It felt like I was caught between sleep and reality. My body was still present, but my mind had slid into a dark corner that I had tried to keep secret for so long.

The air became heavy. Smoke was everywhere in the darkened room.

I was back there again.

The flames were raging through our house, like monsters unleashed. The heat burned my flesh, and the air was filled with the acrid stench of burning wood—and something else I’ll never forget.

I screamed

“Mumma! Papa!” I thrashed, attempting to reach them.

They were in there. I could see my parents, trapped inside the inferno and crying for help. Their hands reached out to me.

And I ran.

But as I went towards them, something invisible and heavy smacked into me.

An invisible barrier. Cold. Solid. I pounded my fist against it, tears running down my cheeks.

“No!” I screamed. “No! Please, someone help! Don’t hurt them—don’t hurt my parents! Don’t kill them!”

The fire roared louder.

I watched them burn.

I saw it again. Every detail. Every flicker of flame. The same moment I’d relived in nightmares for ten years.

I couldn’t save them. I failed.

My hands were shaking. My breath ragged. Sweat clung to my body, soaking the sheets. My fists were tight around the blanket, and I didn’t even realize I’d been mumbling until the words left my lips:

“Mumma... Papa... please... not again...”

I jerked up with a gasp, eyes wide, chest heaving. My hands flew to my face as hot tears broke free.

Uss ek raat mein sab badal gya... meri family mujhse chin gayi, mumma papa ko main bacha nahi pai... angad ko bacha toh liya prr voh abhi apne pairon prr khada nahi ho sakta...

(Everything changed in that one night... My family was taken away from me, I could not save my mother and father... I saved Angad but he still cannot stand on his feet...)

Hor roz uss dar ke jeena bohot mushkil hai ki kahi jin logon ne mere parivaar ko tabah kar diya voh mujhe aur angad ko dhoondh naa le...

(It is very difficult to live every day with that fear that the people who destroyed my family might find me and angad...)

My lips trembled. I bit down on the inside of my cheek hard, trying to silence the sob stuck in my throat.

Calm down, Avleen. Calm down.

I forced myself to breathe—long, deep, painful breaths.

This past... it can’t come out. Not now. Not today. Not ever.

If they find me... If they find Angad... they will kill us too...

No.

I rubbed my face harshly, wiping the tears away, trying to ground myself in the now.

That’s when I heard the soft click of the door unlocking.

I looked up, startled.

There stood Mr. Rai Singhania and Veerji—Advik. A wave of warmth surged in my chest, but I straightened immediately, wiping any remaining evidence of my breakdown off my face.

They didn’t need to know.

“Miss Avleen,” Mr. Rai Singhania said in that deep baritone, his voice gentler than I expected. “Can we come in?”

I nodded, quickly adjusting the blanket. “Yes, sir... please.”

They stepped in, and I realized I wasn’t in the waiting lounge anymore. I was in a dimly lit bedroom—elegant, modern... familiar.

The forbidden room.

His office bedroom.

How did I get here?

No one is allowed to enter room then how did I came here? Who brought me here?

I began to move, swinging my legs over the bed, trying to stand.

“Hey, hey—slow down,” Veerji said, reaching out quickly. “How are you, little one?”

I gave him a small smile, “I’m fine, Veerji.”

“Miss Avleen,” Mr. Rai Singhania said firmly, stepping closer, “you should rest. Don’t get up.”

“I’m alright, sir,” I replied, sitting upright. “Really. I’m fine.”

Veerji frowned, stepping closer and wiping the sweat off my forehead with his sleeve. “You’re sweating, little one. Did you get another panic attack?”

“No,” I said quickly, my voice tight. “It was just... a bad dream.” A bad dream which happened to be the reality of my life.

Mr. Rai Singhania tilted his head slightly, eyes narrowing. “Bad dream?”

I nodded. “Yes, sir. But I’m truly fine now.”

They exchanged a glance—silent, heavy.

They didn’t believe me.

But they didn’t ask.

I was grateful for that.

Mr. Rai Singhania turned to me again. “Do you want to rest a little more or... go home?”

I sat up straighter, my heart thudding. Home. Angad.

Oh god.

I remembered.

