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You may begin now.

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This chap is affectionately dedicated to -
Symspo🖤✨

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"I know, you never intended to be in this world. But you're in it all the same.
So why not get started immediately. I mean, belonging to it.
There is so much to admire, to weep over. And to write music or poems about.................."

The sun had begun its ascent, casting a warm glow across the cityscape as Shubhita stepped out onto the bustling streets. Her footsteps echoed against the pavement, a rhythmic beat that mirrored the tumultuous thoughts swirling within her mind. She pulled her shawl tighter around her shoulders, seeking solace in its comforting embrace as she made her way to the local temple.

As she entered the hallowed halls, the scent of incense and the soft murmur of prayers enveloped her, wrapping her in a sense of peace amidst the chaos of her emotions. She found a quiet corner and sank to her knees, bowing her head in silent supplication. For a moment, she let herself surrender to the stillness, allowing the weight of her burdens to slip away in the presence of something greater than herself.

In the sanctity of the temple, Shubhita found clarity amidst the confusion. She realized that she couldn't continue to ignore the warning signs, couldn't sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of societal expectations. With a newfound sense of resolve, she whispered a prayer for guidance, for the strength to follow the path that lay before her, even if it meant facing uncertainty and upheaval.

Meanwhile, across town, Vatsal found himself in the quiet confines of his family home, the echoes of their conversation still reverberating in his mind. He sat at the kitchen table, sipping on a mug of steaming coffee as he stared out the window, lost in thought. The familiar sights and sounds of home offered little comfort, as he grappled with the realization that he had been blind to the machinations of his own family.

As Vatsal sat lost in thought, the sound of footsteps approaching drew his attention. His elder brother Vishal entered the room, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity. Vishal was always the more perceptive one, attuned to the subtle shifts in his brother’s demeanour.

“Let’s go out for a walk, what say?”

Vishal suggested, pulling out a chair and taking a seat opposite Vatsal at the table. Vatsal's gaze remained fixed on the swirling patterns in his coffee, his demeanor tense as he replied tersely,

“I don’t want to go, you go.”

Perplexed by Vatsal's response, Vishal pressed further,

“Why, what happened?”

Vatsal's frustration was palpable as he replied curtly,

“Nothing!”

Growing impatient with his brother's attitude, Vishal urged,

“Stop giving me attitude, tell me what went wrong?”

With a heavy sigh, Vatsal finally relented,

“I don’t like repeating, and you know it.”

Understanding dawning in his eyes, Vishal leaned in closer,

“Alright, so this is still about Maa and Shubhita. Already? Seriously, dude. You’re not even married yet…”

“None of your business. Or more like anyone’s business.”

Vatsal's jaw clenched at the mention of their names, his tone defensive. Frustrated by Vatsal's resistance, Vishal implored,

“Vasu, why don’t you understand that this attitude of yours will only create problems in the house and nothing else? Explain this to Shubhita too.”

Vatsal's bitterness seeped through his words as he retorted,

“Explain like who? Like you or like Papa?”

Caught off guard by Vatsal's outburst, Vishal struggled to maintain his composure as his younger brother continued,

“Why do you guys always think that all the people in the family are similar? Or they have the same mind-sets? Some are like me... Stuck. Confused. And exhausted.”

Vishal’s voice wavered with emotion as he continued, his words tinged with resentment,

“You’re not alone. Everyone cares about you...”

A bitter chuckle escaped Vatsal's lips as he shook his head,

“Yeah, you all might. But nobody understands that I’m not the apple of everyone’s eye, like you. Since I got nothing. I did nothing remarkable like you. I got no significance, no self-respect either because I’m not like you…”

Vishal's heart ached at the pain evident in Vatsal's words, his voice gentle as he interjected,

“Vasu!”

But Vatsal was not done, his tone cutting as he continued,

“But let me clear one thing, the one you all are bringing here does have self-respect, and if she’s seeking clear-cut clarifications, you all are answerable to her.”

The weight of unspoken tensions hung heavy in the air, the rift widening with each passing word and day. And as Vishal struggled to find a response, he couldn't help but wonder if their family would ever find a way to bridge the divide that threatened to tear them apart.

