Lost but Not Forgotten

PART 17

As Sammy, Moksh, and Akaay continued chatting, lost in their conversation, the time seemed to slip away from her. Sammy's heart felt lighter for a moment, watching her little brother laugh and enjoy himself. Akaay chimed in with his own playful remarks, creating a bond between the three that felt natural, almost like old times.

But then, from a distance, Virat approached them, his eyes drawn to the sight of Akaay and Moksh interacting with someone unfamiliar. His steps faltered as he caught a glimpse of the person's face—his breath hitched.

It was her.

Sammy.

The little girl who had once been a constant in his life, the daughter of his best friend, his Sammio. His own kiddo. She had grown into a young woman, but there was no mistaking her features. His heart raced, a flood of emotions hitting him all at once.

"Sammy?" Virat whispered, barely audible.

At the sound of her name, Sammy froze. Her heart seemed to stop in her chest, and she slowly turned around, dread sinking in as her eyes met Virat's. There he was, her Vi Chachu—the man who had always supported her, the one who had been her rock during difficult times. His familiar face, now etched with shock and disbelief, tugged at her heartstrings.

For a moment, neither of them said anything. They just stood there, staring at each other, both caught in a whirlwind of emotions.

Akaay and Moksh, sensing the sudden tension, exchanged confused glances. Moksh tugged at his sister's sleeve. "Didi, do you know Virat Chachu?"

Before Sammy could respond, Virat's eyes flickered between Moksh and Sammy, searching for answers that he couldn't quite voice. His heart was racing, but he had to know if what he was seeing was real. "Sammy... it's really you, isn't it?" he asked softly, taking a hesitant step closer.

Sammy swallowed hard, her throat tightening. Her mind screamed at her to stay composed, to not give in to the emotions welling up inside her. She couldn't afford to let their secret unravel, not like this.

She straightened up, forcing a calm smile onto her face. "No, I'm not Sammy. My name is Samaira Sharma," she said firmly, keeping her tone light. "I'm Moksh's sister."

Virat blinked, caught off guard by her response. He could see the resemblance, the familiar features of his Sammio, but she was denying it. He didn't know whether to feel hurt or confused. "Samaira Sharma?" he repeated, his voice barely concealing the disbelief.

"Yes," she nodded, her heart hammering in her chest. "I'm just here to visit Moksh."

Moksh, sensing the tension but still unaware of the depth of what was happening, chimed in cheerfully, "Yeah, Virat Chachu! This is my sister, Samaira. She's come to see me play."

Akaay, now fully puzzled, glanced between his father and Sammy. He had never seen his dad this flustered before. "Dad, what's going on? Do you know her?"

Virat's eyes didn't leave Sammy's face. He wanted so desperately to ask more, to pull her into a hug and confirm that she was really his Sammy. But something in her gaze warned him not to push further. There was a wall there—one that hadn't been there before. And it pained him.

He took a deep breath, swallowing the lump in his throat. "I... I thought I did. But it seems I was mistaken." His words were slow, each one filled with an emotion he tried to hide.

Sammy kept her composure, though inside, her heart was breaking. She knew how much Virat had loved her like his own daughter. And here she was, standing in front of him, denying her very identity.

"I should go now," Sammy said quietly, turning to Moksh with a reassuring smile. "I'll see you later, okay?"

Moksh nodded, though he still looked a bit confused by the whole exchange. "Okay, Didi."