•DISCLAIMER & Dedication

This story is completely based on my

imagination but the pictures belong to their right owners.

This work is totally fiction, it has nothing to

do with any resemblance to the actual person, living or dead, events or history.The character's, nomes and incidents are total imagination of authors Warning that story may content mature and little bit violent scenes. And most important thing don't you dare to copy my work it will be

really dangerous !

Stay tuned with me in the story Lovely Readers !

Start

A 17 years old girl sat on the floor beside her bed, curled up in a corner with her face buried in her knees, crying silently.

The words spoken by her own family pierced her heart like knives.

But perhaps…

it was no longer something new for her.

Her name is Anya Tripathi.

age-17

She is the main character of this story.

M.l

Vedant Rathore

age - 30 years old CEO, Mafia

Cold, dominant, Ruthless , highly controlling, egoist.

Anya belongs to a large joint family.

At the center of the household stands her grandmother, Lalita Devi, the head of the family. She has two sons and one daughter, who was married many years ago.

Her elder son is Brijesh Tripathi.

His first wife was Arunima, who is no longer alive. They had two daughters together Himani, twenty-eight, who is married now, and Sarika twenty-four, who is currently studying at Delhi University( India)

Arunima passed away while giving birth to Sarika.

After her death, the responsibility of raising both daughters fell entirely on Brijesh’s shoulders.

Unable to balance grief and responsibility, he had to leave his job. With time, his condition worsened, and he slowly became addicted to alcohol.

Watching his son fall apart, Brijesh’s father, Ramanand Tripathi, a retired officer, arranged his second marriage against his will.

That marriage brought Nisha ji into this house.

And from that marriage… Anya was born.

Lalita Devi’s younger son is Shantanu, whose wife is Damini. They have two sons ,Atul twenty-three, and Sahil, twenty.

The whole family lived together under one roof, appearing like the perfect family from the outside.

But happiness never stayed with them for long.

Just sixteen days after Anya was born, her grandfather suffered a heart attack and passed away.

A newborn had just arrived…

and before the joy could settle....

the house was swallowed by mourning.

Yet not everyone had welcomed Anya's birth with happiness.

Everyone in the family had hoped for a boy.

Her grandfather had proudly announced to the entire village, after consulting a priest, that this time the family would be blessed with a grandson.

But fate had chosen otherwise.

A girl was born.

And from that day…

Anya carried the blame for her grandfather's death.

Even now, people whispered that she was responsible.

A bad omen.

A stain.

A curse the family never let her forget.

From the very first day Nisha entered her husband’s home, Lalita Devi made her a promise in front of all the relatives

that she would love her husband’s daughters from his first marriage more than her own child…

or there would be no place for a “tainted” woman like her in this house.

Those words wounded Nisha deeply.

A wound that never truly healed.

But she accepted it quietly… as if it were simply her fate.

And so she continued living.

In the house, Damini received the most respect.

She was the daughter of a wealthy landlord, and above all, she had given the family two sons the heirs everyone wanted.

Even now, she carried pride because of it.

◆Present Day◆

Anya kept crying in silence.

But there was no one beside her to comfort her.

It was already late at night.

Just then, Brijesh returned home and walked straight toward his room.

Seeing him enter, Nisha finally let out a breath she had been holding in.

She quickly washed her hands in the kitchen,

wiped them on the edge of her saree, and hurried into the room behind him.

“You’re late today… Was there some important work?” she asked softly.

“No… nothing. I was just sitting outside for a while.”

Brijesh looked at her wife carefully.

“Then what happened? Why do you look so worried?”

“Yes… it’s just a small matter… nothing serious.”

Nisha ji spoke hesitantly, twisting the edge of her saree in her fingers.

“The school called today… Anya’s school is taking the students on a trip. It’s the first time she’ll be going somewhere like that…”

She paused before continuing.

“This year, the school got the best results… so they’re organizing it for the students. Anya really wants to go… so if… maybe… two thousand rupees…”

Before she could finish, Brijesh suddenly got up from the bed in anger.

