Hearts in Balance: A Tale of Business and Medicine

23. Chaos and Shot!

Hey Everyone we're back with another exciting chapter of Hearts in Balance: A Tale of Business and Medicine.

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!!!

Recap:

Aastha entered the mafia world and joined Crimson Shadows. Anurag was her trainer, he was training her for all the situations without any mercy on her. She was exhausted as hell but determined not to let down her brother and she had to prove to everyone that she could survive in the mafia world with this she lost her strength her Baba, Virat, Mohit, and especially her Fire they weren't talking to her since that incident.

Let's start!!

One evening, after another exhausting day of training and work, Aastha returned home, her body aching and her mind frayed. Everyone settled down for dinner. Aastha was staring at her plate everyone noticed it.

Ashwini: Aastha, beta have your dinner!!!

Aastha didn't reply she was starring her food. Pakhi tried this time.

Pakhi (worried): Aastha, what's wrong? you seemed too stressed.

Aastha stood up from her place and sat on the floor where Ashwini was sitting.

Ashwini: Bada, take your seat on the chair.

Aastha: Aai please let me sit here only.

Aastha kept her head in Ashwini's lap and silent tears were flowing from her eyes.

Aastha: Vahini, Aai I'm leaving the house.

The room froze. Every face reflected a mixture of shock, disbelief, and fear. Pakhi and Karishma gasped audibly, their eyes widening as Pakhi took a step forward.

Pakhi: You can't be serious Aastha...

Anurag's heart sank as her words echoed in his mind. Everyone couldn't believe what they heard.

Karishma: Tai, you are kidding right? Yeah she must be kidding (tries to laugh)

Bhawani (laughs): Yes she is kidding

Everyone looked at Aastha for any trace that she was kidding but there was none she had a straight face.

Aastha: No I'm not kidding, I'm leaving the house after dinner itself.

Virat, Samrat, and Mohit stood frozen in place, their eyes glued to Aastha as if trying to process her words. Bhawani's usual stern expression faltered, replaced with a flash of panic.

Ashwini (scared): Why?

Bhawani: What's wrong? Why are you leaving us?

Aastha (cries): Kaku after that incident Baba, Mohit, Virat no one is talking to me, they're avoiding me. Samrat dada talks to me only when it's about Vahini's health nothing else, Omkar kaka talks when he wants to inquire about Karishma's health I don't know that killing Karan and protecting Fire was my mistake from your perspective, and Fire, he neither talk to me Aai.

It feels like I don't belong here...I...I'm burdened on you. Aai I Love you all...I know leaving you all won't be easy for me but I'll try to live without you all.

Anurag clenched his fists under the table, fighting the urge to speak, his heart aching at her words. He could sense her pain, but he felt helpless, unsure of how to reach her.

Everyone stood up from their chair, Ashwini was caressing Aastha's hair she lifted Aastha's face to look at her fresh tears on her cheek.

Ashwini (wiping her tears): No beta you're not a burden on us, you're our daughter.