Broken Souls

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 29

बिछड़ने का कोई और
तरीका ढूंढो मेरी जान,

यूँ खफ़ा रहने से
प्यार और बढ़ता है.
~Aviraaj S. Rathore

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3rd Person's POV

Aarayna and Aviraaj were both sprawled on the floor lost in their thoughts, relieved that Dilsher hadn't returned to his study. Aviraaj was the first to sit up, realizing that without Aarayna's help, he would have been in pain. He knew she must be in pain too, as she had taken most of the impact. Before he could assist her, she stood up on her own, steadying herself on the door handle. She knew she needed to take her insulin shot. Aviraaj was too preoccupied with admiring her to notice her movements. She exuded a wild, seductive aura in her lace top that accentuated her curves, and her messy braid added to her feral allure.

She stormed out of the study, her emotions running high. Leaning against the door, she took deep breaths to calm herself. Her eyes fell on the black bandage on her wrist, tempting her to reach for the knife again. But she resisted, knowing deep down it wasn't the answer. As she gazed ahead, a large portrait of Waheguru Ji caught her attention at the end of the corridor. Memories flooded her mind, reminding her of her struggles, she remembered how she never went to Gurudwara on her own, and Dilsher had to take her forcefully, she thought she never deserved calm in her life, and there she felt it, she slowly walked towards the end, her mind still engrossed in memories, and unknowingly she stopped in front of the portrait, it was too big from near, it was always there watching over her, over the people around her. 

She could sense the powerful energy emanating from Baba Ji, gazing into his eyes filled with tranquility. The desire for that kind of peace in her own life was strong, but memories of her past suffering flooded back. Despite her prayers, she had lost all those she cherished, making sacrifices no child should ever have to make. She stopped praying, convinced that nothing would ever change, feeling abandoned by God and everyone else. As she refocused on reality, she took a step back and realized the once serene eyes of Baba Ji now seemed to mock her, a reminder that peace would forever elude her.

With one last look at the portrait, she went the other way, ready to meet Jonnah and do the remaining preparations for the wedding, unknown to her Aviraaj watched the whole scene, her approaching The Guru without a bow or prayer, unlike himself. Aviraaj refrained from passing judgment, recognizing that everyone has their own beliefs. However, he sensed there was a deeper reason behind her actions. once she left he also came out of the study and stood in front of the portrait and muttered,

Wahe Guru Ji ka khalsa Wahe Guru Ji di Fateh bole sunehal Sat Shri Akal 

As he gazed into Baba Ji's eyes, he couldn't help but ponder what caused Aarayna to retreat. Those eyes, so captivating and enchanting, seemed to hold the beauty of the entire universe. Despite the turmoil that consumed his existence, he clung to his faith in God. It was astonishing how, even as a killer, a monster, and all the labels thrown at him, he remained devoted to his worship.

Aarayna emerged from the Haveli, clutching her coat, ready to leave behind a place she cherished deeply. Despite the warm memories and familiar faces, she felt compelled to depart because of him. The people she had encountered, both new and old, had left an impact on her. Even the stoic ones, who were adept at concealing their emotions, couldn't hide their longing for her. It was then that she grasped the truth behind the saying: you only appreciate someone's worth once they are no longer present.