You are mine only (Sequel)

6. Try to understand

Rahi, eagerly searching for Shabd, approached him near the glass wall, but he remained with his back turned, hands in his pockets.

“Shabu, have you called him?” Rahi asked with enthusiasm. She was confident that her brother would never disappoint her.

“Shabu, why aren’t you replying to me? I am asking you.” Rahi panicked and shook his arm. Kriti quickened her pace to intervene, standing beside Rahi to offer support.

Finally, Shabd turned and looked directly into Rahi's hopeful eyes, his own filled with tears. Despite his pain, he tried to remain strong and brave for his sister. Rahi, taken aback by his serious gaze, stopped shaking his arm, confused.

With a heavy gulp, Shabd tightly held her shoulders and delivered the devastating news, "He is no more."

The words pierced Rahi's heart, and tears streamed down her face. Although others had mentioned it before, hearing it from her brother made it agonizingly real. Rahi struggled to believe it, but she knew she had to trust him.

Sobbing uncontrollably, she clung to Shabd, who embraced her tightly, offering solace and support. He pressed her head against his chest, his chin resting on top, conveying a sense of safety and strength. Though his own tears were held back, Rahi's tears moistened his chest. He held her even tighter, not wanting her to feel weak, gently patting her back in an attempt to console her, but her pain seemed boundless, making it hard for her to hear his words.

...

Shabd gently laid Rahi on the master bedroom's bed and sat on the edge, caressing her forehead. Her eyes were swollen and red from crying, her sobs stifled as if her voice had retreated into her heart.

Kriti, tears in her eyes, placed her hand on Shabd's shoulder. He turned to look at her, his own eyes red and tearful. He longed for a shoulder to lean on, to cry for the loss of the person he cherished the most, but he knew Rahi needed his support. He stood up and glanced at Kriti, sadness evident in his expression.

"Sleep here tonight, and call me if there's an emergency.”

“Don't worry, I'm here," Kriti assured him with strength in her voice. Shabd sighed, nodding in gratitude. He kissed her cheek and left the master bedroom.

In the early morning, Shabd stood by the glass wall of the living room, gazing into the distance. His eyes were dry and filled with weariness, surrounded by dark circles from sleepless nights. Assistant Vinay cautiously approached him, hesitant to wish him good morning.

"Sir, the Mathur family is on their way. They'll arrive in half an hour," Vinay said, his voice trembling. Shabd nodded, his mind already prepared to confront the Mathur family.

When the Mathur family arrived at the villa, they were unaware of Anant and Rahi's absence. Confusion filled the living room as they looked at Shabd, his red eyes and dark circles raising questions. The children, filled with excitement, greeted their grandparents and hurried off to play. The sight of Shabd's troubled face left them perplexed.

“What happened, my son? You are not looking well. And where is the owner of the villa? Where is my son?” Manish asked.

Shabd raised his eyes and looked at Manish with courage and suppressed his sadness.

Setu, trying to lighten the mood, jokingly asked, "You look tired and anxious. Didn't my brother let you rest?" Shabd nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on Setu. He mustered up courage, his sadness suppressed.

“He has not returned for two nights.” He said sadly.

“Ah… He must have gone to the business trip.” Setu said carelessly.

Shabd nodded again. “Yes, he had gone on a business trip. But… while returning from the airport; he has met with an accident.”

The room fell silent, fear gripping everyone as they realized Anant's safety was in question. Shabd's gloomy and sorrowful demeanor amplified their concerns.

"Where is he?" Setu asked, panic evident in her voice.

Shabd glanced at Manish before lowering his eyes. He mustered the courage to respond, "An investigation team tried to locate him and his car, but they have been unsuccessful. I'm sorry."

Setu's forehead glistened with sweat as she turned to Manish, her face filled with panic and fear. Manish remained motionless, his gaze fixed on the ground, brimming with hope. Rekha, with tearful eyes, placed her hand on his shoulder, her voice choked with emotion. She wanted to inquire further about Anant, but the words couldn't escape her throat.

"M... Mom," Rekha stammered, startled when she saw Rahi descending the stairs.

"Rahi..." The name slipped from her lips as she stood up, overcome with shock. Rahi, her steps unsteady and trembling with weakness and trauma, didn't comprehend where she was or what she was doing. All she knew was that she saw Rekha and wanted to embrace her. As Rekha enveloped her in her arms, Rahi sobbed uncontrollably, clinging tightly to her. Rekha pressed Rahi's head against her chest, tenderly stroking her disheveled hair.

Setu and Shabd rose from their seats, their eyes fixed on Rahi, but Manish remained seated, his gaze still fixed on the ground. The sound of Rahi's cries echoed in his ears, his palms turning cold.

"My daughter..." Manish whispered, his voice filled with grief. Rekha joined him in sobbing but tried to comfort Rahi. The somber atmosphere and collective mourning confirmed the devastating reality: Anant was no more.