CHAPTER 4- BETWEEN THE MOONS

The man who had just saved me asked a simple question—who are you?

But how could I answer that?

I didn’t exist in this time.

No identity. No proof. No past.

I couldn’t tell him the truth. No one would believe time travel. And I didn’t even know if I could ever return to my own time. I was alone, hungry, and terrified. So I did the only thing I could to survive.

I lied.

“My name is Khushi,” I said softly. “I… I got lost here. I don’t know where to go. I don’t have anyone in this city.”

My voice trembled. “I haven’t eaten anything either.”

I looked at him with teary eyes. “Sir, please help me. I’m not a bad person. I’m just lost.”

Deep inside, guilt burned. I hated lying—especially to someone who had just saved me. But what choice did I have?

He looked at me quietly for a few seconds, as if trying to read my soul. Then he spoke, his voice calm and reassuring.

“It’s okay, Miss Khushi,” he said. “I can help you.”

I looked up, shocked.

“If you don’t mind,” he continued, “you can come to my house. I live with my family. You don’t have to worry—I have no wrong intentions. You can stay with us until you find a place to go.”

My heart skipped a beat. Kindness like this felt unreal.

I nodded slowly. “Thank you,” I whispered.

We walked toward his bike. He made sure I sat comfortably, keeping a respectful distance. As the bike started moving, nervousness wrapped around me. I lightly held onto the back of his shirt, afraid of falling—and of everything else.

When we reached his house, my fear doubled.

Now I’ll have to lie again, I thought. What if they don’t believe me? What if they ask too many questions?

We entered the house.

His mother was sitting on the sofa. The moment she saw me standing behind him, surprise crossed her face.

“Raj?” she asked gently. “Who is she?”

His sister, who had been studying nearby, stood up immediately.

“And why is she with you this late?” she added, curious but not rude.

Raj cleared his throat.

“Ma,” he said, “she’s Khushi. She was in trouble outside. Some drunk men were harassing her. She has no place to go tonight.”

His mother’s expression softened instantly. She stood up and came closer to me.

“Beta,” she said kindly, “are you okay?”

I nodded, my eyes filling again. “Yes, aunty.”