Swara couldn't stop the tears that streamed down her cheeks as she finally pulled off her fingers from those ivory keys while she sat infront of the magestic piano after completing the musical piece.

She could still not believe that the unfinished recital she had always dreamt to finish someday was no more a imaginary but a reality and It felt so unreal.

Everyone who knew Swara in the past also knew the love she has for the piano. Everytime she played it, everytime she touched it, it felt like as if she was whispering a prayer and everyone saw it. She didn't just love it and was devoted to it rather she worshipped it.

When her mother had passed away in a tragic death, Swara was stubborn to play. But only when she had a major breakdown in the recital, Swara realised that she had lost music along with her mother and every fragments of music reminded of her. And the pathway to the dream that was meant to make her happy only ended up withering away her inner peace. So she abandoned and ran away from that grand instrument inspite of the love she had for it. Sometimes it's all about you let go things or people despite you love them with all your heart and soul, for yourself.

Just like that she felt a bird who had lost how to fly finally remembered how to spread it's wings and fly in the vast blue sky.

Swara stood up and took a bow as she waited for the spectators reaction.

The whole crowd maintained silence, obviously stunned by the performance. Jay was the one who pulled everyone out of trance by clapping his hands followed by the other spectators in a thunderous applause. The entire judge panel gave a standing ovation for her great performance and they were very much pleased with the music Swara had created.

Proud was such a small name to the feeling Reema felt at the moment. She was so touched that she ended up in tears and Jay supported her by holding both her shoulder blades while he himself was fighting to keep his tears in bay. The fact that Swara was able to complete the recital by herself made them so happy and overwhelmed. Swara might not be verbal when it comes to expressing herself, she always kept tabs over her doings but at times she could slip out few words, one among them was to overcome her fears. Jay and Reema beamed with joy.

Ragini who stood in the backstage had a satisfactory smile. How long she has been waiting for this moment! The competitor mindset of hers was all long gone and she completely enjoyed the play, just like another spectator who loves to hear music. Indeed, it was a great comeback for Swara in the music world, again!

The minute Swara walked out from the stage, she didn't give a second thought of anything and started running with all her might. People commented behind her back by calling her crazy and throwing are-you- insane looks on her way while she least cared about anything. All she wanted was to run away from the place and when she was about to, Reema and Jay already stood by the exit. Just in a minute Swara crashed into Reema's arms and broke into soft sobs. Jay's eyes softened at that.

Swara could not give a perfect name to the emotion since she felt many things all at one. Contented because she had finally completed the recital by herself, a sense of relief washed over her since she hadn't messed up like she thought, Overwhelmed because she had managed to take a step forward against the demons that haunted for year and so many more.

After Aisha's death, Reema had seen Swara suffer and vent her pain alone than sharing it to anyone else. The therapy sessions brought some changes and even before Swara could reflect more, she was sent abroad. Apart from the battles of depression, Swara always projected herself to be a happy child despite the wounds and scars. She was habitual of keeping everyone before herself that she hardly does anything for her self. Now that she has done, Reema was extremely happy for her kid.

Swara broke the hug and she shifted her gaze back to her best friend since she knew Jay badly needs a hug as well. Even before Swara could hug him, Jay was fast to reach as he took her in a bear hug. He was delighted as well.

"You look like a witch who's in tears because all her plans went in vain." Jay teased to make the atmosphere light as he wiped her tears through his thumb with a stupid grin. Swara gave a slight punch on his guts to which he dramatically winced. She wiped off her tears properly and chuckled.

"Sanskaar didn't come?" Jay asked. He was actually confused and tensed when he saw Swara come alone for the play and not with Sanskaar. Nevertheless, the ending went well. Though the thought continuously ran in his mind.

"Pass my phone." Jay passed her sling bag and Swara fished out her phone to call Sanskaar. She was worried about Sanskaar from the very start and it was just the recital that distracted her a little. Swara was about to call but then her mobile itself rang and when she noticed the caller ID she quickly attended the call.