He stepped toward her, his voice rising sharply.

“So… you need money?”

“What do you think? Have I planted a money tree here? That whenever you shake it, money will fall into your hands?”

“Every single time, that useless girl needs something.”

“School… notebooks… coaching fees… this… that…”

“She studies so much, yet she doesn’t have a bit of sense.”

“She’s a fool.”

“And whenever I look at her, she’s sick with something or the other.”

“I already have one daughter studying in such a big university. Do you even know how hard it is for me to send money there?”

He clenched his jaw.

“But even she is a thousand times better than her.”

“That girl just stays quiet like she’s mute… doesn’t talk to anyone… doesn’t consider anyone her own…”

“I’m tired of her.”

“I don’t even know from what cursed fate she entered my life.”

Tears welled up in Nisha’s eyes.

She looked at him helplessly.

But her silence only made Brijesh angrier.

“Then what should I do, huh?” he shouted.

“Should I kill her?”

“Yes? Would that solve everything?”

Nisha ji suddenly broke down.

“Then kill me too…”

“If both of us are a curse to this house… then end it with your own hands…”

“Kill us…”

“What have we ever done to all of you?”

“She’s still just a child…”

Her voice trembled between sobs.

Brijesh turned away angrily, opened the cupboard with force, and pulled out two thousand rupees.

He threw the money toward her hand.

“Here.”

“Now leave me alone.”

Nisha stared at the notes in shock.

“But… these were kept aside for your elder daughter… so when she comes home, you could celebrate her birthday properly…”

For a moment Brijesh stayed silent.

Then he said coldly

“Yes… they were for her.”

“Now go give them to that ill-fated girl.”

“And tell her she doesn’t need to come in front of me.”

Nisha lowered her eyes.

“Dinner is ready… wash up and come outside.”

Her voice had become quiet again.

She tied the money carefully into the corner of her saree and walked toward the kitchen with heavy steps.

Inside, Damini was already serving food.

She glanced at Nisha’s tearful face and immediately understood what must have happened.

But instead of sympathy

something almost pleased flashed across her face.

“Jiji… is the food ready?”

“Has everyone come outside?” Damini ji asked in a lowered voice, hiding the satisfaction behind a calm expression.

...----------------...

hii Dearest Readers ❤️

Myself Shaloo

and you guys

This is my first work on manga , please stay with me ....❤️

i will also attach photos of every scene, so please stay with me💗🌷

Everyone was sitting in the courtyard, having dinner together, when suddenly Damini ji’s elder son, Atul, looked toward Nisha ji and said,

“Big Mom… is Aanya not eating tonight? She still hasn’t come. Every day she says, ‘Brother, bring me something to eat… I’m hungry.’”

He let out a faint laugh.

“What’s it to you, boy? Just eat your food quietly,” Lalita ji snapped sharply.

“Acting like you care so much… If I hear that girl’s name from your mouth again, I’ll skin you alive.”

Then she continued angrily

“Focus on your studies and get yourself a government job soon. There’s nothing in these private companies… better to build something of your own than live as a slave.”

Everyone kept eating in silence.

No one had the courage to speak in front of Amma.

Nisha ji sat beside Lalita ji, fanning her gently, while Damini ji fed her younger son.

Breaking the silence, Brijesh ji finally spoke

“Amma… what crop should we sow in the field this time?”

Lalita ji replied,

“Do whatever feels right, son… but my heart says maize. The market price is good this year. The rest, you two brothers decide together.”

Brijesh ji finished eating and stood up.

“I can sow it… but the crop will need constant attention too. And my work will start again soon, so I won’t have much time. After that, most of the responsibility will fall on the younger one.”

Damini ji muttered under her breath

“When does he not do all the work… while those two queens just sit and eat…”

Before she could continue, Shantanu ji cut in calmly

“It’ll be handled, brother. Don’t worry. The boys are here too… there won’t be any problem.”

One by one, everyone returned to their rooms.

Only three people were left finishing dinner.

Nisha ji served food onto a plate and walked toward the smallest room at the far end of the house.

