Chapter 4 : Shadows of Sorrow

Rii's eyes snapped open, escaping the realm of dreams, only to brim with tears. Her heart plunged deeper into agony. The very person who had once brought joy and fulfillment to her life was now the source of her unbearable pain.

With great difficulty, Rii composed herself, suppressing the pain in her heart, the despair in her mind, and the tears in her eyes, and headed to her job. On the way, Ridip stopped her, noticing that Rii looked more despondent than usual, as if she might collapse at any moment.

"Rii, are you okay?" Ridip asked.

Rii forced a smile, her eyes brimming with tears, and replied, "I'm fine, sir."

Rii had been working non-stop all day, neither taking a break from her tasks nor engaging in conversation with anyone. Hina approached her, concerned.

"Are you okay, Rii? At least take a lunch break."

"I'm fine, Hina," Rii replied.

Ridip couldn't help but notice that Rii was working non-stop again, skipping lunch and taking no breaks. He wanted to check in on her, but hesitated, feeling that he wasn't close enough to her to keep asking if she was okay.

As Rii was heading to the bus stand to go home after work, she heard a voice calling out from behind.

"Rii!" Ridip said, "My car broke down, so I'm taking the bus today. Why don't we ride together?"

Rii agreed, and Ridip said, "I'm extremely hungry, and I haven't eaten anything all day. Let's grab something to eat before we head home."

The truth was that Ridip's car hadn't actually broken down; he had just wanted to feed Rii, knowing she hadn't eaten all day. Rii didn't eat much at the restaurant, but seeing her consume something brought Ridip a sense of relief.

Since having dinner with Rii, Ridip couldn't shake off the memory of that moment. His mind was preoccupied with thoughts of her, even after he returned home. He felt a mix of emotions - happiness and sadness - knowing Rii was troubled that day.

As Ridip sat in contemplation, an old memory of Rii surfaced. He recalled how she would sit in class, engrossed in reading a manga book.

On the other hand, Rii sat with a sorrowful expression, listening to old audio messages from Anay.

Rii's life was once again being shrouded by dark clouds, but in this tumultuous storm of sorrow, Ridip emerged as a beacon of hope. Will Ridip be able to eradicate the pain from Rii's life? Will Anay ever return?

"I love you, Anay. I want to be with you and make you happy."

Sorry, Hina, but I'm deeply in love with someone else.

After rejecting Hina, Anay leaves Jagiroad with his grandparents. Upon returning to Jagiroad, Anay finds himself drowning in old memories once again.

Seething with anger, Hina mutters to herself, "I'll ruin the girl he loves, just you wait and see."

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