RANJISH

23. Reality Check (Part- II)

Ayu pointed a finger to Armaan's chest.

Ayu: Aapka conscience jaanta hai. Wohi hai jo aapko itna pareshaan kar raha hai. Toh maanna kyun nahi chahte? Why are you fighting the truth so hard?Isse pehle ki bahut der ho jaaye, please samajh jao. .. samajg jao apna behaviour kisiko bht takliff de rw hai... dard de raha hai.... 

Ayu didn't wait for a response. He turned and quietly left the room, leaving Armaan alone with the immense weight of his words and the terrible image of Aru collapsing..

Armaan remained slumped on the bed, truly confused. Ayu was right. His conscience was fighting him. Why did the truth feel so dangerous that his mind built a wall of rage and denial to keep it out? He knew, deep down, the answer lay somewhere in his repressed past, a past that Aru's presence was ruthlessly trying to expose... 

Time passed slowly in the mansion

the atmosphere thick with worry and unspoken tension. Armaan spent the next day trapped in a cycle of guilt and reflection, completely unable to focus on work. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Aru’s face, pale and unconscious, and felt the sting of Ayu’s accusing words.
He finally decided he couldn't wait any longer. He needed to talk to Aru, to apologize, and perhaps, to beg for forgiveness.

He walked quietly toward Aru’s room. As he approached the slightly ajar door, he paused, hearing voices inside.

Mihi: (Softly, coaxing) Aru, please, kuch toh kha lo. Doctor ne kaha hai energy chahiye. Sirf thoda sa soup pi le lo..

Abhi: Haan, Aru. ese to tum theek nahi hopapogega. doctor said u need proper food..  ache se khana ni kha re ho itne dino se ese kese chalega..

Aru: (His voice weak, tinged with deep sadness) Nahi Bhabhi. I am not hungry. Mujhe bas akele chhod dijiye. I just need to rest...

Armaan listened, his chest constricting. Aru wasn't just physically weak; he was emotionally shut down. He knew a formal apology wouldn't cut through the pain. He needed to reach Aru through instinct, through care... the sad and pale face of aru was making him feel numb... the look was so endering...  that a part of him want to embrace him but why??? it again make him agitated...

Armaan was about to enter but a strong sharp sting in his headache .. he felt dizzy he holds a wall to support himself  Armaan mind potrays some hazy flashes. A small, specific memory a memory of a fourtren , years old, coaxing a sick, stubborn child to eat....

Armaan open his eyes with a gasp.. who was the boy what was his mind trying to recall again and again..

He stepped back quietly, turning away from the door... he dont know why but he felt something  He headed straight to  the kitchen.

otherhand inside the roon of aru

After a few minutes of quiet persistence, Aru requested them to leave him alone.

Aru: (Softly) Please, Bhaiyu, Bhabhi... main sach theek hoon...  thora rest karunga to aur better feel karunga.... Aap log jaao.. thori der k liye mujhe akela chod do please... I promise I will rest.

Abhi - Fine but hum thori thori der me ate rahenge okay... and u cant piss about it .. we need to check on you....

Aru sighs didnot answer

Reluctantly, Abhi and Mihi agreed, exchanging worried glances as they left the room, careful to close the door quietly...

As soon as he was alone, Aru pushed the covers off. His dizziness had subsided, but the sense of betrayal was overwhelming. He knew he couldn't stay..