"Sanskaar! Where are you? How are you? Is everything okay? Wait! Just tell me where you are, I'm coming right away." Swara bombarded with questions that she didn't even wait for the boy to reply her at all. And for all her questions Sanskaar uttered only two words,

"City hospital."

~

Sanskaar couldn't even think straight when his grandfather passed away abruptly in an accident. He was numb, too numb to even react but he stood beside his grandmother who gut wrenching wailed and sobbed in front of her loving husband who lied lifeless, asking him to wake up. Not even a single tear he shed for the old man he loved the most. People called him strong.

But what he actually was?

Broken.

Even before he could digest the fact that his old best man was no more, Asha happened to become severely ill. She couldn't accept the fact that the love of her life was no more and thus it lead to her first cardiac arrest. Sanskaar remembered how he waited for the doctor who had been checking on his grandmother as he sat alone hoping atleast she wouldn't leave and make him an orphan, just like today.

"ICU ward, third floor." Swara thanked the receptionist and took the stairs to reach the wing since the lift was out of order. The moment Sanskaar had uttered the hospital name Swara quickly rushed asking Jay to take Reema back home. Once she reached the ward, she found him sit on the bench alone wearing the formals he had to wear for the recital but in a completely defeated manner with his head hung down looking no less than a traumatized kid.

"Sanskaar!" Hearing his name been called by a very familiar voice, he looked up only to meet Swara's worrying orbs. Sanskaar stood up and took long strides to reach her and Swara gently took both his hands and inquired about his grandmother's health but he was too dazed to even hear her properly and respond. Instead, he dropped his head on her shoulder which was enough to make Swara's doe eyes go wide and pass a chill down her spine.

"Stay." She heard him say in a mere hoarse whisper against her neck that was hardly audible to anyone. Swara could feel his hands usually warm hands colder and slightly shaking, His eyes were hollow and red, probably because he had been fighting too long not to spill his tears. He looked too broken and vulnerable but was making sure not to crumble down the walls, she could see it.

Even with his eyes closed Sanskaar could feel them burn a little. Truth to be told, he felt too exhausted physically and mentally but he also he had to put up his responsibilities first before venting his pent up emotions. The fact that he atleast had someone to hold him kind of eased his pain and kept him strong for a little more longer. Swara's mere presence had always given him enough solace even in the haunting silence, and even today it was oddly comforting his aching heart.

After a whole five minutes of seeking comfort Sanskaar stood straight, "You looked so pretty on the stage that I already wanted to sweep you off from the place." Swara shot a glare at Sanskaar. This guy can't be serious, can he be?

"Are you sure you have not gone nuts by the sudden happenings?" Sanskaar shook his head. An annoyed Swara's definitely too adorable and a treat to watch.

"Well, I asked my grandfather's friend to replace me but he couldn't arrive on time so he made sure to notify about my absence. Since he reached I asked him a favour for live telecast. You did so well, my star!" As much as his lips hurted to even curve up into a smile but he couldn't stop himself from letting him hurt. While Swara just couldn't believe what she heard. Even for imagination, she couldn't think of Sanskaar sitting in the hospital hallway and watch her performance while his grandmother was inside the ward, fighting for life.

Sanskaar gave a gentle pat on her head since he knew the thoughts that might flood her mind. He would not deny, it was difficult but at the same time just like how he had a certain responsibility to fill in for his family he had it for Swara too. And the fact that she carried out herself all alone despite him not accompanying had definitely made Sanskaar proud and happy. Her performance was like a splash of happiness in the hue of melancholy.

The cracking sound of the door got both of them alert only to see the doctor come out of the ward, "How's she?" Sanskaar needed an assurance to hold on to, even though he could somewhat make out the pity expression the doctor had. He was terribly afraid but he didn't want to loose hope. Understanding his turmoil, Swara slipped her fingers in between his and gave a squeeze.

