Chapter 1
song rec by author it ain't me by Selena Gomez and kygo
Jiya's pov
“I think we should break up.”
“What?”
“You heard what I said.”
“Jiya, you can’t be serious.”
I sighed deeply, trying my best to keep my composure. Nick stared at me, brows knitted together, his face twisted in bewilderment.
“Why? Why do you want to break up all of a sudden? We were doing just fine.”
I dropped my head, smiling painfully. Just fine.
“I had an exhibition,” I whispered, my voice cracking. “After seven years, Nick. Seven years. And you didn’t come.”
“ Come on Jiya, it was just this one time. I had to work on that Trechy project with Samantha. I showed up a little late, but I’m here, aren’t I?”
“Samantha.” The name tasted bitter. “You don’t get it, do you? It’s not just about tonight. You’ve never been there. I sacrificed everything for you. I moved to this depressing city for you. I became your live-in girlfriend for you.. I attended all your depressing science events for you.... smiled through conversations with those old sleazy men because it mattered to you ...I dropped my painting career for you Nick.”
Tears streamed down my cheeks. A sob caught in my throat as snot began to form.
“And you’ve given me nothing in return. All I wanted was for you to support me just this once. To show up for me. To let me know you actually cared.”
“Jiya, I think you’re overreacting about this whole thing.”
That was it. The final straw.
I wiped the tears from my face and breathed through my nose, steadying myself.
“Nick… I think you should leave.”
“Jiya, I’m not going anywhere until we sort this out.”
“Fine. Then I will.”
I grabbed my coat and bag from the chair beside me and bolted for the exit.The exhibition was already over by the time I left. I pushed through the doors and stepped into the cool night air, tears flowing freely down my cheeks. I walked down the quiet street feeling stupid and ridiculous. it felt like everyone was watching me and knew exactly what had happened to me a couple of minutes back.A small, pathetic part of me still hoped Nick would come running after me, apologizing, begging me to stay. But with every step, that hope died a little more. He wasn’t coming.
Tears kept spilling even though I tried to wipe them away.Maybe I’m the problem, a small voice whispered in my head. Maybe I asked for too much. Maybe I should’ve been more understanding tonight. But another, louder voice pushed back: No. You deserved this one thing. Just one. God how could i be so stupid...urrrggghh!!!!
What am I going to do now?I had no apartment of my own anymore everything i owned was still at our apartment. I was so tangled up in him the thought of it made my chest tighten until it hurt to breathe.
I kept walking, head down, eyes fixed on the cracked sidewalk. Moonlight washed over my face,the cold breeze drying the tears on my face.And then—thud.
I collided hard with someone. My bag slipped from my shoulder and crashed to the ground, everything spilling out across the pavement. What perfect timing. “I’m so sorry,” I muttered, dropping to my knees immediately. My voice was thick with tears as I frantically started scooping everything up.
The stranger crouched down too, reaching out to help.
“It’s okay, I’ve got it,” I said quickly, almost snatching the items from his hand. I couldn’t look at him. I didn’t want anyone seeing me like this;puffy-eyed, broken, and falling apart. I shoved everything back into my bag in a messy clump, mumbled one last “sorry,” and stood up without meeting his eyes.
I walked away faster now, cursing my terrible luck under my breath. The city lights blurred through fresh tears until I finally reached Olive's apartment building. I practically dragged myself through the stairs to her apartment floor. I rang the bell and waited. I could hear her footsteps and her voice shouting from inside, “Coming!”
The door opened seconds later. Olive’s smile dropped the moment she saw my face.
“Girl, what happened?”After some time, my sobs finally quieted into shaky breaths. Olive handed me a box of tissues and a glass of water. I wiped my face, my eyes swollen and burning. I stared at the floor for a long moment before whispering, “We broke up.”
Olive’s hand froze on my back. “Wait… what? You and Nick?”
I nodded slowly, fresh tears slipping down even though I thought I had none left. “I ended it tonight. Right after the exhibition. Or… during it. I don’t even know anymore.” My voice cracked. “He didn’t show up, Olive. Not until it was almost over. And when I told him how I felt ..... how I’ve felt for years ....he said I was overreacting.”
Olive exhaled sharply before pulling me in for another hug tighter this time. "“Oh, Jiya… I’m so sorry. I know how much you’ve given that man. You did the right thing by walking away tonight. It hurts like hell right now, but staying would’ve hurt more in the long run.”
She paused, then added gently, “Do you think he’ll try to come after you? Or call?”
I shrugged, staring at the crumpled tissue in my hands. “I don’t know. A part of me still wants him to… but I know he won’t. Not the way I need him to.” I let out a bitter laugh. “I feel so stupid for hoping even now.”
“You’re not stupid,” Olive said, squeezing my shoulder. “You’re heartbroken. There’s a difference. And I’ve got you, okay? You can crash here as long as you need. We’ll figure out the apartment situation, your stuff, all of it. One step at a time.”I leaned my head on her shoulder, exhausted but grateful. For the first time that night, I didn’t feel completely alone.
Come on, let’s get you to bed,” Olive said after a while, her voice soft but decisive.
She helped me up from the couch and led me to her room. I stood there numbly as she pulled out one of her nightgowns and helped me change into it. My body felt heavy, like I was moving through water. Once I was changed, she guided me to the guest room, pulled back the covers, and tucked me in like I was a child.
“Thank you, Olive,” I whispered, my voice hoarse from crying.
“Don’t mention it. That’s what friends are for.” She brushed a strand of hair from my face and smiled gently. “Now get some rest. Good night, Jiya.”
“Good night, Olive.”
She turned off the light and quietly closed the door behind her. The room fell into darkness, and I lay there staring at the ceiling, my chest still aching. The tears had stopped for now, but the emptiness remained. Tomorrow would come whether I was ready or not.
