Shattered Hearts: A Journey Through Darkness and Redemption

[3] The Gala Encounter

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Ishitha's POV

Fifteen days had passed, and I still felt like I was living in a nightmare. 

Every morning, I woke up hoping it was all a terrible dream, only to be reminded of the harsh reality. 

I was married only in name- no sindoor in my hair, no mangalsutra around my neck, and no signs of love, care, or respect. 

The signature on our marriage certificate felt like a cruel joke.

Each day, I dressed for work with mechanical precision. 

The flower shop, once a place of solace and joy, now felt like just another part of the prison my life had become. 

The smile I used to carry, the one that brightened the faces of my customers, had faded into an expression of quiet resignation.

Adi had been discharged from the hospital and was resting at home. 

Seeing my younger brother, fragile but recovering, gave me a fleeting sense of relief. 

Yet, the weight of my inner turmoil overshadowed even this small comfort.

All I ever wanted was a loving husband, a partner to share the burdens and joys of life. 

Instead, I found myself married to a man who seemed to be my main suffering.

Even the mere thought of Aadarsh filled me with fear. 

The memory of his cold, commanding presence sent shivers down my spine. 

I couldn't forget the way he had forced me into this marriage.

All my life, I had imagined a beautiful, loving marriage, a home filled with laughter, mutual respect, and care. 

Instead, I was trapped in a nightmare, bound to a man who was the sole reason for this pain.

As I placed a bouquet in the display window, tears blurred my vision, with numerous questions running through my mind, 

Why had my father done this? 

Why had he written his will to my husband? 

How did we own such valuable property? 

And why had my mother never mentioned it? 

Were they hiding something from me? 

And how could Aadarsh marry me just for a piece of land? 

How could he change someone's fate so callously?

Just then, the bell above the shop door chimed. 

I looked up to see Mrs. Gupta walking in. 

She was a kind-hearted woman who had always treated me with gentleness and care.

"Ishitha, my dear, you look drained," She said gently. 

"Why don't you indulge more in something interesting? We have a gala next week, and I think it might be just the thing to lift your spirits. You have such a talent with flowers, and this could be a great opportunity for you."

I hesitated, but the thought of keeping myself busy and earning some extra bucks to repay Aadarsh for the hospital bills spurred me on. 

"Okay, Mrs. Gupta. I'll take care of the gala," I said, managing a small smile.

"That's the spirit, dear," Mrs. Gupta encouraged. 

"I'm sure you'll do a wonderful job."

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