Author POV

Kaveri Amma's expression remained impassive, her eyes fixed on a point beyond the person on the other end of the line. Her voice, firm and controlled, betrayed no hint of emotion.

"Yes, it's done," she said, her words clipped. "The funeral, the rituals... everything."

The listener on the other end spoke, their voice a gentle murmur, but Kaveri Amma's face didn't waver. Her gaze drifted to the window, the moon's silvery light casting an eerie glow on her features.

"I've taken care of everything," she continued, her tone detached. "There's nothing left to worry about."

"When are you coming?" Kaveri Amma asked, her voice firm but with a hint of expectation.

The listener on the other end hesitated, and for a moment, the line was silent.

"Soon," he replied finally, his voice low and cautious. "I'll be there soon."

Kaveri Amma's gaze never wavered from the window, her eyes fixed on some point beyond the glass.

"I need you to be specific," she pressed, her tone unwavering. "The situation here is... complicated."

A pause, and then he spoke, his words measured. "I'll be there in three days. I promise."

Kaveri Amma's face remained impassive, but a flicker of emotion danced in her eyes, swiftly suppressed.

"See that you are," she said, her voice still firm. "There's much to discuss."

As she ended the call, her eyes lingered on the phone, her thoughts already racing ahead to the impending arrival.

As the call ended, Kaveri Amma felt an unsettling suddenness, like a whispered secret in her ear. She turned, but the kitchen was empty. The moon's silvery light cast eerie shadows on the walls.

Suddenly, a blur of movement streaked past the kitchen doorway, vanishing into the darkness. The speed was impossible, inhuman.

Kaveri Amma's heart skipped a beat. Her eyes widened, scanning the empty space. The air seemed to vibrate with an unseen presence.

"Who's there?" she called out, her voice trembling.

Silence.

The shadows on the walls seemed to twist, taking on grotesque forms. The moonlight flickered, casting an otherworldly glow.

A faint whisper echoed through the kitchen, the words indistinguishable. Kaveri Amma's skin crawled.

She tried to move, but her feet felt rooted. The whisper grew louder, more urgent.

"Why did you betray me?" the voice whispered, its tone venomous.

Kaveri Amma's eyes darted around the room, searching for the source.

"Who's speaking?" she demanded, trying to hide the fear creeping up her spine.

The whisper grew clearer, more menacing.

"You know who I am. You know what you did."

The lights flickered and died. Darkness engulfed the kitchen.

Kaveri Amma's breath caught in her throat. The whisper ceased.

In the oppressive silence, she sensed a presence closing in.

A faint, icy breeze caressed her skin, carrying the scent of decay.

"Amma?" a faint voice whispered, echoing through the darkness.

Kaveri Amma's heart froze. The voice was familiar, yet wrong.

"Who's there?" she screamed, her voice lost in the darkness.

The presence drew closer, its cold breath on her neck.

And then, the lights flashed back to life.

The kitchen was empty, but on the table, a message scrawled in red:

"I'm already here."

Below it, another line:

"You will pay for your betrayal."

______________________________________

Soniya stood by the window, lost in thought as she gazed at the moon's silvery glow. Suddenly, a memory from the past flashed before her eyes. Dev's words echoed in her mind - "I'll come to India just to meet you." He had promised to visit her, to take her breath away as soon as he stepped off the plane from America. His words had been laced with longing, and Soniya's heart skipped a beat as she recalled the promise.

Flashback

As their bond deepened, Dev poured his heart onto paper, writing a heartfelt letter to Soniya.

September 20th

My dearest Soniya,

As I put pen to paper, my heart overflows with emotions. In just six days, I'll be boarding a flight to India, and the sole purpose of my visit is to be with you.

I dream of the moment when I'll see your radiant smile welcoming me at the airport. Your presence will make the long journey worthwhile.

I'll be arriving on September 26th at 10:00 a.m. Please be there to receive me, Soniya. Your warmth and love are the light I've been searching for.

Yours always,

Dev

The letter arrived unexpectedly at 8:00 a.m. on September 26th, the very day of his scheduled arrival. Soniya's heart raced as she read the words, her eyes locking onto the arrival time - 10:00 a.m. at morning.

Time seemed to stand still as Soniya's excitement built. She had only two hours to prepare for the momentous reunion.

Soniya's hands trembled as she folded the letter, her heart racing with anticipation. She glanced at the clock - 8:30 a.m. She had just over an hour to get ready.

Rushing to her closet, Soniya picked out a stunning red saree, Dev's favorite color. She remembered his words from one of his letters: "Red reminds me of passion and love, and it suits you perfectly." She felt a blush rise to her cheeks.

For six months, they had exchanged letters, sharing their dreams, hopes, and desires. This moment marked their first meeting, and Soniya's excitement mingled with nervousness.

