|.55.|

                                    

                                          

The silence in the room was palpable, a heavy blanket that wrapped around the three women, suffocating them with its weight. Aashvika's tears had stopped, but the sorrow lingered, etched on her face like a permanent scar. Her eyes, once bright and full of life, now seemed dull and lifeless, reflecting the despair that had taken hold of her heart.
Krishnaa's eyes remained closed, her thoughts hidden behind a veil of concern. Her face was pale, her breathing slow and measured, as if she was trying to will away the pain that surrounded her. Her silence was a testament to her own inner turmoil, a struggle to find the right words to comfort her friend.
Aarushi's arms still held Aashvika, offering comfort and support. Her grip was gentle, yet firm, a reminder that she was there for her friend, no matter what. Her eyes drifted between Aashvika and Krishnaa, her expression a mix of empathy and helplessness.
The stillness was only broken by the sound of the clock ticking away, a reminder that time waited for no one. The seconds turned into minutes, the minutes into hours, and yet, the three women remained frozen in time, trapped in their own private world of sorrow.
Abhimanyu and Parth had already left for the office, oblivious to the emotional storm that had unfolded. Their minds were preoccupied with the important procedure of projects, the deadlines looming ahead. They had no idea that their loved ones were struggling to cope with the weight of their emotions.
The day had begun like any other, with the usual hustle and bustle of morning routines. But for Aashvika, Krishnaa, and Aarushi, nothing would ever be the same again. The events of the morning had changed them, leaving an indelible mark on their lives.
The silence hung in the air, a poignant reminder of the unspoken words, the unresolved emotions. It was a silence that spoke volumes, a silence that echoed through every corner of their hearts. And as they stood there, wrapped in silence, the world outside moved on, unaware of the turmoil that brewed within.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX 
Parth couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss. He had noticed Krishnaa's unusual silence that morning, and it lingered in his mind like a persistent shadow. The weight of their unspoken emotions had become unbearable, and he knew they needed to confront the elephant in the room.
As he sat at his desk, he decided to have a proper conversation with Krishnaa, something he had never had with her till now. The thought sent a flutter through his chest, but he steeled himself for the task ahead. He picked up his phone and dialed her number, his heart racing with anticipation.
"Hey, Krishnaa," Parth said, trying to sound casual despite the turmoil brewing inside. His voice was steady, but his hands betrayed his nervousness, fidgeting with the phone.
"Hey, Parth," Krishnaa replied, her voice soft and measured. The brief exchange hung in the air like a challenge, daring them to delve deeper.
There was a pause, and Parth broke the silence. "Krishnaa, can we talk?" he asked, his words barely above a whisper.
"About what?" Krishnaa replied, her tone cautious.
"Us," Parth said, the single word loaded with meaning. The weight of their failing marriage hung precariously in the balance.
Krishnaa's hesitation was palpable, a heavy silence that threatened to engulf them. "What about us?" Krishnaa asked, her voice laced with wariness.
Parth took a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversation ahead. "I know our marriage isn't working out," he began.
"We're living like strangers in the same room," Parth continued. "It's suffocating." The admission hung in the air, a stark acknowledgment of their failed relationship.
Krishnaa remained silent, her thoughts hidden behind a veil of emotion.
"I think we should talk about how to make this transition smoother," Parth continued.
"You mean till the divorce?" Krishnaa asked.
"Yes," Parth replied.
Krishnaa sighed.
"I agree," Krishnaa said.
Parth's relief was palpable.
"Let's meet today and discuss," Parth suggested.
Krishnaa agreed.
Their conversation marked the beginning of a difficult but necessary dialogue. As they prepared to navigate the uncharted waters of their separation, they both knew that honesty and openness were essential.
Their meeting would be a stepping stone toward a more amicable split, allowing them to part ways with dignity and respect. The thought brought a measure of comfort, but the road ahead would be long and arduous.
Yet, they were ready to face it, together.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX 
Ekansh's past still haunted him, the memories of Inaaya Meherzan lingering like an open wound. The daughter of their college principal had captivated him with her beauty and nature, but her rejection had left an indelible scar. During their college days, Ekansh and his brothers, the Goenka brothers, had hidden their true identities, attending college as nerds. It was a chance to blend in, to be ordinary, to shed the weight of their family's legacy.
That's when Inaaya entered his life, her radiant smile illuminating the dull corridors of their college. Her kindness and compassion drew him in, making him feel seen, heard. No one was willing to befriend Ekansh, the "nerd," but Inaaya did. She made him feel special, valued. Ekansh fell deeply in love with her, his heart beating solely for her.
But when he mustered the courage to propose, she rejected him, her words cutting deeper than any knife. "You're just a bet," she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "I never thought you'd actually fall for it." The whole college laughed, and Ekansh's heart shattered into a million pieces. The humiliation still stung, a painful reminder of his vulnerability.
He vowed never to let anyone hurt him like that again. Ekansh built walls around himself, fortifying his heart with steel and stone. He wouldn't let anyone breach those defenses. The pain of his past fueled his determination. He would never love again. Never be vulnerable. The Goenka brothers' reputation would remain intact. No one would ever see his weakness.
Aashvika's confession stirred up old wounds, and Ekansh felt frustrated, trapped. Why did women always use him? First Inaaya, now Aashvika. He couldn't shake off the feeling of being manipulated. His mind reeled with questions. Was he just a pawn in their games? A means to an end?
Ekansh's walls went up, higher than ever. His mask slipped back into place, the façade of indifference. The shield of protection. He was safe. Or so he thought. But deep down, the embers of his past still smoldered, waiting to ignite.
The memories of Inaaya still lingered, a constant reminder of his vulnerability. Ekansh knew he had to keep those emotions locked away, hidden from the world. His family's legacy demanded nothing less. The Goenka brothers were known for their strength, their resilience. Ekansh wouldn't be the one to tarnish that reputation.
As he stood there, lost in thought, Ekansh knew he had to keep moving forward. The past would remain in the past, locked away forever. He would never let it define him. The future beckoned, and Ekansh was ready to face it head-on.