Kasturi’s heart raced as she listened to Shanaya.
“M. Ray’s book launch is at 2 PM, the day after tomorrow, at Connaught Place. It’s a public event, and she’ll be discussing her latest novel, Kassy’s Tale,” Shanaya informed her.
“Thank you so much,” Kasturi replied, her voice trembling.
Later that evening, Kasturi placed another call, this time to an NGO contact in India. A meeting was scheduled for the same day as the book launch, at 10 AM. The day was already shaping up to be one of significance.
When the day arrived, Kasturi walked into the NGO office, her professional demeanour masking the storm of emotions inside her. As she entered the conference room, a man extended his hand with a polite smile.
“Ms. Kasturi? I’m Vishal, the point of contact for this project.”
“Nice to meet you, Vishal,” she replied, shaking his hand.
So, are you heading this project? Kasturi asked, her curiosity evident.
“Yes,” he said with a smile. “This is my dream project. By profession, I’m in the telecom industry.”
Seeing the confusion flicker across Kasturi’s face, he added, “I started volunteering with this NGO a few years ago, and there’s been no looking back since. I came across Wings of Change and was blown away by the impact you’ve had. That’s when I decided to propose a collaboration. Luckily, the idea was accepted—and here we are.”
Kasturi nodded, her expression shifting to one of admiration.
Meena stood in front of the mirror, her eyes searching the reflection for something more than her image. Was she trying to catch a glimpse of the carefree child she once was? Or perhaps the young girl who scribbled stories in her diary under the mango tree? She sighed, smoothing down her saree, and picked up her phone.
Dialing Vishal, she waited as the line connected.
“I’m headed to the venue,” she said when he answered. “Please don’t be late, Vishal.”
“I’m in a meeting, but I’ll make it on time. All the best.”
The call ended, leaving her a little more reassured.
Meanwhile, in the conference room, the meeting was dragging on longer than expected. Kasturi grew anxious as the minutes ticked closer to 1 PM. Vishal noticed and, after a pause, addressed the group.
At 1:15, Vishal glanced at his watch. “Can we continue this tomorrow? I have an urgent matter to attend to.”
Kasturi looked at him with a mix of gratitude and relief before quickly gathering her things and rushing out of the room.
As she stood outside, waiting for a taxi, a car pulled up beside her. Vishal was in the driver’s seat.
“Need a ride?” he asked.
Kasturi hesitated before replying, “I’m headed to Connaught Place.”
“Hop in. I’m headed there too,” Vishal said with a casual smile.
They drove in silence for most of the ride, until Vishal broke the quiet. “You seem in a hurry. Is there something important at CP?”
Kasturi hesitated, then replied vaguely, “I’m attending an event.”
Vishal nodded, respecting her privacy, though curiosity flickered in his expression.
At the venue, Kasturi thanked Vishal. Before Vishal could inquire, she vanished into the buzzing hall. She took a seat near the back, her nerves simmering under her composed exterior.
The event began with applause as the host welcomed Ms. M. Ray onto the stage. Meena appeared, draped in an elegant mustard saree, her poise radiating confidence. Kasturi’s breath hitched.
She knew it was Meena, but… the years had blurred the edges of the image she once held so vividly in her mind. It was hard to reconcile the girl she had known with the woman who now stood before her.
Then her eyes fell on Kassy, the little pink teddy, a bit worn, gracefully, seated on Meena’s lap. A smile tugged at Kasturi’s lips.
Meena spoke about her book, sharing insights into her characters and the journey of writing Kassy’s Tale.
The Q&A session followed, with audience members posing questions:
“What inspired Kassy’s character arc?”
Meena smiled. “Kassy is a reflection of resilience and self-discovery. Her journey mirrors what many of us face—finding strength in adversity.”
Another question came: “Is there a personal story behind the setting of your book?”
Meena paused, a flicker of emotion crossing her face. “The setting is inspired by places that shaped my early years—places that still hold echoes of friendships and moments long gone.”
Kasturi listened, her heartbeat quickening with every word.
Finally, she raised her hand. The mic reached her, and she stood, humming “Mai Odia Pu Bhari.”
The melody filled the room, silencing the whispers. Meena froze, her eyes scanning the audience until they locked onto Kasturi. Recognition dawned, and memories flooded back.
