KAYAMATH

Chapter 25

Panchi sat curled up on the corner of Kanika’s  sofa, a blanket draped loosely over her shoulders. Her eyes were red and swollen, tears streaming silently as if they’d never stop. She stared blankly ahead, lost in the haunting memories of the evening.

The chaos, the darkness, and the mysterious man’s possessive touch. Then the lights came back on, and she saw Neev holding Ayesha, as if she were the most precious thing in the world—pierced her heart like shards of broken glass, they look like a perfect couple.

“Thank God, Neev, you caught me. I would’ve fallen flat on my face!” Ayesha had said, laughing softly, her hands lingering on his arms.

Panchi had stood there frozen, watching them surrounded by approving smiles. Pranav Uncle and Niharika Aunty were beaming, looking at Neev and Ayesha as if they were their proudest achievement.

And then there was her—standing alone, out of place, and unwanted.

The words replayed in her mind like a cruel echo: An orphan. A charity case. A burden left behind by her father. They had finally gotten rid of her, hadn’t they? Just like they always wanted.

When Panchi got home, she didn’t even remember. Kanika had been crying, cursing Neev and his family on the way back, but Panchi had been too numb to hear her words. All she could feel was the hollow ache in her chest.

Kanika’s voice broke her out of her thoughts. “Panchi, take this. Hot milk—it’ll help calm you,” she said, holding out a mug.

“I don’t want it, Kanika. Please, just take it back,” Panchi replied, her voice barely audible.

“Panchi, you haven’t eaten or drunk anything since we left. You need this,” Kanika insisted, placing the mug on the table in front of her.

“I’m not hungry,” Panchi said, her voice cracking. “I don’t want anything.”

Kanika sat down beside her, taking her cold hands on her own. “No, listen to me, Panchi. You can’t do this to yourself.” Her tone was firm but filled with care. “Your life isn’t over because of what happened tonight. Neev wasn’t the last person in your life, and trust me, he’s not worth your tears.”

Panchi looked at Kanika, her lips trembling as fresh tears filled her eyes. “But Kanika, he… he was all I had. He was my entire family, After mumma and papa, he was for me… now I have no one. My father left me in the care of Neev. And now he has abandoned me. Why did he do this Kanika??? Saying this Panchi started crying bitterly.

Kanika’s face softened, her own eyes glistening with emotion. “That’s not true, Panchi. You have me. And I’m not going anywhere. You’ve been through so much, but you’ve always been strong. Don’t let this break you. They don’t get to define your worth. You are more than what they think of you.”

The warmth in Kanika’s words began to chip away at the icy numbness in Panchi’s heart. She hadn’t felt this kind of love and support in so long, and it made her chest tighten.

“You’re kind, Panchi,” Kanika continued, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “You’re beautiful, smart, and you have so much to offer. Don’t let anyone take that from you—not Neev, not his family, no one. You’re precious, Panchi. And one day, someone will see that and cherish you for it.”

Panchi’s lips quivered as tears rolled down her cheeks. This time, they weren’t just tears of sadness but also of gratitude. She nodded faintly, and Kanika smiled, pushing the mug of milk closer.

“Good. Now, drink this. For me, okay?”

Panchi hesitated for a moment before picking up the mug. The warmth seeped into her hands as she took a small sip. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to soothe her just a little.