11
Love starved
But if the story's over
Why am I still writing
Pages??
The garden was a vibrant tapestry of colors and scents, a sanctuary of nature's beauty. Tall, graceful trees bordered the garden, their leaves whispering secrets to the wind.
The flower beds were a riot of colors, with marigolds, roses, and jasmine blooming in harmonious disarray. Each flower seemed to dance in the gentle breeze, their petals catching the golden rays of the setting sun.
A cobblestone path meandered through the garden, leading to a quaint wooden bench under a sprawling banyan tree.
This bench was Aradhya's favorite spot, where she would sit and listen to the symphony of chirping birds and rustling leaves. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, mingling with the earthy scent of the soil.
In one corner of the garden, a small pond glistened, its surface reflecting the sky's changing hues. Colorful koi fish swam lazily, creating ripples that danced in the sunlight. Nearby, a swing hung from a sturdy branch, swaying gently as if inviting someone to relive their childhood joy.
The garden was not just a place; it was a living, breathing entity that held the essence of Aradhya's most peaceful moments. It was a place where time seemed to stand still, and every corner held a memory, a story, a piece of her heart.
Now, even the garden that once brought Aradhya so much joy and solace feels like a distant memory. The vibrant colors of the flowers seem muted, and the sweet fragrance that once filled the air now feels heavy and suffocating. The cobblestone path, which she used to walk with a light heart, now feels like a journey through her sorrows.
The bench under the banyan tree, her favorite spot, no longer offers comfort. Instead, it reminds her of the peace and hope that have faded from her life. The gentle sway of the swing feels like a mockery of her lost innocence and hope. The pond, once a mirror of tranquility, now reflects her inner turmoil and pain.
The garden, which was once a sanctuary, now feels like a prison of memories. The chirping birds and rustling leaves, once a symphony of peace, now echo the silence of her heart. Aradhya finds no peace here anymore, only a poignant reminder of what she has lost and the harsh reality she faces every day.
Reyansh who returned from office found her in the garden.he stood afar just staring at her.
From Reyansh's perspective, the garden might hold a very different meaning. Unlike Aradhya, who sees it as a place of cherished memories and lost peace, Reyansh might view the garden with indifference or even disdain.
To him, the garden could be just another part of the household, devoid of any emotional significance. The vibrant flowers and serene pond might not evoke any sense of beauty or tranquility. Instead, he might see the garden as a mere backdrop to his life, something that requires maintenance and effort without offering any real value in return.
The bench under the banyan tree, where Aradhya finds solace, might be just a piece of furniture to Reyansh, a place to sit without any deeper connection. The swing, which once symbolized joy and freedom for Aradhya, might be nothing more than a child's plaything in his eyes.
Reyansh's perspective on the garden reflects his overall attitude towards life and relationships-detached, unfeeling, and focused on practicality rather than emotional connection. The garden, with all its natural beauty and potential for peace, remains an unappreciated and overlooked part of his world.
Reyansh stands at a distance, his eyes fixed on Aradhya. The garden, with its vibrant colors and serene ambiance, fades into the background as he takes in her beauty. She moves gracefully, her presence a stark contrast to the turmoil within him.
Her hair catches the golden light of the setting sun, creating a halo around her head. Her eyes, deep and expressive, reflect void of emotions he struggles to understand. As she tends to the flowers, her delicate hands move with a tenderness that captivates him.
In this moment, Reyansh is struck by a sense of awe. He sees the strength and resilience in her, qualities that he has often overlooked. Her beauty is not just in her appearance but in the way she carries herself, with grace and quiet dignity.
Standing afar, Reyansh feels a pang of regret and longing. He realizes the depth of her spirit, something he has failed to appreciate. As he watches her, he is filled with a mix of admiration and sorrow, knowing that the distance between them is not just physical but emotional as well.
Reyansh feels a crack in his hardened exterior. He is vulnerable, confronted by his own shortcomings and the pain he has caused. The garden, once a place of indifference, now becomes a silent witness to his inner conflict and the fragile hope that perhaps, one day, he might bridge the gap between them.
As Aradhya tends to the flowers, she feels a familiar gaze upon her. She looks up and notices Reyansh standing at a distance, his eyes fixed on her. For a brief moment, their eyes meet. She sees a flicker of something in his gaze-vulnerability, perhaps, or regret.
But the memories of his harsh words and cold indifference quickly flood her mind. The pain he has caused is too fresh, too deep. She breaks the eye contact, her expression hardening. Without a word, she turns away from him, her heart heavy.
Aradhya walks towards the house, each step feeling like a small act of defiance. She enters the house, leaving Reyansh and the garden behind, seeking the solitude and safety of her own space. The door closes softly behind her, a barrier between her and the man who has caused her so much pain.
Amravati, with a heavy heart, approaches Reyansh one evening. She has noticed the changes in Aradhya and can no longer stay silent. She finds Reyansh in the living room, lost in thought.
"Reyansh"she calls him softly"I want to talk to you"
Reyansh looks up,his resting face hardens"what?"
Amravati takes a deep breath gathering her thoughts"what has happened to aradhya?are you somehow related to it?"
She didn't know how did she had this much courage but she knows no matter how much cold and rude her son is,he is her son after all.
Something flickers in his eyes,guilt she noticed and which made her sure that he was somehow related.
"Beta"amravati said gently.
"I don't know what happened between you both but please don't do something you might regret later.she is suffering."
"It's too late maa"he hesitated.
A tear escaped her eyes,as emotions rushed through her body.She knew he has messed up a lot.
She sat down beside him and took his one hand in her both hands.
"I know you hate me-
Amravati began but was cut off by reyansh.
"I don't hate you maa,I just-- grandpa wouldn't have died if you all had listened to me"
She knows how much he loved his grandfather and she was heartbroken to see her son crying and sobbing seeing his grandpa covered with white cloth.
"Forget it beta,tell me what happened between you both"she asked gently rubbing his hand.
Reyansh looks away,guilt flickering over his face."i d-dont know how to say it,maa.i shattered her heart into pieces,I broke her soul that it seems impossible to make any amend."
She sighs"reyansh, I do not know what you did to her but your actions and words have a profound impact on her.
She is struggling with her mental health and it's affecting her deeply.
She needs support,not harshness."
"What should I do ma?a broken glass can't be joined again"
"Start by acknowledging her pain," Amravati says gently. "Talk to her, listen to her. Show her that you care. And if needed, seek help together. This isn't just about her well-being; it's about the future of your relationship."
Reyansh nods slowly, the weight of his mother's words sinking in. "I'll try, Ma. I promise."
Amravati places a reassuring hand on his shoulder"That's all I ask, Reyansh. For both your sakes, make the effort to understand and heal."
"But don't think i will not hate you for what you did to her, don't come to me unless you have given me my sweet and happy daughter in law back"Her voice hardens as she says.
With that, she leaves him to reflect on their conversation, hoping that her words will spark the change that Aradhya so desperately needs.