The Taste Of Solitude

Shattered ties-

In the final round for contendership, only Miraal, Rashmi, and Shefali Jariwala remained in the running. As Bigg Boss announced, *"Aakhri chitthi aayi hai Miraal ke ghar se,"* the place  fell silent. Miraal, filled with anticipation, picked up the post box, which was layered with empty envelopes. Hidden beneath them all was the actual letter from her family, stirring up hope and emotion as all of them  searched for that one precious connection of hers as an opportunity for their gain.

Author's pov

As Bigg Boss announces that the final letter is from Miraal Jaffer's family, the room goes silent. Miraal's face shifts, her usual guarded expression breaking into one of vulnerability and hope. Memories of her mother's warmth and her father's cold distance rush to the surface, filling her with an overwhelming need to connect with her family, even if just through written words. She glances over at Asim, who holds the letter, her eyes pleading without words.

Asim stands there, conflicted. He knows this letter holds deep meaning for Miraal, but he also sees a golden opportunity for his own gain—the chance to secure a contendership in the captaincy of the house. His gaze shifts between Miraal and the shredder, feeling the weight of his choice. Then, in a calculated move, he turns and places the letter in the shredder, pressing down as the machine whirs to life, tearing the paper to pieces.

Miraal's face crumples, her eyes widening in disbelief. For a moment, she stands frozen, trying to process what he's just done. Her heart sinks as she watches the last connection to her family be destroyed before her. It's not just a letter; it's the chance to feel close to her mother, to perhaps even heal some of the pain from her father's silence. Tears well up in her eyes as the betrayal hits her.

Asim stands firm, attempting to brush off the moment with a forced calmness, but his unease is evident. Other housemates watch, some with disapproval, while Miraal, shattered, quietly walks away, clutching the emptiness left in place of the words she'll never get to read.

In the secret room,
Fahmaan and Sidharth watch the task unfold on the screen as Asim shreds Miraal's letter. Fahmaan's face darkens with anger, and he clenches his fists, unable to hide his frustration.

"Yaar, yeh Asim ne kya kar diya! Uske liye kitna important tha woh letter. Samajhta kyun nahi woh?" Fahmaan stares at the screen, his voice laced with anger and pain.

Sidharth sighed and said , "Bhai, Miraal ke liye yeh sirf task nahi tha. Us letter main woh last connection tha uske family ka jo bas yaadon mein hai."

"Bhai, mann kar raha hai jaake uske saath khada hoon, bas... woh jaane ki woh akeli nahi hai." His voice softens, clearly showing his hidden feelings.

Sidharth smirking knowingly said , "Acha? Yaar tujhe toh sach mein kuch zyada hi lagta hai uske liye." He nudges Fahmaan, attempting to lighten the mood. "Lekin main samajhta hoon, woh sach mein deserve karti hai koi jo uska saath de."

Fahmaan trying to hide his feelings said , "Bas yaar, main usko aur tension nahi dena chahta abhi. Woh already itna kuch handle kar rahi hai."

Sidharth placing a hand on Fahmaan's shoulder told him ,
"Arre, tu tension mat le, tujhe pata hai woh tera saath feel kar legi. Woh strong hai, lekin ek insaan ko hamesha yeh bhi chahiye hota hai ki koi uske saath hai. Aur waise bhi... kabhi toh tu apne dil ki baat bolega."

Fahmaan smiling faintly, looking back at the screen "Haan, kabhi toh..."

Sidharth notices Fahmaan's silent turmoil, smirking knowingly. "Bhai, tujhe toh sach mein kuch kuch hota hai, haan? Woh toh main kabse dekh raha hoon. Par ab toh kuch bol bhi do usse."

Fahmaan quickly looks away, a faint blush creeping onto his cheeks. "Kuch bhi nahi, bhai... bas, woh... bas uske saath aise hota hai toh bardaasht nahi hota."