Twisted Hearts

the decision

The house felt emptier than ever, the silence a stark reminder of what had been lost. It had only been a few weeks since Ziva's death, and Ravindra's heart was still raw with grief. He couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, and the only thing that seemed to keep him anchored was the resolve growing inside him.

One evening, as Mahindra returned home, he found Ravindra sitting at the dining table, divorce papers laid out in front of him.

“I want a divorce,” Ravindra said quietly, his voice steady but filled with resolve.

Mahindra stared at him, shock evident in his eyes. “After seven years, why now?”

Ravindra looked up, his eyes meeting Mahindra’s. “No matter how hard I try, you will never love me because your heart is filled with him.”

Mahindra’s jaw tightened. “And you realized that after her death?”

“I did. The moment you chose to ignore your own daughter’s death, I realized it.” Ravindra’s voice wavered with emotion.

Mahindra’s face hardened. “It isn’t my fault she died, Ravi.”

Ravindra’s fists clenched. “IT IS! She died right in front of you, and yet you did nothing to save her.”

“Ravi...”

“Tell me, Mahindra,” Ravindra interrupted, his voice trembling with rage and sorrow. “If she was born to Suresh, would you have let her die?” He stared at his husband, demanding an answer.

Mahindra’s silence was deafening. He couldn’t meet Ravindra’s gaze.

“See, your silence gives me the answer,” Ravindra said bitterly. “Isn’t this what you wanted? For me to get tired of you? Oh my, you finally succeeded, Mr. Mahindra.”

Mahindra was silent, unable to meet Ravindra's gaze. His silence was all the confirmation Ravindra needed.

“You wanted me to get tired of this marriage, to be the one to walk away so you wouldn’t have to. Well, congratulations, you succeeded. I’m done, Mahindra. I can’t do this anymore,” Ravindra said, his voice breaking.

Mahindra finally looked up, his eyes pleading. “Ravi, please, listen to me—”

“No,” Ravindra interrupted. “I’ve listened to you, I’ve waited for you, and I’ve hoped that someday you would see me, love me. But you never will. Not when your heart is with someone else.”

Mahindra took a step forward, but Ravindra stood up, pushing the papers towards him. “Sign them, Mahindra. Let me go.”

Tears welled up in Mahindra's eyes, but he knew this moment had been a long time coming. He picked up the pen with trembling hands and signed the papers.

Ravindra watched as Mahindra's signature sealed the end of their marriage. A mixture of relief and sorrow washed over him. It was over, and while it hurt, he knew it was the right decision.

Mahindra dropped the pen, and the silence between them was deafening. Ravindra turned to leave, pausing at the door. “I hope you find what you’re looking for, Mahindra. I really do.”

With that, he walked out, leaving Mahindra alone in the house that had once been filled with dreams of a family, now only echoes of what could have been.

Ravindra knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but for the first time in years, he felt a glimmer of hope. He had taken the first step towards reclaiming his life, and he vowed to find happiness, even if it meant doing it alone.