Timeless Bonds : Dhruv Tara × Arjun

1. The fleeting moments

London,

Tara's heart raced as she pushed open the door to Pratap's apartment. The dim light revealed him snuggled in the arms of a stranger woman. She clenched her fists, anger and betrayal bubbling inside her.

"Pratap," she said, her voice trembling. "What is this?"

He woke up, panic in his eyes. "Tara, I can explain—"

She cut him off. "Explain? You've been lying to me all along!" She pointed at the woman, "Who is she? How long has this been going on?"

Pratap stammered, but Tara wasn't listening. Her mind raced, memories of their laughter, their shared secrets, now tainted. She had trusted him, believed in their love and friendship. And now it was shattered.

"You don't get it," she whispered, tears welling up. "I loved you, Pratap. But you—" Her voice cracked. "You destroyed us. How could you behave like this?"

He reached for her, but she stepped back. "No," she said, her heart breaking. "I won't let you hurt me anymore."

Tara turned and walked away, leaving Pratap behind. The pain would linger, but she'd survive. Love had betrayed her, but she'd find a way to heal.

And in the quiet of her empty apartment, Tara wept for what was lost, for the love that had turned to ashes. The confrontation had left scars, but she'd rise from them, stronger and wiser.

Sometimes, heartbreak was the price of love.

The days that followed were a blur for Tara. The apartment they had once shared felt cavernous, its walls echoing with memories. She avoided social gatherings, afraid of running into Pratap or anyone who knew them as a couple. Tara decided to return to India, despite being accepted for her dream job.

🌠⋋✿ ⁰ • ⁰ ✿⋌🌌

A week later, 

Delhi, 

The anklets jingled as she ran across the glassy hallways. The floors seemed to ripple like water.

The walls and ceilings were embellished with beautiful frescoes and murals. The soft murmur of voices telling tales of love, bravery, and magic.

A sword twisted through her body. Loud screams echoed in the grand hallways as the floor drenched in blood.

Tara woke up panting. Sweat beads formed on her forehead, her hand trembled as she reached for the glass of water. A knot in her stomach deepened with fear. She was tired of this recurring nightmare. She had hoped that a change in place would help her forget the betrayal, but it had been difficult. 

Pratap's cheating had been a big blow to her self esteem. She had known him all her life as a friend, a year into relationship and all that wasted just for a night? She despised his guts.

And these recurring nightmares, where someone always ends up dying was the last straw. Her mind was in a dark place and she wanted to do the unthinkable. Her heart was heavy.

With trembling hands she dialled a number. It went unanswered. Fresh tears welled up her eyes. Not even Bhaiya wants to talk to me. Her mind told her. You are useless. Nobody wants you.

Tara stood at the window of the hotel suite. She looked below. 15 floors. Her heart pounded and she took a step back. She picked her phone again, dialling another number.

"Hello, you've reached the helpline. My name is Dhruv. How can I help you?" A silky smooth, kind voice answered.

Tara felt a strange sense of relief hearing his voice. "I... I don't know if I can do this anymore. But I don't wanna die."