Whispers of Destiny: Unveiling Hearts ✅

|| 8. Confrontation ||

Suddenly, a voice speaks up from behind, firm and filled with emotion.

Akshara: "And who gave you the right to decide that?"

Everyone turns to see Akshara standing there, holding Abhir's hand. The room falls silent, eyes widening in surprise.

Akshara walks forward, her eyes meeting Manjari's with a steely resolve. Abhir clutches her hand tightly, looking around curiously.

Manjari (defensive): "Akshara, you... How dare you show up here after all this time?"

Akshara (calmly): "I have every right to be here. This is my family, and Naira is my mother. You don't get to decide who deserves to be here."

Manjari: "Well, you did not come for so many years and suddenly your love for your mother awakened."

Akshara: "So what do you care about that? Should I get the puja done here or not and follow the information. I get the puja done for my mother every year in Rishikesh. Even when I left home 3 years ago. Or for your son for one year. Again, I perform puja every year in these 6 years."

Pandit ji : "Look, the auspicious time for the puja is passing. You people should get the puja done first."

Akshara: (said while glancing at Manjari) "Yes! pandit ji. Anyway, today I don't feel like arguing with outsiders. I don't want any drama in my house because of outsiders."

Akshara participates in the puja and then pours ghee in the havan fire.

Pandit Ji says " We all pray together that the soul has taken birth somewhere else in some other body."

Everyone prayed for that.

Pandit ji : "And with this the puja is completed."

The room was filled with a solemn atmosphere after the puja had concluded. The scent of incense lingered in the air as family members gathered, sharing quiet conversations and reminiscing about Naira. Akshara, her eyes still red from tears. Akshara was trying to manage her emotions when Manjari stepped in, her face flushed with anger.

Manjari: (sternly) "Akshara, I need to talk to you."

Akshara: (turning to face her) "Yes, Mrs. Birla?"

Manjari: "How dare you speak to me like that? And in front of everyone! You have no respect for your elders."

Akshara: (firmly) "I have always respected you, Aunty. But I will not tolerate being insulted or my family being disrespected."

Arshia, sensing the escalating tension. Before Akshara could respond, Arshia stepped in, her expression fierce.

Arshia: "Manjari Aunty, Akshara has every right to express herself. Who are you to dictate how she should behave in her own home?"

Manjari: (snapping at Arshia) "And who are you? An outsider. Stay out of family matters."

Akshara: (protectively) "Arshia is my sister in every way that counts. You have no right to speak to her like that."

Manjari: "You snatched away your sister's happiness when you went out and made a fake sister."

Manish, trying to defuse the situation, intervened.

Manish: "Manjari ji, today is a day of remembrance for our family. I don't want any discord. Please, let's keep the peace."

Manjari: (sarcastically) "It seems your daughter has forgotten her manners, Manish ji. She needs to remember how to speak to her elders."