Woh kehta tha ki usse nafrat hai, par asli mein uska pyaar itna gehra tha ki use dikhane se darr lagta tha.
After few days
It was evening, and Avni was busy in her room when she suddenly heard soft sobs coming from down the hallway. She paused, recognizing the sound as Driti’s. Something was wrong.
Avni immediately stopped what she was doing and made her way to Driti’s room. When she entered, she found Driti crying uncontrollably on the bed, her small body shaking as she sobbed. Rudra’s parents were there, trying to comfort her, but it was clear Driti wasn’t listening.
Avni’s heart sank. "What’s going on?" she asked gently, walking closer to them.
Rudra’s mother turned to her, her face full of concern. "Woh aise hi hai kuch waqt se. Humne sab kuch try kiya hai, lekin woh bas shant nahi hoti."
(She’s been like this for a while. We’ve tried everything, but she just won’t calm down)
Avni looked at Driti, her eyes puffy from crying, and felt an overwhelming urge to comfort her. She approached the bed, but Driti pulled back slightly, still not willing to come close to Avni.
Avni sat down at the edge of the bed and sighed dramatically, trying to lighten the mood. “Hmm... I guess Driti doesn’t want to be my friend anymore,” she said in a playful tone, pouting as she looked at the little girl. “If you don’t come near me, I’ll just have to go away and never play with you again.”
For a moment, there was silence. Driti sniffled and hesitated, but Avni’s words seemed to catch her attention. Slowly, Driti looked up at her with teary eyes, clearly torn between her sadness and the fear of losing Avni’s attention.
“Avi aunty!” Driti finally cried, taking her baby steps into Avni’s arms and hugging her tightly.
Avni wrapped her arms around Driti, holding her close. She stroked the little girl’s hair softly, her voice gentle. “I’m not going anywhere, sweetheart. But you have to stop crying now, okay? Everything’s going to be just fine.”
Driti nodded against her, though she still hiccuped from the tears. Avni kissed the top of her head, trying to soothe her further. “Now, how about we get you ready for bed? You need some sleep, my little princess.”
Driti, still clinging to Avni, nodded again. Avni smiled softly, lifting Driti in her arms and cradling her gently. She began to hum a soft lullaby, her voice calm and steady as she rocked Driti back and forth. Driti’s small hands clutched Avni’s shirt as she listened to the soothing melody, her eyes slowly fluttering shut.
As Avni continued to sing, Driti’s breathing became steady, and before long, she had fallen asleep in Avni’s arms, her earlier distress completely forgotten.
Rudra’s mother watched from the doorway, her face softening as she saw the bond forming between Avni and Driti. She smiled to herself, feeling a sense of relief and happiness at the sight.
“Thank you,” she whispered quietly, her eyes shining with gratitude as she watched Avni carefully lay Driti down on the bed and tuck her in.
Rudra’s mother nodded, still watching them. “You’re doing so well with her. She’s lucky to have you.”
Avni’s heart warmed at the words. She looked back at Driti, sleeping soundly, and felt a sense of peace settle over her. For the first time since her marriage to Rudra, she felt like maybe she was exactly where she was meant to be.
After comforting Driti and making sure she was fast asleep, Avni returned to her room. She had work to do, her mind still tangled with questions that needed answers. She sat at her desk, her laptop glowing in the dimly lit room, and began typing again. Her thoughts wandered to Rudra, the secrets he kept, and the dark rumors surrounding him. She needed to figure out the truth.
