RE-CLAIMING

13

The rain had stopped but the turmoil inside Abhimaan's heart did not cease.

''Anything that made you feel curious or weird about your parents?'' Alok asked stiing opposite to Abhimaan, facing him.

''Nothing about them was weird, sir. The moments were lovely and beautiful and each moment had a lesson for life. I have never felt weird but I have felt curious about their overprotectiveness for the time being.''

''Overprotectiveness?''

''It happens with everyone. Every parent is over-protective for their children.'' Abhimaan replied without blinking.

''I must say, they have raised you well.'' Alok said smiling.

''Wait. Whenever I was out from their sight, they were worried. Extremely worried about my well being. They used to panic.'' Abhimaan replied after thinking about Abhira and Armaan's behavior he had seen when he had been to Moti Talav and the hospital.

''When I and Raunak had taken you to the hospital, my mother was extremely worried. She was panicking.''

''Anything you remember- some sort of strange happening or anything suspicious?''

''No. I don't know and I don't want to know about it. The rain has stopped- I will book a taxi and you can leave. I am sorry but I cannot answer your questions, I am not in a state to answer them.'' Abhimaan replied and folded his hands.

''Think about it Abhimaan. You will come to know about the truth soon. Your father used to say- the truth doesn't die and the lies never live a long life.''

Abhimaan looked at him surprised.

''I was your father's assistant. I know every idiom, every word, he used to say. I have worked with him for years, Abhimaan. I know that you will find out the truth soon. And that soon will come very soon. I will be here for two days. This is my number.'' Alok said as he wrote his number on the notepad on the table.

''If my parents have lied to me, there should have been some reason behind it.''

''Abhimaan, whatever happens, happens for a reason. Maybe you will find a reason to reach me, maybe the Poddars?'' Alok replied and smiled firmly while reaching for the door.

Abhimaan looked at his retreating figure and scrunched his eyebrows.

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Kaveri was rummaging through her cluttered cupboard, filled with memories and forgotten treasures. As she sifted through old clothes and trinkets, her fingers brushed against a familiar frame. Pulling it out, she realized it was a photo of her family, captured on the day of Rakshabandhan. Everyone looked radiant, their smiles genuine and their eyes twinkling with joy. Kaveri couldn't help but smile as she remembered the fun-filled day they had spent together, cherishing each other's company.

Her eyes then fell on another photograph, this one from Charu's engagement party. In the image, Abhira and Armaan stood alongside the family, their faces adorned with smiles that didn't quite reach their eyes. Kaveri's heart ached as she recalled the tension that had surrounded that day, the unspoken words and unshed tears that had lingered in the air.
The memory of the final conversation she had with Armaan and Abhira before they left that night came flooding back to her. Their voices had been tinged with sorrow and resolve as they shared their moments with her. Kaveri had watched silently from her window as they slipped away into the darkness, knowing the heavy burden they carried, the struggles they faced.

She had chosen not to stop them, to let them go in search of peace and freedom from the chaos that had ensnared their lives. And now, holding the photograph in her hands, a silent tear slid down her cheek, mixing with the colors of the past captured in the frame.