Between two hearts

#

 Drishti was alone now. Her guests had left, leaving behind an array of bouquets and gifts lying on the table. Silently, she gazed at them before turning her attention to the award glistening in the dim light. She was tired and expressionless, the weight of the evening settling heavily on her shoulders. ........

 

Drishti was alone now. Her guests had left, leaving behind an array of bouquets and gifts lying on the table. Silently, she gazed at them before turning her attention to the award glistening in the dim light. She was tired and expressionless, the weight of the evening settling heavily on her shoulders. 

"Clear off the space," she instructed her maid, her voice devoid of emotion. "And bring me some strong tea. I'm exhausted."

She walked out to the lawn, the cool evening air offering a brief respite from the overwhelming day. Settling into a chair, she closed her eyes, trying to relax her weary mind. She didn't realize when she drifted off to sleep.

Suddenly, she felt someone calling her name, a gentle hand holding hers. Ankit was there, smiling at her. One by one, memories of him flashed before her eyes. She tried to speak his name, her voice breaking, but she managed only a whisper. Tears began to flow as the familiar pain of that terrible accident resurfaced, the accident that had taken Ankit from her forever. 

Though years had passed, the trauma felt as fresh as if it had happened yesterday. The memory of that day haunted her, the weight of it pressing down on her heart. She clutched the chair's arms so tightly that pain shot through her hands. Her clothes were soaked with sweat, her body trembling as she cried uncontrollably.

Her maid stood nearby, holding the tea, watching with growing concern. She had been trying to get Drishti's attention, but to no avail. Fearful, she ran inside to fetch Dev.

Dev found Drishti frozen, her face wet with tears, no sign of movement except her labored breathing. He understood immediately. Moving closer, he gently took her face in his hands, softly calling her name.

"It's okay, Drishti. Everything is fine," he repeated, his voice steady and reassuring.

Slowly, Drishti opened her eyes and saw Dev's concerned face inches from hers. Relief washed over her as she threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly, and began to sob once more. The award on the table glinted in the fading light, a symbol of her journey.

She had begun writing that novel when Ankit was alive, but abandoned it after his death. Dev had entered her life a few years ago, bringing new purpose and light. He was the dream that turned into reality, the beacon of hope that guided her through her darkest days.

Ankit had shown her the path, reminding her of her potential. Dev was the energy that filled her with positivity, standing by her side as they moved forward together, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

In Dev's embrace, Drishti found solace. She realized that while Ankit's memory would always be a part of her, Dev was her present and future. Together, they would continue the journey, hand in hand, illuminated by the light of love and hope.