Abhira - A Bond By Child

3

A Heart-Wrenching Farewell

The day of Neil and Arohi's funeral dawned with a somber, grey sky. The atmosphere was heavy with grief as friends and family gathered to say their final goodbyes. The loss of Neil and Arohi had left a void that seemed impossible to fill, and their absence was palpably felt by all who knew them.

Akshu dressed Ruhi in a simple, black dress. The little girl, barely two years old, didn't understand the gravity of the situation. She clung to Akshu, sensing the sadness around her but unable to comprehend it fully.

Abhi, wearing a dark suit, looked more composed than he felt. Inside, he was a whirlwind of emotions—grief, anger, guilt. As he stood by the mirror, adjusting his tie, he glanced at a photo of Neil and Arohi on the bedside table. "I promise I'll take care of Ruhi," he whispered, his voice cracking.

The Ceremony

The funeral service was held at a church in the heart of London. It was a place Neil and Arohi had loved, where they had celebrated many of life's milestones. As people filled the pews, the silence was punctuated by soft sobs and the rustling of tissues.

Akshu and Abhi sat in the front row, Ruhi between them. Akshu held Ruhi close, trying to keep her calm. The little girl, sensing the tension, nestled into Akshu's shoulder, her thumb in her mouth.

The priest began the service, speaking of Neil and Arohi's lives, their love for each other, and their dedication to their family and friends. As he spoke, Abhi felt a lump form in his throat. Memories of his brother flooded his mind—Neil's laughter, his unwavering support, the way he always knew how to make things right.

When it was time for the eulogies, Akshu stood up first. She walked to the podium, her steps measured and deliberate. She took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the room before she began.

"Neil and Arohi were not just family; they were my closest friends. Arohi was my sister, my confidante, and my partner in everything. Neil was the brother I never had, always there with a kind word or a helping hand. Their love story was one for the ages, a testament to the power of true love and commitment."

Her voice wavered, but she continued. "They were taken from us too soon, but their legacy lives on in their beautiful daughter, Ruhi. We promise to raise her with the same love and care they would have given her. We will tell her stories about her amazing parents and ensure she knows just how much they loved her."

Akshu's eyes filled with tears, and she quickly wiped them away. "Neil, Arohi, you will always be in our hearts. We love you and miss you more than words can express."

She returned to her seat, where Abhi gave her a reassuring nod. He then rose to give his own eulogy.

As he stood at the podium, he took a moment to gather his thoughts. "Neil was my brother, my best friend. He was always the responsible one, the one who kept me grounded. Arohi was the perfect partner for him, full of life and love. Together, they were unstoppable."

He paused, his voice thick with emotion. "Losing them feels like losing a part of myself. But I know they would want us to be strong for Ruhi. They would want us to remember the good times, to celebrate their lives rather than mourn their loss."

Abhi looked out at the congregation, his eyes resting on Akshu and Ruhi. "I promise you, Neil and Arohi, that I will do everything in my power to give Ruhi the life you wanted for her. She will grow up knowing how much you loved her, and we will make sure she feels that love every day."

He stepped down from the podium, feeling the weight of his words. As he sat back down, Akshu took his hand, offering silent support.

The Burial

The burial took place in a peaceful cemetery on the outskirts of the city. The crowd gathered around the gravesites, holding flowers and mementos. Akshu and Abhi stood at the forefront, holding Ruhi between them.

As the coffins were lowered into the ground, a sense of finality washed over them. Akshu placed a single white rose on Arohi's coffin, whispering a quiet goodbye. Abhi did the same for Neil, his hand lingering on the wood for a moment longer.

Ruhi, not fully understanding what was happening, looked up at Akshu and asked, "Where's Mommy and Daddy?"

Akshu's heart broke at the question. She knelt down to Ruhi's level and held her close. "Mommy and Daddy are in heaven, sweetheart. They are always watching over you and love you very much."

Ruhi nodded, accepting the explanation in her innocent way. She clung to Akshu, her little arms wrapped tightly around her neck.

Returning Home

The ride home was silent. The weight of the day hung heavily in the air. When they arrived back at the house, it felt emptier than ever. The absence of Neil and Arohi was a constant reminder of their loss.

That night, after putting Ruhi to bed, Akshu and Abhi sat in the living room. They didn't speak much, each lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Akshu broke the silence.

"How do we do this, Abhi? How do we move forward?"

Abhi sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I don't know, Akshu. But we have to try. For Ruhi."

Akshu nodded, tears streaming down her face. "I miss them so much."

"I know," Abhi said softly, pulling her into a comforting embrace. "I miss them too."

As they held each other, they found a small measure of solace in their shared grief. They knew the road ahead would be difficult, but they also knew they had each other. And together, they would do everything in their power to honor Neil and Arohi's memory by giving Ruhi the love and support she deserved.