As soon as I set foot in the house, it felt like a breath of fresh air filled my lungs-a sense of relief I hadn't realized I needed until now. It was as if I had been holding my breath ever since I left this place. This house, these people, were all I had left.

I saw Shalini aunty approaching with hurried steps. Her face was etched with worry, and I couldn't help but feel a lump form in my throat. I quickly turned my face to wipe away the tears threatening to fall, then turned back to her with a faint smile, embracing her tightly. Her tension was palpable, her arms around me seeking reassurance.

As she pulled away from the hug, she gently asked, "Where's your phone?" Her voice was calm, but her concern was evident.

"I left it in my room," I replied softly.

"Why didn't you take it with you?" she asked, her brows furrowed with worry.

I had no proper explanation, so I mumbled, "I took the maid's phone. Mine was off."

She placed a reassuring hand on my back and led me inside. I noticed Karan uncle wasn't around and asked about him. She explained that he had gone out for a meeting.

"Do you know where I was?" I asked hesitantly.

After a brief pause, she nodded, "Yes, I know everything."

"And Karan uncle?" I inquired.

She placed a comforting hand on my shoulder and said, "Not yet, but I'll have to tell him."

A wave of relief washed over me. The fear of them not knowing, of having to explain everything myself, had been weighing heavily on me. Now that they knew, especially the elders, I felt a glimmer of hope. They would surely do something about that monster, Ishaan.

I sighed deeply, finally feeling a bit of peace, knowing I wasn't alone in this anymore.

After some time, I went to my room. The image of my own portrait kept replaying in my mind. How could he be so obsessed? How had he managed to create something so vivid without even having a photo? Had he ingrained my image so deeply in his mind that painting me was that effortless? These thoughts tangled and twisted in my head, leaving me feeling overwhelmed. It was as if the childhood fears I had buried long ago were beginning to resurface.

His aggressive kiss, the way he held me -it all felt like a looming shadow of something far more sinister. Everything was happening so fast, suffocating me, not giving me a moment to breathe

- childhood trauma ↓

My body began to tremble as memories of that day flooded back-the day I was most vulnerable in my life. The way that person touched me without my consent, invading every part of me. His hands roamed where they shouldn't have, and I had no power to stop him. The tears that silently fell from one eye, my erratic breathing, and his cold, dismissive words, "Nothing's going to happen, just stay still."

Suddenly, my eyes shot open. My breaths were rapid, my chest heaving as if I had just surfaced from drowning. I didn't even realize when I had drifted into a nap. The nightmare had come back, a cruel reminder of the trauma I had tried so hard to suppress. It terrified me.

Suddenly, my eyes shot open. My breaths were rapid, my chest heaving as if I had just surfaced from drowning. I didn't even realize when I had drifted into a nap. The nightmare had come back, a cruel reminder of the trauma I had tried so hard to suppress. It terrified me.

I wanted to escape, to run far away from everything and everyone. The urge to flee was overwhelming, to leave it all behind, to find a place where I could feel safe, where the ghosts of my past couldn't haunt me.

The only thought running through my mind was, I have to run. I have to get away. Without wasting a second, I got up from my bed, hurried down the stairs, and found Shalini aunty watering the plants in the garden. With a sense of urgency, I blurted out, "Aunty, I need to visit the place where my family's ashes were scattered."

She turned around, surprised by my sudden outburst. Setting the watering can aside, she approached me with concern etched on her face. "Are you okay, beta? Why are you so anxious?"

"I need to see it," I said, my voice trembling. "Can you tell me where it is?" She noticed the sweat on my forehead and could sense that I was desperate to leave, even without me explaining.

" Kashmir," she said, her voice soft, as if trying to soothe my frayed nerves. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I whispered, "I need to go."

Her expression shifted to one of fear, and I realized she was terrified of Ishan. But what she didn't know was that I was even more scared. I needed to escape from him.

"It's okay, you can go," she finally said, and before she could finish, I cut in, "Now. I need to go now."

She looked taken aback. "Now? But why now?"

