Until You

"Sahil!" echoed a desperate cry as a girl witnessed her lover being dragged by his collar before her eyes.

"Maa, please instruct your men to release him!" she cried out, but the elderly woman callously ignored her pleas, commanding her men to beat him with sticks.

Falling to her knees, the girl begged, "Maa, I beg you, don't let them harm him. He'll die!"

"Then let him die," her mother coldly retorted, jerking her away and approaching Sahil, now lying partially unconscious in the courtyard of the Raghuvanshi mansion.

"How can a low-life like you think of claiming the daughter of this house? Even our maids are wealthier than you," said Shalini Raghuvanshi and spat at Sahil's face.

"Maa, spare him! I swear I'll never see him again; he'll be gone from my life," pleaded the girl.

"Of course, you won't see him again Nandini, because for that, he needs to be alive," she declared in a chilling voice.

Defying her mother, Nandini screamed and ran towards Sahil to shield him, only to be restrained by her brothers, despite her desperate cries to be released.

"Sahil, run! Get up and run away," she pleaded as her mother approached him.

Sahil lay on the ground, gazing at Nandini as if it were their final farewell.

"Jay, give me the revolver," the woman ordered her son, but before she could pull the trigger, her eldest daughter-in-law intervened.

"Maa, shall I take the kids inside?" she timidly suggested, to which the woman smirked.

"No, let them witness the punishment we give out for the sin of loving someone," she declared, casting a dark shadow over everyone present.

A gunshot pierced the air, followed by Nandini's heart-wrenching scream as she saw her beloved lifeless before her.

"Leave her," commanded her mother, and her sons reluctantly obeyed.

"Sahil!" Nandini screamed, rushing towards him.

"Open your eyes, look, your Chand is here," she pleaded, patting his cheeks, but there was no response. Realizing her love was gone, she picked up the revolver and, in an act of despair, turned it on herself.

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Beep Beep..

The cold sweat lingered on Mihika’s forehead as she jolted awake, breaking free from the haunting nightmare that had gripped her sleep. The echoes of Sahil's name still lingered in her ears, and the vivid scenes played in her mind like a tragic movie.

Shivering, she sat up in bed, trying to shake off the remnants of the dream that had felt all too real. The weight of the emotions lingered, making it hard for her to distinguish between the dream world and reality.

Her room felt eerily silent, a stark contrast to the chaos of her subconscious visions. She took a deep breath, attempting to ground herself in the present. The oppressive atmosphere of the Rajvansh mansion and the cruelty of her own grandmother haunted her thoughts.

As the remnants of the nightmare clung to her, she couldn't help but wonder about the complexities of love and the cruel twists of fate. The vivid memory of Sahil lying lifeless on the courtyard floor left an indelible mark on her psyche.

Unable to shake off the lingering despair, Mihika whispered to herself, "Stay strong”.

She was just a mere five year old child when she had to witness these cruel things in front of her eyes and since that day she had daily got the same nightmare. She was afraid of the word love and had vowed to herself to never commit that sin or else she would meet the same faith that her Bua (father’s sister)and her lover had met.

Glancing at the clock, Mihika realized it was already past six. Today marked the day when she had to journey to Shimla, the location of her cherished college, St. Xavier's. Attending that college had been a dream she held close to her heart. Despite her family's conservative values, they had initially planned for her education to conclude after high school. However, to her surprise, it was her grandmother, Mrs. Shalini Raghuvanshi , who advocated for her to pursue college. The persuasion stemmed from the fact that the person she was engaged to wished for her to complete her graduation. Failing to do so would bring about a sense of shame for him in calling her his wife.

She quickly got off the bed and entered the washroom to freshen up. Mihika, standing at five feet two inches, possessed a demeanor characterized by shyness and timidity. Despite her reserved nature, her brilliance in studies was undeniable. With a slender brow and almond-shaped eyes, the latter stood out as her most captivating feature, adding a touch of allure to her overall appearance.

Adorned in a white kurti paired with loose palazzo pants, Mihika showcased an understated yet elegant style. The ensemble was complemented by oxidized silver earrings that added a subtle charm to her attire. Keeping her makeup minimal, she opted for a touch of Kajal and lip gloss, accentuating her features with simplicity. A small black bindi adorned her forehead, completing her look with a touch of majesty.

