Seasons- Golden Hours

🌻Escape Route🌻

Eshani 

I wanted an escape route to leave India and I have never been more desperate to do so. Its been so long now to be painting the excuse of clients on my parents. 

I met Adhira at Mehra Uncle's birthday and her news of being in relationship with Samar got disclosed. She is in love with him but there was something off about the way she hugged me when I got so excited over their relationship. 

But all that came into light when Adhira and Samar got separated after some days. Everything made sense why Adhira was tensed about them. Aarav bhai, Vedansh, Mahika, Vaidehi all of us were sitting in the room as she was crying. 

Vedansh was blaming her for doing what she did and left the room in frustration. So did Aarav bhai. They said she did a mistake by taking the blame of his parents on her but I get it. 

Adhira is someone born out of love unlike me or Samar who are only valid when we bring something on the table. 

"I- I will leave the country." Her words ring in my ears more than once and my heartbeat stops. 

"I will come with you." I let my words sink down as they reach my own ears. Her tears filled eyes, her sparkle, her innocence. I need to be by her side but this is not the only reason why I am going. 

I just need to go out from this country as soon as possible. She agrees but I know my family would not do it even if I kneel down and beg them. 

***

"What? London? Why would you go to London? It's been more than 3 years Eshani! you keep stretching your masters. Have you failed in your final semester?" I clench my eyes as my parents keep blabbering. 

The covering and body shaper are making me sweat... I am trying to make me look like a B cup when I am clearly not. 

"Mom-"

"I will get you married and I don't care if you don't get your degree." My father keeps the newspaper down and announce. 

"Well mom it is important because I have someone in London." I whisper, my tone down. 

"Who?" My vision turns blurry, I blink it away. 

"You see- I- managed to- A guy- A guy it's a guy." I turn submissive so that they feel powerful against me. That's how you deal with a narcissistic person. 

"A guy? He is going to marry you?" I nod, hesitantly giving them the power to decide. 

"He loves me and- he won't ask for dowry and he is rich- very rich.. but-"

Tumne aisa waisa to kuch nahi kara? 

My mom's question shatter me into pieces. I went out from my dorm, bunked my classes, worked part time jobs but never let another man touch me. "No." My voice came out hushed and hoarse. 

"If you come without a ring in your hand then I will marry you to the first man I see." She declares and my heart comes out from my ribcage. 

If Adhira can grab a promotion, a man, manage to break her heart, decide to leave the country, start afresh... 

If Mahika can decide to own her own bakery and start a second branch in Mumbai... 

If Vaidehi can literally become a CEO in the given span of time... 

Eshani Sheoran can get a man on his knees too. 

I leave the room with a hope in my heart because these six months would change everything. At least something for me. 

***

London

I am living with Adhira in a flat. Life is good and she is doing better everyday. It isn't like she does not miss her boyfriend but she tries not to bring it too much. Mahika has stopped serving coffee because it reminds her of him.