“This girl… she’s completely lost her mind… even at night she keeps all the lights turned off.”

“Aanya!.…” she called while switching the lights on.

Aanya sat silently in her place… staring at her mother with empty eyes.

Eyes full of questions…

but words and circumstances failed her.

Nisha ji was about to say something more

when Amma’s voice came from downstairs.

Startled, Nisha quickly said

“Aanya… my sweet girl… don’t stay upset with your elders like this.”

She placed the plate near her.

“Here… eat this.”

“And these money… Papa gave them to you. Really.”

“He said you can go on the school trip.”

Aanya kept staring at her with the same hollow eyes.

Nisha forced a small smile.

“It’s true.”

“I have to go finish the rest of the work. Eat your food and sleep… you’re leaving the day after tomorrow.”

Without saying a word

Aanya walked up to the rooftop.

She stood beneath the open sky…

staring at the hundreds of scattered stars above her with those empty eyes.

The cold night breeze brushed against her face

and for the first time in a long while…

it felt peaceful.

Next Morning...

Everyone in the house was busy with their own work.

Both women were hurriedly packing lunch boxes in the kitchen, while nearby Aanya was making rotis on the clay stove for Grandma , because she never liked rotis made on the gas.

“Mom… it’s done.”

Saying that, Aanya picked up her lunch box and went upstairs.

Half an hour later, she came downstairs wearing

her school uniform. As she bowed to touch everyone’s feet, her eyes stopped at the same sight she saw every day…

Grandma was lovingly caressing Sahil’s face while handing him some money.

“Study well, my dear boy…”

On the other side, Brijesh ji and Shantanu ji touched Amma’s feet before leaving for work.

Aanya also stepped forward to seek her blessings.

but Amma stopped her from a distance.

“That’s enough… stay where you are, girl.”

“Don’t fly too high. Learn to stay within your limits. You’ve grown up now… and stay away from boys. Don’t let it happen that because of you our family loses its honor and we’re left unable to show our faces anywhere.”

Aanya said nothing.

She quietly looked toward her mother…

but her mother stayed silent as always.

Without another word, Aanya turned away and started walking to school alone.

Why, Mom…?

Why do you always stay silent?

Am I really that unfortunate… that even you can’t show me your love?

At School...

Today all the students were unusually excited—

especially the Class 10 students who had moved to Class 11 this year. Their results had been excellent.

To celebrate, the District Magistrate was visiting the school today.

There was another reason for everyone’s excitement

the trip destination for this class would also be announced.

As soon as the morning prayer ended, several cars lined up outside the school gate.

For the welcome ceremony, the teacher called Aanya forward.

A soft smile appeared on her face.

Seeing her, the District Magistrate’s eyes stayed on her for a moment.

Even in simplicity… she looked beautiful.

“Good morning, sir.”

He greeted everyone warmly and wished the students success for their future before walking

into the office.

Inside, the principal introduced Aanya along with one girl and one boy.

“Sir… these are the brightest students of our school. Because of them, we had the honor of meeting you today.”

“And this is Aanya Tripathi… the pride of our school.”

“What’s your name?”

The man seated in the main chair asked while looking directly at her.

“Sir… Aanya Tripathi.”

They spoke for a while.

Then Aanya politely greeted him and stepped outside.

“That girl… she’s truly brilliant,” he said after she left.

“And it makes me happy to know children like her are here too.”

When Aanya returned, many students looked at her

but she quietly went back to her seat.

The girls in class whispered among themselves in small groups…

while Aanya paid no attention.

Most of the girls didn’t like her.

And the boys…

they could only watch her from afar, wishing she would look at them even once.

But she never did.

Aanya never made eye contact with anyone.

Because of that, many boys called her arrogant.

Yet she was the star of the whole school.

The way she was…

there was no one else like her.

People only tried to copy her.

People talked about her all the time

but Aanya never really knew.

Her life moved only between school and home…

home and school…

No friendships.

No close bonds.

Just her own quiet little world

where loneliness was her only companion.

