Just the usual took part in the dining hall.
After retiring for the nights under those vast sky showcasing beautiful stars and the moon, which although has its own flaws, yet shines flawlessly in that dark sky. And that is why people adore that flawless object.
Despite its flawlessness, and all the poems written on it. The moon's still all alone. It might have stars, but not a companion to share, not a single being with which it could share its feelings. Although everyone knows its origin, no one dared to stay with the moon. Yes, the talk here isn't about the moon, but of the person who is being referred to as the moon.
As much as it pains being alone, he knows that to guide travelers and people in the dark; the moon needs to stay and live in the dark; for it is the most beautiful and sacred light in the sky, full of darkness. There are stars, some would argue, but the question here is that, would they be able to give the same calmness and light which the moon does? Would they be able to manage sharing the pain of those broken people? They would be unable to single-handedly wish everyone well, would they? Would they ever be able to control tides so high that it makes them thrill and fear? I'd say no, they won't.
But then there's the time when the moon is absent and the sky's all alone with its stars. That is the day when the moon finally visits. It's special, someone I'd say.
And now was the time that the moon came out and met that person. Spend some time with them.
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Anahita was a heavy sleeper. Her slumber was such that no matter what happened, she wouldn't wake up from her sleep. On the other hand, Achyuta was never a man of heavy sleep. His sleep cycle was less, and as a man with multiple responsibilities since a very young age, played an even larger role in his sleeping cycle.
Sleep was a far thought. He couldn't even lie peacefully on his bed, because deep down, gut wrenching feeling that something significant was going to occur, which might change his perspective? Maybe who knows… Me? No, definitely not… Never.
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ये काली रात जकड़ लुन
ये ठंडा चांद पकड़ लूं
ओ ये काली रात जकड़ लुन
ये ठंडा चांद पकड़ लूं
दिन-रात के बैरी भेद का
रुख मोड के मैं रख डॉन
तुझ संग बैर लगाया ऐसा
रहा ना मैं फिर अपने जैसा
हो रहा ना मैं फिर अपने जैसा
मेरा नाम इश्क तेरा नाम इश्क
मेरा नाम इश्क तेरा नाम इश्क
मेरा नाम इश्क तेरा नाम इश्क
मेरा नाम तेरा नाम मेरा नाम इश्क
ये लाल इश्क ये मलाल इश्क
ये ऐब इश्क ये बैर इश्क
ये लाल इश्क ये मलाल इश्क
ये ऐब इश्क ये बैर इश्क
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Anahita's slumber was what gave peace to the moon. The moon wanted to visit her in peace and just sit beside her and relieve all his feelings. He knew that he was not ready to face her yet, not today at least. But he knew that time was something everyone lacked and so did he. The moment was going to come soon.. Sooner than he expected it to come.
But for now, he wanted to be selfish and see her once, just this time, not more; he promised himself.
Soon, the moon entered her cottage with all his glory. He knew that it would risk everything, but he was willing to take that risk. He knew that Achyuta's cottage was just beside this one. He knew it!! So, to make sure about keeping his presence a secret, he made sure to create not huge but a little chaos.
That cute chaos was busy creating havoc in the ashram while he was in her cottage, smiling to himself.
He patted Anahita's hair lovingly and sat beside her. The moon knew that he had all the time to himself. He sat there feeling surreal and narrating his life's happening as if Anahita were listening to him. He occasionally laughed, sometimes cried; then wiped his tears and put on a little tough act just to turn into a softy once again.
Soon, his time to leave reached near, this realization left a little pain.. He quietly slipped a beautiful ring inside the book which Vikrant left for Anahita. And with one last glance at Anahita gone was he and his comforting presence, which was protectively wrapped around Anahita.
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The atmosphere outside the ashram was thrown into disarray as a breach in security allowed an unknown individual to gain entry. The serene environment was disrupted as the gurus scrambled to identify the intruder and assess the situation. Despite their efforts, the perpetrator's identity remained a mystery, causing a sense of unease among the residents. The gurus, with unwavering determination, led the search efforts, joined by the elder students of the ashram. Some students took on the responsibility of ensuring the safety of the younger ones, while others actively participated in scouring the premises in hopes of resolving the unsettling situation.
Achyuta woke up hearing too many voices of people buzzing around. He went out of his cottage and asked someone about the reason behind the sudden voices at night.
The student replied, 'Bhaiya, I heard that there is a security breach in the ashram. It seems like someone entered the ashram without the consent of gurus or the ashram itself. We are searching for that unknown person and some of us are keeping an eye on the younger ones so that they are safe.'
Achyuta was momentarily shocked but soon composed himself and said, 'I'll help you guys too. Let's go'
'But Bhaiya, what about didi? I mean, she is still in her cottage. What if something happened to you?'
Achyuta knew they had a point, but his unwavering faith in Anahita and her strength to bring down a person won. 'Don't worry, she is a strong woman. If anyone dared to do anything wrong with her, she'd be their worst nightmare. Though she is a heavy sleeper, it doesn't mean that her body isn't alert. Her body jerks immediately, if someone unknown so much as comes near her. I trust her. Don't worry'
The kid, although skeptical, still agreed. With one turning at the cottage and roaming his eyes, ensuring that no one's near Anahita's cottage. Achyuta went on searching for the intruder.
From the conversation, it is easy for us to say that the moon was someone Anahita knew, but who was he?
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The sheer irony of the situation is astounding: the individual responsible for the widespread mayhem, driving gurus, students, and Achyuta to a state of frenzied pursuit turned out to be merely an adorable, harmless pet.
Upon discovering who was responsible, Achyuta's theatrical displays of emotion became quite pronounced.
'Did I just ruin my mental peace for this creature!! How can this being drive everyone crazy?' And who knew that they could also find the devil glaring at an innocent puppy? But here they were, seeing it.
The scene unfolded like something from a slapstick comedy, a fact not lost on the assembled students and gurus. The sheer absurdity of the situation, which had stretched on for over five hours, finally prompted a decision to dismiss everyone and call it a day. Despite the extended timeframe, the overall consensus was that the incident was ultimately inconsequential, a humorous interlude rather than a cause for genuine concern. The exact nature of the comedic event remains unspecified, leaving the reader to imagine the chaotic and potentially hilarious events that unfolded over those five hours. Perhaps a series of unfortunate mishaps, a clash of personalities, or a bizarre misunderstanding–the possibilities are endless, adding to the comedic charm of the narrative. The relief felt by all involved in the decision to disperse is palpable, highlighting the absurdity of the situation and emphasizing the unexpected nature of the day's events.
Soon, everyone dispersed and Achyuta too went towards his cottage, grumbling and pissing off on the cute little puppy. Before entering his cottage, Achyuta went towards Anahita and saw a most peaceful sight. Anahita, all curled up in her bed and sleeping peacefully while cuddling her pillow. So, deciding not to disturb her "beauty sleep" as she refers to. He went towards his own cottage with the intention of just sleeping after experiencing this exhausting yet crazy and funny experience.