I was sleeping until I felt someone's present so strong that I count help but woke up with a jolt. But found no-one.
Sweats started to form in my temple. I breathed heavily before looking here and there in this unknown place, where I was being brou...
I loved everything about you Maybe too much But how could I not love That smile That laughter That humor Those eyes That passion How could I not love you As if you're everything I've ever wanted
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RUHI OBEROI, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
THE VINCY MANSION
As I crossed the threshold of my home, my face was a mask of weary disappointment, stinging from the harsh rejection of my brother. Despite Ansh's physical presence in the neighborhood, there was a cavernous distance between us, a chasm I couldn't bridge. He was here, yet I had no justifiable reason to lay my eyes on him, to soak in his presence, knowing full well he might soon take to the skies and return to his life in Dubai.
The bitter truth was that he held no affection for me, completely oblivious to the fact that I've harbored feelings for him for nearly a decade. Indeed, he was utterly unaware of my deep affection for him. As I moved through the house, my mother, always sensitive to my moods, picked up on my despondency and posed a question to me.
"Ruhi, I understand that academics isn't your strong suit. Why don't you consider marriage? Is there someone you're in love with, or is that too not written in our stars?" she asked, her voice laced with a mix of concern and curiosity.
"In times like these, when genuine love is not valued, true lovers are a rare breed, Mom. Your daughter dreams of a lover who would cherish her with sincerity!" I retorted sharply to her inquiry, the edge in my voice causing her to raise her eyebrows in surprise.
My words hung heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the usual light banter that filled our home. My mother, taken aback by my response, sat quietly, her expression reflecting a myriad of emotions. I could see the wrinkles on her forehead deepening, a clear sign of her concern. She had always been the pillar of our family, always there to lend a shoulder to lean on. But in this moment, I could see her wrestling with a silent battle of her own - the struggle to understand the complexities of her daughter's heart.
"I just want what's best for you, Ruhi," she finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. Her hands were folded in her lap, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the hem of her saree. I knew she meant it. Her concern was genuine, her worry for my future palpable.
"I know, Mom," I responded, my voice softer now, filled with a sadness that mirrored my mother's. "And I want what's best for me too. I want someone who will love me for who I am, not for what they want me to be."
I could see the confusion on my mother's face, replaced slowly with understanding. She reached out her hand, placing it gently over mine. Her touch was warm, comforting - a silent promise that no matter what, she was there for me.
And with that, I stood up, offering her a small smile. I knew that no matter how complicated my feelings were, no matter how confusing my life seemed to be, I had a constant in my life - my mother.
As I walked up to my room, I couldn't help but think about Ansh. He was back, yet so far away. The love I had for him still burned brightly, a flame that refused to be extinguished. But for now, I had to deal with the reality that he was oblivious to my feelings. And as painful as it was, I had to accept it.
After all, sometimes, the hardest part of loving someone is the fear of the unknown. But I was willing to take that risk, for in the labyrinth of love, it's the journey that matters, not the destination.
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The sun had just begun to rise the following day when I arose from my slumber. After attending to my morning routine, I descended the staircase to the dining room where my parents were already relishing their breakfast. I could feel a tingling sensation of nervousness creeping up my spine as I absently played with my fingers, mustering up the courage to utter the words stuck in my throat.
"Good morning, mom and dad," I greeted them, trying to keep my voice steady. "I was wondering if perhaps we could extend an invitation to the Raghuvanshi's. My brother's best friend, Reyansh Raghuvanshi, has returned home after a long absence, and it has been quite a while since we last shared a meal with them."
My gaze dropped to my untouched plate, my heart pounding in anticipation as I hoped for their agreement. However, the sound of my brother's voice cut through the silence, leaving me dumbfounded. "We can certainly invite the Raghuvanshi's, but Reyansh won't be able to join us," he said nonchalantly.
My heart sank at his words, but before I could get a word in, my father voiced the question that was forming in my mind, "Why can't he come?" My brother replied, his tone casual, "Reyansh has a busy week ahead, and today is his only day off from work, which he took at my request." His words hit me like a punch, causing me to clench my spoon tightly and struggle to hold back the tears welling up in my eyes.
I found myself unable to eat, and I excused myself from the table, claiming a lack of appetite. As soon as I reached the sanctuary of my room, I closed the door behind me. I found a quiet corner and allowed myself to cry silently. The harsh reality that I would have to endure the pain of separation from Reyansh once again was a bitter pill to swallow, and it clenched my heart in an iron grip.
Overwhelmed by a sense of desolation, I allowed myself to sink into the comforting embrace of my room, my personal sanctuary. The walls, adorned with memories of a simpler time, seemed to echo my silent cries. The solitude enveloped me, providing a much-needed respite from the world outside, a world that seemed to be moving too fast for me to keep up with.
With my heart heavy and my mind swirling with a myriad of thoughts, I found solace in the corner of my room. My knees pulled up to my chest, I allowed the tears to flow freely, each one a testament to the pain of separation. The thought of Reyansh leaving again, of the distance that would once again be between us, was a cruel reality I was struggling to accept.
The room felt unusually quiet, the usual hum of life seeming to pause in respect for my heartache. The only sound was the soft, rhythmic ticking of the clock, a cruel reminder of the relentless march of time. With each passing second, the prospect of Reyansh's departure felt more real, the painful knot in my chest tightening.
As I sat there, lost in my thoughts, I couldn't help but reminisce about the times we spent together. The laughter, the shared secrets, the unspoken bond we had... it all seemed like a distant dream now. It was a cruel twist of fate that just when the dream seemed within reach, it was being snatched away from me again.
Unable to bear the weight of my emotions, I let out a muffled sob, my tears staining the fabric of my dress. My heart ached with a pain so profound, it felt as if it would shatter into a million pieces. The harsh reality of the situation was a bitter pill to swallow, but I knew I had no choice but to face it.
Despite the pain, I found a glimmer of strength within me. A part of me knew that this was a test of my resilience, a challenge that I had to overcome. I wiped my tears, my resolve strengthening with each passing moment. I knew that the journey ahead was going to be tough, but I was prepared to face it.
As I sat there in the silence of my room, I made a promise to myself. I would not let this setback shatter me. I would rise above the pain and emerge stronger. After all, it is said that the hardest trials often lead to the greatest triumphs, and I was ready to face whatever came my way.
