Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh

Chapter 48: His 25th Birthday

On his 25th birthday, Aarav sat alone in his room, holding a cherished photograph of his mother close to his heart. Tears welled in his eyes as he traced the contours of her face. Sensing his sadness, Sharda gently entered the room and called out, "Beta Aarav."

Aarav looked up, his eyes still moist. "Ji, Kaki?"

Sharda approached him with a soft smile, observing his emotional state. "Janamdin mubarak ho, beta."

"Thank you, Kaki," Aarav replied, his voice tinged with melancholy. He longed for the presence of his mother on this special day.

As Sharda stood beside him, Aarav's gaze returned to the photograph, his fingers lingering on the image. He whispered words of longing and remembrance, feeling the weight of her absence keenly.

Sharda watched him silently for a moment before offering a comforting presence. "Kuch chahiye, beta?"

Aarav shook his head, his voice barely above a whisper. "Nahi, Kaki. Bas... bas yahi."

Understanding his unspoken need for solace, Sharda simply nodded, her presence a silent reassurance in his moment of grief.

"Aap khali haath?" Aarav's voice broke the silence, his eyes searching for something to hold onto amidst the turmoil of emotions.

"Main aapko kya de sakti hun? Batayie aap kya chahte hai," Sharda responded softly, her voice carrying a gentle warmth.

"Aap kabhi mujhe chodke nahi jayegi na?" Aarav's question hung heavy in the air, his vulnerability laid bare in the tremor of his voice.

"Kabhi nahi main toh tumhare bacho ko apni godh mein khilana aur palna chahti hun," Sharda shared her heartfelt desire, offering him a promise of unwavering support and care.

A small smile tugged at Aarav's lips as he leaned into her, finding solace as he placed his head on her lap, his silent tears mingling with the fabric of her saree.

"Aarav tum apne pita ko sach kyun nahi bata dete?" Sharda's gentle inquiry cut through the heavy silence, her concern evident in the furrow of her brows.

A tear escaped down his eyes, his anguish spilling over. "Kaki jab dil aur bharosa toota hai toh bahut dard hota hai. Main nahi chahta papa ka phirse dil toote aur iss umar mein unhe Sumitra maa ki zaroorat hai," he confessed, his voice choked with emotion.

Sharda smiled softly, her heart swelling with affection. "Tum kitna sochte ho sabka," she murmured, admiration shining in her eyes for his selfless love and concern.

"Aapki beti kaisi hai? Usey shyam aane ko kahiyega," Aarav's voice broke the momentary spell, his thoughts drifting to Sharda's daughter.

Sharda hesitated, her maternal instinct warring with her sense of duty. "Nahi bache meri beti kaise?" she murmured, acutely aware of their roles and boundaries.

Aarav lifted his face, his eyes alight with warmth and understanding. "Kyun nahi? Aapki beti hai toh meri behen hui na usey toh aana hi hoga," he reasoned, his words carrying an unspoken invitation to extend their bond beyond caretaker and ward.

With a nod of agreement, Sharda and Aarav rose from their shared moment of solace, stepping out of the room, their bond strengthened by the unspoken understanding and support they found in each other.

Karan sat at his desk, meticulously arranging the papers before him, a smile of anticipation gracing his features. Today, on his son's birthday, he would bestow upon him a gift of immense significance. Sumitra, his wife, glanced over at the papers, her curiosity piqued. "Toh aap sabkuch Aarav ke naam karne waale hai?" she inquired, her gaze probing.