‎

I was walking down a deserted road. Darkness cloaked everything around me, thick and endless. I had no idea where I was heading, just that I had to keep walking. And so, I did.

‎Suddenly, I felt something brush against my hand. The touch was fleeting, like a whisper, but it reached deep into my soul. I turned around instantly… but no one was there. Only the thick pitch-black void, staring back at me.

‎It felt like I was trapped. Not just in darkness, but in something deeper, a silence that knew my name.

‎I walked on, slower now. Then again, I felt it. A soft, deliberate graze, fingers trailing along my right cheek. I barely had time to react when a warm breath danced across my neck.

‎A shiver ran down my spine.

‎Goosebumps bloomed across my skin.

‎I stood frozen. Waiting.

‎But nothing happened. No sound. No movement. Just the lingering memory of a touch.

‎So, I walked on.

‎Not long after, I saw a faint light in the distance. It wasn’t blinding, but in this endless night, it felt like a star guiding me home. My steps quickened, hope blooming in my chest.

‎I was just about to reach the light when someone gripped my hand, tight and yanked me back.

‎Before I could register what was happening, strong arms wrapped around me. Someone was holding me close, securely, like I belonged there.

‎A stranger.

‎Yet somehow… I felt safe.

‎I slowly pulled away and tried to look at his face. The darkness around us had lightened a little, and the glow was brighter now, enough to reveal fragments. I could see his eyes, deep, soulful and hazel brown. They shimmered in the dark like something unreal.

‎He looked at me with emotions I couldn’t name but desperately wanted to understand.

‎That’s when I realized…

‎I was still in his arms.

‎His face inched closer to mine. I could see his eyes more clearly now, his gaze flitting between my lips and my eyes, back and forth like a silent confession.

‎He was close.

‎Too close.

‎And just when his lips were about to touch mine-

‎

‎TRING TRING~

‎I fell off the bed with a loud thud.

‎“What the fuck" I mumbled, scrambling for my phone and answering the call.

‎“Vini, seriously? Why do you always call at the worst time?" I groaned.

‎“Let me guess” she replied, mischief oozing through the speaker “Was it him again? Mr. Hazel-eyed mystery man? What happened this time, did he kiss you? Or was it something more-”

‎“Will you let something happen for once? You always show up right before the good part!” I flopped back onto my bed with a sigh. “Anyway, why did you call so early?”

‎“Because we need to go out today. It’s been so long and college is off too. Come on, Miraaa.” Her tone instantly lifted my mood.

‎“I was bored too, honestly, let's go. I also want to visit the temple” I said, just as I heard a tiny voice in the background.

‎“M--ma...ma…” ‎It was Meher. Sweet little Meher, babbling in her baby voice.

‎“Meher, let me talk to your Maasi,” Vinisha chuckled and said to her daughter.

‎“I haven’t met Meher in a long time!” I said. “Okay wait, I’ll just come over to your place. I’ll hug my baby and then we’ll head to the temple together.”

‎“Yeah yeah, but don’t fall asleep again, Miss Kumbhkaran” she teased. “And don’t make me drag you out of bed!”

‎We laughed, chatted for a while longer and then finally cut the call.

‎I dragged myself to the bathroom, did my morning business and slipped into the shower. The water helped shake off the remnants of my dream, but his eyes still lingered in my mind.

‎I dressed in a casual, paired it with little earrings and kept my accessories minimal. I left my hair open, grabbed my purse, and made my way downstairs.

‎My parents and younger brother were already at the breakfast table. I didn’t look at them and thankfully they didn’t look at me either. I walked past them, grabbed an apple, sliced it silently, and began eating it in the corner.

‎They were talking about something and  laughing but as always, I was invisible. And honestly, that was a blessing. I didn't want my mood to get spoiled early in the morning.

I finished the apple, stepped out of the house, took an auto and headed to Vini’s place.

‎Vinisha.

‎My best friend.

‎MBA student, just like me.

‎She had already lived through a nightmare most women fear.

‎When she was just twenty, her family forced her into a marriage with a man who, along with his family, made her life miserable. They tortured her continuously. I tried many times to get her out of that hell but before I could do anything, she came to know that she was pregnant and she stayed there for the child, in a hope that maybe now those people will accept her as their own. The abuse only slowed down when they found out she was pregnant but the moment she gave birth to a girl, their cruelty returned with even more venom.

‎They wanted a boy.

‎She gave them a daughter.

‎And for that, they punished her.

‎Eventually, she escaped. She left with her baby girl, Meher and never looked back.

‎Now she lives with her chachu and chachi, two people who welcomed her with open arms and gave her a second life. She’s raising Meher with all the love her daughter was denied and she’s continuing her studies, building her life back brick by brick.

‎I reached her home and rang the doorbell. Shreya Chachi opened the door, and her face lit up the moment she saw me.

‎“Mira beta! How are you? You haven’t come over in so long” she said, pulling me into a warm hug.