When Kasturi finished, she smiled and said, “You mentioned songs in your book, and here’s an Odia song you referenced. Would you please sing the Bengali version? It’s a humble request from your fan.”
The audience, caught off guard by the unexpected request, exchanged curious glances. It was a strange ask, directed at an author, but the anticipation in the room was palpable. All eyes turned toward M. Ray.
She took a deep breath, her expression softening, and then, with a quiet nod, she began: “Amar Shonar Bangla.” Her voice, steady but filled with emotion, resonated in the room, carrying the weight of nostalgia and longing that only a song so deeply embedded in her soul could evoke.
The audience erupted in applause, but for Kasturi and Meena, the rest of the room faded away.
As the event concluded, the crowd dispersed. Vishal, standing near the exit, noticed the interaction but remained silent, piecing things together.
Kasturi waited as the room emptied, her eyes never leaving Meena. Slowly, Meena descended from the stage, each step bringing her closer to Kasturi.
They looked at each other, and the weight of twenty years just melted away.
Neither spoke at first.
“Finally, Meena broke the silence. “You’re here.”
“I’m here,” Kasturi replied, her voice steady but her eyes brimming with tears.
Meena smiled, a tear slipping down her cheek. “You came back.”
“I never really left,” Kasturi said softly. “Not in my heart.”
Vishal, observing from a distance, quietly slipped out, giving the two women their moment.
“So, Professor Ghosh, what’s next?”
Meena laughed, a sound that felt like home. “Next? Dinner. We have twenty years to catch up on.”
And as they strolled toward a new chapter of their lives, the past was finally laid to rest, and the promise of tomorrow sparkled ahead.
————————————————THE END?————————————————–
PS: I’m participating in #BlogchatterA2Z
Cerebration 
Wow, this chapter truly tugged at my heartstrings. Kasturi’s anticipation and emotional turmoil leading up to the book launch were palpable. Meeting Vishal added an unexpected layer of warmth and support, highlighting the serendipity of meaningful connections. The moment she saw Meena on stage, adorned in that mustard saree, was both surreal and poignant, especially with Kassy, the pink teddy, symbolizing their shared past. Meena’s reflections during the Q&A resonated deeply, particularly her insights on resilience and self-discovery. This chapter beautifully encapsulates the complexities of rekindled relationships and the enduring bonds of friendship.
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Thank you so much for being there throughout this journey. I’m truly glad that the final chapter resonated with you and met your expectations. Your comments have added a special touch to this experience, making it all the more meaningful. Thank you once again 💖
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All for happy endings! I love when people unite in good circumstances. And a very Bollywood dramatic meeting–singing their childhood songs, union of two states and two friends. Loved reading about Meena and Kasturi through A2Z.
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Thank you so much for your constant support throughout the series. I am glad that you liked the ending. All is well that ends well 💙
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What a wonderful dramatic end! Two friends, two states unite with a song and a teddy and a book.
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Simple ingredients but a reunion so dramatic 😄 thank you for your support and your comments. It truly means a lot!
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Ahan! So that’s how and why Vishal was connected to the two and you left it a little vague. Nicely done. So happy to see that the years of distance and silence just melted away for the women, that’s what happens when the bond is strong isn’t it?
Congratulations on the successful completion of A2Z, Pinki. Thank you for this wonderful journey of community strength, nostalgia and friendship. I hope you convert this into a book and really take the story ahead. That ‘?’ after THE END makes me feel there’s more to this story.
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Thank you, Manali, for being there with me and this story throughout. Your comments have been a constant source of encouragement, offering fresh perspectives that inspire me deeply.
Yes, their bond is indeed strong, which is why there was no drama in their reunion—they simply met, with a promising future ahead. And yes, I have plans to publish this story. Let’s see how it unfolds. It’s feedback like yours that motivates me to keep pushing forward, so a heartfelt thank you for that!
This could be the end or perhaps a new beginning to a new story. Who knows? Life always seems to have its own plans.
