For as long as Niharika could remember, she led a simple life overshadowed by her own misery. Despite belonging to a well-established family and being the youngest child, she was the neglected one, living her life as an outcast.
She never hoped or d...
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At Veer's home,
The aroma of delicious food wafted through the air as the final touches were being put on the dinner preparations.
Veer's mother, Shikha, a woman of grace and elegance, carefully tasted the dishes and nodded to herself. "Thoda sa namak or kam hai, baki thik hai (Just a little less salt, otherwise, it's fine.)" she commented, her culinary expertise on full display.
She then turned her attention to the other tasks at hand, muttering to herself, "Oho, itni saari tayari karni abhi baki hai, or yeh ladkiyaan pata nahi kahan gayab ho gayi." (Oh, so much preparation is left, and these girls, where have they disappeared?).
"I'm here, Mom," Anamika said as she entered the kitchen, her phone in hand.
"What happened? Why are you calling for me?" she asked.
"Oh, you've come. Anu , Now help me a bit in the kitchen," her mother requested.
Anamika sighed, her tone laced with exasperation. "For God's sake, Mom, I can't ! ask Nihu (Niharika)."
Shikha, chuckled and shook her head.
"Acha, ha ha, waise bhi tum kaha kuch help karti ho." (Well, you hardly help in the kitchen anyway) she mused, understanding the reluctance.
Turning her attention to Niharika, she called out, "Niharika," but there was no response.
"Uffo, ab yeh ladki kaha chali gayi. Ghar mein guest aane wale hain (Oh, where has this girl gone now? Guests are about to arrive)" Veer's mother lamented.
"Nihu ? woh kaha hai (Niharika, where is she)?" she called out once more, still receiving no answer.
"Or kaha hogi, yahi kahin hogi. Kam se bachne ke liye kahin chhup kar baithi hogi," (Where else could she be? She must be hiding somewhere to avoid work) Anu said, shrugging her shoulders.
Just as the conversation unfolded, Ekta, one of the cousins, walked into the kitchen.
"ya kuch naya musibat ko anjam de rahi hogi, like always." ( or may be creating new problems like always) Anu said.
Veer's mother, Shikha, turned her attention toward Ekta and asked, "Ekta beta, tumne Niharika ko dekha hai kya?" (Ekta, dear, have you seen Niharika?)
Ekta hesitated for a moment and said, "Woh, woh toh dadi ke paas gayi Sandalwood Valley, da...dadi ki help karne. Mera samne hi gayi thi." (Um, she went to help dadi at Sandalwood Valley. I saw her there.) She fabricated a story to cover for Niharika's absence.
"Acha, phir tum meri or apni mom ki help kar do," (Alright, then you help me and your mom) Shikha said, convinced by Ekta's lie.
"Han, bataya na." (Sure, you tell me.) Ekta replied. Anamika, meanwhile, seemed to be engrossed in her phone, ignoring their conversation entirely. and she left the kitchen.
***
Near Sandalwood Valley, At their private horse stable
Niharika was in her element. She lovingly tended to her favorite horses, Sheroo and Stormy. With a gentle touch, she patted Sheroo's sleek coat, her voice soothing and filled with affection.
"Shero...oo, tu...tujh par a...aj kal aur pyar a...ata ha! ( Sheroo, you know, lately, I feel like pouring even more love onto you!)" Niharika said, a hint of playfulness in her voice. Her words came out with a gentle stammer, a unique part of her speaking style.
Sheroo responded with a joyful neigh, as if in agreement. Nearby, Stormy, another magnificent horse, let out a rumbling roar. Niharika couldn't help but smile at their playful interaction.
"A...arey, S..s.tormy, to...h n..araz ho.. gyi, (Oh, Stormy, you've gotten upset,)" she chuckled, approaching Stormy with the same loving care. Her heart was filled with a deep connection to these majestic animals.
***
Niharika's POV :
Now she is loving, I think to myself, watching Sheroo and Stormy playfully vying for affection. I couldn't help but smile at their antics.
I approached Stormy and, as if she could understand me, I said, "S...tormy, I l...ike you t...oo, but t...oday, I'm g...oing to r...ide S...hero...o, V...eer B...bhai's h...horse," while giving her a rough pat. I guess she understood.
"O...kay, Sh...eroo, l...et's go," I said as I removed his strap from the lock and gently patted him before taking my seat in the saddle.
"J...jaldi se i...k bar g...hoom k...ar, a...ata hai, B...bhai k...o n...ahi p...ata lagega, (Quickly, let's take a quick round and come back, bhai won't even realise.)" I whispered to Sheroo, urging him to go for a quick ride without my brother finding out.
Veer Bhai loves his horse, but I like him too. He's so obedient, and I can't resist riding him.
I settled down on Sheroo's back, feeling an unspoken connection between us. I gave him a quick signal, and without hesitation, he started to run.
We were now flying, the wind whipping through my hair, and the world around us blurred into a beautiful, fast-paced canvas. Sheroo was the best, always giving me the most exhilarating ride. As we galloped, I felt like I was having a conversation with the sky itself, free and unburdened.
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