You are mine only (Sequel)

7. The condolence

Shabd let out a deep sigh and tightly closed his eyes. Setu's tearful gaze fell downward.

"I tried my best, but I couldn't find him. The chances of him being alive or dead are equally slim, merely half a percent. The investigation team couldn't locate him, leaving us to speculate that he might still be alive," Shabd explained, his voice filled with sadness.

"After going through the investigation reports, I can't bring myself to hope that he's still alive. The abyss is too deep to trace him," Setu responded, his voice laced with despair. He looked at Shabd, waiting for his answer.

"In that case, I will take Rahi to India. I can't leave her alone to face this situation," Shabd declared with determination.

Setu stared at him for a moment, contemplating his decision. Suddenly, Manish entered the study room, his steps slow and weak. Setu rushed forward, supporting him and helping him settle on the couch. Shabd and Setu positioned themselves in front of Manish, their expressions reflecting profound sadness. His son was gone, and it was up to Manish to hold the family together.

"Rahi is a part of the Mathur family, and in this critical situation, the Mathur family won't let her suffer alone. Since Anant is no longer with us, my daughter-in-law will step into his shoes. She has to manage both the Mathur family and Invincible Corporation," Manish spoke, his voice trembling.

Shabd didn't try to oppose him, and Setu nodded, placing her hand on Shabd's knee as she looked at him.

"Dad is right. She is our responsibility. We're all going to India," Setu affirmed.

Shabd ran his hand over his forehead, squeezing his eyes shut tightly.

The trauma he experienced had yet to release its grip on him, and his sister's condition was worse than anything he could imagine.

Five days had passed, but Rahi's mental anguish and trauma showed no signs of improvement. The family tried their best to console her, soothe her, and calm her, but she had become a different person altogether—an embodiment of silent suffering.

"We should leave London as soon as possible. I want Rahi to leave everything behind and start anew. Her entire life lies ahead of her, and she can't give up easily. Her son still waits for his father's return, but he can't even ask his mother about it because she's not in a state of mind to answer. We must try to help both the mother and son," Manish expressed, his voice choked with sobs that he struggled to suppress.

His heart weighed heavy with grief; his son was gone, yet he must remain strong to guide his family. As the head of the family, he had always entrusted decisions regarding the company and family matters to his eldest son, Anant Mathur. He took pride in Anant's choices, but today, that son lay covered in the shroud of death. He had departed without bidding anyone farewell, leaving behind the unfortunate fate of the Mathur family.

Assisted by his walking stick, Manish rose from his seat and turned to Shabd, whose head was bowed and eyes brimming with tears. Manish extended his hand and placed it on Shabd's head, conveying his understanding of the pain shared by everyone connected to Anant. Yet, no one could truly comprehend the agony buried deep within a father's heart. Setu helped Manish walk out of the study room, and they entered the living room where Rekha and Kriti sat beside Rahi, attempting to engage her in conversation. However, Rahi sat there, her gaze fixed upon the ground like a lifeless soul. Her eyes were red and brimming with tears. Manish stopped in front of Rahi, gazing at her with profound sorrow.

Once a joyous woman whose every smile adorned the beauty of their family, she now resembled a motionless statue, breathing but devoid of emotion. Manish's heart ached in anguish. He couldn't bear to witness her condition any longer. Each time he saw Rahi sitting there like a lifeless statue, his heart overflowed with pain, and tears welled up in his eyes.

Manish looked at Rekha, who nodded in agreement, and then took a seat beside Rahi. He gently placed his hand on her head, tenderly caressing her.

Manish spoke softly, his voice filled with concern, "How long will you endure this pain? We're leaving for India tomorrow, and I want you to come with us."

Rahi looked up, her eyes red and brimming with tears. Her voice was barely audible as she replied, "I don't want to go anywhere."

Shabd approached the couch, standing beside Setu. "We all want you to move on with your life, to forget everything. He's not going to come back, but you have a whole life ahead of you. Don't waste it. You have to live for Ansh," he urged.

Rahi shook her head, sobbing. "No. I can't let him go. I can't forget him. I can't leave this city, this villa, this place. I want to live with his memories. I'm certain he'll return one day," she said, her courage shining through. Her certainty only deepened the pain in everyone's hearts.

Manish sighed, his voice filled with desperation. "How can we let you stay here? You'll remain sad and broken. We don't want you to suffer, my child," he pleaded.

Rahi looked down at the ground, tears streaming down her face.

"I don't want to go, Dad. This is my final decision. And if I'm forced to leave this house, I will die," she declared, rising slowly from the couch. With a slow pace, she left the living room.