Thank you once again for everything 💙
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I thought Vishal will assist. But finally the song helped. But the reunion scene is so matured, my friend! A nice song came to my mind (don’t ask me another song!!!), a rough english translation and polishing with AI gives this –
I thought Vishal would help, but in the end, it was the song that made a difference. The reunion scene was truly mature. A beautiful song came to mind (please, don’t ask me am I going to sing another one. Definitely not!), and with a rough English translation and a bit of AI polishing, it goes like this:
It’s somewhat comforting to shed tears when those who were apart are finally reunited. If you are so moved that you fall silent and stand still like a statue, that moment becomes a shrine to the divine. K&M were in divine moment for a while!!
That’s a nice one! Author’s touch! I liked it!
Congratulations on finishing the A2Z challenge and the ReadTheNew challenge. That’s not an easy job! I’m glad I discovered your blog and had the chance to follow K & M’s journey. Thank you for your engaging storytelling. My expectations on this blog became higher for next year’s A2Z. Easy, easy! We can do it!
All the best.
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The song is absolutely beautiful and aligns perfectly with the storyline—thank you for sharing the translation.
As for next year’s A2Z, let me first recover from this year’s whirlwind experience! It has been overwhelming, but with the support of this incredible community and friends like you, I’m confident we’ll be ready to tackle it again.
Your reactions to the storyline, your thoughtful feedback, and your kind compliments have truly enriched this series. Thank you for your unwavering support—it has meant the world to me.
Let’s meet again next year for A2Z, but for now, let’s immerse ourselves in the joy of reading and creating. I noticed you’ve posted some stories, and I can’t wait to dive into them as May begins.
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I am sad to read the last chapter of this beautiful story!
Thank you for writing this, Pinki. Your exquisite writing has ensured that this story will stay with me for a long time to come. Writing in a simple manner is the toughest thing to do and you have pulled off this task with aplomb!
I am looking forward to seeing a book with your name as the author on a bestseller list soon! May the muse always be kind!
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This comment is truly special—it feels like something I’d want to frame and cherish forever. I’m so grateful that the story resonated with you and found a place in your heart.
Publishing it has always been a dream of mine, and your kind words have reassured me that it’s a goal worth pursuing. Your encouragement means the world to me, and I can’t thank you enough for your wishes and unwavering support.
Wishing you all the happiness and success in life, Mayuri. You’ve made this journey even more meaningful!
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thank you for writing such a beautiful story that would stay for long tugging the heartstrings. Th happy ending and a song. Love love for the finale. looking forward to more stories from you dear Pinki❤️
God bless 👍
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Thank you so much. I am so glad that the story touched your heart. Your kind words are truly encouraging and mean a great deal to me.
Thank you so much for your support throughout the journey, it has made the experience all the more rewarding. Thank you and wishing you all the best, always!
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I personally feel relieved reading about the union of both the friends, Kasturi & Meena. I just wish to find such true bonds in today’s times.
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I am glad that you liked the ending… Such friendships do exist and I wish you find one 🙂
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What a lovely ending! You have done full justice to the story and I really loved how you have woven such an emotional ending chapter. It feels like watching a flashback of the story and then reaching to the most emotional point where two long lost best friends are uniting again. Very lovely! Enjoyed reading your story, Pinki. I will remember this story forever. Congratulations and best wishes dear.
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Thank you Swarnali for staying with the story throughout. Your feedback and inputs were really valuable. It was lovely having you as a reader that made the story all the more special. Best wishes to you too!
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Such moments are timeless and speechless. Reading your story made me to ask more about the role of Vishal. I felt he was also somewhere connected but he left the spot made me feel bad. I also wanted little more emotional connectivity towards the end when the two reunites. Just what next? feels empty. The overwhelming emotions to be verbalized, the choking of works and silent interlockings all were flooding at that moment as I was reading. I think incorprating them would be more lively. I understand you might have written this way to keep the post short. Beautifully crafted.
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Thank you so much for taking the time to read my work. I’m delighted that you enjoyed it and truly appreciate your thoughtful feedback. I’ve taken note of your suggestions and will keep them in mind.
This chapter is the concluding piece of a 26-part series titled The Song of Our Bond. I thought I’d mention it in case the series piques your interest. Once again, thank you for connecting and sharing your thoughts—it means a lot!
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Surely I will give it a look.
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Lovely ending to sum up a wonderful series.
So happy to have discovered your blog 🙂
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Thank you so much for visiting and being a constant supporter. It has been a great experience connecting with you! 😊 Looking forward to your awesome blogs too!
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