EPISODE 1

TESSA RATHOR

I’m Tessa. Brooklyn has been my home for four years – long enough to learn its chaos, but not enough to belong. I own a small dress designing shop, hidden in the noise of the city.

In all these years, I’ve only made two friends – Lily and Sophie – and somehow, that’s been enough. But family… that’s a story I don’t tell often. After my mother died her best friend Nisha aunty, too me in as her own. She didn’t have to – but she did. She gave me a home a name, something to hold on to when everything else was gone.

And Arav – her son. My brother, not by blood, but by heart. He never once made me feel like I didn’t belong. If anything, he gave me more respect than I ever expected, stood by me in ways no one else did. When I started my small shop, he was there – helping, supporting, and pushing me to grow, even when I doubted myself.

Truth is, my world is small. Just four… maybe five people. But with them, I’ve found something rare – something that feels like home.

I drag myself out of my delusions and back into reality. Outside, rain falls in a steady rhythm, soft but endless. I stand by the window, a cup of hot coffee in my hands, letting the warmth sink in as the city blurs behind the glass.

Lily and Sophie didn’t come today. Maybe they’re caught up in their own lives. It’s almost 9:30 pm, and for once, the noise of Brooklyn feels distance… almost lonely. After all that had happened, I was about to lock the shop door, clutching my bicycle keys, when suddenly my phone rang—an unfamiliar number flashing on the screen. Without a second thought, I answered.

“Hello?” I said.

“Hello,” came the voice from the other end. “Did I reach Tessa Fashion Shop?”

“Yes,” I replied, “you’ve got the right place. How can I help you?”

There was a pause, and then she said, “I wanted to place an order for a dress… could you please tell me the price of this gown?”

“Of course,” I said. “If you send me a picture of the gown, I can let you know the price by tomorrow. Will that be okay?”

“No, that’s fine,” she assured me.

The call ended, but from the tone of her voice, I had a feeling this was no ordinary order—she was about to drop a substantial sum.

Within fifteen minutes, a photo of the gown arrived. My breath caught. I couldn’t help but exclaim to myself. I had never imagined that in an instant, my world could tilt so abruptly. The gown was a white princess gown, dazzlingly ornate, as though ten people had measured and stitched it with meticulous care. Its length alone was enough to make anyone gasp—it was regal, almost royal.

I messaged back to confirm the order. The reply came swiftly: “Don’t worry about the cost; just make it exactly like this.” I sank back onto the sofa, a wave of relief washing over me. For a fleeting moment, I thought of calling Sophie and Lily to tell them everything—but exhaustion took over, and my eyes closed before I could. Sleep claimed me.

I wake up slowly, my eyes blinking open— and the first thing I see… Nisha aunty.

She’s sitting in front of me, a sandwich in her hand. “Good morning, sweetheart,” she says softly. “I know you work a lot, but don’t push yourself too hard.

It’s not good for your health.” A small smile forms on my lips. She’s always like this—gentle, caring, patient.

The way she understands me… it makes something inside my chest feel lighter.

She never lets me feel it—

the absence of my mother. Not even for a second. “Sweetie…” Her voice pulls me back again.

“I’ll be going to Jersey City for about three… maybe four months.

It’s for a corporate training.” I don’t think. Not even for a second. “Yeah,” I say quietly. “Of course.” A small nod escapes me. “That’s… actually really good.” And I mean it.

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