Taking a deep breath, I said, "It's been so long since I've been there. I didn't have the courage to go before, but now I want to. I need to. Please, just this once." I hadn't even noticed when tears started rolling down my cheeks.

She hesitated before saying, "Okay, I'll talk to Karan, but you won't go alone. We'll come with you."

Her words shattered the fragile hope I had. If they came with me, they'd be in danger. I couldn't let that happen. Placing my hand gently on her shoulder, I tried to reassure her. "Please, don't worry about me. I grew up there. I know every corner. I'll be safe."

Her face was filled with concern. "But beta, it's not safe."

"Please," I pleaded. "I need to go alone. Just this time."

At the airport-

At the airport, watching people bustle about, a sense of calm washed over me. Finally, I'm going to escape. I would never have to return to this large, suffocating family where my presence only brought danger to everyone. I glanced back at Shalini aunty and Karan uncle, who had come to see me off, holding Gem, my beloved cat. I was leaving him with them so he wouldn't feel lonely. Tears blurred my vision as I looked at these three innocent souls.

I felt like I was betraying them. But I had to do this. If not now, then never.

I had already moved far ahead, away from them. Glancing back one last time, I saw Shalini aunty and Karan uncle waving goodbye with a faint smile that carried a hint of fear. Do they know? I wondered. Do they realize I'm running away? Or perhaps they were silent out of hope, trusting that everything would be okay.

As I settled into my seat on the airplane, a single thought consumed me: What if he finds me? Will he kill me? The fear gripped me tightly, but alongside it was a strange sense of relief. At least for now, I'm free.

The thought of Vansh also haunting me ... Where is he ? Is he safe or? feeling the weight of the world slowly lifting from my shoulders. Everything was happening so fast, yet smoothly. The fear lingered, but there was a faint satisfaction that I was finally taking control of my life.

But then, a chilling thought crept into my mind: Who will take me in now? Where will I go? My relatives-would they even want me? The uncertainty gnawed at me, making me question my choices.



Naina didn't even realize when she fell asleep. After a few hours of travel, she opened her eyes and looked out of the window. Below her, there were no cities in sight, just snow-covered mountains, though the snow was sparse. As she continued to gaze, lost in the serene yet cold landscape, the plane finally landed at the airport.

Upon stepping outside, she was greeted by the chill air, but her attention quickly shifted to two men in black suits and sunglasses, briskly walking toward her. They looked like bodyguards, and a wave of fear washed over her. She kept walking silently, hoping to avoid any confrontation, but they approached her directly and took her bag, offering help.

Naina, surprised, looked at them and asked cautiously, "Do I know you?"

One of them responded politely, "Hello Mam, we've been hired by Karan Malhotra for your safety."

Hearing this, a pang of pain shot through her heart. Why? she thought. The more I try to run away, the more they seem to be tied to me. She didn't say anything further and followed them quietly. They led her to a parked car, placed her bag inside, and opened the back door for her. She slipped into the seat without a word.

One of the men took the front passenger seat, while the other got into a different car parked nearby. As the car started moving, Naina pulled out her phone. A message notification from Shalini aunty caught her eye:

"Take care of yourself. We've sent bodyguards for your safety. Please stay with them... please."

A deep sense of sadness enveloped her. They still care so much, yet I have to leave them behind. I'm causing them worry even when I'm trying to protect them. The weight of it all bore down on her, making her journey feel even heavier.

Naina stared out of the car window, her mind drifting back to memories of her childhood. She recalled her childhood friends, the carefree days spent playing, and the warmth of her family before everything changed. Each memory felt like a gentle tug on her heart, bringing back the pain of loss and longing.

The thoughts of her family's passing, the grief, and the moments of helplessness replayed vividly in her mind. But she knew she couldn't let these emotions take over. With a deep breath, she reached into her bag, pulling out her earphones. She plugged them in and started playing some music, hoping to drown out the overwhelming thoughts with the soothing comfort of songs.

