Nila adjusted the pleats of her silk half-saree, its soft, golden fabric shimmering under the dim hallway light. Her reflection in the mirror stared back at her, a mix of anticipation and hesitation. The elaborate jasmine flowers woven into her hair gave off a gentle fragrance that contrasted sharply with the turmoil in her heart. It was the night before her wedding, and she was about to take a bold step she hadn't dared to imagine until now.
Slipping out of her room, careful not to alert her family, she descended the stairs. The house was quiet, save for the occasional sound of distant laughter from relatives. The sangeet had ended the night before, and today had been packed with haldi and mehndi ceremonies. Her cheeks still bore faint traces of turmeric, though her heart felt far from festive.
Outside, a cab waited for her. She had booked it discreetly, ensuring no one would suspect her late-night escapade. As she stepped into the cab, she took a deep breath, clutching a small gift bag—a token she had prepared for Abhinav, her groom-to-be. The plan was simple: visit him at the farmhouse where he was staying, present the gift as a gesture of goodwill, and perhaps ease the nervousness she felt about the life she was about to commit to.
The drive was quiet, save for the occasional honk or hum of the city. Her thoughts wandered to her best friend, Mridula, who had promised to be at the wedding but hadn't arrived yet. Nila's fingers danced over her phone screen, debating whether to call her. The thought of hearing a familiar, reassuring voice was tempting, but she decided against it.
Mridula would probably be on the train by now, and Nila didn't want to face any teasing questions about her secret meeting with Abinav. She wasn't sure why she felt the need to meet him alone—without their parents arranging it, and without any plan from his side or hers. This was the first time she had taken the initiative to see him, and yet, something about it felt important. She couldn't explain why, but she knew she needed this conversation—just the two of them—before marriage.
The cab came to a halt outside the farmhouse. Nila stepped out, the cool night air brushing against her skin. The place looked almost deserted, with only a few cars parked outside. She remembered the code to the lock on the main gate—something she had noticed during the sangeet preparations. Her fingers hesitated for a moment before she keyed in the numbers. The gate clicked open, and she slipped inside, careful to close it behind her.
The farmhouse loomed ahead, its silhouette dark against the starry sky. She had been here just a day ago, surrounded by music, laughter, and the excitement of her upcoming marriage. Now, the silence felt oppressive. As she approached the building, faint voices reached her ears. She followed the sound, her footsteps light on the gravel path.
Nila froze as she neared the veranda. The voices grew clearer, and she recognized Abhinav's tone. He was speaking to a group of his friends, his words carrying an unsettling mix of arrogance and amusement. Curious, she stepped closer, hiding behind a pillar to avoid being seen.
"Come on, Abhi," one of his friends was saying, laughter laced in his voice. "You've got to share something. Wedding gift for us, right?"
"Yeah, man," another chimed in. "Those videos you've got… they're legendary. Don't tell me you're going all loyal now that you're getting married."
Nila's heart began to race. Videos? What were they talking about?
"Relax," Abhinav said, his voice oozing confidence. "I've got everything backed up. You think I'd let go of my trophies? Besides, it's not like they can do anything about it. They knew what they were getting into."
Her blood ran cold as the realization hit her. He was talking about blackmailing girls—using their private moments as leverage. Memories of Abhinav's charming demeanor, his polite words during their courtship, now felt like a cruel facade. She clutched the pillar for support, her world spinning around her.
Abhinav continued, his tone casual as though discussing a trivial hobby. "The best part is they never even knew I was recording most of the time. That's what makes it exciting. The shock, the power… and when they finally realize, they're too scared to do anything. That's when you've got them. A little threat here, a little nudge there, and suddenly, they're begging to keep it quiet. And then, well…" He chuckled darkly. "They agree to even more. It's almost too easy."
"Man, you've got guts," one of his friends said, admiration evident in his tone. "Marrying Nila and still keeping your collection. No wonder you're the boss."
Nila couldn't listen anymore. Her breaths came in short gasps as she stumbled back, her silk saree catching on the edge of a step. She pulled out her phone with trembling hands and dialed Mridula. It rang twice before her best friend picked up.
"Nila? What's wrong?" Mridula's concerned voice was a lifeline.
"I need to get away," Nila whispered, her voice cracking. "Right now. Where are you?"
"I'm at the railway station," Mridula replied, her tone urgent. "What happened? Are you okay?"
"No," Nila said, tears streaming down her face. "Just… stay there. I'm coming. Don't let anyone know you're here. And don't tell anyone I'm leaving."
"Okay," Mridula said without hesitation. "I'll wait for you."
Nila hung up and leaned against the gate, her mind spinning. She wasn't in any state to face her family or society. She didn't have the energy to navigate their questions or judgments. Right now, all she wanted was distance—a safe place with Mridula where she could figure out what to do next. The thought of her best friend waiting for her brought a sliver of comfort.
Glancing back, she saw the cab driver still waiting. Relief washed over her. She quickly got into the cab, her grip on the gift bag tightening. "Railway station," she said, her voice firmer now. The cab began to move, and as the farmhouse faded into the distance, so did the life she thought she was stepping into. What lay ahead was uncertain, but for now, she had taken the first step toward reclaiming her future.
As the cab sped through the quiet streets, Nila leaned back, trying to steady her breathing. Her heart ached, not just from the betrayal but from the crushing weight of expectations she had carried for so long. For years, she had lived her life trying to meet the standards set by her family and society, pushing aside her own desires in the process. Now, for the first time, she was choosing herself. The decision was terrifying, but it also brought a strange sense of liberation.
The city lights blurred past, and Nila's mind raced with questions. What would her parents think when they realized she was gone? How would she explain her actions? But she pushed those thoughts aside for now. She couldn't afford to dwell on them yet. She needed clarity, and she knew she wouldn't find it amidst the chaos of her home.