March 21, 2025
It was a humid evening at the peak of summer in a bustling city by the Gulf Ocean. On one side, the city stretched into a vast, scorching desert; on the other, the deep blue waters of the sea shimmered under the fading light. Towering skyscrapers stood tall against the horizon. Rahul sat alone on a roadside bench on Street Number 34—also known as Santra Street—lost in thought. His mind was overwhelmed with countless emotions: grief, disbelief, and sorrow. The weight of his wife's sudden death was unbearable.
Their marriage had been short, yet filled with love and companionship—a bond he never imagined would be shattered so soon. Pavitra had been an arranged match for Rahul, but their relationship had grown far beyond tradition. The three years between their engagement and marriage had been a journey of discovery—letters exchanged across borders, the occasional landline phone call bridging the distance between them. She was a staff nurse, a graduate of a prestigious college, while Rahul was already settled in the Gulf, building his career.
Those years had tested them. Their love had blossomed despite obstacles, their fights making them stronger. Pavitra had withdrawn her proposal once when a doctor colleague, Dr. Ray, expressed interest in marrying her. For a moment, she had considered the proposal. Rahul only learned about this after they were married, but by then, it no longer mattered. The doctor had never been serious, and over time, they had even laughed about it, playfully mentioning his name in conversation.
But now, there was no laughter. No Pavitra. Only an unbearable silence. A sudden blaring car horn jolted Rahul back to reality. The street was alive with movement—cars rushing past, pedestrians lost in their own worlds—yet he felt frozen in time. Pavitra's body lay in the hospital mortuary, waiting to be sent back to their homeland.
Taking a deep breath, Rahul gathered the strength to stand. With heavy steps, he began walking toward the hospital, each step feeling heavier than the last. The love of his life was gone, but the memories remained, echoing in the streets of a city that would never feel the same again.
Rahul started the car's ignition and drove home, his mind still reeling from the recent events. He had returned from the Gulf and begun working at his friend's structural design firm, but Pavitra's mysterious illness continued to haunt him. Her condition—cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST)—had turned his life into a living nightmare.
What had started as a simple headache had led to a devastating stroke. During her initial episodes of recurring headaches, Rahul had rushed Pavitra to the hospital. She was immediately taken to the operating theater to relieve intracranial pressure and underwent emergency surgery. Unfortunately, the chief neurosurgeon was on leave, and his assistant had to perform the procedure.
With a fallen face, the assistant urged Rahul to trust in the creator. The anesthesiologist, concerned about the situation, muttered, "This kind of specialized surgery would have been more successful if Chief Neurosurgeon Dr. Jay had been here." Rahul, overwhelmed with fear and helplessness, could barely process their words.
Tragically, Pavitra succumbed to her rare and severe illness. Now, as Rahul navigated through the busy streets of Mangalore, he felt numb. Eventually, he reached the outskirts of the city, where he had rented a new home. The sky darkened, and raindrops splattered against his windshield. A power outage had plunged the city into darkness, forcing him to take an unexpected turn.
Then, he saw it—a chilling sight ahead made him slam on the brakes. A terrified little girl stood in the middle of the road, wearing a white petticoat. Her wide, fearful eyes met his, and her face was eerily tilted to one side. It was a haunting image—one that sent a shiver down his spine.
Without a word, she suddenly turned and ran towards the columns of a nearby house. Alarmed, Rahul stepped out of the car and approached her. The girl was drenched from the rain, shivering. As he leaned down to speak, the roar of an approaching vehicle made him turn.
A car sped toward the gate and came to an abrupt stop. A woman stepped out in the rain, swiftly unlocking the gate. There was an air of urgency about her, but her energy was infectious. Dressed in a green top and matching pants that resembled a hospital uniform, her fair skin seemed to glow, illuminating the surroundings.
Her neatly tied hair had a few loose strands falling over her face, accentuating her bright, expressive eyes. A straight nose, chubby cheeks adored with dimples made her captivating. She had a medium build, an average height, and graceful curves that added to her charm. Her presence was mesmerizing—her face radiated warmth, and her walk was lively and enthusiastic.
Rahul found himself drawn to her instantly. His eyes landed on her nameplate, which bore the emblem of a prestigious city hospital. He read the name: Dr. Radhika. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Rahul was at a loss for words, completely captivated by her presence.
