The Second Chance

Lost In The Storm

Shaurya's heart was still hardened by his belief that Palki was responsible for his mother's accident. Despite the small moments of care, his anger hadn't fully dissipated. He decided to enact another plan to make Palki suffer, convinced that she needed to be punished further.

That evening, he called Palki into the living room, his face stern and unreadable. "We're going to a party tonight," he announced abruptly.

Palki, still recovering from her previous injuries, looked at him with confusion. "A party?" she echoed, her voice trembling.

"Yes," Shaurya replied coldly. "Get ready. We leave in an hour."

At the party, Shaurya maintained a façade of a loving husband, but his eyes were cold. Palki, though uncomfortable and still in pain, played along, not wanting to cause any more trouble. She smiled politely and made small talk, though her heart wasn't in it.

As the evening drew to a close, Palki felt relieved. She hoped that maybe, just maybe, Shaurya would let her rest once they got home. However, as they were driving back, Shaurya pulled over on a deserted road, the rain pouring down in torrents.

"Get out," Shaurya ordered, his voice devoid of emotion.

Palki looked at him in shock. "What? Why?"

"I said, get out," Shaurya repeated, his eyes blazing with anger. "Don't you dare come back."

Tears welled up in Palki's eyes as she stepped out of the car, the cold rain soaking her instantly. Shaurya drove off without a backward glance, leaving her standing alone on the dark, empty road.

Palki wandered aimlessly, the rain pelting her relentlessly. She had no idea where she was or how to get home. She tried to find shelter but was met with nothing but darkness and desolation. Her body ached from the cold and the injuries she was still nursing.

Meanwhile, Shaurya returned home, expecting Palki to follow soon after. When she didn't show up, he felt a twinge of worry but brushed it aside, convincing himself that she was just being stubborn.

The next morning, Roohi came into Shaurya's room, her face full of concern. "Papa, where's Palki Mumma? She's not home."

Shaurya's heart skipped a beat. He had hoped to avoid this conversation. "She's... she's fine, Roohi. She just needed some time alone."

But as the hours passed and Palki still didn't return, Shaurya's worry grew. He couldn't focus on anything else. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, he set out to find her.

Shaurya drove through the streets, his mind racing. He checked all the places he thought Palki might have gone, but she was nowhere to be found. Panic set in as he realized she had been out in the storm all night.

Finally, after hours of searching, he found her lying unconscious in a park, her body curled up against a tree. She was soaked to the bone and shivering violently.

Shaurya carefully carried Palki back to the car and drove her home. Once inside, he gently placed her on the couch and covered her with blankets, trying to warm her up. As she began to regain consciousness, he couldn't contain his frustration and worry any longer.

"Palki, why didn't you come back?" he demanded, his voice a mix of anger and fear.

Palki looked at him weakly, her eyes filled with pain. "Because you told me not to," she whispered.

Shaurya's anger flared. "Waise toh ek baat nahi maanti ho par yeh maan ni zaruri thi kya?" he snapped, but his heart wasn't in it. Seeing her like this was breaking him inside.

Over the next few days, Shaurya's demeanor softened slightly, though he struggled to express it. He continued to care for Palki in small ways, bringing her food and water, ensuring she was comfortable. Palki, however, remained silent, her spirit seemingly broken by the constant torment.

Shaurya's guilt grew with each passing day. He watched her suffer, realizing that his actions were causing more harm than he ever intended. Yet, he couldn't bring himself to apologize, his pride and anger still holding him back.

As Palki lay in bed one night, Shaurya entered her room quietly. He saw the bandages on her foot and felt a pang of guilt. He approached her, his movements gentle as he changed her bandages, careful not to wake her.

Kyunki aapne mana kiya tha," her earlier words echoed in his mind, haunting him. He knew he had a long way to go to make things right, but for now, all he could do was try to ease her pain, even if only a little.

That's it for today's update
Signing off
Diksha

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