In the heart of chaos

Chapter 23

The grand auditorium of the Udaipur Medical Excellence Awards was buzzing with excitement. Doctors from across the city had gathered for the annual event, and among them were the Goenkas and the Birlas. Aarohi sat with her family, dressed elegantly in a maroon gown, her posture straight and composed despite the growing tension she felt. She could feel the weight of the night building up, especially since Abhimanyu and Akshara were present.

The ceremony had been moving along smoothly until the host announced the prestigious award for the Excellence in Neurosurgery.

"And this year's award goes to... Dr. Aarohi Goenka from Sarvodaya Hospital!"

A thunderous round of applause erupted. Aarohi stood up gracefully, her heart racing, but her face calm. She walked up to the stage, accepted the award, and smiled as cameras flashed around her. It was a moment of pride, but she knew better than to get too comfortable. With the Birlas watching, especially Abhimanyu, she could sense that something was coming.

As she returned to her seat, the host called upon Abhimanyu to say a few words as the chief guest. Aarohi's fingers tightened around her award as she watched him approach the podium, his expression unreadable.

"Good evening, everyone," Abhimanyu began, his voice smooth, but there was a hidden edge to it. "I want to congratulate all the winners tonight, especially Dr. Aarohi Goenka. Neurosurgery is not an easy field, and achieving such excellence at a young age is commendable."

Aarohi exhaled, thinking maybe, just maybe, Abhimanyu would keep things professional. But then his tone shifted.

"However," he continued, "success in professional life doesn't always translate to success in personal life, does it?" His eyes flicked to Aarohi, and the tension in the room thickened. "Some people may be good at their job, but in their personal life, they fail to understand the importance of family, relationships, and sacrifice. They harbor resentment, blaming others for their own shortcomings. It's sad, really, when people are stuck in their bitterness and refuse to move on."

Aarohi's jaw clenched as Abhimanyu's words cut through the applause that had barely died down. His next words hit harder.

"And speaking of sacrifices... some relationships, no matter how much you try, just don't work. Sometimes it's better to let go, even if it means leaving someone behind at the altar," he said, his voice cold. "But I'm grateful because it led me to where I am today, with the person I was truly meant to be with."

The audience was silent now, the atmosphere electric with tension. Aarohi felt her blood boiling. She had stayed silent for too long, but not tonight. Not after this.

She stood up, taking a deep breath, and walked to the stage. The audience watched, stunned, as she approached the podium. Abhimanyu stepped aside, clearly not expecting what was coming next.

"Thank you, Dr. Birla, for your kind words," Aarohi began, her voice steady but filled with an icy calm. "I'd like to make one thing very clear. Yes, I've had my fair share of challenges in life, but I've learned to face them head-on, unlike some people who think running away from problems is the solution."

She glanced directly at Abhimanyu, her words pointed. "You talk about failure in personal life? Let's talk about that. Let's talk about how you left me at the mandap, humiliated me in front of my entire family, only to turn around and marry my sister the very next day. Is that your definition of moving on? Or was it just sheer cowardice?"

The room was dead silent, all eyes on Aarohi.

"You stand there, talking about sacrifice, as if you and Akshara are the ones who suffered the most. But let's be real—if it wasn't for me, the two of you wouldn't even be together. You think I didn't notice the little glances you shared? The whispers? I stepped aside because I could see how desperate you both were to be with each other. And what did I get in return? Betrayal and blame. But I stayed quiet. I stayed professional. But not anymore."

Aarohi's voice grew sharper, more direct. "You both act like you're the victims in this story, but let's not forget who was abandoned, who was left to pick up the pieces of her life while you two played happy family. So, if you want to talk about sacrifices, maybe start by acknowledging mine."

The audience was riveted, some stunned, others exchanging looks. Aarohi wasn't done.

"And one more thing, Dr. Birla," Aarohi said, her gaze never leaving Abhimanyu's. "You speak so much about relationships and personal life. Maybe before you degrade others for their failures, you should take a good look at your own choices. Because, quite frankly, the only reason you and Akshara are together is because I was strong enough to let go. So, maybe, instead of making snide remarks about me, you should be thanking me."

The weight of her words hung in the air. Abhimanyu's face was stone cold, his eyes flashing with anger, but he had no retort. Aarohi stepped back from the podium, holding her head high, and walked back to her seat.

Manish and Suwarna looked proud, while the rest of the Goenkas exchanged approving glances. Aarohi had said what needed to be said, and she had said it without hesitation.

As the night wore on, the awards ceremony continued, but the mood had shifted. Aarohi's words had left a deep impact, and as she sat with her family, she knew that no matter what happened, she had finally spoken her truth.