𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐟𝐞 ✔

86. THE WEIGHT OF CHOICES.

THIRD-PERSON POV:

"I've been working on her case quietly, trying to piece together why she left so abruptly. These letters confirm everything," Kunal replied. His voice was steady, but his eyes reflected the anger simmering beneath the surface.

"You've always worked on it, Mamu?" Avyaan asked him.

"Yes, bachaa, I've always worked on it. I had my suspicions because of her behavior. The day she left was the day I was coming to meet her to discuss it, but I was too late. If I'd arrived a day earlier, we might have stopped her from taking this step." Kunal explained, his eyes filled with regret and anger.

"Let it go now. You both need to eat something first, then I'll take you to meet Avu, okay?" Arjun requested the twins, who nodded in approval.

They left for a meal, and later, Arjun took them to his room to show a few pictures of Avni and the memories of the couple. By evening, Arjun had prepared soup for Avni and left for the hospital with the twins.

--- 

THREE DAYS LATER

Avni looked at Vivaan and pouted, her lips forming an exaggerated curve. He shook his head in disapproval.

"Avu, I told you already. No spicy food until the doctor gives the green light. Stop making that face; you're not convincing anyone." Vivaan sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"But Vivaan Bhai," Avni whined, her voice barely above a whisper, "I've had enough of this bland food. Just a little spice. Please." Her big eyes glimmered with hope as she gave him her best pleading look.

"Avni, you're impossible." He chuckled, grabbing the untouched soup bowl and setting it aside. "Fine, how about I make some homemade khichdi with a little flavor? That's the best I can do."

Her lips curved into a faint smile, but it quickly faded as she turned away. "Fine, but only if you promise not to nag about my health every five minutes."

Vivaan smiled, relieved to see a glimpse of her old self. "Deal. But you have to finish your soup first."

Before Avni could protest, the door creaked open. Arjun stepped inside, followed closely by Kunal and the twins.

"Maa sa!" Avyaan's excited voice rang out as he rushed to her bedside. "I brought something for you!" He pulled out a small bag from behind his back.

"Mama, don't make Mumma eat this food. We brought khichdi for her." Avyaan announced proudly.

"Thank you so much, Avy." Avni said, her excitement evident. She quickly grabbed the bowl and began eating. Everyone watched her, amused, as she finished the entire portion.

"It's yummy, Nitin Bhai!" she exclaimed.

"Now eat this." Vivaan said, holding out her medicine.

Avni made a face at the sight of the pills but took them without much fuss. She lay down again, pulling Avy and Anav to either side of her. With no machines attached to her anymore, she soon drifted to sleep along with Avy. Anav, however, stayed awake, watching Arjun, who was sitting on the couch.

Anav walked over and sat beside him. "I know you didn't know about Maa sa's whereabouts or our existence. I lashed out at you without hearing your side of the story. But Maa sa always told us that you were unaware. She once tried to come to you, but then she remembered Vikram Chacha sa's accident and stepped back, fearing someone might harm Didi—I mean, Miss Vedika Singh."

Arjun chuckled at the boy's correction.

"You remind me of Avni when it comes to emotions," Arjun remarked, observing him closely.