Whispers of Destiny: Unveiling Hearts ✅

|| 26. Silent Storms ||

The car ride back to Goenka Villa was filled with an eerie silence. Abhir sat quietly in the backseat, his small face turned toward the window, but his mind was elsewhere. Kairav kept glancing at him through the rearview mirror, worry etched on his face. He knew exactly what Abhir was going through; the confusion, the pain-it was all too familiar. He had faced a similar storm years ago.

Keesha, sitting beside Abhir, tried to engage him in small talk, but Abhir didn't respond. She exchanged a worried look with Kairav but decided to stay silent, sensing that Abhir needed space.

As they pulled up to Goenka Villa, Kairav turned off the engine and took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. But before he could speak, Abhir unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out of the car, heading straight into the house without saying a word.

"Abhir, beta," Kairav called out softly, but Abhir didn't turn back. He just kept walking, his little feet carrying the weight of a thousand unspoken questions.

Kairav sighed and turned to Keesha. "He's hurt so much, Keesha. I just wish I could take this pain away from him."

Keesha nodded, her heart aching for the young boy. "He'll need time, Kairav. We just have to be there for him."

As they entered the house, they saw Abhir heading straight to his room. They exchanged another glance, unsure of what to do next. Kairav wanted to follow him, to comfort him, but he knew Abhir might need some time alone.

Upstairs, Abhir closed the door behind him and walked to the middle of his room. The walls that had once felt so familiar now seemed to close in on him. He climbed onto his bed, sat in the middle, and let the tears he had been holding back all day flow freely.

"Why did Mumma lie to me?" he whispered to himself, clutching a pillow to his chest. "Why didn't she tell me about Papa? Does she not trust me?"

His small body shook with sobs as he remembered the photo he had found, the image of his parents' wedding that had turned his world upside down.

"Why did she keep me away from Papa? I don't understand... Why, Mumma? Why?"

Meanwhile, downstairs, Kairav and Keesha stood outside Abhir's room, listening to his muffled cries. Kairav's heart broke for his nephew.

"I've been there, Abhir," Kairav thought to himself, leaning against the wall. "I know what it's like to feel lost, betrayed, and confused. But I promise, we'll get through this together."

Keesha placed a comforting hand on Kairav's shoulder. "He'll come to us when he's ready, Kairav. We just have to be patient."

Kairav nodded, though the helplessness gnawed at him. He knew that no matter what, they had to be strong for Abhir, just as his family had been for him all those years ago.

The evening sun was beginning to set as Akshara arrived at Goenka Villa. As she walked through the door, the family members gathered around her, concern evident on their faces.

"Akshu, how did the health check-up go?" Suhasini asked, her voice laced with worry.

Akshara smiled warmly, trying to ease everyone's minds. "Don't worry, Mimi. The reports came back all clear. Everything is fine."

The family sighed in relief, happy to hear the good news. However, Akshara's eyes scanned the room, looking for a familiar little face. "Where is Abhir?" she asked, noticing his absence.

"He's upstairs in his room," Kairav replied, his voice holding a note of concern. "He's been quiet since we got back."

Akshara frowned slightly, sensing something was off. She quickly made her way upstairs, her heart beginning to race with motherly intuition.