Shattered (Book #1 In Heart Series)✔️

Chapter 3: The Aditya Singhania

Abhimanyu and Karthik waited anxiously for Aditya's arrival at the airport.

"Abhi, why isn't he here yet? We've been waiting for five minutes already," Karthik complained, growing impatient.

"Relax, Karthik. You know how airport pricedures can be. It'll take some time," Abhimanyu replied, trying to calm his friend down.

"I understand, but you know I've been waiting to see my best friend after five long years. I just hope everything's alright with him," Karthik expressed his concern.

"And what about me? He didn't even come to my wedding because of work. Ma was in tears that day. We all expected him to be there, but he didn't show up. Even Priya has only seen him in photos," Abhimanyu recalled, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

"I know, Abhi. It's tough," Karthik sympathized.

Just then, they spotted Aditya making his way through the airport.

"Abhi, look! There he is!" Karthik exclaimed, pointing excitedly.

Aditya approached them with his characteristic charm and style, pulling his trolley bag along.Abhimanyu and Karthik rushed to him and enveloped him in a tight hug, almost suffocating him.

"Guys, guys, I can't breathe!" Aditya managed to say amidst their embrace.

"Sorry, sorry!" Abhimanyu and Karthik quickly released him.

"After five long years, I finally see my baby brother," Abhimanyu said, his eyes glistening with tears.

"Bhai, please don't cry. I'm happy to see you too, but I don't want to see tears in your eyes," Aditya said, wiping away Abhimanyu's tears.

"Okay, guys, enough with the emotional stuff. It's my turn now," Karthik declared, stepping forward with a smile.

"Oh, my buddy, you've become even more handsome. So, how many girlfriends do you have now?" Karthik asked teasingly.

Aditya's expression turned serious at the mention of girlfriends, his jaw clenching slightly.

"Let's drop that topic and get going," Aditya said abruptly, grabbing his luggage and heading off.

Confused by Aditya's sudden change in demeanor, Karthik and Abhimanyu exchanged concerned glances before following him.

As they arrived at the Singhania mansion, Aditya's eyes filled with tears at the sight of his childhood home. Memories flooded his mind, and he felt a pang of longing for his family, especially his Ma and Dadi.

"Adi, everyone's waiting for you," Abhimanyu said, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

Aditya took a deep breath and approached the doorstep, where his family stood eagerly awaiting his return. Swetha Singhania couldn't contain her tears at the sight of her son after five long years. Aditya rushed to her and enveloped her in a warm embrace.

"Ma, please don't cry. Your Adi is here now. I can't bear to see you sad," Aditya said, wiping away her tears with his thumb.

"Yes, Swetha, stop crying and welcome him," Gautam said, smiling warmly.

With tears of joy streaming down her face, Swetha welcomed Aditya into the house. As he entered, his siblings rushed to greet him, their excitement palpable.

"Bhai, I missed you so much!" Ahana exclaimed, tears welling up in her eyes.

"I missed you too, choti," Aditya replied, hugging her tightly.

"Bhai, please stop calling me choti. I'm all grown up now," Ahana protested, pouting.

"Whether you're big or small, you'll always be my choti," Aditya said, affectionately patting her cheek.

"But Ahana, your height says otherwise," Karthik joked, earning a playful glare from his sister.

Amidst the laughter and joyous reunion, Aditya's gaze fell on Priya, a new addition to the family. He felt a pang of confusion seeing her.

"Not again," Abhimanyu muttered under his breath, understanding Aditya's perplexed expression.

"Allow me to introduce you to someone special," Abhimanyu said, leading Aditya towards Priya.

"This is my beautiful wife, Priya Abhimanyu Singhania, your babhi," Abhimanyu introduced, his eyes shining with pride.

"Hello, devarji! I've been eagerly waiting to meet you. Finally, the day has arrived," Priya exclaimed, her smile infectious.

"This is my lovely babhi. I apologize for not attending the wedding. Please forgive me," Aditya said sincerely.

"Don't worry, devaji. I understand that work kept you busy," Priya replied graciously.

"Bhai, my babhi is very dear to me. If you ever make her cry, you'll have me to answer to," Aditya warned Abhimanyu, his tone serious.

"I wouldn't dream of it. She means the world to me," Abhimanyu assured him, planting a gentle kiss on Priya's cheek.

Aditya's expression darkened at Abhimanyu's words, memories of his past haunting him. Priya noticed his sudden change and grew concerned.

"Devarji, are you alright?" Priya asked, her voice filled with worry.

"Yes, yes, I'm fine. Just tired from the journey," Abhimanyu replied, forcing a smile.

"By the way, where's Dadi?" Aditya inquired, noticing the absence of their grandmother.

A somber mood descended upon the gathering as everyone exchanged worried glances
."Adi, let me take you to Dadi's room. But brace yourself, it's not going to be easy," Abhimanyu said, his voice tinged with sadness.

"What happened, bhai? Is Dadi alright?" Aditya asked, growing increasingly anxious.

Abhimanyu opened the door to Dadi's room, and Aditya's heart sank at the sight before him.

 Maheshwati Singhania stood by the window, her appearance a stark contrast to the vibrant woman he remembered. She seemed lost, her eyes vacant, as if she had retreated into a world of her own. Aditya's breath caught in his throat, unable to comprehend the sight before him.

"Bhai, Dadi..." Aditya trailed off, unable to find the words to express his shock.

"Come on, Adi, let's go," Abhimanyu said gently, sensing his brother's distress.

Numbly, Aditya followed Abhimanyu out of the room, his mind reeling with disbelief. As they descended the stairs, the rest of the family gathered, their expressions a mix of concern and sadness.

"Can someone please tell me what's going on?" Aditya asked, his voice trembling with emotion.

"Adi, Dadi's mental health has deteriorated. She's not stable," Gautam explained, his tone heavy with sorrow.

Aditya felt as if the ground had been pulled out from beneath him. His beloved Dadi, the pillar of their family, was now battling a condition that he couldn't comprehend.

"How... how did this happen?" Aditya asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"After you left for London, her health started to decline. She began exhibiting signs of mental instability, and despite our best efforts, her condition worsened," Abhimanyu explained, his voice filled with sorrow.

"It's all my fault. If I hadn't left..." Aditya's voice trailed off, his heart heavy with guilt.

"Adi, don't blame yourself. This is not your fault. We're all in this together, and we'll support each other," Swetha said, her voice filled with love and reassurance.

Aditya nodded silently, his eyes brimming with tears. He felt a surge of gratitude for his family's unwavering support, even in the face of adversity.

"Come on, Adi, let's get you settled in. You must be tired from your journey," Abhimanyu said, offering a comforting arm around his brother's shoulders.

Aditya allowed himself to be led upstairs, his mind still reeling from the shocking revelation about Dadi's condition. As he entered his room, he felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him, both physical and emotional.

"Thank you, bhai," Aditya said, his voice choked with emotion.

"Anytime, Adi. We're family, and we'll get through this together," Abhimanyu said, his eyes reflecting the same determination and strength that Aditya had always admired.

Alone in his room, Aditya allowed himself to finally succumb to his emotions. He sank onto the bed, his tears flowing freely as he grappled with the weight of the news about Dadi. But amidst the pain and sorrow, he found solace in the love and support of his family, knowing that together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead.