Loving the Nightmare ✅

Chapter : 1

Misha's POV:

"No, I'm not interested." I retorted to Mom, only to receive a disapproving glare from her.

Although Mom had never compelled me to do things against my will, the subject of marriage had become her recent obsession. Despite my repeated dismissals, she persisted in bringing it up again and again.

"But why not? You're 25 now!" Mom inquired.

"Come on, Mom. I'm just 25. Stop acting like I'm 45. Relax." I said, guiding her to a nearby couch. Sensing her growing frustration, I wanted to avoid her falling ill because of excessive anger.

"So, are you planning to get married at 45?" she asked.

I couldn't control my laughter, finding the idea amusing. Forty-five? That would be funny. But the reality is that I don't want to get married.

"Of course not. My answer is never. I don't want to get married." I declared, even though I knew it was unlikely. Mom shot me another glare, ready to speak, but I stopped her by giving her my best puppy-eyed look.

"Please cook something for me. I'm very hungry, and I really need to complete this project today." I said, gesturing toward the papers on the table. As an interior designer, I had a project deadline tomorrow, an opportunity to showcase my work on behalf of the company. I wanted to give it my best and hoped to make a lasting impression.

"Pamper her more." Mom taunted Dad before heading toward the kitchen.

The word pamper doesn't sit well with me. As the only daughter, I've been treated exceptionally well by my parents throughout my life. While some might call it being a pampered kid, I resist using that term because it makes me uneasy. This discomfort stems from my grandmother's wise words: "Girls who are pampered by their parents often face consequences with their in-laws."

I didn't believe her then, but witnessing similar situations with friends and relatives as I grew up made me reconsider. That fear is why I'm hesitant about marriage, I lack basic household skills and struggle with cooking. How could I manage an entire household? It gives me anxiety every time I think about getting married. All I know is that I'm not ready for commitment.

Ignoring these thoughts, I took out my phone and engrossed myself in replying to messages. The doorbell rang unexpectedly early, and with Dad occupied and Mom in the kitchen, I had to answer it.

The moment I opened the door, I was greeted by one of Mom's friends. She was holding a cute little baby boy. His chubby cheeks instantly made my heart melt. I adore babies. Unable to control my excitement, I gently touched his cheeks and watched him giggle.

"May I come in?" she asked.

Oops. I forgot to invite her in.

"Sorry. Please come in." I apologized, welcoming her inside. She noticed my eagerness to hold the baby and finally placed him in my arms. As I sat on the couch, I couldn't help but admire his tiny, adorable legs and delicate arms.

"He is my grandchild." Aunty informed Mom.

Oh, that means her daughter, who is one year older than me, has a baby now. Mom is definitely going to taunt me even more.

"What's his name?" I quickly asked, hoping to divert the conversation away from the topic of my marriage.

"Varun." Aunty replied and for a moment, my heart stopped.

Why does this name still affect me?

The moment I heard it, all the memories flashed before my eyes, making me smile like an idiot. I laughed at how complicated emotions could be. There was pain in my heart, yet at the same time, I was smiling. Strange how one person can have so much power over your emotions.

It's been almost a year since I last saw his gorgeous face with those sparkling eyes and smooth, jet-black hair. I wonder if he still looks the same. He always changed his appearance with a new hairstyle or a different beard. I used to know what he looked like all the time, but not anymore, since I stopped stalking his social media accounts.

Every time I did that, I felt like a teenager. I had to get over him and stalking him wasn't helping. So, once and for all, I blocked him. Since then, I've had no idea about his whereabouts. In the beginning, it hurt a lot. However, I knew he would never be mine and it was better to accept that truth.

When I found out about his marriage, I was heartbroken, almost devastated. At the same time, I was happy for him, knowing he would spend his life with the love of his life, his childhood crush, Tanvi. She is lucky to have him.

I got to know from a friend that he had adopted a baby girl. She even showed me the picture Tanvi had posted. I never understood the reason behind the adoption but I thought it was a wonderful decision.

Since then, I haven't seen him again. Sometimes, I get the urge to look him up, but I stop myself. Even now, I miss him so much. It's wrong but I can't help it. I guess I've moved on however his name still brings back memories of all the silly things I did just to catch a mere glimpse of him.

Varun.

The man I have always loved.

~~

Varun's POV:

"You are still young. Who will take care of Isha? She needs a mother." Mom persisted, trying to convince me once again.

"Mom, we've already talked about this." I replied, focusing on the file in my hands.

"What about Isha? Who will take care of her? You're always busy and you know I'm getting old."

"We'll hire a long-term babysitter. I'll find someone reliable. Don't worry." I assured her.

I knew where the conversation was heading. It wasn't the first time Mom had asked me to get married. Every time we discussed it, we ended up arguing and today I wasn't willing to go through that again.

"Varun, you can't stay single for the rest of your life. You need a partner too. Please try to understand." Mom pleaded taking a seat in front of me.

Why couldn't she think from my perspective?

"Mom, I've already told you. No one can replace Tanvi." I responded calmly.

"It's not just you. We all know no one can replace her. We still love her dearly and we're all trying to grieve her loss. But trust me, you can't be a single father forever. Please listen to us. We only want what's best for you."

"I can't. I can't marry anyone else. I can't forget Tanvi and I can't give her place to anyone else. Never. I still love her so much, Mom. Please try to understand. Forget this topic of marriage. I don't want to get married." I said, noticing the disappointment on Mom's face. Even though it hurt to disappoint her, I couldn't give her what she was asking for.

Fate was cruel to take Tanvi away from me.

Tanvi is the only woman I have ever loved and she always will be.

⸻

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