The first rays of sunlight slipped gently through the sheer curtains of Ananya’s room, painting golden streaks across her pale face. She stirred softly, her lashes fluttering before her eyes opened, still heavy with exhaustion. For a moment she sat there in silence, her head slightly throbbing, her body weak from the night’s turmoil. Slowly, she pushed herself up, leaning back against the headboard, her fingers clutching the edge of the blanket as though she needed grounding.

Just then, the creak of the door reached her ears. Her eyes turned towards it, and there stood Meenakshi, holding a tray with a glass of warm milk and a small bowl of fruit. A gentle smile tugged at her lips, though her eyes still carried the weight of worry from last night.

“Uth gayi meri gudiya?” Meenakshi said softly, stepping inside.

Ananya blinked, her throat dry. “Good morning, Mumma…” her voice was low, almost hoarse.

Meenakshi walked to her side, placing the tray on the bedside table. She sat down beside Ananya, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Good morning, baccha. Kaisia lag raha hai ab?” Her tone was filled with concern, though she tried to keep it light for Ananya’s sake.

“I’m fine, Mumma…” Ananya whispered, her lips curving into a faint smile, but her eyes betrayed her tiredness.

“Fine toh tum kehti ho hamesha,” Meenakshi said softly, brushing her fingers across Ananya’s forehead. “Par maa ko sab samajh aata hai. Tumne mujhe dara diya kal raat, baccha.”

Ananya looked down at her hands, guilt shadowing her features. “I’m sorry, Mumma…” she murmured.

Meenakshi cupped her face gently, making her look up. “Ssshh… sorry kehne ki zarurat nahi. Tum meri jaan ho, Anu. Bas ek vaada chahiye tumse—ab apne aap ko akele mat sambhalna. Hum sab tumhare saath hain.”

Ananya’s throat tightened at her mother’s words. She leaned forward, resting her forehead against Meenakshi’s shoulder, whispering, “Main koshish karungi, Mumma…”

Meenakshi wrapped her arms around her protectively, her heart aching but strong. “Bas mujhe itna hi chahiye, baccha.”

“Chalo, now get up and freshen up, then have these fruits and milk,” Meenakshi said in her soft yet firm tone, caressing Ananya’s cheek before standing up.

Ananya gave a small nod, a faint smile curving her lips. “Okay, Mumma.”

“Good girl,” Meenakshi whispered before picking up the tray and heading toward the door. “Main neeche hoon, zarurat ho toh bula lena.”

As the door closed behind her, silence once again filled the room. Ananya leaned back against the headboard, inhaling deeply, trying to steady herself. Her chest rose and fell slowly, as though she was gathering the strength she needed to face the day.

Finally, pushing the blanket aside, she swung her legs down from the bed. The moment her right foot touched the floor, a sharp jolt of pain shot through her. She hissed softly, clutching the side of the bed for support.

Her eyes drifted downward, and the memory of last night flashed back. The bandage around her foot was slightly stained, a dull ache throbbing underneath. She pressed her lips together, her brows furrowing, but she didn’t call out to anyone. Instead, she steadied her breathing and slowly shifted her weight.

With careful, tentative steps, she reached for the nightstand, her fingers brushing against the cool wood as support. Every step sent a reminder of the glass pieces that had pierced her skin, but her resolve kept her moving.

Her reflection in the tall mirror caught her eye for a moment—her pale face, tired eyes, and disheveled hair. She paused, staring at herself, as if silently telling her reflection, you have to be strong.

Clutching the edge of the dresser for balance, she limped her way across the room toward the washroom. Each step echoed faintly in the quiet room until she reached the door.

She grasped the knob, twisted it gently, and pushed the door open. The sound of water dripping faintly inside greeted her, and with slow determination, she stepped into the washroom, closing the door behind her.

A few minutes later, Ananya emerged from the washroom, her damp hair clinging gently to her face and neck. She had slipped into a loose cotton top and soft pants, the kind she only wore when she wanted absolute comfort. The fabric hung freely around her frame, making her look more fragile than usual, but her eyes carried the quiet determination of someone trying to hold herself together.

