| 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕃𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕀𝕟 𝕄𝕪 ℕ𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕖 |

4: Discovering Clarity

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Ashwin sat at his place, captivated by Diya's presence. He observed every little detail of her hurried and filled behavior, noticing the subtle nuances that set her apart.

He noticed how her fingers anxiously tapped on the table, a sign of her restless energy and determination to get things done. Her brows furrowed in concentration as she flipped through papers, her mind racing with thoughts and ideas.

In the span of just one evening, Ashwin felt as though he had known Diya for a lifetime. Every interaction, every gesture, and every word exchanged unveiled another layer of her complex persona.

He couldn't help but notice that Diya carried herself with an air of self-sufficiency, as if she was determined to navigate through life without burdening others. From her brisk walking pace to her insistence on not inconveniencing anyone, it was clear that she was putting up a facade of unapologetic independence.

He saw the subtle effort she made to ease his path, even going as far as requesting him to drop her off a little ahead of her apartment so he wouldn't have to struggle with a U-turn.

It became evident to Ashwin that Diya had conditioned herself to resist any form of help or support. She was determined to shoulder her own burdens, not wanting to impose even the slightest inconvenience on those around her. It was as though she carried the weight of the world on her shoulders, striving to maintain a sense of self-reliance.

Ashwin couldn't help but ponder over the reasons behind Diya's determined self-sufficiency. He wondered if there was a deep-rooted guilt stemming from her past relationship, an experience that had left her scarred to the extent of erecting emotional barriers.

As he observed her hasty and guarded behavior, Ashwin couldn't help but speculate on the possible magnitude of the pain she had endured. Was her past relationship truly that tumultuous and damaging that it had left her with such profound wounds?

The intensity of her guarded demeanor suggested that there was more to her story, that her past experiences had left an indelible mark on her psyche. 

With every passing moment, Ashwin's desire to be there for Diya deepened. He was determined to break through the barriers she had erected, to help her find healing and build a future where her past no longer haunted her.

It was clear to him that Diya's self-imposed independence was not merely a reflection of her personality, but a defense mechanism born out of past struggles.

Ashwin's sudden movement startled Sarath, who had been dozing off behind him. Ignoring the surprised glances from his colleagues, Ashwin continued on his determined path, weaving through the maze of cubicles until he reached his destination. Leaning casually against Sabitha's cubicle, he flashed her an innocent grin.

Sabitha, engrossed in her mobile, looked up with a stoic expression, her curiosity piqued. 

What?

she asked, her tone laced with a mix of annoyance and intrigue.

Madam, oru udhavi

( Madam, a favour )

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How close are you with Diya?

Ashwin's question caught Sabitha off guard, taking her by surprise. She paused for a moment, contemplating her response.

We're somewhat close, ana avlovo illa