"Arre oh Shivaay, get to work..." He heard her voice again in his dreams. His lips curled into a smile, but the sound of her chuckle soon turned into groans. Darkness enveloped his dream, waking him abruptly. Tears streamed down his face as he traveled towards his hometown on the train.

"It's just for a few hours, Anu. I will relieve you of every pain. We will have our happily ever after," he murmured, gazing at the hand-drawn image he had sketched before leaving to study far away. He still remembered that day vividly. She had unhappily removed her pallu for the first time in front of him, revealing bite marks on her neck. Then, she loosened her saree to show the wounds on her arms and forearms. His eyes welled up at the sight.

"Have a clear look at me, Shivaay. And draw me from your heart's vision," she had said, gazing at him. He drew her without the wounds, capturing the happy smile he envisioned for her. When he gave her the portrait, she didn't react but took some red paint, applied it to her lips, and kissed the paper next to her painting.

"Study well. Be independent. Be straightforward, never bow your head to anyone. Keep this in mind," she had advised before draping her pallu back over her wounds and walking away. He had been unable to stop her, closing his eyes as she left.

His eyes snapped open again, his breath catching in his throat. Struggling to breathe, he groped for the water jug with his eyes closed, fearing what he might see if he opened them. He found the jug, gulped down the water quickly, then reached for the light switch behind his bed. With the lights on, the darkness that haunted him receded. Opening his eyes, he noticed it was 3 AM. All he could remember from his dream were her chuckles and groans, and her voice calling, "Arre oh Shivaay."

His mornings were routine: waking up, making coffee, and preparing for the day at the office he owned. From humble beginnings to success, he was proud of himself yet constantly felt driven by an unknown force. His personal life suffered due to his unresolved past.

"You should consult a psychiatrist, Shivaay. How long will you live under the shadow of fear?" he told his reflection while tying his tie. Yet, he lacked the courage to open up to a stranger, fearing the loss of his treasured memories of happiness. The chuckles he heard brought him joy, but the groans were his worst nightmare. Whenever he recalled them, he felt trapped by guilt, believing he was somehow responsible for her pain.

On a day overwhelmed with depression, avoiding meetings, and desiring solitude, an email notification popped up on his system.

****

Pune, Maharastra

"Anika, please forgive your father. I had no other choice," she read from the note under her pillow, bewildered. She was all set to visit Kolapur's haunted house to write a story as a journalist the next day, but the letter left her stunned. She walked to the drawing room, where another note awaited her.

Dear Anika,

After reading this, I do not know how you will feel, but I made this decision out of desperation. I have never been the father you deserved. For business, I borrowed money from Mr. Mathur, but I couldn't repay him due to losses. Left with no other option, he demanded repayment of the loans or... I sold you, Anika, to settle my debts. I know I've ruined your life. Please try to understand.

Your Father.

****