[Ayani's pov]

I'm 8 now, and it's been years since that day. I still remember the day I was playing with Sana in the courtyard when Aunt Diya got the phone call. I didn't understand what was happening, but I knew it was something bad.

I still remember the pain and confusion I felt when Aunt Diya told me my mother was gone. I didn't understand what "gone" meant back then. I thought she would come back, but she never did.

Sometimes, I wish I could forget that day. Forget the pain and the sadness. But my mind won't let me. Sana says I should focus on the happy memories, the ones where Mother was smiling and laughing. And I try to. I really do. But it's hard when the pain of losing her feels so fresh.

I remember the way Mother used to read me stories, the way she used to sing me lullabies. I remember the way she used to hug me and make me feel safe. But I also remember the day she left. Forever...

I wish I could turn back time and spend more moments with her. I wish I could tell her how much I love her. Grandma says Mother is watching over me from heaven, but I wish she was here with me. I wish... I wish... I wish...

But life doesn't work that way. All I can do is hold onto the memories I have and keep moving forward.

I live with my joint family now - Grandma, Aunt Diya, Aunt Nalini, Uncle Raj, Uncle Vikram, and Father. We all share a big house, but it never felt like home without Mother.

Sana is my best friend, and she lives next door with her parents. She's always there for me, and we share our secrets and dreams.

Aunt Diya and Aunt Nalini try their best to take care of me, but I can see the sadness in their eyes. They miss Mother too.

Uncle Raj and Uncle Vikram are always busy with work, but they're kind to me. They try to make me smile, but it's not the same as having Mother here.

I've learned to live with the pain, but it still hurts. I wish I could see her again. But life goes on, and I have to be strong for myself and my family.

I'll keep Mother's memory alive in my heart, and I'll make her proud one day.

As I looked at the picture hanging on the wall, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. My mother's beautiful smile and sparkling eyes stared back at me, and I felt a pang of sadness. I missed her so much.

As I stood there, lost in thought, I heard my father's voice calling me from downstairs. "Ayani, come down! We're going on a picnic!"

I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I was ready to leave the comfort of my memories. But then I remembered Sana's words: "Focus on the happy memories, Ayani."
I took one last look at the picture, and then I headed downstairs, ready to face the day ahead.
As I walked downstairs, I saw the whole family bustling around the living room, packing baskets and blankets.
Sana was already there, chatting with my aunts and uncles. She smiled at me as I approached, and I forced a smile back.

"Hey, Ayani! Are you excited for the picnic?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

I nodded, trying to muster up some excitement. But my mind was still stuck on the picture of my mother, and the memories that came flooding back.

As we drove to the park, I sat in silence, staring out the window. Sana tried to chat with me, but I just couldn't shake off the feeling of sadness.

When we arrived at the park, we spread out the blankets and unpacked the food. Sana and I sat down next to each other, and she put her arm around me.

"Hey, Ayani, I know it's hard," she said softly. "But we're here for you. We're your family now."

I looked at her, feeling a lump form in my throat. I knew she was trying to help, but it wasn't the same as having my mother here.

Just then, Sana clutched her chest and gasped for air. I felt a surge of fear as I saw the pain in her eyes.

"Sana, what's wrong?" I cried, panic rising in my voice.

And then everything went blurry as I watched Sana collapse onto the blanket...

The next thing I knew, we were in the hospital, waiting for the doctors to tell us what was wrong with Sana.
I couldn't bear the thought of losing another person I loved.

Please, God, don't take Sana away from me.

The doctor came in, looking serious.
"Sana has had a heart attack," he said. "We're doing everything we can to save her." he explained. "She needs surgery, and she needs it now."

The families were shocked and devastated. They had never expected something like this to happen, especially to someone so young.

I felt like my world was crashing down around me. Sana, my best friend, my sister... she could be taken away from me at any moment.

I took her hand, trying to be strong for her. "We'll get through this, Sana," I whispered. "We'll face it together."

As I held Sana's hand, I felt scared. I didn't want anything to happen to her. She was my best friend, my sister.

The doctor came in and smiled at us. "Sana is going to be okay," she said. "She just needs to rest for a while."

Sana looked up at me and smiled weakly. "I'm glad you're here, Ayani," she said.

I smiled back at her. "I'll always be here for you, Sana. We're best friends forever."

Sana nodded, her eyes closing. I sat there for a while, holding her hand and watching her sleep.

After a while, the nurse came in and said it was time for me to go home. I hugged Sana gently and whispered, "I'll come back tomorrow, okay?"

Sana nodded, still sleeping.

As I left the hospital, I felt a mix of emotions. I was glad Sana was going to be okay, but I was also scared. Life is precious, and we had to cherish every moment. I didn't want anything to happen to Sana or anyone else I loved.

[End of Ayani's pov]