The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over Abhira's room. She had taken the day off from the hospital, knowing that today was a special day—her engagement to Reyansh. The room was a flurry of activity, with clothes, jewelry, and makeup scattered around as she prepared for the big moment.
As she stood in front of the mirror, trying to decide on the perfect outfit, there was a soft knock on the door. "Come in," Abhira called, turning to see her maasi, Aarohi, enter the room with a gentle smile.
"Good morning, beta," Aarohi greeted, holding a beautifully wrapped package in her hands. "I brought something very special for you."
Abhira's curiosity piqued as Aarohi set the package on the bed and carefully unwrapped it, revealing a stunning royal blue lehenga. Abhira's eyes widened in admiration. "Maasi, this is beautiful! Whose is it?"
Aarohi's eyes softened with emotion as she handed the lehenga to Abhira. "This belonged to your mother, Akshara. She wore it on her engagement day to your father, Abhimanyu. I thought it would be fitting for you to wear it today."
Abhira's eyes filled with tears as she gently touched the intricate embroidery. "Thank you, Maasi. This means so much to me."
Aarohi sat beside her on the bed, a distant look in her eyes as she recalled the past. "Your parents' engagement was a beautiful moment. Akshara was radiant in this lehenga, and Abhimanyu couldn't take his eyes off her. They were so in love, and their happiness was contagious."
Abhira listened intently, her heart swelling with pride and love for her late parents. "I wish I could have known them better."
Aarohi placed a comforting hand on Abhira's shoulder. "They would have been so proud of you. Your mother always believed in love and family. She made many sacrifices for the ones she loved, and she taught me what it means to truly care for someone."
Abhira looked down at the lehenga, feeling a deep connection to her mother. "I want to honor her memory today. I'll wear this and make her proud."
Aarohi smiled, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You already have, Abhira. Just by being the strong, loving person you are."
Abhira hugged her maasi tightly, feeling the warmth and love that had always surrounded her. "Thank you, Maasi. For everything."
Aarohi hugged her back, whispering softly, "You're welcome, beta. Now, let's get you ready for your big day."
With Aarohi's help, Abhira donned the royal blue lehenga, the fabric shimmering in the light. As she looked at herself in the mirror, she felt a sense of calm and determination. Today, she would honor her mother's legacy and step into a new chapter of her life, carrying forward the love and strength that had been passed down to her.
As the final touches were made, Abhira took a deep breath, ready to face the day with the memory of her parents close to her heart. Aarohi stood beside her, proud and supportive, knowing that Akshara and Abhimanyu's love would always be a guiding light for their family.
~~~~~~
The sterile, bright lights of the operating room were a stark contrast to the turmoil inside Ruhi's heart. She focused intently on the patient before her, her hands steady as she worked to repair a damaged organ. Surgery was her refuge, a place where she could escape the emotional chaos of her personal life.
Just as she was about to finish a crucial part of the procedure, she noticed movement at the door. Glancing up, she saw Reyansh scrubbing in, his expression unreadable.
"What are you doing here, Reyansh?" Ruhi asked, her voice steady despite the flutter of anxiety in her chest.
Reyansh met her gaze with a determined look. "I'm here to assist. You know this surgery requires both a general and a cardiothoracic surgeon."
