Chapter 10

Chapter - 10

“I wish all of us got to live this moment for real!” A lone tear escaped her eyes as Piya held one of their family photographs. In the photo, all four siblings were playing with their parents. It seemed like she was competing with Ayush to climb up to Nishant’s shoulder, the same way Adi and Pari would fuss over who got to be on Ansh’s team when they were playing cricket or who would accompany her to the temple knowing the obedient child would get a big chocolate bar as a reward.

Suddenly a strange anguish tugged her heartstrings. Why? If she was blessed with the Goddess’s boon, why did her brothers have to endure Mohana’s wreath? Why couldn’t they enjoy their childhood as normal kids? And what wrong did Nishant and Divya do to miss those precious moments with their children? No matter how many times she reminded herself of the reality, the little girl in her wanted to protest. She wanted to be selfish and sever all ties that prevented her from reveling in the love of her idealistic yet illusionary world.

“Adorable, isn’t it?” Divya came from behind, startling Piya, “It seems like yesterday when I held you in my arms for the first time, and look at you now… I still can’t believe you are getting married.” Piya felt a lump in her throat. All she ever wanted was to reunite with her mother. So what if this world was a mirage? Couldn’t she for once give in to her heart’s desire without feeling guilty? “How old was Saavi when this picture was taken?” “Two, it was her birthday but Danish enjoyed the most. After all, her arrival earned him the coveted title of “Bhaiya”.” Divya smiled reminiscing the past.

“I don’t think he was old enough to grasp all that. It's not like there is a considerable age gap between the two of them. Although, I do remember the sparkle in his eyes when you placed Saavi in his lap.” “You still remember that!” “Of course, I may not have a photographic memory but certain things are impossible to forget. He looked at her with the same awe as a child would look at a new toy.” “Well, you are right about that. He always treated Saavi like a delicate little doll; he still does. It’s another thing that his sweet baby sister has now turned into a nightmare who has zero consideration of others’ feelings.”

“Maa, come on! I know Saavi can be a little difficult to handle at times but she’s anything but inconsiderate. You of all people should understand that it’s her concern for others that drives her forward. Besides, which nineteen years old gets along with their parents?” “You did.” “Oh, I see. Then I believe I owe you an apology for not behaving like a typical young adult.” “Perfect! Keep pampering her like this and she’ll never learn from her mistakes.” “Maa…”

“I’m not blind Gudiya. I know she means well. Out of all my kids, she is the most like your father and that’s what worries me. She’s always thinking about the greater good, of ways through which she can make people smile. But what about her? Like this accident, it wouldn’t have occurred in the first place had she listened to me and stayed back.”

“Wait, what? What accident?” Piya felt as if the ground beneath her feet was shaking. She talked with Saavi just an hour ago. What happened within such a short period? Did she meet with an accident? How serious was her condition? If she got injured here, even the real-world Saavi would feel it. How would Nishant help her without her or Ansh’s healing power? This was all her fault! If only she stayed firm in her decision and didn’t bring Saavi along, none of this would ever have happened. How could she repeat the same mistake? Who gave her the right to gamble with her sister’s life just so she could salvage her relationship with her husband?

“Gudiya, hey! Calm down. It’s okay, Saavi is safe. She’s heading back home right now.” Divya tried to comfort Piya while the latter stared at her blankly, unsure of whether she got her mother’s last sentence right. “You were at the hospital when Sanam called; Saavi twisted her ankle while trekking. I would have informed you sooner but…” “Did you just say Sanam?” “Yes, Saavi’s best friend - seriously Gudiya, what’s gotten into you today?” “I’m sorry Maa. I guess my mind went blank for a moment. You were saying?”

“Not to sound rude or anything but that jolt you just got, fearing the worst for your sister - that’s how I feel 24/7 because I don’t know what your sister is up to. Take this trip for example, I know Sanam had an ugly breakup with Nikhil and I was completely okay with the idea of being a supportive friend but which sane person plans trekking for distraction? That too during the monsoon?” “That’s Saavi for you.” Piya said absentmindedly. “My point exactly. You know, at times I feel…”

While Divya continued lamenting, Piya remained lost in her thoughts. Such intricate detailing! Going by how each of their deceased family members was alive in this reality, it shouldn’t be surprising that Ansh would want to resurrect Dilruba in her human form. However, with Nikhil in the picture, she was forced to consider other possibilities. The line separating their world from this alternate version of reality was incredibly thin. If she didn’t know better, she could be easily manipulated into believing this parallel universe was the original. The way she left things with Ansh on their last meeting, what if Ansh succumbed to his own illusion and gave up on them?

She felt a chill running down her spine as the moment they got separated flashed before her eyes. No! It couldn’t be! She didn’t risk everything just to accept defeat now. As long as a breath was left inside her, she wouldn’t abandon hope. Her love prevented Ansh from turning evil in the past. She was certain that eventually, Ansh would open his eyes to the truth and restore the natural order. All she had to do was reaffirm his faith and leave the rest up to him.

“Gudiya you are bleeding!” Divya made her sit on the bed and rushed to grab the first aid box. Confused, Piya looked at the mirror and realized blood was coming out of her nose. She tried to grab a piece of tissue when suddenly she felt a burning sensation on her right shoulder. To her utter bewilderment, she found her Daivik mark to have disappeared from her skin. “Devi Maa! What’s happening to me!”