And behind her smiling face…

almost no one could see that loneliness.

The students going on the trip were writing down their names.

Aanya also wrote hers

then she walked into the younger children’s classroom.

The moment they saw her

the entire class burst into cheers and ran toward her, surrounding her from all sides.

Seeing them, Aanya’s happiness knew no bounds.

“Aanya didi… you’re going very far on a trip, right? We want to come with you too!”

One little child clung tightly to her legs.

“Aww…”

Aanya smiled and crouched down beside them.

“It’s only for a few days. And when all of you grow up and come to this class…”

“you’ll get a chance too.”

“Maybe sir will take you to an even better place than mine.”

“So until then… I’m really sorry.”

Saying that, she held her ears dramatically and sat there pretending to apologize.

The children burst into laughter.

“Now I should go study…”

“And all of you study hard too, okay? So you can

become something really great.”

“Bye!”

“Bye, didi!!”

The whole classroom echoed loudly.

Aanya smiled and walked out

when suddenly she saw a teacher entering the class to teach.

She greeted him immediately.

“Good morning, sir.”

The teacher smiled.

“So, Aanya… which stream do you want to study further?”

Aanya answered softly

“Sir… Biology.”

but Aanya … Mathematics is actually a very good subject for girls too. It has great scope, and your performance in it is already strong, so you won’t face any problem.”

“No, sir… I just liked this subject… so I want to study this.”

“Good…” The teacher smiled warmly.

“God bless you. Keep moving forward like this, always.”

Holding all that happiness quietly inside her heart, Anya walked back into her classroom.

The moment she entered, she noticed the atmosphere had completely changed.

The entire class was buzzing with excitement about the upcoming trip. Students were shouting, laughing, talking loudly all around.

Anya didn’t like the noise at all. She covered both of her ears with her hands and moved ahead

when suddenly she saw the school management entering the classroom.

She politely greeted them.

The moment everyone noticed them, the whole class quickly rushed back to their seats.

“We would like to inform all of you that the day after tomorrow, by 10 a.m., everyone must report to school with the necessary belongings for the trip.

This trip will only last a few days, so do not bring unnecessary items. Anyone carrying extra things may be sent back home.

And one more important thing…

We will be visiting an NGO where children and people live who have no one to support them.

Those children are not like you.

Some cannot walk properly. Some cannot speak. Some cannot see.

As the head of this school, I expect every one of you to treat them kindly and respectfully. There should be no complaints.”

He paused, looking around the room.

“You should have the ability to inspire courage in them… to make them feel that no matter what condition life puts them in… life is still worth living.

Also, the chairman of that institution will personally meet some of our brightest students.”

“Be on time. If anyone misses the bus, the school will not be responsible.”

After saying this, he glared sharply at a few boys sitting in the back row and walked toward his office.

As soon as he left, light chatter filled the classroom again.

“Man… why do his speeches never end? Seriously, what does he eat to have this much energy? His loudspeaker just never switches off.”

Amandeep laughed while placing a hand on

Ankit’s shoulder.

But Ankit wasn’t paying attention.

His eyes were fixed somewhere else.

Following his gaze, Amandeep smirked.

“Ohhh… so you’re staring at a girl.”

“Look, brother… she’s way out of your league. Have you seen her attitude? She doesn’t even talk to anyone.”

“She wouldn’t even look at you. Even boys from senior classes like her… but she never raises her eyes toward anyone. Unbelievable.”

“No, man… there’s something special about her.”

Ankit kept staring at Anya.

“I’ve liked her since eighth grade. Every single day I look at that beautiful face…

I just wish she’d look at me once.”

“Keep dreaming then,” Amandeep mocked.

“You’ve gone from class eight to class eleven… and still haven’t managed to impress even one girl.

Shame on your masculinity.”

Hearing that, Ankit suddenly grabbed Amandeep by the collar in anger.

A boy sitting beside them had been listening carefully.

“Look… if what Amandeep said is true, then prove

him wrong.

And honestly…

you’ve got the perfect chance now.”

