Healing Her Broken Heart

Rudra back home

Rudra was very disturbed after the conversation with Aahana and had made the decision to apply for a leave for 15 days as he was missing home terribly and moreover he had to speak to his parents too about Aahana.
Since, he had now completed 6 months hence getting his leave approved shouldn't be a problem.
Thus, when he went to office the next day applying for a leave was the first thing which he did and was now patiently waiting for a reply from the HR team.
He didn't have to wait for long for soon he received the news that his leave has been sanctioned and needless to say one that made Rudra very happy.
Soon, the day finally arrived when Rudra would be going back home. He wanted this to be a surprise for his parents hence, didn't inform them and with his mind pre occupied with all sorts of emotions didn't realize when the plane had landed in Kolkata airport.
After collecting his bags from the luggage claim area he moved towards the exit making his way to the pre booked taxi stand abd after he had given all the details the car booked by him arrived on the spot. He hurriedly sat in the car and after explaining the driver was finally homebound.
He was trying to soak in everything about the city as he watched things go past by him when all of a sudden he noticed that certain parts of the road has been blocked in some areas due to huge structures that blocked an entire area. It was then that reality finally hit him that he had come home during the time when the whole city has adorned a festive look as this month to celebrate Durga Pooja.
He suddenly felt nostalgic and told the driver to take a detour as he wanted to see all the pandals on his way home.

Well, a short note on Durga Pooja for my readers who do not know about it.

Durga Pooja is an annual Hindu festival which is celebrated in the month of either September or October and all pay homage to Goddess Durga.
Elaborate temples and stage decoration monuments called "Pandals" act as the abode for the goddess. This festival epitomizes the saying that "Good always wins over evil".

Now, coming back to the story.

Rudra finally arrives home after pandal hopping and not being able to control his excitement anymore presses the bell. Soon enough the gate is opened and seeing Rudra everyone is surprised and happy at the same time. His parents hugged him not before showering him with their never ending questions about who he didn't inform them, hope everything is ok related to job,etc. Rudra simply said that he was feeling homesick and also wanted to talk to them regarding a very important person. Sure enough his parents gave him a questioning look and he told them that he needed to talk to them about Aahana.
Hearing this both Snigdha and Sanjeev heave a sigh of relief that probably now they might know the reason for their daughter's strange behaviour.
Since the talk revolved around his daughter he immediately decided to call his personal assistant and told him to cancel all meetings for today.
Rudra asked where Aahana was and was told that she had already left for work. Thus, Rudra without wasting any time told his parents that couple of days ago Aahana had called him quite late in the night and for which he has taken a leave and come home.
So, the following conversation takes place between Rudra and his parents

Rudra:"Mom dad. Aahana had called me couple of days ago and seemed very upset. She was hysterical and I had a tough time trying to calm her down.
Well, that said and done I have something really good to tell you one that will completely take you both by surprise. Mom dad our Aahana is in love. Isn't that great news( the excitement quiet evident from his voice).
Sanjeev and Snigdha looked at each other and then at Rudra as if trying to grasp what he had just said.
What aren't you both excited. Say something"( Rudra looks at his parents with excitement written all over his face)and was about to continue further after taking a deep breath when he was interrupted by a hyper ventilating Snigdha.

Snigdha:"No, no this can't be. Sanjeev please tell me this is all a dream. Yes, I am dreaming for this can't be. But, what if it's true. Sanjeev we have to explain Aahana. She possibly cannot
Seeing his wife in such a hysterical state Sanjeev decides to take control of the conversation and continues. So the person speaking next will be Sanjeev Singhania.

Sanjeev: Rudra son. Listen to me very carefully before you start judging your parents. Aahana cannot marry this person she loves as we had made a promise to a friend of ours that our daughter will get married to their son ONLY and no one else. Thus, it's in the best interest of Aahana that she forgets this man".
Rudra was about to say something when Sanjeev decided to end the conversation without revealing anything further with Snigdha following suite.

Rudra all this while was just listening to his parents not knowing what to say or how to react as both Aahana and he always used to boast that they have the coolest parents. Hence,needless to say that on seeing this side of parents it seemed as if the ground beneath him had vanished and he didn't know how to react.
He took a deep breath and thought of giving it a try again for his sister. So he went to his parent's room but was told that if he has come to talk anything regarding their conversation some minutes ago then it would be a pointless effort.
Rudra felt helpless and cursing himself for not being able to help his sister decided to whatsapp her. This way probably she would come home prepared.
The conversation had made the whole atmosphere really heavy and Rudra not being able to handle this sense of helplessness decided to stay for a week and go back to Mumbai. Probably keeping himself  busy was the best option now.
Soon one week was over and Rudra with a heavy heart left for Mumbai. He took his parents blessings and gave Aahana a big hug with eyes filled in tears.
Soon his car was out of sight and  Aahana fell on the ground crying to her heart's content.
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Well, I know this part of the story was very sad to read but love has to pass the fire test at times so as to shine bright like a diamond.
What will happen now?
Will Sanjeev and Snigdha understand their daughter's love or hold their promise above Aahana's happiness?
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