21st November

"What's the update from the hills?" Abhiraj asked Sunny while gesturing Shreya to take a vacant seat. Shreya gulped down her anxiety and pulled one of the empty chairs and sat down beside Kirti (Vijay's PA). Sunny was standing beside Abhiraj. It didn't take long for her to realize, both Abhiraj and Vijay were attending the same zoom call on their respective laptops. Ravi (Abhiraj's PA) was sitting behind Abhiraj and both him and Kirti taking notes on their pads. Kirti smiled at her with a slight nod and went back to writing something.

Shreya took a customary glance at the computer screen and saw five other people. Her inside quivered apprehending the near future outcome. Why did Abhiraj call her inside while he was on a meeting? Had she done anything wrong? It's been a week since she signed on the marriage papers, and nothing had been same from that time.

She was no longer sure if she still owned her life or it belonged to the people who were intentionally or unintentionally operating her life. The day she signed on the marriage papers against her parents' will, she knew she was going to suffer, and undoubtedly that concern of her came true.

At the end of their conversation, Gyan grew extremely rigid and silent that she feared he might have received some trauma. Things were unquestionably muddled with confusion, interpretation, and wrong decisions. Moreover, when he confessed, it was already too late. She didn't have the knowledge of going back in time and right the wrong. She was doomed and he knew that.

Gyan watched her sobbing relentlessly for a while before he arose quietly and said, "Shreya, do me a favor. Never come in front of me after today. I don't want to see your face. Just leave."

"Gyan..."

"Don't. Just leave me alone."

"Thapa is out of danger." Sunny's voice snapped her back to present. He continued with the update, "Chetan Sir has conducted two corporate meetings with Permabell's rival groups Tulip and Rajmahal. So far, no connection has been found. I also believe they are not behind this attack."

"Then who do you think Gurung is working with?" Vijay asked.

Shreya fidgeted in her seat. She felt uncomfortable while witnessing the business meeting. Abhiraj noticed that and assured her briefly. "We'll wrap up soon. Be easy. I'm not that careless to call you inside if we had been discussing something serious."

Her face flushed as he shifted his attention to her directly. She nodded curtly and waited for them to finish.

Sunny was staring at her while Abhiraj was talking. He blinked and averted his gaze when she turned her eyes towards him. He was still avoiding her. In fact, everyone in the house was avoiding her except Abhiraj, Priyasha and Dev.

After she moved in to the Isha mansion, Priyasha exclusively asked her to look after Dev again. Of course, Tiyasha objected. But she had no say over Priyasha.

"But Chinimma, I don't trust her with Dev anymore."

"I do," Priyasha said with emphasize. "I trust her." She looked at Shreya with assurance which caused her eyes to burn. It was quiet a natural reaction.

Emotionally, she was overwhelmed and they were the only support she received. Her parents stayed back for three days, then they left. Needless to say, Trishna was too disappointed in her. She didn't approve her decision. Dibyendu, of course, sided with his wife.

Nonetheless, nothing surprised her. She was used to taking the less walked on lane and get mingled in the web of wrong decisions. She always found herself alone in the walks of life. Her mindsets never matched with people around herself. Even at the time of doing her course in special education. Trishna wanted her study computers or business. But she didn't listen to her, and it led her to where she was currently. However, she couldn't really call these wrong decisions. Because, back then, she didn't even know what outcome her decision would yield, and thus, she took the risk. She always tended to take risks. Just like her decision to stay with Naveen. Even when she always knew in her heart their relationship might not have a future. He was used to getting everything his way. He'd manipulate and demand things in such way, that there'd be no scope for his desires to be unfulfilled.

Sunny answered Vijay, "Well, we don't have any particular evidence against Gurung. Norbu, the person who attacked Thapa, never revealed his superior's name. Police tried in many ways. But all they could get out was, he was fairly drunk when he barged into the factory with that sickle. He could have been under someone else's influence, but according to his words, which might be true to some extent, he doesn't remember anything. Taking his medical condition into account, it might be true. And Gurung didn't open his mouth, and we can't do anything about it."

"Try bribing strategy." One of the board members pointed out.

"We're currently working on that. AR is looking into the matter."

Abhiraj nodded thoughtfully.

Vijay said, "Okay then, ladies and gentleman, we should wrap up now."

"Yeah, but I have one last inquiry about the latest product launch from the house of Jatayu." Someone from the board asked. "I received some complaints against its quality. Please give a light on this."