She carefully sat down on the sofa, her injured foot stretched out before her. The bandage from the previous night was beginning to loosen. With steady hands—though they trembled faintly when she first touched the cloth—she began to unwind it. The faint sting of the dried wound made her flinch, but she didn’t stop.

The cloth finally came off, revealing the small cuts along her foot, red and raw, with faint traces of dried blood. For a moment, her breath caught—pain mingled with the memory of last night’s breakdown—but she quickly blinked away the heaviness clouding her eyes.

Reaching for the first aid box, she pulled out an antiseptic and some cotton. She dipped the cotton carefully, her brows furrowing as she pressed it gently against her skin. A sharp burn coursed through her foot, making her grip the edge of the sofa tightly. A soft hiss escaped her lips, but she kept going, refusing to stop midway.

“Dard se bhaag ke zindagi jeeti nahi jaati, Anu…” she murmured under her breath, as if reminding herself.

Once she cleaned the wound, she applied the ointment slowly, her touch tender, as though she was both punishing and comforting herself at the same time. Finally, she picked up a fresh bandage, wrapped it neatly around her foot, and tied the end carefully.

When she was done, she leaned back against the sofa, exhausted. Her eyes lingered on the freshly bandaged foot, and for a brief second, her lips curved into a small, bittersweet smile. It wasn’t strength that kept her moving—it was necessity.

Kabir entered the room quietly, but his eyes instantly fell on Ananya sitting on the sofa, carefully tying the bandage around her foot. His chest tightened at the sight. He walked towards her, pulled a chair, and sat right beside her.

“Phir se apne aap kar liya…” his voice was heavy with disappointment. “At least mujhe bola deti, Anu.”

Ananya glanced at him briefly, then lowered her eyes back to her foot. “Mai theek hu yaar, Kabir.”

Kabir let out a dry chuckle, but there was no humor in it. “Woh toh maine kal hi dekh liya ki tu kitni theek hai.” His words cut through the silence like a blade.

Her hands stilled. She had no reply.

“Kab tak tu aise rahegi, Anu?” Kabir’s voice broke slightly, but his eyes remained firm on her. “Kab tak apne andar sab kuch chupa ke… daba ke rakhegi? Bas bhi kar yaar…” He pointed at her bandaged foot, his jaw tightening. “Apni halat dekh zara.”

Ananya swallowed hard, her throat dry. She opened her mouth but closed it again, unable to form words.

Kabir leaned forward, his tone softer now, almost pleading. “Ek insaan kitna seh lega, Anu? Tujhe lagta hai tujhe dard chhupane se baaki log andhe ho jaayenge? Hum sab dekhte hain, feel karte hain… har din.”

Her eyes glistened, but she blinked quickly, refusing to let the tears fall. “Kabir… main… main nahi chahti ki kisi ko meri wajah se dard ho. Agar main sab theek hone ka natak karun toh… shayad sab ke liye aasan ho jaata hai.”

Kabir shook his head, frustrated. “Nahi Anu… yeh natak nahi hai, yeh khud ko khokhla karne ka tareeka hai. Tu khud toot rahi hai andar se. Aur tu chahti hai ki main… main chup baith kar dekhta rahu?”

Ananya’s lips quivered. She turned her face away, whispering almost inaudibly, “Mujhe bas… kisi ko pareshaan nahi karna.”

Kabir exhaled sharply and caught her hand, holding it firmly. “Tu pareshaan nahi kar rahi, Anu. Tu humara hissa hai… teri saansein bhi humari hain. Aur ek din agar tu aise hi sab andar daba ke rakhegi na… toh main, Rajveer uncle, aunty, specially Dev… hum sab… hum khud ko kabhi maaf nahi kar payenge.”

Ananya’s tears finally slipped, trailing silently down her cheeks.

“Mai theek hu yaar, don’t worry,” Ananya said softly, forcing a small smile.

Kabir let out a long sigh and leaned back against the sofa, shaking his head. “Sunna toh hai hi nahi tum dono Miya-Biwi ko…” he muttered under his breath. Then he straightened, his eyes firm. “Fine. Lekin jab tak tu theek nahi ho jaati, tu office nahi aayegi. Baat khatam.”

