Part 3 – Woven Fates

The week was busy for both Karan as well as Samiksha. On a sunny Saturday, Karan was in his office going through some papers when he saw a news on his TV screen.
Walter, the news reporter introduced Benny D’Silva, a Marine Archaeologist to the viewers. Karan was surfing through his papers but his ears were attentive to the ongoing news.
“So friends lets see what Benny has to tell us all with his latest discovery.”
“Good morning friends, I can’t wait to share with you my latest exploration. It is said that remains are long lost memories.

They are the proof

that a story was alive once, in a certain place, long ago. I am sure this beautiful thing which I and my team have discovered have a history attached to it too. Among some artifacts and old jewellery, we located this ring”, he showed the ring to the audience, “I am pleased to inform you all that it was also known as The Lovers Stone . . “

At the mention of the ring’s name, Karan looked instantly at his screen inquisitive about what the archaeologist had further to say.
“The ring definitely belongs to some person who was travelling in the ship Maria*, which sinked in the Arabian sea due to a thunder storm, in the year 1986. Its one of its kind and its beauty lies in the charisma it carries. We found it in the underwater buried sands of the Arabian sea during our latest research. I want to appeal to each person who is hearing me right now, to disclose its details, if you know any. My phone number is flashed on your screen down here. Needless to say, proper and sufficient proofs will be demanded for, to any claimants of this ring. Thank you.”

The news echoed

in Karan’s head as he looked for his phone, but Martha’s entry into his office interrupted his work. He talked to her for a while and then headed for Robin Kapoor’s office.
“Yes my man, what can I do for you?”
“Give me a break of um . . maybe a day or two?”
“Hmm. Anything urgent?”
“Its for a personal reason, if you don’t mind Robin.”
“Of course not Karan. I asked in case you needed any help from my side. You can take this as your holiday break. You deserve it too.”
“Thanks Robin. I will ensure my approachability in my absence though. See you soon bro.”

As soon as

Karan reached home, he dialled a number.
“Dad, guess what . . I have a news for you.”
“What is it? Is everything ok?”
“Of course. I have a surprise for you. The ring which you told me about, known as The Lovers Stone, is found by an archaeologist. He found it under sea, during exploration. Isn’t it great?”
“Why under sea? I mean what did he exactly say son?”

“Relax dad. I will be visiting him today. I will enquire and let you know.”
“Yes son. Let me know please. I will be waiting for your call.”

Karan disconnected the phone,

analysing the restlessness in his father’s voice.
He called up Benny and fixed an appointment by afternoon. Immediately after lunch he rushed there.
“Hello Benny. Karan Khanna, Head chef at Creative Appetit Hotel. I saw your news today morning and that is why I am here.”
“Please have seat. So what is your query?”
“The ring which you showed today morning, belongs to my father. He had purchased it 30 years ago. I have come here as a claimant for the same.”

“Hmm. In that case you will have to produce proof like a purchase receipt and adequate photographs which will aid in your claim.”
Karan thought for a moment and replied,
“Will have to ask my father about this then. I should have come with the necessary proofs though. Just got excited by your news and dashed in.”
“That is fine Karan. I will give you time to bring those proofs.”
“Sure. Thanks.”

Karan returned to his house

and called his father again.
“Dad I had been there. They found the ring from Arabian sea while exploring the underwater remains.”
“What? This is not possible. I don’t know how this might have happened?”
“Dad, are you ok? Please sit down first.”
“Did you take the ring?”
“No dad. That is why I called you. Do we have proof like receipt and photos to prove that it belongs to you?”
“Yes son. Can you come here? I have kept it safely along with the other documents.”

“Don’t worry dad, I will be there.”

After keeping the phone Karan reminisced his father’s words about the ring.
True love does exist Karan. I have experienced it once. You don’t feel you and the other person are different. It is like two bodies, but one soul. I was fortunate to experience such love. To express my undying love, I had gifted her a very rare and precious ring. It was known as The Lovers Stone. The smile on her face when I put it on her finger was priceless. Though we couldn’t unite, she has an irreplacable place in my heart. Her name is etched on my soul Karan.

Karan decided to leave at earliest for Bicholim, where his father resided. As he was packing his suitcase, he received a call from Benny.
“Hi there Benny. Whats up?”
“Actually I had to inform you something important.”
“Go ahead.”
“There is one more claimant for the ring. It seems she has the photos too that prove the ownership of the ring.”
“Strange. Um what did she say but?”
“Sorry but it would be better if you could come down to my office. We can sort the matter here.”
“Sure. I am on my way.”

Within some time

Karan reached Benny’s office.
“Who is the claimant Benny?”
Benny pointed out to a girl standing, her face pointing towards the wall. She was observing a huge painting hung there.
“Excuse me.”
The girl turned around and Karan was left in dismay.

* P.S. Some events and names mentioned are pure fictionary.

https://pieces-of-life.com/universe-connects-people/