6

Author pov:

“I never thought this is how my story would end,” Muskan whispered, her voice trembling as the bitter wind howled around her on the rooftop. The cold pierced through her thin clothes, but she hardly noticed. The darkness felt like a cruel mirror reflecting every broken piece of her soul.

She clutched the cold metal railing, staring down at the ground far below. Her heart ached so deeply it felt like it might shatter into a thousand pieces.

“The one I loved so deeply... I’ll never see him again. Never even touch his hand. I’ll never reach him. And he’ll never know how much I truly loved him.”

The tears came fast, blurring her vision. “I’m sorry, Akaash...” she whispered, voice cracking with the weight of unshed sorrow.

Her eyelids fluttered closed, as if shutting them could stop the pain.

“I have no reason to live.”

Muskan stepped forward, the edge of the rooftop drawing nearer beneath her trembling feet. The night air seemed to hold its breath with her. Her breath came in short, shallow gasps, every muscle in her body frozen with sorrow and exhaustion.

She was ready to let go.

Suddenly, a sharp voice cut through the heavy silence like a lifeline.

“Stop!”

Muskan’s eyes snapped open, heart jumping wildly.

“H-huh?”

“Muskan! Please don’t do this!” The voice was shaking, urgent, desperate. Auntie’s arms reached out, fingers trembling as she tried to grasp Muskan’s icy hand. But Muskan pulled back, stepping away from the edge.

“What do you think, aunt? That you sold me, and I’ll just stay quiet? Be someone else? No! I’d rather die a hundred times than belong to someone else! I only belong to him! I’ll kill myself!” Her voice broke, the agony spilling out in ragged sobs as she took another step forward.

The rooftop’s edge loomed, cold and final.

“He’s taking you to America, Muskan!” Auntie shouted, voice raw with fear and hope tangled together.

Muskan froze, the single word “America” hitting her like a thunderbolt.

“Y-you’re lying,” she whispered, tears blurring her vision. “You just say that so I won’t hurt myself... so your precious money doesn’t go to waste. But I won’t fall for your lies anymore. I won’t! I’ll end everything myself,” she cried, trembling all over.

“No, Muskan! Please listen to me!” Auntie pleaded, tears streaming down her face. “I swear on your life, I’m not lying. I don’t care about the money anymore. He’s an American citizen, flying back today. He’s taking you with him. This is your chance your only chance to meet the one you love. The one your heart beats for every single moment.”

Muskan’s sobs began to slow, the frantic pounding in her chest mixing with a flicker of hope that felt almost like a cruel trick.

The word “America” echoed through her mind, fragile and bright, like a flickering candle in the dark. It awakened a small, trembling hope, buried beneath layers of pain.

She stood still, legs weak, breath shallow.

Auntie quickly grabbed Muskan’s hand and pulled her away from the edge, holding her tight as if afraid to let go.

Closing the door behind them, Auntie locked it with a cold click.

“This girl almost cost me 10 crores,” Auntie muttered bitterly to herself. “If anything had happened, it would’ve been a disaster. Good thing I got here in time. Who knows what could’ve happened.”

Muskan collapsed onto the bed, tears flowing freely, her whole body shaking.

“I believed her… but will he really take me to America?” she whispered into the empty room, her heart heavy with doubt and longing.

That night, her tears soaked the pillow as she cried herself into a restless, dreamless sleep.

When evening came, Meera quietly returned, carrying a bundle of clothes.

She laid them gently on the bed.

On top was a soft cream-colored knit sweater, warm and inviting to the touch. Below it lay a deep brown skirt, falling modestly to her knees simple yet elegant. Completing the outfit was a long olive-brown coat with gleaming buttons and a pair of polished brown loafers.

Meera’s voice was gentle, almost hesitant.

“Muskan, aunty said you’re going to America today. Wear these. You’re finally leaving.”

Muskan blinked, her voice barely a whisper, trembling as she asked,

“W-What? Am I really going to America?”

Her eyes softened, calmness creeping into her voice.

“I was angry… not anymore. They say everything happens for a reason. Maybe all of this… was meant to lead me somewhere better.”

She forced a weak smile that barely touched her eyes.

“Because of this… I’m going to America now.”

Muskan hugged Meera tightly, feeling a rare, fragile joy bubbling inside her after so long.

Meera looked surprised.

“Why are you so happy, Muskan?”

Muskan’s smile remained fragile but now filled with hope.

“Because I’ve found my destination. I’ve found the path that led me here. Yes, the journey won’t be easy, but at least I can see the road now.”

Her voice cracked, eyes shimmering with a quiet courage.

