Dil ki Dilli

External Challenges

Life felt blissfully perfect. Rohan's café was thriving, a beacon of warmth and creativity nestled in Hauz Khas, and our relationship blossomed, each day deepening the connection we shared. Laughter often filled the air as we worked side by side, dreams intertwining like the vines of the jasmine that adorned the café’s entrance.

But one evening, as we strolled hand in hand through the vibrant streets of Hauz Khas, a familiar face emerged from the crowd, her presence slicing through the air like a chilling breeze.

“Rohan, long time no see,” a sleekly dressed woman purred, her voice dripping with a sophistication that set my nerves on edge.

Rohan’s expression shifted instantly, a guarded look flickering in his eyes. “Nisha. What brings you here?”

Nisha’s gaze flicked to me, lingering just a heartbeat too long. “Just catching up with old friends,” she replied, her smile icy and insincere.

I sensed the tension between them, a palpable charge that sent a shiver down my spine.

“Nisha, this is Avni,” Rohan introduced, his tone neutral, but I could hear the strain beneath it.

“Lovely to meet you, Avni. Rohan’s told me so much about you,” Nisha said, her words laced with condescension as if she were examining me under a microscope.

As they exchanged pleasantries, my heart raced with the realization that Nisha was Rohan’s ex-girlfriend, a shadow from his past that had suddenly resurfaced. I felt a pang of insecurity twist in my stomach, like a tight knot pulling at the threads of our happiness.

That night, Rohan sensed my unease and wrapped his arms around me, grounding me in his warmth. “Avni, Nisha means nothing to me. You’re the one I love,” he reassured, his voice tender as he brushed a strand of hair behind my ear.

But despite his soothing words, Nisha’s reappearance sparked a tumult of doubts. Was Rohan truly over her?

Days slipped by, yet Nisha’s presence became increasingly pronounced. She began to frequent Rohan’s café, her sharp tongue making snide remarks that chipped away at my confidence.

“Rohan, you deserve better than a small-time blogger,” she’d say, her voice dripping with malice as she leaned against the counter, pretending to admire the pastries while her eyes cut through me like glass.

Each time Rohan defended me, asserting his love and commitment, I felt a flicker of hope. Yet, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Nisha was a storm cloud, hanging ominously over our sunlit days.

“Avni, don’t let Nisha get to you. Rohan loves you,” Sanju said one evening, sensing the turmoil that churned within me. Her words were meant to soothe, but the lingering questions gnawed at my heart: Was Rohan’s past truly behind him, or was I merely a rebound in the shadow of a love that had once consumed him?

One evening, as we diligently worked on our project at the café, Rohan’s phone buzzed insistently on the table.

“Nisha again?” I asked, irritation creeping into my voice as I glanced at the screen.

Rohan sighed, running a hand through his hair in exasperation. “Avni, I’ll handle it,” he said, stepping outside to take the call, leaving me feeling frustrated and alone with my swirling thoughts.

As I packed up our things, my heart thudded loudly in my chest. Suddenly, a text from an unknown number flashed across my phone, the words sharp and taunting.

“Rohan’s still mine. Back off.”

Nisha.

My heart sank, a heavy weight settling in my chest. Each word felt like a dagger, twisting painfully as the insecurities that had begun to surface now loomed larger than life. Rohan’s words echoed in my mind—he loved me, he wanted a future with me—but what if the shadows of his past had not fully retreated?

The doubt began to swell, threatening to drown the love we had built together. I stared at the message, the reality of Nisha’s presence clawing at the edges of our perfect world. Would I have to fight for the love that felt so right? Or was it already slipping through my fingers like sand?

As I stood there, caught in a whirlwind of emotions, I knew one thing for certain: I needed to confront Rohan and discover the truth, no matter the cost.