"Quality of the latest product?" Abhiraj repeated while making eye contact with Vijay.

"Abhimanyu launched it. It's the supplementary food for women having polycystic ovaries."

"That gluten and sugar free one?"

"Yes."

"What about it?" Abhiraj asked.

One of the members said, "I received some complaints. I will mail it to you."

"Alright." Abhiraj nodded. "We should wrap it up then. But before we do, I want you all to meet my daughter-in-law. Abhimanyu's wife."

"What?"

"Oh! When did that happen?"

"Roy, you didn't even invite us!"

"Everyone, calm down. Shreya, come here. Ravi, please make some room for her." Ravi left the seat as soon as Abhiraj instructed him. Shreya nervously stood up and went round the table and sat down beside Abhiraj.

"Meet Shreya." He moved the webcam towards her causing panic in her whole being. She couldn't deal with being the centre of attention well. So, she just joined her palm and bowed her head slightly.

The five members on the screen were all middle aged. Three women and two men.

"Roy, this is not fair. You didn't even inform us."

"Shyam, everything happened so abruptly, I didn't get time to plan for their wedding ceremony. But the reason I summoned her in today's meeting is to invite all of you to the upcoming reception party. I will send the invitation card shortly, and everyone of you must come."

The person whom Abhiraj called as Shyam grinned. "Of course. I am very happy. But, tell me one thing. Did Vijay know about this?"

A lady interrupted, "Of course he did. Roy never does something without consulting with him. Am I right, or right?"

Vijay let out an airy chuckle, while Abhiraj only smiled. Vijay said, "Yes Shein, I knew. But things happened very fast. That's why we couldn't even conduct the ceremony itself. Now that things have settled down, we are throwing the reception party."

"But why? What happened? Did Abhimanyu not inform you and married her?"

"Uhm-" Vijay shifted his eyes on Abhiraj, who intervened. "It's nothing like that. It was Isha's decision."

"Ah- how can I not see that coming?" Shein sniggered. "Priyasha is the main culprit. Okay then, I'll talk to her personally. It's nice to meet you, Shreya."

She nodded when Shein added, "I'll have to book my flight tickets. Roy, you better send the invitation card ASAP."

Abhiraj smiled and nodded.

Others exchanged similar words before the video call ended.

Vijay turned towards her and said, "Shreya, I know you're probably having a difficult time currently, but I want you to invite everyone in your family and relatives in the reception. I want as many people to know about your marriage."

She nodded curtly. Her heart was throbbing inside her chest. Vijay's words meant only one thing. She'd have to face another round of gossip. A simple girl from lower middle-class background has married the son of the infamous businessman, Abhiraj Roy. The palpitation made her hold her breath until Abhiraj said, "My son is different, as you know that already. But I want you to keep this as a secret. How many people besides your parents know about this whole situation?"

She gulped. She had talked to Ashwin and Gyan. No one else besides them. "Two."

"Keep it that way. And also tell them not to repeat it further."

She nodded obediently.

"Sunny, please ask Abhimanyu to come and meet me in my office."

Sunny nodded.

"Vijay, stay back."