_

_

_

Shubhita stood at the threshold of her home, her gaze fixed on the bustling street outside. The sound of vendors haggling over prices, the aroma of street food wafting through the air, and the colorful display of saris hanging outside the nearby shop—all of it seemed to blur into a surreal backdrop as her mind wrestled with conflicting emotions.

Inside her home, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation. Relatives bustled around, discussing wedding preparations with fervor. Her mother, adorned in vibrant hues of red and gold, flitted from one task to another, her hands expertly weaving flower garlands as she supervised the decorators. Shubhita’s father, a picture of pride and joy, greeted guests with a warm smile, his laughter echoing through the corridors.

But amidst the chaos of festivities, Shubhita felt a sense of detachment. She watched her parents’ enthusiasm with a hollow ache in her chest, unable to shake off the nagging doubts that gnawed at her insides.

As she retreated to her room, seeking solace in the familiar confines of her sanctuary, she couldn’t escape the weight of uncertainty that hung heavy in the air. The soft melodies of wedding songs drifting from the courtyard mingled with the distant sounds of laughter, serving as a poignant reminder of the life-altering decision looming on the horizon.

With a heavy heart, Shubhita sank onto her bed, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion. She traced the delicate patterns of her embroidered dupatta, her fingers trembling with indecision. The memory of her conversation with Vatsal replayed in her mind like a broken record, each word laden with unspoken truths and unanswered questions.

She couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease that gripped her heart whenever she thought of him. Was it fear of the unknown, or a deeper intuition warning her of impending turmoil? She longed for clarity, for a sign that would illuminate the path ahead and dispel the shadows of doubt that clouded her mind.

But as she glanced at the ornate wedding invitation lying on her bedside table, adorned with intricate designs and shimmering embellishments, she felt a surge of conflicting emotions wash over her. The image of her parents’ beaming faces, the whispered blessings of relatives, and the anticipation of a future filled with love and companionship—all of it tugged at her heartstrings, tempting her to embrace the illusion of happiness.

Lost in her thoughts, Shubhita found herself grappling with the age-old dilemma of duty versus desire. Should she heed the expectations of her family and society, sacrificing her own happiness for the sake of tradition? Or should she listen to the whispers of her heart, risking the disapproval of those she held dear in pursuit of true fulfillment?

As the hours stretched into the night, Shubhita remained ensnared in the web of uncertainty, her mind a battleground of conflicting emotions. The gentle glow of the moon cast a soft luminescence over her room, casting elongated shadows on the walls like silent spectators to her inner turmoil.

In the silence of the night, with the distant strains of wedding festivities drifting through the window, Shubhita found herself at a crossroads. And as she gazed out into the darkness, the weight of her decisions bore down upon her like an oppressive burden, leaving her torn between the comfort of familiarity and the allure of the unknown.

"Shubhi!"

Mrs Parihar, her mother's voice echoed through the dimly lit balcony, breaking the silence of the night.

"Mumma, I'm here,"

She replied softly, her gaze fixed on the distant stars scattered across the night sky.

"You're in the balcony. That too in darkness. What happened, what are you thinking, dear?"

Her mother's concern was evident in her voice as she approached, her footsteps echoing against the tiled floor.

"Nothing, Mumma. Come, sit along."

She said, patting the empty space beside her. Her mother remarked, taking a seat beside her.

"Why do you seem so upset? You're going to your real home, be contented.”

"You're happy, right?"

Shubhi's voice was barely a whisper, her eyes betraying the turmoil within.

"Is this even a thing to ask? What can be more satisfying for the parents than their daughter getting married to a suitable person? In a good house and family, with utmost love and respect. Huh?"

Her mother's words were filled with pride and assurance, but Shubhi couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that gnawed at her heart. Love and respect seemed very luxurious to her at then. She wondered if she should really expect those two luxuries from Kashyaps or not.

"Oh no! Here, I've started talking to you, and there is still so much left for me to attend downstairs. You take rest, I'll be back in an hour."

Her mother said, rising from her seat and disappearing into the house, leaving Shubhi alone with her thoughts.

As the cool breeze caressed her face and the gentle rustle of leaves filled the air, Shubhi couldn't help but feel a sense of longing for the comfort and familiarity of her childhood home. Despite her mother's assurances, doubts lingered in her mind, casting a shadow over the impending marriage that awaited her.

