KASHI VISHWANATH : TWO ECLIPSED HEARTS 💕

CHAPTER 1 : "THE FATEFUL ENCOUNTER "

The sun was just beginning to rise over the horizon, casting a soft golden hue over the ancient city of Jhansi. The streets were already bustling with activity, as vendors set up their stalls and the morning prayers echoed from the temples. Among the early risers was Kashi, a 20-year-old girl with a spirit as resilient as the historic walls that surrounded her city. Her day started long before dawn, a necessity given the weight of responsibilities she carried on her young shoulders.

Kashi lived in a modest home with her mother, Anjali, whose chronic kidney disease demanded frequent dialysis treatments. Their life had been a series of uphill battles ever since Kashi's father, Ravi, had abandoned them emotionally and financially. Though he begrudgingly paid for a portion of Anjali's treatments, his contributions were inconsistent and came with threats of total withdrawal. This precarious support meant that Kashi had to work tirelessly to cover the remaining costs and ensure her mother received the care she needed.

Every morning, Kashi rose before the city did. She began her day by tending to her mother, carefully helping Anjali through the discomfort of her illness. This morning was no different. The soft sounds of the neighborhood waking up filtered through their small home as Kashi moved quietly around the kitchen, preparing a simple breakfast.

"Good morning, Maa," Kashi greeted, entering the dimly lit room where Anjali rested. Her mother, frail yet dignified, offered a tired smile in return.

"Good morning, beta," Anjali replied, her voice weak but filled with warmth. "Did you sleep well?"

Kashi nodded, although sleep was a luxury she seldom indulged in fully. "I made your favorite tea," she said, carefully handing her mother a cup. "It will help you feel a bit better."

As Anjali took a sip, her eyes glistened with unshed tears. "You work so hard, Kashi. It's not fair that you have to shoulder all these responsibilities because of me."

Kashi's heart ached at her mother's words. She reached out, gently squeezing Anjali's hand. "Maa, please don't blame yourself. I do this because I love you. You're my world, and I'll do whatever it takes to make sure you're okay."Anjali shook her head, a tear slipping down her cheek. "I just wish you didn't have to sacrifice so much. You deserve to live your own life, to chase your dreams."

Kashi forced a smile, trying to hide the sadness that threatened to overwhelm her. "You are my dream, Maa. Seeing you healthy and happy is all I want."

The door slams open, and Ravi, Kashi's father, storms in, his face contorted with anger.

Ravi: (shouting) You two are nothing but a burden on me! (points at Anjali) You, with your never-ending medical bills, and you, Kashi, always whining about money and work!

Kashi: (softly) Papa, we're trying our best. I'm working two jobs to help out. We just need a little more support for Ma's treatment....

Ravi: (interrupting) Support? Ha! You think I have money to waste on you two? (glares at Anjali) She's the reason I'm stuck in this hell. If it weren't for her illness, I'd be living a decent life!

Anjali: (weakly) Ravi, please understand, I never wanted to be a burden. I'm doing everything I can....

Ravi: (sneering) Doing everything? By sitting around and draining my money? I should have abandoned you long ago!

Kashi: (pleading) Papa, please don't talk like that. Ma's trying her best to fight this disease. We just need some compassion....

Ravi: (sarcastically) Compassion? Don't talk to me about compassion! You're as useless as she is. Always asking for more money, more help. When will you two learn to fend for yourselves?