And that was the cue for everyone to clear his office.

~~~

If co-dependency was called love, yes, she was in love with Naveen. But what she found out after meeting these two brothers, she was sure there never was love between her and Naveen. It was infatuation to some extent, and an illusion most of the time.

Love wasn't supposed to hurt. Yet, she was hurting and it was because she was in love. Her love didn't bring sparks and butterflies with it. There wasn't no love-at-first-sight... and still, it was love. She could feel it in every pores in her body. People who claimed love meant the feeling of sparks flying everywhere whenever you see that special someone in front of you, didn't have any clue about this love which could creep in unnoticed, and you could fall hopelessly while having that excruciating ache in your heart.

She didn't expect she'd feel so much for someone she never had the chance to talk extensively. It'd be an understatement if she called the circumstances they were stuck in as unsettling. Because it was significantly repulsive. The people she had developed feelings for didn't even want to see her around.

With Gyan, she somewhat saw it coming. However, she was reluctant to take that one step with him as she knew their social statuses would never permit that. But with Abhimanyu, she never expected it. There never was any big, romantic moment between them, and she knew nothing such moment would ever happen, because there was little to no scope. Yet, like most good things, love crept in. Love happened when she least expected it. Love happened and broke her in to million pieces.

It was a hopeless situation, and she had to accept it as her punishment; punishment for dreaming something unapproachable.

Falling in love with Abhimanyu wasn't a choice. It just happened, and she was scared. She was scared not because this feeling was excruciating, but because that person could literally break her, like she was made of glass. And the worst part is, she would let him.

The truth was, world collapsed around her the day she saw that video. It felt hitting the rock bottom and she had no clue how and when it happened. Cause nothing of it was acceptable. She remembered nothing of that night, and it wasn't like she got drunk for the very first time that day. Then why couldn't she remember anything. Something wasn't adding up. Plus, how could a hidden camera be installed in Abhimanyu's room? And the worst part of it all, he hid everything from her. Logically, she should despise that man. But she couldn't.

No matter how straightforward he was with his aloofness towards her, she just couldn't stop thinking about him. He was reserved, uninterested, emotionally unavailable, and yet there was an unavoidable pull. She didn't know if it came from sympathy, or helplessness. But it was impossible for her to unsee it anymore.

Since it was Priyasha's decision, Shreya had to move in to Abhimanyu's room two days after it all took place. It created another chaos between the mother and the son.

"She can stay in the guest room. Or you can arrange something else, I don't care. She needs not to stay in my room." Abhimanyu's words were clipped and to the point.

"No. She'll be staying in your room. Because, you care or not, for the next one year she's your legally wedded wife." Priyasha countered equally aggravated.

Abhimanyu glanced at her briefly before shifting his focus back on his mother. "Alright. If that's what you want." He buried his hands in his pockets and tilted his head slightly towards the exit. A subtle cue to leave him alone.

Priyasha sighed before giving her a light pat on her shoulder and leaving. Thereafter, she found herself in a box made of glass. It was suffocating.

Abhimanyu averted his gaze first, then pulled a chair and sat down before pinning her on spot with his fixed stare. "I hope you understand this is an arrangement. I can't give you anything expected from a marriage, or what you deserve from your spouse."

She nodded curtly while he continued, "Good. Now, to start with, I don't know what Maa told you, but I'll say it once and you'll record this forever. I am not crazy or insane. I don't know why they had to put a label on me as a psychologically unstable person. But I operate fairly well. In fact, more efficiently than others holding the same responsibilities." He paused momentarily before adding, "I just don't feel the need to establish emotional connection. There is no reason for me to do so. Are you getting me?"

"Yes, I am."

"Good. If you are, then there won't be any problem in adjusting."

"AR," she called out his name softly.

He looked at her questioningly.

"I'm sorry for hitting you earlier."

He said nothing, so she continued, "I agreed to this arrangement because I want justice. I have told this before and I'll say it again. I don't remember anything of that night. It isn't like it was my first time getting drunk. But I never lost my memory before. I want to know what exactly happened. And the video. What even-"

Abhimanyu held up a hand interrupting her. "It's more of my concern than yours. It's definitely a conspiracy, and I am looking into it actively. No need to worry. I'll find out about the hidden camera and who did it." He paused for a while before asking her a question she wasn't expecting at that moment. "But it still didn't explain why you agreed to marry me. I know Abhigyan has feelings for you. You could've talked about him with Maa. Why did you choose me?"

Her mouth fell open at the matter-of-fact enquiry; to which she had no answer.

"Since you're staying silent, I'm assuming that Maa forced you into this. Or," he continued, "Perhaps, you thought about society. But I think you're well aware of this one truth. You shouldn't think about others while dealing with your own happiness. You should always do things for yourself. And it's not selfish. Taking care of self can never be selfish. What about people? People won't even remember your choices thirty years in the future. You're the one who's going to live with them. Then... what stopped you from choosing the person that truly cares for you?"

She had no answer to that. Cause, she didn't understand it herself what made her took this absurd decision.

"But anyway, what happened, has happened. I don't want to restrict you in this phony relationship. You're free to have an open relationship."

She inhaled a sharp breath at his directness while he went on. "Cause, I know you have your own needs. I don't mind if you find another partner. However, there are two conditions. One, it must be a secret relationship. And two, since you're married to me now, Abhigyan is off-limit. Stay away from him. I don't want another gossip before taking care of the existing one."

She couldn't form a single word as he let it all out. She was dumbfounded. HE talked about open relationships like it was no big deal for him. It was true their marriage wasn't really a marriage. It was more like a contract. But, even then, wouldn't he be jealous seeing his legally wedded wife with someone else? How could he be so emotionally detached? It left her in awe.

"I'll expect only one thing from you. Now that you're a part of this family, you'll protect this family's reputation at any cost."

