Sumellika Short Stories

Hello ! Welcome to part 12...

Recap ;

"Sir," a house staff member approached, bowing slightly. "There's a cab waiting outside for Siya Madam."

Raghav's mother's face shifted to one of alarm. "A cab? Where is Siya going at this hour?"

Raghav's heart dropped. "I don't know. Let's go see," he replied hurriedly.

As they reached the bottom, their footsteps faltered. There, by the entrance, stood Siya, her luggage at her feet, her face set with quiet determination. Her eyes flickered briefly toward Raghav but held no warmth, only a steady resolve.

Raghav's mother glanced between Siya and her son, comprehension dawning in her eyes. Raghav, caught off guard, looked at Siya—his confusion, regret, and a hint of panic reflected in his gaze, the words he'd meant to say suddenly lodged in his throat.

Continuation ;

Raghav stood frozen, his mind struggling to grasp the reality before him. His heart pounded against his ribs, each beat echoing the growing panic within him. Siya was leaving. Leaving him. Leaving this house. Leaving everything behind. And he... he had no words, no strength to stop her.

Raghav's mother's voice trembled with concern as she clutched Siya's hands. "Siya? Where are you going? What is all this?"

Siya's gaze remained steady, her voice calm yet firm. "I'm sorry, Maa, but the purpose for which I was brought here is fulfilled. You have your son back, and he has his mother. There is no reason for me to stay here anymore."

Raghav eyes darkened at her words. No reason? His fingers curled into tight fists at his sides. He wanted to tell her she was wrong. That there was Every Reason for her to stay. But his voice—his damn voice—betrayed him.

His mother shook her head, desperate. "Why are you saying this, Siya? This is your home."

Siya let out a soft, humorless chuckle. "No, Maa. There's no place in this city that I can call home. My maternal family disowned me. And as for your son and me... we never shared a relationship, did we? We only hated each other. He wanted revenge, and I..." She hesitated, swallowing back the lump in her throat. "But now, even that hatred has died. So, what's left? Why should I stay here and relive those memories?"

Raghav's jaw tightened. She was right. Their relationship had been built on enmity, on pain, on forced circumstances. But somewhere along the way, something had changed. He knew it. He felt it. But had it changed for her?

His mother's grip on Siya's hands tightened. "But, Siya... where will you go?"

Siya took a deep breath, a faint, bittersweet smile gracing her lips. "From where I started—Nashik."

His mother blinked. "Nashik?"

Siya nodded. "Yes. Nashik is my birthplace. Maa and Baba brought me here from Nashik only. And now, it's time I return. My train leaves in half an hour. I need to go now."

Raghav's chest ached as he watched her say those words, each syllable pulling her further away from him. He should say something. He had to say something.

But his lips remained sealed, as if chained by his own mistakes.

Siya turned to his mother with a gentle smile, her eyes glistening. "Don't worry, Maa. I will definitely try to come see you again."

With that, she stepped forward and embraced her, holding onto the warmth she had found in this house, even if it was only from one person. His mother held her tightly, as if afraid to let go.