“A new hope has awakened inside me. Maybe I will reach my destination. Maybe my dream will come true someday. And with that hope, I will keep moving forward.”

Meera watched her quietly, her expression softening in sympathy and something like admiration.

Muskan changed into the pants and shirt, pulling on the long coat like armor for the journey ahead.

For the first time in a long time, she looked truly beautiful—glowing with a soft light of hope.

Meera took Muskan outside, where Jack waited beside a sleek black car.

Muskan stepped in quietly, heart pounding wildly with fear and uncertainty.

Tears streamed down her cheeks as the car pulled away from the place that had been her prison.

She cried her heart out, sobbing for the past she was leaving behind and the unknown future stretching endlessly before her.

After what felt like an eternity, the car arrived at the airport.

The group boarded the plane.

Jack and Muskan climbed aboard.

Muskan’s fear tightened inside her, it was her first flight. She closed her eyes tightly, wishing she could block it all out.

“Are you afraid of planes?” Jack asked casually.

Muskan said nothing, too afraid to answer.

The plane rumbled as it climbed higher and higher into the vast sky.

Slowly, Muskan opened her eyes.

“Are you really scared of flying?” Jack asked again.

Still, no answer.

Jack smirked, voice sharp and teasing.

“Okay, attitude? No problem. That attitude of yours will fade soon enough.”

Muskan’s fear deepened. Tears welled again in her eyes.

Eventually, exhaustion claimed her, and she drifted into a restless sleep.

In her dream, she lay in a sterile hospital bed.

A boy stood beside her—Akaash.

He leaned down, gently kissing her forehead.

Suddenly, Muskan woke with a start.

Jack said, “We’re about to land. You’ve slept through almost the whole flight.”

But Muskan’s mind was still caught in the dream.

Was that really Akaash? A memory? Just a dream? Why did it feel so real? Like I truly saw him? Her thoughts spiraled endlessly.

The plane touched down in America.

At the airport, Jack escorted Muskan to his sprawling house.

It was early morning by then, the sky faintly pink with dawn.

Jack looked at her seriously.

“You know why I brought you here, right? Why I didn’t let you go back? Why I’m keeping you close?”

Muskan swallowed hard, her heart pounding painfully in her chest.

“Because,” Jack said, voice low and firm, “I’ve started falling for you. You’ve made me feel something I never felt before... Marry me.”

Muskan’s breath caught, fear and confusion flooding her, but she stayed silent, unable to speak.

Jack looked at her again.

“You slept through the whole journey. Maybe you won’t sleep much now, so if you want to rest, go to the guest room. If you need anything, just call 220. There’s a maid here. You have her number too.”

His voice hardened.

“This house is fully secured on all sides. Don’t even think about running away.”

He called the maid.

“Take care of her. She shouldn’t feel like she’s missing anything. And yes, she must not escape.”

The maid nodded quietly.

Jack left.

Muskan entered the guest room, heart heavy and mind racing with worry.

She sat on the bed, thoughts swirling endlessly.

How did I end up here?

How will I escape this man?

How will I find Akaash? I don’t know where he lives, what college he attends, or how to reach him.

What do I do now? Where do I even begin?

Her mind was consumed by memories and hopes tied to Akaash.

Evening came, and Jack entered her room.

Muskan’s heart pounded uncontrollably.

He handed her a dress.

“Here. Wear this. We have to go to a party.”

Then he left without another word.

Muskan looked at the clothes laid out.

A beautiful full-length maxi dress, elegant and flowing like a river of silk.

She hesitated but slowly put it on.

She got ready carefully, every movement deliberate.

She looked... truly beautiful.

Muskan stepped out of the room.

Jack stared, mesmerized, his eyes dark with something unspoken.

She stood uncertain, unsure of what to do next.

Jack finally broke the silence.

“Shall we go now?”

She nodded hesitantly.

Jack gently took her hand and led her away.

They arrived at a club party.

Loud music pounded through the air, flashing lights dazzled, and a chaotic crowd swirled around them.

Muskan’s nerves spiked. The noise, the unfamiliar faces, the wild atmosphere—all overwhelmed her senses.

Jack introduced her to his friends.

“Wow, what a choice you’ve made, Jack,” one friend said admiringly.

“She’s beautiful! Hey man, find someone like her for us too,” another joked loudly.

Muskan shrank inside, heart racing wildly.

Jack turned to her, voice soft and coaxing.

“Muskan, your voice is beautiful. Sing something for me. I loved it the last time I heard you. Please.”

Muskan took a small step back, eyes wide with fear.

“N-no... I-I'm scared. I-I can’t sing,” she stammered, voice trembling like a fragile leaf in the storm.

To be continued...

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