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, financially, and as a husband and father. Though he still lived under the same roof, he was extremely cold, cruel, and full of resentment. He begrudgingly paid for a portion of Anjali's treatments, but his contributions were inconsistent and always accompanied by harsh words, blame, and threats of total withdrawal. He made sure they knew that every rupee spent on them was, in his eyes, a waste. This precarious support meant that Kashi had to work tirelessly to cover the remaining costs and ensure her mother received the care she needed. Each day was a delicate balancing act between survival and despair, with Ravi's looming presence adding salt to every wound.

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 will do whatever it takes to make sure you're okay."

Anjali shook her head slowly and set the cup aside on the small wooden stool near the bed, her hands trembling slightly. A tear slipped 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."

Just then door slammed open with a loud thud, startling both Kashi and Anjali. Dust rose from the floor as Ravi, Kashi's father stormed in, his face red with rage, eyes wild, movements sharp and aggressive. The strong stench of alcohol clung to his breath, filling the room before he even spoke. His disheveled appearance and uneven steps made it painfully clear he was drunk. His eyes scanned the room with disgust before landing on them.

"You mother and daughter are of no use! Always crying and doing drama!" he spat, his voice dripping with disdain.

His voice thundered through the small room but he didn't stop there, his words turned even more vile.

"You both are nothing but a burden on me!" He jabbed a finger towards the corner of the bed where Anjali lay propped up against a thin pillow, her frame frail and wrapped in a light shawl. "You, with your never-ending medical bills, and you, Kashi, always whining about money and work!"