The message from Dr. Kabir, Angad’s specialist. I had a meeting at the ‘Childcare NGO’ today. A very important one. With the trustees. It was our last chance to get support for his treatment.

“What time is it?” I asked quickly, trying to stay calm.

“7 PM,” Veer Ji said, glancing at his watch.

My heart dropped.

I was an hour late.

“I should go,” I said hurriedly, swinging my legs over. “Veer ji... Sir—I need to go home now.”

Mr. Rai Singhania frowned. “Advik will drop you.” He frowns every time, but this time he is doubting me and my eagerness to go home.

“No, sir,” I said quickly, grabbing my bag. “I’ll manage. Don’t worry. I’m really okay.”

“But little one—” Advik began.

“I’m fine, Veerji. Truly.” I gave him the most reassuring smile I could muster. “If I feel even a little down, I promise I’ll call you.”

He looked at me for a moment—long, thoughtful—then finally nodded. “Okay, little one. But please, be careful. And no hiding, hmm? You promised me.”

“I will,” I whispered. I am sorry veer ji, please mujhe maaf kar dena chuppa toh main aapse rahi hun Angad ka sach.main aapko yaa kisi aur ko bata kar pareshan nahi karna chahti. I am sorry veer ji. Mujhe aapse yeh sab chupana padega bss kuch din aur... Main jaanti hun aap apni little one ko zaroor maaf karoge...

(I am sorry brother, please forgive me. I have been hiding the truth about Angad from you. I don’t want to trouble you or anyone else by telling it. I am sorry brother. I will have to hide all this from you just for a few more days... I know brother that you will forgive your little one.)

Then I turned to Eshank. “I’m sorry, Mr. Rai Singhania. I should have informed you earlier about my claustrophobia. I... I didn’t expect it to trigger like that. I’m really sorry.”

Eshank’s jaw clenched, but his voice remained steady. “It’s alright, Miss Avleen. Just... be careful next time.”

I nodded.

“Thank you... both of you.”

I bowed slightly and hurried to collect my things.

As I stepped out of that room, I didn’t look back.

Not because I didn’t want to.

But because I couldn’t let myself.

There wasn’t time for warmth. Or comfort. Or cold green emerald eyes that somehow felt less cold today.

Right now, I had to protect my brother.

And for that—I needed to keep my secrets exactly where they belonged.

Buried

Without glancing back, I bolted out of the building. Even though my legs feel like lead and my chest like a tightrope, I kept running—in the direction of the stairs. Taking the stairs is the way to go. In my universe, the elevator might as well not exist at all.

Up until that point, though, I didn’t pause as I dashed down the stairs. When I reached the first floor, I noticed that there was construction going on. I hurried downstairs, found the door, and bolted out of the office without giving it a second thought.

I hurried out and got into the first cab I found.

“Please,” I said breathlessly, slamming the door behind me. “Take me to the Jeevan Deep Childcare NGO on Chitrakoot Road.”

The driver glanced at me through the mirror and nods.

“Fast, please. Really fast,” I pleaded, glancing at the time on my phone. 7:12 PM.

I bit down on my lower lip.

I’m already so late.

I pressed my hand to my chest as the cab sped through traffic. The panic from earlier hasn’t completely faded. My heartbeat still feels erratic, but I pushed the thought aside. Focus, Avleen. Just reach there. Talk to them. Beg, if needed. Just save Angad.

I must save my brother at whatever cost. All I have is him, and I cannot lose him. I cannot see him in anguish. He never complained, but I saw everything. I know how he looks at the other youngsters playing cricket, but he can only see them from a distance. He lost his childhood.

“Faster, bhaiya, please,” I whispered again. The man nods, but the red lights and narrow roads make every second feel like a curse.

We finally screeched to a stop in front of the tall, dull building. I throw a few notes into the passenger seat and ran inside, ignoring the pain in my legs. My body still felt weak, but I’m running in desperation now.

I stumbled up to the front desk, panting.

“I... I’m Avleen Kaur. I had an appointment... with the trustees. I’m sorry, I know I’m late—please, can I still meet them?”

The receptionist glanced at me, bored. “Name?”

“Avleen. Avleen Kaur. Dr. Kabir Shergill... he asked me to come.”

The woman raised a brow, flippled through a register, then shook her head. “Your meeting was at 6 PM.”

