Silent Cries

chapter 21

As Dev watched Navya from the shadows, he couldn’t help but replay her words in his mind. Her voice, cold and devoid of the warmth he once knew, cut through him like a knife. The anger in her eyes, the pain in her voice, haunted him. *"I know I don’t deserve your love,"* he thought, his eyes fixed on her as she moved gracefully through the café, attending to her duties. *"But I want to make myself capable first. I want to become a man worthy of your love again."*

He leaned against the wall, still out of her sight, and ran a hand through his hair, frustration and determination warring within him. *"She has every right to be angry with me,"* Dev acknowledged, the weight of his guilt pressing down on him. *"But this time, I won’t leave her. I can’t."*

The day wore on, and soon Navya had finished her shift. She collected her things, moving with a grace that was uniquely hers. Dev watched as she exited the café, making her way towards her house. Keeping a safe distance, he followed her, his footsteps light and deliberate, not wanting her to notice his presence. He just needed to see where she lived, to be closer to her in some way, even if it was from afar.

Navya walked through the familiar streets, her mind seemingly preoccupied with thoughts unknown to Dev. She arrived at her house, a modest but cozy-looking place that exuded warmth. Dev lingered a little further down the street, hiding behind a tree, his eyes never leaving her figure. He watched as she went inside, and soon a light flickered on in the window.

Dev’s heart swelled with emotions as he saw her silhouette framed against the windowpane. She looked out, seemingly lost in thought, her face bathed in the golden glow of the evening light. A soft smile played on Dev’s lips as he watched her. The sight of Navya, so close yet so far, tugged at his heartstrings. He felt a strange mix of sadness and hope.

The soft strains of *"Ishq Bulaava"* filled his mind, the song capturing the essence of his emotions perfectly.

*Ishq Bulaava, jaane Kab Aave* 
*Ishq Bulaava, Aave Jab Aave…* 
*Main Ta Kol Tere Rehna* 
*Main Ta Kol Tere Rehna* 
*Main Ta Baitha Kol Tere*

Dev’s eyes softened as he watched her. *"I want to be by your side, Navya,"* he thought, the lyrics echoing his deepest desires. *"I want to sit with you, to talk, to laugh, to share our lives like we once did."*

Navya’s movements caught his eye, drawing him back from his thoughts. She was doing something inside, moving about, and Dev couldn’t help but be captivated by her every action. Her presence was like a balm to his weary soul, soothing him even from a distance. He longed to be near her, to feel her warmth, to hear her and to live a Life he never did.

Suddenly, the door to the house opened, and a young boy came running out. Ayaan. Dev’s heart skipped a beat as he saw his son, his face lighting up with joy. Navya followed him, smiling at Ayaan’s enthusiasm. She ruffled his hair affectionately, and Dev felt a lump form in his throat. This was his son, his flesh and blood, and yet, he was a stranger to him now.

*Tu Hansdi Rave, Main Hansaanda Ravaan* 
*Tainu Takda Ravaan…*

Dev watched them interact, his eyes misting over. Ayaan was chattering excitedly, his small hands gesturing animatedly as he spoke. Navya listened, her eyes soft and her smile patient. Dev felt a pang of longing so intense it almost took his breath away. This was what he had missed, what he had thrown away in his selfishness.

Ayaan’s laughter filled the air, clear and innocent, and Dev’s heart ached. *"I missed so much,"* he thought, his eyes never leaving his son. *"I missed watching him grow, hearing his laughter, being there for his first words, his first steps…"* He swallowed hard, the reality of his absence hitting him like a tidal wave. *"But I’m here now. I’ll make it right. I’ll be the father he needs."*