part 12 ECHOES OF DEPARTURE

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SONAM sits by the window, gazing out as the plane ascends. Her expression is pained, tears silently streaming down her cheeks. She clutches a pendant tightly in her hand, a gift from her husband, ABHIRAJ, on her first day after marriage.

FLASHBACK

Sonam decided not to leave abhiraj as he loves her. She don't want to hurt him. She was going to Mrs Malhotra to tell her that. She saw the door open But instead of Mrs Malhotra Abhiraj and Mr.Malhotra was there. Sonam decided to go not to eve drop the conversation but she stopped in the way when she heard her name mentioning.

Mr.Malhotra: Abhiraj why did you gave permission to go to the NYC it's literally 5 years of period.  Don't you think it's too long.

Abhiraj: Dad I think I'm confused....

Mr.Malhotra: why??

Abhiraj: I still care for vanshika and I do care for sonam too but I'm not clear if I love Sonam or vanshika. So may be this departure can help me if I really love Sonam or not .

Mr.Malhotra: how childish of you to do that.

Abhiraj: Dad please I know what's wrong and what's right

Mr.Malhotra:  you will regret.  Mark my words.

Abhiraj: Whatever!!

Sonam on outside

Sonam : you choose vanshika abhiraj you prioritize vanshika over me.

FLASHBACK ENDS

SONAM (whispers to herself)
I'm sorry, Abhiraj.

At malhotra's house

ABHIRAJ stands alone in their empty home, a sense of emptiness consuming him. He holds a photo of him and Sonam, his eyes filled with sorrow.

ABHIRAJ (voice trembling):
Where did you go, Sonam?

As Abhiraj decided to go to the NYC all by himself and find Sonam.

ABHIRAJ walks the bustling streets of NYC, desperation evident in his eyes as he searches for any trace of Sonam. He approaches the university she supposedly attended, only to be told she never applied for a scholarship there. As it is definitely shocking for him.

ABHIRAJ (frustrated):Where are you, Sonam?

ABHIRAJ sits alone in his apartment, defeated. Suddenly, he receives devastating news - his friend, PRASHANT, has been in a fatal accident along with his wife. ABHIRAJ rushes to the hospital. Reaching hospital he got to know only their daughter is alive Prashant and his wife is no more In this world. Which broke him more, his best friend for life is no more and his daughter now don't have her parents , Don't even grand parents.

ABHIRAJ (voice cracking):Not you too, Prashant.

ABHIRAJ stands by the bedside of PRASHANT'S daughter, the only survivor of the accident. He holds her close, finding solace in her presence despite his own grief.

ABHIRAJ :We'll get through this together, little one.

Vanshika is now in grief, she is regretting every word she said she really do. She now don't visit Abhiraj frequently as the hatred in his eyes for her make her feel worst .

VANSHIKA, visits ABHIRAJ, her guilt evident in her eyes. She tries to console him, but ABHIRAJ remains distant, lost in his own sorrow.

VANSHIKA (apologetic)
I'm so sorry, Abhiraj. I wish I could have helped more. I wish I never said that . I'm sorry .

While MRS. MALHOTRA, regret letting sonam go as the house is no more have any happiness.

year later

In the Malhotra household. Abhiraj sits in the living room, staring into space, lost in sadness. His mother, Mrs. Malhotra, enters, concern etched on her face.

Mrs. Malhotra: Abhiraj, it's been a year. You need to start moving on. Life is passing by, and Sonalika needs us.

Abhiraj nods faintly, but the pain in his eyes remains evident. Vanshika, approaches them, noticing the somber atmosphere.

Vanshika: Mrs. Malhotra, I've been trying to help Abhiraj, but he won't budge. Maybe it's time we try something different.

The conversation shifts to Sonalika's admission to preschool. Mrs. Malhotra turns to Abhiraj, filling out the application form.

Mrs. Malhotra: What about Sonalika's parents' names?

Abhiraj: [hesitant] For father's name, put mine. I'll adopt her.

Silence fills the room as Mrs. Malhotra processes Abhiraj's words. Vanshika interjects softly.

Vanshika: And for the mother's name? How about mine? Not as your wife, but as someone who cares deeply for Sonalika.

Abhiraj's eyes meet Vanshika's, understanding dawning upon him. He nods in agreement.

Abhiraj: Yes, Vanshika. Until I find Sonam, you'll be her mother figure.

With a heavy heart, Vanshika agrees, knowing it's what's best for Sonalika.

Time passes, and Sonalika starts school. With both Abhiraj and Vanshika by her side, she thrives, her laughter filling the house once again.

Abhiraj's wounds begin to heal, his love for Sonam never fading but finding solace in Sonalika's presence. Vanshika watches with a smile, grateful to see Abhiraj finding peace.

As days turn into weeks, Abhiraj becomes better, his heart slowly mending. Sonalika's innocence and joy breathe new life into the household, bringing light where there was once darkness.

And amidst it all, Vanshika remains true to her promise, supporting Abhiraj and Sonalika every step of the way, a silent guardian of their newfound happiness.

In the USA

Sonam is sitting on the bench writing her journal fully filled with memories of Abhiraj. As she remembered how she changed her scholarship seat with another girl as she always wanted to study in NYC . Sonam thought this gonna be the great idea as no one will ever know where she actually vanished. About her move on with abhiraj she still can't move on from him she is trying to but she is not able to do that.

##will they both gonna meet?? Will one of them gonna move on??##

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