He got up, washed his face, and went to the kitchen where Kalpana was making tea. She looked fresh in a simple yellow kurti, a small leftover smear of pink colour still on her wrist. When she turned and smiled at him — the same smile she had given “Aryan” in the chat — Keshav felt his chest tighten with a confusing mix of love, guilt, and something much darker.
“Tea, beta?” she asked.
“Yes, Mom. Thanks.”
As she poured, he couldn’t stop the questions in his head. Does she think about the chat this morning? Does she wonder who Aryan really is? What if this continues? What if she starts sharing more? He took the cup from her, their fingers brushing for a second. The contact sent a small spark through him that he hated and craved at the same time.
The chat had begun. Slowly. Naturally. Just like any two people connecting over books on a festival day.
But Keshav knew it was already more than that for him.
And he had no idea how far “Aryan” would be allowed to go.
Chapter 3: Deepening Shadows – The Chat Grows Closer
Keshav woke up late the morning after Holi. The society outside was still dotted with faded colours on walls and trees, but inside the apartment everything felt strangely normal. Sonam was already up, scrolling on her phone and humming some song. Kalpana was in the kitchen making a simple breakfast of poha and tea, her yellow kurti from yesterday replaced by a soft white one. She looked rested but there was a quiet tiredness in her eyes that Keshav had never really noticed before.
He sat at the dining table, trying to act normal while his mind kept replaying the long chat from last night. She talked to me for hours. As Aryan. She said it was a pleasant surprise. She even mentioned her husband travelling and the house feeling quiet. The guilt was still there, heavy in his chest, but it was mixed now with something warmer and more dangerous. She enjoyed talking to “Aryan”. She replied because he was respectful. Because he listened. Does she feel that lonely? Is that why she made those videos and pictures? Because she wants to be seen?
He checked the fake Instagram account under the table while sipping tea. There was a new message from Kalpana Rao, sent at 8:47 AM.
Kalpana Rao 8:47 AM Good morning, Aryan. I hope you slept well after yesterday’s colours and chaos. I just wanted to say thank you again for the lovely conversation last night. It was genuinely refreshing after a long day. I don’t usually chat with people I don’t know, but your messages felt sincere. Take care today.
Keshav’s heart beat faster. She had messaged first. She wanted to continue. He typed back quickly, keeping the tone warm and natural, exactly like a polite 28-year-old lawyer would.
Aryan Malhotra 9:12 AM Good morning, Professor. Slept well, thank you. The colours were fun but tiring — I think I still have some pink in my hair. And please, no need to thank me. I really enjoyed our chat too. It made the evening feel less quiet. Hope your college events today go smoothly. If you ever want to continue the book discussion or just talk, I’m here.