Hearing this, Ankit slowly released Amandeep’s collar.

“Just wait and watch.”

That evening, all the students went home, excitedly packing for the trip.

But Anya…

Anya had nothing much except a few suits.

She sat quietly, staring at her clothes.

She kept thinking

All the girls in her class would probably wear jeans and tops…

but she wasn’t allowed to wear any of that.

Her mood sank.

Silently, she walked to the window and stood there.

Just then

knock knock.

Someone knocked on her door.

“Coming…”

Anya opened it.

“Bhaiya… you?”

Atul smiled.

“What? Can’t I come to my little sister’s room?”

He stepped inside.

“By the way, Anya… looking at this room, no one would ever guess this used to be a storeroom.

You decorated it beautifully.”

Then he looked around again.

“But… was this really necessary? You could’ve stayed in Sarika’s room too.”

“No, Bhaiya…

Didi doesn’t like disturbance. She gets angry easily.

And she studies in such a big college… lives in such a big city…

She must need to study a lot…

So… for peace and quiet… Mother and I cleaned this room together.”

Atul simply kept looking at Anya’s innocent face.

Inside, he sighed.

Yeah, Anya… I know how much she ‘studies’… if

only the family knew the truth…

But he only smiled.

“Just stay happy… always.”

Then he sat down on Anya’s bed.

“Big Mother told me you’re leaving for the school trip the day after tomorrow.

So… what all are you packing?”

But Anya stayed quiet, holding her clothes in her hands, lost in thought.

Atul understood immediately.

He knew exactly what she was thinking.

“Anya… Father and Big Papa have gone to Bua Ji’s place today…

so how about we go to the market?

We’ll buy you some nice clothes…

and eat your favorite golgappas too.”

Anya shook her head.

“No, Bhaiya…

Keep your hard-earned money with you. You still have so much to do.

Don’t waste it on me.

And look… I already have so many clothes.

What would I even do with more?

Also… Grandma will scold us. It’s almost evening.”

Atul stood up pretending to be annoyed.

“Fine.

Then I’ll go buy shoes for myself.

Mine are old anyway.

And one of my friends is coming too, so I’ll meet her as well.”

Then he looked at Anya.

“But listen…

if the girls there start calling you ‘Grandma’ again…

don’t sit alone and cry, okay?”

He started walking away.

Anya stood frozen for a second.

Then after thinking quietly…

“Done…”

she said.

“But come home early, Bhaiya…

otherwise Grandma will get angry.”

Atul laughed.

“Leave Grandma to me.”

Then he walked out smiling.

Convincing you is so easy, Anya…

A little later, Anya changed her clothes and got ready.

She tied her hair back with a rubber band.

Just then Atul returned.

“Anya, hurry up. I already asked Big Mother for permission.

Grandma was there too.

I’m taking the bike out you come too.”

He was about to leave

then suddenly stopped.

Turning back, he said,

“Anya… come through the back door, okay?

A lot of Sahil’s friends are outside.

If Grandma sees you there… she’ll create unnecessary drama.”

...----------------...

Hello Lovely Readers ❤️💗

how is it ...??👀

Anya thought for a moment.

“But… Bhaiya… let me just ask Mother once, then we’ll go.”

Atul immediately stopped her.

“Hey… my little sister, look at the time. It’s already getting late, and it’ll take time to come back too. Please, just come quickly.”

Before Anya could say anything else, Atul gently closed her room door and sent her toward the back entrance.

Seeing Atul standing a little away from the gate, Anya walked over to him.

Soon, the two of them headed toward the market together.

The open air…

felt strangely comforting to Anya.

As if she had been craving it for a long time.

But even then…

fear still sat heavily inside her heart.

No matter how much she wanted to feel happy…

she couldn’t.

Somewhere deep inside, guilt kept pulling her back.

Meanwhile… somewhere else

An Assistant stood nervously in front of a man, speaking carefully, almost afraid of saying the wrong thing.

“Sir… we’ll be reaching that village very soon. The residential area there would be perfect for building the factory…”

He hesitated.

