Forged In Fate: Uljhi Doriya~

𝟺.𑁍║Echoes Of Past║𑁍

{Reyansh POV}

The sky darkened the dusk is gone, night has fallen. It's raining relentlessly casting an ominous gloom. We were waiting for my dad at the restaurant for hours, but the manager announced closing time. Outside, we huddled on a bench, sheltered from the downpour.

"Maa, did Papa forget my birthday?"...., I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Mom's smile faltered, but she reassured me.....,"No, Reyansh. The rain must be holding him up. He'll come for us soon. We'll celebrate your special day at home."

But her words didn't soothe my unease her eyes were loosing hope. I watched as she tried calling dad, her brow furrowed in concern. A sudden thunderclap made me flinch.

"Reyansh, let's go home,"...., Maa said, standing up....,"Papa might be trying to reach us from there."

I nodded, my heart aching. As Mom called for a ride, a car pulled up beside us. My eyes sparkled, thinking it was dad.

"Mummaa! See, Papa!"...., I exclaimed, tugging on her drape slightly shooking trying to get her attention.

But instead, six menacing men emerged from the car, their faces twisted in cruel grins. My excitement turned to horror.

"Leave my mother!"....., I screamed, as they grasped Maa, pulling her away.

I lunged forward, but they tossed me aside like a rag doll. Scrambling up, I chased after them, screaming...., "No! Maaa! Please don't take my mother!"

Mom's shouts and protests grew fainter as she disappeared into the darkness.

𖡼

"MAA..."

I whispered, my lips trembling with horror and panic, as I jolted awake from the haunting dream. My body sat up with a start, panting.

I reached for Mom's scarf on my bedside table my fingers fumbling while taking out her scarf, clutching it tightly, inhaling the familiar scent. This comforting ritual had become my daily solace after the nightmares.

Slowly, I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and picked up the framed photo from the bedside stand. My fingers traced Mom's gentle smile.

"I miss you so much, Maa...".....,My voice barely audible, a whispered plea.

I carefully returned the frame and her scarf back to its place. Taking a deep breath, I made my way to the inbuilt gym in my villa, I needed to clear my mind and shake off the lingering emotions.

After my morning routine As I descended the stairs, buttoning my sleeve, the glow of the holy diya caught my attention as the pooja thaal approaching me.

The morning pooja had already concluded, and I instinctively raised my palms to receive the blessings from the sacred flaming Diya.

A hand reached out to offer me the prashad. My gaze trailed up to meet the face, and my heart sank.

It was my father's second wife, her warm smile attempting to draw me into her web of affection.

My expression unyielding, my eyes turning cold and unforgiving. I bypassed the offered sweet and deliberately picked an untouched laddu from the pooja thaal instead.

Without a word, I walked past her, leaving her attempt at connection wasted and disappointing her once again. The silence between us was thick, a testament to the years of unspoken emotions and unresolved tensions.

As I entered the hall, my eyes immediately sought out - my brothers, Ayansh and Vansh, sitting with my beloved Daadi Maa.

"Good morning, Daadi."....,I approached them with a warm smile, my voice soft and gentle as I touched Daadi Maa's feet in respect.