✔️The single housewife (Completed)

The next day

Era's POV

"What's your name?" asked a friendly citizen as I walked to the path of the publishing house.

It had become common for a few days. People would bump into me and ask my name. The event was a roaring success. People talked about it, and it had occupied the newspaper's front page.

To top it up, Vikram and his father were the happiest. His picture, taken from the top of the mountain, was termed as one of the best pictures of the Cerulean city. It featured in the Cerulean Magazine cover and its newspaper.

Moreover, the council members seemed to be at least civil with me. Earlier I used to meet their polite gaze or tone of indifference. Now at least they took me seriously. Though, I knew I had to perform professionally too.

"Thank you, dear, for this beautiful picture! Remember us whenever you need any help." Vikram's father had once called me when he saw his son's photo featured everywhere.

Today was different too. I mean, usually, Neel would come and give me a lift, but today I didn't call him, nor did he bother to ask me. Ever since we had that strange eye contact episode, there was an air of peculiar awkwardness around us.

We both knew what was happening, and yet, it was out of our control.

As I reached the office, I opened the drawer of my desk only to find it empty. For past few days I had been unable to trace my diary, where I used to write my poems and stories. I had been working on a story about a blind girl who is blessed with an eyesight and she sees the world for the first time.

It was kind of my story. My divorce enabled me to see the world in new light. Since I was earning well (I was paid well as interns in this land are paid nicely) and was able to afford things that I loved here. (Even though the Cerulean currency would never work in the outside world) I was able to pay off my rent, amount I owed to Nisha, buy my favourite clothes, plants and carpet for my rented house.

I not only lost a lot of weight due to loads of walking and stress-free life. I didn't know if you could call me beautiful but I felt very active and fit. The pure water had made my skin glow.

Mentally, I felt more open and confident than I was earlier. Emotionally, I realised that I am my own support. My own anchor. I didn't need a man to live. I just needed a partner for companionship. And now that requirement too seemed optional.

Before going to bed, I checked my phone to see a message from my mother in law. She was coming home for a day to get her clothes for the journey. Which meant that I needed to be present in the outside world for a day or two. I also got a message from Deep, asking me to be present for 2 days at home. "You can later go to your friend's place again." His message stated. Great. It meant that once my mother in law would be out, he would sneak his lover into our house.

Silent tears fell down from my eyes. After after 10 minutes, I felt indifferent. The mourning period for my dead marriage was over. Tonight, I would sleep with a smile on my face. Cerulean city or not, it's time I start thinking for myself. For my future!