“But, sir… because of one man, more than half the villagers are refusing to sell their land.”

The man sitting before him looked cold and merciless even at a glance.

Without lifting his eyes, he continued flipping through the papers in his hand.

“Hm…”

After a brief silence, he spoke in a calm voice

“We’ve come this far…

to a place like this…

So we’re definitely not leaving empty-handed.”

He finally looked up.

“Just wait…”

Anya kept looking around at the beautiful sights passing by beside her.

But the fear inside her heart…

refused to leave.

No matter how much she wanted it to disappear…

it wouldn’t.

When she looked ahead

her eyes widened in shock.

“Bhaiya…”

she said in a trembling voice.

“You brought me to the city…?”

“So far away from the village…”

“You said we were only going to the market…”

Hearing her worried voice, Atul laughed softly.

“My little sister… look carefully.

This is a market too, isn’t it?

You’ll find every kind of clothes here.”

“Bhaiya… please… I don’t want to stay here.”

“I want to go home.”

“Amma will scold me so much…”

Seeing the huge crowd around her made Anya feel even more nervous.

“Please Bhaiya… let’s go home…”

“There are already so many clothes at home… what will I even do with more?”

“You can buy your shoes some other day…”

“Please… let’s go back…”

She kept speaking quickly in panic.

Atul simply stared at her face.

Usually…

Anya barely spoke this much.

“Anya…”

“We’ll leave in a little while. Don’t panic.”

“Look… my friend is coming.”

“If you keep making that crying face…”

“She’ll think I forced you to come here.”

Just then

a girl walked up to Atul and greeted him with a side hug.

“Hi, Atul… how are you?”

Then she noticed Anya.

“And who’s this?”

Atul smiled.

“Hi, Tiya. This is my younger sister… Anya.”

Tiya looked surprised.

“But… Atul, you never had a sister, right?”

Atul chuckled.

“Come on… she’s my elder uncle’s daughter

but she’s my little sister.”

Nearby, Anya silently watched the two of them hug.

It felt strange to her.

Very strange.

This kind of atmosphere was completely new for her.

She didn’t know what she was supposed to do.

So she simply lowered her face and stood quietly.

“She’s really cute…”

Tiya said while looking at Anya.

“Ohhh… now I get it.

So that’s why you called me here

to help choose clothes for her.”

“I thought Atul Tripathi was finally buying clothes for me.”

Tiya laughed teasingly.

Atul gave her a look, silently asking her to calm down.

Meanwhile, Anya felt even more uncomfortable.

“Come on then let’s buy clothes for your sister first.”

Tiya glanced at Anya once.

To her, Anya’s dressing style looked old-fashioned.

Atul and Tiya walked ahead together while talking.

Anya followed behind them quietly

head lowered.

After a while Tiya asked,

“By the way, Atul… does your sister always wear clothes like this?

Tell me first, otherwise how will I decide what to buy?”

“Exactly like this.”

Atul replied flatly.

Tiya pouted.

“Why are you getting annoyed? I was only asking…”

“Fine, if you won’t tell me

then I’ll choose stylish clothes like the ones I wear.

Just wait…

everyone at home will be impressed.”

Atul sighed.

“Impressed? Maybe not.

But yes… she’ll definitely get scolded.

So buy something simple.

Like suits… or traditional clothes, okay?”

“Okay, okay…”

Tiya laughed.

“But seriously, Atul…

how can anyone have a problem with clothes?

I mean…

clothes are just clothes, right?”

“Tiya…”

Atul’s expression turned serious.

“The atmosphere in our house is very different for girls…

especially in the village.

So please…

no more questions.”

Talking like that, the three of them finally reached the mall entrance.

Looking at it, Atul turned toward Tiya.

“Tiya… please hurry, okay?”

Tiya smiled and nodded.

Then she held Anya’s hand and gently led her inside.

Today was Anya’s first time inside a mall.

Even though it wasn’t very big

to her…

it felt enormous.

The bright lights everywhere made her stop and stare.

Her eyes wandered across everything around her.

