SS- The Aftermath

~5~

Armaan had fallen asleep in Rohith's room, resting his head in Manisha's lap. Manisha gently stroked his hair, her eyes filled with worry and sorrow. She stayed with him throughout the night, trying to provide the comfort he desperately needed.

Early in the morning, Ruhi made her way to Rohith's room. She had spent the night awake, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions. She knew she had to talk to Armaan and clear the air. As she reached Rohith's door, she took a deep breath, hesitating for a moment before she turned the handle.

Just as she was about to push the door open, Vidya appeared out of nowhere and grabbed Ruhi's arm. Vidya's face was a mask of anger and determination. "What do you think you're doing? You have no right to enter this room." she hissed, pulling Ruhi away from the door.

"Ma, I need to talk to Armaan, he is in there" Ruhi pleaded, trying to free her arm from Vidya's grip.

"I don't care!" Vidya snapped, dragging Ruhi back to Armaan's room. She shoved her inside and closed the door behind them. "You've done enough damage already. And I would never let you enter Rohith's room and tarnish its essence"

Ruhi turned to face Vidya, frustration etched on her face. "What are you talking about? I haven't done anything."

Vidya's eyes flashed with fury. "Don't lie to me, Ruhi! You told me you never pursued Armaan after you married Rohith. You promised me that it was all in the past."

"It was in the past, Ma ! I swear, I never—"

"Then how did Rohith find out?" Vidya cut her off, her voice rising. "How did he know about your feelings for Armaan if you never pursued him?"

Ruhi opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. She was stunned, trying to comprehend the accusation. "I don't know... I never told Rohith anything."

Vidya's expression hardened. "Then how did he find out, Ruhi? Do you think he just guessed? No, he found out because you couldn't let go of Armaan. You kept your feelings alive, and now look where it's gotten us!"

Tears welled up in Ruhi's eyes. "Ma, please, you have to believe me. I never intended for any of this to happen."

Vidya shook her head, her voice cold. "Intentions don't matter, Ruhi. Actions do. And your actions have torn this family apart. Rohith left home because of you. He couldn't bear to see you pining for his brother."

"That's not true!" Ruhi cried, her voice breaking. I valued my relationship with him."

"Then why did you lie to him?" Vidya demanded. "Why did you lie to all of us? If you truly valued your marriage Rohith, you would have let go of Armaan completely."

"Ruhi, I need you to understand the consequences of your actions. Armaan is broken, Rohith is gone, and this family is falling apart. You need to take responsibility for what you've done." She turned to leave the room but paused at the door, looking back at Ruhi with a final, cutting remark. "You better stay in here for a few days and not show your face to any of us." With that, Vidya left the room, closing the door behind her. Ruhi stood there, feeling utterly humiliated and alone, the weight of her mistakes pressing down on her.

Ruhi stood there, feeling utterly humiliated and alone, the weight of her mistakes pressing down on her. The confrontation with Vidya had left her shaken, but as the initial shock wore off, a new emotion began to bubble up within her—anger. She was angry at Vidya for her harsh words, angry at Rohith for leaving without giving her a chance to explain, and angry at herself for the choices she had made. The suffocating guilt and sorrow were now mingled with a fierce need for space, to escape from the accusing eyes and constant reminders of her failures.