EP-4
One year later, the house was filled with the laughter of children. Aahana’s little cousin, Riya, Soham’s daughter, had just been born. Aahana instantly loved her—she would giggle, hug her, and insist on playing with her every chance she got. Whenever they visited the village, Aahana’s eyes sparkled with excitement at seeing her extended family.
But one afternoon, everything changed.
Aahana was quietly playing near the window when she noticed something that made her heart sink. Her grandfather was crouched down, holding Riya in his arms, feeding her chocolates and giggling as if she were the most precious thing in the world.
Aahana’s small voice trembled.
Aahana
(Softly, almost to herself) But… he never did that with me…
Her grandmother passed by, noticing her gaze.
Myra malhotra/fl's grandmother
(Smirking) Oh, Aahana… don’t be jealous. Riya is just a baby…
But Aahana’s heart ached. She remembered all the times her grandfather had ignored her, never once lifting her into his arms, never once giving her a small treat like chocolate.
She quietly ran to Priya, hugging her legs.
Aahana
Mamma… why Dada ji never gives me chocolate? He never hugs me…
Priya’s heart tightened. She lifted Aahana into her arms, holding her close.
Priya Malhotra/fl's mother
Beta… it’s not because you’re not loved. Sometimes adults… they have their own faults. But your Papa and I love you more than anything. Never forget that, okay?
Aahana nodded, trying to hold back her tears, but the hurt lingered in her small heart.
Days passed, and soon they returned to the city. Vijay had rented a big, beautiful apartment, furnished with everything Aahana could ever wish for—bright toys, colorful rooms, books, even a small play area just for her.
From the outside, it looked perfect. From inside, it felt hollow.
Aahana had everything money could buy, except the warmth of her grandparents’ love. She had the latest dolls, clothes, and even a private school education, but her heart ached for the simple things she had never received—a hug from her grandfather, a word of praise from her grandmother, or even just being treated as special in her family’s eyes.
She would sometimes look at the photo frames on the walls—pictures of Soham, Riya, and the grandparents smiling—and quietly ask herself.
Aahana
Why don’t they love me like they love Riya…?
Priya noticed the little things—the sighs, the quiet moments of loneliness, the way Aahana sometimes clutched her toys as if they were the only friends she had.
Priya Malhotra/fl's mother
Beta… Papa and I love you more than anyone in this world. That’s what really matters. Don’t let anyone else’s behavior make you doubt it.
Aahana nodded, trying to smile, but inside she felt a deep emptiness. Even in a home filled with luxury, her small heart yearned for the simple love that her grandparents had freely given to Riya.
Vijay, busy with work and helping relatives from the village over phone calls, remained unaware of the quiet ache in his daughter’s heart.
And so, in a big apartment full of toys, books, and every comfort imaginable, Aahana lived a life of lonely abundance, loved only by her parents, while the rest of her family remained distant and cold.
Aahana was now 8 years old, tall for her age, with a quiet, thoughtful demeanor. Her little cousin Riya, now three, was playful but mischievous, often acting without thinking.
One sunny afternoon, while the children were playing in the garden during a visit to the village, Riya swung a wooden stick carelessly—and it hit Aahana right on the head. Aahana fell to the ground, holding her forehead, stinging and shocked.
Aahana
(Crying softly) Ouch… it hurts…
Riya’s parents and grandparents rushed over. Riya started crying too, frightened by the commotion.
Ranbir Malhotra/fl's grandfather
(Picking up Riya) concerned Oh no, beta! Are you okay?
Myra malhotra/fl's grandmother
(Smoothing Riya’s hair) Poor thing…
Then, finally, someone looked at Aahana, who was still rubbing her head, tears streaming down her face.
Myra malhotra/fl's grandmother
(Glancing at her, dismissively) It’s nothing serious… a little bump won’t hurt her. Riya is just a kid, she didn’t know any better.
Ranbir Malhotra/fl's grandfather
(Nodding) Don’t make a fuss, Aahana. You’ll be fine.
Aahana’s small shoulders shook with disappointment and hurt. No one asked if she was okay, no one checked her forehead—she was invisible in their concern.
The only person who immediately ran to her side was Priya. Kneeling down, she held Aahana close, brushing away her tears.
Priya Malhotra/fl's mother
(Worried, softly) Oh, beta… I’m so sorry… come, let me check your head.
Aahana malhotra
Sniffling, clinging to her mother Mamma… why doesn’t anyone else care about me?
Priya’s heart ached. She held her daughter tightly, feeling a mix of anger and sorrow toward the grandparents who always treated Riya as precious while neglecting Aahana.
Priya Malhotra/fl's mother
Don’t worry, beta… Mamma is here. I’ll always take care of you.
That day, as Aahana rested in her mother’s arms, the sting of the wooden stick was nothing compared to the pain of being overlooked by the people who should have loved her the most.
Even in a room full of family, Aahana learned once again that her place in her grandparents’ hearts was smaller than Riya’s, and that reality left a quiet, lingering sadness in her young soul.
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unknown ____ 💙💙
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2025-08-18
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