Author - Jui Purohit.

*Click here for Part 2*  Anjali stared at the painting. "Yes, it's the same one that I've seen in my grandfather's cupboard. An 'unframed' portrait, he has kept it in the chest that he locks up. But I got to see it once while in his room. When I inquired about it he had said it's a gift. But as it was very old he said he didn't frame it", Anjali said. "Gift! You didn't ask him from whom? Who would gift a portrait of an unknown woman? Why would anyone? It's not a Monalisa or a Madam X", Shalini let out a weird laugh. "Shalini how did you know this? How did you paint this? Who are you?", Anjali was also scared now. Raghav held Anjali closer and said, "Who are you please don't harm Shalini. Please we beg of you". "Beg! That's how it was, eons ago. I had also begged. But no one listened to me. Anjali your grandfather, Raghav's grandfather and Sham's grandfather, never cared. I was in love with ...

*Click here for the previous chapter...(15)* Epilogue : Alora reached the bus stop. The bus arrived in a while. Jia had, habitually, saved Alora's seat.  Alora's favourite routine was back on line, yet she sat down, with 'not-so-fine' expressions.   "Its been two days, I haven't had that dream, I wasn't pulled into the book. Previously I was confused because I was trapped in the dream. Now I'm sad that it's over. I don't know what's happening. I cannot see Armaan anymore. I just wish I could see him", Alora sighed. Jia rolled up her eyes, "Alora, stop being childish now, I'm telling you this for the hundredth time. Maybe you've finished reading the book, so you don't dream about it anymore. Who gets pulled into a book? Am I the scholar or You are? Who should be enlightening whom here?", Jia scolded Alora. Alora leaned on Jia's shoulder as the bus drove past a series of restaurants, malls, hospitals on their way...

  *Click here for the previous chapter...(14)* Confession? : Armaan put the jacket over Alora once again. He asked her to lock in her seat belt. Armaan got in the car. "Where do you stay? Same area where I picked you from? Where do I drop you?", he asked.  Alora was still gauging the situation and the sudden questions baffled her, " I stay...Sir but the party?", she couldn't frame her sentence too. "Party is over. I will find out who spiked your drink. This is not how I want my employees to behave. I've texted the manager. You don't have to worry. Let me know your address ", Armaan replied with a stern voice. Alora thought the atmosphere had become a bit serious now. "I stay far from here. But you can drop me at my friend's place. The same place you picked me from", Alora said, in a soft tone, going with the serious mood. "Okay fine. Put on the jacket properly", Armaan spoke in a commanding voice. Alora listened to him l...

*Click here for the previous chapter...(13)* Dinner party :   Armaan switched off the car engine, as they reached the venue. He picked his mobile and keys from underneath the console. He checked to see everything was switched off properly. Placing the mobile in the pocket of his shirt, he placed the keys in the pocket of his pants. "Can you unlock the seat belt or need my help again, Miss Alora?", Armaan asked in a teasing tone. Alora shook her head in negation, while she released the seat belt with a thud, mistakenly. "Sorry....sorry Sir..I didn't mean to", she said, apologising for her unruly action. "I should be more careful around him. He is such a neat freak and I'm this lax. But don't they say opposites attract...so...", Alora was occupied in her thoughts. "No worries. Should we go in now?", Armaan asked as he smiled.  "We can't go in together. Won't it look awkward?", Alora questioned.  "Awkward? Why? We ...

*Click here for the previous chapter...(12)* Lift :   "Should I tell Jia 2.0 that this is all a dream?", thought crossed Alora's mind. Jia kept blinking at Alora, "Your eyes have changed since you met Armaan", Jia smirked and teased Alora. "Stop it buddy", Alora waved her hands in front of Jia's eyes. "What if the CEO falls for the intern?", Jia asked. "How did she know about Armaan? I haven't spoken to Jia 2.0 about him yet. Wait...so I talked to Jia in 2020 about him and Jia 2.0 got to know in 2025, automatically? Is this how it works? This is unreal...illogical...what is happening?", Alora kept staring at Jia, in her mind thoughts were waging a war. "How can I help you with this Alora tell me? You had helped me with my first relationship. Although things didn't work, we were immature, but you've been there for me always", Jia sounded a bit emotional.  "Your first relationship?", Alora babbled. ...

  *Click here for the previous chapter...(11)* The narrative : Alora lifted her head up and found herself sitting by her study table. Some solved question papers were at the side. Her mobile was lying next to them. She picked up the mobile. She had sent some casual texts to friends, some photos of solved question papers. "I am back", she sighed as she put down her mobile. "Here Alora, have some warm milk. Were you studying the whole night beta? Now freshen up and have your breakfast. Come out of that room", Alora's mom cheered her up. I was studying the whole night? Then how did I dream? I'm going insane now, it's absurd...everything is absurd", Alora kept murmuring to herself. She had her breakfast and called Jia asking her to meet. Jia came home with some books. "Hey buddy we were, as it is, meeting so thought if you could solve some doubts for me", Jia gave a broad buttering smile. They both sat by the study table. Alora helped Jia with...

*Click here for the previous chapter...(10)* Palpitations :  Alora entered the complex and stepped into the elevator. The company's circular logo gleamed as the door of the elevator opened. And as she shifted her gaze, equally gleaming, in an elegant suit, Armaan was standing there with his tan leather bag.  He opened the entrance door and said, "After you Miss Alora", with his one palm pointing inside, welcoming her, like a gentleman.   Alora, hesitantly, walked towards him. "Good Morning Sir", she said. As she came near, she could smell the musky fragrance of his perfume. Alora tried to enter through the door but Armaan was occupying sizeable space, holding the door. She looked at him but he didn't move an inch. She was compelled to brush pass him. The musky fragrance intensified as she passed. Her heart raced with the momentary contact. She held her dupatta close to her bosom, thereby, he wouldn't hear her pounding heart.  Armaan looked at Alora close...