~~~

It wasn't true that Abhiraj and Priyasha had a favorite child. By closely observing them since past few days, it was very evident they cared for Gyan as much as they cared for their daughter or Abhimanyu. She even heard Priyasha discussing with Vijay that they should bring some changes in company management, and should include Gyan as well. Although he'll be the youngest and unexperienced, his intellect could add values to the growth of Permabell group of companies.

Meanwhile, Abhimanyu and her relationship was the most stagnant part in this whole situation. They were living like two dead people in the same room. Additionally, she wasn't allowed in his bedroom. He allowed her to sleep on the floor-bed he previously had as ground level seating in the open area outside of his bedroom. Her first task everyday was, getting up as early as possible, that is, before any other members woke up, and then clean up the remnants of all the signs of her sleep. He didn't want others to know that was where she was sleeping. In a sense, it was her degradation but she kept quiet in hope for getting justice. Cause he promised her he'd soon find out the culprit.

Most of the time, she woke up by the sunrays seeping through the slits of the drapes of the huge glass window. Sometimes, she'd wake up at the sound of meditative mantras coming from his bedroom. She never peeked inside. He'd play the music for some time, and then get ready for work.

They never exchanged words until absolutely necessary, and he always talked in passivity. Although she got her job back, it was different than before. Tiyasha would only allow her to teach Dev. She had assigned a new caretaker who fed him and slept in his room at night. So, Shreya had a lot of free time apart from teaching Dev.

After the video went viral, she had to take leave from social media. There was no reason for her to socialize anymore when she knew how she'd get pestered with questions after questions about that incident. So, she didn't have much work except reading and watching TV. But she couldn't go out often in the fear she'd come face to face with Ritu or Gyan. None of them wanted to see her face. So, most of the time she stayed in hoping the day would pass soon.

Sometimes she'd stare blankly through the huge window and think of her fate. Maybe she was destined to fall for people who she couldn't have. People who are unavailable... emotionally and rationally. Perhaps, she didn't look hard enough. Perhaps there were people out there who might've loved her beyond limits, who might've showed her various possibilities of why she should give them chances. One could only hope.

The men in her life provided her with sweet nothing up until now, and who possibly could she ended that possibility with her own hands. The desire and depth of her love had no limits, and perhaps that was why, it choked on its own limitless potential.

Eventually, she was getting tired of this stifling situation. She found herself all alone in this vast ocean of unrequited love where she was fighting a lost battle. It was like, she was the only one on the battle ground, with no opponent. Because she wasn't fighting against anyone, but the person she was fighting for couldn't she her sweat and tears.

Even though he never promised her any roses and butterflies, she had already lost her heart to him. It just happened out of the blue. Seeing how distinctive his personality was, she couldn't help but feel the sweet ache in her heart. As if he had her heart wrapped in chains of his indifference but extraordinariness. And she couldn't even complain about it.

