The phone kept ringing…
Under the blanket, a hand slowly appeared and fumbled for it. The blanket slipped down, revealing a mess of curly black hair.
“Hello…” her hoarse, half-asleep voice answered.
“Yes… speaking.”
“Okay… hmm… yeah, I’ll be there in half an hour.”
She ended the call and closed her eyes for a second—
but sleep pulled her right back.
---
She drifted into a dream.
She stood in a beautiful saree, jewellery shining against her skin, in a huge temple decorated like a wedding hall. But her face… blank, tired… her eyes heavy with unshed tears.
A tall man walked up behind her. His face was blurred in the dream, but his presence felt cold. Threatening. He grabbed her wrist and dragged her forward. She tried to pull back, panic rising in her chest, but he was too strong… too intimidating.
Her parents stood nearby, looking helpless and scared.
They kept pleading softly,
“Please… just go through with it…”
Then came the moment.
He lifted the chain to put it around her neck.
Her eyes flew open.
A sharp gasp escaped her. Her heart hammered painfully against her ribs, her skin covered in cold sweat.
Myra took a few deep breaths and turned her head.
Her eyes met the clock on the wall—
and instantly widened.
“Oh hell— I’m late!”
In one motion she threw the blanket aside, jumped out of bed, and ran straight to the bathroom.
---------------
Wearing a white top and black jeans, Myra tied her curly hair into a small, hurried ponytail. Jacket in one hand, handbag in the other, she rushed out of her room and sprinted toward the stairs.
Her foot slipped.
She almost landed flat on her face—
but a strong arm wrapped around her waist, stopping her fall in the very last second.
Myra froze for a breath before looking up at her lifesaver.
Rajveer.
Her sister’s fiance.
He must have come to see Anaya, but God, of all people, she had to crash into him this early morning.
He stood steady and tall, dressed casually, yet still looking annoyingly handsome. His aura didn’t match his outfit—too sharp, too intense… intimidating enough to make her heartbeat gallop.
“You should watch your steps,” he said, his deep, dark voice echoing in the hallway.
Myra swallowed.
She was always nervous around him. She didn’t even know why. He just felt… big. Like a walking, breathing dinosaur.
The thought made her lips twitch and a tiny giggle escaped before she could stop it.
Rajveer’s eyebrow shot up.
She must be crazy, he thought.
“Sorry… and thank you,” she blurted, stepping back quickly.
Then she took off running again.
“Crazy,” he muttered under his breath as he pulled out his phone.
“Raj…”
That sweet, honey-dipped voice floated from behind him.
Rajveer turned—
and for a second, his mind went blank.
Anaya walked down the stairs slowly, like she owned every step.
Her dress hugged her perfectly—elegant, sexy, the kind of outfit a model would casually wear just to remind the world she was untouchable.
Her hair was styled to perfection, her makeup sharp enough to kill.
She knew exactly how she looked.
And she used it like a weapon.
Rajveer couldn’t blink.
Couldn’t think.
Every time she was in front of him, the world stopped.
His brain stopped.
His entire focus narrowed to just her.
That was the power she had—
the kind that didn’t need effort.
Just a glance of her eyes could make him move exactly the way she wanted.
She reached the last step, tilted her chin up, and looked at him through her lashes.
Rajveer felt his chest tighten.
This woman…
She could make him bend with just one finger. And she knew it.
“Let’s go…”
Anaya said it without even blinking, her confidence dripping in every word.
Rajveer’s eyes moved over her slowly.
“You’re stunning, baby,” he murmured, his deep voice low and thick.
She laughed—soft, sexy, knowing exactly what she did to him.
“I know,” she replied with pure arrogance, like beauty was her birthright.
Rajveer scoffed under his breath, amused and hooked at the same time.
He slid an arm around her waist, pulling her close as they walked out of the house together.
The driver was already standing by the car, holding the door open.
“Where are we going, baby?” Anaya asked, her voice playful but her eyes demanding.
He smirked. “It’s a surprise, baby.”
She gave him that slow, confident smile that always made his chest tighten.
“You can go now,” Rajveer ordered the driver, his tone commanding.
“Yes, sir,” the driver said, closing the door before taking the wheel.