"Hey," she greeted.
"Hii," Rahul responded with a smile.
"I'm so sorry if my little one disturbed you. I had to rush to the hospital for an urgent call and had no choice but to leave her alone. Our neighbor, who usually helps, is away on a pilgrimage."
"Come in," Radhika said warmly. "Would you like some coffee? It's pouring outside."
Rahul nodded and stepped inside, shaking off the raindrops from his jacket. He crouched down to the little girl's level and asked, "What's your name?" The child didn't answer. Instead, she reached out and clasped Rahul's finger in her tiny fist.
Radhika grabbed a towel, ran it through her damp hair, and quickly secured it before heading into the kitchen. "Her name is Apeksha," she called out.
Rahul observed the girl closely. There was something different about her—the way she remained quiet, the way her gaze wandered. He sensed she was special, but he chose not to ask.
Radhika returned with two steaming cups of coffee, handing one to Rahul before taking a sip from her own.
"So, where are you staying?" she asked. Rahul pointed toward a house visible through the window.
"Oh! So you're the one who just moved in!" she said with a bright smile.
She began talking about the city, how much she loved Mangalore, and the little things that made it feel like home.
As she spoke, Rahul found himself lost in her words. Her animated expressions, her effortless charm—everything about her felt like a song playing in the background. He almost imagined a film-like scene, as if time had slowed down for this moment.
Finishing his coffee, Rahul stood up. He turned to Apeksha and said, "I'll see you in the morning, okay?"
That night, the rain drenched him completely, and by the time he got home, a chill had settled deep in his bones. His body ached, and before long, he found himself burning with fever.
The next morning, waking up felt like a battle. His limbs felt heavy, and his skin was hot to the touch. Through his window, he could see Radhika's house. The thought of seeing her again crossed his mind, and with that, he found his excuse.
Dragging himself out of bed, he made his way to the hospital and booked an appointment—specifically requesting Radhika.
"Next patient!" the nurse called.
Rahul stepped inside. Radhika was at her desk, typing away on her computer. When she finally looked up, she arched an eyebrow and smirked.
"You?" she teased. "Last night's adventure caught up with you, didn't it?"
Rahul let out a weak chuckle.
Shaking her head, Radhika said, "I should be the one apologizing again—Apeksha must have been a handful."
She checked his temperature, jotted down a prescription, and instructed the nurse to prepare an injection.
Before he could leave, she spoke again, her voice softer this time. "I hope you don't mind, but I need to ask you for something," she said. "Apeksha has taken a liking to you. She doesn't warm up to people easily, but somehow, she did with you." She hesitated before adding, "You might have realized—she's autistic."
Rahul met her eyes, understanding the weight of her words. He gave a reassuring nod. "I'll be there for her."
A small, grateful smile touched Radhika's lips. "Thank you."
As Rahul walked out of the hospital, fever or not, he felt warmth spreading in his heart.
As they spent more time together, Rahul and Radhika grew closer. Rahul was a man of few words—soft-spoken and reserved. His simple yet well-put-together appearance, his quiet demeanor—everything about him made Radhika feel a sense of closeness.
Being talkative by nature, she found the perfect listener in Rahul. She could talk to him endlessly—about her patients, her dreams, her passions—and he would listen patiently, never interrupting, always understanding.
They started going out together more often. What made it even more perfect was that Apeksha, who usually took time to adjust to new people, felt completely at ease around Rahul.
However, Rahul had another world outside of Radhika. His close friends, Dinesh and Akshay, had been by his side. They shared a bond like family and had always looked out for him, knowing the painful past he rarely spoke about. Concerned that he was withdrawing into his own shell, they insisted he join them for their Sunday cricket matches.
Rahul, being an all-rounder—skilled at batting, bowling, and fielding—was a key player in their team.
Radhika would occasionally show up to watch him play, admiring his energy on the field from the sidelines. However, deep down, Radhika had another reason for attending these matches—she wanted to ensure no other girl got too close to Rahul.
Initially, she convinced herself it was solely due to Apeksha's strong attachment to him. But in reality, she knew the truth: she had developed feelings for him too.