‎I hugged her back just as tightly. “I’m good, Chachi. I’m so sorry I haven’t been able to visit… but look, I’m here now! And I’m starving, what have you made today? And where’s Chachu?”

‎She smiled, clearly pleased. “I’m doing well. I made poha today. Your chachu is in his room, must be doing some work. Come sit, I’ll bring breakfast.”

‎Chachi was a fantastic cook. She had a real passion for cooking and one day, Vini and I suggested her to turn that passion into a business.

‎She did.

‎Now, her restaurant chain was gaining popularity across India and she still cook with the same love, every single day.

‎Just as Chachi walked into the kitchen, Chachu,  Vini and  Meher came downstairs.

‎Chachu spotted me first and beamed. “Mira, how are you my child? It’s been so long since we saw you!”

‎“I’m good, but I’ve heard you haven’t been taking your medicines on time” I replied, narrowing my eyes playfully. “You’ve been sneaking sweets at night again, haven’t you? The doctor clearly told you not to! Do you remember how sick you got last time? You have to take care of yourself Chachu, seriously.”

‎“Okay, okay, meri maa” he laughed, raising his hands in surrender. “I got the message. I won’t eat anything sweet now. But honestly, how many spies do I have in this house? Seems like your Vini is filing reports on me!”

‎He shot Vini a dramatic glare and we all burst into laughter.

‎That’s when I noticed Meher looking right at me, her tiny arms reaching out with a smile that could melt anyone’s heart.

‎I picked her up and held her close. “Aww, my little one! Did you miss your Maasi?” I kissed her chubby cheek and she giggled, babbling softly.

‎“Kids, come eat! Breakfast’s ready” Chachi called from the kitchen.

‎We all settled around the dining table, full of chatter and smiles. Vini and I fed Meher first before eating ourselves. The house buzzed with warmth and comfort.

‎In that moment, I realized, this place, these people, gave me the kind of happiness I’d never known in my own home.

‎We sat and chatted for a while, soaking in the warmth of Chachi’s home. After a bit, Vini handed little Meher to Chachi and the two of us finally set out for our day.

‎Our first stop was the temple.

‎We stayed there for some time, prayed, sat in silence… letting the stillness settle inside us. Then we walked over to the nearby street market for some much-needed retail therapy.

‎We both loved street shopping.

‎We strolled through the lanes for hours. Shopping, laughing, trying on bangles and earrings, bargaining like pros. We devoured spicy chaat, pani puri, sweet jalebis and basically anything the street had to offer.

‎By the time it was around 5 in the evening, we were exhausted.

‎"Let’s head home now. I’m dead tired" She said, wiping her forehead dramatically.

‎I nodded in agreement and we walked toward the main road to find an auto.

‎As we made our way along the side of the road, I noticed something—

‎A car speeding toward us.

‎Too fast.

‎My feet froze.

‎My stomach twisted, my breath caught in my throat. I wanted to move, to jump out of the way but I couldn't.

‎"Mira, move!" She screamed.

‎The car was right there, about to hit me, when it suddenly screeched to a stop. The driver slammed on the brakes just in time.

‎My eyes squeezed shut, both hands up like they could shield me from death. When I finally opened them again, the car door swung open and stepped out a man.

‎Tall. Sharp. Intense.

‎He wore a black three-piece suit, every bit as intimidating as his stormy expression. His eyes, burning with rage, were locked on me as he stormed toward us.

“I am so sorry-”

‎"Are you blind? Or do you have a death wish?" he shouted.

‎I flinched at his tone.

‎All that "intimidating charm" I thought he had? Yeah, gone. Completely wiped out.

‎"Why are you yelling?" I snapped back. "It was your fault! Who drives like a maniac on a narrow road like this?"

‎He scoffed. “That’s how you drive. But I didn’t know pedestrians now prefer roads over sidewalks.”

‎I glanced around.

‎...Damn it.

‎He was right. I was standing a bit too close to the middle of the road.

‎Okay, fine, maybe my fault. Slightly.

‎But he yelled first even after I said sorry. So no, I wasn’t admitting a thing.

‎"Oh, so if someone’s in the way, you just run them over? Brilliant logic, Uncle" I said mockingly, rolling my eyes.

‎“Uncle?” His jaw clenched.

‎“Do I look like an uncle to you?” he barked.

‎“Yeah!” I replied, mockingly.

‎“I’m not an uncle” he growled. “You’re the one in the wrong here. Own up and apologize. Arguing won’t fix anything.”

‎Vini tugged my arm. “Mira, come on. Let it go.”

‎He folded his arms. “See? At least your friend has some sense. Now just say sorry and walk away.”

‎“EXCUSE ME? You want me to apologize? You think I have ‘fool’ tattooed across my forehead?” I took a step toward him, my temper sparking.

‎He shrugged, deadpan. “Obviously.”

‎“Ohhh you—” I hissed. “Go to hell. I’ll apologize to your car when it grows feelings!”

‎He glared at me for a full minute, then finally turned, climbed back into his car and drove off in a huff.

