Bruises Between The Lines
1-the sound of keys
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The door opens before Mehar is ready.
She hears the keys first—metal scraping against metal, impatient, rough. Her shoulders stiffen instantly.
Her life’s biggest challenge,nightmare
She’s still at the kitchen counter, counting notes. Not enough. Never enough.
Her father walks in, eyes bloodshot, smell of cheap alcohol clinging to him
As always.
Fl’s Father
“Kitna hai aaj?” he asks.
Mehar(fl)
Mehar swallows,not that its new she’s used to it,not scared. . “Bas thoda sa hai ajj’
Kal payment—”
Fl’s Father
“kal, kal,kal”he snaps. “Mera aaj ka kya karu mai?!Tell me?!”
He screams
Mehar(fl)
“I’ll manage it soon,” she says softly. Too softly.
Fl’s Father
He steps closer. “Awaz neeche rakha kar!”
The slap comes without warning.
Her head turns, cheek burning, but she doesn’t cry out. She never does.
Fl’s Father
“Don’t answer back,” he growls.
Mehar(fl)
“Sorry”
She says,nodding immediately.
That word has become her reflex.
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ep2 outside,she smiles
College if loud.Bright.Fake-Safe.
Mehak is already shouting before Mehar even reaches the bench.
Mehak(fl’s friend)
“Finally!!Madam Prime Minister decided to grace us!”
Mehar(fl)
Forcing a smile she says”Traffic tha”
Mehak(fl’s friend)
“Jhoot” mehak says.” You are hamesha late!”
Ahaan hands her a juice can.
Ahaan(Fl/Ml friend)
“Here.you look dead”
Manvi(fl’s friend)
“Okay listen guys—trip idea to a resort”
Mehar Barely listens she was too busy covering her scars with her sleeves and bag
Across the table,Eklavya sits quietly,phone untouched.His gaze lifts and he starts talking about some football match that recently happened with Anaviya and Ahaan.
Mehar looks once at him and looks away.
Rest of the day at college was usual tiring.
Mehar enters the house at 11:40,clearing all the part time jobs,barely collected some money.
The TV is blaring.Her father is awake.She gulps.
He looks back.
Fl’s Father
“Where were you?”
He asks in a sharp tone.
Mehar(fl)
“Work shift has extended.”
Fl’s Father
He scoffs. “All excuses”.
She moves towards her room.
Fl’s Father
“Ruk”
He warns.
Fl’s Father
“You think you can just come and go?”
Mehar(fl)
“No,I never did. I just”—
“His hand grips her arm tight—too tight”
Fl’s Father
“Drama band!”
He screams,loud enough for her to flinch.
He leaves her abruptly and with force.she stumbles
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ep3.trip confirmed!
Later in the washroom,she presses ice against her arm to soothe the bruise.
Whispers to herself“its okay”
Like shes talking to a kid.
And sleeps,as always insomnia hits.
Her mother’s vital’s beeps hits.
Next day she leaves for college,the breakfast made for her father.
Manvi(fl’s friend)
“Beach!”
Manvi declares with enthusiasm.
Ahaan(Fl/Ml friend)
Ahaan groans.“My wallet is going to suicide”
Mehar watches them silently with a faint smile,that she always keeps on her face.
Anaviya(fl’s friend)
“Babe,arent you coming?”
Mehar(fl)
“I dont know if I —”
Mehak(fl’s friend)
“Ye ayegi,thats it”
Mehak(fl’s friend)
“But I have places to be”
Manvi(fl’s friend)
“Bro come on,you never join us in such plans”
Anaviya(fl’s friend)
“You do deserve a break”
Ahaan(Fl/Ml friend)
“Agreed”
“From the other side of the table,Eklavya sits quietly as always,scrolling his phone”
Manvi(fl’s friend)
“What about you,Eklavya?”
Mehar(fl)
“Guys I am coming in a while”
She stands,fixing her sleeves.
Mehak(fl’s friend)
“Where are you going?”
Mehar(fl)
“I have to submit some worksheets”
Ahaan(Fl/Ml friend)
I also have to,I’ll come as well.
She steals a glance at Eklavya,whos still on his phone talking with the girls,who always tease him.
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