The raging storm had been rough on both of us. It were like two hearts, constantly beating with different rhythms unable to reciprocate. Our home had never been quieter before. The leaves of our untended garden had withered since last summer. Certain nights, when the constant thunder and lightning kept on tormenting us, in sync with the turmoil burning in our lives, she would stand by the open window all night long. The thunder kept lighting her eyes everytime, that were stone cold, non moving, like somebody drained out of life for a very long time.
"Come on baby, you'll get wet."
"I am fine. I like it here."
I went upto her and gently placed a hand on her wet shoulders.
"Its been a long time. Dont you think we should move past this."
She turned back, and gave a blank look on the empty bassinet. I was a fool. I should have thrown it out, a long time back but I knew why I couldnt. I was weak. A part of me still couldnt accept the fact that this would never happen.
"i know what you have been through, and believe me, I will be here by you, no matter what comes."
"I wanted a family Neel."
"We are, we are a family baby. I , you, Arvi, from now we are a family." I said , slowly comforting her head on my chest. I knew I lied. She would never be our own daughter , and enforcing our will on Shanti , that would be wrong. So what remained was a consolation, which did not last very long.