At least it did the last time I went on social media, which was a week after the most tragic and humiliating day of my life. Even the thought of going anywhere near my phone or laptop, let alone going online, makes me break out into hives.
I’ve been living like a sad, depressed hermit in one of the properties owned by my dad for the past two months in Bangalore.
A glass prison until he fixes the mess I created.
It’s half by choice, half by my dad’s order to hide me away from the media. Their insidious desire for an inside scoop in the Chopra family’s latest scandal or a statement went so far as to call me nonstop on my personal number, leaving me no choicebut to change it. Only a select few people have it. Out of which, only two have checked on me every day.
Noor and Anaya.
Both would be by my side in person, even Noor, who lives in New York, if it weren’t for my father’s strict orders to stay away. His reason was that anyone could follow them and learn my location.
No fucks given to his daughter’s emotional predicament.
Reputation. Reputation. Reputation.
It’s all he gives two shits about.
Even more rigidly since Bianca, my older sister, left us for her husband. I can’t even blame her. She made the right call by walking out on our toxic family. My only regret is that I was on the wrong side.
BANG!
I jump at the loud noise, the TV remote crashing to the floor from my lap.
BANG!
Tring! Tring! Tring!the doorbell chimes.
“Who is it?” I mutter to myself. I don’t have any neighbors, not that they’d cause such a ruckus, like my door is a fire escape they’re desperate to use.
BANG!
“For fuck’s sake! I’m coming.” I throw away the blanket and stalk to the front door. Wrenching it open, I gape at the three people standing here.
And then I burst into tears, having not seen them in person since the wedding.
“Oh, Aru.” Noor throws her arms around me. “Shh… I’m here.”
Anaya and Misha step inside, wrapping me in a group hug.
“We all are, Arya,” Misha murmurs.
“I missed you guys. It’s been hell living here alone.”
“We’re here now,” Anaya softly says. “You’re going to be fine. That jerk is going to rot in hell once he realizes in his thick skull what a precious girl he lost.”
“I-I thought I was getting o-over him-m.” What I’m unable to come to terms with is how easily he kicked me out of his life. He hasn’t even called once to apologize, much less realize he regrets his choice.
Am I so replaceable?
Do I not deserve someone who’ll love me unconditionally? Who will fight to be with me? Who will make me his number one priority?
I did it all for him, going to lengths I shouldn’t have.
“You will get over him,” Noor firmly replies.
“Come on.” Anaya takes my hand. “Let’s get you inside first.”
Misha locks the front door before the four of us make our way to the living room. They glance at the mess and share a worried look among themselves.
