Part 3 – Woven Fates

Both Karan and Samiksha were busy during the week. On a sunny Saturday, Karan was in his office reviewing some papers when he saw the news on his TV screen.
Walter, the news reporter, introduced Benny D’Silva, a Marine Archaeologist, to the viewers. Karan surfed through his papers, but his ears were attentive to the ongoing news.
“So, friends, let’s see what Benny tells us all about his latest discovery.”
“Good morning, friends. I can’t wait to share my latest exploration with you. It is said that the remains are long-lost memories.

They are the proof

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

When the ring’s name was mentioned, Karan looked instantly at his screen, inquisitive about what the archaeologist had to say.
“The ring belongs to someone travelling on the ship Maria*, which sank in the Arabian Sea due to a thunderstorm in 1986. It is one of a kind, and its beauty lies in the charisma it carries. During our latest research, we found it in the underwater buried sands of the Arabian Sea. I want to appeal to each person 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 proof will be demanded from 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 briefly 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?”
“It’s for a personal reason, Robin, if you don’t mind.”
“Of course not, Karan. I asked if 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 and he dialled a number.
“Dad, guess what. I have some news for you.”
“What is it? Is everything okay?”
“Of course. I have a surprise for you. The ring which you told me about, known as The Lovers Stone, was 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 this morning, which is why I am here.”
“Please have a seat. So, what is your query?”
“The ring which you showed this 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 must produce proof like a purchase receipt and adequate photographs to aid your claim.”
Karan thought for a moment and replied,
“I will have to ask my father about this then. Maybe I should have brought the necessary proof, though. I 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 the 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 a receipt and photos to prove 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 just don’t feel that you and the other person are different. It is like a single soul residing in two bodies. I was fortunate to experience such love. I gifted her a rare and precious ring to express my undying love. 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 irreplaceable place in my heart. Her name is etched on my soul, Karan.

Karan decided to leave as soon as possible for Bicholim, where his father lived. As he was packing his suitcase, Benny called him.
“Hi there, Benny. What’s up?”
“Actually, I have to tell you something important.”
“Go ahead.”
“There is one more claimant for the ring. It seems she has the photos, too, that prove the ring’s ownership.”
“Strange. Um, what did she say but?”
“Sorry, but it would be better if you could visit 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 other claimant, Benny?”
Benny pointed 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 fiction.

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