The car pulled out smoothly, leaving the house behind as Rajveer and Anaya settled in—his hand still on her waist, her perfume filling the small space, her beauty swallowing every thought he tried to have.
The car moved fast, gliding through the morning traffic.
Inside, Rajveer and Anaya sat like royalty—she leaning into him elegantly, he watching her every tiny movement like she was the center of his world.
The tinted window gave them privacy…
but Rajveer still caught a blur of movement outside.
Someone was waving.
Desperately.
The car slowed at a junction, and that’s when he saw her clearly.
Myra.
She was in the middle of the road, jumping slightly, waving her arms, trying to stop a passing car—her bag slipping from her shoulder, she looked a mess.
Her face was flushed with panic, like she was badly late or in some kind of trouble.
Rajveer straightened.
His eyes narrowed.
Anaya looked up at him. “What?”
He didn’t answer.
His gaze was locked on the small figure outside.
“Your sister…” Rajveer said, eyes still on the road ahead.
Anaya turned sharply and looked outside.
The moment she saw Myra jumping like a lost puppy in the middle of the street, her eyes rolled so hard.
“What’s wrong with this idiot…” she muttered under her breath.
But Rajveer heard it.
“Stop the car,” he said, his voice deep and firm.
The driver braked immediately, stopping right next to Myra.
Myra blinked in surprise, realizing whose car it was.
She rushed forward as the window lowered.
“Anaya... please help me,” she said with a small, awkward smile, trying not to look embarrassed.
Anaya crossed her arms.
“What now?” she asked, clearly irritated.
“My car broke down all of a sudden,” Myra said quickly.
“I just need a lift to the nearest bus stop. My team’s been calling non-stop.”
“There’s a stray puppy hurt nearby.
The panic in her voice was real.
Rajveer glanced at her, but stayed silent.
Anaya let out a small smirk and shook her head.
“For a dog?” She flipped her hair back. “Seriously, Myra. Stop being so dramatic.”
Myra’s face fell for a brief second.
A flash of hurt crossed her eyes—but she masked it fast, forcing a light smile.
“It’s still a life,” she said softly. “They’re waiting for me. Please....
Anaya rolled her eyes.
“Oh please. You act like you’re saving the world.” Her voice turned sharper.
“Find a real job. This stray animal stuff is just embarrassing. Don’t drag us into it.”
Myra tightened her grip on her handbag. Her smile stayed, but her eyes dulled.
“I will,” she said quietly. “This is just temporary… until I get something permanent.”
That one line—simple, soft, honest—hung in the air.
Rajveer stared at her, his eyes unreadable.
“Get in the car,” he said again, more firmly this time.
Myra blinked.
Anaya snapped her head toward him with irritation.
Myra stood still for a second, confused.
His gaze stayed on Myra—steady, commanding.
“Get in,” he repeated.
And for the first time that morning…
Myra couldn’t decide which scared her more—
Anaya’s glare,
or Rajveer’s intensity.
----------------
The car started moving.
Myra sat in the front seat, forcing a small smile, trying to ease the awkward silence.
“Look outside,” she said softly. “The view is beautiful. The weather feels perfect for a picnic.”
Anaya glanced out once and rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed.
“Do you remember,” Myra added gently, “when we all went on picnics with Mom and Dad?”
She meant it as something warm… something familiar.
But Anaya’s sharp glare cut her off mid-sentence.
Myra fell silent.
Her smile slowly faded as she turned her face toward the window. She let out a quiet breath, the kind that carried more weight than a sigh.
She didn’t say anything after that.
“Raj… we’re going on a date,” Anaya said irritably. “Even now you have to work? Can’t you be present with me for once?”
“Sorry, love,” Rajveer replied in his deep, calm voice. “It’s urgent. I’ll finish it before we arrive. I promise.”
Myra felt the tension behind her.
She didn’t dare to turn around.
Instead, she looked out of the window. The view outside was beautiful—peaceful in a way the car no longer was.
The contrast made her chest feel strangely tight.
She stayed quiet, letting the scenery hold her attention, as if it could protect her from everything happening behind her.
A loud ringtone pierced the silence, making everyone flinch.
Rajveer lifted his eyes from his phone at the sound.
Anaya shot Myra a deadly glare.
Myra smiled awkwardly before answering the call.
