The Goenka brothers, Abhimanyu and Ekansh and Parth, bid farewell to the others and headed out to their office, leaving the warmth of the morning gathering behind. As they stepped out into the bright sunlight, the door closed, and the atmosphere shifted, signaling the beginning of a new day. The remaining trio began their daily routines, each lost in their own thoughts and responsibilities.

Aarushi effortlessly slipped into household mode, tackling the day's chores with her usual efficiency. She hummed a gentle tune as she loaded the dishwasher, her mind already planning the day's meals and ensuring that every detail was taken care of. Her organizational skills were unmatched, and she took pride in keeping their home spotless and welcoming.

Aashvika joined in, assisting Aarushi with the laundry and tidying up the living room. Their conversation flowed easily, covering everything from the latest news to their personal plans and aspirations. They worked in perfect harmony, their movements synchronized as they went about their tasks. The warmth and camaraderie between them filled the room.

Meanwhile, Krishnaa excused herself, her movement subtle and unobtrusive. She slipped away unnoticed, her footsteps quiet as she made her way to her room. Without drawing attention to herself, Krishnaa closed her door and locked it, ensuring her solitude. The click of the lock echoed through the silence, a sound that seemed amplified in the stillness.

Inside her room, Krishnaa's expression changed, her face reflecting a mix of emotions. Her eyes seemed to hold a secret, a hidden truth that she kept guarded. She walked over to her bed and sat down, her hands clasped together in a gesture of introspection. Her gaze drifted out the window, lost in thought as the world outside seemed distant and unrelated to her inner turmoil.

Krishnaa's mind wandered into the unknown, navigating the labyrinthine corridors of her thoughts. Her emotions swirled, a maelstrom of feelings that she struggled to comprehend. The tranquility of the morning was replaced by an unsettling sense of unease.

Aashvika and Aarushi remained oblivious to Krishnaa's sudden withdrawal, their daily routine continuing uninterrupted. They worked together, their laughter and conversation filling the rooms, unaware of the turmoil brewing behind Krishnaa's closed door.

But Krishnaa's solitude concealed a story, a narrative waiting to unfold. A tale of secrets, doubts, and fears that only she knew. And as she sat in silence, the world outside receded, leaving only her thoughts to keep her company.

:

The day unfolded, each hour ticking by with agonizing slowness. Krishnaa remained locked in her room, her world shrinking to the four walls that surrounded her. The silence was oppressive, weighing heavily on her shoulders. Time seemed to stand still, and the outside world receded, leaving only her thoughts to keep her company.

Aarushi and Aashvika exchanged concerned glances, their eyes meeting in a shared understanding. Krishnaa's prolonged absence was unusual, and they couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss.

"Aashvika, let's check on Krishnaa," Aarushi suggested, her voice laced with concern. "She's been locked in her room for hours, and I'm starting to worry." Aashvika nodded in agreement, and together they approached Krishnaa's room, their footsteps soft on the floor.

They stood outside Krishnaa's door, hesitating for a moment before calling out. "Aarushi dii and I are here, Krishnaa," Aashvika said, her voice gentle. "We wanted to check if everything is okay." The door creaked open, a sliver of light illuminating Krishnaa's pale face.

Krishnaa's eyes looked sunken, her skin pale and drawn. "I'm not feeling well," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Her words hung in the air, and Aarushi's brow furrowed with concern. "Can we get you anything?" she asked.

Krishnaa shook her head, her movement almost imperceptible. "Just rest," she murmured. Aarushi and Aashvika nodded, their faces etched with worry. "We'll leave you alone," Aashvika said, her voice soft.

They retreated, their concern lingering like a shadow. Krishnaa's door closed, and the silence enveloped her once more. Aarushi and Aashvika returned to their work, their chatter subdued, their minds preoccupied with Krishnaa's well-being.

Worry etched on their faces, they couldn't shake off the feeling that Krishnaa was hiding something. Her withdrawal had cast a shadow over their otherwise sunny day. As night descended, Krishnaa's room remained dark, her secrets locked within.

