Love Unscripted

ONE

Author's POV

The trail of her bridal lehenga flowed in the wind as she ran on the deserted road of Surat. Sweat ticking down her face, lips taking as much breath as she can. Her mehndi fill legs were aching from running so long without any rest. The sound of heavy footsteps following her made her breath hitch in her throat, but she didn't dare to look back and run for her life. Her breaths came in sharp, ragged bursts, and her pulse pounded in her ears.

She hears a train whistle in the distance, and her mind races to the idea of catching the train and leaving the damn city that makes her life living hell.

She outsmarted the goons and sprinted towards the station. She entered the station only to see that one train to Mumbai was leaving the station.

The train gave a final whistle, warning of its imminent departure, and she pushed herself one last time, her vision blurring with exhaustion and desperation.

With a final burst of strength, she grabbed the handle of the nearest compartment and pulled herself up, collapsing onto the metal floor just as the train jerked to life. She lay there, panting, staring up at the dim ceiling lights as the train began to move, carrying her toward a new life and away from the one she had just escaped.

She picked herself up from the ground and moved to the compartment to sit down. A few college students were sitting in the first row. They all gasped seeing her; after all, she was decked up as a bride.

"Are you running from your marriage?" A Girl asked her while others mouth still hung in shock.

She nervously played with her lehenga and looked at them. Not knowing if she should talk to them or not. But she needs to make a call, and for that, she needs to talk to them. Seeing her hesitation, two boys moved from their seats, and the girls made her place to sit and offer some water.

"You don't need to be afraid of us. You can tell us if your life is in danger or anything." A girl smiled at her in assurance. Trying to make her relax. But they didn't know she was anything but scared. She was just sceptical about saying anything to them.

"Yes, if we can, we will help you." Another girl who was sitting on the window seat said assuring her with a nod.

They didn't look bad or harmful, so she thought to get help from them. They looked like they came from good family backgrounds. At least till she reaches Mumbai she will need the help of these people.

She sat down on the vacant space and took the water bottle from the girl. She drinks a whole bottle in one go. She hardly ate anything from the morning cause of the events that followed after that.

Seeing her drinking water like that they all looked at each other in concern. The window seat girl opened her bag, took out the dinner she had bought before, and handed it to her.

She looked at them confused, "You look quite hungry, so eat it, then we will talk. Ok." The girl said.

" Thank You." She whispered and started eating the food.

After eating, she washed her hands and looked at them. They are all eagerly waiting for her to tell them her story. She muttered an apology in her heart because she was going to lie to these innocent people about herself. She took a deep breath to make herself ready to tell them her fake story.

"Are you ok now? A boy asked and she nodded slowly.

" What is your name? One girl asked.

"Are you eloping from your marriage?"

"Are there any goons after you?"

" Where are you going?"

" Are you going to meet someone?"