Blueprints of Love

14. Living in the Shadows

Savi sat cross-legged on the plush rug of her living room, surrounded by swatches of fabric and sketches for her upcoming eco-friendly collection. But today, her heart wasn't in it. Instead, her thoughts spiralled into a whirlpool of memories that revolved around Rajat. She paused, glancing down at the saree she wore—one that he had once complimented during their college days.

"You look good in sarees," she whispered to herself, her fingers tracing the delicate fabric. The realisation washed over her like a cold wave; her choice of attire had been influenced by his words. It wasn't just that; every decision she had made since college, from launching her startup to championing environmental causes, had unknowingly echoed his influence.

"Ugh!" Savi groaned in frustration, tossing the fabric aside. "Why am I letting him get to me like this?"

Just then, her phone buzzed, breaking her reverie. It was a text from Isha, her mother: Can we talk?

Savi found herself in the cozy corner of their favourite café, her heart racing as she waited for Isha. The warm aroma of coffee mixed with the sweet scent of pastries filled the air, but Savi felt anything but comforted. When Isha arrived, Savi's nervous energy spilled over.

"Hey, Aai," Savi greeted, trying to sound casual.

"Hey, sweetheart." Isha took a seat, studying Savi's face. "You seem... preoccupied. Everything okay?"

Savi hesitated, biting her lip. "I don't know, Aai. I've been thinking a lot about... things."

Isha raised an eyebrow. "Things? Or someone?"

"Someone," Savi admitted, avoiding her mother's gaze. "It's just... love has only ever brought me pain."

"Is this about the boy from college?" Isha asked gently, concern etched on her features.

Savi nodded, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "It's like everything I do somehow leads back to him. I wear sarees because he said I looked good in them. I started this eco-friendly startup because of his campaign in college. I didn't even realize I was doing it until now!"

Isha took a moment to absorb Savi's words. "You know, it's normal to be influenced by people you care about. But you can't let someone else's words dictate your life."

"I know, but it feels like I'm living in his shadow! It's infuriating!" Savi exclaimed, her hands clenched into fists on the table. "I don't even want to think about him anymore. Love has only ever brought me disappointment."

Isha leaned in closer, her tone serious. "But if you truly want to move on, Savi, you have to face those feelings. You can't keep pushing them aside."

Savi sighed heavily. "What if it just hurts too much? What if I'm better off forgetting him?"

"I think you're stronger than that," Isha said softly. "And pretending those feelings don't exist will only make it harder in the long run. You owe it to yourself to confront them."

Savi took a deep breath, the weight of her emotions heavy on her chest. "I just don't want to get hurt again, Aai. I feel like I've built a wall around myself to protect my heart."

"Sometimes walls can also keep out what you really need," Isha replied. "You deserve to be happy, Savi, even if that means risking a little pain. Just remember, whatever you choose, I'm here for you."

Savi nodded, grateful for her mother's support but still wrestling with the confusion in her heart. "Thanks, Aai. I'll think about it."

As Savi returned home, her thoughts spiralled again. Her mind played scenes of Rajat—his laughter, his teasing, the way he always seemed so effortlessly charming. She picked up her journal from her desk, the one filled with her hopes and dreams, alongside her musings about Rajat.