Fiction • Sep 27, 2024 • 34 min read

The Lost One

Dristi’s life had always been dictated by others—growing up in a small village where her own desires were mere shadows. With an arranged marriage looming, her dream of a different life in the bustling city of Bombay seemed like a distant fantasy. But a stroke of luck came when her father, too unwell to accompany her, granted her the rare freedom to travel alone for the first time. On the train to Bombay, she crossed paths with Kabir, a traveler with an infectious zest for life. A free spirit with a camera slung around his neck, he shared tales of rebellion against the expectations of his wealthy family, much like the ones Dristi faced. He spoke of a recent accident, one that had changed his perspective and, more importantly, his father’s. As they spoke, Kabir's passion awakened something deep within Dristi—a yearning for freedom she had long buried. But Kabir’s parting words before they separated unsettled her: "If you ever meet my father, tell him I never hated him... I always loved him." His voice lingered in her mind long after they went their separate ways. As Dristi stepped into Bombay’s vibrant chaos, she was thrown into the whirlwind of the marriage meeting with Rahil. He wouldn’t marry her unless she pursued her dreams first—a proposition that felt like a lifeline to the independence she had long craved. But Kabir remained on her mind. His words haunted her, their meaning unclear but heavy with unspoken weight. Days later, curiosity and unease led her to visit Kabir’s family with Rahil by her side, hoping to unravel the mystery behind Kabir’s life. What she discovered was beyond comprehension—an encounter that sent a chill through her, leaving more questions than answers. The truth about Kabir, his family, and that train ride loomed over her like a shadow, deepening the mystery. As Dristi stood on the precipice of a new life, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Kabir’s story was far from over... and that her own path was now forever intertwined with his.