One more week passed with Ashta busy in her new project.
Her NGO, "MindHeal," was taking shape, a beacon of hope for mental health awareness.
She spent long hours researching, planning, and collaborating with experts.Day and night, she worked tirelessly, fueled by determination.
Her team admired her dedication, and progress was swift. The distraction helped; thoughts of Ayan faded into the background.
Ashta's focus was on creating a safe space for mental health discussions.A platform for people to share their stories without fear of judgment.
MindHeal's mission statement began to take form"Empowering minds, healing souls."Ashta's passion poured into every aspect of the NGO.
From logo design to outreach programs,She was fully invested Until one day, as Ashta sat at her desk, reviewing documents.Rhea barged into her cabin, anger etched on her face.
The door slammed shut behind her, making Ashta jump.Rhea's eyes blazed with intensity.
"Ashta, we need to talk," Rhea spat. Her voice was low and menacing.
Ashta's heart skipped a beat.She set aside her papers, her hands folding calmly."What brings you here, Rhea?" Ashta asked her tone was neutral.
Rhea's gaze pierced Ashta's."Ayan," Rhea said.
The name hung in the air heavy with unspoken emotions.
Ashta's expression remained composed waiting for Rhea to continue but Rhea's anger seemed to simmer bubbling just below the surface ready to erupt anytime.
Rhea's face twisted in rage, her eyes blazing with intensity."You bitch of a person!" she spat, venom dripping from her words.
Ashta's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat."You're a curse!" Rhea continued, her voice rising.
"You snatched my love!" she accused, her finger jabbing at Ashta.Ashta's face paled, her heart racing with every word.
Rhea's curses escalated, each one cutting deeper. "You're a manipulative, selfish, wicked woman!" she hissed.Ashta's composure began to crumble, her inner turmoil surfacing.
The venom in Rhea's voice awakened a familiar pain.A pain Ashta thought she'd buried deep within. Her mother's words echoed in her mind, haunting her.
"You're the reason your father left."
"You're worthless."
"You're a curse."
Ashta's childhood memories resurfaced, the anguish she'd endured the self-doubt, the fear, the shame.Rhea's anger unleashed a torrent of emotions, and Ashta felt herself drowning."You think you're so perfect?" Rhea sneered.
"But you're nothing!" she spat."Ayan was mine!" she claimed, her voice piercing.
Rhea's words pounded against Ashta's fragile calm, threatening to shatter her.Ashta's breath caught in her throat, her heart racing.Her mind reeling, her thoughts scattering.She felt like that lost child again, cowering under her mother's wrath. Ashta's vision blurred, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes.Rhea's rage consumed the space, leaving Ashta gasping for air.
For solace.
For escape.
From the turmoil that had resurfaced.
With Rhea's final, biting words."You'll never have him!" she snarled.Ashta's world went dark, her past and present colliding.
In agony.
YOU ARE READING
A Tale Of Hidden Scars ✔️
Short Story*Ashta* Entrepreneur | Complex Soul Ashta, a striking and enigmatic figure in her late 20s, is a self-made businesswoman with a razor-sharp mind and a penchant for control. Her raven-black hair and piercing eyes command attention, but beneath her po...
