Broken Paths

Shattered Dreams

### **Title: Shattered Dreams**

#### **Scene 1: Akshara's Nightmare**

Akshara jolted from her sleep, heart pounding, her breath coming in short gasps. The nightmare had returned.

"Kaash... tumne mujhe choda na hota," she whispered, a lone tear escaping her eye. She quickly wiped it away as the door creaked open, revealing her mother, Naira.

"Aree! Meri bachi uth gayi!" Naira said softly, stroking her daughter's hair.

"Haan, Mumma... firse woh sapna aaya," Akshara's voice quivered as she clung tightly to her mother's waist.

Naira knew Akshara was on the verge of crying, something that wasn't good for her fragile condition. She tickled Akshara lightly, trying to lighten the mood.

Kartik entered, smiling at the heartwarming sight of his wife and daughter. Soon, Kairav joined, and the room filled with the warmth of a full family moment.

#### **Scene 2: Abhimanyu's Struggle**Abhimanyu was gasping for breath, his body trembling as his sister, Anisha, rubbed his back, trying to calm him down.

"Bhaiyaa, breathe in... breathe out," she instructed, her voice filled with fear.

His hand searched frantically for his medicine. He took two pills and swallowed them without water. The dizziness hit him, and he fell against Anisha's shoulder.

Anisha, crying, took out her phone and called Neil, who was downstairs. Neil answered immediately, seeing Anisha's name flashing on the screen. He rushed upstairs and was shocked to find Arjun unconscious, with anti-depression pills scattered nearby.

Neil laid Abhimanyu on the bed and covered him with a duvet. "Kya haalat bana liya hai apne, bhai... galti papa ki thi, apki nahi," Neil murmured, noticing the dark circles and burn marks on Abhimanyu's arms. He switched off the light and left the room, heart heavy with worry.

#### **Scene 3: Aarohi's Memories**

Aarohi was scrolling through her chats when she stopped at a conversation with someone named "Brownie." The last message was dated February 24, 2018. She scrolled through the chat, filled with hearts and secrets, and tears welled up in her eyes.

She missed her friend dearly, the one person she could always rely on. A mistake had ruined everything between them.

A phone call interrupted her thoughts. The name "Chamgadar🌎" flashed on the screen. Aarohi's lips morphed into a bright smile, but it quickly dimmed. She grabbed her bag and car keys.

As she hurried down the stairs, her mother stopped her. "Kahan jaa rhi ho, Aaru?""Mom... main Birla House ja rhi hoon," she replied, knowing her mother would understand. Her mother silently gave permission, and Aarohi kissed her mom's cheek before leaving.

Her car stopped in front of Birla Mansion. She entered and saw Neil. "Neil! Abhi kaisa hai?" she asked, worried."Apne kamre mein hain! Hosh aagaya hai," Neil reassured her, though his smile hinted that Abhimanyu's recovery was only physical.

Aarohi entered the dark room and saw Abhimanyu caressing a photo. She knew which photo it was. Her eyes teared up as she joined him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Aru... Akshu... I love her," Abhimanyu's voice was filled with longing and guilt.

"No, Abhi... tumhari koi galti nahi thi," Aarohi said, and Abhimanyu laid his head on her shoulder. She had been his support for the past four years, helping him through anxiety attacks and other struggles.

She took the frame from his hands. "Yaad hai Abhi, Akshu ne jab yeh dress pehni thi... tum pagal ho gaye the," she chuckled, recalling the Annual Day. A small chuckle escaped Abhimanyu's lips as he remembered. Exhausted, he slowly fell asleep.

Neil entered the room and saw his brother sleeping. He watched as Aarohi tucked the duvet around him.

"Aru," he called softly."Neil, kya hua?" she responded, hugging him tightly. He provided the comfort she desperately needed. His arms wrapped around her waist, holding her close, and he kissed her hair occasionally.

"Shushh," Neil murmured as they lay on the couch. They slept, tangled in each other's arms, seeking solace in their shared pain.

#### **Epilogue: The Unspoken Why**Everyone was enveloped in their own depression, their hearts heavy with unspoken sorrows. The reasons behind their suffering were intertwined, hidden deep within the shattered dreams and painful memories they each carried.