"Still in the critical state. Her health keeps fluctuating and she's suffering with breathing problems. She needs an angioplasty surgery since two of her heart valves has been blocked." The doctor had no other choice but to break the news relating to the patient, be it good nor bad. He had taken Asha's case from the beginning and had seen how responsible and matured the young boy was in his young age.

Those words were enough to freeze his entire world and the ground been swept from beneath his feet. Swara was in daze as well, she still couldn't believe Asha was sick and the news did no good to her chaotic mind but everything paused until she heard his voice.

"When and how much?" The doctor was very much surprised by his words, and so was Swara. She was almost unable to recognise that voice, it sounded too hollow, dark yet forced.

"The sooner, the better. It might cost around 4 to 4.5 lakhs." The doctor couldn't help himself but pity at Sanskaar and the pretty girl who stood beside the boy looking equally shocked. Swara's mind ran to all the end to think of the possibilities. One phone call to any of her family members and she knew they would pay it on behalf of him just in time but she was not sure if Sanskaar would accept the offer.

"Please do the required arrangements, sir. I'm settling the bill in a hour or two." Sanskaar said firmly and the doctor gave a pat on his shoulder in a sign of consolence and he left. The news had been enough to slowly crumble down the walls that held him strong enough to withstand this long and even before everything gets collapsed, he wanted to settle down things properly.

He walked towards the ICU ward door only to witness his best women lay on the bed with various tubes connected to her frail body and machines around her monitoring every moment. Sanskaar felt another pang of pain hitting him too hard that he no more have strength to look back at his grandmother who lied lifeless on the hospital cot, he turned away.

Swara expected him to react or maybe shed few tears out of but all she could see was emptiness and it scared her. She was never used to see Sanskaar gloomy and that she had seen, Swara couldn't help herself but feel guilty for not being with him earlier.

"Sanskaar--"

"Swara, I'll be back as I said." He gently traced her hair strands and tucked it behind her ear properly. Swara's eyes softened when she saw his eyes has completely bloodshot, probably because of holding back his tears and he looked too torned. She gave a nod but not before engulfing Sanskaar in a short hug.

"She's going to be okay."

With a hum, Sanskaar walked away while Swara watched his retreating figure and sighed heavily. Hoping for a better day she quickly called Reema since she promised Jay and her to fill in them with details.

The sun has rested quicker than she thought. The dusk has already started fading the colours of the rays the sun had left behind and let the darkness consume the sky on whole for the stars and moon to shine. Sanskaar was back as promised in two hours and Swara only acknowledged him with a nod as he sat beside her, totally worn out. Since the doctors didn't wanted to postpone the surgery any further, they fixed the operation in the late night. Swara decided to stay back for the night though Sanskaar was against, he didn't have much strength to argue and moreover Swara's presence comforted him to a level.

Either Swara nor Sanskaar spoke a single word after she announced her stay and let them embark themselves in the haunting silence of the hospital, their finger entwined to let both know their presence and few occasional glances to check upon one another.

Hospitals has their own set of ironies- We welcome wholeheartedly a new born to the world, enough to lighten up their lives with unlimited joy and a moment everyone would love to cherish and guard for the rest of their lives. And it's the same very white rooms where most of the people take their last breathes and leave their fellow loved ones in a black hole with no hope, with silent screams aloud than ever, memories and tears and void keeps them haunted forever. And between this remains the state where people struggle to survive, desperately. While the dear ones remain triggered with agony and fear as they await for a slightest improvement, a miracle to happen just make the ill one stay with them for longer.

Sanskaar remained in the third category as the doctors already shifted Asha to the Operating room followed by a team of doctors and nurses with a tray full of needed surgical instruments. The entire sequence only remained Swara about her mother, who she lost but nevertheless she tried to shrug them away since it was for Sanskaar.

