Silent Pain

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As Inaya reached Richa’s flat, she pressed the lift button, her hand trembling slightly. Every step she took felt like a weight dragging her down—physically and emotionally. When the elevator doors opened, she stepped in, clutching the railing to steady herself. She stared at the floor indicator as it climbed, her mind swirling with thoughts of regret, pain, and shame.

When she reached Richa’s flat, she quietly went to the back door and called her friend. Moments later, the door creaked open, and Richa ushered her inside.

As soon as Inaya entered, she sank into a chair, burying her face in her hands as the tears spilled over. She tried to stay quiet, but her sobs betrayed her pain.

Richa sat beside her, concerned. "Ini, I know it must have been hard to end things with him," she said, her tone gentle. "It’s like a roller coaster ride, isn’t it? But it’s over now. Please don’t cry."

Inaya shook her head but said nothing, unable to articulate the real reason for her tears. Her body ached, and the emotional toll was unbearable, but she couldn’t confide in Richa—not about this.

After a few minutes, she wiped her face and stood up. "I should go now," she whispered.

"Are you sure?" Richa asked, but Inaya only nodded, avoiding eye contact.

When Inaya stepped outside, Vikram was waiting for her by the car. He opened the door, and she slipped in silently, leaning against the window as the driver started the journey back to the Malhotra mansion.

As she entered the house, the first thing she noticed was her mother sitting in the living room with Dr. Karan. They were laughing and chatting, their lightheartedness a stark contrast to the storm inside her.

Mrs. Malhotra was the first to notice her. "Inaya, come here and sit with us," she said warmly.

Inaya tried to comply, but her legs were failing her. Every step sent a jolt of pain through her body. She was visibly limping now, unable to hide it any longer.

Karan noticed immediately. "Ini, are you okay?" he asked, his brows furrowing with concern.

Inaya forced a weak smile and lied swiftly. "Yes, Bhaiyya. I’m fine. I just… I fell off the bed at Richa’s place while we were playing."

Karan didn’t look convinced. "Come here and let me check," he said, rising from his seat.

Panic flashed in Inaya’s eyes. She couldn’t let him examine her—he’d see the marks, the scratches, the evidence of everything she was desperately trying to hide.

"No, it’s okay, Bhaiyya," she said, shaking her head. "I’m fine, really. I’ll just go to my room and rest."

Mrs. Malhotra chimed in gently. "Ini, please change quickly. Karan has been waiting to do your dressing for so long now."

Inaya nodded stiffly, her mind racing as she turned and limped upstairs. Each step felt heavier than the last, the pain and the weight of her secrets pressing down on her. By the time she reached her room, she collapsed onto the bed, clutching her knees to her chest as tears streamed down her face.

She had no idea how she would get through the rest of the day, let alone face what lay ahead.

Inaya sat on her bed, her body trembling as she tried to gather herself. The searing pain was a constant reminder of her choices, and the emotional weight only added to her anguish. She couldn’t let anyone see her like this—not her mother, not Karan, and definitely not Advik.

As she slowly got up to change, she winced with every movement. Her wardrobe felt like an overwhelming challenge; every item of clothing seemed too tight, too uncomfortable for her battered body. She finally grabbed the loosest dress she could find and carefully slipped it on, grimacing as the fabric brushed against her skin.

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