The household's unease grew, a silent question hanging in the air. What was troubling Krishnaa? Was it something they had done, or was it something deeper? The uncertainty lingered, a nagging concern that refused to dissipate.

As the night wore on, the silence seemed to grow thicker, a palpable presence that filled the rooms. Krishnaa's absence had created a void, and they couldn't help but wonder when she would emerge from her self-imposed isolation.

Krishnaa sighed, her shoulders sagging under the weight of her concerns. The tension had been building up for what felt like an eternity, and she couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled within her. She walked over to the mirror, her eyes scanning her reflection with a mix of trepidation and curiosity.

The person staring back at her was almost unrecognizable. Her fair, white skin was now marred by red patches, scattered across her arms, legs, and torso like a cruel reminder of her vulnerability. The reactions were starting to show, and Krishnaa's heart sank deeper into despair.

Except for her face, which remained untouched, her whole body had broken out in an infection. The allergic reactions were now manifesting physically, and Krishnaa couldn't help but wonder if she had been foolish to ignore the initial warning signs. Her skin was inflamed, itchy, and tender to the touch, making every movement a painful reminder of her condition.

Krishnaa's eyes widened as she took in the extent of the damage. She felt as though she was staring at a stranger, someone whose body had betrayed them in the most fundamental way. The red patches seemed to pulse with a life of their own, a constant reminder of her frailty.

Panic set in, her mind racing with thoughts of what could have caused this. Was it something she ate? Something she touched? The questions swirled in her mind like a maelstrom, refusing to let her grasp onto a single coherent thought. Krishnaa's thoughts were a jumbled mess, a tangled web of fear and uncertainty.

She knew she needed medical attention, but the thought of facing Aarushi and Aashvika, of explaining her condition, filled her with dread. How could she admit to them that she had been hiding her symptoms, that she had been too afraid to seek help?

Krishnaa's secret was no longer just emotional; it was now physical, visible for all to see. She felt exposed, vulnerable, and scared. The mirror seemed to reflect not just her physical appearance but also her inner turmoil, a constant reminder of her fears and insecurities.

Krishnaa turned away, unable to bear the sight of her own reflection. The darkness closed in around her, suffocating her with its oppressive weight. Her world was crumbling, and she didn't know how to stop it. The silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the sound of her own ragged breathing.

In that moment, Krishnaa felt utterly alone, adrift in a sea of uncertainty. Her body was failing her, and she didn't know how to save herself. The fear was palpable, a living, breathing entity that threatened to consume her whole.

Krishnaa's mind replayed the morning's events, and the truth dawned on her. The ice cream and smoothie Aarushi had made contained custard apples, a fruit she was severely allergic to. She remembered feeling hesitant before eating it, but her doubts were overshadowed by the warmth and love that radiated from Aarushi.

For the first time in her life, someone had made something specifically for her, with no ulterior motives or hidden intentions. Aarushi's gesture had touched Krishnaa's heart in a way she never thought possible.

As Krishnaa recalled Aarushi's shimmering eyes, her expression filled with genuine joy and concern, she couldn't bring herself to reveal her allergy. She didn't want to tarnish the moment, didn't want to diminish the love and effort Aarushi had put into making her feel special.

Krishnaa decided to bear the consequences, choosing to suffer in silence rather than risk hurting Aarushi's feelings. She convinced herself that her allergy was a small price to pay for the warmth and connection she felt.

But now, as she gazed at her reflection, Krishnaa realized the gravity of her decision. Her body was paying the price for her selflessness, her skin screaming in protest.

Her expression were neutral she acknowledged the conflict within her. She longed to confide in Aarushi, to share her secret and seek help. Yet, the fear of diminishing their bond kept her silent.

Krishnaa's heart ached, torn between her loyalty to Aarushi and her own well-being. She knew she couldn't keep this hidden forever, but for now, she chose to endure, hoping that somehow, someway, she would find a way to reconcile her love and gratitude with her own fragile health.

The silence enveloped her once more.

A heavy burden weighed upon Krishnaa's shoulders.

A secret she dared not share.