HUMSAFAR [Completed✅]

8. His Confusing Behaviour

After some time, Ahaan headed downstairs to keep the plate in the kitchen. His steps slowed as he overheard a conversation between his mother, Savitri, and his grandmother, Dadi, who were seated on the living room sofa. Though they hadn’t noticed him, their words cut through the air with a clarity that made him stopped in his steps.

Savitri spoke first, her voice filled with relief, "Mummyji, it's been such a long time since we have seen Ahaan this much happy."

Dadi nodded, her face softened with understanding. "You are right, Beta. It’s been so long."

Savitri continued, her tone more hopeful now,  "First, Vihaan accepted Ishqi as his mother... and now slowly , it seems like Ahaan is beginning to accept her too. Ever since Vidhi passed away, he seemed to forget  how to live. But with Ishqi... maybe there's a chance he can return to his old self, bit by bit."

Dadi sighed, her hands resting on her lap. "Main toh mata rani se yahi dua karti hu ki inka rishta majbut bana rahe aur ye dono saath mein khush rahe."

[I just pray to God that their bond strengthens and they stay happy together.]

The two women exchanged a soft laugh, a rare moment of shared hope. Their conversation carried on, but Ahaan had heard enough. Their words wrapped around him like a tight rope, leaving him unable to breathe. Silently, he set the plates on the kitchen counter, his heart was pounding and he quickly went out of the mansion.

Ahaan climbed into his car, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly as their words echoed in his mind. Accepting her?  This thought swirled in confusion. Memories of Vidhi flashed before him – her smile, the way she filled his life with joy – followed by scenes of Ishqi’s laughter, her kindness, her silent presence that had somehow started to comfort him.

As the streets blurred past, Ahaan drove further and further from home, the distance matching the storm brewing inside him. His mind battled with itself, his heart weighed down by conflicting emotions. Eventually, he stopped the car at a secluded spot, far from the city, surrounded only by the darkness of the night and the occasional rustling of leaves.

Ahaan stepped out of the car and walked a few paces before stopping abruptly. The silence around him was deafening. He let out a frustrated scream into the night, his voice was raw with pain and confusion.

Inside his mind, a battle raged."How could I even think about moving on? Vidhi was my first and only love. How can I let someone else take her place? Is this what I want? How can I betray her like this?", he mumbled to himself.

A version of himself [alter-ego] appeared in front of him,  which was calmer and more rational. "No one is asking you to forget Vidhi, Ahaan. Moving forward doesn’t mean betraying her. You too deserve happiness ."

Another version of himself [ second alter-ego] , harsher and more critical, countered. "But you loved Vidhi deeply .You can’t just replace her like that."

The calmer self argued back, "You are not replacing her, but sometimes, life surprises you, and you fall in love again. It doesn’t mean you’re erasing the past."

The critical voice grew louder, more accusing. "No. Vidhi is the only one. She is your past, your present, and your future. There is no room for anyone else."

The rational voice urged him again. "You’re afraid to move on, and that’s okay. But don’t close your heart to the possibility of happiness. You’ve kept it shut for too long."

The argument of two imaginary voices  intensified, and Ahaan pressed his hands to his temples, the voices battling for control."Shut up! Both of you just... shut up!" Ahaan shouted.