Better Together | ✓

79 | hurt

Chapter 79 : Hurt

Perception is a fragile construct that humans tend to cling to in a world that constantly defies their expectations. We meticulously outline people, things, and emotions with rigid contours, desperate for them to conform to our narrow definitions. Yet, like a child's frustrated scribbles outside the lines, reality often mocks at our attempts at control.

It's a bitter pill to swallow when the intricate tapestry one has woven in their minds unravels before them, revealing the harsh truth of mismatched expectations. Disappointment becomes a familiar companion, reminding us of our futile attempts to contain the chaos within tidy boundaries.

Especially in relationships, we often create an ideal image of those we love. Over time, we shape this image based on our hopes and expectations, rather than seeing them as they truly are. We start to interpret everything they do through this idealized lens.

It feels safe and comforting until something unexpected happens. Suddenly, they reveal a side of themselves that doesn't fit into our perfect picture. It's like the ground shifts beneath our feet. We're faced with the reality that they're not exactly who we imagined them to be. It's a moment of utter disappointment.

This disappointment was not foreign to Aadarsh. Life had always thrown unpleasant truths and twists his way.

He had never expected his father to be a drug addict. He had never expected his mother who had always been so sorted and wise, to fall in love with a person like his father. He had never expected Siddhi, his girlfriend to leave him alone when he most needed a companion.

Past should have taught him better than to trust someone blindly. People never truly were predictable. Everyone had weaknesses, everyone lied, everyone had secrets.

Still somehow the fact that Ruhaani kept a grave secret from him hurt him like scalding liquid searing the tongue.

She was supposed to be the exception. She was supposed to be the one who was honest with him— the person who he could count on. They were supposed to be each other's safe haven.

Ruhaani was supposed to be perfect. She was so damn sorted, so damn resilient, so damn honest and straightforward; despite all the nasty things life threw her way. He loved her for that. She inspired him to do better, to be better.

The honk from the car behind him jerked him out of his thoughts. He drove the car ahead and turned to the right, to the road that led to Ruhaani's office building. He swiftly steered the car to the side as soon as he spotted her.

Ruhaani, who had been gazing at the cloudy sky, glanced back at the road. She spotted the familiar car and quickly walked towards it. Midway, she noticed that it wasn't the newly appointed driver behind the wheel, it was her husband. An instant smile lit up her face. The little unexpected joy upon seeing him was like the silver lining to the rather grim day.

It had been a week since they were back from the hospital. Their relationship had been strained by the one secret that he refused to confront her about and she refused to volunteer to explain herself. They were now back to being parents of three, their focus more on managing their children's needs than nurturing their own bond.

Both of their careers had taken a hit due to their absence. Nevertheless, their priorities remained steadfast— their family came first. Pari was still healing. For the twins, the new academic year had started. Abhi was busy with all the formal procedures of his relocation. Ashvi had off late busied herself with college work too. She was burning the midnight oil for her exams this time around. She really wanted to perform well so that her spot on the exchange program was secured.