“I know. I’m so sorry,” I breathed out, chest heaving. “There was an emergency. I fainted... Please, I just need five minutes—”

Before I could finish, a tall man in a suit walks over. His hair was slicked back, and his eyes reek of arrogance. One of the trustees, I assume.

“Who is making the noise?” he snapped.

“She says she had an appointment with you, sir. At 6 PM. She’s over an hour and thirty minutes late.”

The man turned to me, eyes scanned me from head to toe like I’m dirt.

“So, you’re the one begging for funds. Dr. Shergill sent you?”

“Yes, sir,” I said, trying to keep my tone respectful. “I was really unwell, or I wouldn’t have missed it. Please, I—”

He cuts me off with a scoff. “Do you think the trustees of this organization have time to waste? You think this is some kind of charity shop for poor, unemployed girls who show up whenever they want?”

His words felt like a slap, but I stood tall.

“I am not unemployed,” I said through clenched teeth. “I work. I have a job. We’re not poor, we’re middle class. And we work every day with dignity. Just because I don’t have enough to pay for my brother’s treatment doesn’t mean I’m here to beg without cause.”

He chuckled darkly. “Feisty, huh?”

His eyes narrow in a way that makes my skin crawl.

“Actually, one of our trustees likes... wild personalities. Maybe if you give yourself for one night, he’d consider funding your brother’s little treatment.”

The world stops.

My breath catches.

Did he just—?

My palm moved before my mind can catch up.

SLAP.

A loud, harsh crack echoed through the corridor.

His head whipped to the side, a red mark already blooming on his cheek.

“I am NOT a thing,” I spat, my voice trembling with fury. “I am NOT helpless. And I am definitely not characterless. Just because I need help doesn’t mean you can treat me like trash.”

“You people—people like you—use tragedy as a currency. You try to sell your pain to buy sympathy. But people like you... you’re nothing but lustful animals,” I whispered, venom coating every word. “Disgusting. Soulless.”

He touched his cheek, fury flashing in his eyes. “Guards!”

Two men appeared at his call.

“Throw her out.”

They don’t wait.

One grabbed my arm. I struggle, but they’re stronger. My feet dragged against the floor.

“Let me go! I can walk!”

The moment they shoved me out, I lost balance.

My right foot twisted sharply.

Crack.

A sharp pain shoots up my leg. I cried out but clenched my teeth to stop myself from screaming.

They slammed the door shut.

I lie there for a second, the pain searing through my ankle, tears stinging my eyes—not from the pain, but the humiliation.

But I stood up.

Slowly.

Wobbling.

I limped out onto the road, hand gripping a lamppost as I struggled to breathe.

What do I do now? What do I do, Babaji?

I blinked hard to fight the tears.

Angad’s treatment starts in two days. I need lakhs. No assets. No savings. No one to ask for help. I’ll call Dr. Kabir. Maybe... maybe there’s a way. Maybe a payment plan. Anything...

I took out my phone and dialed his number with shaking fingers but his phone was busy...

Then I called another cab and headed home, every bump on the road making my ankle scream.

But I didn’t care.

My only thought—I must protect Angad. No matter what. Even if the world turns its back, I’ll find a way.

I have to.

The cab comes to a halt in front of our apartment building. I exhaled slowly, trying to steady the storm inside me. My foot was throbbing, but I clenched my jaw and got out carefully, hissing softly as my ankle touched the ground. No limping, Avleen. Not in front of Angad. He can’t see you like this.

I walked slowly, straightening my back and fixing my dupatta as I reached the door. I tried to smooth out my expression—no more tears, no sign of the NGO, no trace of that man’s disgusting words. Just me, just Di. His Di.

I opened the door.

The warm aroma of masoor dal and roti hit my nose.

Angad’s voice came from the kitchen. “Di? You’re home?”

He wheeled into the hallway just as I closed the door behind me. His eyes immediately scanned my face.

“You’re late... and—” He stopped, his gaze fell to my right foot. “What happened to your foot? Why are you limping?”

I forced a smile, waving my hand.

“Oh, this? Just me being clumsy again, puttar. I tripped on the footpath near the building. Nothing serious.”

(dear)

His eyebrows pinched together. “Di... you should be more careful.”

