THE IMPERFECT PERFECTIONS

•∆12~𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞?

☆  .♡‧₊˚  ☆ .♡ ‧₊ ♡‧₊ ☆ .♡ ☆  .♡‧₊˚  ☆ .♡ ‧

Taniya hadn't seen her mother since she was ten years old, but the moment she laid eyes on the lady talking to Kavya, recognition surged within her. She took a deep breath and slowly walked toward her.

"Mumma," Taniya whispered, her voice trembling.

All heads snapped in her direction. The lady stood up, her expression a mix of surprise and anger. She walked toward Taniya, her eyes piercing.

"Don't call me mumma," she spat. "You didn't tell this family what you did. Do you think they deserve someone like you? Do you deserve Aditya?"

Taniya's eyes moistened. The weight of her past  pressed down on her. She tried to speak, but her voice cracked. "Mumma, I didn't do it."

No one listened. They turned away, leaving her alone in the room. Desperation clawed at her heart. She glanced at Aditya, who had just entered.

"What's happening here? And Who are you?" Aditya asked, bewildered. His gaze shifted between Taniya and the lady.

"I am the mother of this misfortune," the lady declared, her voice sharp. "She would destroy your life, just as she destroyed ours. Leave her."
The lady said and went away followed by other family members.

Taniya's tears flowed freely. She reached out to Aditya, but he backed off. He removed the bracelet from his wrist and placed it on the table. Without a word, he followed the others out of the room.

Alone, Taniya sat on the edge of the bed, her heart shattered. The room seemed to close in on her, memories of betrayal and loss swirling around her.

Taniya's eyes fluttered open. Aditya was there, watching her. She clung to him, her dream still haunting her.

"Aditya, she—you—were—" Her words stumbled.

"Shh," he soothed. "It was just a bad dream. I'm here."

Aditya was laying on the couch when he heard some muffles coming from Taniya's side. It wouldn't have woken if he was in a deep sleep.

He rubbed her back, and gradually, the panic receded. But the dream's echoes lingered.

"Should I call Maa?" Aditya asked, concerned. Taniya had been muttering about "mumma."

"No," she whispered. "My mumma was here. Then she—you."

Her gaze fell on Aditya's wrist. "Where's your bracelet?"

"It's here," he reassured her, showing the bracelet she hadn't noticed earlier.

He got up, but she held his wrist, panic flaring anew. "Stay here, please."

"I'm just getting water," he said, trying to calm her. "I'll be back quickly."

"No," Taniya insisted. "You won't."

"I promise," Aditya said, smiling. He left, and she watched the door, hoping he'd return.

Minutes stretched into eternity. Taniya's fear intensified. When Aditya finally entered, relief washed over her.

He approached, placing the glass on the table. She wrapped her arms around his waist, seeking solace.

"Why did you take so long? I thought you wouldn't return" she asked, her voice trembling.

"Why wouldn't I?" Aditya replied. "I promised you. No matter where I go, I'll always find my way back to you."

"But you took so long," she said, confused.

Aditya chuckled. "The water was cold, and it's winter. Besides, you were sick recently, so I boiled it."