In the heart of chaos

Chapter 5

Seven years had passed since Aarohi made the life-altering decision to leave her family, Birla Hospital, and the weight of the past behind. Mumbai had become her new home, a city that embraced her with open arms. But even in the bustling city that never slept, Aarohi often found herself missing the warmth of her family.

Her apartment in South Mumbai was small but cozy, filled with photos of her loved ones. On her living room wall hung three framed pictures—one of Kartik, her father, one of Sirat, her mother, and another of Naira, the stepmother she never met but had heard so much about. She would often sit by the window, staring at these pictures as if searching for answers.

"Mom, Dad, I hope you're both proud of me," Aarohi whispered one evening, sitting in her usual spot, staring at Sirat's smiling face. "I know I made some tough choices... but I had to do what felt right at the time."

She glanced at Naira's photo, a woman she never knew but felt connected to through the stories her family told. "And you, Naira maa... everyone says you were so kind, so loving. I hope I'm doing justice to what you would've wanted for Akshu and me. Things have changed so much."

Aarohi sighed, her mind drifting to her time in Mumbai. It had been a whirlwind. After leaving Udaipur, she'd thrown herself into her work at Sarvodaya Hospital's Mumbai branch. She had risen to become one of the leading doctors in her field, respected by her colleagues and adored by her patients. But even with all the professional success, she couldn't completely shake the feeling of loneliness.

Her phone buzzed, breaking her thoughts. A smile crept onto her face as she saw the name flashing on the screen: Kairav. Her brother had been her lifeline, constantly checking in on her since the day she moved.

"Hey, Aaru!" Kairav's familiar voice echoed through the phone. "How's my superstar sister doing?"

Aarohi chuckled, feeling a warmth in her chest at the sound of her brother's teasing. "I'm doing great, Bhai. Just finished a shift at the hospital. You know how it is."

"I know, I know," Kairav said, his tone light. "But seriously, we miss you back here. It's been so long since you've come home."

Aarohi's smile faltered for a moment. "I miss you all too, Bhai. I think about everyone every day... but going back to Udaipur, it's just... I'm not ready."

"I get it," Kairav said gently. "But just know that the door is always open. We'd love to have you back, even if it's just for a visit."

Aarohi nodded, even though he couldn't see her. "Maybe one day."

After a few more minutes of catching up with Kairav, Aarohi hung up the phone. She felt a bittersweet pang in her heart. No matter how much time had passed, she still missed the Goenka family—their warmth, their laughter, and their unconditional love. But the memories of Akshara and Abhimanyu's betrayal still stung.

"One day," she whispered to herself, staring at her parents' photos once more.

---

The next morning, Aarohi walked into Sarvodaya Hospital as she had done every day for the past seven years. The familiar hum of the hospital greeted her, the smell of antiseptic and the rush of doctors and nurses moving about their tasks.

"Dr. Goenka!" A voice called out, interrupting her thoughts.

Aarohi turned to see Dr. Mehta, the hospital's head of administration, approaching her with a smile. "Good morning, Doctor. I need to have a quick word with you in my office."

Aarohi's eyebrows furrowed in curiosity, but she nodded. "Of course, Dr. Mehta."

As they entered his office, Dr. Mehta gestured for her to sit, his expression slightly more serious now. "Aarohi, I've been meaning to speak with you about something important."

Aarohi's heart raced. "Is everything okay?"

Dr. Mehta smiled reassuringly. "Yes, absolutely. In fact, it's good news. You've been doing exceptional work here, and the board has noticed. Because of your outstanding performance, we've decided to transfer you to the Udaipur branch of Sarvodaya Hospital."

Aarohi blinked, her heart skipping a beat. "Udaipur?"

Dr. Mehta nodded. "Yes, we need someone with your expertise there. It's a growing hospital, and with your experience, we believe you can help them take things to the next level. You'll be heading up their neurology department."

Aarohi sat back in her chair, stunned. The words "Udaipur" echoed in her mind. Her home. The place she had run from seven years ago. The place filled with memories of both love and heartbreak.

"I... I don't know what to say," she finally managed to stammer.

"I understand this might be a big change for you," Dr. Mehta said kindly. "But think of it as a homecoming of sorts. You'll be closer to your family. And professionally, it's a step up."

Aarohi nodded slowly, her mind racing. She had built a life in Mumbai, a good life. But Udaipur... going back there would mean facing everything she had left behind—the Goenkas, Akshara, Abhimanyu. Could she do it?

"Can I think about it?" Aarohi asked, her voice hesitant.

"Of course," Dr. Mehta said with a smile. "Take your time. But remember, this is a huge opportunity. We'd hate to lose you, but Udaipur really needs someone like you."

---

Later that evening, Aarohi found herself once again sitting by her window, staring at her parents' photos. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, and she couldn't help but feel conflicted.

"Mom, Dad... what do I do?" she whispered into the quiet room. "Udaipur... I don't know if I'm ready to go back."

She glanced at Naira's photo, her stepmother's kind face looking back at her. "Everyone talks so highly of you, Naira maa. Sometimes I wish I could've met you, just once. Maybe then I'd know what to do."

The silence in the room felt heavy as Aarohi's thoughts churned. She loved her life in Mumbai—her independence, her career, the freedom to be her own person. But Udaipur still had a hold on her, no matter how much she tried to deny it.

Her phone buzzed again, and she glanced at the screen. It was a message from Kairav.

"Aaru, just wanted to say I miss you. Come home soon."

Aarohi sighed, her heart aching. It wasn't just the Goenkas who missed her. Deep down, she missed them too.

As she sat there, torn between her life in Mumbai and the pull of Udaipur, Aarohi made a decision. It wasn't an easy one, but she knew it was time to stop running.

The next morning, she walked into Dr. Mehta's office and gave her answer.

"I'll take the transfer to Udaipur."

Dr. Mehta smiled, nodding in approval. "Good choice, Dr. Goenka. We'll get everything sorted for the move."

---

As Aarohi walked out of the office, her mind was still buzzing. She was going back to Udaipur—a place filled with memories, both beautiful and painful. It wasn't just a move; it was a confrontation with her past, a chance to finally heal old wounds.

But this time, Aarohi wasn't afraid. She had spent seven years building a new life, finding her strength. And now, she was ready to face whatever Udaipur had in store for her.

"Mom, Dad... I'm coming home."