Silent Cries

Chapter 2

The sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. Dev stirred in bed, a throbbing headache pounding at his temples. He groaned, rubbing his eyes as the events of the previous night came rushing back to him in fragmented flashes. The party, the drinking, Angad bringing him home-it all seemed like a distant, hazy dream.

Navya quietly entered the room, carrying a glass of lemonade. She approached Dev's bedside, her steps tentative and her heart heavy with the anticipation of his reaction. She handed him the glass, her eyes filled with concern.

Navya: "Here, drink this. It will help with the headache."

Dev looked at her, his expression hardening. He took the glass, but his eyes remained cold.

Dev: "Good that you didn't utilize my drunken state like last time."

Navya's heart sank at his words, the familiar sting of his accusation piercing through her. She looked down, unable to meet his gaze.

Navya: "Dev, I was only trying to help."

Dev's anger flared, his voice sharp and bitter.

Dev: "I hate myself and that day for touching you. It's a memory I wish I could erase."

Navya's grip tightened around the glass she held, her knuckles turning white. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.

Navya: "I understand that you hate what happened, Dev. But I never wanted things to go that way either. You were drunk and confused.

I tried to stop you."Dev scoffed, his eyes narrowing.

Dev: "Stop lying to yourself, Navya. You wanted it. You took advantage of the situation."

Navya's eyes filled with tears, but she forced herself to speak calmly.

Navya: "Dev, I have always loved you. But I would never want our relationship to start on such a painful note. I didn't take advantage of you."

Dev turned away, his anger still simmering.

Dev: "I don't want to talk about it anymore. Just leave me alone."

Navya nodded, her heart heavy with the weight of his words. She turned to leave the room, pausing at the doorway to look back at him one last time.

Navya: "I'll always be here for you, Dev. Even if you can't see it now."

Dev stood in front of the mirror, tying his tie with practiced efficiency. His mind churned with the events of his past , his interactions with Hina and the haunting memories of his life without her that seemed to follow him everywhere

Ayaan, bounded into the room, his face lit up with excitement.

Ayaan: "Pappa, can you come to the park with me and Mumma today? My friends tease me that my Pappa doesn't love me because you never come with us."

Dev paused, his hands freezing in midair. He turned to look at Ayaan, his expression clouded with frustration.

Dev: "Ayaan, I have important work to do. I can't just drop everything and go to the park whenever you want."

Ayaan's face fell, disappointment etched across his features.

Ayaan: "But Pappa, all my friends' dads come to the park with them. Why can't you?"

Dev with frustration bubbling to the surface.

Dev: "Because I have responsibilities, Ayaan. Responsibilities that are more important than going to the park."

Ayaan's lower lip trembled, his eyes filling with unshed tears.

Ayaan: "But Mumma says spending time with family is important too. She always waits for you to come home."