In the heart of chaos

Chapter 33

Aarohi sat on the edge of her bed, her mind reeling from the events at Akshara's godh bharai. The slap, the heated words, and Akshara's curse weighed heavily on her heart. She felt suffocated by the guilt, anger, and hurt swirling inside her. Unable to sleep, she turned to the one place that always gave her comfort—her parents' photos.

In her quiet room, the soft glow of the lamp illuminated the three framed photographs on the dresser. Sirat, Kartik, and Naira. Three pillars of strength, love, and guidance, even if two of them had never been part of her life in person. Their pictures had been her silent support through everything—her childhood, the battles with Akshara, and now, this seemingly never-ending war with Abhimanyu and Akshara.

Aarohi walked over and sat on the floor in front of the dresser, pulling her legs close to her chest. She looked at the photo of her mother, Sirat, her heart aching. "Mumma," she whispered, "I don't know what to do anymore. Akshu cursed me today, and Abhimanyu keeps tearing me down. I don't know how much longer I can fight."

She rested her head on her knees, letting out a deep sigh. "You always told me to be strong, to fight for myself... but it feels like I'm fighting a battle I can never win."

Her eyes moved to Kartik's photo. "Papa," she murmured, "you were the heart of this family. You held everyone together, didn't you? I wish you were here. You always knew what to say, how to calm things down. I need your advice now. I need your strength."

Aarohi bit her lip, tears welling up as she turned her gaze to the third photo. "Naira Maa," she said softly, "I never got to know you, but I've heard so much about you. Everyone says I'm so much like you—strong, stubborn, and determined. But sometimes... it feels like a burden. They expect me to be you, but I'm not. I don't know how to be that perfect."

The room was silent except for the sound of her breathing. It was a kind of solitude Aarohi had grown used to—talking to these photos, seeking comfort in the people she could no longer talk to directly. She felt a tear slide down her cheek as she stared at Naira's smiling face.

"Did you ever feel like this, Naira Maa? Like the whole world was against you? Like you were drowning in expectations you could never meet?"

She wiped her tear away, straightening her posture. "I'm trying. I'm trying so hard to live up to what everyone expects of me, but I feel like I'm constantly failing. I've lost so much... love, family, and now, peace."

As Aarohi sat in the dimly lit room, Suwarna quietly knocked on the door before entering. She had seen Aarohi sitting by the photos and knew what was happening. Silently, she came over and knelt beside Aarohi, wrapping her arms around her.

"You're just like your Naira Maa, you know," Suwarna said softly, her voice filled with love. "Strong, resilient, and always fighting for the people you care about."

Aarohi leaned into Suwarna's embrace, letting the warmth of her touch comfort her. "But I'm so tired, Suwarna Maa," Aarohi whispered. "I don't know how to keep going."

Suwarna kissed the top of her head. "You don't have to be perfect, Aaru. You just have to be you. And you are enough."

Aarohi closed her eyes, feeling a small sense of relief wash over her. She wasn't alone. Not really. Her family, her parents—both in photos and in spirit—were still with her, guiding her even in the hardest moments. And Suwarna, with her quiet support, was a reminder that love was still around her, even when things seemed bleak.

"I'll figure it out," Aarohi murmured, more to herself than anyone else. "I have to."

Suwarna smiled and nodded. "You will. And we're all here with you, every step of the way."

Aarohi looked back at the photos once more. "Mumma, Papa, Naira Maa... I'll keep fighting, just like you all did. I'll find my own path, no matter how hard it gets."

And as the night grew darker, Aarohi felt just a little bit lighter, knowing that no matter what happened next, she had the strength of her family—past and present—behind her.