping her in his strong hold.

Her hand moved down his shoulders while she was caged in his hold. The darkness in the washroom didn't let them see each other's faces as she looked up at his face.

Her hands now rested against his chest making him look down at her hands. She was pressed against his chest as he kept her close in his hold.

The two hearts beating in rhythm, she felt it again. Her hands resting on his chest she could hear their heart beats connecting to each other again.

It was him !

"You like trouble. Don't you?" leaning his face little closer to her he breathed those words just above her ear making her lips part while her eyes were wide open.

That deep voice, That calmness in his tone. She was sure that it was him! She knew already. The confirmation was not needed.

"mm..umm...no" her words fumbled while she felt herself shivering in his hold.

"I see" the rough voice of his made her tighten her fists on his jacket making him observe her movement in the darkness.

She was scared of him, he realised.

Something flashed in his eyes as he realised that she was scared of him yet holding onto him wanting to feel safe.

The intensity his gaze held in that moment couldn't be deciphered.

Smoke slowly started to fill inside the washroom from beneath the door making him realise that the place was no more safe.

The slow coughs coming from her mouth made him feel her breaths on his chest. They needed a way out before the fire engulfs the washroom in its flames.

Giving a quick glance around his surroundings he tightened his hold around her waist before dragging her towards the shower.

Pushing her a

gainst the wall he caged her against himself keeping his one arm at the side of her face while his other hand raised up switching on the shower.

Standing under the shower while keeping her caged in his arms he let the cold water pour down onto them.

The last night has repeated itself!