Chapter 70: chapter 70

Ratim living with the memories of his late wife, Naiyanika while raising their 4-year-old son, carries a heart heavy with quiet ache and unspoken strength. His days are a delicate balance between grief and fatherhood. In the early mornings, when the sun touches the edges of the window, he sometimes turns expecting to see her—half-asleep, hair messy, offering that soft smile she always wore. But there’s only silence and an empty side of the bed. He lingers a moment longer, not because he’s stuck in the past, but because that memory feels more real than anything else.Every gesture of his son—a tilt of the head, a sudden laugh, the way he crinkles his nose—echoes her. It’s both comforting and painful. He sees her not just in photographs but in the child’s walk, in the way he says “papa” with that exact tone she once used to call him from the kitchen.At night, when the house quiets down and toys lie scattered like silent witnesses, he often sits alone with a cup of tea she once made perfectly. Her favorite mug is still in the cabinet. He hasn’t moved it. He doesn’t speak much of her, but every memory is etched like a hidden wound—a sweet ache that never fully heals.He tells their son stories—about her laugh, her kindness, the lullabies she sang. Sometimes he pretends to be strong. Other times, he cries when no one’s watching.He’s not broken. But he’s not whole either.He’s surviving—for his son.Loving—for both of them.And remembering—for always.    When things are like this How come that psychiatrist ask me to remove all the photos, personal items and clothes of Ninni???. Kajals words echoes in his ears" “Ratim, this house feels like a shrine. Your wife will always live in your memory. But Ajinkya is alive—right here. He needs to see that you’re choosing life, not holding on to what’s already gone.” kajal said these words In his third consultation with her, where she asked him a glimpse of his room. And he remembers how he argued with her“You think it’s easy? Taking down her picture, folding away her clothes? Those aren’t just things, Dr. That’s the least of her I have.” he breaks down. Finally he thinks of her words once again and remember her saying you're just giving space for Ajinkya by choosing to make the room for his choice. Ratim sighs thinking of Ajinkya. He haven't seen his son smile even a little when they were overseas. He often throws tantrums. But now he's laughing, playing and getting along well with others. It means did I  fail as a father. Should I go ahead with that Psychiatrist word. Ratim stays thinking of his actions and Ajinkya's behaviour.     He gets up and starts to take off all the pictures of him and Naiyanika and pack it up and puts it in a big box. Next he opens the wardrobe and carefully folds her clothes and puts it into the box one after the other. He does it with all of her belongings. And puts the box in the loft of the room. Next he fixed the picture of Ajinkya and himself, and the empty wardrobe was filled with his toys. After turning the room completely of Ajinkya things, Ratim thought he would feel the room to be empty instead it gave light to the room, A light of hope  entering in, making the room to be bright. Yes.... Ajinkya is the gift of their love and he truly regret how he was under dark and Kept Ajinkya too under the darkness. Although he saw Naiyanika through Ajinkya, he forgot to see the real Ajinkya. For him Ajinkya was just a imposter of his late wife, maybe he resembled her. Ratim questions at this point what if Aju didn't resemble Ninni, would I not have kept Aju with me? He doubts over his Fatherly instinct and this is where the changes comes within him. To look forward and leading the life with his wife's memories. Than thinking of her and keeping everyone away. It has become a routine for Ajinkya to keep Kajal's company. He is spotted all over the hospital holding him in his arms. Many questions Kajal whether he is her son, however Aju rushes even before her and says am Kaju aunty's best friend. Friends will always be together right, only so am being with her. Kajal ruffles his hair and pulls his cheeks and says my sweet boy you have to go to school from next week. Ajinkya rubs his cheeks as if it's paining and says then I'll get back from school to you. Kajal hugs the boy tightly. The more she spends time with him, her heart ached for a baby. She thinks she should have a word regarding it with Jagdeesh and they should plan for a baby without delaying any more. A Revenge...  Â