Shivani's heart-wrenching cries pierced the silence, pulling Abhay Ji out of his daze. As he turned to her, fresh tears rolled down his weary face. Gently, he brushed his hand over her hair, his voice cracking as he whispered, "Don't cry, my child."
That soft assurance shattered Shivani's remaining composure. She clung to her father's neck like a lost child, sobbing uncontrollably.
"Papa… how could Mom leave us like this? Tell her to wake up… I promise I'll listen to everything she says now. Please, Papa… just ask her to come back…"
Abhay Ji didn't reply. He simply held her tighter, his own soul aching.
Moments later, Niranjan arrived with his family. Having heard the devastating news, he stepped forward with folded hands and a solemn face.
"Abhay… death is inevitable, yet it feels like a blade to the heart every time. But those who leave us don't disappear entirely. They live on—in our memories, in our deeds. Let's pray her soul finds peace."
Before anyone could respond, Meeta slithered up to Shivani. Feigning sympathy, she placed Shivani's head against her shoulder.
"You shouldn't cry like this, dear. So what if your mother is gone? Your mother-in-law is still alive. And a mother-in-law is like a second mother, isn't she?"
But her manipulative comfort was interrupted by a choked voice—"Shivani!"
It was Riya.
Shivani turned, eyes wide, and ran into her best friend's arms. The two wept together, their shared grief folding them into an embrace of unspoken sorrow.
Evening came. Asha Ji's body was prepared for the last rites. The house, once echoing with warmth, now stood hollow and still.
In another corner, little Aditya stirred awake from a nap. Realizing no one was around, he cried out in confusion. Shivani rushed in, lifting him in her trembling arms.
As the funeral procession began and Asha Ji's body was taken away, Aditya let out a heart-wrenching wail. He thrashed in Shivani's grip, trying to follow his grandmother. But Shivani held him close, her tears mingling with his, until exhaustion lulled him to sleep. That night, Riya didn't leave her side.
Two days passed.
The morning of Shivani's final exam arrived. She touched Abhay Ji's feet, her face pale.
"Papa, I don't know why… but I feel scared. I don't want to go."
He placed a reassuring hand on her head.
"Life doesn't wait, child. This exam isn't just about books—it's a test of your spirit. Your strength. Go with courage. I have complete faith in you. Give it your best."
With a heavy heart and tear-filled eyes, she left.
At home, Aditya's health had declined. The void left by Asha Ji's absence had silenced his laughter. He lay resting after taking his medicine.
An hour later, Abhay Ji entered the kitchen to warm milk for Aditya. As he turned on the gas, his phone buzzed. It was a call from one of his employees.
The next words shattered him.
"Sir, both your showrooms caught fire… a short circuit."
Frozen in shock, he immediately dialed Niranjan's number.
"Ranjan, I… I need your help. My showrooms are gone. I need 50 lakh rupees urgently."
There was a pause. Then Niranjan's voice turned cold.
"What help? I don't have that kind of money. Besides… we've found someone else for my son."
Abhay Ji reeled. "What… what are you saying?"
Suddenly, Meeta grabbed the phone. Her voice dripped with venom.
"What do you mean? Your daughter is cursed! She lost her mother, and now your business too. She's bad luck! Who knows what else she'll ruin?"
Fury erupted in Abhay Ji.
"How dare you speak about my daughter like that? If anyone is breaking the alliance, it's me!"
He added firmly, "And return the 45 lakh rupees I gave you."
Meeta's mocking laughter echoed.
"What money? What proof do you have? Don't call us again!"
She hung up.
Abhay Ji stood numb, haunted by Asha Ji's earlier warnings.
A knock snapped him out of his trance. He opened the door to find a woman in her mid-fifties.
"Namaste. I'm Rani Devi. Sharma Ji told me you needed a maid. I can cook and clean."
Still dazed, he nodded. "Come in."
He gave her a brief tour of the house, then went to check on Aditya. The child was asleep. Abhay Ji went to change his clothes before rushing to the ruined showrooms.
But just as he opened his cupboard—
A sudden blast shook the house.
Flames erupted. Smoke poured from the kitchen. In a horrifying instant, the house was engulfed in fire.
—
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