She already drank the poison.

~~~

22nd November

The next day in the evening, after dinner, Priyasha asked her to join her to watch some TV programmes.

"I know it's difficult, but I'm glad you didn't turn down my proposal," Priyasha said as she started shuffling through the TV channels. "Did you receive your salary?"

It was true that even after all of these happened, she still received her salary. In fact, more than her original salary. The previous month she was paid the puja bonus, and this month also she was paid more than her salary.

"Yes, but Ma'am, I received more than my expected salary."

"Ah- it's not more. Count it as a compensation amount for all these hells you had to put up with."

"But I can't accept that, Ma'am."

"And stop calling me Ma'am. I'm your mother-in-law, even if it's for a short amount of time. It still counts." She stopped shuffling and settled on a news channel before turning towards her.

Shreya didn't know what to call her except ma'am. She was no match for this expensive woman. She was graceful. Elegance dripped from all of her existence. How could she possibly relate with this woman?

When Priyasha flashed a genuine comforting smile at her, she smiled back and nodded. But she was unsure of her own actions.

After that, they fell silent and focused on the TV screen until a news flashed that shifted ground below her feet.

The screen showed Abhimanyu and her faces along with the leaked video with the title, 'Secret couple of the year'.

The news reader went on with so much enthusiasm, "What was thought as a framed video, in fact, came out as truth. The CEO of the infamous Permabell group of companies is finally engaged with his partner. One of the most wanted bachelors, Mr. Abhimanyu Roy chose a simple girl over thousand high class ladies who have lined up to marry him. Was it his plan all along? Or is this some kind of politics playing behind the high walls of Permabell. According to our sources, Abhimanyu's father and the MD of Permabell, Mr. Abhiraj Roy declared about the reception party yesterday. Now we wait and see. Time will tell the real deal behind this desperate decision. Is it staged or Mr. Abhimanyu actually married a girl belonging to middle class background?"

Priyasha sighed. "As expected, they won't let the matter slide easily. But you don't worry. Over time this topic will fade away. They will get another delectable topic to increase their TRP."

However, all of her words fell into Shreya's deaf ears. She couldn't understand what the former was saying because her eyes were glued to the screen and the video was still raw, surfacing all those emotions she fought hard to bury down. Was it her fault to be born as a middle-class simple girl? Media wouldn't have made a fuss about it if it was someone with equal social status.

Her vision blurred in an instance. They would never leave her alone, right? There'd always be some gossip relating her. The instant thought crossed her mind and she bolted up before running towards Abhimanyu's room. Hot, tortured tears streamed down her face relentlessly. Why it always had to be her? She had never hurt someone intentionally. She always tried to please people, and yet, all of the bad luck was stored for her. She could hear Priyasha calling her name. But she couldn't face her at this moment.

Even knowing she wasn't supposed to enter his bedroom, she couldn't help herself. She was panting heavily when she saw him sitting on his chair reading a book.

She went ahead while he looked up. His passive stare bored into her as she collapsed on the ground. "I can't do this anymore."

The silence inside the room got interrupted by her weeping noise. She gazed at him helplessly. Her teary eyes did no help to clearly see his reaction. However, it wasn't even needed. She knew he didn't care.

He watched her in silence for a brief moment, then asked finally, "What's wrong?"

"Everything's ruined. My life... they won't let me live in peace. Right?" She sobbed, "Even after I agreed to all of this, they won't leave me alone."

He leaned back in his chair. "That was expected from the beginning. Wasn't it? Engaging your name with people like us... it's normal for us, Shreya. You have to deal with it. People will always gossip about us, because our lives are extensively different than theirs. What they can't see, they assume about it."

She shook her head. "I never wanted to be a part of this. I don't want to be a news topic. How can you not be agitated about everything that's going on?"

"Because I'm used to this."

She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and sniffled, "How long will this go on for?"

"I don't know."

"You know what, I'm... I'm trying. I really am. But I feel so helpless and lonely. People who used to trust me, help me, support me... today, they don't even want to see my face. They think I betrayed them. It was my plan all along. And I can't even provide any counterevidence to prove their speculations wrong."

"They will learn the truth. Whatever is wrong, I'll try to fix it."

She fixed her eyes on him. "I would've believed you if you weren't so distanced." She paused momentarily and observed him. His face showed no care whatsoever. His apathetic reaction squeezed her heart which now ached excruciatingly. She was keep falling and could see no end to it. Her throat closed in when she added, "You'd never understand it, right?"

"I told you not to expect anything from me."

"But I can't, okay? I can't not have expectations. How can you not see it?" She covered her face and cried harder.

He said nothing for a long while. After what seemed like a small eternity of weeping in the heart of silence, she spoke, "It feels like I'm suffering a punishment for a crime I haven't even committed!"

He stayed mum.

She continued sobbing bitterly and had to pause several times in between talking because of the hiccups coming right from her core. "Everyone is forcing me to accept how wrong was I while taking my life's decisions. Even you. You continue to punish me by keeping me at a distance. It's like as long as I am separated from you, and choose to do things that is not approved as per your values, you'll continue hurting me in silence, without reacting, unsympathizing."

