Siya sat on the ground, unmoving, staring at the burning pyre.

Her tears had dried on her cheeks, leaving behind silent streaks of pain.

The sharp smell of burning sandalwood filled the air, making her chest feel unbearably heavy. One by one, the relatives began to leave. Soon, only Aarav’s family remained.

Siya stayed quiet—too quiet—her eyes fixed on the flames.

Aarav stood at a distance, watching her, his heart aching at the sight.

Inside her mind, memories of her brother echoed.

Flashback_

Siya stood in the kitchen, trying to cook. Veer came and stood beside her. Suddenly, her hand got a small cut.

“Ahh! Be careful, silly,” Veer said immediately.

“Don’t speak too much,” she replied.

“I will,” he said smugly. “I’m older than you.”

“No, you’re not,” Siya protested. “I’m older.”

Veer shook his head. “No. I’m older.”

“Mom always said there’s a two-second difference between us when we were born,” she argued.

“I’m older by two seconds.”veer said.

Veer smirked. “Exactly. That means I’m older.”

She sighed, pushed him lightly, and said, “Let’s go and ask to Dad.”

Veer nodded, still smirking.

They reached to Rajveer. Siya asked, “Papa, there’s a two-second difference between us when we were born. I’m older than Veer, right?”

Their father smiled warmly. “Veer is older.”

Veer laughed loudly. “Told you!”

“Only two seconds!” Siya pouted. “I won’t accept it.”

Veer smiled and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Okay, fine. You’re older.”

She turned her face away. Angry

“Okay, sorry,” he said gently.

She looked at him and smiled.

“Sorry—even though I’m not guilty,” Veer added playfully.

She pushed him and walked away, while Veer called from behind,

“Siya, want to eat ice cream?”

Rajveer smiled, watching their bond.

Flashback End_

Siya closed her eyes.

Fresh tears began to flow again.

The pyres had burned completely.

Only ashes remained.

Kavita looked at Siya. Her eyes were empty now, yet tears still clung to them.

“Siya,” Kavita said softly, “we should go now, daughter.”

Aarav glanced at her.

Siya didn’t respond—she just kept staring ahead, lost somewhere far away.

Kavita gently caressed her hair. “Siya, stand up.”

Paakhi and kavita held her arms and helped her to her feet. Siya moved like a lifeless body, her strength gone.

Aarav take the urns of Rajveer and Veer . The sun was sinking low in the sky, painting everything in dull orange.

Aarav stepped in front of Siya, the urns in his hands.

Siya looked at urns.

Her eyes filled again. Tears rolled down silently as her throat tightened and her chest felt unbearably heavy.

“Let’s go now,” kavita said quietly.

They guided Siya to the car and made her sit in the middle seat. Paakhi and kavita sat on either side of her.

Kavita pulled Siya into a hug. Siya rested her head against her chest, finally letting herself lean on someone. Paakhi held her hand tightly.

Aarav sat in the front seat, holding the urns carefully.

the car drove toward the Goenka mansion.

They reached the Goenka mansion.

Kavita and Paakhi held Siya from both sides, supporting her as they stepped out of the car. Siya moved slowly, her strength almost gone.

They entered the mansion.

“Paakhi,” kavita said softly, “take her to the room.”

Paakhi nodded and gently held Siya, guiding her away.

Kavita turned to the head maid.

“Cook food for everyone,” she said quietly.

The head maid nodded and walked away.

Aarav picked up the urns and placed them carefully near the temple inside the mansion. As he stood there, memories of Veer flooded his mind.

Flashback_

Aarav was driving peacefully when his phone rang.

“Aarav , come here,” Veer said urgently.

“Where are you?” Aarav asked.

“On the highway. My car broke down, and there’s no cab available.”

Aarav smirked. “I won’t come.”

“What?” Veer protested. “What are you saying? Come!”

“Nope,” Aarav replied casually.

Veer scoffed. “You’re not coming? You’re my best friend! Fine—I’ll remember this. I’ll take revenge.”

Aarav laughed.

Just then, Veer noticed a car stopping in front of him. Veer smiled.

Aarav stepped out of the car.

“I knew you’d come,” Veer said, grinning. “Because I trust you. You always come when I need you the most.”

Aarav shook his head. “Get in the car, or I’ll leave you here for real.”

Veer glared at him for a second—then smiled and got in.

“You know,” Veer said, settling beside him, “I’m always relieved because I have a friend named Aarav—someone who always comes to save me.”

Aarav sighed. “Don’t talk so much.”

Veer smiled as Aarav started driving.

Flashback End_

Aarav let out a slow breath.

Veer’s words echoed in his mind.

"I know, Aarav… whenever I need help, even in the worst time, you’ll always come."

Aarav eyes filled with tears.

“Veer…” he whispered, his voice breaking.

“I couldn’t save you.”