When the stars align

A ray in darkness

San sat on the bed, all exhausted from the emotional weight of her thoughts and the intensity of her farewell message to Taehyung. She had cried herself empty. Accepting the fate that everything was over, whatever she had with Taehyung was over, even if it broke her heart.

Suddenly, a voice came from outside her room, breaking the silence inside. "San, come out. We need to talk."

She stepped out, feeling a heaviness settle in her chest as she walked into the living room, she saw her family gathered. Their expression is serious. Little did she know they were going to talk about her 'Roka'.

San sat on the couch next to her mom bracing herself as her father spoke "We are thinking about your 'Roka' Your in-laws suggested next month's date."

San bit her lips her lips trembling as she said "Whatever you decide, Am ok with that." Her voice trembled, barely hiding the sorrow and anger.

Her mom said, "We are asking if you have any exams at the end of next month."

San looked at her, feeling the flare of frustration. And said" Does it matter, I will skip them"

Her mom shot her a glare, strong look. Urging her to behave.

But San couldn't back any longer. She looked at them. Anger and sadness spilling out as she spoke." You said I don't have to say yes that it's just a meeting. But you pressured me till I said yes. You promised me marriage would take time and now within half a month you are planning my Roka."

She took a sharp breath, her voice barely holding back the flood of emotions. " I don't want this marriage, at least not now. I want to focus on my career why you are forcing me in this so soon? All I've heard is that I will end up a housewife like others."

Her father interrupted her" They will allow you to study after marriage. You will have everything you need."

Pihu said "Why after marriage, why not now? Why she is being pushed down in the same situation as our relatives who end up giving up or are struggling with their married life and studies? Including taking care of children too."

Her parents exchanged a glance their expression hardening, but Pihu's words hung in the air. She had spoken the truth. She had been burying inside her. She looked at San who was looking at her parents, pleading for understanding. Hoping they could now see how much their planning is feeling like a cage to her.

Her dad's voice filled the room. "we understand that but at this age, it was important to start the search for a guy for you it was your luck that in just a few meetings you found a great guy we can't skip this San understand this."

San looked at him, with eyes full of tears, and said "What about my dreams and..."

Her dad interrupted her and said "San enough of this. You have been indulged long enough. It's time to accept that. You are grown up now and we need to think about your future we know what's right for you. No more arguments, no more delay. Your Roka is in next month."

She clenched he fist, her vision blurred as the last words died on her lips. She looked at her mom searching for a hint of softness but there was none. She was looking at her like a stranger.

She rushed into her room. As tears were now hard to hold back, they finally broke free, streaming silently down her cheeks. San herself jumped onto her bed. It was all slipping away-everything had already slipped away: her dreams, her love, the peace she found in quiet messages to Taehyung, the hope she had dared to hold onto.

Pihu entered in the room, her face filled with concern as she approached San, who was curled up, her face stained with fresh tears.

"don't come near me" San said sharply, her voice breaking as she tried to push Pihu away.

"we'll find a way" Pihu said assuring her gently, trying to bring comfort.

"Really?" San scoffed, her tone bitterer. "there's no way Pihu. No one can change it"

Just then San's phone lit up. curious, Pihu picked it up and saw a message on Instagram.

"San, it's Taehyung. Are you alright? San please know that your message were never burden. They became a part of my day, something I look forward to, daily. I can't explain everything right now, but please know that I am with you. You are not alone in this, please know that."

Pihu's eyes widernas she read the message, her heart racing. Without hesitation, she typed back."who is this?"

The response came immediately: " it's Taehyung."

Pihu's eyes went wide in shock. She snorted sarcastically and typed "I am jungkook's wife.nice to meet you." She hitted send button adding " who the hell is this, really?"
Before she could process what as happening, a picture popped up on the screen. It was Taehyung himself.

Pihu raised her eyebrow and typed " woah! This feels real," she muttered, and tapped on video call option, hiding her camera.

To her surprise, the call was answered almost immediately, and the screen came into focus, it showed none other than kim Taehyung himself. Pihu's hand flew to her moth as she accidently uncovered the camera, her shocked face fully visible. Her voice came out in a stunned whispered "Kim Taehyung?"

Realising the call was still on, she quickly ended it, her heart racing as she quickly looked at San and said "it's him.. it's really him.. San Tae messaged you."

San took the phone from Pihu and quickly typed "is it really you?

Taehyung messaged and said "hmm... how are you now?" Sans finger shook as she typed back "I'm fine, but how? How come you messaged me?"

San stared at her phone, her heart pounding as she awaited Taehyung's reply. Her mind was racing with a thousand questions, and her hands were still shaking as Pihu watched her with wide eyes.