Then she slowly looked up at Atul with nervous eyes.

Atul gave her a reassuring look

silently telling her to go with Tiya.

For the first time, Anya looked carefully at Tiya’s clothes.

She was wearing jeans…

and a sleeveless top.

The moment Anya noticed it

she quickly looked away.

Then her eyes landed on a group of girls nearby.

Some of them looked about her age.

They were wearing shorts…

laughing freely with their friends.

Anya quietly looked at them

then lowered her gaze toward her own clothes.

And on their own…

her eyes fell to the floor.

Tiya smiled at Anya and asked,

“So, Anya… what kind of clothes do you like to wear?”

Anya quietly looked at her with her small hesitant

eyes.

“Something simple… like what I’m wearing.”

Then she added softly

“Didi… please hurry. It’s getting late.”

“Okay, okay…”

Tiya quickly walked to the suit section and picked out several dresses for Anya.

Handing them to her, she said

“Here… take these and go try them on. Fast.”

“But… Didi”

Before Anya could say anything else, Tiya gently pushed her inside the changing room.

Anya felt extremely uncomfortable.

And scared.

Everything about this felt strange to her.

After a while, she stepped outside.

The moment Tiya saw her

she burst out laughing.

“Oh! sorry, dear… but this is way too loose on you.”

Then she looked at Anya curiously.

“Why don’t you wear something different?”

“I… I don’t wear those kinds of clothes, Didi…”

Anya said quietly.

She felt embarrassed.

Tiya was still smiling.

She gathered the suits again and took Anya to another section to get something altered according to her size.

Then this time

Tiya handed her a pair of jeans.

The moment Anya saw them

she took two steps back and shook her head.

“No… Didi… I can’t wear this.”

“Anya… you’ll wear it under the kurti, okay?”

“It’ll feel comfortable… and stylish too.”

But Anya was already nervous just looking at it.

Without saying anything more

she quietly told Tiya her size.

Like an obedient child…

Anya simply stood beside Tiya.

Watching everything around her made her uneasy.

She didn’t know why

but she felt scared.

Everything happening today…

was a first for her.

After picking a few silver jewelry pieces too, Tiya took a deep breath.

“Done.”

Just then a salesgirl brought the altered clothes.

Tiya turned to Anya.

“Everything’s ready. Now let’s just see the final look once.”

Anya nervously rubbed her fingers together.

“Ji… did you say something?”

Tiya smiled.

“Yes. Go try everything once. I want to see how it looks on you.”

“Didi… they’re really beautiful… just like your choice.”

“They’ll look nice on me…”

Then Anya looked toward the exit.

“Can we go downstairs now? Bhaiya must be waiting.”

Hearing this

Tiya became slightly annoyed.

But she hid it and quietly walked downstairs.

Seeing both of them return, Atul came over.

He paid the bill.

and the three of them stepped outside.

They had barely started walking along the roadside when Tiya suddenly noticed a small momo stall crowded with people.

“Atul, look! Let’s eat momos.”

“Bhaiya… three plates, please,” Tiya ordered happily.

As soon as the plates arrived, Tiya started eating with excitement.

But Atul’s eyes were on Anya.

She looked lost in thought again.

Even in the middle of such a crowd…

she seemed trapped inside herself.

Anxious.

Afraid.

“Anya… eat.”

Atul gently nudged her.

Anya kept staring at the plate.

Then after thinking for a moment

“No… this must have chicken.”

Atul laughed softly.

“No, silly… these are veg.

They’re called momos.

What I showed you before was something else.”

Tiya rolled her eyes while eating.

“Seriously… I worked so hard picking clothes for her…

and she didn’t even try them properly.”

“Bhaiya… I’m really not hungry.”

Anya said quietly.

“I already ate at home…

There’s no space left in my stomach now.”

“At least eat a little.”

Atul insisted.

So Anya ate a small bite.

Meanwhile Atul went to pay and spoke with Tiya nearby.

Tiya still looked upset.

“Listen, Atul…

if things stay like this…

our future together won’t work.”