Ananya’s eyes widened. “Kabir, yeh kya bakwaas hai? Office ka kaam kaun dekhega?”

“Main hoon na,” Kabir shot back without hesitation. “Main handle kar lunga sab kuch. Mujhe kisi aur ki zarurat nahi.”

“But—” she tried to argue, her brows knitting.

Kabir cut her off, his tone sharp but filled with concern. “No ‘but’ Anu! Tu apna khayal rakhne ki bajaye har waqt bas dusron ka sochti hai. Ek baar apne liye bhi soch le. Office ruk nahi jayega ek do din, duniya khatam nahi hogi. Lekin agar tujhe kuch ho gaya toh…” his voice faltered, his jaw tightening, “…fir kuch bhi theek nahi hoga.”

Ananya looked down, her fingers clutching the edge of her top. “Kabir…” she whispered.

Kabir softened, leaning forward and placing a hand on hers. “Please Anu… meri baat maan ja. Bas is baar.”

She stayed silent for a moment, then finally nodded faintly. “Theek hai.”

Kabir let out a relieved breath. “Good. Ab mujhe aur tension mat de, warna tujhe utha kar khud ghar pe baith jaunga aur office band karwa dunga.”

A small chuckle escaped Ananya despite herself, and Kabir gave her a half-smile, though his eyes still held deep concern.

Ananya’s phone buzzed on the table. She glanced at the screen and her heart skipped a beat—Devansh. She took a deep breath and answered, forcing her voice to sound normal.

“Hello…” she said softly.

“Good morning, Mrs. Singhania,” Devansh’s calm, steady voice came through. “How’s my wife today?”

Ananya forced a small smile, hiding the tremor in her hands. “Good… just busy with some work, Patidev.”

Devansh hummed on the other end. “Hmm… I hope you’re not overworking yourself. You need to take care, Anu.”

She hesitated, then whispered, “I am, don’t worry.”

“Are you sure?” His voice softened, but there was that familiar steel behind it—the same protective tone he always carried.

“Yes… I’m fine,” she said firmly. “Everything’s normal.”

Devansh paused, a faint chuckle escaping him. “You sound like you’re hiding something. Mrs. Singhania, you know I can tell when you’re pretending, right?”

Ananya’s chest tightened. “No… it’s nothing. Really.” She looked at Kabir, who gave her a subtle nod, silently reminding her to stay calm.

“Alright,” Devansh said finally, though his voice held a hint of teasing. “But don’t overdo it. I’ll be back in a few days, and I want my Mrs. Singhania looking well and smiling when I return.”

Ananya felt a flutter in her chest, but she forced herself to sound casual. “Of course, Patidev. I’ll be fine.”

Devansh let out a soft sigh. “Good. Take care, Anu. I’ll talk to you later.”

“You too… take care, Dev,” she replied, then gently ended the call.

She placed the phone down, exhaling slowly, her hands trembling slightly as she pressed them together. Kabir leaned closer, giving her a reassuring look.

“See?” he said softly. “No one has to know. You’re safe. Just… breathe, Anu.”

Ananya nodded, her chest still tight, but a tiny bit of calm returning. “Yes… thank you, Kabir.”

____________________________________________________________________________________

Ananya sat on the balcony, the cool morning breeze brushing against her face. The clouds above were a mix of soft grays and pale pinks, drifting lazily across the sky as if carrying away the weight of the world. She hugged her knees close, lost in her thoughts, when she suddenly felt a presence beside her.

She turned slightly and saw her parents—Rajveer and Meenakshi—sitting on either side of her. Their warm, steady presence immediately grounded her.

“Kesa hai mera baccha?” Rajveer asked gently, his hand resting on hers.

“Mai… theek hu, papa,” Ananya replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Meenakshi leaned closer, her eyes full of concern. “Kya soch rahi thi, Anu?”

“Kuch nahi, mumma,” Ananya murmured, forcing a small smile.

Rajveer shook his head slightly, his voice calm but firm. “Baccha, har cheez apne andar chupa ke rakhne ki zarurat nahi hoti. Kabhi kabar, usse bahar nikalna hota hai.”

