•𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐃 𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐄• /𝑳𝒂𝒌𝒔𝒉𝒚𝒂 𝑺𝒆𝒏/

' 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 8 '

Aarohi paced back and forth outside the hospital room, her mind racing with worry and fear. Her parents stood nearby, talking to the doctor in hushed tones.

Suddenly, the doctor's expression turned somber, and he placed a hand on Aarohi's mother's shoulder. "I'm so sorry," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "We did everything we could, but...she's gone."

Aarohi's mother let out a sob, her body crumbling into her father's arms. Aarohi's heart stopped, her eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before her.

Her father's eyes met hers, filled with tears and grief. "Aarohi, beta...your Dadi is no more," he choked out.

Aarohi felt like she'd been punched in the gut, her breath knocked out of her. She took a step back, her eyes scanning the area frantically, as if searching for an escape from the pain.

She thought of Lakshya, her arranged husband, and wondered if he would even care about her loss. The thought only added to her pain, and she felt a tear roll down her cheek.

Aarohi's eyes welled up with tears as she tried to process the news. She had been so close to her Dadi, and the thought of living without her was unbearable.

Her parents tried to comfort her, but she just shook her head and walked away, needing some time alone to grieve.

As she walked down the hospital corridor, she couldn't help but think of Lakshya. She wondered if he would even come to the funeral, or if he would just send a condolence message.

The thought of facing him, of pretending to be a united couple in front of their families and friends, felt like too much to bear.

Aarohi stopped in front of a window, staring out at the sky as tears streamed down her face. She felt lost and alone, unsure of how to navigate this new reality without her Dadi by her side.

Just then, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She hesitated for a moment before pulling it out, wondering if it might be Lakshya. But it was just a message from her friend, offering condolences and support. Aarohi smiled weakly, feeling grateful for the kindness, but still feeling a deep ache in her heart.

Aarohi took a deep breath and tried to compose herself, knowing she had to be strong for her family. She wiped away her tears and began to walk back to the hospital room, where her parents were waiting for her.

As she entered the room, she saw her parents sitting in silence, their faces etched with grief. She sat down beside them, taking her mother's hand in hers.

"We need to start making arrangements for the funeral," her father said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Aarohi nodded, feeling a sense of numbness wash over her. She knew she had to be strong, but it was hard to think about saying goodbye to her Dadi.

Just then, her phone buzzed again. This time, it was a message from Lakshya. "Sorry to hear about your loss. I'll be there for the funeral."

Aarohi felt a mix of emotions: sadness, anger, and frustration. Why was he only reaching out now? Where had he been when she needed him?

She showed the message to her parents, who exchanged a skeptical glance. "We'll see if he shows up," her father said, his voice laced with doubt.

Aarohi nodded, feeling a sense of determination. She would get through this, no matter what. And as for Lakshya, she would deal with him later.

The day of the funeral arrived, and Aarohi's family was surrounded by friends and relatives, all come to pay their respects to her Dadi. Aarohi stood by her parents, trying to hold back tears as the priest performed the last rites.