Chapter 12

"Hey, it's your first day in the pharmacy, right?" Aban asked with a smile.

"Yes, it is. I just arrived today. When did you get here? I haven't seen you before," Maha replied.

"I was actually passing by and thought I'd meet you. If you need anything, let me know," 

"No, Aban, you've already done so much for me – helped me with the hostel and everything else. I'm really thankful. I'll repay you when I can," Maha expressed her gratitude.

"Alright, alright. But don't worry, you've already helped me a lot too. Let's not keep count. By the way, would you be up for dinner tonight if you're free after work?" Aban suggested.

"Yes, I'm free after I finish some hostel tasks. Then you'll be free too?" Maha inquired.

"Absolutely. I'll come in the evening. Be ready. Okay, have a good day!" .

It remains uncertain whether Aban was captivated by Maha's charm, or what enchanting reason drew him closer to her. Day by day, Aban found himself traversing a path leading him to her heart, a journey woven with threads of curiosity and fascination.

Unbeknownst to him, destiny had embarked upon a subtle dance, orchestrating their encounters with a masterful hand.

Maha's presence, like a graceful note in a melodic symphony, began to resonate with Aban's senses. She stood as an alluring enigma, a puzzle he couldn't help but yearn to solve. Amidst the tapestry of his experiences, she emerged as a rare and exquisite gem, distinct from all the others he had ever known. Her smile held the softness of dawn's first light, and her laughter echoed like the melody of wind caressing the leaves.

In the realm of his heart's blossoming, where emotions took flight like delicate butterflies, their story unfolded with a touch of intrigue that left Aban spellbound. As time coursed forward, he realized that what drew him wasn't merely her outer beauty, but the way her eyes held galaxies of thoughts and the way her words painted landscapes of dreams.

With each passing day, Aban's steps towards Maha were guided by an invisible hand, an irresistible magnetism pulling him closer. His interactions with her, whether mundane or meaningful, became the highlights of his existence, imprinted on his heart like constellations in the night sky.

Their connection, like a well-written tale, gained depth with every chapter. And though Aban may not have comprehended the magic that was unfolding, the universe whispered secrets only known to the stars, that their paths were destined to intertwine in a tapestry woven by fate itself.

After her duty, as Maha strolled down the street, her gaze coincidentally fell upon the pakora vendor's stall. Today, I'll talk to him, she thought, as there was something about this man that drew her in.

"Hello, uncle. How are you doing?" Maha greeted warmly.

"Hello, dear. I'm perfectly fine. Do you need something?" the uncle replied kindly.

"No, no, uncle. I was just passing by and saw you here." 

"Well, here, take some pakoras. No need to thank me, just enjoy," the uncle insisted.

"Oh, no, thank you. I don't want any," Maha declined politely.

"Come on, take them. I won't take any money from you. Last time, I gave them to you for free as well," the uncle said.

"Uncle, you take money from many people, why not from me?

It doesn't feel right to take things for free every day," Maha mentioned.

"It's alright, dear. I take money from many, but if I don't charge you, what's the harm?" the uncle assured her. "Anyway, tell me, were you looking troubled that day I saw you?"

"Well, uncle, there are many problems, what can I say? But things are going okay for now," Maha shared.

"Listen, beta, feel free to ask anything if you want to. Ask away," the uncle encouraged.

"Uncle, can I ask you something, if you don't mind? Why do you seem so happy?" Maha inquired.

"Sure, ask away. I'm happy because I choose to be," the uncle replied with a smile.

"Dear, you see, a person's inner happiness reflects outwardly. When someone is genuinely content within, their external demeanor resonates with joy," the pakora vendor uncle began, his voice carrying a soft wisdom.

"But how does one attain that inner happiness?" Maha asked curiously.

"Listen closely, beti. Happiness comes in two forms – the happiness that resides within and the happiness that is external. External happiness varies from person to person; some find joy in dancing, while others in wealth. Some find it in their loved ones, others in possessions. Some revel in parties, while others find solace in reading. Every individual has their own disposition for happiness," the uncle explained thoughtfully.

"But this inner happiness, beti, is a singular essence. It's only achieved when a person discovers a connection with the divine, transcending the boundaries of material existence. This happiness is uniform for all, unaltered by external factors. Once this inner happiness is attained, the external sources of joy become less significant. This, my dear, is the truest form of happiness, a genuine state of contentment," the uncle concluded, his words carrying a serene depth.

Maha listened, her heart and mind drawn into a realm of contemplation. The uncle's words weren't just a casual conversation; they were like pearls of wisdom strung along the necklace of understanding. She marveled at the notion that true happiness wasn't a fleeting emotion, subject to the whims of circumstance. Instead, it was a treasure buried within, waiting to be unearthed through introspection, prayer, and a harmonious relationship with the universe.

As she walked away from the pakora stall, a newfound awareness settled within her. The bustling street seemed quieter, and the sun's rays felt warmer on her skin. The conversation had stirred something within her, a desire to delve deeper into the realm of her own soul. For she realized that while external pleasures might light up the sky momentarily, it was the eternal glow of inner satisfaction that painted her world with hues of enduring happiness.