‎I turned to Vini, flipping my hair with dramatic flair “Did you see that? Put him right in his place.”

‎We both burst out laughing and made our way home.

‎After dropping her at her place, I headed back to my own house.

‎As I stepped through the door, I saw my parents and younger brother, sitting in the living room. I didn’t even bother acknowledging them. I turned to head straight to my room when-

‎“Mira” my father called out.

‎I stopped, barely turning my head. “Hmm? What?”

‎His tone was clipped. “Tomorrow, a boy’s family is coming to see you and I don’t want any drama this time. They’re rich and I won’t let your attitude ruin this proposal. So keep your mouth shut and say yes.”

‎I looked at him with the blandest expression I could muster “You really think I’m going to say yes? That’s...delusional.”

‎Before I could even blink, my mother stood up and slapped me. Hard.

‎The impact nearly knocked me off balance, but I caught myself.

‎“Go on” I said coldly. “Hit me again. That’s all you’ve done for years anyway. But this time… I’m not giving in.”

‎My father shot up from his chair.

‎“Why are you still alive then? If you’re such a burden, why don’t you just die and free us?”

‎I stared at him. No tears. No replies.

‎I simply turned and walked away.

‎Straight to my room.

‎Locked the door.

‎And let the silence hold me.

‎I dropped my purse and shopping bags on the table and walked straight out to the balcony.

‎A soft, chilly breeze brushed against my skin, whispering through the silence. I closed my eyes and let the wind soothe me, trying to steady my breath, to calm my thoughts.

‎Nature has always been my refuge. A kind of peace I’ve never found in people. I don’t know why, but there’s something about the sky, the wind, the quiet rustle of leaves, it feels like it understands my inner turmoil when no one else does.

‎I stood there for a while, lost in my thoughts, the chaos inside me slowly fading into the sound of the breeze.

‎Eventually, I walked back inside, changed into a plain T-shirt and a loose pair of trousers. Just something comfortable. I sat down and was about to open my laptop to finish some pending assignments when I saw a notification light up on my phone.

‎I picked it up casually, but the moment I read the message, the ground slipped from beneath my feet.

‎My hands began to tremble.

‎I clutched the phone tightly and brought my other hand to my mouth as a soft, broken whisper escaped me.

‎“Wh-what… how…?”

‎I couldn’t even finish the sentence. My heart pounded against my ribs like it was trying to break free. My eyes welled up, but the tears refused to fall. I wasn’t even crying, I was frozen. Stuck somewhere between shock and panic.

‎Then another message came.

“Marry Arsh Malhotra, agree to the proposal your father told you about… if you wish to keep your darkest secret buried forever and one more thing...the one you've spent years searching for, belongs to his family”

‎And after reading it, I didn’t think. I just ran.

‎Downstairs.

‎Everyone was still sitting in the living room, just like before. I forced myself to breathe, forced my voice to stay steady.

‎“I’m ready” I said.

‎They all looked up.

‎“I am ready for this marriage” I added.

‎Then, without waiting for a response, I turned and went straight back to my room.

‎I set my laptop aside, crawled into bed and pulled the blanket over myself completely. Hiding.

‎But no matter how hard I tried to calm down, my breaths kept coming out shallow, shaky. I felt like my lungs were collapsing, like something was pressing against my chest from the inside.

‎I sat up abruptly, gasping for air, trying to take deep breaths, failing each time. Somehow, I dragged myself to my bag, fumbled with the zipper and pulled out my medicine. I popped the pills into my mouth with shaking fingers, swallowing them dry.

‎After a few minutes, the storm began to settle. My heart still felt bruised, but the edge was gone.

‎I slid down to the floor, leaning against the table, and buried my face in my hands. My voice came out hoarse and raw.

‎“Why now?” I whispered. “Why after all these years?”

‎I closed my eyes tightly, as if that would block out the past.

‎“I’m not even over that incident. I never was. So why all of this happening again?”

‎The rest of the night passed in a haze of tossing and turning. I didn’t sleep, not really. I was too afraid to. Because I knew, if I closed my eyes for too long, the nightmares would come crawling back.

‎Somehow around 4 am, exhaustion finally took over. My body gave in.

‎But it wasn’t long before I jolted awake again. I checked the time, 6 am.

With heavy limbs and a heavier heart, I got out of bed and began getting ready. I wore a light pink suit, the softest color I could find, something that felt gentle… even if I didn’t feel that way inside.

‎By 9 am, his family would arrive.

‎And I had no choice.

‎Not anymore.

‎If I hadn’t received that message… I would’ve never agreed to this marriage. Not in this lifetime.

‎But now?

‎Now everything had changed.

‎I went downstairs. My mother looked at me sharply, not a flicker of warmth on her face.

‎“Don't you dare show you attitude in front of them” she ordered. “Make sure

you look good enough. If anything goes wrong today, you will see my wrath.”

‎I nodded without a word and walked to the kitchen.

‎Even the fire on the stove felt kinder than the ones in their eyes.

‎