Guiding Star of My Night

Whispers of Forgotten Smiles

Since Arohi's passing two years ago, Ruhi has forgotten how to smile. Most of her days are spent alone in her room, where she clutches a photo frame of her beloved Matashree and cries until sleep mercifully overtakes her. Despite being surrounded by people, Ruhi feels utterly alone in the midst of the chaos. In the weeks following Arohi's death, the family's initial sympathy slowly faded as everyone became consumed with their own lives. Her Poppy, her Masi, and even Billa Boy have distanced themselves. Akshara's pregnancy now draws the full attention of Abhimanyu and Abhir, while Manjiri has succumbed to depression after losing both her young son and daughter-in-law.

In the beginning, Abhir and Shivu would invite Ruhi to join their games, but each time she declined, lost in the memories of her mother. After a few weeks, they stopped asking, and now, even if Ruhi wishes to play, they no longer include her.

The Ruhi who was once a ray of sunshine, a happy-go-lucky drama queen who could turn the house upside down if she didn't get her way, has now fallen silent. The girl who once demanded everything now demands nothing. On the rare occasion she expressed a desire, she was hushed with comments about being a "good girl," until she realized that there was no one left in the house who would indulge her whims. Only her Matashree had truly understood her, catering to her every need with unwavering love and attention.

The Goenkas never particularly favored Arohi, and Ruhi was never their beloved child. Now that they know Akshara is expecting a daughter, their attention towards Ruhi has waned further. In short, Ruhi is now utterly alone in this vast world. Though it pained her deeply at first, time has taught her that this is her new reality. No one will go out of their way for her anymore. Birthdays, festivals—every day feels the same to her, like any other ordinary day.

The Ruhi who once eagerly awaited Makar Sankranti, causing a ruckus throughout the house in anticipation of flying kites, no longer even steps out of her room. Whether it's Holi or Diwali, she sits quietly in a corner, unnoticed, as all the household attention is now showered on Abhira.

Recently, Ruhi discovered a new park that had opened just a 15-minute drive from their house. She began visiting it daily, accompanied by the driver, but even there, she doesn't play. Instead, she sits quietly on a swing, watching others play. At just eight years old, Ruhi has forgotten how to smile. She believes that nothing lasts forever, and those who promise never to leave are always the first to go. To her, life is now shrouded in darkness, a darkness she believes she must live with.

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That's it for today. Will meet you all soon

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