Muted Flames: When Art Whispered her Truth

"It's easier to be alone," she once told herself.
"At least silence doesn't leave."

And yet, he stayed.
---- ✿ ----

She wasn't looking for love, she didn't even believe she deserved it. She was the girl who disappeared in her own home, spoke too much in places that didn't matter and told everyone she was okay, because they never really listened anyway.
And maybe that's how she liked it.
Or at least, that's what she tells herself.

Riyanshi Verma, a therapist with trauma stitched into her skin.
She helps people heal, but doesn't believe she deserves healing herself.

Aditya Suryansh Rajput doesn't talk much, but when it comes to her, he watches everything. The way she flinches at silence. The way her eyes scan the room like she's waiting for something to go wrong. He never meant to get involved, but now that he knows what she's hiding, walking away isn't an option. Even if she keeps pretending she doesn't need anyone.

She pushes. He stays.
She hides. He sees.
And no matter how much she tries to pretend he doesn't matter, he already does.
But when love feels more dangerous than loneliness, will she let herself fall?
Or will she run before he gets too close?
-
"I never asked to be saved."
"Good. I wasn't planning to save you. I just want to stay."
-
"She's mine, even the pieces she hides. I'll claim them all."