ULJHAN : A tale of love and hatred

Chapter : 2

All my pain melts away, and my heart fills with love for my child Ansh who shines like a ray of hope in my dark and tormented existence.....

The door of my room opened again, revealing Akash, my best friend, entered with a sheepish smile.

However, his smile quickly faded when he looked at me, concerned etched on his face at seeing my swollen eyes and red cheeks.

Before he could say anything, i signal to Ansh who quickly ducks behind the couch once again, hiding from our view.

"Akash, have you seen Ansh? We are running late for the flight. " I gave him a dramatic wink , urging him to play along with my impromptu plan.

Akash joins in on the game and acts along, sitting on the couch where Ansh had been hiding, saying, " No, I haven't spotted him either, I have a feeling that he doesn't want to come along with us."

Just before I could say anything, Ansh emerged from his hiding spot and interjects," mumma, I was here all along." Both Akash and I trust in laughter at his unexpected reveal.

Sometime later, we were all ready to leave. Akash placed his hand on my shoulder gently and asked, concern in his voice, " Are you okay, Vanshu?

I nodded in response, sighing softly, " just remembered the past." Akash gives a sympathetic smile, understanding the weight of my works.

We finally arrived in india, where Ritika was waiting for us at the airport. She's a cheerful and bubbly girl, and every time I see her, I can't help but see my old self in her. I used to be just like her -- careful and full of life.......

Ritika hugged me tightly, exclaiming that she had missed me, but before I could respond, Ansh interjected, feigning a pout on his face, he said, " you didn't miss me masi?"

Ritika laughed and reached down to pinch his cheeks before saying," I missed you the most."
Ansh peaks up asking," Really?"

Ritika scoop him up into her arms and plants a sweet kiss on his cheek before enthusiastically replying,"yes, sweetheart."

I smiled looking at their cute interaction. As Akash pulls at Ritika's hair, he jokingly asked,"haven't you missed your brother?"

Ritika rolled her eyes and says, " nopes, I was living my life peacefully while you were gone. My peace is about to be disrupted now." She playfully quips, and both Ansh and I brust into laughter.

Akash pouts dramatically in a mock offence saying, " I am your older brother, remember?"

Yes, how could I forget that, you are my older brother. Ritika replies feigning a dramatic tone as if it's the greatest sorrow in her life.

Before Akash could say anything, i interrupted, saying," Aman uncle and Divya masi must be waiting for us. Let's go."

Yes, they are extremely excited. Ever since morning, mummy has been making your favourite dishes and dad has been working on sprucing up the house." ritika chimes in.

Akash asked curiously, "for me?"

Ritika corrects him with a playful smile, " No, for Vanshika dii and Ansh."
Ansh started to giggle, entertained by the conversation.

We reached home in about an hour. Akash's house is right next to mine. As I step out of the car, my heart begins to race, overwhelmed by the flood of memories that rush back.