The Echo of First Love

Chapter 5

KARAN's POV

We reached our mansion after a long drive, the soft hum of the engine fading into the quiet of the night. Meera was asleep beside me, her head resting gently against the door frame, her delicate features illuminated by the moonlight filtering through the window. I couldn't help but admire her serenity, but I needed her to wake up.

"Mom, can you please wake her up?" I asked, glancing at my mother, who was seated in the front.

With a gentle smile, she began patting Meera's cheeks softly "Wake up, Meera. We've arrived," she said tenderly.

After two or three gentle taps, Meera stirred, her eyes fluttering open. For a brief moment, confusion clouded her gaze as she met my eyes. I could see the surprise in her expression-she was startled. But then, recognition washed over her, and she realized where she was and what was happening.

"Welcome home," I whispered, my heart racing as our eyes locked.

We moved through the rituals of arrival, the traditional blessings and warm embraces from family. Each gesture felt both comforting and surreal. After what felt like an eternity, I excused myself, retreating to my study to escape the whirl of emotions swirling in my mind.

As I settled into my work, I couldn't shake the feeling that today marked the beginning of something new.The echo of her startled gaze lingered in my heart, reminding me of the fragile line we walked.

MEERA's POV

I caught a glimpse of him disappearing down the hall, but where was he going? The question lingered in my mind as Aunty gently ushered me to my room. "Change and settle in," she said

As I stepped inside, the soft glow of candles flickered around me. The room felt smaller, almost suffocating, as if it were closing in on me. My gaze was drawn to the portrait hanging above the bed, capturing a moment frozen in time-Karan and Vishakha, their faces lit with joy, her radiant smile framed by his protective embrace.

They looked so blissfully happy together. Even through the photo, I could feel the warmth of their love, an energy that seemed alive, still lingering in the air like the scent of roses after a summer rain.

I flipped the switch to turn on the light, hoping the brightness would offer clarity, or at least chase away the shadows of doubt. Instead, it only intensified the reality before me. Their smiles, their closeness, the way Karan gazed at her-it all felt painfully vivid, a stark reminder of what I had stepped into. I realized I would always be a second choice, a mere echo of a love that once flourished between them.

Vishakha's happiness was palpable, a warmth that radiated from her in a way I hadn't seen on Karan's face in ages. He seemed to carry only a void now-one that echoed in his eyes and weighed heavily in his heart. I will do everything I can to bring back his smile, I promised myself, a quiet resolve settling within me. He deserves to feel whole again.

I sank onto the edge of the bed, the weight of the moment pressing down on my chest. In that instant, I realized that my heart was both filled with hope and aching with uncertainty, caught between the desire to love him fiercely and the fear of never being enough.

It hurt-a deep, aching sadness that settled in my chest like a stone I couldn't dislodge. I had hoped that time would soften the edges of my heartache, but seeing that photograph shattered my illusions.

Yes, I knew her. Their love a vibrant tapestry woven with laughter and dreams. I never liked her-not just because Karan loved her, but because she had tormented me when the rumors of our connection spread like wildfire, leaving me feeling exposed and vulnerable.