Ruh ki Thirkan

Chapter 36: Torn Between Worlds

The night was calm, with the city lights casting a gentle glow over the streets. Ishika and Arav had shared a tender moment, their feelings laid bare under the starlit sky. The future seemed bright and full of possibilities, but fate had other plans.

As Ishika prepared to leave for the night, her phone buzzed with an incoming call. The screen displayed her father's name, and a knot of anxiety tightened in her chest. She answered, trying to steady her voice.

"Hello, Papa."

Her father's voice was firm and unyielding. "Ishika, we need to talk. There's been a development with the business that requires your immediate attention."

Ishika's heart sank. "What's going on?"

"We've secured a major contract in Paris. It's crucial for the company's expansion, and we need you to go there to oversee the setup of our new branch," her father said, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. "This means you'll have to stop your dancing and focus solely on this project."

Ishika's mind raced. "But, Papa, I've been working so hard on my dance career. It's everything to me."

"There's no time for this, Ishika. The business is our priority. You're leaving tonight."

The finality in her father's voice was crushing. Ishika felt tears welling up as she tried to process the demand. "But... I can't just leave everything behind like this."

"You have no choice," her father insisted. "Pack your things and get to the airport. I'm sorry, but this is non-negotiable."

The call ended abruptly, leaving Ishika in stunned silence. Her hands shook as she hung up, her vision blurring with tears. The weight of her father's words settled heavily on her shoulders. She had hoped for a future where she could balance both her passion for dance and her family responsibilities, but it seemed that was no longer an option.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. There was no time to waste. She packed a few essentials, her movements mechanical and numb. As she packed, she felt a deep sense of loss and despair. Every item she packed was a reminder of the life she was leaving behind.

She glanced around her apartment, the space that had been a sanctuary for her dreams and aspirations. The memories of her time with Arav and Raj played in her mind, each moment a painful reminder of what she was leaving behind.

Once her bags were packed, Ishika made her way to the airport, her heart heavy with sorrow. The city outside seemed to blur as she drove, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. She couldn't bear the thought of saying goodbye to Arav or Raj, but she knew she had to leave without informing them.

The night was cloaked in darkness, and the bustling city of Mumbai seemed to pulse with a life of its own. The streets were illuminated by the shimmering lights of shops and restaurants, casting a warm glow that contrasted sharply with the cold, empty feeling inside Ishika’s chest. As she made her way through the city towards the airport, every step felt heavier, weighed down by the gravity of her decision.

Ishika had always envisioned her departure differently—a dramatic exit with grand gestures and tearful farewells. But instead, her departure was shrouded in secrecy, a necessity to avoid the confrontations she was unprepared for. Her heart was in turmoil as she navigated through the crowded terminal, her suitcase rolling behind her with a rhythm that seemed to echo her despair.

She arrived at the airport, her movements automatic as she checked in and went through security. Her mind was a whirl of fragmented thoughts—memories of Arav’s piercing gaze, the warmth of Raj’s friendship, and the overwhelming pressure from her family to uphold their business legacy. The burden of leaving her dreams behind was almost too much to bear.

As she waited in the departure lounge, Ishika sat in a corner, trying to find some semblance of peace. The harsh fluorescent lights above made her feel exposed, and the quiet hum of travelers and announcements did little to soothe her nerves. She pulled out her phone, scrolling through old photos of the dance studio, the place that had once felt like a sanctuary. Each image was a reminder of what she was leaving behind.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a call from her father. She answered hesitantly, her voice trembling.

“Ishika,” her father’s stern voice came through the receiver. “Are you on your way?”

“Yes, Papa,” she replied, trying to keep her tone steady. “I’m at the airport now.”

“Good. Make sure you handle everything there properly. The business is depending on you,” he instructed, his voice leaving no room for negotiation. “Remember, this is not a vacation. We have a reputation to uphold.”

“I understand,” Ishika said, her voice barely above a whisper. She ended the call, staring blankly at the phone for a moment before slipping it back into her bag.

As her flight was called for boarding, Ishika rose from her seat, casting one last look at the city she had come to love. The thought of Arav, Raj, and the life she was leaving behind brought a fresh wave of tears to her eyes. She had tried to convince herself that this was for the best, that her family’s expectations were paramount, but the reality of her decision was sinking in with a weight she hadn’t fully anticipated.

She boarded the plane and took her seat by the window, trying to find solace in the thought that she was doing what was expected of her. The aircraft taxied down the runway, and as it lifted off, she gazed out at the shrinking city below, feeling a profound sense of loss.

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