Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha~ Short Stories Collection

6

Author's POV 

Ishank walked briskly from Ritwik's office, the weight of the new clue heavy on his mind. Ritwik had promised to dig deeper into Keisha's phone but hadn't disclosed the names involved. "I've found some leads," Ritwik had said. "I'm working on identifying the suspects."

"Thanks, Ritwik," Ishank had replied, feeling the urgency. "Let me know as soon as you have more."

As he navigated the busy hospital corridors, his phone rang. It was Aarush. "Ishank, Keisha's awake. You need to get back to the hospital now."

Ishank's heart raced as he hurried back. The sterile smell of the hospital hit him as he rushed to the room where Keisha was being treated. The lights were harsh, casting a cold glare over the scene as he entered.

Keisha's family was already gathered around her. Her parents, Eklavya, and Aarush were all there, their faces showing a mix of relief and concern. Ishank approached Keisha, his heart aching at the sight of her fragile state.

"Isha, you're awake," he said, his voice trembling slightly. "How are you feeling?"

Keisha's voice was weak but firm. "Ishank, there's something I need to say."

Her parents and Eklavya looked at her with worry, but Keisha's resolve was clear. "I need some space to think. I want you to leave."

Ishank's heart sank. "Isha, are you sure? We can get through this together."

Keisha's eyes were filled with a mixture of sadness and determination. "No, I need to be alone right now. It's the only way I can start healing."

Her mother, visibly distressed, tried to intervene. "Keisha, please reconsider. This isn't the right time."

Keisha shook her head. "I've made my decision. I need this time alone."

With a heavy heart, Ishank nodded. "Alright, Isha. I'll give you the space you need."

He leaned in and kissed her forehead, his emotions barely contained. "I'll be here if you need me."

As he stepped out of the room, the weight of his decision hung heavily on him. He walked down the corridor, his mind racing with thoughts of Ritwik's message and the impending confrontation.

Two days after their separation, the atmosphere was somber as Ishank and Keisha stood at the edge of the cremation pyre. The small white urn containing their baby girl's ashes, named Aahi, was placed on the pyre. The ceremony was attended by close family, including Ishanaya, who stood silently beside them.

Keisha's tears flowed freely as she clung to Ishank. "I can't believe she's gone," she sobbed. "Our little Aahi..."

Ishank held her tightly, his own grief barely contained. "Isha, I know this is the hardest thing we've ever faced. We have to be strong for her."

The flames began to consume the pyre. Keisha's cries grew louder as she tried to step forward, her grief overwhelming her. "No, I need to be with her!" she screamed, reaching for the fire.

Her parents and relatives rushed to hold her back. "Keisha, you can't," her mother pleaded. "You need to stay back."

Ishanaya approached, tears in her eyes. "Keisha, please. We all loved Aahi, but you need to let go."

Despite the desperate pleas around her, Keisha continued to struggle, her cries echoing through the solemn air. Ishank held her firmly, his heart breaking as he whispered, "Isha, we have to honor her memory. She'll always be in our hearts."

The pyre continued to burn, and as the flames danced, Keisha's cries gradually subsided into silent sobs, leaving behind the bittersweet memory of their lost daughter.