Things were going smoothly, just like the monsoon in Mangalore—steady, refreshing, and full of life. But beneath Radhika’s newfound stability lay a bitter past. She had returned from the Gulf, helpless, with a special needs child. She had the option to leave her child in her parents' care, but she chose a different path—one where she could grow professionally while still being a responsible mother.
Now, in an unfamiliar city, Rahul had become her anchor. He guided her through Mangalore’s hidden corners, introduced her to its street food, and helped her relive the joys she had missed during her student years. More than anything, she felt in control—bossy, even—when it came to Rahul.
Their bond was playful, filled with moments of mischief. Once, she smeared ice cream on Rahul’s nose just because he picked the wrong combination. Later, she wiped his face and, as a teasing reward, kissed his cheek. Another time, Rahul took the wrong exit while following Google Maps. Radhika gasped dramatically.
"Hold on! You did this on purpose! Your intentions are questionable!" she exclaimed. "Oh my God, I should’ve known… Men are all the same—just looking for ways to take advantage of women!"
Rahul, startled by the sudden accusation, fumbled for words, trying to prove his innocence while Radhika watched in amusement, thoroughly enjoying his discomfort.
Dinesh and Akshay, their closest friends, frequently organized weekend parties. Though Radhika couldn’t stay long due to her demanding profession, she would check in on Rahul through video calls, ensuring he wasn’t overindulging. She even made him count her fingers on screen, though they both knew he was only drinking soft drinks.
Their daily banter became a ritual. Rahul’s mornings felt incomplete if Radhika didn’t tease or mock him. He wanted to ask about her past, about her dreams for the future, but fear held him back. Having lost Pavitra, he had come to believe that nothing in this world was permanent. He was afraid—afraid that if he let himself care too much, he might lose Radhika too. So, he chose to let things flow as they were.
But Dinesh and Akshay weren’t ones to let things slide. They urged Rahul to confess his feelings. When he hesitated, they, along with their wives, devised a plan—a weekend getaway to Kuduremukh, a breathtaking hill station where nature reigned supreme.
They booked three couples into Bhagavathi Nature Camp, arranging separate accommodations and three vehicles. As Dinesh navigated, Radhika was captivated by the rolling green hills, their peaks shrouded in mist. It was the kind of view that demanded silent admiration. Apeksha sat by the window, half-lost in her music, while Radhika wrapped her muffler tighter around her neck, shielding herself from the evening chill.
By sunset, they arrived at the camp, settled into their rooms, and the women invited Radhika for a swim. The water was icy, but she couldn’t resist. A camp staff member reassured them that cold water baths had health benefits, and that was all the encouragement she needed. Meanwhile, Apeksha, lost in her music, wandered over to where Rahul and Radhika stood.
Later that night, after dinner, Rahul, exhausted, took a hot shower and went to his room. He sat beside Apeksha, gently patting her back until she fell asleep. In the other cabin, the women convinced Radhika to have a drink. Nostalgia tugged at her, reminding her of carefree college days. She took half a cup of wine, but her mind drifted elsewhere—toward Rahul.
Excusing herself, she made her way to their cabin and found him asleep on the couch. She freshened up, then took a blanket and gently draped it over him. When he stirred slightly, she instinctively brushed his hair from his forehead before retreating to her own bed.
But the night was too cold. Unable to sleep, she walked back, pulled at his ears playfully, and made him shift to the bed beside her. Hugging him like a child, she drifted off. Rahul, caught off guard by her warmth, lay still for a moment before surrendering to sleep.
Sometime in the night, the slipping of the blanket woke him. As he readjusted it, he saw Radhika in the soft glow of the moonlight. She looked ethereal—like an apsara from a forgotten tale. Leaning in, he pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead. Half-asleep, Radhika reached out, pulled him closer, and kissed him deeply.passionatly..
By dawn, as birds chirped in the distance, they woke up to a new rhythm—one that felt lighter, freer. Radhika carried an unspoken joy, while Rahul, for the first time in a long while, felt something shift inside him. Maybe, just maybe, he was healing.
Just then, Radhika’s phone rang. After a brief conversation, she turned to Rahul.
She said ..We need to leave.. “Our medical team from the U.S. has arrived at the hospital. They’re neuro experts. We need to take Apeksha for an evaluation—see if they suggest any therapy.”
Rahul nodded. This wasn’t just about them—it was about Apeksha.
