"Tujhe chaahne ki meri aarzoo kabhi na thamegi,
Ye ishq hai saaf aur sadaa tere naam se rahegi."
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Avantika Pov
I looked at them, trying to keep my expression blank. My so-called family, standing here like they cared. My mother's eyes were red, and she was sobbing, while Chachi was hiccupping, wiping tears that felt anything but genuine. I scoffed inwardly-what kind of people are they?
Samarth had called a day earlier, genuinely worried, but he couldn't come because of his exams. I understood that. And Dadu? He didn't even know what had happened. No one had thought to tell him; they'd probably thought it would be too much trouble.
I sighed, listening as my aunt spoke up, her voice trembling with a forced surprise. "Hume toh pata hi nahi tha ki itna kuch ho gaya hai." The words felt hollow, insincere, as if she'd rehearsed them.
For a moment, I wanted to ask them why they were even here. To put on a show? To ease their guilt? But I just kept silent, letting them play their roles as though I were some passive audience member in a drama I didn't even want to be a part of.
Pakhi Maa and Choti Maa were doing their best to console them, though even they looked a little weary of the theatrics. Dadi Maa was seated beside me, her hand warm and reassuring on mine. Devika and Dev were away at college, missing the spectacle unfolding in front of me.
Just then, Dadi leaned in and whispered, "Yeh log overacting nahi kar rahe?"
I looked at her, my eyes widening in surprise, and a tiny smile threatened to break through my serious expression.
"Aree beta, maine sab kuch dekha hai aisa. Don't worry, I know the difference between real concern and this tamasha," she added, her tone laced with humor.
I couldn't help but nod, my heart feeling lighter with her words.
"Bas hogya!" Dadi Maa suddenly announced, her voice firm and cutting through the fake sobs. My eyes widened, and I nearly choked trying to hold back a laugh.
Both my mother and chachi immediately stopped crying, caught off guard. Choti Maa muffled a silent laugh, quickly covering her mouth. Pakhi Maa glanced at us, hiding a small smile as well.
"Mera matlab hai, ab Avantika ko rest karna chahiye, nahi?" Dadi Maa continued smoothly. "Tum log ab neeche jao, baat chit karo. Bechari Avantika ko rest ki zaroorat hai," she said, sending me a comforting glance.
Then, as she turned toward me, she whispered softly, "Cough!"
"Huh?" I blinked, confused.
"Cough, beta-acting!" she urged quickly, her expression playful.
Taking the cue, I started coughing-or rather, fake coughing-trying my best to look exhausted. Dadi Maa rubbed my shoulder soothingly, and the others nodded, looking at me with concern.
"Chaliye, Avantika ko rest karne dete hain hum niche chal kr baat krte hai." Pakhi Maa said, guiding my mother and chachi out of the room with a gentle but firm hand.
As the door closed behind them, I looked at Dadi Maa and couldn't hold back a smile. She winked at me, chuckling softly, making me feel seen and understood in a way only she could manage.
Timeskip
I sighed, my head still spinning from the visit. Just as I settled back, my phone buzzed, cutting through the silence.
