**"From Clashes to Crushes: A Haryanvi & Punjabi Love Tale"**

Fractured Bonds

The evening had deepened, casting long shadows across the beach as Simran sat alone, her gaze lost in the darkening horizon. She replayed the events of the day, unable to shake the words that had been flung at her in anger and judgment. Today had been especially painful—her family, the people she had always tried to protect, had believed Preet's version of the story without a second thought. Yuvraj's harsh accusations echoed in her mind, along with his cold, unforgiving stare. It was as if he'd been waiting for the chance to finally tell her exactly how little she mattered.
Simran's heart ached as she thought about the years of love and loyalty she'd invested into her family, only for them to turn on her in an instant. She had never felt jealous of Preet, but tonight, it struck her just how deeply Preet's jealousy ran. She remembered their teenage years vividly. From the age of fifteen, Preet had been showered with affection and attention from everyone, constantly praised for her charm and beauty. Simran, on the other hand, had always been the hardworking, often invisible one. Her achievements were acknowledged but never celebrated like Preet's.Simran's mind drifted further back to the day she had launched her own company. It was the happiest moment of her life. Her parents had embraced her with pride, their eyes shining with love. **"You're going to make such a difference,"** her mother had whispered, clutching her tightly. Her father had patted her back with a smile that radiated pride, and for once, she had felt like she belonged, like her dreams were valid. But Preet's reaction had been nothing short of cold indifference. She had barely acknowledged Simran's achievement, dismissing it as a "good try" before shifting the conversation back to herself.But the jealousy simmering beneath Preet's mask of indifference had erupted today, with Preet accusing Simran of trying to sabotage her. When Simran had tried to defend herself, her family had looked at her as if she were guilty without question. It was as if all her efforts to be a good daughter and a loving sister had been erased.Simran hugged her knees, feeling a pang of loneliness. The memories were heavy, especially the ones she kept buried—the times she had resorted to self-harm as a teenager. She had never told anyone about that dark chapter of her life. Not her parents, not her friends. They hadn't seen her silent cries for help, hadn't noticed her sleepless nights spent wondering why she wasn't enough.Simran took a deep breath, steadying herself. **"I'm tired, Tired of always being the one who has to fight for everything."**---Meanwhile, back at the house, Preet was busy weaving her narrative. The family was gathered in the living room, and she was doing her best to paint herself as the innocent victim of Simran's alleged schemes. Preet's voice was soft, filled with feigned hurt as she spoke to Yuvraj, who stood at a distance, his expression unreadable.**"I just don't understand why Simran is so against me,"** Preet said, her voice wavering as she cast her eyes down, looking vulnerable. **"She's always been cold, dismissive... I've tried to be close to her, you know?"**Yuvraj crossed his arms, his jaw tight as he listened. He had heard variations of this story from Preet before, but something about her tone tonight struck a nerve.**"Maybe it's because she's always felt like she had to compete with you, Preet,"** Yuvraj offered, his voice laced with frustration. **"Maybe she thinks you get everything handed to you without even trying."**Preet's eyes flashed with irritation before she quickly masked it with a wounded look. **"I can't help how people feel about me, Yuvraj. And you know, Simran has always had this...this superiority complex. She thinks she's better than everyone."** Preet leaned closer to him, lowering her voice, as if sharing a secret. **"I'm not saying she's a bad person, but... I don't think she cares about anyone but herself."**Yuvraj glanced away, feeling a twinge of doubt. His memories of Simran clashed with the portrait Preet was painting. Simran was stubborn, yes, but selfish? That didn't sound like the woman he had known, the one who'd spent countless hours helping her family, even when she received no acknowledgment.**"You know,"** Preet continued, her tone sly, **"Simran's always been resentful that I get along with everyone so easily. She tries to act like she's above it all, but deep down, I think she's just jealous."**At that moment, Harpreet, Simran's aunt and Preet's mother, stepped into the conversation, her face drawn with concern but eyes gleaming with opportunity. **"I just don't know what's gotten into Simran these days,"** she sighed, her voice laced with mock disappointment. **"She's becoming more and more difficult, even with her own family."**Yuvraj clenched his fists, a feeling of irritation gnawing at him. He had grown up surrounded by loyalty and honor, values he had always admired. Hearing this constant back-and-forth made him feel trapped, as if he were being forced to choose sides in a battle he wanted no part in.Just as he was about to say something, Preet took another step closer, her hand resting lightly on his arm. **"You've been such a good friend to me, Yuvraj,"** she murmured, her voice soft, **"and I just... I appreciate you being here for me. It's hard dealing with someone like Simran."**Her touch was gentle, but it felt out of place, almost calculated. Yuvraj pulled his arm away, feeling a wave of discomfort. **"Look, Preet,"** he began, keeping his voice steady, **"I understand that you two have issues, but maybe it's time you both talk it out without dragging everyone else into it."**Preet's face fell, and Harpreet looked visibly offended, but Yuvraj didn't care. He was tired of the petty drama, of the constant he-said-she-said, especially when it came to someone like Simran, who had always been nothing if not straightforward.---Later that night, Yuvraj found himself alone in his room, the silence settling over him as he thought about Simran. He had said things to her today that he didn't mean, words fueled by frustration and confusion. He had accused her of things he knew, deep down, she would never do. And yet, he had let himself be drawn into Preet's drama, blinded by his own anger.He remembered the fire in Simran's eyes, the way she had looked at him with a mixture of hurt and defiance. In that moment, she had seemed like a stranger, someone he barely knew. But as he thought more about it, he realized that he had been the one pushing her away, unwilling to see the truth through the fog of accusations and lies.---Simran sat alone on the beach, the darkness enveloping her like a shroud. She felt a strange sense of release as she let her tears fall, allowing herself to feel the pain she had bottled up for so long. In the stillness of the night, she finally understood that she didn't need anyone's validation to be whole. Her worth wasn't defined by the opinions of others, least of all those who couldn't see her for who she truly was.But even as she resolved to move forward, a part of her ached for the connection she had lost with Yuvraj. She had thought he understood her, that he saw the real Simran beneath the strong exterior. But today had shattered that belief, leaving her feeling more alone than ever.With a heavy heart, Simran rose from the sand and made her way back to her car. She would go back, face her family, and show them that she wasn't someone to be disregarded. She had fought too hard to let anyone take away her sense of self.As she drove away from the beach, her mind wandered back to the words Yuvraj had said in anger. **"I hate you."** They echoed in her mind, twisting like a knife. But she was done being hurt by people who didn't appreciate her. It was time to build her own path, one that didn't rely on the approval of others.And somewhere, deep in her heart, a small, quiet voice whispered, **"Maybe one day, they'll understand."**