Self Love

Chapter 2

Ridhansh's POV

I look at my wristwatch, it's 5 past 7 and her stop is at 6:30. Where are you, sis? I start making my way near the station and see, it looks like she's arguing with a girl.

I go to her and see that it's her friend Shreya. She was in a bridal lehenga.

"Did you run away from your wedding?" I joked.

Her eyes glistened listening to my words. I immediately regretted it.

"Hey, I didn't mean that. Please don't cry," I pleaded.

"My wedding broke,"  She said, muffling her sobs.

"Huh," I couldn't believe it.

"She's leaving her city Bhai, I'm trying to convince her to stay with us," Dhriti said.

"Yeah, you can live with us. If you want you can move out after finding a place to live," She nodded and came with us to the parking area.

We get into the car and go towards our apartment building.

••••
It has been two days since she's been living with us. She has locked herself inside the guest bedroom. Which is her room right now. Dhriti tried to talk to her. But nothing is working. If she keeps her emotions within her, she can go into depression.

I haven't tried talking to her but it's high time I think I should. I make my way towards the guest room. I knock on the door.

A feeble voice came, "Come in."

I opened the door and saw Shreya sitting on the bed, hugging herself. Pondering over something.

I came towards the bed and settled on it, maintaining a safe distance from her.

"How are you feeling?" I asked.

"I... I... I have no idea why I am still alive. I feel nothing as if I lack a soul. I cried nonstop during these two days while recalling everything. Even my tears have dried up, and I lack the energy to grieve. And I apologize for being a hassle for you. My thoughts are being affected by the agony, and I anticipate losing my temper. Please assist me in navigating this chaos. Kill me...." she cried, responding.

"Kill you... Then, what's next? Me going to jail. Nah, stop joking. If you think death is the only option, there won't be anyone left to live. Death has never been a solution to a problem. It's a gesture of failure. I don't think you are. " I replied instantly. 

I added, "Do you consider yourself to be a burden to us? Is that a term used among friends? Although I don't know what went wrong with your marriage, I am aware of the challenges you are currently experiencing. Sitting here and feeling like you've lost everything won't help. Although we are your friends and can offer advice, the choice is ultimately up to you. I am aware that it won't be easy for you to forget all of these things, but you can avoid it. There was this saying, consider this chapter finished and move on to the next one. Now that you are aware of the pain and have experienced it, you may live your life however you like, turn the suffering into dust, and let the wind carry it away.  Also, sitting like this won't help you. Try to divert your mind. Do you have a passion?"

"..painting.. I used to do it in college and didn't get any time after getting a job." She replied, sniffing.

"Then do it. If you want I can buy you painting supplies and you can portray your art. Don't worry I won't do it for free. Your payback would be to make my portrait."

I told her. She hummed and I went to my room after wishing her a good night.

Shreya's POV

As he said he would, he brought painting supplies and I started doing my art. Though he is annoying at the same time. His words were soothing, like a breeze after a warm day. It gave me hope and I thought to start a new chapter of my life. Not caring about relationships, focusing on myself.

My parents called me, asking me to come back to them. But I rejected the idea, because I need to be alone, without the chaos, figuring out what I want with life. Loving myself.

If I go back home, I will be pondering over my sister and my ex-to-be-husband. Oh sorry... Jiju did to me. Hopefully, I become successful!