Chapter 1: Ashes and Embers

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 04:48:08 +0000

The rhythmic, metallic clack-clack of the train over the iron tracks felt less like a journey and more like the ticking of a cruel, mocking clock. Every mile takes me closer to your final goodbye, Akka— my elder sister; Kaveri, and every mile takes me further from the boy you bled to protect. Everyone calls me a healer, a doctor now—but what use is this knowledge when I couldn't stitch your life back together? What use is this knowledge when I can't save you, when you were on the verge of death? What use is this knowledge when I can't save you from that fucking monster—your husband, Randhir? What exactly is the use of this knowledge, wealth, power, when I can't save a woman who meant everything to me, a woman who is more than my own life? My hands were meant to save, yet they only knew how to tremble as you breathed your last.