As she styled her hair and applied a subtle touch of makeup, Soniya's thoughts drifted to Dev's words. His handwriting, now familiar, had conveyed his kindness, humor, and sincerity.

She grabbed her purse and headed out the door, her mother's blessing echoing: "May this meeting bring you joy and happiness, beta."

The airport's arrival gate came into view, and Soniya's pulse quickened. She took a deep breath, adjusted her saree, and stepped out of the car.

The digital clock above the gate read 9:55 a.m. Soniya's eyes locked onto the sliding doors, waiting for the moment she would finally meet Dev.

And then, suddenly, he appeared, his eyes scanning the crowd until they met Soniya's. Their hearts connected in that instant.

Dev's face lit up with a warm smile as he spotted Soniya. He quickened his pace, his eyes never leaving hers.

Soniya's cheeks flushed as she smiled back, her hands instinctively extending for a gentle handshake or perhaps something more.

As they met, the world around them melted away, leaving only the promise of a new beginning.

Dev's arms opened wide, and Soniya effortlessly slipped into his embrace. Their first hug was like a symphony of emotions, six months of anticipation culminating in this tender moment.

Soniya felt the warmth of Dev's chest, the gentle pressure of his arms, and the soothing rhythm of his heartbeat. The scent of his cologne enveloped her, familiar yet intoxicating.

As they hugged, the airport's cacophony faded into the background. Time stood still. The world narrowed to the gentle squeeze of Dev's arms, the soft brush of his chin against her hair, and the unspoken promises exchanged.

Soniya's eyes closed, and she let out a gentle sigh, feeling the tension melt away. This was where she belonged – in Dev's arms.

Dev's hold tightened, his face buried in her hair. "You're even more beautiful than I imagined," he whispered, his breath sending shivers down her spine.

Soniya's cheeks flushed, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she deepened the hug, her arms wrapping around his waist.

Their first hug was a language all its own, speaking volumes of longing, affection, and connection.

As they reluctantly parted, Dev's eyes locked onto Soniya's, shining with happiness. "I've missed you so much," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Soniya's smile mirrored his. "I've missed you more," she replied, her voice barely audible.

With hands intertwined, they stepped into their new reality, ready to craft a beautiful story together.

Soniya pov

As I watched Dev walk out of the airport, my heart skipped a beat. My eyes scanned his familiar yet unfamiliar frame, drinking in every detail.

He stood tall, around 6'1", with broad shoulders that filled out his fitted black jacket. His athletic build was evident beneath the crisp white shirt and dark jeans. My gaze traced the contours of his face – chiseled features, strong jawline, and piercing brown eyes that sparkled with warmth.

His dark hair, slightly tousled, framed his smile, which seemed to light up the entire airport. Dev's confident stride exuded an effortless charm, drawing me in.

As he approached, I noticed the subtle laugh lines etched around his eyes, hinting at a life filled with joy and laughter. His skin had a warm, golden undertone, a testament to his Indian heritage.

But it was his eyes that truly captured my attention – kind, gentle, and radiant with affection. They crinkled at the corners as he smiled, and my heart fluttered.

In that moment, Dev's physical presence seemed to embody the warmth, kindness, and love I had discovered in his lett seers. I felt my doubts melt away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of connection.

He looked even more handsome than I had imagined, but it was the warmth in his eyes that made me feel truly home.

Dev pov

As I stepped out of the airport, my eyes scanned the crowd, searching for the one person I couldn't wait to meet. And then, I saw her - Soniya.

She stood gracefully, her radiant smile illuminating the entire space. Her stunning red saree, the same color I'd mentioned in my letters, made my heart skip a beat. The way it elegantly draped around her, accentuating her slender figure, left me breathless.

Her dark hair cascaded down her shoulders, framing her heart-shaped face and bright, expressive eyes. Those eyes, sparkling like diamonds, locked onto mine, and I felt an electric connection.

As I approached, I noticed the subtle blush on her cheeks, the gentle curve of her lips, and the soft glow of her skin. Her beauty transcended physical allure, radiating kindness, intelligence, and warmth.

Soniya's presence was like a symphony, harmonizing every aspect of my being. Six months of letters had prepared me, but nothing compared to this moment.

I quickened my pace, eager to bridge the distance. Our eyes remained locked, and I saw the same excitement, nervousness, and love reflected back.

As I reached her, Soniya's smile widened, and my heart soared. I opened my arms, and she effortlessly slipped into my embrace, our first hug a culmination of dreams and promises.

In that instant, I knew - this was where I belonged.

______________________________________

As they parted ways that evening, Dev's eyes locked onto Soniya's. "I'll talk to my parents about you," he promised. "They'll love you as much as I do."

