Cherreads

Chapter 10 - who?

Agastya was desperate to find Ahalya, so he went to her house, only to find the door locked.

He asked a neighbor:

Agastya: "Excuse me, do you know where Ahalya went?"

Neighbor: "They vacated and moved somewhere else."

Agastya was shocked.

(Agastya in his mind) — Then… whom did I see that day?

He thought it might have just been his imagination.

Agastya: "When did they leave?"

Neighbor: "Around 6 months ago."

Agastya: "Did they leave any address?"

Neighbor: "No... but her father mentioned some village name…" (scratching his head)

Agastya: "Please sir, try to remember... please!"

Neighbor: "Wait, pa… Ahh! It's Yana."

Yana — the cleanest village in Karnataka — is also a well-known tourist spot.

The very next day, Agastya set off in search of Ahalya — in search of his love.

As he travelled, he recalled all their memories. His heart was filled with hope.

He finally reached Yana, a quaint village nestled in the forested regions between Sirsi and Kumta, in Uttara Kannada district. The two unique rock formations near the village are famous tourist attractions.

After searching for two days, he finally found the address of her house.

He walked up and knocked on the door.

It was Ahalya who opened it. Agastya's eyes filled with tears the moment he saw her face.

Ahalya: "Who are you?"

Suddenly, Agastya realized—Ahalya didn't remember him.

Ahalya: "Mom! Someone's at the door!"

Her mom came to the door and was stunned to see Agastya.

Mom (angrily): "Why did you come? You ruined my daughter's life! I don't even want to see your face. Get out before her father returns."

Agastya (tears in his eyes): "Please, Aunty… forgive me. If you're angry, hit me—but don't ask me to leave. Please."

He fell at her feet, begging for forgiveness.

Her mother slowly calmed down. She spoke of all they had suffered after the accident.

She eventually invited Agastya inside and asked him to sit on the sofa.

Ahalya slowly came and sat in front of him.

Ahalya: "Sorry, I don't remember you. My mom told me you were a friend."

She extended her hand.

Ahalya: "Hi."

With pain in his heart and a smile on his face, he shook her hand.

Agastya: "Hi."

Ahalya offered him some coffee.

As he took a sip, he asked:

Agastya: "Do you remember your parents?"

Ahalya: "No."

Agastya: "Then how…?"

Ahalya: "My mind was completely blank. They told me about the accident in the hospital and tried to help me remember… but no matter how hard I tried, it was useless."

Agastya (trying to change the topic): "Show me the local places. I'm bored sitting here."

Ahalya: "Yana is a tourist place. I'll take you around. You can ride a bike, right?"

Agastya: "What?!" (shocked)

Ahalya (laughing): "Just kidding!" (throws the bike key at him) "Chal, let's go!"

Mom: "Ahalya… no, dear!"

Ahalya: "Please, Mom!"

Agastya: "Aunty, it will do her good to go out. I'll take care of her. And I could also use the peace."

Mom: "No, Agastya. I don't want her going anywhere!"

Ahalya: "Please, Mom…" (she pinched her mom's cheeks and ran, dragging Agastya along)

Ahalya: "Thanks, Dad!"

Everyone turned and saw Ahalya's father at the door.

Mom (Anasuya): "You know what happened 6 months ago!"

Flashback – 6 months ago

After waking from the coma, Ahalya was still under treatment. But being in closed surroundings triggered a PIDS attack one night.

Her doctor advised shifting her to a new environment to start a fresh life.

That's why they moved to Yana.

Back to Present

Father: "Let her go, Anasuya."

Anasuya:(nods silently) "Okay."

They uncovered a bike — a Royal Enfield Classic 350.

Agastya: "Wooo…"

Ahalya: "I love Bullets!"

Agastya: "Do you ride?"

Ahalya: "I wish! But no… I don't know how to ride."

Agastya: "Okay, let's go."

Ahalya: "Yayy!"

They rode through the winding paths of Yana. Ahalya was joyful.

Agastya, meanwhile, was remembering everything — the accident, the memories.

He began to cry silently.

A tear fell on Ahalya's cheek due to the wind.

Ahalya: "Agastya… what happened?"

Agastya: "Nothing… just the wind."

They stopped at Mahaganapati Temple, surrounded by forests.

Ahalya: "I don't know why, but I really love this place."

Agastya: "What's special about it?"

Ahalya: "Nothing in particular, but this place has more peace than my whole life combined.

Come, I'll show you something special after we see the deity."

They prayed and walked to a massive tree.

Agastya: "Why are people praying near this tree?"

Ahalya: "It's believed to be one of the oldest trees in India. Lovers and couples pray here for a relationship as strong and enduring as this tree."

Agastya prayed silently — "May our bond be eternal."

He wanted to confess they had once dated. But he was hesitant.

They returned home.

Anasuya served them tea. Ahalya sat on the couch, Agastya on the sofa.

Suddenly, someone came from behind and covered Ahalya's eyes.

Someone (mimicking a devil's voice): "Guess who I am?"

Ahalya (laughing): "You're my donkey — Advik!"

The guy removed his hands.

Advik: "How do you always guess right?"

Ahalya: "I can hear you from miles away!"

He hugged her warmly.

Ahalya: "Let me introduce you. This is my college friend — Agastya."

Agastya smiled and shook Advik's hand.

Ahalya (smiling at Agastya): "And Agastya, meet my fiancé — Advik."

More Chapters