Heal Me

16.A Web of Emotions

Dil sambhal jaa Zara,
For mohabbat karne chala
Hai tu......

:)
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The story has reached at 1.4k reads but i don't see any of your appreciation of votes and comments.
Should i unpublish this book?
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Esha's POV
The house was eerily quiet after the storm of arguments had passed. I sat alone in my room, staring blankly at the walls that seemed to close in on me. The echoes of my parents' harsh words still lingered in my ears. I was used to their fights, the venomous accusations that seemed to be a part of my daily life, but tonight, it felt unbearable. The emotional toll was too much.

I was exhausted, my spirit drained from the constant upheaval. Every fight left me feeling like I was piecing myself back together just for the cycle to begin anew.

My thoughts raced uncontrollably as I tried to maintain my composure. The hurtful words, the arguments, they left invisible scars. My parents would always reconcile, wrapping each other in apologies and sweet nothings, leaving me alone in the aftermath, wounded and aching. I didn’t know how much longer I could endure this pattern. My mind was a tumultuous storm of emotions, and I was caught in the middle, unable to escape.

The sharp ring of my phone broke through my spiraling thoughts. It was a call from Arjun, my older brother, who was studying abroad. He was the only person in my family who genuinely cared about me, the only one who reached out consistently. As I answered, I tried to push aside the dark clouds of despair that threatened to consume me.

“Hey, Arjun,” I said, trying to sound cheerful.

“Esha, hi!” His voice was warm, but I could hear the worry underlying his tone. “How are you holding up? I heard about the fight.”

“I’m managing,” I replied, forcing a light tone. “It’s just the same old stuff, you know?”

“I wish I could be there to help you through this,” he said. “It’s tough for me, too, knowing I’m so far away and can’t do anything.”

I swallowed hard, feeling a pang of bitterness. “If you care so much, why didn’t you come back? Why didn’t you help me?”

There was a pause on the other end. “You know I would if I could. My studies are demanding, and I’ve got commitments here. But I’m always here for you, Esha. You can talk to me about anything.”

“I know,” I said quietly. “It’s just hard sometimes. I feel so alone.”

“You’re not alone,” he reassured me. “You’ve got me, and I’m always a call away. Just hang in there. Things will get better.”

“Thanks, Arjun,” I said, feeling a bit of the weight lift off my shoulders. “It means a lot to hear that.”

“Anytime,” he said. “Remember, I’m just a phone call away.”

After the call ended, I sat back, feeling a mixture of relief and frustration. Arjun's words were comforting, but they also made me question why he couldn’t be here physically. Why was I left to navigate this chaos alone? But I pushed those thoughts aside, trying to focus on something that brought me joy.

Ishaan. Just the thought of him made me smile. The way he had managed to be a beacon of light in my otherwise gloomy existence was something I cherished deeply. The fact that he was my unknown stranger made it all the more special. I had decided to give him space after our last encounter, worried that my behavior might have annoyed him. But just thinking about him made me laugh, and the simple act of imagining his guilty face brought a smile to my lips.

I fell asleep with thoughts of Ishaan, finding solace in the warmth he brought into my life. The next morning, the sun rose with its usual brightness, and I prepared myself for another routine day.

It was Sunday, and my mother had asked me to accompany her to the market for grocery shopping. I dressed in a comfortable yet stylish outfit: a light blue kurta paired with white leggings and simple sandals. It was the kind of attire that suited both practicality and my desire to look presentable. I grabbed my scooter keys and headed out, my mother already waiting for me.

“Chalo, Esha,” she said briskly. “We have a lot to get done today.”

As we rode to the market, the silence between us was palpable. My mother spoke more than usual, giving me a lecture on how I needed to start earning money, how college was a waste of time, and how I should consider taking private exams instead.

“Esha, you need to understand,” she said firmly. “It’s time you stopped relying on us and started contributing. College is overrated. You should look for a job.”

I clenched my jaw, fighting the urge to snap back. “Okay, Mom.”

She continued her tirade, discussing various ways I could become financially independent. I nodded along, feeling a growing resentment. My mother’s words felt like another layer of weight added to the burdens I already carried.

When we reached the market, the vibrant chaos of the place was a stark contrast to the quiet tension of the ride. Vendors called out their prices, colorful vegetables and fruits were spread out in neat rows, and the air was filled with the scents of spices and fresh produce.

My mother immediately began bargaining with the vendors, her voice animated and assertive. I followed her, trailing behind like a shadow. Despite the noise and activity, my thoughts were elsewhere. I felt a strange sensation, a warm yet intense gaze that seemed to focus on me. I glanced around, trying to pinpoint the source.

Then, I saw him. Ishaan, in the midst of the bustling market, standing with a smile that seemed to light up the place. How could he be here? It was surprising to see someone of his status in such an ordinary setting. I shook my head, signaling him not to approach, but he didn’t budge.

My mind raced with worries. What if he said something to my mother? What if he revealed his identity? The last thing I needed was more complications in my life. But Ishaan didn’t seem to care. He walked over to where my mother was arguing with a shopkeeper about the price of tomatoes.

“Namaste, aunty,” Ishaan said, his voice carrying a charm that made my mother look up in surprise.

She glanced at him, confusion and curiosity on her face. “Are you…?”

“I’m a friend of Esha’s,” he said smoothly. “I’ve been hearing you discuss prices, and I couldn’t help but step in.”

To my astonishment, Ishaan started negotiating on my mother’s behalf. His interactions with the vendors were both humorous and impressive. He made a stand about how shopkeepers often tried to overcharge customers and spoke with such confidence that the vendors acquiesced to his suggestions.

My mother’s attitude shifted. She seemed to admire his assertiveness and charm, which only added to my confusion. I watched, dumbfounded, as she began favoring his opinions over mine.

Ishaan turned to me, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “You look like you need a break. Everything alright?”

I couldn’t help but laugh, despite the awkwardness of the situation. “Yeah, just another day in the life of Esha.”

As we continued shopping, I found myself enjoying the unexpected twist of having Ishaan in the market. His presence was a comforting distraction from the usual stress of my life. The market seemed a bit brighter, the air a bit lighter, with him around.

When we finally finished and were on our way back, I felt a strange mix of relief and excitement. Ishaan’s appearance had brought a much-needed sense of normalcy to my chaotic world. But as I looked at him, a question lingered in my mind—what was he doing there, and what did it mean for the future?

The day ended with more questions than answers, leaving me eager to unravel the mysteries that lay ahead.

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To be continued....