INVISIBLE STRINGS // SARAJ

usual taunts

Rajat sighed as he kicked off his shoes in front of his house, his thoughts still a mess after the spectacle he'd just witnessed. Faint chatter floated from inside, and he rolled his eyes, knowing his mother was probably caught up in some new drama.

Sure enough, the moment he stepped in, Bhagyashree announced, "Another marriage proposal for Savi! These Chavans never learn, do they?"

Rajat raised an eyebrow at her. "Mummy, why are you so worked up? It's their business, not ours."

The Chavans lived just down the street from the Thakkars, and Shree, being well-connected in the community, seemed to have her ear in every household's affairs—much to Rajat's irritation. She muttered something about "useless sons" under her breath and went back to gossiping with Tara, Rajat's younger sister. Rajat tuned out their whispers, though he couldn't help but recall that Savi always managed to evade these proposals in the most dramatic fashion, whether by ruining dinner or sneaking out of her window.

He wondered what she'd do this time.

"Acha, Rajat, return this box to the Chavans," Shree suddenly ordered, yanking him out of his thoughts. "And maybe see what's going on while you're there."

"No, Maa!" Rajat protested, shaking his head. But Shree wasn't having it. After a brief back-and-forth, she picked up a rolling pin and brandished it menacingly. Grumbling, Rajat grabbed the box and trudged toward the Chavan house.

Unfortunately for him, he arrived just as the potential groom and his family were stepping into Chavan Niwas. He cursed under his breath, debating whether to turn around, but just then Bhavani Chavan stepped out. Instinctively, Rajat ducked behind a pillar, trying to avoid being spotted. Bhavani gave a quick look around, locked the door, and went back inside.

Rajat let out a sigh of relief and was about to leave when something made him stop dead in his tracks—Savi. She was descending the stairs, wearing a dark green saree that clung to her figure, her hair cascading in loose curls around her shoulders. She looked nothing like the teasing, playful girl he was used to. She seemed quiet, almost demure, her eyes downcast. Rajat had never seen her like this before.

His gaze flicked to the groom, a frown tugging at his lips. The guy didn't seem like Savi's type at all. But maybe... maybe this time she actually liked the groom. Maybe that's why she was so calm. He pressed his lips together, nodding to himself. If she liked him, she might actually get married and leave for good.

He would finally have some peace.

But just as Rajat turned to leave, he heard it—the opening beat of Chikni Chameli. His eyes widened, and he spun back around. Gripping the window railing, he watched in disbelief as Savi started dancing, her hips swaying perfectly in time with the music.

There was no way she was doing this.

A grin spread across his face as he watched her perform with exaggerated emotions, clearly putting on a bigger show than usual. One glance at the elders and he had to bite back a laugh. Pulling out his phone, he started recording the scene, silently shaking with laughter.

But even as the humor settled, he couldn't help but notice how well she danced—her movements fluid, her hips alluring as they followed the beat. She was beautiful, undeniably so, and that realization hit him like a bucket of cold water. Embarrassed by the sudden thought, he decided it was time to leave before things got even more ridiculous.

The song was winding down, and though Rajat usually enjoyed watching Savi get into trouble, he didn't want to stick around for the aftermath of this performance. He quickly turned and dashed toward the front gate, slipping out before anyone could notice.

When Rajat arrived home, his mother was waiting, as expected. She glanced at him, curious. "Kya hua? Did you see anything interesting?"

Rajat just shook his head, thinking of Savi's dramatic dance and how she managed to make even marriage proposals chaotic. A chuckle slipped out, and he went upstairs without another word, shutting his door behind him. He needed some quiet after all that.

***

Savi stood in the living room, her face flushed as she  knew another row with her Badi Ajji was coming, but this time Savi was going to hold her ground. 

Bhavani stared at her with a look that could freeze fire. "Yeh kya tamasha tha, Savi? Aur kitne proposals tum kharaab karogi?" 

Savi, arms crossed, protectively. "Aap logon ko samajh mein kyun nahi aata ki mujhe shaadi nahi karni? I want to finish my studies."

"Studies!" Bhavani scoffed, waving her hand dismissively. "Tumhare studies ka kya? Tumhare saath ki ladkiyan sab shaadi kar ke settled ho chuki hain.Humara yaha padhai ka kuch nahi hai, aap ki aai ki tarah tum bhi humara khaandan ko badnaam karna chahte ho? Aur tum—"

"Meri Aai ki bare mein kuch nahi sunoonga. And I'm sick of these proposals!" Savi interrupted, her voice rising. "Every time a rishta comes, you expect me to just sit there, say yes, and marry some stranger. That's not happening."

Bhavani stepped forward, her voice dropping to a low, dangerous tone. "Tumhare parents hotey toh aaj tum yeh sab nahi kar rahi hoti. They would have seen reason."

Savi felt her throat tighten, and just as she was about to retort, Bhavani's hand struck her cheek in a stinging slap. Savi stumbled back, eyes wide, but more from the hurt in her heart than the physical pain.

"You forget your place, Savi. You live under my roof, and you'll follow my rules." Bhavani's voice was final, but Savi's resolve had already hardened.

Without another word, Savi turned and stormed upstairs to her room. The tears she tried to hold back poured out the moment she shut the door. She pressed her palms against her face, muffling the sobs, feeling the weight of everything. It wasn't just about the marriage proposals; it was the suffocating control, the loss of her parents, and the feeling of being trapped in a life she didn't want.

She sat on the edge of her bed, hugging her knees, whispering, "I miss you Aai, Baba" The silence of her room seemed to mock her. She needed to get out, to breathe.

Savi's eyes welled up with tears, but she refused to let them fall in front of everyone. Instead, she spun on her heel and ran upstairs, her heart pounding as she tried to fight back the emotions bubbling to the surface.

Once she was in the safety of her room, the dam broke. She collapsed on her bed, burying her face in her hands as tears streamed down her cheeks. "I miss you, Maa... Papa..." she whispered, her voice shaking. Everything felt overwhelming, and for the first time in a long while, Savi felt completely alone.

That night, with her cheek still stinging and her emotions in turmoil, Savi made a decision. She would sneak out again—just to get away from the suffocating weight of everything around her.

***

PLEASE VOTE AND COMMENT! your feedback is everything to me and let me know if there's anything you want incorporated into he story <3