"Aur..." Meenakshi added, her hand resting gently on Ananya’s shoulder, “Aur jab tak tu batayegi nahi, toh kese chalega, baccha?”

Ananya sat there, feeling the weight of their words. Her throat went dry, and her chest tightened. Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over. She swallowed hard, trying to steady herself, but the emotions she had been holding in for so long were beginning to surface.

Rajveer moved a little closer, brushing a gentle hand over her back. “It’s okay, baccha… let it out. Tumhare saath hum hain, hamesha.”

Meenakshi nodded, her own eyes glistening. “Yes, meri gudiya… hum hain na, bas… breathe, baccha. Sab theek hoga.”

Ananya let out a shaky breath, her hands clutching at the balcony railing, as the tears finally streamed down her cheeks. For the first time in a long while, she felt that she didn’t have to hold everything inside.

“Why… why is it so difficult to forget your past and move on, papa?” Ananya’s voice trembled, barely audible over the soft morning breeze.

Rajveer didn’t respond immediately. He simply sat beside her, his presence steady, his hand lightly brushing hers. Sometimes, just being there silently was enough.

“It’s been years… but still, I can’t move on,” Ananya whispered, her gaze fixed on the clouds drifting across the sky. “Jab bhi uss incident ka ek bhi image aati hai… bas ye sab shuru ho jata hai.” Her hands shook slightly as she hugged her knees closer to her chest.

“Ab samajh mai aa raha hai why Devansh can’t move on from his past… cause it’s very difficult, papa. Bahut mushkil hota hai bhoolna.” Her voice cracked, and tears welled up in her eyes. “And now… I’m just… fed up with these nightmares, the panic attacks… I’m just…”

“Shhh… it’s okay, baccha,” Rajveer said gently, pulling her into a warm embrace. His voice was calm, soothing. “It’s okay to feel this… it’s okay to be tired. Tumhara dard… tumhari pareshani… sab real hai. Don’t ever feel you have to face it alone.”

Meenakshi leaned closer, her hand caressing Ananya’s hair. “Haan meri gudiya… it’s okay to let it out. You don’t have to be strong all the time. We are here… always with you.”

Ananya buried her face into her father’s chest, letting the tears flow freely. She felt the storm inside her—the panic, the fear, the shame—slowly loosen its grip, if only a little. Her mind replayed those haunting memories, the whispers of accusations, the feeling of being alone… and yet, with her parents beside her, it all felt a little more bearable.

Why does it always come back? she thought, her chest heaving. Even when I try to forget, it finds a way… it’s like the past has a hold over me.

Her hands trembled in her lap, but this time, she didn’t fight it. She let herself feel the fear, the sadness, the frustration. And with her parents’ arms around her, for the first time in a long time, she felt the faintest spark of hope—that maybe, just maybe, she could survive this… and face tomorrow.

“Baccha… chahe jo kuch bhi ho jaye, koi tera kuch nahi bigad sakta,” Rajveer said firmly, his hand squeezing hers gently. His eyes were steady, full of unwavering protection.

Ananya looked up at him, teary eyes shimmering in the morning light. “Papa…” she whispered, her voice breaking slightly.

“And more over… Dev tere saath hai. Woh kuch nahi hone dega tujhe,” he continued, his tone softening but still strong. “I know, tum dono ke beech mai sab utna theek nahi hai… but baccha, agar tujhe kuch bhi hua… toh woh puri duniya jala dega tere liye.”

Ananya’s lips trembled as she tried to speak, but no words came out. She could only nod, her tears silently sliding down her cheeks.

Meenakshi gently placed her hand over Ananya’s, her voice calm yet firm. “Haan meri gudiya… sab theek hoga. Tumhare papa aur Dev… dono tumhare saath hain. Tumhara dard, tumhari pareshani… koi nahi ignore karega. Bas… ab thoda shanth ho jao, baccha.”

Ananya leaned against her mother, taking in the warmth, the protection, and the reassurance. Her mind was still racing, but with her parents there, she felt a small but steady sense of safety.

Rajveer tightened his hand over hers again, his voice soft but determined: “Tum akeli nahi ho… kabhi nahi hogi. Hum hamesha tumhare saath hain, baccha.”