“Because I’m never going to live in a village.”

“So whatever you want to do…

do it fast.”

“And take your so-called sister home too.

She seems desperate to go back.”

She gave an irritated laugh.

“Village girl…”

Then Tiya got on her scooter

and drove away.

Atul stood there silently, lost in thought.

Anya had heard enough to understand.

And it hurt.

Without saying anything

Atul took Anya and headed back home.

“I’m sorry, Bhaiya…”

Anya said in a low voice while riding back.

“I’m really stupid…

I don’t understand things properly.”

Hearing her sad voice, Atul smiled.

“Hey… it’s okay.”

“You’re still a child.”

“Don’t think so much.”

“If you keep taking this much stress, your tiny little brain will burst.”

Then he laughed.

“And enjoy the trip, okay?”

“Don’t stay quiet and lost all the time.”

“Life doesn’t give chances like this again and again.”

By the time they reached home

it was almost seven in the evening.

Anya was nervous again.

Atul told her to enter through the back door

while he went in through the front.

“Oyye, boy… where were you this late?”

Grandmother said the moment she saw Atul enter.

“It’s already night. Go wash up.”

Meanwhile

the moment Anya entered

she quickly changed her clothes

and rushed downstairs to the kitchen.

Most of dinner was already prepared.

Her aunt was cutting vegetables separately for Grandmother.

“Chachi Ma… give it to me, I’ll do it.”

Anya reached for the plate.

Her aunt looked at her sharply.

“So… did you get nice clothes while roaming outside with Atul?”

Then she taunted

“But apparently telling anyone at home wasn’t necessary, right?”

“If not me… you could’ve at least told your mother.”

“But no…

now the girl has grown up.

Why would she listen to anyone anymore?”

Nearby, Nisha Ji had heard every word.

Anger flashed across her face.

She walked straight toward Anya

grabbed her hand and slapped her hard across the face.

“How dare you leave the house without telling anyone?”

“And come back this late?”

“Remember this, Anya

you are not some spoiled girl who stays out all night.”

“At least think of your family’s honor.”

“But no…

you only want to roam around.”

Her voice trembled with pain and anger.

“If you ever go that far again…

remember one thing

you won’t be allowed to study outside for long.”

“You’ll be married off young like ordinary village girls…

and spend your life as a puppet in someone else’s hands.”

By the end of it

tears had filled her mother’s eyes.

She turned and walked away.

Hearing shouting from the kitchen

Grandmother yelled from outside

“What’s happening in there? Why so much noise?”

“Amma Ji… it’s…”

“Speak clearly.”

“Ask her yourself.”

Damini Ji replied.

Grandmother called out

“You girl… come here.”

Anya walked forward trembling.

“Ji… Dadi…”

“Where were you this late at night?”

Anya tried to answer

“Dadi… I…”

But Damini interrupted

“What will she say?”

“She went to the city.”

“And came back through the back door at night—

as if no one should know she had returned.”

Grandmother’s face darkened with rage.

She stood up

and struck Anya’s leg several times with the wooden stick in her hand.

Anya’s whole body shook from the pain.

“So much courage you have now?”

“Staying out in the city till this late?”

“Wait till your father returns

I’ll tell him your daughter is no longer in control.”

“What if one day she traps some boy with this pretty face of hers and runs away?”

“Shameless girl…”

“Get out of my sight.”

Until now

Anya had somehow been holding back her tears.

But now

they wouldn’t stop.

She kept crying silently.

Then suddenly

she heard loud voices from outside.

Startled, she quickly wiped her tears

and walked toward the courtyard.

Standing against the wall

she quietly looked ahead.

Atul was standing there

arguing with Grandmother.

Telling her

none of this was Anya’s fault.

Grandmother snapped back

“Stop taking that girl’s side.”

“Focus on your studies and your work.

Don’t let her become trouble for you.”

Atul wanted to say much more

but he swallowed his anger.

Damini scolded him and pulled him away from there.

And Anya…

stood silently in the corner

Hii There ❤️

Thank you for reading 💛

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