Kavya stood at the edge of the balcony, gazing out at the vast expanse of the Sahyadri mountains. The moon cast an eerie glow on the landscape, as if trying to reach out to her. She felt trapped, like a bird in a gilded cage, suffocated by the expectations of others.
As she stood there, memories of her childhood flooded her mind. Memories of laughter and tears, of dreams and aspirations. She had wanted to be an artist, to paint the world with vibrant colors. But her parents had deemed it impractical, a hobby, not a career. Kavya's heart ached as she thought about the life she had left behind.
Her parents had hailed her marriage to Vikram as a great match, securing their financial future. But Kavya felt uneasy, sacrificing her dreams for practicality. She had tried to convince herself that it was the right decision, that she would learn to love Vikram, but the doubt lingered. As she turned to go back inside, her eyes caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. The perfect smile, the impeccable makeup, the elegant saree - all a disguise for the turmoil brewing inside.
Kavya's mind wandered to the argument she had with her mother earlier that day. "Why can't you be more like your cousin, Priya?" her mother had asked. Priya, the perfect daughter, the perfect wife. Kavya felt a surge of anger and resentment. Why couldn't she be herself? Why did she have to conform to societal expectations? The questions swirled in her mind, but she knew she couldn't find the answers tonight.
As she walked back into the opulent living room, Kavya felt like an outsider. The lavish decorations, the expensive furniture, all seemed hollow. She thought of her friends, her old friends, the ones she had left behind. They were living their dreams, chasing their passions. While she was stuck in this gilded cage, living a life that wasn't hers.
Vikram's voice echoed in her mind, "Kavya, you're a reflection of our family. Always remember that." The words stung, a constant reminder of her duty. She felt like a pawn in a game, a game she didn't understand. As she navigated the complexities of her new life, Kavya struggled to maintain her identity. She felt lost, adrift in a sea of expectations.
The sound of Vikram's voice broke the spell. "Kavya, come inside. It's late." Kavya took a deep breath and turned to face her husband. She knew she had to put on a smile, to pretend everything was fine. But for how long? The mask was slipping, and Kavya knew it.
As she entered the living room, Kavya was greeted by Vikram's parents. They smiled and asked about her day, but Kavya knew it was all a facade. They didn't care about her; they only cared about their family's reputation.
Kavya's heart sank as she realized she was trapped. Trapped in a life she didn't want, with people she didn't love. The thought sent a shiver down her spine.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur. Kavya went through the motions, pretending to be the perfect wife. But inside, she was screaming.
As the night drew to a close, Kavya retreated to her bedroom. She locked the door and let out a sigh of relief. Finally, she was alone.
But as she looked around the opulent room, Kavya felt a pang of sadness. This wasn't her home. This wasn't her life.
YOU ARE READING
||•MOONLIT SHADOWS •||
Adventure"In the shadows of Sahyadri's misty mountains, a secret simmers. Kavya's seemingly perfect life unravels, revealing a tangled web of love, lies, and longing. Will she find courage to break free, or will the silence consume her?"
