The Rathore's Family

Old Scars

He dropped her outside her home, but she didn't go in. Instead, she stood there, staring at the house with moist eyes. "I never thought I'd come here again, but..." she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

Advait watched her through the car mirror, noticing her hesitation and the sadness etched on her face. He rolled down the window and called out softly, "Are you planning to stand there all night?"

She flinched at his sudden voice. Turning to him, she forced a smile that didn't reach her eyes and said, "No, I'm just going."

"Then go!" he replied, his tone a mix of concern and exasperation. She hesitated for a moment, then nodded and walked towards the house. Each step felt heavy, as if she were walking through water. At the front door, she paused, glancing back at Advait, who was still watching her intently. With a deep breath, she opened the door and stepped inside.

As soon as she disappeared into the house, Advait started the car and drove away, his mind preoccupied with worry.

"Drishti!" A voice caught her attention as soon as she entered.

She turned towards Kavyani and rushed to hug her. "Bhabhi, how are you? Where is Ranaya?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Kavyani smiled warmly at Drishti. "I'm good. Ranaya went out with her dad. They must be coming back soon." She held Drishti's hand and led her to the sitting area. "Drishti, sit here. I'll get some water for you."

"No, no, Bhabhi, there's no need," Drishti said quickly, her anxiety and fear evident in her voice.

Kavyani sat beside her, concerned in her eyes. "Did you come here alone?"

"No, I came with Advait Ji. Why would I come alone?" Drishti replied defensively.

Kavyani put a comforting hand on Drishti's. "Don't get me wrong, Drishti. I asked because you came alone, so I thought..."

"You thought my in-laws kicked me out of the house, that's why I came here," Drishti interrupted bitterly.

"No, Drishti, why would I think that? And ultimately, this is your home too," Kavyani said gently.

Drishti smiled sadly. "My home? This is not my home, and I am not here to stay. I can't bear to hear accusations about things I haven't done." She stood up abruptly. "I think I should go now."

Just then, little arms wrapped around her waist. "Auntie, you're back!" Ranaya exclaimed.

Drishti smiled and picked her up. "Did you miss me?" she asked, pecking her niece's cheeks.

"Yes!" Ranaya stretched her arms wide. "I missed you this much."

Ivaan stood at the door, watching them. His face was a mask of conflicting emotions. On one hand, he wanted to hug his sister, but on the other, his hatred for her was overpowering. He clenched his fists, trying to control the storm inside him. Striding forward, he forcefully took Ranaya from Drishti's arms and shouted, "How dare you touch my daughter? After taking Mom and Dad's lives, do you want to destroy my family too?"

Drishti's eyes filled with tears at her brother's harsh words. Ranaya looked up at her with innocent eyes, unable to understand the situation.

Drishti knelt down and held Ranaya's hand. "Go to your room, baby. Bua will come to meet you again."

"Really? You promise?" Ranaya asked, holding out her little finger.

"Promise," Drishti said, hooking her finger with Ranaya's. The little girl ran off to her room.

"Are you done? Now leave," Ivaan said, his voice dripping with hatred. "Did your family throw you out of the house?"

Drishti stood silently, taking her bag and turning to leave.

Seeing her leave, Kavyani said, "She came for Pagphera, not to stay."

"Then it must be done. She should go now," Ivaan said coldly.

Drishti's eyes glinted with unshed tears. "I didn't want to come here, where I'm considered a murderer of my own parents."

Ivaan laughed bitterly. "You are. Because of you, Mom and Dad aren't here. Every time I see you, I remember how they died in that fire."

"Stop it, Ivaan," Kavyani scolded, her voice filled with anger and sadness. "Drishti is not responsible for what happened. It was an accident."

Ignoring her words, Ivaan grabbed Drishti's hand and dragged her out of the house. "Go back to your in-laws if they haven't thrown you out too."

He slammed the door, leaving her outside in shock and disbelief.

Alone on the doorstep, Drishti felt a wave of emotions wash over her. The tears she had been holding back now flowed freely. She wiped them away with the back of her hand, her voice choked with sorrow. "Why are you crying now? You were prepared for this."

She turned and walked towards the road, lost in her thoughts. "Where will I go now? I can't go home; everyone will ask questions." After a moment of contemplation, she decided to go to her apartment, where she used to live with her

"Yes, this is a good idea. Let me talk to her first," Drishti murmured to herself, trying to steady her racing heart.

She fumbled in her bag, searching for her phone. "Oh God, where the hell is it?" she muttered in frustration. "Why is everything happening to me?" Her voice cracked with irritation and sadness as she struggled to hold back tears. "Don't cry, Drishti," she whispered, trying to console herself.

Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice the car honking persistently. She continued rummaging through her bag, unaware of her surroundings. Suddenly, someone grabbed her arm tightly. Startled, she looked up and shouted, "Who the hell are you—" But her words caught in her throat when she saw who it was.

"Aap?" she asked in confusion, her eyes widening.

He didn't answer, just held her wrist and led her to the car. "Sit," he commanded.

She stared at him, bewildered. "I said sit inside the car, Drishti," Advait repeated, his voice firm but gentle.

She sat quietly, her mind swirling with unspoken questions. Advait drove in silence, finally stopping on the side of the road. The silence in the car was thick with unspoken words and emotions.

"Drishti," Advait called her name softly, concern evident in his tone. "What were you doing here?"

She looked at him, her eyes reflecting her inner turmoil. His gaze was intense, and she quickly averted her eyes, staring out the window. "I... I was going to my friend's house," she answered slowly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Advait sensed something was wrong but chose not to press her further. He hummed thoughtfully. "Tell me the address of your friend's house."

"Address..." she repeated, stalling for time.

"Yes, don't you know it?"

"No, no. Actually, she called me and said she's not at home, so now I'm not going to see her," Drishti said, trying to sound convincing but failing miserably.

"Are you sure she called you?" Advait asked, his voice skeptical.

"Yes," she replied confidently, though her hands were trembling.

Advait reached into the back seat and picked up her phone, holding it out to her. "Then whose phone is this?"

She awkwardly smiled, taking the phone from his hand. "Hmm, I think it is my phone. How did it get here? Haww, did you steal my phone?" she said dramatically, trying to lighten the atmosphere.