Chapter 7: The Anniversary and a Heart-Wrenching Loss

Kriya had always cherished the bond she shared with Ram, a friendship that had weathered a decade of highs and lows. To celebrate their 10th friendship anniversary, she had decided to surprise him with a visit. The look on his face when she had shown up at his doorstep had been priceless, a mix of shock and sheer joy.

For those days, they had thrown caution to the wind, embracing adventure with open arms. They had explored new places, embarked on thrilling outdoor escapades, and even indulged in the simple pleasure of savoring street food in an unfamiliar city. It was a time of carefree laughter and boundless joy, a testament to the strength of their friendship.

One of their shared passions was riding bikes, and Ram had a special affinity for speed bikes. He had patiently taught Kriya how to ride, guiding her through the initial nervous wobbles until she had gained confidence in her balance and control. It was a skill that had added an exciting dimension to their adventures, and it was during those bike rides that Kriya felt truly alive.

But one fateful day, as Kriya returned home after her visit, she was unaware that destiny had taken an unforgiving turn. Urgent work had called Ram away, and he had rushed out on his bike, speeding through the bustling streets. In a cruel twist of fate, an accident had occurred, and Ram's life had been tragically cut short.

Two days later, Kriya had grown increasingly anxious when Ram didn't answer her calls or messages. Something felt amiss, a foreboding sense that settled in the pit of her stomach. She couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible had happened.

Ignoring her own fear, she had rushed back to Ram's place, her heart pounding with a growing sense of dread. As she approached his home, she was met with an eerie silence, an ominous stillness that hung heavily in the air.

When she opened the door, the sight that greeted her was a devastating blow that left her breathless. It was Ram's funeral. Her dear friend, her confidant, the person who had stood by her side through the darkest moments of her life, was gone.

The shock was too much for Kriya to bear. The world spun around her, and she felt herself losing consciousness. Her body gave way, and she crumpled to the floor, her vision fading into darkness.

In the days that followed, Kriya remained trapped in a profound silence, a state of disbelief and grief that rendered her numb. The loss of Ram was a void that could never be filled, a pain that cut deeper than any she had ever known. It was as if a part of her had been ripped away, leaving her feeling incomplete and adrift in a sea of sorrow.

As she grappled with the harsh reality of her friend's untimely death, Kriya clung to the memories of their last moments together, the laughter and joy they had shared during their anniversary celebration. But those memories were now bittersweet, a painful reminder of what had been lost.

The road ahead was fraught with the daunting task of navigating life without Ram, a journey filled with grief and sorrow. Kriya was left to grapple with the unpredictable and heart-wrenching loss of her dearest friend, a loss that would forever alter the course of her life.