Sunehri Kahani - Between the Lines

Disclaimer: An emotional Chapter ahead!

The weight of responsibility pressed down on Viren's shoulders like an invisible, ever-growing burden. His days had become a delicate balancing act between his internship, meal preparations, and looking after Zaara. The dark circles under his eyes betrayed his exhaustion, but he pushed on, grateful that at least Veer had taken over some of the childcare duties. Still, he couldn't help but long for his Maasi's support, even as he knew his mother needed her more.

Hope flickered in his chest with each passing day. The treatment was almost over, and his Maasi's voice had been filled with positivity during their last call. Only the final examination remained. Viren found himself counting the hours, eagerly anticipating his Maasi's return with his mother. The thought of reuniting their fractured family kept him going through the long, grueling days.

It was late night, the kitchen finally cleaned after sending Veer and Zaara to bed, when the doorbell's shrill ring shattered the quiet. Viren's heart leapt - it had to be them. He rushed to the door, a rare smile tugging at his lips, only to have it freeze in confusion. His Maasi and Kaka stood there, but where was his mother?

"Maasi, itni raat ko? Aayiye na, aur Maa? Cab se bulake aao?" The words tumbled out, hope and desperation mingling in his voice.

[English translation: "Maasi, at this late hour? Please come in. And Maa? Should I call her from the cab?"]

"Viren, beta, woh... Chalo, andar jaake baat karte hai," his Maasi's gentle nudge felt like a blow. Viren stood rooted to the spot, his mind racing through a thousand terrifying possibilities.

["Viren, son, well... Let's go inside and talk."]

"Maasi, bas itna bolein ki Maa theek hai na? Aashram mein hai?" His voice came out hoarse, barely masking the panic rising in his chest.

["Maasi, just tell me if Maa is alright? Is she at the ashram?"]

"Haan baccha, woh theek hai, much better. Final examination went well, observation mein rakha hai ab. Par mujhe tumse bahut zaroori baat karni hai, Veer aur Zaara ke bina. Isiliye chalo, mere room mein jaake baat karenge," The words should have brought relief, but the pain in her voice told a different story. Viren's mind reeled - what could be worse if his mother was getting better?

["Yes, dear, she's fine, much better. The final examination went well, she's under observation now. But I need to talk to you about something very important, without Veer and Zaara. So let's go to my room and talk."]

The walk to his Maasi's room felt like a march to his own execution. Viren perched on a small stool, his body tense, as his Maasi and Kaka settled on the edge of the bed. The air in the room felt thick, heavy with unspoken truths.

"Ji Maasi, tell me everything is fine. The doctor is positive about Maa, right?" Viren's voice wavered, hope and dread battling for dominance.

His Maasi and Kaka exchanged a glance that made Viren's stomach churn. He could see the pain in their eyes, the hesitation in their postures. They were about to shatter his world, and he braced himself for the impact.

"Yes Viren, they are positive. She has been out of her shell for the last two weeks, like a normal person, but..." His Maasi's voice trailed off, the weight of her next words visibly heavy on her.

"Par kya Maasi? Time hoga theek hone mein? I am completely fine, you stay with her till she recovers. I can manage everything. Veer is back, Maa is getting better, Zaara is growing up too and becoming a little more understanding. I have everything handled here. You don't have to worry, Maasi. Bas Maa theek ho jayein, aur ghar aa jayein," The words poured out of Viren, a desperate attempt to stave off the truth he could feel looming.