DRITHI.

The old clock on the mantel struck midnight with a solemn chime that seemed to echo Drithi's racing heartbeat. She stood at the window of her room, her hands trembling as she watched the moonlit shadows dance across the garden below.

Tonight was supposed to be her wedding night - a night her parents had planned, a night that was meant to mark her transition into adulthood according to their traditions. But Drithi couldn't fathom spending her life with a man she barely knew, let alone loved.

At eighteen, she had dreams and aspirations that extended far beyond the confines of the marriage her parents had arranged for her.

Beside her, her cousins Aarav and Jivika hovered anxiously, their faces mirroring a mixture of worry and determination. They had been planning this escape for weeks, looking at every detail to ensure Drithi's freedom.

Aarav checked his watch for the n-th time, silently urging Drithi to make her decision.

"We need to go now," Aarav whispered urgently, his voice barely audible over the pounding of Drithi's heart.

Drithi nodded, her eyes darting nervously between her cousins.

"I'm ready," she murmured, steeling herself for the risky leap into the unknown.

Jivika, the youngest and perhaps the most empathetic of the trio, reached out and squeezed Drithi's hand gently.

"It's going to be okay, Drithi," she reassured, her voice trembling with suppressed emotion. "We've got your back."

"Oh, don't forget to take my Mem!" Drithi said to Aarav as he stopped in his tracks. Aarav who was infront of Drithi, turned around and looked at her in disbelief.

"We are in a life and death situation, and you want your fucking plushie?!" He whispered angrily pointing towards the table where the plushie was kept.

"Yes." Came the answer from the dressed up (future) run away bride.

"THE AUDA—" Aarav yelled as Jivika kept her palm on his mouth to shit him up. She glared at him, telling him to keep quite through her eyes.

"She's being stupid!" He argued back, receiving glare from Drithi.

"Take. My. Mem." Drithi said, minutes away from busting out of anger.

"okay.." Aarav sighed, as he picked up the plushie.

With a deep breath, Drithi slipped out of her room and tiptoed down the creaking stairs. In the dimly lit hallway, they paused to listen for any signs of stirring from her family's quarters.

Satisfied that the house remained quiet, they hurried towards the back door, where Aarav unlocked the latch that led to the garden.

Outside, the cool night air embraced them like a secret accomplice. The stars twinkled overhead, lending an air of quiet serenity to their frantic mission.

Aarav led the way to the waiting car parked discreetly around the corner, its engine purring softly in anticipation. Drithi's heart raced faster with each step, a potent mix of fear and exhilaration coursing through her veins.

As they climbed into the car, relief flooded Drithi's senses. "Thank you," she whispered fervently to her cousins, her voice thick with gratitude and disbelief.

Jivika smiled warmly, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "You're our family, Drithi. We couldn't let them force you into something you didn't want."

With that, Aarav put the car into gear, and they sped off into the darkness, leaving behind the mansion and the suffocating weight of expectations.

The city lights blurred past the window, a dizzying blur that matched Drithi's fierce emotions. She felt a surge of freedom and empowerment.

"Where are we going?" Drithi finally asked, her voice wavering with uncertainty yet with hope.

"To Mumbai," Aarav replied firmly, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. "We have a friend there who will help us get settled."

• • •

Drithi's pulse raced as she navigated the throngs of people at the bustling Delhi train station, her ivory wedding dress trailing behind her.

"We need to get to Platform 5," Aarav said, glancing around to orient himself.

"The Mumbai train leaves in ten minutes," Jivika added, urging them forward with a quick glance over her shoulder.

As they hurried through the crowded station, Drithi's thoughts were a whirlwind. Her parents would be furious, but she knew she couldn't go through with the arranged marriage.

Suddenly, Drithi collided with someone, and she stumbled backward. She looked up to see a girl about her age, standing near a stall with a water bottle in her hand, looking equally startled.

"I'm so sorry!" Drithi exclaimed, catching her breath.

The girl, Shivani, quickly recovered and offered a kind smile. "It's okay. Are you alright?" She took in Drithi's wedding dress, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.

"We're fine," Aarav interjected, stepping forward to steer Drithi away. "Just in a bit of a hurry."

Jivika gave Shivani an apologetic look. "Sorry for the trouble."

But Shivani's curiosity got the better of her. "Are you... running away from your wedding?" she asked, her voice a mix of disbelief and intrigue.

Drithi nodded hesitantly, realising there was no point in lying. "Yes. I just can't go through with it."

Shivani glanced at the train schedule on the board. "Mumbai, huh? That train leaves in a few minutes. You better hurry."

"Thanks," Drithi said, grateful for the stranger's understanding.

She turned to follow Aarav and Jivika, but Shivani's voice stopped her.

"Wait!" Shivani called out. "Take this." She handed Drithi the unopened water bottle. "You look like you could use it."

Drithi took the bottle with a grateful smile. "Thank you."

"Good luck," Shivani said, her smile warm and encouraging.

With a final nod, Drithi and her cousins hurried to Platform 5. As they boarded the train, Drithi glanced back and saw Shivani watching them, giving a small wave.

As the train pulled away from the station, Drithi took a sip of the water and felt a strange sense of calm wash over her.

She didn't know what lay ahead in Mumbai, but the kindness of a stranger had given her a boost of confidence.

Meanwhile, Shivani stood at the station, wondering about the girl in the wedding dress and hoping that she would find the happiness and freedom she was seeking.

...