For the last time, she looked around her bedroom, realizing that she would now be residing in a hostel, far from the comfort of her familiar pink haven. "I will miss you," she murmured, pushing aside her thoughts. Heading downstairs to the breakfast table, she found her family already gathered. The head chair was occupied by the woman responsible for her nightmares – her grandmother, Shalini Devi. Filled with arrogance, her orders held the weight of finality, and the entire family adhered to them. Since her husband's passing, she had assumed control of the entire business. Shalini Devi staunchly believed that engaging in a love affair was a grave sin, and the only punishment worthy of it was death.

The atmosphere within the walls of the Ragh villa always carried a heavy air of gloom. Despite its grandeur, there lingered an aura of oppression, particularly towards the female members of the household. While the sons of the house were elevated to positions of utmost importance, the daughters and daughters-in-law were relegated to the sidelines, their presence seemingly viewed as burdensome rather than cherished. This unequal treatment cast a shadow over the entire household, perpetuating a culture of inequality and resentment among its inhabitants.

Mihika’s Pov

As I made my way downstairs, I took a deep breath to steady my nerves. Greeting everyone with a soft "Good morning," I felt the weight of all eyes turning towards me, their collective gaze making me acutely aware of my presence. Despite my attempts to appear composed, I couldn't shake the feeling of self-consciousness that washed over me. Each pair of eyes felt like a spotlight, amplifying my every movement and word. In that moment, I couldn't help but wonder if my actions were being scrutinized, adding to the unease that already lingered within me.

As I sat down at the breakfast table, I couldn't shake off the palpable tension in the air. Apart from my mother, Pallavi Raghuvanshi, it was evident that I was not particularly favored among the other family members. Being the most educated girl in the household seemed to only add to their disdain, especially considering the traditional paths my cousin sisters had followed – marrying at the age of eighteen.

My engagement, once a source of excitement, now felt like a looming shadow over my freedom. Thanks to my fiancé's insistence on me completing my graduation, the prospect of marriage had been delayed, much to the chagrin of my family.

Sensing the silent tension, my mother subtly signaled for me to take my seat. As I began to reach for my breakfast, the sound of a throat clearing drew my attention to my grandmother, her penetrating gaze sending shivers down my spine.

"You are aware of your engagement and the expectations it carries," she declared in her authoritative tone, her words carrying the weight of centuries-old traditions.

I nodded silently, unable to meet her gaze as my eyes remained fixed on the floor.

"And you understand the consequences of tarnishing our family's reputation," she continued, her words invoking memories of the chilling nightmare that still haunted my thoughts.

As beads of sweat formed on my forehead, I could only nod in silent acknowledgment, the fear of the unknown punishment looming over me like a dark cloud.

After breakfast, Karan will drop you off at the railway station," my grandmother's words rang in my ears, laden with a chilling warning. "And don’t forget, one wrong step, and not only you, but also your beloved mother will have to face the consequences."

As my grandmother's words hung heavily in the air, I felt a lump form in my throat, my heart pounding with fear. The thought of facing consequences not just for myself, but also for my beloved mother, sent shivers down my spine. Swallowing hard, I struggled to maintain composure, my eyes moist with unshed tears.

Turning to look at my mother, Pallavi, I found solace in her reassuring smile, a silent beacon of strength amidst the looming threat. Her resilience in the face of adversity was a constant source of inspiration to me. She had endured so much since entering this household, married off to my father at a tender age of sixteen. His cruelty towards her was a painful reality, yet she bore it silently, constrained by societal expectations and her own lack of resources to escape.

My attempts to support her had often been met with harsh reprisal from my father, leaving me battered and bruised both physically and emotionally. Despite the risks, I couldn't bear to see my mother suffer alone.

As my grandmother's warning echoed in my mind, I couldn't help but feel a sense of desperation. The impending journey to Shimla, however, offered a glimmer of hope – a chance to escape the suffocating confines of this oppressive household, if only temporarily.

The car came to a halt in front of the imposing black gates of St. Xavier's College, the bold letters spelling out its name catching my attention. Beside me sat Malini, my childhood friend and the daughter of our maid. Despite our differing backgrounds, I had never discriminated against her; she was as dear to me as my own mother.

Grandma, adamant that I not venture alone to another city, had insisted on sending Malini with me. Her presence brought me comfort amidst the uncertainty of this new chapter in my life.

As we stepped out of the car, Malini's excitement bubbled over. "Oh my god, the college is so pretty! I'm just in love with it!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious.

Surveying the campus, I couldn't help but agree. St. Xavier's exuded a sense of grandeur and charm, reminiscent of the magical world of Hogwarts. The towering buildings and lush greenery created an enchanting atmosphere that captured my imagination.

