Familiar Strangers

A novella (20,000-40,000 words)

Twenty-two-year-old Ira leaves behind her dysfunctional, abusive family after years of chaos and a recent split with boyfriend Reyan, whom she thought was her soulmate. Broken and alone, she turns to Nihar, a former friend who professed his love for her when she was in high school but went his separate way when she chose Reyan. Though they are no longer friends, Nihar welcomes her in, providing protection and comfort. As they reunite, they face past hurts, forgive one another, and begin to heal from their wounds. They establish a new life together, discovering love and hope.

*********************************************

I hop into an auto, the driver cutting through traffic, horns honking. Nihar's office rises up before me, a glassy skyscraper. My gut twists, shame for what I did, fear he'll reject me. Hastily, I enter the lobby, the marble cool against my rugged and dirty sneakers, and go up to the receptionist, my voice nearly shaking.

"I'm here for Nihar"