Even after all of those words that she said, he watched her cry inconsolably. She understood then, she fucked up big time in life.

"Come here," he said after what seemed like five minutes or so. Who'd care about time when her complete life was standing on the debris of her choices and emotions? Her tears had dried sometime ago, and it was getting difficult to breathe through her runny nose.

She glanced up and wiped the remnants of tears from her eyes. He put the book down on his desk and said again, "Come."

She got up without having any thoughts running her mind. She felt numb to her core. She walked towards him when he extended a hand towards her to take it. She took it mindlessly, but gasped soon after when he pulled her towards him and sat her down on his lap. All of this happened in a blur of moment that she barely had time to register the actions. "Wha-" Their faces were so close to each other while her body melted into his arms. The side of her left bosom pressed against his chest as the mild fragrance of lime and cedar of his cologne hit her nostrils. Having no other place, she had to rest her free hand on his chest which thumped under her palm rhythmically. Her chest heaved up and down erratically as her confused eyes focused on his. He moved his hands and adjusted them around her waist so that she wouldn't slip. She was prominently conscious of their position, especially how he sat her on his lap.

"What are you doing?" She whispered; half afraid, half thrilled at his eccentric behavior.

"Be careful. I warned you before and I'll warn you again. I'm not the type of person someone falls in love with." He held her gaze through his spectacles as he let his words sink in, and when they did, her eyes welled up again. She wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face in the crook of his neck.

His warnings seemed to get burnt somewhere on the way.

"However, I'm going to take my time with you." He stroked her hair then pulled them back from her face.

She relaxed in his arms. Her chest tightened with an unknown fear. She didn't know how long of a time he needed. What if she lost her patience before that?

"Do you like to make people wait?" She asked, her voice just above a whisper.

He took his time before coming up with one of his extraordinary responses. "I'm unaware of that kind of likes of mine. But if you put it like that, I'd say, I lack in making myself wait for others' approbation. I do what I have to do, and let everything else naturally evolve."

She took a deep breath. In a faraway land, she was dreaming by then; of having a future with an impossible persona. The thing was, she found herself falling for someone she wasn't supposed to.

"Would you accept if I refuse to get away after one year?"

"Don't you think you deserve better?"

She shook her head. "We both deserve good. Why can't you accept that?"

He leaned back and stared down at her. She looked up and met with his twinkling eyes. They shone in the light coming from the bed lamp. "Why can't you like me?"

His grip around her waist shifted slightly adjusting her weight before he said, "It's not that I don't like you. But I don't know what are the exact expectations of liking someone."

Her tears had dried out a while ago. She was basically having a real conversation with Abhimanyu Roy for the first time. His walls seemed to be down. She didn't know how long he'd be like this, but she shouldn't miss this opportunity. She thought for a while. "Have you ever loved someone?"

He blinked slowly and averted his gaze. "I never tried or wanted to. My schooling was in an all-boys residential school, you've probably heard that from Maa. Then Papa sent me abroad. I was too busy with my studies. All I did was Uni to dorm and dorm to Uni. My roommate was an introvert nerd, just like me. So, we got along well and scored highest of all. I couldn't tell anyone about my background because of the restrictions my parents imposed on me. So, I just had to live that way."

Her heart squeezed in her chest. He had a lonely life all along. "So, would you... ever want to try it?"

"What?"

"Love."

He stayed silent for a while, then answered, "I better not."

"Why?"

"You don't fall in love with an impossibility." He paused momentarily before adding. "I am impossibility."

She tsked. "No, you're not. No one can be an impossibility. It depends on the perception of others about us."

He said nothing for a long while. When the silence stretched, she resumed on her own. "You can't trust others. You think it's better to stay alone than let others hurt you."

He breathed out. "Don't be intrusive. And you should get off now. You've calmed enough."

His walls are up again. She didn't stretch the matter anymore and got off him immediately. She had been researching on his disorder since past few days, and she learned a lot about how to cope with and take care of someone with schizoid personality disorder. It'd be better if she just gave him enough space so that he wouldn't feel threatened. Schizoids disapprove prying. They dissociate themselves real-quick if they feel their emotional boundaries are at stake. She didn't want him to feel threatened while around her. She'd need a lot of patience while dealing with this person; her loved one.

"But I want you to know one thing," she quietly said and waited for his reaction.

He looked at her with his void expression. Schizoids do not understand non-verbal cues. One and only way to communicate with them is by being verbal. They only rely on logical and verbal cues.

"Whatever situations arise, whatever decisions you take... I will never judge you."

He blinked once, then once more before sitting up and looking away. Realizing he was not going to respond, she left quietly.

She was dreaming a future with someone who wasn't even there in her present.

~~~

Author's note: All of my charcters hold a piece of my soul. Shreya isn't any different. In fact, she relates to me more ways than I can ever reveal it. If you're still reading the book, PLEASE VOTE ON THE CHAPTERS. I'd appreciate it a lot if you could give me a follow. Unless the Roys couldn't break into your heart, I'm sure you'll consider following me. :)