Chapter 11: Awakenings
Ishaan found himself treated to mutton curry by a stranger, asked cryptic questions about the Meditation Room and iron ore at the UN. He picked at his rice, the aroma of spicy curry filling the air, baffled but soon distracted by the anniversary with Ritika.
Ritika had just handed him a rough outline when Ishaan’s mind flooded with the life of Zoya and the solar system’s entire history. His face cycled between delight, gravity, and the dazed look of someone drunk on Old Monk. Ritika, alarmed and awed, nudged his arm. “She revived so quickly?”
“Mm,” Ishaan replied, sweat beading on his brow. “I want to give her a complete life.”
Ritika pouted. “Most writers can’t do in a lifetime what you do in five minutes. Should I take the hint and leave?” She smiled, but the ache was real.