Silent Cries

Chapter 4

The late afternoon sun bathed the living room in a golden glow as Dev’s college friends, Rohan, Priya, and Sameer, arrived for a casual visit. Laughter and nostalgia filled the air as they reminisced about their college days, catching up on years of missed stories and adventures.

Rohan: “Dev, it’s been so long! We should definitely plan a reunion. Just like the old days.

Priya: “Yes! It would be amazing to get everyone back together. Remember that epic trip to Goa?”

Sameer: “How could we forget? You were the life of the party, Dev!”

Dev smiled, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. The memories of happier times clashed painfully with his present reality.As the conversation continued, Navya entered the room, carrying a tray with tea and snacks. She approached the group with a gentle smile, setting the tray on the table.

Priya: (curious) “Oh, is this your wife, Dev?”

Dev’s expression hardened, and a tense silence fell over the room. He glanced at Navya, his eyes cold and distant.

Dev: “No, this is Navya. She’s the servant of the house.”

Navya’s heart stopped, her breath caught in her throat as his words struck her like a physical blow. She stood frozen, the tray trembling slightly in her hands.

Sameer: “But… you’re not married, Dev? All this time?”

Dev’s jaw tightened, his voice filled with an edge of bitterness.

Dev: “Yes, I’m unmarried. I can never accept anyone other than Heena as my wife.”

Rohan, Priya, and Sameer exchanged uncomfortable glances, sensing the tension but unaware of the full story. Priya tried to lighten the mood, her smile faltering slightly.

Priya: “Oh, I see. It’s just… surprising, I guess. We all thought you’d be married by now.”

Rohan: “Yeah, Dev, we always thought you and Heena would end up together. But life has its own plans, right?”

Dev nodded curtly, his gaze fixed on the floor. Navya felt a wave of nausea, her heart aching with each word. She wanted to speak, to defend herself, but the shock and trauma of Dev’s declaration left her mute.

Sameer: “So, Dev, what’s new with you? How’s life treating you?”

Dev forced a smile, trying to steer the conversation away from the painful topic.

Dev: “Work is keeping me busy. You know how it is.”

Navya stood silently, feeling like an invisible shadow in the room, her presence dismissed and her heart shattered. She excused herself quietly, retreating to the kitchen where she could let her tears fall without being seen.In the kitchen, Navya leaned against the counter, her hands shaking as she tried to steady her breathing. The weight of Dev’s rejection pressed heavily on her chest, suffocating her. She had known their relationship was strained, but to hear him deny her existence so cruelly was a wound deeper than she had ever imagined.Back in the living room,

Dev’s friends continued their conversation, trying to fill the awkward silence with stories and laughter. But the cheerful façade couldn’t mask the underlying tension.

Rohan: “So, Dev, any plans for the future? Besides work, I mean.”

Dev shrugged, his expression unreadable.

Dev: “Just taking it one day at a time. No big plans.”

Priya glanced toward the kitchen, where Navya had disappeared, her brow furrowed in concern.