The small rented house smelled faintly of incense and burnt oil lamps. The television in the corner was still flashing Jhansi’s stern face, declaring to the public that “Tanish will be brought to justice.” Every word fell like a hamm

er on Tanish’s chest. His palms were sweaty, his legs weak, and his throat dry.

Just then, Swapna entered with a steel plate carrying some food.

Swapna (softly): “Anna, eat something… you haven’t touched a grain since morning.”

Tanish (sighing, eyes lowered): “Swapna… how can I eat? My eyes are wet with my memories. I cheated so many people, took their hard-earned money. And now… I’m accused of a murder I never committed. Even if I want to fight for my innocence, who will believe me? Jhansi won’t spare me. She’s waiting for this chance since our college days.” Swapna placed the plate in front of him and sat close. Her big kohl-lined eyes softened with concern.

Swapna: “Anna, don’t lose hope. You once saved me when no one cared. Do you remember? I was lying on the roadside after that accident. People just passed by. You took me to hospital, stayed till I got discharged. You didn’t know me then, yet you helped me. Today it’s my turn.”

Before Tanish could respond, they both heard heavy boots and a knock on the door.

Police voice (from outside): “Open the door! Police check!”

Tanish’s face drained of colour. He grabbed Swapna’s hand in desperation.

Tanish (whispering fast): “Swapna… they’re here. Please… hide me. I don’t want to rot in prison for a crime I didn’t do.”

Swapna (thinking quickly): “First, your phone. Give me your SIM card.”

Tanish fumbled in panic. Swapna snatched the small card, broke it into pieces with her teeth, and flushed it down a glass of water.

Swapna (urgent whisper): “Now listen to me. Don’t ask questions. Sit here.”

She pulled out a faded cotton saree from the trunk, wrapped it around him, and tied his hair into a loose ponytail with a rubber band. She covered his face with the pallu, leaving just the eyes visible.

Swapna: “Sit in front of Durga mata photo. Fold your hands. Chant if you can. You are not Tanish now. You are my Guru maa.”

Tanish’s heart pounded, but he obeyed. He sat cross-legged, trembling, and muttered, “Jai maa…” under his breath.

The police banged harder. Swapna took a deep breath, adjusted her dupatta, and opened the door.

Constable 1 (suspiciously): “What are you doing? We are searching this lane. A criminal is hiding here.”

Swapna (confidently, with a half-smile): “Arrey sir, only I and my Guru maa are here. She is doing Durga maa’s pooja. Please come in, take her blessings, and go.”

The constable leaned inside, his eyes falling on Tanish’s covered figure. Tanish didn’t dare move. His hands shook, but he pressed them together in prayer, bowing low.

Constable 2 (impatiently): “Don’t waste time with this lady. We are losing the mobile signal. Let’s check the next house.”

The men turned and left. Swapna slowly closed the door, her heart beating as fast as Tanish’s.

She turned, dropped to her knees before Tanish, and touched his feet playfully.

Swapna (grinning, whispering): “Bless me, Guru maa… That was a close call!”

For the first time in days, a faint smile touched Tanish’s lips. But deep inside, fear still ruled.

Tanish (seriously): “Swapna… I can’t live like this forever. They will catch me one day.”

Swapna (determined): “Then we’ll find another way. I have an idea… it’s risky, but it might save you. From today, you are not Tanish anymore. You’ll become someone new.”

Her eyes sparkled with both mischief and courage. For Tanish, it was the first ray of hope in his dark world.

And what Swapna planned next… was going to change the course of his life.

P.S: This story is a purely fictional story and any resemblance of characters in real life is just a coincidence.