Silent Cries

Chapter 7

### Morning of the Reunion Day

Navya stood in the bedroom, carefully ironing Dev's clothes. She hoped that by helping with the little things, she might bridge the ever-widening gap between them. The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the room, but inside Navya’s heart, there was only coldness.

Just then, Dev stormed in, his face clouded with irritation.

**Dev:** "Who told you to iron my clothes? Do you think you can just do whatever you want?"

Navya looked up, startled. "Dev, I was just trying to help. I thought you might need—"

**Dev:** "Help? From you?" He sneered, cutting her off. "You’re good for nothing, Navya. Can’t you see I don’t want your so-called help?"

Navya's hands trembled as she set the iron down. "I’m just trying to make things easier for you."

**Dev:** "Easier? You think you make anything easier for me?" His voice rose, filled with contempt. "Get out of my room. Now."

Tears welled up in Navya's eyes, but she held them back, refusing to let him see her cry. She gathered her composure, turned around, and walked out of the room, each step feeling like a thousand pounds. She closed the door behind her, leaning against it for support, taking deep breaths to calm herself.

**Navya's Mind:** *Why does he hate me so much? I’ve tried everything, but nothing I do is ever right in his eyes.*

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### Dev's POV ###

Dev watched Navya leave, his chest heaving with anger. He ran his hands through his hair, trying to control the rage boiling within him. He turned to the clothes she had ironed, his eyes burning with resentment.

**Dev's Mind:** *Why does she keep trying to act like she cares? All she does is remind me of what I’ve lost. Heena, why did you have to leave me? Why do I have to live this lie every day?*

He sat down on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the floor. The reunion today was supposed to be a chance to relive the happy moments of his past, but instead, all he could think about was the suffocating reality he faced every day.

**Dev's Mind:** *I need to get out of this house, away from her. Maybe being at the reunion will remind me of better times.*

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### Dev's POV ###

Later, as Dev drove to the reunion, he couldn’t shake off the anger from his confrontation with Navya. He tried to focus on the road, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Heena.

**Dev's Mind:** *I wish you were here, Heena. I can’t stand being around Navya. Every day is a reminder of how I lost you. This reunion... maybe it’ll bring back some of the happiness we shared.*

He pulled up to the venue, taking a deep breath before stepping out of the car. The sight of the old college building brought a flood of memories, both sweet and bitter.

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### Navya's POV: After Dev Leaves

Back at home, Navya watched from the window as Dev drove away. She turned back to Ayaan, who was now engrossed in drawing pictures.

She joined Ayaan on the floor, picking up a crayon to draw with him.

**Ayaan:** "Mumma, look! I drew a picture of our family!"

Navya's heart ached as she looked at the drawing. In Ayaan's eyes, they were a perfect family. She forced a smile, hugging him tightly.

**Navya:** "It's beautiful, Ayaan. You did a wonderful job."