"Thank you." She shifted her gaze when she heard him speak after a long time, "For staying back though you don't like hospitals." Sanskaar completed his sentence. Ofcourse he knew the dislike Swara always had for hospitals that she could escape from the white building even if she gets severally wounded. He was grateful and he didn't have enough verbals to express it.

Swara looked bewildered, "Do you think I would leave you just because I dislike hospitals?" She didn't expect him to thank her on such matter. Swara did not like hospitals, for it always reminded about the tragedic death and the number of days she had to put stay in the place for her treatments but all those would be tolerated and managed for her best friend who's broken. Sanskaar shook his head in no.

"Between how did it happen?" Swara could not help herself but utter the question and she immediately regretted asking for it. She still couldn't connect dots when she herself saw how Asha looked really fine in the video call they had in the morning and both the grandson and grandmother looked ready to leave. Sanskaar had his eyelids shut painfully, just reminiscence of those events caused heavy pangs of affliction in his heart and soul.

"We were about to leave after the call, I went out to call for a taxi and when I came-- she was on the floor-- I just don't-- know--" He felt a huge lump forming on his throat that it didn't allow him to speak any further. Remembering the moment even now shook his entire sanity in a scary way. Sanskaar was all numb that he didn't know how to react when he saw Asha wither in pain, but then he soon had to make up his mind and brought her to the hospital.

His chest kept hurting so much that it felt like a physical ache. Everything has become blurred and all could remember was about how he was revealed about not him not being their kin and he was just another abandoned child, his grandfather's sudden death, his grandmother's hospitalization and the later on his non-verbal struggles. They kept running in his mind in loop that Sanskaar felt out of breathe.

He quickly unbuttoned the first two buttons of his shirt but even then the uneasiness kept creeped all over him reaching new heights and the pain wouldn't just go too. That's the thing about pain, it demands to be felt even if you don't want to.

Sensing a sudden change in his expressions, Swara quickly held his shoulder, "Sanskaar what's wrong?" She panicked when she found him not answer her question but rather his condition made her afraid by every passing seconds. Before she could run to call for help, Sanskaar stood up and started walking with a long strides and fastened pace to reach the restroom. And Swara had to stop owing to the fact that he entered into men's restroom. His stuttering incomplete sentence only increased her distress.

The moment he walked into the washroom and reached the sink, Sanskaar threw up until he felt no more contents left in his stomach as he clutched his grip on the sides of the basin. Each and every fibre of his body stung and every memory that was on loop felt like acid been thrown on the fresh gash. Sanskaar cleaned up the sink and splashed the water harshly for several times on his face. Life had broken him but he was still there, persisting in the shards of his broken pieces and he wanted to continue rather than falling down or else it would be too difficult to pick himself up later.

Now that he had threw up, he had no strength. Sanskaar felt too exhausted physically and emotionally in every manner. Damn! his head spung too much that was blinding his vision and he felt his legs slightly wobble. But Sanskaar didn't move an inch but stayed there with his head hung down until he felt a small, soft pair of hands rub his back that started him. But eventually he relaxed when his tired orbs meet those pretty doe eyes which brimmed with unshed tears and a distraught expression painfully etched on her face.

☆ Sadness gives you a reason to perish, Hope plants one for you to exist. Next time when the demons demands your insides to rebel and the winds feels like the taste of cold steel on your tongue, just promise yourself to find a reason to hope. ☆

A/N:

Most of the guesses about this chapter had another angle and I really appreciate the people who let me know that thing too. For the once who guessed Asha was sick, you guys are intelligent 😉.

My offline classes have started like a week before and then the chapter I was supposed to post last week got deleted by watty. I had to pen it once and for all over again and I hope I'm able to reach out every reader through my writing. Sometimes I just feel like I am no more able to reach out people with my words as before.

Will continue to my weekend updates *fingers crossed. And I'll definitely need your support and response to break down my writer's block.

Let me try to be active like before 💜

Love,
Diya❤️