Healing Of Broken Hearts

Chapter 1

Avni's POV

"And the award for the businessman of the year goes to Mr. Neil Khanna, MD of Khanna Industries."

The entire auditorium was filled with the sounds of clappings and everyone was looking at the table around which I was sitting with my husband Neil. I plastered a fake smile on my face and hugged him back as he embraced me in his arms as soon as he listened to the announcement. Don't get me wrong, I am very happy about his success but I have forgotten to express my emotions, I haven't smiled since God knows how many days but I can't display my emotional turmoil here as it will tarnish our family's image and today I don't want to hurt Neil in any way as it's a big day for him and he deserves to be happy today. He received the trophy from a reputed businessman and was asked to say a few words about his achievement.

I bowed my head down as I can feel his gaze over me, it was like he wanted some unknown yet known reaction from his wife. He wanted my true smile and happiness that can brighten up his moment. I wanted to react in a good manner but I failed miserably as I can see sadness filled within his orbs when he saw my fake smile. I am not doing it intentionally, I can never hurt him willingly cos I love him more than anything else but I am kinda helpless, I am the victim of some sadistic situations that have disturbed our lives and now we both are living a life full of grieves and frustration.

"I want to dedicate this award to my wife."

My eyes turned glassy when I heard his honest confession, this wasn't counterfeit, it was as pure as the love his heart possess for me but my brain interpreted the line as an ersatz redemption for his past mistakes. My heart knew the love and meaning this line holds but my brain termed it as a publicity stunt for showing the so-called love, he's having for his wife.

"She was with me when I needed someone to listen to me, motivate me, help me. She burnt her nights with me so that I can work peacefully, she was and is always there for me when I needed her. She is the person who deserves every bit of this award. It's incomplete without her just like Neil is incomplete without his Avni."

A teardrop rolled down from my eyes, I would have embraced him within my arms if our relationship was normal at that moment. I shifted my eyes towards the man standing a little far with the trophy in his hands and lots of tears in his eyes, tears of helplessness and guilt. A teardrop traced its path towards his cheek mirroring myself into him as if our souls are the reflections of each other just like our shattered hearts but our brains are the enemies of each other just like the homewrecker who snatched our correspondence and peace.

He came back to me and I observed a small twitch over his lips which can be converted into a wide smile if I give it to the partner he's craving for so long, 'my perfect smile' but I don't have the courage to betray it with my fake smile so it ultimately died its natural death. His eyes which were divulging some hopes before are now covered with the oceans of loneliness and vulnerability. I feel like a bitch by making him go through this mess but I am burning myself internally by hurting him which isn't intentional but these overwhelming emotions are making everything difficult for me. I aspire to be happy today at least for his success but nothing is going according to my will.

Just when I was fighting my inner battle, he pressed his lips against my forehead making me close my eyes in relief that I am still his wife, he still owns my heart but those dreadful memories are making everything difficult for me. He isn't responsible but situations have forced me to barricade myself within rocky walls so that no one can steal my peace.

I opened my eyes and found him asking for sorry not with the help of words but with his eyes which constitute several elements that depict his sufferings and battles. I can feel media clicking our candid pictures, thinking us to be a perfect couple and tomorrow social media is gonna drool over our pics with various captions such as 'couple goals' 'cuteness overloaded' etc. No one knows the reality behind these pics and gestures still everyone will praise our chemistry, indirect sadists.