When Lasya passed away a few days later, Aaradhya was devastated.

The funeral of Lasya was arranged as per Hindu tradition. Her family, friends, and loved ones gathered, mourning the loss of her. Aaradhya stood amongst the mourners, she felt really empty inside and didn't cry, not even once. She was just thinking about nothing...as she struggled to come to terms with the fact that her best friend was gone forever.

Aaradhya sat there gazing at Lasya's photo which looked bright and cheerful, lost in thoughts.Memories of Lasya flood her mind—laughter, shared secrets, and unforgettable moments.

At Lasya's home...

Aaradhya steps inside the living room, with a somber expression,followed closely by Arjun. The room is filled with silence, the weight of their recent loss palpable in the air.

Aaradhya takes off her coat and places it on a nearby chair. She glances around the room, her eyes landing on the family photographs adorning the walls, memories frozen in time. Her gaze lingers on one picture in particular, showing her and Lasya, arms wrapped around each other, smiles illuminating their faces.

"Aadhya, maybe you should sit down. Rest for a bit," Arjun said concern lacing his voice.

Aaradhya doesn't respond, her mind lost in a whirlwind of memories and emotions. She walks toward the picture, gently touching Lasya's face.

["Annayya, Hurry over, Aadhya is falling apart," ] Abhi received a call from Arjun.

Looking at the name displayed on the screen, Aaradhya took a deep breath and tried to swallow all her emotions at the moment, before pressing the phone to answer the call.

"Abhi..".

[How are you?]

Aaradhya closed her eyes to keep herself from expressing her feelings, because just listening to his voice, she felt like the walls that had built around her were almost collapsing.

"Everything is fine."

[Precious...]

"Many of my childhood friends came to attend the funeral. It had been a long time since we had seen each other, I could barely recognise them."

[Precious...]

"I didn't even shed a tear..."

[That's enough Aaradhya...]

"So, how are you? Did the things went well?"

[Precious...]

[Do you remember what I said before?]

The words he had spoken, before she left?

[That if you couldn't take it anymore...]

'If you want me there... just say so. I'll hurry over.'

"Abhi..."

[Yes?]

"It hurts..."

[...]

"Precious."

It wasn't a voice coming from the phone...

Aaradhya got up then turned around and no longer cared about the phone slipping out of her hands or the dizziness she was feeling.

As soon as Aaradhya saw that familiar face, she let her tears flow without holding back. Her feet moved towards the person, "Abhi?"

Abhinav opened his arms and looked at her with soft eyes, "Sorry for the wait."

All the walls around her crumbled as soon as Abhinav finished speaking, she quickly rushed into his embrace.

"Abhi.....it feels so bad... hiccup....it hurts...." She pressed her face against his broad chest, crying. The feelings that had been building up inside her for several days had just burst out.

"I'm here... right here." The hug tightened as if his words weren't enough to stop her from crying. But on the contrary, it made her cry even harder than before.

The comforting kisses on her head made her hug him even tighter. And her dizziness got worse because was crying.

"Precious... you have fever, your temperature is very high... Let's get you to rest." Abhinav said putting his hand on her forehead.

Aaradhya woke up with an unbearable headache. After looking around for Abhinav and Arjun, found no sign of them, she went to sat in the living room.

Abhinav who entered the room with a tray of food in hand came across, Aaradhya sitting on the couch, her eyes fixed on the empty space in front of her. A few seconds later, he hastened to put the tray down and then approached her. Abhinav, sat next to her, his arm around her shoulders.

"Where did you go?"

"Went to get breakfast for you.. Why are you here? Have you got enough rest?" Abhinav asked his voice full of concern.

"Hmm ... Arjun?"

"He went to the pharmacy," Abhi replied which got a nod from Aaradhya.

"I can't believe she's gone," Aaradhya whispered, her voice barely audible.

"I know," Abhinav said softly. "It's a tough time. But we have to stay strong."

Aaradhya leaned her head on his shoulder, tears streaming down her face. Abhinav held her tight, giving her the comfort she so desperately needed.

"I feel so lost without her," Aaradhya said, her voice breaking. "She was my best friend. We did everything together."

"I know," Abhinav said, rubbing her back gently. "But you're not alone. You have me, and you have Lasya's family. We'll get through this together."

Aaradhya looked up at him, her eyes red and puffy from crying. "Do you think it will ever get easier?"

Abhinav caressed her eyes. "I don't know if it will ever get easier, but I know that with time, the pain will become more bearable. And you'll always have memories of Lasya to hold onto."

Aaradhya nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope. "You're right. I just miss her so much."

Abhinav squeezed her hand. "I know you do. But remember, Lasya will always be with you in memories. And she would want us to keep living our lives and cherishing the memories we have of her."

Aaradhya leaned into him, feeling grateful for his comforting words. Although the pain of losing Lasya would never truly go away, she knew that with Abhinav by her side, she could face anything that came her way.

At Airport...

Aaradhya, stands in the bustling airport terminal, her eyes filled with sadness and grief. The loud sound of the airplane engines fills the air as the passengers disembark.

Aaradhya's best friend, Lasya's, funeral was a heart-wrenching affair, leaving a void in her heart that seemed impossible to fill. Now, she had returned to Bangalore with her loved ones, hoping to find solace in familiar surroundings. Abhinav places a comforting hand on her shoulder, silently supporting her.

They slowly make their way towards the exit, the airport bustling with people coming and going. Aaradhya clings to Abhinav's arm, finding comfort in his presence.

As they step outside the airport, the familiar sights and sounds of Bangalore greet them. The sun shines down, casting a warm glow on the city.

Aaradhya gazes at the bustling streets, her thoughts filled with bittersweet memories.

FADE OUT.

AN: Miss you Lasya. It's been five years since you left me. I never thought that day would come and I need to say goodbye but sometimes we can't change the things even we want too.

Life has been always unpredictable, what we love the most is the one we always loose.

Miss all those times with you, missing our banters, promises, future plans and all.. Never thought you wouldn't be with me in future(´;︵;')

It's hard to say the words I never thought it would be in-between us. "GoodBye" Hope you are in better place now.

20/05/2023

♡♡♡♡♡

See you all in the next update

Thank you all ...💕

___To be continued 🥀