Soft Beginnings
Anaya was born into a house that never truly welcomed her. She learned early that silence was safer than questions and obedience was easier than dreams. She grew soft not because life was kind, but because she chose kindness despite it. Chandu entered her life quietly.
He was older, reserved, and carried responsibility like a second skin. He never spoke much, but when he did, his words stayed. He noticed things others ignored — the way Anaya avoided eye contact, the way she smiled to hide fear.
Their connection was slow, gentle, unspoken. It wasn’t love yet — just comfort. And sometimes, comfort is the beginning of everything.