MEIN HOON NA

Part 4

Letter:

Dear Shefali di,

I hope you're reading this with an open heart, knowing that I truly believe you will come to see me soon. That's why I'm handing this letter to Vansh bhai. For God's sake, please don't ever think of yourself as the reason for my departure. This decision of mine isn't born from any fault of yours, but rather from the weight of my family's indifference. They've never truly accepted me or considered me part of their lives. After my relationship fell apart, I found myself utterly alone, without a single person to console me. Not one person even bothered to ask, "Are you okay? Your engagement ended." In fact, I think they were secretly relieved, convinced that I deserved this outcome.

I cannot express how grateful I am to you, di. You saved me from making the worst decision of my life. When I was at my lowest, facing the fallout of my choices, you were the voice of reason. How could someone who wouldn't even listen to my side of the story ever stand by me? A relationship without trust isn't worth pursuing; it's merely an illusion.

I once believed Birla Hospital was a respectable place, where people's health was prioritized above all else. But I was sorely mistaken. It's a place that dismisses individuals based solely on personal biases, while allowing unworthy people to remain. I can't be a part of that environment anymore. I need to pursue my goals and aspirations, and here, that seems impossible.

And please, promise me, di, that you won't endure any more of this. If you've ever considered me your sister, stand against the injustice that's happening around you. I've already prepared my papers. You don't have to continue residing in that hellish situation. Live your life on your own terms. Parth doesn't deserve you; he needs to understand that you are not his property. You have the strength to stand on your own feet, and proving that will be the biggest slap on his face.

Alright, that's enough for now. I need to go. Please don't worry about me. Take care of yourself, and don't forget about Vansh bhai and Nikita bhabhi too.  Good bye, di.

~Aarohi

As Vansh returned home, he held the papers tightly in his hands, the weight of their significance heavy in the air. He approached Shefali, a mixture of resolve and concern etched on his face.

Manish, sensing the tension, broke the silence. "Koi batayega yeh kya ho raha hai?" His tone was laced with irritation, as if he was already irritated by what he suspected was brewing.

Shefali inhaled deeply, gathering her thoughts. "Mujhe Aarohi ke baare mein kuch kehna hai," she began, her voice steady yet tinged with worry. "Uski shaadi ka rishta tut gaya, aur mujhe samajh mein aaya hai ki kitna usne jhela hai. Woh mere liye sab kuch hai."

The room fell into shocked silence, each member processing the revelation. Their expressions were a mixture of disbelief and guilt.

Swarna, her voice trembling, reached out. "Aarohi... meri bachi," she whispered, tears spilling over as she felt the weight of her daughter's pain crashing over her.

Manish's brow furrowed, confusion swirling in his eyes. "To yeh sab Aarohi ne bataya kyun nahi? Kyun humne kabhi unse yeh nahi suna?"

Vansh stepped forward, his protective nature surfacing. "Aap logo ne suna. Sunna to dur ki baat hai, aapne to bas usse doshi thehra diya, bina puri baat jaane. Uski engagement tut gayi, par kya kabhi aap logon ne socha ke usse ek baar bhi achhe se baat karni chahiye thi?" His voice rose with every word, frustration evident in his tone.

The tension in the room crackled as he continued, unrelenting. "Aap logon ko sirf Akshara ki pari chahiye thi. Aur Akshara, tum to kehti ho ki kisi ke sath galat nahi hota dekh sakti... to jab tumhari behan ka saath galat ho raha tha, tab kaha gayi yeh philosophy? Aur Mr. Manish Goenka, jab subah aap se baat karne aayi, aapne usse ganda khun aur kya kya nahi kaha." His voice dripped with disdain. "Aur mein to bhool hi gaya... woh to aapke bhai ki beti nahi hai, woh to Seerat chachi ki beti hai. Tabhi uske sath itna bura behave kiya jaata hai. Uske dard, uski takleef, uski khushi ko kabhi priority nahi di gayi."

The atmosphere was thick with guilt and regret, an uncomfortable silence stretching between them.

"Lekin ab aap log khush ho jao," he continued, his voice rising, filled with bitterness. "Chali gayi hai woh humse door. Nahi aane wale ab woh jahan. Congratulations, guys... you all succeeded in proving Aarohi right—she has no family."

With those words hanging in the air, he stormed off to his room, the weight of anger propelling him forward. Nikita hurried after him, concern etched on her face. Shefali followed closely, leaving the Goenkas in stunned silence, guilt gnawing at their hearts.