Soniya's heart fluttered. "I'd love to meet them," she replied.

Dev smiled. "Soon, I promise."

The next day, Dev boarded a flight to America, his mind filled with thoughts of Soniya.

"A week," he whispered to himself. "Just one week, and I'll be back with my parents."

Soniya, unaware of the whirlwind of emotions Dev's words had stirred within her, couldn't shake off the feeling that her life had changed forever.

Days passed, and Soniya's phone buzzed with Dev's messages, each one filled with love and longing.

"Missing you," he texted.

"Counting days until I return," another message read.

Soniya's heart swelled with emotion. She couldn't wait to meet Dev's parents and take their relationship to the next level.

As he said he came back to India with his parents. They were happy to meet Soniya.

As the days turned into weeks, Dev and Soniya's connection deepened. They found solace in each other's company, their conversations flowing effortlessly.

One balmy evening, they strolled along the beach, hand in hand, the moon casting a silver glow. The waves gently lapped at the shore, creating a soothing melody.

They settled on a quiet spot, watching the stars twinkle to life. Dev turned to Soniya, his eyes filled with admiration.

"Soniya, you know what?" he said, his voice low and husky. "Your beauty overshadows the glow of the moon."

Soniya's cheeks flushed, her eyes sparkling with delight. "That's the most romantic thing anyone's ever said to me," she whispered.

Dev's gaze roamed her face, drinking in every feature. "It's the truth," he insisted. "The moon may illuminate the night, but your presence illuminates my world."

Soniya's heart swelled, her fingers intertwining with Dev's. "You make me feel seen, heard, and cherished," she replied.

As the moon climbed higher, Dev leaned in, his lips brushing against Soniya's. The kiss was soft, gentle, and filled with promise.

The world around them melted away, leaving only the sound of the waves, the moon's gentle light, and the beating of their hearts.

In that magical moment, Dev and Soniya knew their love would shine brighter than any celestial body.

As they sat together, wrapped in the serenity of the night, Dev's words echoed in Soniya's mind. She felt treasured, valued, and loved.

Their lips parted, and Dev's eyes locked onto Soniya's, shining with adoration. "I've fallen deeply in love with you," he whispered.

Soniya's heart skipped a beat. "I love you too, Dev," she replied, her voice barely audible.

The waves lapped at the shore, witnessing their promise. Dev's arms enveloped Soniya, holding her close as they gazed up at the star-studded sky.

Their love had blossomed from letters to laughter, from dreams to reality. In this moment, they knew their connection was unbreakable.

As the night wore on, they talked about their future, sharing hopes and dreams. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, like the waves.

The moon dipped lower, casting a golden glow on the horizon. Dev and Soniya sat in comfortable silence, hands entwined.

Suddenly, Dev stood up, pulling Soniya to her feet. "I have a surprise for you," he said, his eyes sparkling.

He led her to a nearby pier, where a small boat awaited. Dev helped Soniya aboard, and they drifted into the calm waters.

The city lights twinkled like stars, reflected in the sea. Dev wrapped his arms around Soniya, holding her close.

"This is where I want to spend forever – with you," he whispered.

Soniya's heart overflowed. "Forever sounds perfect," she replied.

Their love story was being written in the stars, and they knew this was just the beginning.

As they floated on the tranquil waters, Dev's surprise unfolded. He pulled out a small box from his pocket and opened it, revealing a stunning diamond ring.

Soniya's gasp echoed through the night air. "Dev, it's beautiful!" she exclaimed.

Dev's eyes shone with emotion. "Will you marry me, Soniya? Spend forever with me?"

Tears of joy streaming down her face, Soniya nodded. "Yes, yes, a million times yes!"

Dev slid the ring onto her finger, sealing their promise. The diamond sparkled, reflecting the stars above.

Their lips met in a tender kiss as the city lights twinkled in celebration. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in their love.

As they drifted back to shore, hand in hand, Soniya gazed at the ring. "I never thought I'd find someone like you," she whispered.

Dev smiled. "I've always known you were meant for me."

Their love story, once a letter, had become a cherished reality.

The days that followed were a whirlwind of joy. They shared their news with family and friends, basking in the warmth of their love.

Six months later, surrounded by loved ones, Dev and Soniya exchanged vows on the same beach where they had shared their first kiss under the stars.

Their love continued to grow, a flame that burned bright, guiding them through life's joys

and challenges.

Years later, when Dev looked at Soniya, he still saw the same sparkle in her eyes, the same beauty that had overshadowed the moon.

And Soniya knew that Dev's love remained her guiding star, shining bright forever.

Flashback End

ʕ⁠´⁠•⁠ᴥ⁠•⁠'⁠ʔ

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