Species Of Life

21. A Heart Begins to Heal 🌿(Updated)

Three days had passed since Siddharth had gone to Paris. And today, Abhinav was returning from his school picnic. But his return brought a quiet tension to the house. The one question lingering in everyone's minds: What would they say when Abhinav would ask about Siddharth?

Before he had left, Abhinav had clearly instructed that Siddharth; his dear chachu, must be at home. But now, Siddharth is gone.

It was nine in the morning. The dining table was full—everyone was having breakfast, stealing glances at the clock every now and then. Suddenly, the front door burst open.

"I'm backkkkk! Mummyyy! Papa! Chachuuu! Where is everyone?"

The voice echoed through the halls. Abhinav's cheerful energy filled the air, and within seconds, everyone rushed towards him.

Vaish was the first to reach him. She wrapped her arms around him tightly, and Abhisek joined them in a warm group hug.

"How's my little one?" Vaish asked, holding his face and showering the questions. "How was your picnic? You must be tired, right?"

Abhinav didn't answer. He looked directly at his father. Abhisek stepped in, understanding the glance. "Vaish, calm down. Let him breathe at least." Vaish nodded, stepping back slightly, though her eyes stayed fixed on her son.

"Finally," Abhinav huffed. "Dad, only you can make Mom stop talking." Vaish narrowed her eyes at him.

Changing the topic smoothly, Abhisek smiled. "Leave all that. You tell us, how was the picnic?"

"Just like me—superb!"

Then, suddenly remembering something—or someone—his eyes lit up.

"Where's Handsome? He's not anywhere around. Is he in his room? Or with Khushi? I'll go check..."

He turned to leave, heading toward Khushi's room, but Abhisek called out to stop him. "Abhinav, wait. Actually..."

"What happened?" Abhinav asked, eyes narrowing slightly.

Abhisek looked at Vaish, who gave a subtle nod before stepping forward. "Bachha—"

Before she could finish, Khushi ran in with a huge smile on her face. "Broooo!"

"Sissss!" The siblings hugged tightly.

"You're back!" Khushi beamed.

"Yes! Now we'll have fun."

"I was so bored without you!"

"I missed you so much," Abhinav said.

"I missed you too," she replied.

A little away from them, Akshu stood silently. Her eyes filled with tears as she watched the kids laughing together. Memories of her own childhood with Siddharth swirled in her heart. She wiped her tears quickly, not wanting anyone to notice—but Faisu had already seen them.

"Sis," Abhinav said, "only you can tell me. Where's Handsome?"

Khushi's cheerful face dimmed slightly. "He went to Paris without me..."

"Paris?" Abhinav turned to look at Abhishek with a confused expression.

"Bachha," Abhisek said gently, "Ashu had an emergency. He had to go. But he promised to return soon."

A shadow of disappointment fell across Abhinav's face. He looked down quietly. Watching all this unfold, Akshu felt guilt creeping in like a cold wind. In these few days, she had seen just how deeply Siddharth mattered to this family. And now, she was the reason he was away.