“Yeah… my car broke down. I’ll wait at the bus stop near Park City. Please come pick me up,” she said quickly.
“Thank you,” she added and cut the call, placing the phone on her lap.
She let out a soft breath she’d been holding all this while.
As the bus stop came into view, Myra suddenly leaned forward.
“Here!” she squeaked, her voice louder than intended.
The driver startled and slammed the brakes.
“Stop here,” she said, forcing a smile. She could feel two sharp glares burning into her back, but she didn’t dare turn around.
The car came to a halt.
Before anyone could say anything, Myra jumped out. She leaned toward the window where Anaya was seated and tapped on the glass.
The window rolled down slowly, revealing Anaya’s beautiful but clearly irritated face.
“Thank you, sis,” Myra said softly.
“Get lost,” Anaya snapped.
Myra glanced briefly at Rajveer before speaking again.
“Thank you… Veer.”
His eyes flicked toward her. No one ever called him that—everyone used Raj or Rajveer. He simply nodded once.
“Bye,” Myra said, already backing away.
She hurried toward the bus stop, where another car was waiting for her.
Rajveer’s car drove past without slowing.
---------------------
The boat glided slowly over the water, the view stretching wide and endless around them. The breeze was gentle, carrying the smell of the lake and the soft warmth of the sun.
Anaya leaned back, clearly pleased, her irritation from earlier slowly fading.
“This place is beautiful,” she said, a small smile finally appearing.
Rajveer nodded, his attention on the scenery as well.
“I know you’d like it.”
As the boat drifted quietly, Rajveer turned toward her.
“My parents want us to get married soon,” Rajveer continued, his tone steady. “They’ve already started asking.”
Anaya laughed nervously.
“What’s the hurry? We have time,Raj.”
Rajveer’s expression changed. The softness in his face faded, replaced by something firm and serious.
“Anaya,” he said, his voice low but clear, “this isn’t something we can keep postponing.”
Anaya went still. The breeze brushed past her, but her mind felt suddenly crowded. Marriage… love… everything felt heavier than she expected.
Rajveer mistook her silence for shyness.
“Tomorrow,” he continued, his voice steady, “we’ll go and choose a beautiful saree and jewellery for you. Be ready by nine.”
She opened her mouth to argue—but stopped.
The stern look in his eyes made her fall silent.
They had been dating for four years, and they been engaged year ago. His parents were pressing him to settle—he was the eldest, and responsibility weighed heavily on him.
His sister was already married, with two children, living a content life, while his younger brother, Arjun, was in Canada completing his master’s, soon to return and step into the family business. There was no room for delay, no excuse would be accepted.
Silence enveloped Anaya. She didn’t understand why this topic left her feeling so uneasy, so unsettled deep in her heart.
The beautiful view no longer interested her. Her heart was filled with rage, tightly held inside—anger she didn’t dare show him.
-------------------
Myra and her team carefully placed the rescued puppy into a cage and rushed it to the nearest veterinary clinic for proper care.
This kind of work—helping animals in need—always brought a quiet joy and peace to Myra. She had already completed her studies and was waiting to start her internship. In her free time, she devoted herself to animal welfare, finding purpose in giving care where it was needed most.
Myra looked down at her white blouse. It was now dirty with mud and stains. She looked a mess, but a tired, satisfied mess.
Sheela and Aswin walked out of the pet clinic . Both were members of the animal welfare team—kind, caring, and always ready to help.
“So… what did the vet say?” Myra asked, trying to clean herself with a tissue.
“She’s really malnourished and cold, and a few things need to be checked,” Sheela explained. “They want to keep her for a couple of days to monitor her progress. They’ll call us once everything’s done.”
“Oh… okay. So we’re done for today, right? I’m exhausted. I didn’t even have breakfast,” Myra said, rubbing her forehead.
“So, what are we waiting for? Let’s go have lunch!” Aswin said cheerfully.
“Your treat, okay?” Sheela joked.
“Fine,” Aswin replied.
Both of them jumped at his words, laughing at the sudden shift in energy.
The three of them sat in a small diner, enjoying lunch. It was their favorite place—a quiet spot where they could relax and have simple, home-cooked food.
Even though Myra could have gone to fancier restaurants, she didn’t care for luxury. She felt at ease anywhere, happy with what she had.
