MY HEART WANTS YOU

PROLOGUE

"Life changes.
You lose love.
You lose friends.
You lose pieces of yourself that you never imagined would be gone.
And then, without you even realizing it, these pieces come back.
New love enters.
Better friends come along.
And a stronger, wiser you are staring back in the mirror."

Reading this piece out loud makes me wonder about the path I traversed to be where I am today.
A year back I was in a marriage that was initially a dream but in a few months, that dream whirled into a nightmare.

My self-esteem and confidence have been eroded in that relationship, and the threat of abuse increased my self-doubt.

I have grown up listening, that for every dark night, there is a bright day, and hoping that someday my nightmare will end. Every night I used to encourage myself that I have to just make it through the night as there's a brighter day ahead.

Then I met her, Paakhi, an angel disguised as a human. She makes a broken look beautiful and strong look invincible.
She walks with the universe on her shoulders and makes it look like a pair of wings.

She inspired me to leave that toxic relationship and prevail.

"Sorry for making you wait, have this." I come out of my thoughts and smile as Mrs.Savita takes a seat at my table.

"You seem busy, " I remark looking at the rush.

"Oh, after the girls renovated this place, we seem to have more customers each day." She looks around and says proudly.

I smile, She is really like their mother.

"You miss them..." I did not mean to say it out loud yet the words tumble out of my mouth.

"I do! They were the allure of this place. " she softly confides.

"But I know the new journey they are on is more important." Her smile returns.

"They are happy," I assure her.

"I know," she softly smiles.

I stay silent for a few seconds, not feeling this to be the right moment to say anything.

"You seem nervous?" She glances at my adjoined hands.

"I...Umm..." I stammer.

"You don't have to be so nervous girl, We would love it if you'll help us around." She assures me and I feel a bit relaxed.

"But you know for the pay..."

"No, I'm fine with whatever you'll pay." I jump in before she completes her thoughts.

Genuinely, I don't need money. I want to work so that as much as I'm busy I don't think about my past. I fear going to sleep knowing he'll haunt them.

Having girls around made me a bit relaxed, but after their marriage, I'm all alone in the apartment which I don't like.

"I'm so glad to hear that," she stands up and comes around to hug me.

I'm still getting comfortable with people's touch but, I get a bit nervous when someone hugs me.

"So when can I start?" I ask as she steps away.