Destiny of My Ishq

Chapter 10

The cold, misty morning wrapped around the hilltop like a heavy blanket as the air held an unnatural stillness.

Saachi stood there, surrounded by the somber faces of her family and neighbors, her heart a whirlwind of grief and disbelief. Her mother, Unnati, and father, Laksh, had perished in the tragic fire that consumed their home.

Her world, once vibrant with their laughter and warmth, was now nothing more than a distant memory. Her tear-streaked face reflected the sorrow she felt, but there was no end to the wellspring of grief in her chest. The tears fell unbidden, and every attempt to stem them only made it worse.

Beside her Tahir was standing, his hands were on her trembling shoulder. His face was etched with worry, and his eyes welled up with helplessness as he watched her pain. Next to him, Tejas, stood with quiet strength, observing the rituals with a grave expression. The old man’s wisdom could not ease the anguish in Saachi’s heart.

Tahir whispered in her ear, but the words felt distant. "Saachi, I am here. You are not alone."

But his words fell short. Saachi barely heard him as she gazed at the burning pyre that carried her parents’ mortal remains. She was sitting on the  The fire crackled fiercely, its glow reflecting in her hollow eyes. Her chest ached with every ember that rose into the darkened sky, carrying with it fragments of the lives she had once known. How could the world be so cruel, so indifferent to her pain?

Adhyant stood at a distance with Harsh and Yug. His gaze unwavering as he silently watched the entire scene unfold. He did not approach her, did not attempt to comfort her. He stood like a shadow in the background, seemingly disconnected, as if the intensity of the moment did not concern him.

The funeral rituals were taking place in accordance with Himachal’s customs, a blend of ancient traditions that honored the dead with solemnity and grace. The family priest stood beside the pyre, chanting prayers in a deep, resonant voice. His words were meant to guide the souls of the departed to peace, but for Saachi, they were just empty sounds that couldn’t soothe her restless heart.

The people gathered around the pyre, paying their respects, and a few of them exchanged murmurs of sympathy. "May their souls rest in peace," said one woman, her hands folded in prayer.

Another elderly man approached Saachi with a gentle bow of his head, his face a mask of empathy. "We are all with you, Saachi beta. You must be strong. This is your destiny."

More guests came and went, each one offering their condolences.

"This is such a tragedy," said a middle-aged man, his eyes wet with tears. "Laksh ji was a kind soul. Unnati ji, too, always had a smile for everyone. They will be missed by all."

But the words, however kind, only served to magnify her loss. Her parents’ love had been the cornerstone of her world, and now, they were gone, leaving behind only memories that she couldn’t hold onto tightly enough.

Adhyant’s presence was a distant shadow as the elders of the people gathered around the pyre to offer their final prayers. The priest handed the torch to Tejas, who, with a heavy heart, stepped forward to light the pyre. The flames roared higher, and Saachi’s heart seemed to break with each flicker of the fire.

"Saachi," whispered Tahir, pulling her slightly away from the pyre as the flames grew stronger. "Come, you must sit for the rituals. The elders will guide you through this, but you need to rest."

Saachi didn’t respond. Her eyes remained locked on the flames as if trying to will her parents back, even as she felt a part of herself burn with them.

Tejas approached her, his voice calm yet carrying the weight of decades of wisdom. "Saachi beta, I know this is the hardest moment of your life. But remember, your parents are now part of the eternal fire. They are watching over you from the next world. You must take their legacy forward. Live your life with the strength they gave you."