A Tale Of Hidden Scars ✔️

19~Goodbye?

Ashta wandered, lost in regret."If I was never born..." Ashta thought."My father wouldn't have abandoned my mother."

"My mother wouldn't have abused me,My brother wouldn't have bullied me."Tears streamed down Ashta's face.

Six months since she'd seen them yet her heart ached to see them one last time."To apologize," Ashta whispered."For being a curse."

Ashta's thoughts turned to Ayan and Rhea."If I never existed, they'd be happy now."

Their love unobstructed.

Ashta's footsteps carried her toward the traffic.

A sea of headlights.

A blur of noise.

Ashta's heart slowed.

Resigned.

Ayan's voice pierced the din."Ashta! Wait!"

Ashta turned and saw Ayan rushing toward her,his eyes wide with concern,his face etched with love.

For the last time, Ashta gazed at him.

"Sorry, Dadi," Ashta whispered.To her grandmother who was always kind to her,the only one to love her selflessly and now as she was turning to something terribly toxic,she wanted to apologise for the last time.A silent apology for her reckless step.

Ashta took a deep breath.

Closed her eyes.

And ran.

Into the path of the rushing car.

Horns blared.

Tires screeched.

Ashta's world went dark.

Ayan's world crumbled as he saw his love struggling for breath."Ashta, don't close your eyes! I'm here!" Ayan pleaded, his voice trembling with desperation."You can't leave me alone, I love you!" Ayan cried, his words echoing through the chaotic streets.

Ashta's eyes fluttered open, her gaze searching for Ayan's.Her chest rose and fell with shallow breaths, each one a struggle.

Ayan's face contorted in anguish, tears streaming down his cheeks. "Please, Ashta, don't leave me!" Ayan begged, his voice cracking.

Ashta's gaze locked onto Ayan's, her eyes filled with a deep longing. "Although you confessed out of pity..." Ashta whispered, her voice barely audible.

Ayan's heart shattered at her words. "...but it will help me to rest in peace," Ashta finished, her voice fading.

Ayan's sob shook his entire being. "No, Ashta!It's not out of pity!I really do love you but as always I'm late to confess" Ayan cried, his words torn from his soul."I only love you and till eternity, I'll keep doing the same" Ayan vowed, his heart breaking.

Ashta's lips curved into a faint smile, her eyes softening.The sound of sirens wailed in the distance, but Ayan's focus remained on Ashta.He cradled her fragile form, holding her close as if he could will life back into her.

"Someone, please call an ambulance!" Ayan cried, his voice hoarse from desperation.Strangers rushed to help, but Ayan's world narrowed to Ashta.

Her struggling breaths.

Her fading light.

Ayan's love for her overwhelmed him, threatening to consume him whole.

Rhea rushed into the hospital, her eyes brimming with tears.She spotted Ayan, slumped in a chair, his face etched with pain.

" Ayan... I'm sorry," Rhea sobbed, collapsing beside him."It's because of me... If only I'd listened to you that day..."

Rhea's words trailed, her body shaking with sobs.Ayan didn't respond, his gaze fixed on the operation theater doors.His mind numb, his heart heavy.