Chapter 1- A Drizzle Of Memories

Shubham was waiting outside the station, glancing at his watch. To kill time, he decided to have tea. He didn't carry much luggage since he had no idea how many days he would stay. Fifteen years ago, he had come to this town just as he was starting his career as an architect. Sipping his tea from a kulhad, he realized that even after all these years, some things remained the same. Not much had changed around him.

He paid for his tea and checked his watch again before taking out his phone to call Abhishek, who was supposed to pick him up. But there was no sign of him. Suddenly, he heard someone calling his name and turned around. Abhishek was there.

"Sorry, sir, I am late. The roads are not good," Abhishek explained, picking up Shubham's luggage.

"It's alright," Shubham replied, and they moved towards the car.

As they settled into the car, it began to drizzle. Shubham got lost in his thoughts, recalling the memories of these roads. Faded memories started flashing back. He found himself standing in front of a huge iron gate with detailed carvings and a family symbol of an elephant. An old man ran towards the gate, smiling and greeting Shubham with a "Namaste."

"Sir is inside, waiting for you," the old man said as they walked through the lush green surroundings filled with beautiful floral plants.

After a while, they reached a small pond full of lilies with ducks swimming inside. It was like a dream for Shubham, who had never seen such beauty in the city he came from. They turned a corner and walked a few steps ahead to a wooden door intricately carved with floral designs. The door opened, and a lady greeted him with a smile, inviting him inside.

Shubham followed her silently, enchanted by the royal look of the house. They reached a spacious room with traditional interior decor adding to its beauty. The housekeeper told him to wait and left. After a while, Mr. Roy walked towards him, greeting him with a big smile.

"Please, have a seat and make yourself comfortable," Mr. Roy said, ordering tea and snacks for them. 

Mr. Roy was humble and polite, a true gentleman. He started asking Shubham about his background and studies. After a short introduction, they discussed the project and Shubham's role in it, with Mr. Roy asking for his opinions.

After a long discussion, Mr. Roy called the housekeeper and told her to show Shubham the guest house opposite the main house. She opened the lock, and they went inside. It was a decent place with a small kitchen, bedroom, and living area, and a balcony overlooking the main garden.

Shubham was pleased with how things were going. The housekeeper told him, "Sir, if you need anything, please contact me."

While going back, she stopped and said, "Sir has invited you for dinner."

He was amazed. "It's so nice of him. Please say thank you on my behalf. It's my honor to have dinner with him."

She smiled and left. After some time, Shubham found himself in a room where Mr. Roy was relaxing and listening to music. When he saw Shubham, he stood up and greeted him with the same smile, and they walked towards the dining area.

"Please, be relaxed and feel at home," Mr. Roy said as they settled down. The servant started arranging the plates, and one more plate was set.

After a minute, a young girl walked in, wearing a saree. She was so beautiful that Shubham was stunned. Suddenly, he realized Mr. Roy was calling his name.

"Shubham, this is my wife," Mr. Roy introduced her.

She smiled and did a namaste. Shubham, totally confused about how such a young girl could be Mr. Roy's wife, managed to smile back. Mr. Roy continued discussing work with Shubham, who tried to focus but couldn't help thinking about the girl.

After dinner, they had dessert, but Shubham was disturbed inside. He stood up and said, "Good night, Mr. Roy. See you tomorrow."

When he left the house, he took a deep breath and walked towards the guest house. Tired, he went to bed, but he couldn't stop thinking about the girl he had seen that evening. He didn't realize when he fell asleep.

To be continued…..