I leaned over, ruffling his hair. “I will be, meri jaan.”

(my life)

He glanced back toward the kitchen, as if remembering something. “Dinner’s ready. I cooked.”

“What?” I blinked. “Puttar, why did you cook? I told you na I’d make dinner after coming back.”

(Dear)

Angad turned his chair and started wheeling towards the dining table. “Di, I know I can’t stand, but I can still do small things to help out. I can at least do that for you. You do so much for me... I wanted to surprise you.”

My throat tightened. I walked towards him, slowly, carefully not to let the pain show. When I reached him, I knelt down and cupped his face with both hands. “Tusi sab toh change veer ho, mera puttar. Rab ne sab toh wadiya gift menu ditta ae—tu.”

(You are the most wonderful brother, my dear. God has given me the greatest gift of all - You)

He smiled softly, his cheeks turning pink. “Bas di, don’t get emotional.”

(Stop di, don’t get emotional)

But I already am.

We sat down to eat, and despite the ache in my body, I ate each bite like it’s the most precious meal in the world. Because it is. Angad cooked this with love, just for me.

“Di...” he said quietly as he chewed. “Tusi theek ho na?”

(You okay naa?)

I glanced up, spoon paused halfway to my mouth.

“You look tired. And... worried.”

I smiled and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “It’s just work stress, puttar. End-of-month reports and all. Nothing serious.”

He nodded slowly, not entirely convinced, but he didn’t push. My baby brother knew when I didn’t want to talk—but that doesn’t mean he didn’t notice.

After dinner, I helped him to bed. I supported him as he transferred from the wheelchair to his bed. I tuck him in and kiss his forehead again.

“Goodnight, mere sher,” I whispered.

“Goodnight, Di. Love you.”

“I love you more,” I said softly, and quietly shut the door behind me.

My strength crumbled the moment I entered my room. I closed the door and leaned against it, letting out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. The silence of the room wrapped around me like a heavy cloak.

I picked up my phone and scrolled through my contacts until I found Dr. Kabir Shergill. My thumb hovered for a second, then I pressed call.

He picked up almost immediately.

“Avleen? Are you okay?”

“No,” I whispered. “It didn’t work, Dr. Shergill. The NGO... they didn’t even let me in. They said I was too late and made...disgusting comments. I was thrown out. I—I tried, I really did.”

His sigh crackled through the line. “I’m sorry, Avleen. Truly. That was the only viable route to secure funding this fast. All other options... they take time. Approvals. Paperwork.”

I nodded even though he can’t see me. “It’s okay. I understand. I just... I wanted to save him. I thought maybe... if I could convince them...”

There’s was a pause, and then his voice softened. “We still have two days. We’ll think of something. Maybe talk to the hospital admin—see if they can delay the start? Or break the cost into phases?”

I shook my head. “Even the first phase is unaffordable for me.”

My voice cracked.

“I have no assets. No one to ask. No time.”

Dr. Kabir was quiet. There was nothing left to say.

“Thanks, doctor,” I murmured.

“You’re not alone, Avleen. Call me if anything—”

I ended the call gently and sat on the edge of my bed.

I cried and then I realized that I can’t cry loudly. Angad might hear.

So I covered my mouth with my dupatta and let the tears fall silently, hot and helpless. My ankle throbbed. My heart ached. My soul felt like it got crushed.

I whisper to the ceiling, to God, to the dark:

Please... please help me save him.

The room was dimly lit by the streetlights filtering through the curtain slits. I sat in bed, staring at the ceiling blankly. My eyes burned, dry from crying, but my heart was far from done.

A sob rose in my throat. I clenched my jaw and whispered into the silence.

“Mumma... Papa...”

My voice cracked.

“I promised I would take care of Angad. I promised you I’d protect him. But... it feels like I’m failing you.”

I sat up slowly and turned toward my closet. My steps were silent, heavy, as if the air around me had thickened. I reached to the top shelf, my fingers trembling, and pulled down a small wooden box—old, but lovingly polished.

My hands opened the lid with care, like I was handling something sacred.

Inside, nestled in soft cotton, were the silver anklets.