Alone in the darkness of the balcony, she wrestled with her emotions, torn between the expectations of her family and her own dignity and desires for happiness and fulfilment. And as she gazed out into the night, the stars above seemed to offer no answers, leaving her with nothing but the quiet solitude of her own thoughts.

_

_

_

The soft glow of the restaurant's ambient lighting enveloped the table where Vatsal and Shubhita sat, casting a gentle warmth over the scene.

Shubhita's navy blue maxi dress flowed elegantly around her as she sat across from Vatsal, her hair cascading in loose waves, held back by a small hair claw clip. Golden butterfly studs adorned her ears, adding a touch of sparkle to her ensemble.

The air between them crackled with tension, an awkward silence hanging heavy as they both fidgeted with their utensils, unsure of where to begin. Shubhita's mind raced, her thoughts a jumble of confusion and reluctance. She hadn't wanted to meet Vatsal, hadn't wanted to entertain his demand, but something within her had relented, agreeing to this meeting despite her reservations.

Vatsal, too, felt the weight of the moment pressing down on him. They were to be married in less than ten days, yet here they were, struggling to find words to fill the space between them. He cleared his throat, attempting to dispel the palpable awkwardness that hung in the air.

“Shubhita," he began, his voice tentative, "I know this isn't... ideal. But I felt we needed to talk before... before the wedding."

Shubhita nodded slowly, her gaze fixed on her hands folded in her lap.

“What would you like to have? Tea or coffee? Or juice?”

She nodded vocalising,

“Truth.”

Shubhita’s heart clenched at her own words, the weight of their impending marriage bearing down on her with renewed force. She knew she couldn’t continue to ignore the doubts gnawing at her, couldn’t bury her apprehensions beneath layers of false pretence.

Vatsal’s gaze snapped up, meeting hers with shock. A tumult of emotions flickered across his face—surprise, apprehension, and a hint of nervousness mirrored in Shubhita’s own demeanour. Yet, she found the courage to press on.

“I... I think we need to be honest with each other.”

“Two coffee please!”

Vatsal’s request broke the momentary silence, his voice a stark reminder of the reality they couldn’t evade.

“Alright. I know that whatever my mother put forward that day was not right...”

Vatsal’s admission hung in the air, heavy with the weight of unspoken grievances and unaddressed concerns. Shubhita’s response was laden with the bitterness of past injustice.

“Do you even know what havoc was created in my parents’ life and peace because of her those demands?”

She questioned, her voice tinged with a mix of sorrow and resentment, laying bare the scars of familial discord that threatened to mar their union.

In that moment, as the aroma of brewing coffee filled the room, Shubhita and Vatsal stood on the precipice of truth, their relationship poised on the edge of revelation and reconciliation, uncertain of what lay ahead but determined to confront the challenges together.

They both sat with their cups of coffee untouched, the air thick with unresolved tension. Vatsal’s gaze remained fixed on Shubhita, a mixture of regret and determination etched on his features.

“Shubhita, I can’t excuse myself here. Those demands for whatever she wanted, were unjust and disgraceful. I completely agree.”

He began, his voice heavy with shame. She met his gaze, her expression a mask of hurt and betrayal.

“But the damage has been done, Vatsal,” she replied, her voice trembling with suppressed anger. “You can’t undo the helplessness and humiliation me and my family endured because of what... Greed.”

A heavy silence settled between them, each lost in their own thoughts, grappling with the betrayal that had poisoned their relationship. Finally, Vatsal spoke, his voice tinged with desperation.

“Look, I know words alone won’t suffice. I barely know you, but I can’t bear the thought of starting our marriage on such a tainted foundation.”

Shubhita’s heart ached at his words.

“This isn’t how I imagined my marriage either...,” she whispered, her voice raw with disappointment. “I need to know if you’re truly willing to stand up for what’s right in future too, even if it means going against your own family. Huh?”

~~~

This is it for now. Hope you liked it. I am sorry for the mistakes.

In case if you want to share your views or suggest something, you are more than welcome.

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Till then take care and stay connected.

Love ♥️✨