As the melodies filled her ears, she leaned back, closing her eyes, trying to find solace in the music, even if just for a little while. The rhythmic beats and familiar lyrics became her escape, a small reprieve from the storm brewing within.

After some time, the car came to a smooth halt in front of a grand hotel. Naina looked out, noticing the opulence of the place. The bodyguard stepped out first, opening her door with a polite gesture. "Ma'am, you'll be staying here," he informed her. She glanced up at the hotel, its majestic facade glowing in the soft afternoon light. It was an elegant structure, beautifully designed, exuding luxury.

Naina nodded quietly, stepping out as the bodyguard began unloading her luggage piece by piece. The hotel's entrance was grand, with polished floors and a spacious lobby that had an air of calm sophistication. A courteous receptionist greeted her warmly, taking care of the check-in process before leading her to her room.

As Naina entered her suite, she couldn't help but be struck by its beauty. The room was exquisitely furnished, with plush carpets, tasteful decor, and a large bed that looked incredibly inviting. But what caught her attention the most was the expansive window on one side of the room. It framed a breathtaking view of the mountains, their peaks dusted with fresh snow, glistening under the soft sunlight.

The sight should have evoked wonder, but for Naina, it was a familiar scene. Having grown up amidst these snowy landscapes, the view was more a comforting reminder of home than a spectacle of nature's beauty. She walked over to the window, pressing her hand lightly against the cool glass, her mind momentarily transported back to her childhood days in the same serene mountains.

Despite the splendor around her, a part of her felt disconnected. The grandeur of the hotel didn't resonate with her current state of mind. She was here not for leisure but to find solace, to run from the storm that had taken over her life. As she stood there, looking out at the serene landscape, she took a deep breath, hoping that this place, with its tranquil beauty, might offer her the peace she so desperately sought.

Naina finally did what she had been longing to do for a while. She sat down at the elegant desk in her room, pulled out a piece of paper, and began pouring her heart out. Each word she wrote carried the weight of her sorrow, fears, and the overwhelming desire to be free. Her hand trembled slightly as she penned down her emotions, addressing Shalini and Karan with a heavy heart.

"I'm sorry," she wrote, her tears smudging the ink slightly. "Please don't try to contact me. I need to go ....alone. Thank you for everything, but this is something I must do for your safety."

With a deep sigh, Naina folded the note carefully and placed it on the desk. She then reached into her bag, pulled out her phone, and removed the SIM card. Staring at it for a moment, she felt a pang of guilt but also a sense of liberation.

Walking over to the small dustbin near the door, she dropped the SIM card inside. The soft clink as it hit the bottom felt like the closing of a chapter, a step towards reclaiming her life. She stood there for a moment, staring down, before turning back to the window. The mountains, silent and steady, seemed to understand her need for solitude, offering a quiet reassurance that she wasn't entirely alone.

Naina, feeling the need to stay connected while maintaining her privacy, picked up the hotel phone and called the reception. A polite voice answered, and she requested, "Could you please send someone up? I need assistance."

Within a few minutes, a hotel staff member arrived at her door. She greeted him with a calm demeanor, though inside, her heart raced. "I need a local SIM card," she explained. "Can you arrange that for me?"

The staff member nodded, understanding the urgency in her request. "Of course, ma'am. I'll have it brought to you shortly."

"And," Naina added, "I'll also need a cab arranged, please."

The staff member assured her everything would be taken care of and left. Naina sat back on the edge of the bed, her gaze drifting to the window again. The mountains stood there, unchanging, offering a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions and changes she was experiencing. She felt a slight relief knowing she could stay connected on her terms, ready to take the next step in her journey, wherever it might lead.

Naina stood near the window, her heart pounding as she watched her bodyguards stationed outside, their eyes scanning the surroundings. She bit her lip, fear creeping in that they might catch her if she tried to escape. Determined, she packed her essentials into a single bag and placed it by her side, ready for her carefully planned departure.

After what felt like an eternity, there was a knock at her door. The hotel receptionist had arrived, a polite smile on his face. "Ma'am, your cab has arrived," he informed her. "However, the SIM card might take a little more time."

Naina nodded, her mind racing. "I need the cab to be on the back side," she said, her voice low and urgent. "Somewhere the bodyguards won't see me."

The receptionist raised an eyebrow, clearly curious but professional enough not to ask questions. He nodded in agreement and stepped out to make the necessary arrangements.

A few minutes later, Naina slipped out of her room, her bag clutched tightly in her hand. She moved swiftly, her heart thumping in her chest, as she made her way to the back of the hotel. The cab was waiting, just as she had requested. She quickly got in, casting one last glance at the hotel behind her.

As the cab pulled away, Naina exhaled deeply, the tension slowly ebbing from her body. She watched the hotel fade into the distance, feeling a mix of fear and relief. She was on the move now, away from the eyes that watched her every step, heading towards an uncertain but necessary freedom.

After a while, Naina instructed the cab driver, "Please take me to a place where I can get a new SIM card." The cab driver nodded and drove her to the nearest mobile service store.

Naina stepped out, asking the driver to wait for her. Inside the store, she approached the counter and explained her need for a new SIM card under her name. It took some time, with paperwork and verification, but eventually, she managed to get it sorted. With the new SIM in hand, she returned to the cab.

As she settled back in, she told the driver, "Please take me to this place," giving him the address leading towards Pahalgam.

The driver hesitated, glancing at her through the rearview mirror. "Ma'am, we don't usually drive that route," he said apologetically.

Naina's heart sank, her voice trembling slightly as she asked, "Do you know anyone who can take me there? I really need to go."

The driver, sensing her urgency, nodded. "Hold on, let me make a call." He pulled out his phone and dialed a number. After a brief conversation, he turned to her with a reassuring smile. "I've arranged another car for you. They'll take you to Pahalgam."

Relieved, Naina waited as the new vehicle arrived. She transferred her belongings and thanked the cab driver before stepping into the new car, ready to continue her journey into the mountains, away from the shadows that loomed over her.

As Naina stepped out of the car in Pahalgam, she carried her belongings and directed the driver to stop in front of a modest house. Taking a deep breath, she approached the door and knocked gently. Moments later, an older man opened the door, his eyes widening in disbelief as he saw her.

"Naina? Is that you?" he asked, his voice laced with astonishment.

Naina managed a small smile and nodded. The man, still processing her unexpected arrival, invited her inside. He called out to someone, and soon another man appeared, helping her with her bags as she stepped into the familiar, comforting environment.

Her eyes scanned the room until they landed on Shanaya, her childhood friend. Shanaya's face lit up with shock and joy, and she rushed towards Naina, enveloping her in a tight hug. "Naina! I can't believe it's you!" Shanaya exclaimed, tears streaming down her face. "Why did you leave? We missed you so much!"

Naina couldn't hold back her own tears. It had been so long since she felt this connected to someone. Her words failed her, so she simply cried in Shanaya's embrace, overwhelmed by the emotions of being home, of being with someone who truly cared.

After what felt like an eternity, they both sat down on the couch, still holding onto each other's hands. Shanaya's mother soon appeared, her eyes widening in surprise at the sight of Naina. "Naina? It's been so long!" she said warmly, though it was evident she was just as surprised as her daughter.

Naina gave a polite nod, still struggling with the weight of her emotions. Shanaya's little brother brought her a glass of water, which she accepted gratefully, taking a few sips to steady herself.

As they caught up, Shanaya brought up the painful subject that Naina had been avoiding. "I was heartbroken when I heard about your family," she said softly, her eyes filled with sympathy.

Naina's gaze dropped to the floor, unable to find the words to respond. Shanaya leaned in and hugged her again, offering silent support. The weight of her grief was too much to bear, and she broke down once more, her sobs echoing in the quiet room.

After a while, Shanaya led Naina to a guest room, urging her to rest. Naina lay down, her mind racing with memories and emotions, but for the first time in a while, she felt a sliver of peace still amidst the sorrow that still lingered.

Hope you like it Words - 3428