The words traced on the pages raised the eyebrows of Aisha and Jiya. Until this part, they were convinced that she did suicide but the real reason for her death was different. The fact that the family killed her was shocking enough for them. Aisha checked the clock and it was midnight. She turned toward Jiya but she wasn’t beside her in the tent. She went outside to look for Jiya and she was glaring at the mighty moon. She saw her eyes lost in desires, “Jiya it's late midnight so shouldn’t we sleep? Let’s read the remaining part tomorrow.”
“We are leaving tomorrow Aisha. Isn’t it your deadline?”
“What... are you... talking about Jiya?”Her voice with hidden guilt asked. The voice had a scared touch of being caught.
“Didn’t you want some piece of breaking news? Wasn’t this the reason you approached me?”
“I...I am sorry Jiya. I just wanted to get promoted so I played a trick. But did you know it earlier? Then why did you fool me?”The random questions were fired at Jiya, some out of regret and some out of curiosity.
“Aisha, many reporters approached me for some or the other reason, but you were different. I saw the kindness that was willing to flourish. I intend to help you. I told you many secrets about Tanay but I don't remember you writing any articles. I trust you...”
“You know at times trust can destroy you. What if I will use it now?”
“Do you wish it?” Hearing it from Jiya, Aisha broke into tears.
“I don’t want to? What I wish is to be good friends with you. I had everything before meeting you but still, my days were incomplete. When I met you I realised what was lacking. It was a good friend. I lacked the beauty of life. I lacked in the knowledge about myself. When I faked my breakup with Gaurav you instantly believed it and consoled me. Of course, it wasn’t waste; you healed many cracks that used to ache.”
“So you two are doing fine? Ahh... I was tensed for nothing. I hate you.”
“At times he is indeed weird but he loves me like crazy. And he asked me for a date, I wish he proposed to me for marriage.”
“I wish the same. By the way what are going to explain to your boss?”
“Of course, you are of no use. And I won’t be promoted but it's fine I will wait for the next opportunity.”
“I am not useless. And why wait for the next opportunity when I have something crazy.”
“Don’t you care about his privacy, Jiya?”
“I do care but as if it’s his last book and he won’t be seen after that so it’s fine.”
“Weren’t you determined to bring him back to the industry?”
“I was but when I realised that these words burn his scars, I decided to let it go. But I can assure you his sister's interview if you want. She can be helpful.”
“Do you know her?”
“Of course I do. By the way, what was the alternate name you decided for Tanay?”
“Stop teasing me, Jiya. And about the interview, I will ask my boss...”
Though the conversation ended it was the first step towards a deep friendship that will keep on flourishing....
~~~~~
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