Guilty

Chapter 6 - Torn Allegiances

As Rana and Aditya approached the rest of the group, the charged atmosphere crackled with tension. Tara, their younger sister, observed them with concern etched on her face. Keerthi, Aditya's sister-in-law and a compassionate soul, stood by Tara, her expression a mix of understanding and worry.

"Adi, everyone," Rana began, his voice bearing the weight of responsibility, "the doctor has given us the green light to take Aadhya home. Since her parents aren't here, I've discussed it with Grandma. It seems best for her to stay with us at the Rathore house until they return."

Keerthi, always a pillar of support for Aditya, stood beside him in this decision. "It's a challenging situation, but we should support Aadhya in every way we can. Being with family might aid her recovery."

Tara, echoing the compassionate sentiment of her brothers, added, "Yes, annaya, vadhina is right. It's crucial for her to be surrounded by support and familiarity during this trying time."

However, Prerna, a dear friend of Aadhya's, voiced her apprehensions, her worry palpable. "Rana, I understand the need for support, but is this the right decision? Aadhya hardly knows you all, and suddenly being in an unfamiliar environment might overwhelm her."

Vikram, visibly frustrated, interjected passionately, "Overwhelming? You think this is just overwhelming, Prerna? This is wrong! Aadhya needs someone she's comfortable with, someone she trusts. She's been through enough; we can't just thrust her into an unfamiliar environment."

The room became a battleground of contrasting opinions, tensions rising. Rana, trying to maintain composure, sought to address their concerns. "I understand it's not ideal, but we have to consider what's best for Aadhya. The Rathore house is a familiar place for her, she's been there many times and most of all she's going to be family."

Prerna hesitated, torn between her concern for Aadhya and the rationale presented. "I just... I hope it's the right decision," she finally conceded.

Vikram snapped, his emotions bubbling over. "Right decision? Seriously?" he challenged Prerna.

Prerna, sensing the need for a private conversation, excused herself and pulled Vikram aside. "Stop being overdramatic," she urged him, trying to get him to understand the complexity of the situation.

Vikram was unyielding. "I can't just stand by and watch this happen, Prerna."

She sighed, her voice tinged with frustration. "The Rathores are her family now, and we can't come in the way of that."

Vikram snapped back, his concern for Aadhya driving his emotions. "How can you even think we can send her with them? They know nothing about her, for heaven's sake."

Prerna took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Look, I know it's not ideal, but we're out of options here. Aadhya needs a place to stay, and the Rathores are her family now."

"She's not their family yet," Vikram argued, frustration lacing his voice. "And I won't just stand by and watch her being sent off to some place where she might not even feel safe."

Prerna, her patience wearing thin, exclaimed, "Cut the crap, Vikram. If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have ended up here in the first place."

Taking a step back, Vikram felt a surge of frustration and guilt. He had indeed played a part in this unfortunate event. But his concern for Aadhya was genuine, and he was determined to make things right. "But Prerna..."

Rana, sensing the escalating conflict, stepped forward, his voice calm yet firm. "Let's not forget our primary goal here—to support Aadhya. Vikram, your concern is valid, and Prerna, we appreciate your worry. We must decide together what's in Aadhya's best interest."