ℂ𝕆ℂ𝕂𝕋𝔸𝕀𝕃𝕊 𝕎𝕀𝕋ℍ ℂ𝕌ℙ𝕀𝔻

𝟰𝟲

𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘀
>>>>–––– 💘 ––––<<<<

Avi stood by the sea, watching the waves crash against the shore as the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting hues of amber and crimson over the water. The urn in his hand was now empty, its contents scattered into the endless expanse before him. His father's ashes swirled and mingled with the waves, carried off into the horizon. Avi's fingers tightened around the cold, metallic surface of the urn as he tried to swallow the lump in his throat.

He had never thought this moment would feel this way. For years, he'd believed that his relationship with his father was a burdensome bond, existing only because it had to. A connection defined by arguments, unspoken resentments, and a wall of silence that neither could climb. Yet now, standing here as the salty breeze kissed his face, he felt an unfamiliar weight pressing on his heart. It wasn't anger or resentment. It was... loss. A strange pang that sat heavy in his chest and on his shoulders, making him feel like he'd lost something he never truly understood.

As the waves carried away the last remnants of his father, a hand rested gently on Avi's shoulder. He turned his head to see Shakthi standing beside him, while Mithra came beside him on the other side. Her soft, tear-streaked face mirrored the grief they both felt but couldn't quite articulate. Without saying a word, she wrapped her hand around his arm and leaned her head against his shoulder, her presence grounding him in a way words never could. While Shakthi stood as quiet as ever but resolute in his support. Avi couldn't help but feel a swell of gratitude for these two in his life.

But even as he stood surrounded by his family, Avi's gaze wandered to the shore where Ananya sat, her figure small and isolated against the vastness of the sea. She was perched on the sand, her knees drawn to her chest, arms wrapped around them as if shielding herself from the world. Her eyes were fixed on the horizon, distant and unfocused, like she was trying to lose herself in the endless expanse of blue. Her hair fluttered in the wind, but she didn't move, didn't flinch. She just sat there, a hauntingly lifeless figure, as if the very essence of her had been drained out.

It had been three days since their marriage—a union forced by circumstances rather than choice. Three days since he had last heard her voice. Avi hadn't anticipated her to be thrilled, but the silence, the sheer emptiness she exuded, was something he hadn't been prepared for. She had been lifeless, unresponsive to everyone around her, even her mother, who had tried multiple times to coax her into speaking. Ananya simply existed, detached from the world, building an unbreakable wall around herself.

Every time Avi looked at her, guilt twisted his insides. He was the reason behind her state; he had forced her into this situation. She has had to sacrifice her beliefs, her independence, for the sake of his family's fractured obligations. And now, as she sat there, unmoving and silent, he couldn't shake the feeling that he had stolen a part of her—a part she might never get back.

Mithra sniffled beside him, pulling Avi out of his thoughts. He glanced down to see her clutching his arm tighter, her face pale and worn. Her once bright eyes were red and swollen from days of endless tears, her lively spirit dimmed. Avi wrapped an arm around her shoulders, gently rubbing them in an attempt to comfort her.

He turned to Shakthi and murmured, 

Shakthi, va polam

( Shakthi, let's go home)

403 nodded, urging Avi to lead the way while he stayed by Mithra's side. Ever since witnessing her panic attack, he couldn't shake the twisting unease in his chest and had been looking after her with unwavering care. It wasn't something he'd planned; it simply felt impossible to leave her alone. Perhaps his time among humans had planted a seed of empathy within him—though he couldn't quite tell or explain how.