"YRKKH-Aarohi's Enchanting Transformation"

25.Unheard feelings and Unseen tears(a)

Keerti entered the room, finding Aarohi asleep with her head resting on the table. She smiled warmly, gently stroking Aarohi's hair.

"Aaru," Keerti whispered, softly tapping Aarohi's shoulder.

Aarohi's eyes fluttered open, locking onto Keerti's compassionate gaze.

"Bua," Aarohi whispered, her voice laced with relief,She wrapped her aunt around her waist while sitting in the chair.

Keerti's gaze caught Aarohi's fragile,innocent smile.Seeing her in this state took back her to the olden days,where she brought the wounded child in her care.

Keerti's eyes radiated warmth, understanding, and empathy, enveloping Aarohi in a sense of comfort.

Bua!I guess I slept due to the continuous night duties.

Keerti's hands cradled Aarohi's face, her touch warm and soothing.

"My hardworking daughter is exhausted," Keerti cooed. "You haven't eaten since morning, have you? Come, get up, eat something, and then rest."

Aarohi's heavy eyelids struggled to stay open, her body drained from the relentless night duties. But her mind raced with anxiety – Akshara might return, bombarding her with tales of Abhimanyu and her own heartache.

Bua!I feel sleepy now,I will eat later.

Keerti gently stopped Aarohi from leaning again,guiding her to sit upright. She grasped Aarohi's wrist,and made her sit at the bed.
Aarohi's eyes widened as Keerti placed a laden plate before her.

"Bua, seriously? I can't finish all this!" Aarohi protested, her voice laced with amusement.
Keerti smiled, her eyes twinkling.

Keerti waved her palm gesturing her to stop protest,

Aarohi still looked at her like a sad child,
Keerti chuckled
"Eat what you can,Aaru,You shouldn't skip meals!
She said while tagging her behind the earlobe.

Aarohi smiled at her with affection.As soon as she tasted the food,her eyes widened,Keerti could see her neice dazzling eyes,

Seriously,Eating good food after days,Aarohi exclaimed.

Keerti smiled at her.

Aarohi's face filled with gratitude for this human who stands with her through all of this.

Keerti's voice softened, her eyes filled with concern. "Aaru, if something's troubling you, or if you need to talk..."

Aarohi's gaze dropped, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm okay, Bua. I expected this. I had to prepare myself,I've faced this since childhood, after all. Everyone's focus shifts to Akshu's happiness, and my feelings... well, they've never mattered much here,Its always been secondary"

Keerti's expression mirrored her distress, but Aarohi continued,

But I couldn't stand Akshu's fake concern,Aarohi said.

"No, Aaru, it's not like that," Keerti pleaded, her voice tinged with urgency. "Aaru beta,I understand that you are hurting but Akshu truly loves you,don't push her away."

Aarohi's laugh with bitterness. "Do you think so, Bua? If she did, she wouldn't ask me to forgive him. And I will never forgive her for what she did today."

Aarohi's eyes flashed with anger, her voice cracking with sadness and dejection.

"Love doesn't demand forgiveness for the unforgivable, Bua.I am not bothered by her choosing him over me,but asking me to forgive him was too much,Aarohi replied.