Silent Cries

Chapter 12

Dev sat alone in the large, empty house that once echoed with the sounds of Ayaan's laughter and Navya's gentle hums. Every corner of the house reminded him of them, the family he had taken for granted and lost.

**Dev's Mind:** *A year without them feels like a lifetime. I never realized how much they meant to me until they were gone. This house, once a home, is now just a shell.*

Dev's days had become a monotonous cycle of work and solitude. He would leave early for the office, bury himself in work, and return late to an empty house. The joy and vibrancy that Navya and Ayaan brought to his life were gone, replaced by an overwhelming sense of regret.

**Dev's Mind:** *Work is all I have now. But even that feels hollow. I used to work till night as an escape from this hell. Now, it's just a way to pass the time and escape the silence.*

Angad visited Dev, hoping to lift his spirits.

**Angad:** "Hey, Dev. How are you holding up?"

Dev sighed, looking around the empty living room.

**Dev:** "It's hard, Angad. Every day without them feels like a punishment. I've realized how much I love Navya. How much I need her and Ayaan in my life."

Angad nodded, understanding the depth of Dev's pain.

**Angad:** "I've seen the change in you, Dev. You've come a long way. But you need to keep searching. Don't give up hope."

Despite the fruitless search for Navya and Ayaan, Dev hadn't stopped looking. He hired private investigators, reached out to friends, and even traveled to different cities, hoping for a lead. But every effort ended in disappointment.

**Dev's Mind:** *I've searched everywhere. Why can't I find them? I need to tell Navya how much she means to me now. How sorry I am for everything.*

Every room in the house held memories of Navya and Ayaan. Dev often found himself in Ayaan's room, staring at his son's toys and pictures, feeling an ache in his heart.

**Dev's Mind:** *Ayaan, my son. I never got to be the father you deserved. I missed your first steps, your first words. I called you a mistake, but now i realized you were the best thing that ever happened to me.*

Dev recalled a time when Navya and Ayaan were with him. He remembered the small, tender moments he had overlooked-the way Navya smiled when she cooked his favorite meals, the way Ayaan's eyes lit up when he played.

Navya sat in the rocking chair, gently humming a lullaby while cradling Ayaan in her arms. The soft melody filled the room, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

**Navya:** (softly) Lori lori lori... (4)

Chandaniya chup jaana re
Chan bhar ko luk jaana re
Neendiya aankhon mein aaye
Bitiya meri so jaaye
Hmm...

Neendiya aankhon mein aaye
Bitiya meri so jaaye
Leke godh mein sulaaun
Gaaun raat bhar sunaaun
Main lori lori
Ho main lori lori

Suddenly, Dev stormed into the room, irritation clear on his face.

**Dev:** "Navya, can you please stop that singing? It's irritating after a long day at work."

Navya's face fell, her voice trailing off. She looked at Dev with a mixture of sadness and resignation.

**Navya:** (softly) "I'm sorry, Dev. I just wanted to soothe Ayaan."

**Dev:** "Just put him to bed quietly. I need some peace."

Navya nodded, her heart aching, as she gently laid Ayaan in his crib, her humming now a distant