READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 12: condolences
The news of Mahika's tragic passing and Advait's mysterious disappearance swept through Dharmagiri like a storm, leaving a trail of sorrow in its wake. The once tranquil village, where life had flowed like a calm river, now felt like a land steeped in grief. Whispers of loss rippled through the streets as neighbors, friends, and even those who barely knew the family, gathered around the mansion, their faces etched with sympathy and concern. The weight of the tragedy had cast a shadow over the entire community, binding them in shared sorrow.
Inside the mansion, Aryan sat quietly, his small frame weighed down by the grief he couldn't yet fully understand. Beside him was his best friend, Keshav, whose steady presence was a small beacon of comfort in the overwhelming darkness. Keshav, though no words could ease the ache, was there, offering his silent support. The two boys sat close, the quiet camaraderie between them a reminder that, even in the face of despair, they were not entirely alone. Occasionally, Keshav would give Aryan's shoulder a gentle pat, a small gesture of comfort in a time when the world felt heavy.
Jai Shankar, his heart a battleground of sorrow and duty, began the solemn preparations for Mahika's funeral rites. Despite the absence of her body, he knew that honoring her memory and allowing the village to mourn was not just a ritual, but a necessity. It was his duty, as the head of the family, to ensure that Mahika's spirit would be properly honored, even if it was only in the hearts of those left behind.
The mansion's courtyard, once a place of laughter and joy, was transformed into a somber space of remembrance. A simple altar was constructed, adorned with fresh flowers and a photograph of Mahika, her radiant smile frozen in time. Incense burned steadily, its fragrant smoke curling upward into the sky, carrying silent prayers and memories with it. The air felt thick with sorrow as it carried the essence of Mahika's life—her warmth, her kindness, and the love she had given so freely.
As the villagers gathered, their faces etched with grief, a heavy silence hung in the air. They stood together in solidarity, their hearts broken in unison. Vedhika stood beside her husband, her eyes swollen from hours of crying, yet her posture was one of quiet strength. She drew what little strength she had left from the community around her, knowing that their collective presence was a balm for the raw wound of her sorrow.
Jai Shankar stepped forward, his face a mask of stoic determination despite the turmoil raging within. His voice, though steady, carried the weight of his grief as he began, "Today, we gather to honor the memory of Mahika," his words reverberating in the stillness, each one hanging in the air like a solemn prayer. "She was a beloved wife, a devoted mother, and a cherished member of this village. Though her body is not with us, her spirit lives on, here, in our hearts, in our memories."
As Jai Shankar spoke, the villagers couldn't hold back their tears. Mahika had touched so many lives with her kindness, her strength, and her unwavering love. Her absence left a gaping hole in the fabric of their community, a loss that would be felt for years to come.
"We must also remember Advait, who is still missing," Jai Shankar continued, his voice trembling slightly as the words left his lips. "We pray for his safety, and we hope that he will return to us soon."
Aryan, standing close to the altar, felt a sharp pang of despair twist in his chest. He reached out and clung to Keshav's hand, his small fingers wrapping tightly around his friend's as if holding on to a lifeline. Keshav's presence, like a steady anchor, provided him with some semblance of comfort amid the sea of grief that threatened to drown him.
The rituals began, each one a quiet testament to the love and respect they had for Mahika, even in her absence. Prayers were recited, offerings placed before the altar, and the flames of the ceremonial fire flickered in the gentle breeze, their dance reflecting the fragile, fleeting nature of life. Jai Shankar's hands trembled as he performed each step, his heart breaking anew with every action, the weight of his loss bearing down on him.
Vedhika stood beside him, her hands clasped together in silent prayer. Her eyes would occasionally drift to Aryan, her heart aching for the young boy who had already lost so much in so short a time. She vowed, silently but with unshakable resolve, to be strong for him, to offer him the love and stability he needed to navigate this storm of grief.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the villagers approached one by one, offering their condolences, sharing memories of Mahika, and embracing the family in their sorrow. Their words, though soft and spoken in hushed tones, carried with them a profound sense of community. They were there, not just as mourners, but as a family united in their loss, their presence a source of unspoken strength.
Jai Shankar, though the weight of the loss pressed heavily upon him, drew a deep breath, grounding himself in the bonds that connected them all. "We carry this loss together," he thought, "and in the midst of our grief, we must remember that we are not alone."
The sun began to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the village. The light seemed to soften the harsh edges of the day, as though offering a final moment of peace before the darkness. As the last of the villagers departed, leaving behind a quiet stillness, Jai Shankar, Vedhika, and Aryan stood together, a small but resilient family in the face of an uncertain future. The road ahead would be long and difficult, but they knew that with the love they shared and the support of the community around them, they would find a way to carry on, one step at a time.