With that, they packed up and began their descent from the serene hills of Kuduremukh, heading back toward the bustling city of Mangalore, where life—uncertain yet full of promise—awaited.
Rahul was shaken by Radhika's unanswered calls and messages. Things had changed completely after their visit to Kuduremukha. "Is Radhika avoiding me? Does she want to keep her distance,?"
he wondered. "She's a medical professional, and I'm from a different field. Is it because of her profession that she needs to maintain certain boundaries, or is she just going through mood swings? Maybe I'm just overthinking..."
Despite his uncertainty, Rahul decided to wait patiently to understand why Radhika was avoiding him.
In desperation, he went to her house. She turned away from him and continued cooking. He walked up behind her and hugged her gently. "Please let go," she requested, offering a health-related excuse.
Believing her, Rahul spent time with Apeksha. But in between, he noticed Radhika frequently typing on her phone. Doubt began to creep in.
That evening, unable to shake the unease, he returned home, lay on his bed, and drifted off to sleep. He woke up to the sound of thunder, followed by heavy rain. Groggy, he reached for his phone and noticed a voice note from Radhika. Hurriedly, he grabbed his earphones, turned up the volume, and pressed play.
Radhika's voice came through, hesitant and shaky. "Dear Rahul, I know this will be as painful for you as it is for me. After a long time, life has given me a chance to relocate... and I wanted you to hear this from me. I am married—to Dr. Jaison Rey Dominic, the neurosurgeon. He is now settled in the U.S. I only recently found out he was in the U.S. during his recent visit. We worked together in the Gulf and got married there, but due to mistrust, I moved to Mangalore with my child.
During this visit, he seemed completely transformed. He realized his mistakes, apologized, and desperately wants me back in his life. As a medical professional, I applied for a transfer to the U.S., and he fast-tracked the visa process. We are leaving tonight. In just a few moments, I will be heading to the airport, and he will be coming to pick me up. I'm sorry, Rahul. It was short, but the time I spent with you was sweet. You are handsome, smart, and I hope you find happiness in another relationship. I'm really sorry... Lots of kisses."
The voice message shattered Rahul completely. It felt like the earth had opened beneath him, swallowing him whole. His mind went blank. Then, suddenly, something echoed in his ears. "Wait... what name did she say? Jaison Rey Dominic?"
"What the hell?" Frantically, he searched for Pavitra's old letter in his trunk. The trunk was stored on the overhead shelf. As he rummaged through his things, he made a mess. Finally, he found it. The letter read: "My doctor colleague, Jaison Rey Dominic, wants to marry me. So far, I haven't agreed. But since he is from the same profession, all my friends are saying I should go for it. Then in the end, the same thing—that I am smart, that I am handsome, and that I will get a good proposal."
Rahul's head spun. In one ear, Pavitra's words echoed. In the other, the anesthetist's casual remark about a chief surgeon Dr Jay choosing personal time over a critical surgery haunted him. And now, Radhika's voice—"We had our differences, but now he has apologized." It meant that in three occasions, a guy had come into his life to make sure he was down and failed—Dr. Jaison Rey Dominic.
Rahul grabbed his car keys and rushed to the airport. As expected, the airport road was congested. He anxiously weaved through traffic, his pulse racing. When he finally reached the terminal and ran inside, he saw the check-in counter had already closed. Disappointed, he buried his face in his hands.
As he turned to leave, a small voice called out, "Uncle!" His eyes widened. His gaze shifted, and he saw Apeksha and Radhika sitting on a chair with their luggage still intact. Rahul ran toward Apeksha and hugged
Radhika smiled mischievously and pulled his ear playfully. "Chalo, let's go." They drove back into the chaos of the city traffic. On the way, Radhika spoke, her voice laced with relief.
"I was about to make the same mistake again. Jaison showed me all the promises of change, but he never corrected his ways. On the way here, he was getting calls he kept avoiding. During a short break, I caught hold of his unlocked phone. His chats and calls shook me. Yes, he is a very successful neurosurgeon, but when it comes to personal discipline, he has none."
Rahul's head reeled as the truth sank in. The name "Dr. Jaison Rey Dominic" echoed in his mind, a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life. He sat in stunned silence, his thoughts racing to process the revelation.
The radio FM was playing a song - "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield' Album.
"Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten"