Why does life sometimes seem to conspire against us? Why does it constantly remind us that no matter how many joys lie ahead, those incomplete stories and unfulfilled loves will still await us? My mind was stuck on one thing-could Ishan's words be true? Is Vansh still waiting for me or has he forgotten me? Does he even remember me? If he did, why hasn't he tried to contact me? Why? Why didn't he reach out? I've already lost my family, so why didn't he try to find me?

My heartbeat echoed in my ears as my eyes fell on the child sitting in my lap. I didn't even know his name, yet he felt so close to me, as if I were his true home.

And I could still feel those eyes watching me-I knew Ishan was looking at me. But I didn't want to look at him. Not at all. Enough is enough. I won't let him come near me again. My mind kept racing with these thoughts as I continued to look at the child in my arms.

After sitting for a while, a waiter approached me, asking if I wanted a drink. I declined. My mind drifted to memories of how my dad used to drink-sometimes scolding me in anger, saying I was useless, and other times, calling me his most beloved daughter.

I didn't want to accept reality. Maybe I just didn't want to remember anything bad about my past. Yes, my past was dark, very dark. My childhood, filled with things no one knew about. I didn't know why all these thoughts were running through my mind now.

I took a glass of water from the waiter's tray. After taking two sips, I was about to take a third when I noticed the child looking straight into my eyes. I gently tilted my head and signaled lovingly, asking, "What?" Then, I brought the glass closer to his mouth, and he immediately started drinking the water. I couldn't help but smile a little as I watched him.I gently asked him, "naam nhi btaoge apna ?" even though I knew he was too young to speak. But somehow, being with him made me feel really good, more than I had felt in a long time.Just then, Shalini Aunty and another woman, whom I had seen with her earlier, approached me. I barely knew anyone here, and honestly, I still didn't understand why I had come. I shouldn't have. But Shalini Aunty had insisted, as always.

Shalini Aunty introduced me to the woman, and I learned her name was Riya. The little boy in my lap suddenly started squirming, trying to get up. I looked at him in surprise, and then Riya Aunty extended her hand toward him. It was then I realized he must be her son, as he lit up with a bright smile upon seeing her. His name was Aarav. After all this time of having him in my lap, I finally knew his name.

I softly asked, "What does his name mean?" Riya Aunty smiled and replied, "matlab peace aur khushi." I thought to myself, his behavior is just as peaceful as his name.

I've seen so many children who start crying the moment they go to someone else, but he's different-so full of happiness and peace. Truly a beautiful name, reflecting his calm nature. I told them, "Such a beautiful name....aur bht pyara hai aapka beta , like a little flower." seeing his innocent smile and gentle nature.

Riya aunty looked at me with a bit of surprise, and Shalini aunty asked, "What happened, Riya?" She then looked at me and said, "You have such a sweet voice. Why don't you speak more often? Seems like my son is the one who can make you so happy." She said this in a teasing manner.I couldn't help but smile a little, and Shalini aunty joined in with a chuckle too.

After some time, as I was sitting there alone, Savitri aunty came over and sat beside me. She said, "Today is such a big day in my life. Do you know how I met Rishabh?" I looked at her, wondering why she was telling me this, but I shook my head, indicating I didn't know. She continued, "I met Rishabh in college, and he liked me. But I was so beautiful that many boys liked me, and one of them proposed to me. When Rishabh found out, do you know what he did?" I listened carefully and shook my head again. She said, "Rishabh took that boy to the college terrace, stood him on the edge, and told him that if he ever saw him near me again, he'd throw him off." I was shocked by what Savitri aunty was telling me, and my eyes widened in surprise, but Savitri aunty seemed to be telling the story with so much fun and amusement.

She continued, "The next day, I had a dance performance on stage. After my performance, Rishabh came up and, in front of the whole college, he announced that I was his, and if anyone came near me, he'd shoot them on the spot."

I widened my eyes in shock and asked, "Weren't you scared?" She smiled and said, "I was really scared. I was so scared that I was afraid to even look at him. But look, today is our anniversary," and she started laughing. I was completely astonished after hearing her story, wondering how she could be so relaxed about it all. It seemed like such an intense moment, but here she was, telling it so casually. But suddenly out of nowhere, Ishan crossed my mind. He had just told me how it was a good thing that I had mentioned Vansh's name, or else he would have had to work really hard. I thought to myself, could he be like Rishab Uncle, or maybe even worse ?

I had gotten so lost in my thoughts that Savitri Aunty placed her hand on my shoulder and asked, "What happened, beta? I shouldn't have shared that story with you. Look how scared you've become." I shook my head and said, "No, no, it's not like that." Then she asked, "Okay, tell me, how do you feel staying with Shalini? Is she treating you well?" I looked at her and then my gaze shifted to Shalini Aunty, who was laughing and talking to Riya Aunty. I softly told Savitri Aunty, "Yes, she is so sweet and caring." A sweet smile appeared on my face as I said this. By then, someone called Savitri Aunty. She placed her hand on my head and said, "Take care, and keep coming here, consider it your own home." I smiled, and she left.



After spending some time there, Shalini and Karan approached Naina. Karan said, "Beta, we need to head home, some work has come up." Naina nodded and while Shalini and Karan were still inside, Naina slowly started walking out. She was looking around the house, taking in everything, step by step.



My eyes were scanning this grand house, with its towering pillars. It felt like a palace, this place. Everything seemed like a work of art. Each painting on the walls looked stunning, and they were all handmade. My gaze landed on one particular painting, which was incredibly beautiful. As my eyes moved lower, I saw the signature-Ishaan Mehra. My eyes widened a bit, and I thought, Does Ishaan also like paintings? I don't know why, but a small smile appeared on my face, as if I had seen something really beautiful. However, pushing those thoughts aside, I took another step forward and moved toward the outside. And there, in front of me, was a stunning garden. I turned back to look at the house from the garden, and from the outside, it was even more magnificent. It was so unique. When my gaze fell on a balcony, I saw a figure of a guy. At first, he wasn't clearly visible because his face was turned away, but with a girl beside him, I soon recognized him-it was Ishaan. As he turned his face slightly, I could make out who he was. In an instant, I quickly looked away. I didn't want to see him. After hearing Savitri aunty's story, I was even more scared. I kept my gaze away and didn't look back up again. Then I saw a black car approaching, and I took a long breath because I knew that now we were about to leave, and that car was ours. And without looking up, I quietly sat in the car, and Shalini aunty and Karan uncle also joined. After sitting down, I casually looked back toward the balcony... I don't know why... Because of the tinted glass, I was the only one who could see them. Both of them were looking towards this car... I quickly turned my gaze back inside. As the car crossed the main gate, one thought kept running through my mind: who could she be? And why did he say that he liked me? How could someone like someone so quickly? It had only been a short time since I met him, so why was there so much intensity in his eyes? Was he really starting to like me, or was it just attraction at first sight? How could someone confess their feelings so quickly? My mind was flooded with countless questions, each one more confusing than the last.

After 6 months -

Sometimes, the heart finds its home in the most unexpected places, and in those moments, everything feels right.



🥀

Today is a festival that can make anyone fall in love with colors... Yes, Holi.

The air was filled with the scent of spring, vibrant colors splashed across every corner of the house, and the laughter of children echoed around. As I stood on the balcony, watching people smear bright hues on each other's faces, I couldn't help but feel a strange warmth in my heart.

It had been months since I moved here, and while I still felt like an outsider at times, something about this festival made me want to be a part of it. The way people danced, laughed, and celebrated without a care in the world was infectious. A soft breeze carried the faint aroma of sweets and the distant sound of drums, pulling me into a nostalgic trance.

I remembered the Holi celebrations back home, the way my family used to gather, and how we would end up drenched in colors by the end of the day. Those were simpler times, filled with love and laughter. I missed those moments, but today, for the first time in a long while, I felt a flicker of that happiness again.

I smiled, thinking about the little things that brought joy. Maybe, just maybe, it was time to let go of the past a bit and embrace the present, even if it was just for a day. Holi wasn't just about colors; it was about new beginnings, about letting the vibrant shades wash away the shadows of yesterday.

With that thought, I took a deep breath, feeling a newfound excitement as I stepped back into the house, ready to immerse myself in the spirit of Holi.

I went downstairs, and as soon as I stepped into the garden, Shalini aunty, with a mischievous smile, quietly smeared color on my face. "Today, we're going to cover you in every shade of happiness," she said, her voice full of warmth.

Before I knew it, I was running after her, laughing, feeling a strange sense of freedom. The weight of the past, of everything I had carried within me, seemed to lift just for a moment. But as I reached her, she stopped, and in that instant, I couldn't hold back anymore.

I gently smeared color on her face, and the moment we shared was more than just a playful exchange-it was like a healing touch. My eyes filled with tears, tears I hadn't allowed myself to shed in so long. I could see the same emotion reflected in her eyes, a quiet understanding, a shared bond that didn't need words.

We stood there, in the garden, surrounded by colors and laughter, but it was the silent connection between us that spoke the loudest. For the first time in a long while, I felt something I hadn't allowed myself to feel in months-love, acceptance, and the simple joy of belonging.

It wasn't just Holi that brought the colors to life, but the people who cared enough to share them with me. I realized then that healing wasn't always about moving on, but about finding moments of light in the darkest of times. And today, I had found one.

I hugged her tightly, and without saying a word, she wrapped her arms around me too. It felt like an embrace that spoke volumes, one that held all the comfort, love, and understanding I had been craving.

In that moment, I could feel the weight of my heart slowly lifting, as if all the pain I had carried for so long was being soothed by her presence. She didn't need to say anything, her hug was enough. It was as if, in that simple gesture, she was telling me that I wasn't alone, that I was seen, and that I was loved.

Tears welled up in my eyes once again, but this time, they were different. They were the kind of tears that came from a place of healing, of knowing that no matter how hard things had been, there were still people who cared, people who would stand by me.

As I laughed and ran around, the colors of Holi engulfed me, covering me from head to toe. I couldn't even tell when it happened-when the vibrant hues of pinks, blues, and yellows completely swallowed me up. It was like I was sinking deeper into a sea of colors, but I didn't mind.

Each laugh, each splash of color, felt like a release, a weight being lifted from my shoulders. The world around me seemed to fade into a blur, and for the first time in so long, I felt free, unburdened by the heaviness that had once clouded my heart.

The colors weren't just on me-they were in me, transforming me, giving me a sense of joy that I hadn't felt in ages. In that moment, I wasn't carrying any of my past; I was just in the present, laughing, letting the world around me be filled with love and colors.

After immersing myself in colors, it had already started to get a bit dark. I went inside, and after a quick wash, I took a shower. When I came out, Shalini aunty was standing there, holding a dress in her hand, quietly watching me. I looked at her and asked, "What happened, aunty?"

She walked closer, her eyes full of unspoken emotions, and said softly, "How long will you keep calling us aunty and uncle, beta?"

Her words carried such depth, and I could feel the weight of what she was trying to express. She wanted me to call her maa, but how could I? How could I ever forget my real mother? The mere thought of it filled me with fear, the fear of betraying the memory of the woman who gave birth to me.

Tears started to form in my eyes, as I struggled with the emotions swirling inside me. It was as though I was torn between two worlds-one where Shalini aunty had embraced me like her own, and the other, where the very thought of replacing my real mother seemed impossible. I could feel the weight of this internal conflict, and for a moment, I didn't know what to say.

She understood my silent words without me speaking a single thing. Without uttering a word, she handed me the dress and said softly, "Pooja is about to begin, so wear this." She gently placed her hand on my shoulder and said, "Take all the time you need."

Her kindness, her patience-it felt like she was giving me space to breathe, to process everything at my own pace. Her touch was warm, comforting, as if telling me that there was no rush, no pressure. It was as though she knew I was still figuring out what I needed, and that I didn't have to decide everything all at once.

I nodded quietly, the weight of her understanding sinking deep into my heart.

I changed into the clothes, dried my hair, and left it loose before heading to the pooja. The pandit was there, and as he looked at me, he said, "You seem like such an innocent soul. What is your name?" All eyes turned toward me, and I quietly replied, "Naina."

He studied me for a moment, and his face took on a serious expression. "There is a great storm coming into your life," he said. "It will turn everything upside down, but it won't be the kind of storm that will pass quickly. Instead, it will grip you, hold on to you, and you will struggle to break free from it."

I looked at him in shock, trying to understand what he meant, but before I could ask anything, he continued, "But, this storm, over time, will subside."

His words left me speechless. I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that crept into my heart. Even after the pooja ended, I couldn't stop thinking about what he had said. His words were still echoing in my mind, as if something was coming that I wasn't ready to face.

As I walked through the corridor, something small brushed against my feet. It was my cat gem . I remembered how I had asked Karan uncle six months back to bring him from my Nani's house, and he had brought him back to me. I picked him up gently, kissed him on the forehead, and lovingly cradled him in my arms as I continued walking. His soft purrs and the warmth of his body brought me a sense of comfort amidst the swirling emotions and thoughts in my mind. He was my little piece of peace.

As I walked into the balcony, I gently set my cat down. A cool breeze swept through the air, carrying a peaceful calm with it. The silence was only broken by the rustling of leaves and the whisper of the wind. The evening sky, painted with hues of soft orange and purple, made everything feel even more surreal.

I lifted my lehenga slightly, feeling the fabric flutter against my legs as I swirled around, lost in the music of the moment. The breeze caught my hair, making me feel free, as if I was dancing not just with the wind but with my own emotions, my past, and my present all intertwining. My arms moved gracefully, one flowing upward, the other sweeping gently around me. I spun slowly, my feet gliding across the floor, in perfect harmony with the calm yet powerful rhythm that resonated inside me.

I closed my eyes for a moment, letting myself be enveloped in the dance, when suddenly, I felt a presence. I stopped mid-spin, my body frozen for just a moment, as my feet involuntarily planted themselves in one spot. The urge to move faded away, replaced by the sudden realization that I wasn't alone anymore.

Slowly, I turned my gaze upward toward the stairs. My eyes slowly made their way up, and they froze at the sight of a figure. The faint light of the balcony illuminated the sharp angles of his face. His eyes were fixed on me, his expression unreadable, as if he were watching me from the shadows.

It was him.

Ishan.

Hope you like it 3323words