SS- The Aftermath

~4~

Author's note: Charu had never been in support of Ruhi in this version. She was a mute participant throughout Armaan and Ruhi's wedding. She harbored silent avenge for Ruhi.

Part -4

Ruhi paced nervously in their bedroom, her mind racing. The confrontation with the family had left her shaken, and she desperately needed to talk to Armaan. She hoped he would come to her, that they could find some way to face this together. But as the minutes ticked by and he didn't appear, her anxiety grew.

Armaan, meanwhile, was wandering the hallways of the Poddar house, his mind a storm of conflicting emotions. He couldn't bring himself to face Ruhi, not yet. Instead, he found himself standing in front of Rohith's old room. The door creaked as he pushed it open, stepping into a space filled with memories.

The room was just as Rohith had left it—neat, orderly, and filled with mementos of happier times. Armaan ran his fingers over the desk, the bookshelf, the framed photographs that adorned the walls. Each item was a reminder of the bond he once shared with his brother, a bond now shattered by his actions.

He sank onto the bed, his head in his hands. Guilt and sorrow washed over him in waves. He remembered the times they spent together—playing cricket in the yard, staying up late to talk about their dreams and fears. How had things gone so wrong?How had he allowed himself to hurt the one person he had always vowed to protect?

"I've failed you, Rohith," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "I was supposed to be there for you, to guide you, and I ended up betraying your trust. I was so blind, so desperate for approval that I didn't see the damage I was causing."

Armaan's thoughts turned to Abhira. He missed her presence in the house—the way she could light up a room with her smile, her kindness, and her unwavering strength. She had been a source of support for everyone, including him, even when she was suffering silently.

"I should have seen what was happening to you, Abhira," he murmured. "You were always there for us, and we let you down. I let you down."

He remembered the small moments—how she had encouraged him when he felt lost in the absence of Rohith, how she had been there for his cousins when they needed guidance. Abhira had been a pillar of strength, and he had allowed his own weaknesses to overshadow her struggles.

"I miss you, Abhira," he said softly. "I wish I could go back and change things. I wish I had been there for you like you were for us."

Armaan's thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. He looked up to see Manisha standing there, concern etched on her face."Armaan, are you okay?" Manisha asked gently.

Armaan nodded, though his eyes were filled with pain. "I'm trying to be, Chachi sa. I'm trying to make sense of everything. I've hurt so many people, and I don't know how to make it right."

Manisha stepped into the room and sat beside Armaan. "It's not going to be easy, Armaan. But acknowledging your mistakes is the first step. We have to start by making amends, by being there for those we've hurt."

Armaan sighed, the weight of his guilt heavy on his shoulders. "I just hope it's not too late. I hope I can find a way to make things right, for Rohith, and for this family."

Manisha placed a reassuring hand on Armaan's shoulder. "We'll get through this, Armaan. Together. We'll make things right, one step at a time."

Meanwhile, Ruhi was still waiting in their bedroom, growing increasingly restless. She couldn't understand why Armaan hadn't come to her. She needed to see him, to find some way to salvage their relationship. But deep down, she feared that the damage was too great.