UNLIKELY PARTNERS( Smriti & Perry)

Unveiling the Shadows

Smriti navigated through the city streets with a quiet determination, her gaze fixed ahead as Perry sat beside her in the passenger seat. The drive was long, but Perry didn't mind; she knew that what awaited them was important for Smriti. As they arrived at the old apartment building, Perry noticed the age and wear of the structure. It was clear that this place held history, and she could sense its significance to Smriti.

The two of them climbed the stairs to the second floor, and Smriti unlocked the door to a modest apartment. Inside, the room was clean and orderly, with most of the furniture covered in white cloths. The walls were adorned with photographs, many of them showcasing a younger Smriti and a woman who must have been her mother. The woman was radiant, draped in a beautiful saree, and she looked remarkably like Smriti.

"Oh, you looked so cute, Smrits," Perry said, her eyes lingering on the photos.

Smriti managed a small smile, though her eyes were clouded with emotion. She pointed to a particular photo. "This one," she said, her voice wavering. "It's the last picture I took with my mom."

Perry's expression softened, a mix of sorrow and empathy crossing her face. "Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that."

Smriti took a deep breath, her emotions beginning to surface. "There's more you need to know, Pez. Please, sit down." She guided Perry to the sofa and sat beside her, reaching for Perry's hand. "I'm here for you, Smrits," Perry said, her voice gentle and supportive.

Smriti began to speak, her voice steady but filled with the weight of her past. "Let's start from the beginning. I was an only child, and my father... he was never happy about having a daughter. He was abusive, always drinking and lashing out. The violence at home was relentless. He would beat my mother, broke stuff, his anger knowing no bounds. Somehow, she managed to shield me from his rage. I often wonder if she did it because she loved me so much, or if she simply couldn't bear to see me suffer like she did."

Her gaze grew distant as she continued. "My mother was a teacher. She worked hard to keep our home running, handling everything herself. My father only came around when he needed money or wanted to take out his frustrations. I was fortunate, in a way, that he neglected me. If he had paid more attention to me, I might never have had the chance to pursue cricket."

Perry squeezed Smriti's hand, her eyes filled with understanding. "That sounds incredibly tough, Smrits."

Smriti nodded, tears welling up. "It was. But it was her death that really broke me. When I was sixteen, I was selected to play for the Indian team. I was overjoyed. I had finally achieved one of my dreams. I played a match against your team-you were injured, so you weren't there. I scored my maiden century, and I couldn't wait to tell my mom."

She paused, her breath catching in her throat. "When I came home that week, the door was open. I went inside, full of excitement, only to find my mother hanging from the fan. The sight was... devastating. The only person who had ever truly cared for me was gone."

Smriti's tears began to flow, and she shivered as she relived the memory. Perry wrapped her arms around Smriti, holding her close, offering silent comfort. "The only person I loved, and I lost her just like that," Smriti continued, her voice breaking. "I couldn't understand why she would do something like that. I asked the police for help, but they were of no use. I suspected something was wrong, she was a strong woman and would never commit suicide, I told police that I suspected my father had something to do with it and police didn't do anything because my father had bribed them, and I was just a teenager with no power or resources. I tried to investigate on my own, and my suspicion was confirmed when my father threatened me, saying he would kill me if I looked into it further."

Smriti wiped her tears, her face pale and pained. "Then came Shruti Rana. She seemed like a beacon of hope. She was kind and promised to help me. Shruti was a player for the Indian team, and she had a government job as a DSP through the sports quota. I told her everything, and she helped me with this. She made sure my father received a life sentence. I was so grateful to her. I could do anything for her."

She looked at Perry with a mixture of sadness and affection. "I had never trusted men because of what I had seen growing up, but Shruti was different. Her help and kindness won my trust, and I developed feelings for her. I was head over heels for her, and I thought she was my savior."

Perry listened intently, her expression a blend of concern and sympathy. "And what happened with Shruti?"

Smriti's gaze turned distant again, and she took a deep breath. "But then... I saw another side of her. The side she kept hidden from everyone. The cruel side, her true nature revealed itself in a way that shattered me once more."

She fell silent, the room filled with the weight of her unspoken pain. "Shruti..." tears rolled down Smriti's cheek and she was not able to speak further