Delicate. Elegant. With tiny bells that made the softest chime when touched. Maa’s anklets. The ones I was wearing the night our world caught fire... the night I ran with Angad in my arms, barefoot, bleeding, the fire ragging and sound of screams echoing behind me.

I brushed my fingers over their intricate designs, my tears falling onto the cold metal like raindrops on forgotten glass.

“I’m sorry, Mumma,” I whispered, holding them to my chest. “I never wanted to part with them. They’re all I have left of you... your last blessing.”

My voice cracked again.

“But I have to. For Angad. This surgery could help him stand on his own feet again. He won’t need this wheelchair anymore. He’ll run. He’ll live.”

I closed my eyes and clutched the anklets tighter, curling around them like a child seeking comfort.

“I promise I’ll get them back. I will buy them back. I swear to you... this is only for now.”

That night, I wore them one last time—just to feel close to her, to feel her strength wrapped around my ankles. The bells chimed faintly with each step, as if blessing me... or saying goodbye.

I slept with them on, curled into myself like I used to as a child, quietly breaking inside.

❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁

Next Morning

The sun rose like any other, hiding the wounds of the night before under golden light. I washed my face and smiled at myself in the mirror. A smile so perfect, even I almost believed it.

But Angad didn’t.

At the breakfast table, he watched me carefully. I could feel his eyes on me, reading my silences the way only he could.

He served the rotis himself. “Di... after two days my treatment starts, right?”

I nodded, swallowing my bite.

“Haan, putt. Dr. Kabir called in the morning. He said tomorrow we need to admit you in the hospital.”

Angad’s spoon froze halfway to his mouth.

“Hospital? You mean I have to... stay there?”

His voice trembled. “Away from you? Away from home?”

I reached across the table and held his hand, squeezing it gently.

“Bas jad tak treatment chal raha hai puttar. Sirf tad tak. I’ll come visit you every single day. Aur jab tusi theek ho jaoge... we’ll come back home together. Stronger.”

(Just as long as the treatment is going on, son. Just until then. I will come to see you every day. And when you get better... we will return home together. Strong.)

He looked down, his brows furrowed. “Nahi di... I don’t want to go. I don’t want to leave you alone.”

(No sister)

I cupped his face and smiled, though my chest ached.

“Please man jao. You will get better, puttar. Then we will spend as much time together as you want. You’ll run again. You’ll be free again.”

(Please agree)

He stared at me for a long moment, then slowly nodded. “Okay... par Di, did you... arrange the money?”

(But sister)

I looked away for the briefest second, then smiled again.“Yeah, yeah. Almost done. Don’t worry about all that. Bas tusi jaldi theek ho jao.”

(You just get well soon)

He smiled. “Theek hai... but Di?”

(Okay)

“Haan?”

“Have a nice day. Dhyaan rakheyo tusi.”

(Take care)

I stood up, kissed the top of his head, and said softly,“Tusi vi, puttar. Main chaldi haan.”

(You too, dear. I will leave now)

I walked back into my room and took one last look at the wooden box. The anklets were inside again, lying still and silent now.

I bent down and pressed my lips to the lid.

“Bas ek vaari... forgive me, Mumma.”

(Just for once)

I put the box in my bag and left the apartment, forcing my tears to wait.

❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁

At the Jeweller’s Shop

The shop smelled of polish and old currency. The man behind the counter raised an eyebrow as I placed the box gently in front of him and opened it.

His eyes widened slightly. “Antique... handcrafted silver. Rare design. Yours?”

I nodded silently.

He examined them with a loupe, then scribbled a figure on paper and slid it toward me.

₹50,000

That’s it?

I swallowed my pride. Every rupee counts.

“I want to mortgage them. I’ll return for them soon.”

He nodded, then began paperwork. I signed where asked. A part of me wanted to snatch the anklets back... and run. But I didn’t. I took the cash with trembling hands.

And left the shop... a little lighter, and yet—unbearably hollow.

❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁

Hey lovelies,

How are you all doing? I hope you all are doing great. Well your author is back with an update finally. Interesting things coming up, so don’t miss the updates. Don’t forget to vote, comment and share. For spoilers - Follow my Instagram account @writingsbymili.I would love to talk with you. You can DM me and share your opinions and suggestion regarding the book. Your review matters to me.

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Have a nice day!

Mili