Marked By Darkness

Chapter 7- Insecure

After Some Days...

Ruhi's POV...

My phone rings, breaking the silence that has hung over my room for days. I glance at the caller ID and see it's Esha.

"Hello?" I answer.

"Ruhi, what happened to you? Do you even know when you uploaded your last vlog?" Esha's voice comes through, concerned.

I sigh deeply. "I know. Seven days ago."

"Ruhi, do you have to hit rock bottom? The public wants to see your updates. If you drag that vlog for too long, you'll bear a lot of losses in the next video."

I sigh again. The pressure is overwhelming.

"Esha, actually, I'm a little stressed. And I'm confused about a lot of things. I need some time."

"Ruhi, listen to me. If that's the case, go on a vacation. You'll like it. If you keep sitting like this, the stress won't reduce. Your work will keep getting delayed. You need to maintain a balance for your vlogs, you know?"

"Yeah, I know. I'll do something."

"All the best. You'll figure it out. I know you will."

---

At Home...

Later, I sit in my room, staring blankly at my computer screen, lost in thought. A knock on the door breaks my trance.

"Knock knock..."

"Yeah, coming," I call out.

Mom opens the door and sees Anshi standing there with a worried expression.

"Hi, Aunty, is Ruhi around?"

"Yes, she's in her room. Go on in."

Anshi heads to my room and finds me sitting there, looking distant.

"Ruhi!" she calls out gently, and I glance up, surprised. I manage a small smile.

"Anshi!" I reply.

She sits beside me. "Is everything alright? I've been calling you, and you haven't been answering. You're not replying to my messages either. I had no choice but to come over. Esha mentioned you've been struggling with keeping up your video uploads as well."

I sigh. "Anshi, I just can't bring myself to do it. I'm not in the right mindset."

"Then get yourself into the right mindset. Remember, this platform is such that if you slip on timing, you could lose everything you've achieved. Don't you feel good knowing that so many people adore you?"

"But I also deserve my privacy. I need some space too."

"Alright, tell me what's bothering you."

"I don't feel like talking about it right now."

"Oh, come on! Opening up might help you feel better."

"Is it a mistake to wait for someone? Is it wrong to hold out hope for the one we desire?"

"So, that's what's bothering you. Listen, Ruhi, I can't say whether waiting for someone is right or wrong. But I'm sure waiting exclusively for someone who doesn't even realize the sacrifices you're making isn't wise. Maybe you should consider giving someone else a chance."

"Anshi, love may be possible for many people, but when your heart belongs to only one, how do you convince it to move on?"

"Think about it, Ruhi. I understand your feelings are genuine, but can you guarantee that person will ever reciprocate your love?"