Ananya exhaled shakily, finally letting herself absorb their presence, their words, and the comfort they offered. For the first time in what felt like forever, the weight on her chest seemed a little lighter.

“Tu ab shanth ho ja aur aaram kar,” Meenakshi said softly, brushing a stray strand of hair from Ananya’s face.

Ananya nodded slightly, nestling deeper into Rajveer’s arms. She closed her eyes, letting the warmth of her parents envelop her. Slowly, her breathing evened out, and she drifted into a peaceful sleep.

Rajveer and Meenakshi exchanged a quiet glance, their expressions filled with both concern and relief as they watched her sleeping figure. The soft rise and fall of her chest was the only sound in the room.

“Is she… okay, uncle?” a familiar voice broke the silence.

Rajveer and Meenakshi turned their heads to see Kabir standing there, his brows furrowed with concern. He moved quietly toward them and sat down beside Meenakshi, careful not to disturb Ananya.

“Yeah… she’s okay for now,” Rajveer said gently, running his fingers through her hair, his voice low and reassuring.

Kabir exhaled deeply, his hands clasped together nervously. “Uncle… I think we need to tell Dev the truth.”

Rajveer looked at him, a flicker of hesitation crossing his face. “Kabir…”

“That she… she loves him,” Kabir said quietly but firmly, his gaze fixed on Ananya as she slept, unaware of their conversation.

Rajveer sighed, the tension in his shoulders relaxing slightly. “You’re right… we can’t let this continue. He needs to know.”

Meenakshi nodded, her eyes soft but serious. “She’s not saying anything, but it’s clear to anyone who looks closely. She’s feeling so alone, Kabir… even with Dev by her side. Her heart is quietly struggling, and she can’t carry this burden forever.”

Kabir leaned back slightly, running a hand over his face. “It’s been so long… and she’s been hiding so much. Every time she smiles, it’s like she’s wearing a mask. Dev deserves to know… and she deserves to be free of this weight. Kuch aur nahi toh atleast ye baat bolke usse free toh kar hi sakte hai.”

Rajveer placed a comforting hand on Kabir’s shoulder. “We’ll do this carefully… but you’re right. This truth can’t stay hidden any longer. Dev must understand what she feels… and perhaps, what she’s been enduring silently all these years.”

Kabir nodded, glancing back at Ananya once more. “I just hope… he can see her the way we see her. She’s been so strong, but she needs him… now more than ever.”

Meenakshi’s voice softened, almost like a whisper: “Yes… and we have to protect her heart until that moment comes. She’s our little girl, Kabir… and she deserves nothing less than peace.”

The three of them sat in silence for a moment, watching Ananya sleep, feeling the weight of the decision they were about to make, and the hope that, finally, her heart would be understood.

“But uncle… Dev ko kab baataye?” Kabir asked, his voice low, almost hesitant.

“Jab sahi waqt aayega,” Rajveer replied softly, his gaze fixed on Ananya’s peaceful face.

Kabir nodded slowly, understanding the weight behind those words. He leaned back slightly, his hands clasped together, and exhaled.

They sat there in silence, the only sounds the soft rhythm of Ananya’s breathing and the faint rustle of the evening breeze outside the balcony. The moment felt heavy, yet calm—a fragile pause before the storm of truth they knew had to come.

Meenakshi, sitting quietly on the other side, placed a gentle hand on Kabir’s arm. “For now… let her rest. She needs peace, and we need to be patient. The right moment will come.”

Kabir looked at her, then back at Ananya, a mix of concern and determination in his eyes. “Yeah… we’ll wait. But I just hope Dev understands when the time comes. She can’t hide this forever.”

Rajveer nodded, his expression protective yet resolute. “And he will, Kabir. We’ll make sure of that. But for now… shh… let her sleep.”

The three of them remained there, silent guardians of Ananya’s fragile peace, watching over her as the sun dipped lower, casting a soft golden glow over the room.

____________________________________________________________________________________

So here is the chapter.

I hope you guys will like it.

Sorry chapter chota tha as I didn't get time to write further more😭😭cause my semesters were going on so I was busy with that . But next chapter will be long I promise 😤.

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