Wounds of the Heart (दिल के घाव)💔

58

.

As the double date unfolded, a shroud of gloom seemed to settle over Niya. Her usual bubbly demeanor was replaced by a quiet sullenness, a stark contrast to Twinkle's cheerful chatter. Laksh, ever observant, couldn't help but notice the shift in Niya's energy. When Suraj and Twinkle ventured off to grab ice cream, Laksh seized the opportunity to address the elephant in the room.

"Niya, everything okay?" he asked gently, his voice laced with concern.

Niya, her gaze downcast, mumbled a nonchalant, "Yeah, I'm fine."

Laksh wasn't convinced. "Come on, Niya," he persisted, "I know you better than that. Something's bothering you. Did Twinkle say something?"

Niya hesitated for a moment, then let out a defeated sigh. "Actually," she began, "for the past few months, I haven't been getting any new projects. It's been stressing me out. I talked to Twinkle about it, but…" her voice trailed off.

"But?" Laksh prompted, sensing her frustration.

"She said it's okay if I can't work," Niya continued, her voice trembling slightly. "She said she's rich enough to take care of everything. But that's not what I want! I don't want to be a stay-at-home wife. I have dreams, Laksh, a career I want to build. We ended up arguing last night."

Laksh listened intently, his heart going out to Niya. He understood her aspirations, her desire for independence and professional fulfillment. He wracked his brain, searching for a way to help.

Suddenly, a memory sparked in his mind. "Hey," he exclaimed, a hopeful glint in his eyes. "One of the companies I know of is looking for a new model for their campaign. If you're interested, I could put in a good word?"

Niya's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? That would be amazing!"

A genuine smile bloomed on her face, replacing the earlier gloom. Laksh smiled back, relieved to see his friend's spirit lifted. "Sure," he said, pulling out his phone. "I'll send you the details and location by this evening."

As Twinkle and Suraj returned, laden with ice cream cones, the atmosphere around Niya had subtly shifted. The tension had eased, replaced by a newfound hope. Laksh, despite his concern for Niya, decided to stay out of the argument between the two friends. They were both mature women, capable of navigating their differences

However, he was determined to support Niya in her pursuit of her dreams, a small act of kindness that might pave the way for a brighter future for his friend.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Leela Ma entered the room, a warm smile gracing her lips as she carried a plate of steaming food. Kunj, lost in thought, looked up at his mother's gentle face, a wave of love washing over him.

She settled beside him, her eyes filled with concern. "You haven't eaten a thing, Kunj," she said, her voice soft and caring. "Here, come, let me feed you."

Without a word, Kunj surrendered to his mother's nurturing touch. As she spooned the food into his mouth, a comfortable silence settled between them. But the unspoken question hung heavy in the air.

Leela Ma finally broke the silence, her voice filled with hope. "So, Kunj," she began, "have you made a decision about the company?"

Kunj hesitated for a moment, the events of the previous night replaying in his mind. The unexpected reunion with Abhimanyu, the shared memories, the lingering emotions – they all swirled within him, creating a whirlwind of uncertainty.

He took a deep breath, his gaze meeting his mother's. "Yes, Ma," he replied, his voice firm. "I'm going to join the company here in India."

Leela Ma's face lit up with a radiant smile. "Oh, Kunj, that's wonderful news!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with relief and joy. "I knew you'd come around. We've missed you so much, having you half a world away."

Kunj offered a small smile in return. "I've missed you too, Ma," he admitted. The truth was, despite the years spent abroad, a part of him had always yearned for the warmth of his home, the familiar comfort of his family.

"And when do you plan to start?" Leela Ma inquired, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Kunj pondered for a moment, considering the tangled web of emotions he was still trying to untangle. "Possibly next week," he said finally.

A sense of determination filled him, a resolve not just to build a life back in India but also to confront the past and explore the possibilities that lay ahead. He wasn't sure what the future held with Abhimanyu, but he was determined to face it head-on, one step at a time. With his mother's love as his anchor, he knew he could navigate any storm that life threw his way.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Stepping through the grand entrance of his mansion, Abhimanyu was met with the sight of his immaculately dressed mother, Maya, daintily sipping tea at the breakfast table. The aroma of freshly baked cookies filled the air, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within him.

He ignored her greeting, his mind replaying the events of the previous night on a frustrating loop. The reunion, the unexpected encounter with Kunj, the lingering kiss – they all swirled together, leaving him with a bitter aftertaste.

"How was the reunion, Abhi?" Maya chirped, her voice laced with feigned concern. "Did you have fun catching up with your old friends?"

Abhimanyu stopped short, the inauthenticity of her question grating on his nerves. He slammed his briefcase down on the table, the sharp clatter echoing through the opulent dining room.

"Don't play dumb, Mom," he spat, his voice laced with a barely controlled anger. "You know exactly what kind of fun I had."

Maya's perfectly manicured hand faltered as she reached for her teacup. A flicker of surprise crossed her carefully constructed facade, but it was quickly replaced by a practiced smile.

"Now, now, Abhi," she cooed, her voice dripping with forced sweetness. "There's no need to get all riled up. I was simply trying to make conversation."

Abhimanyu wasn't fooled. He knew his mother all too well – her calculated concerns, her manipulative ways. She had never truly approved of Kunj, viewing him as an obstacle to Abhimanyu's social standing. The reunion, with its rekindled spark between him and Kunj, must have sent shivers down her perfectly coiffed spine.

"Save it, Mom," he said dismissively. "I know what your game is. But this time, it won't work."

With that, he stormed past her, the weight of his unspoken emotions hanging heavy in the air. Maya watched him go, her smile faltering for a fleeting moment. A steely glint replaced the practiced sweetness in her eyes. She may not have been able to control Abhimanyu's past, but she was determined to shape his future – and Kunj wouldn't be a part of it.