ℂ𝕆ℂ𝕂𝕋𝔸𝕀𝕃𝕊 𝕎𝕀𝕋ℍ ℂ𝕌ℙ𝕀𝔻

𝟰𝟳

𝙰 𝙱𝚘𝚖𝚋 𝙳𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚍
>>>>–––– 💘 ––––<<<<

WHAT?!!

601 felt her soul leave her body as Ananya’s words sank in. She stared at her friend in utter disbelief, unable to process what she had just heard. Ananya, noticing her stunned expression, let out a weary sigh and pulled her nuptial chain out from under her dress. The jewelry glinted under the light, sealing the truth in a way that words couldn't. 601 gasped, her hands flying to cover her mouth as confusion and shock overtook her.

But Ananya.. you.. you said okay? I can't believe you said okay-

I had to

Ananya let out an exhausted sigh, her hands clutching her head as she sank to the floor. She buried her face in her palms, overwhelmed by the sheer weight of everything. In just three days, her life had veered wildly off course, transforming into something unrecognizable. And yet, that wasn’t even the worst part. The most harrowing thought was how irrevocably everything felt broken.

She felt like a commodity, traded and bound by expectations she never consented to carry. The suffocating burden of cultural sentiments and familial obligations had been forced upon her, leaving her stripped of autonomy. But there was no going back now. The damage had been done, and she was left to endure it.

Even if she disappeared as per Avi’s plan, Ananya knew it wouldn’t erase the scars. No matter where she went, the memories would haunt her—memories of being married to a man who thought she could be bought, of having a mother who never stood by her, and of being the reason an innocent girl’s vision of a perfect family was shattered. These truths would follow her, a heavy chain she could never remove.

Ananya looked up as she felt another shoulder brush against hers. Turning her head, she saw Anjali beside her, a warm and understanding presence amidst her chaos. A soft smile of gratitude curved on her lips as Anjali extended her arms without a word. Ananya let out a shaky breath, her resolve faltering as she leaned into her friend's embrace.

For the first time in days, she allowed herself a moment of vulnerability, finding solace in the quiet strength of her friend's support.

601 gently patted Ananya’s back, her usual confidence shaken by the sight of her friend so defeated. She had always seen Ananya as someone strong and unwavering, a force that couldn’t be bent by anything or anyone. But in this moment, 601 realized that Ananya was just like everyone else—human, vulnerable, and carrying her own burdens.

After a pause, 601 let out a small sigh and softly asked,

So what's next?

Therila, ippodhiku oor'uku poganum

( I don't know, for now I need to go to the village)

Naanum varatuma?

( Should I come with you?)

Ananya pulled away from the hug, her brows furrowing slightly as she studied Anjali’s face. There was a glimmer of surprise in her tired eyes as she asked softly,

Are you sure? I don't want to trouble you.

Anjali shrugged with a smile,

You're not, naane dha varen

( You're not, I'm volunteering)

Ananya exhaled in relief, a faint smile gracing her lips as she softly thanked Anjali.