Saga Of The Timeless (A Mahabharata Story)

51.The Breath Before Leaving

One week had passed since the incident, and silence had become my closest companion. Everyone had tried to reach me—the Kuru princes, the Pandavas, Aryan—but no one could break through.

Each attempt to speak felt like being suffocated by a heavy fog. Words would rise to my throat, only to crumble into nothing. So I remained silent, drifting through my days like a ghost.

Sleep didn't offer any escape either; nightmares clawed at me the moment I closed my eyes, their darkness pulling me deeper into memories I wanted to forget. Even food was a challenge; after two bites, I would push the plate away, my stomach twisting with nausea.

But today wasn't about me.

Today was about Vrushali's Aaji.

She had to walk again today.

"Devi... we can wait," Vrushali's voice was shaky, barely concealing her worry. "Are you sure? Should Aaji really be walking already?"

"Yes," I replied, my voice a gravelly whisper, rough from days of disuse. "She must walk today after I remove the stitches. It might hurt a bit, but it will soon be over."

With determination, I leaned forward and began to cut the stitches.

"Is it hurting?" I asked as I removed the first thread.

"Not much, just a sting," Aaji said, her eyes reflecting both fear and trust.

I nodded, trying to work as quickly as I could. Luckily, the wound wasn't infected; it looked good, and I felt a flicker of relief at the progress.

Vrushali watched me, uncertainty clouding her eyes. "But... what if—"

"Ramcharam Mahoday has been observing since the first day," I interrupted, my voice sharper than I intended. "If anything happens—which  it won't—he knows how to handle it. He'll manage the rest. There's nothing left for me to do."

As I finished cutting the last stitch, I looked at Aaji, who seemed to gather her strength. "It's time," I said, extending my hand to her.

Aaji's eyes searched mine, seeking reassurance, and I felt the weight of her trust. Slowly, she took my hand, her frail fingers trembling against my palm.

"Now, take a deep breath," I instructed, willing my own fear to dissipate. "You can do this. One step at a time."

With a hesitant but determined resolve, she pushed herself up. Her legs wobbled, the strength still absent from them, but she took that first step. A sharp exhale escaped her lips, and my heart raced as she moved.

"Is it hurting anywhere?" I asked, my voice hollow, fearing the worst.

Aaji's lips quivered, but she managed a weak smile. "No, Putri."

That response was a lifeline, and I nodded. "That's good. My work here is done."

But as I turned to leave, I caught a glimpse of Vrushali's expression—shock mingled with confusion. "Devi, you don't have to go so soon. Aaji needs you—"

"No," I cut her off, feeling a swell of frustration. "She can walk now. She can eat anything she wants. It'll hurt for a while, but there's nothing to worry about. I've explained everything to Vaid ji. If anything comes up, he'll handle it."

Aaji's grip tightened around my hand, her eyes widening in desperation. "Putri... stay a little longer—"

I pulled my hand away, stepping back, my heart aching at the sight of their bewildered faces. "There's no need for me here anymore."

They both stared at me, and as I turned my back on them, I felt the sting of tears threatening to spill. I couldn't stay—not here, not like this.

As I walked away, Vrushali's voice broke through the silence. "Tvarita—please, wait!"