Nandini Verma was 18 when she penned her first story, a tale of passion, betrayal, and revenge. It was a masterpiece, poised for publication. But on the night she was to share her brilliance with the world, tragedy struck. Her abusive father, a figu...
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The morning sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow across the room as I woke up, feeling surprisingly refreshed. I stretched lazily, the soft cotton of the sheets brushing against my skin. After a quick shower and dressing in comfortable clothes I had left behind here, I felt like a new person. The familiar surroundings of Nitu's house were a comforting contrast to the chaos of the previous night.
Nitu's parents, Uncle and Aunty, welcomed me with their usual warmth. Their affection was genuine, and I had always felt like part of the family here. We gathered around the breakfast table, sharing laughs and teasing Nitu about her latest escapades. The cafe was closed today, giving them a chance to head out of town for some work, and I had decided to crash here for the night. I'd only mentioned to Uncle and Aunty that I had been at a party and decided to stay over since it was so late.
As we enjoyed our breakfast, Uncle and Aunty chatted about their plans, and I listened, savoring the sense of normalcy and comfort. Their teasing and light-hearted banter made me smile. It was a stark contrast to the tension of the previous night, and for a moment, I forgot about everything that had happened.
After breakfast, we spent the morning together, playing games, gossiping about the latest news, and catching up on our lives. I kept my thoughts on the back burner, deciding not to dwell on the mafia situation. I hadn't called Yashwardhan or received any calls from him. Rakshit, on the other hand, had been in touch. He had updated me on Yash's status and mentioned that Yashwardhan was missing me. I felt a mix of emotions-guilt for not being there and relief for the space it gave me. It was a strange feeling, trying to balance my own needs with those of someone who clearly cared about me.
By the time Uncle and Aunty left for their trip, I was enjoying a rare moment of peace. Nitu and I were lounging in her bedroom, our conversation light and easy, though I could sense the anticipation in the air. I was fiddling with the black feather pendant Yashwardhan had given me, lost in thought. I tried to push aside the feelings of longing and confusion that the pendant stirred up.
Nitu was watching me with that all-too-familiar knowing look. I glared at her, trying to hide my unease. "You're being weird. What's with the look?"
She raised an eyebrow, her grin widening. "Oh, you know, just eagerly waiting for you to spill the beans about last night. I'm practically dying of suspense here!"
I rolled my eyes. "Not much to spill. It was just another party."
Nitu's eyes narrowed. "Another party? You were at a ball, Nandini ! And I know you're not telling me everything. Come on, you've got to give me more than that!"
I sighed, knowing that she wouldn't let it go. "Fine, you want details? It was... intense. There was drama, some unexpected encounters, and... a lot of emotions."
Nitu's eyes lit up. "Emotions? Drama? That's not nearly enough! I'm like, bursting with curiosity here. Tell me everything!"
I chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Okay, okay. But don't expect too much."
