Phoenix - Abhira Sharma's journey

Respect

The soft light of the late afternoon filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a warm glow across the bedroom.Abhira sat on the edge of the couch, her fingers nervously tracing the seams of her dress. Across from her, Armaan slumped in an armchair, his eyes fixed on the floor, avoiding her gaze.

"Armaan," she began, her voice steady but tinged with hurt. "We need to talk."

He looked up briefly, then dropped his gaze again. "I'm listening."

Abhira swallowed hard. "Since we got married, you've been distant. It's like you're a million miles away."

Armaan shifted uncomfortably, the silence stretching between them. "I've been busy. Work's been... stressful."

"Busy? Or are you just trying to avoid the truth?" She leaned forward, desperation creeping into her voice. "I know your sad about maa's words But I thought we were stronger than that."

Armaan's shoulders tensed, a flicker of anger in his eyes. "It's not that simple, Abhira. She"

"She what? Doesn't want her son to be happy because I can't give him children?" Her voice cracked, a mix of frustration and sorrow bubbling to the surface. "You stood up to her when we got married. I thought you believed in us."

"I did! I still do," Armaan replied, but his tone was defensive, lacking conviction.

"Then why do I feel like I'm losing you?" She glanced at the framed photos on the wall-smiling faces, moments frozen in time, now a stark contrast to their reality.

"I just... I just want some time to figure out things," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. " I never expected maa to behave like this and I don't want to lose her."

Abhira felt her heart clench. "So avoiding me will make maa happier is it? Why did you marry me with so many big words and promises when you have to behave like this with me"

"No! All my promises are real!" Armaan stood abruptly, pacing around the room. "I'm trying to keep the peace."

"By ignoring me?" Abhira rose to her feet, her voice rising. "You can't keep everyone happy, Armaan. Not at the cost of our marriage."

Armaan turned to her, frustration boiling over. "I didn't ask for this! I thought you understood how complicated family is!"

"I thought I was part of your family," Abhira shot back, tears stinging her eyes. "But it feels like I'm the outsider. You're pushing me away, and I can't keep waiting for you to come back to me."

Silence hung heavy between them, a chasm filled with unspoken words. Abhira felt the weight of her decision pressing down on her. She had spent so long trying to fit into a mold that wasn't hers, contorting herself to please others.

"I can't do this anymore," Abhira finally said, her voice steady but resolute. "I deserve to be loved fully, without conditions. I'm going to focus on my career, on myself. I can't keep living in this limbo."

Armaan's face paled, realization dawning. "Abhira, wait"

"No, Armaan" She took a step back, feeling a strange sense of clarity wash over her. "I need to leave. I need to find out who I am without this constant doubt and heartache."

As she walked toward the door, Abhira glanced back one last time, her heart aching for the man she once thought she knew. But she couldn't lose herself in the process. Her mother had thought her better.She opened the door, stepping out into the cool evening air, ready to reclaim her life.

I tried to warm up to armaan for a long time I almost did still the latest twist came. Man child behaviour guy has, I understand his trauma and all but does he understand abhira's situation and he doesn't have any empathy. Why is abhira's pain ignored, she is not able to become a mother plus she has to handle his and his mother's whatever drama. I'm done, abhira just walk away. Men who can only speak big words of love but has zero actions after winning the love is not worth at all.Abhira deserves better.