Torn Heart's

chapter 14

Prisha was relieved when the doctor refused to conduct the test,as it was illegal. But that relief quickly turned into fear as she thought about Shekhar's anger. She knew he would be furious, and the thought of his reaction terrified her.

Shekhar had stormed out of the hospital, leaving her behind Prisha,was so lost in her thoughts, didn't even notice the stairs ahead of her. As she took a step forward, she suddenly lost her balance.

Just as she was about to fall, a firm hand grabbed her arm, pulling her back. She looked and saw Maya standing there

Prisha stared at Maya, her heart still racing from the near fall. For a moment, neither of them spoke.

"Are you okay" Maya asked her

Prisha nodded, trying to steady her breathing. "Thank you," she whispered.

Maya guided Prisha to a nearby chair and gently made her sit down. Noticing Prisha's trembling hands, she quickly grabbed water bottle and handed it to her.

"Here, drink this," Maya said softly.

Prisha took the glass with shaky hands and gulped the water down in one go. She placed her hand protectively over her belly,what could have happened if Maya hadn't arrived on time

Suddenly Maya noticed the faint but marks on Prisha's face. The swelling was clearly visible. Maya's eyes widened slightly "Prisha.....What happened to your face?"

Prisha touched her cheek, wincing slightly at the pain. She quickly looked away, avoiding looking at her. "It's nothing," she mumbled

But Maya wasn't convinced. "That's nothing,Prisha. Who did this to you" she asked

Prisha's eyes filled with tears as she struggled to hold them back. She had been trying so hard to keep everything hidden, to not let anyone see the pain she was going through. But now, standing there with Maya, it felt like everything was about to come crashing down.

"I... I fell," Prisha lied, but it was clear even to her that Maya didn't believe her.

Maya's expression hardened, and she gently but firmly turned Prisha's face towards her, forcing her to look into her eyes. "Don't lie to me, Prisha. I can see the truth. This wasn't an accident. Who did this"

Prisha's lip quivered as she tried to hold back the sob that was building in her throat.She shook her head, trying to pull away, but Maya held her in place.

"Was it Shekhar" Maya asked

Prisha quickly shook her head,"It wasn't Shekhar.I'm fine, really. I just... I have to go."

Without waiting for a response, Prisha turned and hurried away.She didn't dare look back, afraid that if she did, she might break down completely.

As Maya left the hospital, she couldn't shake the thoughts of Prisha from her mind. Despite all the hatebshe felt over the years, there was a part of her that still cared deeply for her old friend.

Prisha returned home and was relieved to find that Shekhar was not there. She quietly moved towards Avni's room and found her playing with her toys.

"Avni, have you packed your backpack for school?" Prisha asked

Avni dropped her toys and looked down "Mamma, I don't want to go to school tomorrow."

Prisha knelt beside her,and asked "Why kuch howa hai kya"

"It's Father's Day.I know Papa won't come, and I don't want to make a card for him. I hate him."Avni replied

Prisha's heart broke at her daughter's words. She took Avni into her arms, holding her close. "You shouldn't say this" she said

But Avni looked up with tearful eyes, "I hate him, Mamma. I want a new papa who will love me."Prisha's heart ached even more hearing this. She pulled Avni tighter into her embrace and kissed her forehead.

"I am so sorry... But everything will be okay, I promise."

The next morning, Prisha dressed Avni for school while Shekhar was still not home. As she adjusted Avni's hair, the little girl looked up with worry in her eyes.

"Mamma, I don't want to go to school.I don't want everyone to laugh at me because Papa won't be there to accompany me."

"No one will say anything to you, my love.And you can make that card for me instead, right"Prisha asked her

Next day

Prisha dropped Avni off at school.Nidhi, who was with Maya, spotted Avni and ran up to her, giving her a big hug. Prisha noticed Maya standing a little further away, and gave her a smile. As the two girls rushed inside, Nidhi asked Avni, "Where's your papa"

Avni looked down,and she replied, "He won't come."

"Why don't you call your papa and ask him to come.My papa always listens to me, even if he's busy," Nidhi suggested.

Nidhi quickly ran to her father. "Papa, can I use your phone. Avni needs to call her dad."

Her father handed her the phone, and Nidhi rushed back to Avni.

"Hello" Shekhar's voice was stern on the other end.

"Papa... It's Father's Day at school. Can you please come" Avni asked

"Why would I waste my time on some silly Father's Day event.I have more important things to do" he snapped.

Avni's eyes filled with tears. She handed the phone back to Nidhi and turned away, running out of the school gate.

"Avni, wait" Nidhi shouted, running after her friend.Nidhi's father noticed them running. With students entering the school, the bodyguards failed to see Avni leave.

Avni crossed the road, tears blurring her vision. She didn't see the car speeding toward her. A screech of tires echoed

Nidhi  screamed for help, as she watched her friend on the ground.

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