Symphony of Broken Ties - Abhirohi

Chapter 5

Neil entered the cabin and noticed Abhimanyu engrossed in Arohi's medical report.

Neil, casually: Bhai, what's with Arohi's file? Everything okay?

Abhimanyu, startled by Neil's sudden presence, quickly composed himself.

Abhimanyu: Oh, Neil, Vo... actuallyy... Arohi wasn't feeling well last night.. so I'm just checking her medical report.

Neil, raising an eyebrow: If she was unwell last night, wouldn't Rohan be taking care of it? What are you doing with this?

Abhimanyu, making excuses: Well, you know, just wanted to stay updated. Routine check.

Neil, skeptical: Routine check?

Abhimanyu, changing the topic: I have rounds to make. Catch you later, Neil.

As Abhimanyu hurriedly left, Neil glanced at the open medical report on the desk, recalling the overheard conversation from last night of his bhai with Dr. Rohan. The abruptness of his brother's concern for Arohi intrigued him, leaving him puzzled and curious about the dynamics between Abhimanyu and Arohi.

Neil, to himself: Bhai ko achanak se kya ho gaya hai? The way he rushed to the hospital last night, that too for Arohi, it's not like him.

He tried to make sense of the unusual worry etched on Abhimanyu's face, questioning the sudden surge of concern for Arohi. But then Neil shaking off the thoughts, muttered to himself, "Neil, tu na zyada soch raha hai."

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In the bustling hospital environment, Abhimanyu discreetly reorganized the intern assignments. With a subtle touch, he delegated some of Arohi's tasks to others, ensuring she had a lighter workload for the day. His intention was to provide her with a much-needed break without explicitly admitting it.

Later, as Arohi entered his office.

Abhimanyu: Yes Dr Arohi?

Arohi: Dr. Birla, why haven't you assigned me any significant tasks lately? Is this your way of proving that I can't handle my job?

Abhimanyu, leaning back in his chair with an air of authority: Arohi, your duties are my call to decide. Don't question my decisions.

Arohi, with a raised eyebrow, pressed further: Is this because you think I'm not well? I can manage perfectly fine.

Abhimanyu, momentarily affected but quickly regaining composure: Why should I be concerned about your health? Don't assume you're that important. It's my prerogative to make necessary adjustments.

A flicker of hurt passed over Arohi's face, and Abhimanyu, noticing it, continued to explain his decision without showing any hint of personal concern.

Abhimanyu, with an authoritative gaze: Is there anything else you need clarification on?

Arohi: No.

She left by muttering under her breath: Khadoos.

Abhimanyu, though maintaining his bossy demeanor, couldn't help but feel a flicker of a smile at her muttered remark.
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At Night:

Arohi stood alone in the balcony, gazing at the stars that adorned the night sky. The tranquility of the room contradicted the chaos in her mind. The silent moments carried the weight of unspoken thoughts and the echoes of recent events.

Soon, Akshara entered the room, breaking the quietude.

Akshara: Arohi, there's a Pooja in the Shiv temple day after tomorrow. Both Abhimanyu and I have to be there. You should come too... OK..

Akshara's excitement about the upcoming Pooja echoed off the walls, contrasting sharply with the turmoil in Arohi's mind. As Akshara continued to chatter animatedly, Arohi, overwhelmed by the relentless enthusiasm, couldn't contain her growing frustration.

Arohi: Akshara, bas! Can you just leave me alone for a while?

Akshara, taken aback by Arohi's abrupt response, asked "Kya hua, Aru? Can't you be happy for me, even for once?"

Arohi, unable to mask her irritation, retorted, "Are you even hearing what you're saying? It's been only days since my marriage fell apart, and you expect me to be ecstatic about you marrying Abhimanyu?!"

As the tension escalated, Akshara's tone sharpened. " Aruu.. Bas...Don't play this drama with me. I know you never loved Abhimanyu. You never did." Her words hung heavy in the air, creating an uneasy silence in the room. Arohi felt a sharp pang in her chest.

Akshara left from there angrily.

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Abhimanyu lay on his bed, the room shrouded in the dim glow of a bedside lamp. A subtle unease lingered in the air, exacerbated by the little piece of information his mother dropped casually during dinner — the impending Pooja, an event he was supposed to attend with Akshara.

As he stared at the ceiling, a myriad of conflicting thoughts engulfed his mind. His marriage was meant to bring joy, but the prospect of attending a ceremony with Akshara left him strangely disconnected. The weight of expectation seemed heavier than ever, and a gnawing sense of discomfort settled within him.

"Why am I feeling like this?" Abhimanyu questioned himself in the quiet of the night. His mind, usually adept at navigating complex medical scenarios, now found itself entangled in the intricacies of his own emotions.

The silence of the room echoed his internal turmoil. He tossed and turned on the bed as he grappled with the conflicting emotions that swirled within. The Pooja, a celebration meant to symbolize unity and happiness, now felt like an unwelcome reminder of the complexity of his present situation.

Hope you all like it :)