Short Stories collection

Shadow of silence(4)

The days leading up to the submission felt like a blur. Ruhi had spent countless hours perfecting her manuscript, tweaking sentences, rewriting chapters, and wrestling with self-doubt. Yet every time she looked at the pages, she saw more than just words on paper—she saw a part of herself that had always been buried under layers of fear, judgment, and uncertainty.

This was her chance.

And she wasn't about to let it slip away.

It was a Friday afternoon when the phone rang. Ruhi had just settled into her room after a long morning of writing. The words from Maan's last visit were still fresh in her mind—Trust yourself. You're ready."As the phone screen lit up, her heart gave a nervous flutter.

Publisher's Office.

Ruhi took a deep breath and answered.

"Hello, this is Ruhi Jaiswal." Her voice was steady, though her hands trembled slightly.

"Ms. Jaiswal, this is veena Sharma from Kite Press. I'm calling in regard to the manuscript you submitted."

Ruhi's breath caught. She hadn't expected it to happen so soon.

"Yes?" Her voice wavered slightly now, but she quickly regained control. "I'm listening."

"We've read your manuscript, and we're impressed with your work. Your writing is fresh, heartfelt, and has a unique voice." Priya's tone was businesslike, but Ruhi could hear the appreciation in her words. "We'd like to discuss the possibility of publishing your novel."

A wave of warmth rushed through Ruhi's chest. This was happening.
But then, almost as if a switch flipped, the weight of reality settled in. What did this mean for her?

"Oh my God... this is real?" Ruhi whispered, not fully able to believe what she was hearing.

"Yes, absolutely. We'd like to move forward with the next steps, but before we do, we'd like to schedule a meeting." Priya continued. "How soon would you be available for a discussion?"

Ruhi paused, trying to regain her composure. "I can make time anytime this week."

"Great. We'll have someone contact you with the details. Congratulations, Ms. Jaiswal."

The call ended, but Ruhi didn't move for a long while. She just stared at the phone in her hand, her heartbeat racing in her chest. Had she just done it? Had she really just crossed the line from dreamer" to "author"?

It wasn't long before Ruhi received a call from Maan. She hadn't told him about the publisher's response yet, and the excitement she felt now was almost too much to contain.

"Maan! You're never going to believe it!" she exclaimed as soon as she answered.

"You got the call?" Maan's voice was calm but expectant.

"Yes! They want to publish my book. I can't believe it!"

She could hear the smile in his voice. "I told you, didn't I?" He chuckled. "I knew you had it in you."

For the first time, Ruhi felt a sense of validation that didn't come from trying to please anyone else. Maan didn't just see her as a project or a potential success. He saw her for who she was—a person with a dream, a person capable of achieving it. His belief in her had been a lifeline.

"I can't wait to meet with them,"Ruhi said, her voice filled with awe. "This is my chance to finally prove everyone wrong."

"You've already proven yourself, Ruhi,"Maan replied softly.
Her chest swelled with pride. "Thank you, Maan. For everything."