Color of Yearning [Completed]

Chapter 2- Saumya POV

The soft rays of the morning sun filtered through the room curtains, casting a warm glow upon Saumya's face. As her eyes fluttered open, she was greeted by the familiar weight of sorrow that had become a constant companion in her life. With a heavy heart, she rose from her bed, steeling herself for another day of enduring the cruelty that had become her reality.

Saumya's morning routine was a sacred ritual, a momentary escape from the harsh realities that awaited her beyond the sanctuary of her room. She moved with deliberate grace, savoring each moment of solitude as she prepared herself for the day ahead.

In the bathroom, she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror, and a pang of sadness resonated through her soul. The dark complexion that others perceived as a blight upon her existence stared back at her, a constant reminder of the burden she carried. Saumya fought back the tears that threatened to spill forth, refusing to let her spirit be diminished by the narrow-minded prejudices of those around her.

She is a talented graphic designer, her skills and creativity a testament to her unwavering determination and passion. She had built a successful career working from home, a decision born out of necessity rather than choice. In school and college, her dark skin and introverted nature had made it nearly impossible to form meaningful connections, as her peers ostracized and ridiculed her, treating her as an outcast, a pariah to be avoided at all costs.

While working from home provided a temporary respite from the cruelty of the outside world, it did little to alleviate the loneliness that gnawed at her soul. Saumya yearned for companionship, for someone with whom she could share her achievements, her passions, and her dreams. But such desires seemed like mere wistful thinking, forever out of reach for someone like her, someone tainted by the perceived curse of her complexion.

After dressing in a simple yet elegant salwar kameez, Saumya took a deep breath and descended the stairs, her steps heavy with the weight of apprehension. The familiar voices of her mother and grandmother echoed through the hallway, their words laced with disdain and disappointment, an all too familiar refrain in the symphony of her life.

As she entered the kitchen area, her grandmother's sharp gaze immediately fell upon her, and Saumya braced herself for the onslaught of cruelty that was sure to follow.

"Ah, the blight upon our family has graced us with her presence," her grandmother sneered, her eyes narrowing with contempt. "I suppose you're expecting congratulations for your latest achievement?"

Saumya's brow furrowed in confusion, unsure of what her grandmother was referring to. Had she accomplished something noteworthy without realizing it?

Her mother's voice cut through the silence like a dagger, dripping with sarcasm and disdain. "Your grandmother is referring to the fact that yet another family has rejected your proposal for marriage. That makes fifteen in total, does it not? A remarkable accomplishment, indeed."

Saumya felt the air leave her lungs, as if she had been punched in the gut. 

"Fifteen families have turned you away, because of your repulsive appearance," her grandmother continued, her words laced with venom. " If only you had spent less time indulging in those silly books and more time applying the pastes I've made for you, you might have a chance at attracting a suitable husband," her grandmother sneered, her words laced with disdain.

Saumya felt the familiar sting of tears threatening to spill forth, but she refused to let them fall. With a deep, steadying breath, she closed her eyes and silently chanted the mantra that had become her lifeline in the darkest of moments: "One day, everything will be okay. I just have to be patient for that day."