DARD : The Pain Of Love

-5-

The anniversary celebration at Agastya’s parents’ house should have been a joyous occasion, but for Aadhya, it was a painful reminder of the chasm between them. As they arrived, his parents welcomed them with open arms, blissfully unaware of the silent turmoil tearing Aadhya apart.

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**At His Parents' House**

Aadhya dressed in a simple red saree, hoping to blend in rather than stand out. She avoided makeup, knowing it wouldn’t hide the sadness in her eyes. As they gathered for lunch, the atmosphere was filled with warmth and laughter. But for Aadhya, each smile felt like a dagger.

Agastya (casually): "Aadhya, you should wear makeup more often. It would make you look more attractive."

His parents laughed at his comment, thinking it was a light-hearted joke. But Aadhya felt her heart shatter a little more. She forced a smile and nodded slightly, hiding the deep wound his words inflicted.

Aadhya (forcing a smile): "I'll keep that in mind."

For the first time, she felt truly insecure about herself. She didn’t know how to do makeup, and now it felt like another way she had failed to meet Agastya’s expectations.

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**After Lunch**

Once the meal was over, Aadhya retreated to their room, the tears she had been holding back finally spilling over. She cried quietly, holding her aching head. Her fever had returned, and she felt as though her body was burning from the inside out. Desperately, she searched for the medicine box and took some fever medication.

Aadhya (looking in the mirror): "Why can’t I be enough for him? Why can’t he see the pain he’s causing me?"

She wiped her tears hurriedly when she heard a knock on the door. Adjusting her appearance, she opened it to find her mother-in-law standing there.

Mother-in-law: "Aadhya, come sit with us. We’re all waiting for you."

Aadhya nodded and followed her, trying to mask her pain with a polite smile. She sat beside Agastya, who was engrossed in conversation with his father.

Father-in-law: "You know, we’re hoping to have grandchildren soon. It would make us very happy."

Aadhya and Agastya both nodded at his words, but Aadhya felt a deep sense of dread. How could she think about starting a family when her own heart was in pieces?

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**Later That Evening**

The room was filled with laughter and stories about Agastya’s childhood. Aadhya felt a small comfort in hearing these stories from his mother, feeling a fleeting connection to the man she once knew. But her solace was short-lived. Her thoughts were interrupted by a buzz from Agastya’s phone.

Curiosity got the better of her, and she glanced at the screen. A message from Aisha, one of Agastya’s investors, flashed: "So excited to see you tonight." Before she could react, Agastya snatched the phone from her hand.

Aadhya (heart pounding): "Who is Aisha? Why is she so excited to see him?"

Her mind raced with insecurity and doubt. She remembered Aisha from the party, the beautiful woman in the black dress who had danced with Agastya. Her heart sank even further.

Mother-in-law (noticing Aadhya’s pallor): "Aadhya, are you feeling okay? You look very pale."

Aadhya shook her head, trying to reassure her.

Aadhya (forcing a smile): "I’m fine, just a little tired."

But her vision started to blur, and her head felt heavy. She excused herself and hurried back to their room, barely making it inside before collapsing to the floor. Tears streamed down her face as she struggled to breathe.

Aadhya (sobbing): "Why does it hurt so much? Why can’t I be what he wants?"

Her body felt weak, and she couldn’t hold back the overwhelming sadness any longer. The room spun around her, and she fainted, her tears still flowing.

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**Hours Later**

Agastya found her lying on the floor, unconscious. Panic surged through him as he scooped her up and called for help. His parents rushed in, their faces etched with worry.

Agastya (frantically): "Aadhya, wake up! Please, wake up!"

His mother grabbed a cold cloth and placed it on Aadhya’s forehead, while his father called for a doctor. Agastya sat by her side, holding her hand, guilt and fear battling in his heart.

Mother-in-law (teary-eyed): "Why didn’t she tell us she was feeling so unwell?"

Agastya (whispering): "I should have noticed this earlier"

As the doctor arrived and tended to Aadhya, Agastya couldn’t shake the realization that his neglect had driven her to this point. His parents looked at him, their concern deepening as they saw the cracks in his facade.

Father-in-law (sternly): "Agastya, you need to take better care of her. She’s your wife."

Agastya nodded, his heart heavy with regret. He had been so focused on his own life that he had overlooked the one person who needed him the most. As Aadhya slowly regained consciousness, she saw Agastya’s face, filled with worry.

Aadhya (weakly): "I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry everyone."

Agastya (holding her hand): "No, Aadhya. I’m the one who should be sorry. I’ve been a terrible husband."

But Aadhya could see the doubt in his eyes. She knew that words alone wouldn’t mend their fractured relationship. She closed her eyes, the pain in her heart a constant reminder of the distance between them.

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**The Next Morning**

Aadhya woke up feeling fragile. Agastya had stayed by her side all night, but she knew it was out of obligation rather than love. She forced herself to get up, not wanting to be a burden.

Agastya: "You should rest today. Don’t push yourself."

Aadhya (smiling faintly): "I’ll be fine. I just need to keep going."

As the day progressed, Aadhya struggled to keep up appearances. Her fever had subsided, but the emotional pain lingered. Agastya’s comment about her appearance haunted her, and she felt a growing sense of inadequacy.

Aadhya (thinking): "Why do I keep hoping things will change? Why do I keep hurting myself like this?"

But despite her doubts, she tried to push forward, hoping against hope that one day, things would be different. Yet, deep down, she knew that the shadows of heartache would continue to follow her, casting a dark cloud over her every step.

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