HER SAFE PLACE

Leaving

When I woke up, it was already evening. I felt disoriented and confused as I got up and went to the washroom to freshen up. When I came out, I was surprised to see Rocky in my room. He looked at me and said, "Oh, you woke up! Come, let’s eat something."

I followed him to the living room, and my eyes widened at what I saw. The table was covered with food: sandwiches, pasta, momos, burgers, pizza, and more.

I stared at him in disbelief and asked, "This much food? Who will eat all this?"

Rocky shrugged and said, "I wasn’t sure which of these you’d like for your evening snack, so I made everything."

"You made all this?" I asked, surprised.

"Yes, I did," Rocky replied.

"You know how to cook?" I asked, amazed. Normally, I would have been excited, but given how my life was right now, I felt numb. Although I was grateful for his effort, there was no excitement in me. I just sat down and started eating the momos, focusing on the food rather than the conversation.

Rocky sat across from me but didn’t eat. I noticed this and asked, "Aren’t you eating?"

"I already had my snacks before you woke up," he said.

I nodded and kept eating. Rocky spoke again, his tone serious. "The divorce papers are here."

I stopped eating and looked at him. He pointed to a file on the table. I asked him to hand me the file, but he said, "Finish your food first, then you can sign the papers."

I agreed and continued eating. After a few moments, Rocky spoke again. "Once you’ve signed the papers, we need to go to your parents' house. Get ready."

"Why are we going there?" I asked.

"Because you need to collect some important documents like your passport, Aadhar card, PAN card, and other essentials. We’re going to New York together. I want you to gather everything you’ll need and also visit your parents before we leave."

I was shocked. "What? No, I’m not going to New York with you."

"Why not?" Rocky asked, looking confused.

"Rocky, I can’t go with you," I said, trying to explain.

"That’s exactly what I’m asking, Shivangi. Why?" Rocky pressed.

"Rocky, you’re my friend. I can’t live with you. You know how people are. If they find out, it could hurt your reputation. You’re already famous, and I don’t want anything bad to happen to you," I explained, feeling frustrated.

Rocky’s expression grew serious. "Do you think I care about what people think? In New York, people are more open-minded. You don’t have to worry about them."

"Even so, Rocky, I just can’t do it," I said.

Rocky asked, "Then what will you do? Do you have any other plans?"

I sighed and said, "No, but I’ll manage. You’ve already helped me a lot. I can’t accept any more help. I appreciate everything, but I need to handle this myself."

"Just stop, Shivangi," Rocky said firmly. "You’re coming with me to New York, and that’s final. I don’t want to hear any more arguments."

"But Rocky—" I tried to protest.

Rocky cut me off and stood up. "The tickets are booked. We’re leaving tonight. Get ready."

I stood up, feeling frustrated. "Rocky, you can’t make decisions about my life."