My Mr. Artist

Chapter 8

Kiyah

I gasped as I woke abruptly, realizing I was in the living area of my new house. Darkness surrounded the room, with only the faint glow from the balcony glass door. I was sweaty, heart pounding. If anyone saw me now, they'd think I was having a nightmare—but it wasn't a nightmare. It was just my past, sweet memories that had turned into self-torture.

Were the promises you made to me real, Ansh? How could they be, when your name was fake too? I still remember the day my doom was written—the day you turned your back on me and walked away to catch your flight abroad. Who knew that would be the last time I'd see you... until now.

Ring... Ring... Ring...

I fumbled for my phone. Ashi was calling, as if she could sense my distress.

"Hello," my voice was hoarse from crying and sleepiness.

"Hey... you sound awful. What's going on?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.

"I'm fine... just tired from all the traveling and the new work. That's it," I replied, unwilling to tell her about today's drama.

"Yeah, it must be hectic. So, are you settled now? How's your new house? How's the city? You must miss us, right? And I want to tell you what Reva did today..." Her words rambled on as I listened, a faint smile forming despite myself. Reva had bought a teddy, named it Kiyah, and made it follow all my daily routines. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Meanwhile, Reva protested in the background.

"Okay, now tell me what really happened," Ashi said once Reva left.

After a moment of silence, I whispered, "I saw him today, Ashi."

"Who, Ki?" Ashi's voice was confused. There was a pause, then she gasped. "No way! How can he be here? Wasn't he abroad? You must be wrong, Ki!"

"I wish I were," I said, irritation creeping in. "But I know who I saw. And you know what's worst? I didn't even know who I was dating... who my lover was. Different name, different identity... I really don't know what's happening, Ashi. I really don't know."

Tears streamed down my face, frustration spilling over.

"Ki, baby... are you okay?" Ashi's voice shook with worry. "Can you please explain what really happened?"

I told her everything—how I met Saransh Awasthi today.

"Are you sure he's Ansh?" she asked again.

"ASHI!" I yelled. "I know he was Ansh, okay? I know."

"I'm sorry... it's just confusing. How, when, and why did he change everything—profession, name, place? I don't know what to say. Sorry," she apologized. "So, what are you going to do? He's your most important client. Will you quit?"

"No. I won't quit. I'm not the one who did anything wrong. I'll ignore him, just like he did today. He's past, Ashi. I don't want anything to do with him. He'll just be my client, and I'll complete my assignment." I was determined not to let him disrupt my life. Part of me wanted to grab him by the collar and ask why he did that to me—but I would show him I had moved on. I didn't need him in my life anymore, just like he didn't need me.

"I'll always be with you, Ki, whatever you decide. Okay?" she said. And I knew she would.

After some comforting words, I got up, switched on the lights around the house, and opened the balcony door. The view calmed me. I could now think clearly about how I had gotten here. I wanted to return to my safe space—where loved ones were waiting with open arms. Even corporate enemies could do their worst, but I didn't want to face the man I once loved... or maybe still did.