Stepping through the gates, I was greeted by the sight of students milling about, their laughter and chatter filling the air. It was a scene so foreign to me; I had never experienced the freedom to roam outside my home and school confines. For the first time, I felt a pang of longing for the carefree camaraderie shared by my peers, a world I had only glimpsed from afar.

"I wish we could live here forever," sighed Malini wistfully, her eyes scanning the picturesque surroundings.

"Yeah, we can, if we fail all our years. But then later on, Dadisa will come with her gun and shoot us dead," I joked, attempting to lighten the mood, though Malini's groan indicated my attempt had failed.

"Your dadi is a witch," she murmured, earning a chuckle from me in response.

"Wait, let's first drop off these heavy bags in our room and then explore this place," I suggested, eager to begin our adventure.

With determination, I set out to find the way to the hostel, my eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs or directions. Spotting a group of older girls sitting on a bench and chatting, I approached them, hoping they could point us in the right direction.

As I approached the group of senior girls, a sense of apprehension gnawed at me. I knew all too well the reputation they held for their ruthless ragging rituals.

The girls eyed me with amusement as I stood before them, their smirks making me feel even smaller than usual.

"Excuse me, can you please tell me the way to the hostel?" I asked timidly, my fingers fiddling nervously.

"Fresher?" one of the girls responded, and I silently nodded, feeling a wave of apprehension wash over me.

"Well, well, well, Muskan, look what we found early in the morning – a scapegoat," chuckled the same girl, her words sending a chill down my spine.

My eyes darted to Malini, who stood beside me, her expression mirroring my own fear.

"You're very pretty," said another girl, whom I presumed to be Muskan, as she placed her hand around my shoulder. "You want to know the way to the hostel, right?"

"But for that, you have to do something," another girl added, their intentions unclear but ominous nonetheless.

My heart raced as I awaited their dare, my mind racing with all the possibilities of what they could ask of me.

"Isha, why don’t we shave off her hair?" suggested Muskan, sending a shock of horror through me at the mere thought.

"Please, no, not that," I pleaded desperately, my voice trembling with fear.

"Hey, leave my friend alone!" Malini interjected, coming to my support, but her defiance only seemed to amuse the girls.

"One more goat, but this one seems to be a bit hot-headed. No worries, we know how to control people like you," smirked Isha, her words dripping with malice.

My stomach churned with dread as Muskan ordered Aliya to bring the scissors, the prospect of losing my hair feeling like a nightmare come to life.

"Please, no, give me some other dare. I'll do anything, but not this," I begged, my desperation evident in my trembling voice.

"You'll do anything we say, right?" smirked Aliya, and I nodded vigorously, feeling trapped and helpless.

"Then let's see what we can do... Ah, there!" she exclaimed, her attention suddenly drawn to something beyond me.

Following her gaze, I spotted a red sports car entering the college premises, and my eyes widened as a tall, muscular figure emerged from the car, exuding an undeniable charm and confidence.

But before I could process what was happening, Aliya delivered the shocking dare: "You have to propose to him."

My mind reeled, and I stuttered in disbelief, overwhelmed by the absurdity of the demand.

"It's either your hair or this," Muskan declared, leaving me with an impossible choice.

With no other options, I took a deep breath and reluctantly began to make my way towards him, my heart pounding with uncertainty and fear.

With no other options, I took a deep breath and reluctantly began to make my way towards him, my heart pounding with uncertainty and fear.

I saw him talking to some other boys while turning his back towards me. Taking a long breath and with steady steps, I approached him.

I tried to speak, but no words came out as nervousness consumed me. Slowly, I reached out and tapped his shoulder, causing him to turn towards me. Our eyes met, and I found myself lost in his stormy grey gaze. It was the first time I had ever spoken to a boy, let alone one as handsome as him, and I felt utterly tongue-tied.

"He is so hot... Oh god, Mihika, what are you thinking?" I hissed in my thoughts, trying to regain composure.

"Yes?" he spoke, his smirk indicating that he was aware of my inner turmoil.

"Oh, yes, the dare," I remembered, quickly turning to locate the senior girls and Malini. The senior girls seemed to be reveling in my discomfort, while Malini wore a sympathetic expression.

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath to gather my courage.

"I love you," I blurted out before turning and running away, not daring to wait for his reaction.

Reaching the senior girls, who were now laughing uproariously, I hastily asked for directions.

"Turn right and go straight," Isha managed to gasp between fits of laughter.

Grabbing Malini's hand, I dashed towards the hostel, feeling a burning sense of embarrassment wash over me.

Oh god, I am so embarrassed.

End of Mihika’s PoV