Marked By Darkness

Chapter 1- Introduction

Another mundane day greets me as I wake up, slipping into my same well-worn routine. It's the usual flow—get up, scroll a bit, and then dive straight into work. I guess some people might say it's monotonous, but it's my life.

Hey there, I'm Ruhi. It's just me and my mom at home, a cozy space that's become a little sanctuary of ours. As for what I do, well, I'm an influencer—or a blogger, if that's what you prefer. It's funny because this wasn't exactly the path I'd planned. I'd envisioned something different, but somehow, this career found me instead of the other way around. If you'd met me two years ago, you'd probably say I wasn't as invested. But now? Now it's different. Now, it's like my work is the only thing that can hold my focus.

And love? Well, that's a blank chapter. I don't have a boyfriend, and honestly, the idea of love feels more like a passing trend than something real. Everyone seems to throw the word around, but I don't feel like wasting my energy on it. Still, I've got someone who's always been a solid anchor in my life—my best friend, more like a sister, actually. She's my ride-or-die, and her presence gives me a strength I sometimes forget I have.

Just as I'm lost in thought, my phone rings.

It's funny how people say, "Speak of the devil," and then—bam—the devil's right there, staring at you from the caller ID.

Anshi's voice comes through, bright as always. "Hey, Ruhi, what's up?"

"Nothing much," I reply, knowing her energy will inevitably lift my mood.

Anshi's voice rises with excitement. "OMFS..."

"What?" I ask, half-amused already.

Anshi responds, "You didn't go to the event, did you?"

"Nah. Didn't make it," I say with a sigh.

Anshi sounds surprised. "But that was a big deal for you."

"I know. But editing's got me tied up today," I explain.

Anshi asks, "And you have to upload it by tomorrow, right?"

"Bingo."

Anshi suggests, "Why don't you hire someone to help? Spread the load a bit."

"You're right; I'll look into it," I say, considering the idea.

Anshi excitedly adds, "Cool. Anyway, guess who just moved in next door?"

I laugh. "Charlie Chaplin?"

Anshi teases, "Ha! No, but close! This guy's insanely good-looking. My balcony's feeling like a prime spot right now."

"That's a thought!" I reply with a chuckle.

Anshi urges, "Come over, Ruhi. You've gotta see this guy—and his squad. They're unreal."

"Nope, not interested," I respond, not looking for distractions.

Anshi tries again, "Oh, come on, just swing by."

"Anshi, seriously, I have a mountain of editing to tackle. Catch you later," I say firmly.

There's a beat of silence before she sighs.

Anshi softly says, "Ruhi, sometimes, you've got to set work aside. There's so much more in life."

"And I don't want to achieve all those things, Anshi," I reply softly.

Anshi gently presses, "I get that you're on your path, and it's a good one. But do you plan on staying single forever?"

"Maybe. I'm happy this way," I say, steady in my response.

Anshi asks, "Are you, though? How can anyone be happy alone? Everyone needs someone special, don't they?"

"I know," I mumble.

Anshi suggests, "So why not open yourself up to someone? Just a little?"

"Do we really need to love someone to be complete?" I ask, more to myself than her.

Anshi responds, "Well, no, but don't you ever want anyone?"

I hesitate, my heart tugging.

"I do. I really do. But I'm waiting... for someone," I confess, my voice barely above a whisper.

Anshi asks, "Someone? Who?"

"Someone I want," I say, my words tinged with something deeper.

Anshi laughs softly, "Don't be so cryptic. But... what if he never comes?"

"Then I'll keep waiting," I say, resolute.

Anshi asks, "But how will you even recognize him? Do you know him, or is this just... a feeling?"

"How could I not know? He's the reason I've turned away everyone else," I say, the truth falling easily from my lips.

Anshi asks, "Is that fair, though, Ruhi? To reject every single one?"

"If the love is for one, how can I see anyone else?" I respond, my own words surprising me.

Anshi's voice softens. "I get the feeling you've already found him, but... what if he leaves?"

"If he's the one, he won't," I say, my voice firm despite the doubt that tugs at my heart.

Anshi sighs, the heaviness of our conversation hanging in the air. "Then... I hope you never meet him."

"Why would you say that?" I frown, trying to understand.

Anshi answers, "Because, Ruhi... the ones we love most are the ones we never truly have."

And with that, the call ends, leaving me with thoughts I've been trying to avoid, lingering in the quiet of my room.

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This chapter dives a bit deeper into Ruhi's inner conflict about love and connection, her dedication to her career, and the complicated beliefs she holds about relationships.