Broken promises

Ch-04

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Kirti's heart raced, her tears blurring the chaotic scene of students dispersing for the day. Every face seemed to judge her, confirming her newfound isolation. Spotting Prithvi by the buses, she pushed through the crowd, breathless.

"Prithvi, we need to talk," she whispered urgently.

He noticed her disheveled appearance and asked, "Kirti, calm down. What's wrong?"

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she confessed, "It's Sahu and Lohitaksh. They made everyone leave me."

His jaw tightened in frustration. "They want you to choose between them and me?"

Kirti nodded, her voice trembling. "They said if I stay friends with them, I have to leave you."

Prithvi held her face gently, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Look at me. Those friends don’t deserve you. I’ll never leave you."

"Promise?" she whispered, vulnerability lacing her words.

"Promise. We’re in this together," he replied, his sincerity evident.

Flashback Ends

Devika's voice broke the silence, soft and understanding. "You had such a beautiful bond."

Kirti managed a brittle smile. "Sometimes, beautiful bonds are just facades," she whispered, her eyes welling up again.

"He promised he'd always be there, but promises are easily broken," she continued, a tear slipping down her cheek. Devika reached out, wanting to comfort her, but hesitated, sensing Kirti’s retreat into silence.

The school bell rang, jolting Kirti from her thoughts. She rose, feeling numb. Basketball practice would provide a distraction, a way to escape the turmoil. As she joined her teammates, their chatter felt distant, echoing in her mind while she wrestled with her emotions — anger, betrayal, and a flickering hope for answers.

During practice, Kirti’s focus wavered. Her coach’s voice barely registered, and she moved mechanically, her passion for the game overshadowed by Prithvi’s broken promises.

During a break, she checked her phone — a missed call from Prithvi. For a moment, hope sparked in her chest, but the memory of his vague explanations and unfulfilled assurances clouded her mind with betrayal.

Clenching her fists, she resolved not to let him manipulate her again. Basketball was her refuge, and she wouldn’t allow him to ruin it. She squared her shoulders, determination coursing through her. She wouldn’t lose herself.

Practice resumed, and Kirti played with fierce intensity, impressing her teammates. Each successful basket chipped away at her pain, replaced by a growing sense of defiance.

After the final whistle, her phone vibrated in her pocket — a message from Prithvi: "I'm sorry. Can we talk? Meet me after practice?"

Kirti hesitated, her heart battling between longing and self-preservation. Finally, she typed back, "No." Tucking her phone away, she felt a sense of relief wash over her. She went to change, the weight on her shoulders feeling just a little lighter.