𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 [𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡]

ＣＨＡＰＴＥＲ 49

She came back home dropping her keys on the table and then dropping herself on the couch holding up her feet along with it and lying down in it.
She had to give herself a few moments to think about what to do next. Life was going to be difficult without her mother especially since they had no idea that this was going to happen and had no conversations about the matter.

So it sufficed to say that she had no idea, what was going to happen next.
"Sister," also decide for a stupid monkey. "When is mother coming back home?" He sat down on the one next to her.

She got up, her elbows on her knees and stared into the eyes of a brother in all seriousness she spoke the truth. "She is not coming back not ever. I had a call earlier I was at the hospital till now.. and all I can say to you is she is not coming back.." Aryan you that she had to tell her brother the truth anyway some going and ripping off bandage straight away was the only solution she had.

"That's not funny," he shook his head and got up. He would have laughed but areas for serious face give away the impression that she was not lying she was far from it. "That's not funny sister take your words back."

She sighed and leaned back onto the couch. Taking out her phone she fiddled with it and sent Shan a photo asking him to check it.

He opened it only to slam it on the table. "I said that it's not funny!" He yelled at her. "How could you even think of making a death certificate of the head name? Wow, you even had the time and date of today." He scoffed.

She sighed once again and stood up and next to him, "I am not kidding I am not ranking you. It has happened and let that sink in. Now while you grieve, I have to make sure that I make a free arrangement of a funeral." Expression and determination on her face she left him and walked into her room.
She had to make some dreadful calls.

*******

The last call had been to Arman. He hadn't even muttered a word to her. Also wouldn't have bothered to call him since he didn't know her mother but he had ended up calling her and Alia had rattled every detail to him.

The only difference here was after calling so many people she had no cried in front of him and that was all she did in the last two days.
She didn't even know those many relatives existed.

Today was the funeral. The last day for her mother's body to remain on the earth, after this, she was going to be in ashes. 

Alia closed her eyes and a shaky sigh escaped her lips. It was four in the morning and Alia was up. She hadn't slept in the past few days.
Three days to be exact.

Three days of running to and fro from the hospital to catering services to the funeral home.

Everything was done by her. Even calming her brother down and making sure that he ate.

He had to do the rituals. He was in tears and immediately came to hug Alia. There weren't many here. Her mother's parents, cousin's, her friends who had insisted to come and then the relatives that she had seen.

Even Arman and come with his mother who had hugged Alia. But she didn't react much towards it. She had to handle it all.

The lunch after was done and everyone else had gone back. She was thankful for that for she couldn't handle any more pity and sympathy.
Alia closed the door to her house. It was nine in the evening and they had yet to eat. People had brought in fruits and whatsoever but that wasn't food and Alia had to cook.

She sighed and got up from her bed. All she wanted to go now was asleep but she had to make sure that Shaan ate.

The bell rang and she winced.
Who could it be this time?
She got up from the bed and walked towards the door, opening it she saw that it was Arman and his mother.
"Good evening?" She asked in a bit of resistance. Why were they here at this time?

"Hello child," Mrs Laksha Chaudhary came forward. "I noticed everything happening around you and how you were barely hanging on while coordinating it. So, I thought of bringing you some home-cooked food." Arman held up the bags in front of her to prove his mother's point.

She shook her head ever so slightly, "You didn't need to take such pains for us. I would have cooked for us."
Mrs Laksha smiled and came inside.
"Where's your brother? Tell me to wash his hands and come to eat. I'll get the plates."

Alia remained standing at the door looking at the woman who had entered her house she like owned her house.

She closed the door and walked to her brother's room. He was just lying down on his bed.

"Baba, come for food." She said in a polite voice. She was considerate of his feelings and as an elder sister, she had to make sure that he was better. That he got better. 

They took their seats and thankfully the back chair of the table was left alone. Aliya appreciated their understanding regarding the matter it was their mother who was the head of the family and now that she was in there is she was not ready to accept it yet. 

Mrs Chaudhary had served them food and they ate in silence. She is special attention to Shaan, who she called by his real name Advik.

Alia was washing the plates and utensils. She was going to need those for tomorrow when people would come in again.

She felt someone come behind her and hug her. She knew it was Arman. "What?" She whispered focusing on her task.

"I'm here." That was all he said as he continued to hug her. She needed him and there was no talking required for that.

Part I is officially complete.