The next day, Sanjana was deeply engrossed in her work, surrounded by documents and files in her meticulously organized office. The modern décor was subtly infused with elements of her Indian heritage—ornate Rajasthani paintings adorned the walls, and a delicate sandalwood aroma lingered in the air, adding a comforting touch to her otherwise busy workspace. Her desk, a polished mahogany masterpiece, was cluttered with business reports and project plans, reflecting the life of a successful entrepreneur.
Just as she was finalizing a crucial contract, her mobile phone rang, breaking the silence. A sweet smile appeared on her face when she saw the caller ID. It was Ayush Khurana, her best friend and brother in every sense except blood. Picking up the phone, she greeted him warmly.
"Hey, Ayush! What a surprise. How are you?" she said, her voice filled with genuine happiness.
"Sanjana, my superstar! I'm doing great. And you? Buried under a mountain of work as usual, I bet," Ayush replied, his voice carrying a playful tone.
"You know me too well," she laughed. "But I wouldn't have it any other way. How's everything on your end?"
"Everything's fantastic. Actually, I have some exciting news to share," Ayush said, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.
"Really? Do tell!" she urged, curiosity piqued.
"Well, I'm getting married!" he announced, his voice echoing with joy.
Sanjana's heart swelled with happiness for her friend. "Oh my God, Ayush! That's amazing news! Congratulations! Who's the lucky girl?"
"Her name is Priya. She's wonderful, and I can't wait for you to meet her. But there's a catch," Ayush said, his tone turning serious.
"What is it?" Sanjana asked, sensing the change in his voice.
"You have to come to India for the wedding, Sanjana. No excuses. I know you haven't been back since... everything that happened. But I need you there. You're my only sister," he said, his voice softening with emotion.
Sanjana's smile faded slightly as memories of the past came flooding back. The pain of losing her family in India was still raw, and she had avoided returning to her homeland ever since. But Ayush had been her rock through it all, always by her side in both good times and bad.
"Ayush, you know how hard it is for me to go back there," she said, her voice trembling.
"I know, Sanjana. I know it's painful. But this is important to me. You're important to me. I need you there on my special day. Please, for me," he pleaded.
Sanjana felt a lump form in her throat. She could hear the sincerity and love in Ayush's voice. He had always been there for her, and now he needed her. "Ayush... I'll think about it," she said, trying to keep her composure.
"Promise me you'll come. Swear on the Rakhi you send me every year that you'll be there," Ayush insisted, his voice breaking slightly.
Tears welled up in Sanjana's eyes. The Rakhi—a symbol of the bond between siblings—had always been a special tradition for them. She couldn't refuse him now. "I promise, Ayush. I'll be there," she said, her voice choked with emotion.
"Thank you, Sanjana. You don't know how much this means to me," Ayush said, his voice filled with relief and gratitude.
After a few more heartfelt exchanges, they ended the call. Sanjana leaned back in her chair, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. She thought about the moments she had shared with Ayush over the years.
She remembered the time when they first met at a business conference. He had accidentally spilled coffee on her dress, and instead of getting angry, she had laughed it off. That moment had marked the beginning of their deep friendship. She recalled the late-night conversations they had, sharing their dreams and fears. Ayush had been her confidant, her supporter, her brother in every way.
One particular memory stood out—Ayush comforting her after a particularly painful reminder of her past. He had taken her to a serene park, where they had spent hours talking and laughing, easing her pain with his unwavering support. Sanjana smiled subconsciously at the thought, feeling grateful for having him in her life.
But now, she had to face her fears and return to India. The thought was daunting, but the promise she made to Ayush gave her strength. She couldn't let him down, not when he needed her the most. Sanjana took a deep breath, resolved to honor her promise and be there for her brother's wedding but knew she needed time to prepare herself emotionally for the journey.
The following days were filled with an internal struggle as Sanjana weighed her options. She immersed herself in work, trying to distract her mind, but the thought of Ayush's wedding loomed large. During quiet moments, she found herself lost in memories, both beautiful and painful.
Sanjana's thoughts drifted back to the times Ayush had been there for her. She remembered the day she had received her first major business award. Ayush had flown in to surprise her, standing in the audience with a proud smile as she accepted the accolade. It was moments like these that reminded her of the depth of their bond and the importance of their friendship.
One evening, as she sat by the window of her penthouse, gazing at the city lights, Sanjana picked up her phone and scrolled through her photo gallery. Images of her and Ayush, from various events and occasions, filled the screen. Each picture was a testament to their unbreakable bond and the countless memories they had created together.
She knew she had to be there for him, but the fear of facing her past held her back. The memories of her family's tragic end in India were too painful, and the thought of returning to the place where it all happened was overwhelming.
As she mulled over her decision, Sanjana received a message from Ayush. It was a picture of him and Priya, both smiling happily, with a caption that read, "Waiting for you, sis. Can't wait to introduce you to Priya."
Tears welled up in her eyes as she read the message. She realized that this was not just about Ayush's wedding; it was about moving forward and embracing the future. She couldn't let her past dictate her present. Ayush and his happiness meant the world to her, and she couldn't let her fears stand in the way of being there for him.
With a newfound resolve, Sanjana decided to take it one step at a time. She would prepare herself mentally and emotionally for the trip. She reached out to her therapist to schedule a few sessions to help her process her emotions and find the strength to face her past.
The next few days were a mix of preparations and introspection. Sanjana slowly began to accept the idea of returning to India, though she wasn't entirely ready yet. She focused on wrapping up her work commitments and ensuring her team was well-prepared to handle everything in her absence.
As the days passed, Sanjana felt a sense of calm settling within her. She knew the journey ahead wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to honor her promise to Ayush and be there for his wedding. She continued to stay in touch with Ayush, their conversations filled with excitement and plans for the big day.
The decision to go back to India wasn't final yet, but Sanjana knew she was getting closer to it with each passing day. She drew strength from her memories of Ayush and their unbreakable bond, finding solace in the love and support they had always shared.
(Note: Rakhi, also known as Raksha Bandhan, is a sacred Hindu festival celebrating the bond between siblings. On this day, sisters tie a decorative thread, called a rakhi, around their brothers' wrists, symbolizing protection, love, and loyalty. In return, brothers vow to safeguard their sisters' well-being and happiness. This ancient tradition strengthens family ties, reinforces fraternal love, and honors the unconditional relationship between brothers and sisters.)