Unlike of her sister, Anaya, who always wanted the best and the most expensive wherever she went. Myra didn’t mind; she was content with simple joys, and that made her feel at peace.
“So… Myra, how’s your internship application? Did you get anything?” Aswin asked.
Myra shook her head, her mouth full of food.
“I’m still waiting for the best one. The one I got is really far from home… I’d have to stay in a hostel. My parents won’t allow that,” she said with a small sigh.
Sheela, sitting across from them, nodded sympathetically. “I know the feeling. Sometimes the perfect opportunity comes, but it’s just not practical.”
“How about your loan, Aswin? Any news?” Myra asked.
“They called me to meet them. If the loan gets approved, I’m ready to open my dream shop,” Aswin said, eyes lighting up. “You know, the electronics store I’ve always wanted.”
Sheela smiled. “I hope it works out for you. You’ve been planning this forever.”
Aswin shrugged but grinned. “Now, just waiting for the bank’s confirmation. Fingers crossed.”
After finishing their food, the three of them stepped out of the shop. The afternoon sun warmed their faces, and the faint hum of the street around them made everything feel calm and familiar.
“Aswin, can you drop me?” Sheela asked. He nodded in agreement.
Aswin’s eyes flicked to Myra, a hopeful smile tugging at his lips. “Uh… how about you, Myra?”
Myra shook her head, smiling politely. “Nah, it’s fine. I’ll just grab a cab.”
For a brief moment, Aswin looked a little disappointed, his gaze lingering on her. Then he cleared his throat and said casually, “Alright… let's go sheela.”
Sheela glanced between them, sensing the small, unspoken tension, and chuckled softly.
-------------
Myra reached home. The moment she stepped inside, she heard raised voices.
It was Anaya and their father.
She walked slowly toward the lounge. Her parents were seated, while her sister stood in front of them with her arms crossed, her face flushed with anger and dissatisfaction.
What’s happening now? Myra thought, a knot forming in her stomach.
“Anaya… listen to me, dear—” her father began.
“No, Dad! You listen to me! I don’t want to get married now. He doesn’t want to listen to me at all. At least you make him!” Anaya snapped, her voice sharp and defiant.
“Anaya! That’s not the way you talk to your father,” her mother interjected gently. “You both love each other, right? So… what’s going on now?”
I need some time… at least a years,” Anaya said firmly.
Her parents’ eyes widened in shock.
“But you already asked for two years with him! Now there’s nothing we can do,” her father said strictly.
Anaya’s anger flared even more. She stomped away, but in her rush, she bumped into Myra.
Anaya glared at her sister, scanning her from head to toe before pushed her to the side. “Idiot!” she sneered.
Myra was taken aback by her sisters rude behavior but stayed calm, not letting her anger show.
She glanced at Anaya, who stormed ahead like a lioness, ready to attack anyone who dared cross her path.
“Myra! What happened to you? Why are you in this condition?” her mother’s voice boomed.
Uh oh… Myra thought. She wished she could disappear right then.
She turned to face her mother and gave an awkward smile. Her eyes then fell on her father. He was already glaring at her.
Myra lowered her head, staring at the floor. She didn’t dare to look at him.
“Such a worthless girl,” he murmured—soft, but loud enough for her to hear.
Myra’s face tightened in pain. His words hurt deeply.
He felt ashamed of her.
“I’ll wait outside. Come fast,” he said to her mother and left.
Myra looked at her mother, who let out a long, disapproving sigh.
“Myra… honestly, look at yourself,” her mother snapped. “Going around with animals, wasting your time like this… It’s embarrassing. You should care about how you look, and think about our family’s reputation. People will talk, you know. How can our daughter act so… so shameless?”
Myra felt a sting in her chest. Each word hit like a weight she couldn’t lift.
“Watch Anaya and please learn something from her… at least half of her. If you can’t, then stay… hideous.”
The words hung in the air, heavy and cutting, sinking deep into her chest.
“Ahem!” A sudden clearing of the throat cut through her mother’s scolding. Both Myra and her mother turned, surprised.
Myra’s eyes widened when she saw him standing there. She quickly closed them.
God… why him? Why did he have to be here at this exact moment?
To be continued.
Write a comment ...