I sat on the couch, resting my chin in my palms, listening to Mumma and Papa's ongoing conversation. "You can't be with her forever, right? Let her go; this will give her better career opportunities" Mumma was saying, trying to convince Papa for the past thirty minutes.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Dhruv Bhai sitting in the same slouched position as me. "Bro!" I called out, narrowing my eyes at him. He leaned back, trying to look unaffected.

"Do you think Papa will allow you to stay in Kolkata?" He asked, wrapping his strong arm around my neck.

"Mumma is on my team. She'll convince him" I replied casually pushing his hand away.

Right then, Di walked in, her presence like a breath of fresh air. Without a second thought, I dashed toward her and hugged her tightly. "Di, how are you?" I asked, clinging to her. Before she could answer, Bhai joined us, wrapping both of us in a warm embrace. "Where is Jiju and how is he?" I asked "Ayaan is little busy" she leaned towards me and bhai.

"What's going on?" Di asked, noticing the heated debate between Mumma and Papa. "Anvi's future" Bhai replied, earning a glare from me. "You guys manage, I have work at the office" he whispered in our ears before sneaking away. "That's not fair, bro! How will you go without keys" I shouted after him. "Bhai will comeback" di said and I turned to Di, I muttered, "Papa doesn't want me to stay in Kolkata."

"Papa, Mumma" Di called out, stepping into the middle of their argument. "Saanvi, you only convince your mumma" Papa said, walking toward her. "Papa, let Anvi go" Di said, taking my side without hesitation. "Saanvi, even you~" Papa began but stopped when she added, "Shiv is also going to Kolkata for business work, so he will be there with her."

Shiv. The best gift Di's marriage gave me. He and I clicked instantly, and now we are best friends. "Fine, after all you all are in one team" Papa finally relented, but his tone softened as he turned to me and I chuckled "But you'll call me twice a day, eat three meals without fail, and if anyone says anything to you, tell me immediately, okay?"

I beamed and threw my arms around him. "I love you, Papa" I said, feeling overwhelmed by his care. "Love you too baccha" he said, hugging me back. "Me too!" Di exclaimed, joining in. Soon, Mumma joined the hug, turning it into a full-blown family moment. "Excuse me!" Bhai reappeared, his tone mock dramatic. "What about me?" "Nope! You ran away earlier, so you don't get to join" I teased, clinging tighter to Papa. "Wow! so funny" he muttered, pulling my hair playfully, only to get a scolding from Papa.

🤍ྀི

"Anvi come here Bua wants to talk" Mumma said and my whole mood ruined "hello" I said in speaker even without taking phone from Mumma "Anvi are you going to stay far from everyone" she said "yes Bua" I replied and bhai is laughing from side , "did you remember how you cried in your graduation first year saying you won't go to college, no one know reason till now" I rolled my eyes "if same happens again your father will not be near you so listen to me-" Before she completes I turned around to walk but Mumma stopped me

"And also don't eat too much, with very difficulty you lost weight remember that" she mocked and bhai took phone , his smile dropped "Bua aapka weight Kitna hai 20 ya 30 that you are saying my Anvi" my eyes widened on his words "anyways don't worry you are not her husband to think that if she gains weight it will be difficult for you to carry her" his words left Bua silent and I burst into laugh and I tapped on his shoulder appreciating him.

"If she again wants to talk about Anvi's body then block her or else I will do by myself" he said ending the call "Bro real waala gussa hai kya" I pulled his cheek "shh, it's ok bro" I hugged him

🤍ྀི

"Shiv, I'll send you the documents" I said, applying night cream with steady hands. "Anvi I'm not going to Kolkata, but I'll manage somehow. You send me the documents" he replied. With a quick nod, I sent him everything ensuring there was no room for error.

As I began gathering my books, my eyes fell on my diary. A small smile tugged at my lips as I picked it up, my fingers tracing the book cover edge. That diary held the rawest parts of me thoughts, dreams, and memories I once cherished. It was for someone I once thought was special, someone who had seen the real me, insecurities and all, and accepted them, or just pretend like accepted.

But life isn't a fairytale. I was a fool to think someone would accept me as I was. That heartbreak carved a stubbornness into my soul , a fierce determination that pushed me to lose weight, but in the process, I also lost myself. He's still special to me, but I don't want to see him again. I don't hate him I hate admitting he still matters. The world's judgment when I'm with him hurts more than I can bear. It's not his fault, but for my own peace, I choose distance.

Standing in front of the mirror, I held an old photograph of mine. My fingers grazed over the picture, stopping at my once chubby cheeks and curvy frame. That girl in the photo had a natural, wide smile that radiated joy. It wasn't forced, wasn't dimmed by the weight of the world. Looking back at my reflection in the mirror, I smiled, but it didn't quite reach my eyes. It wasn't the same smile as the one in the photo. I stared at my face, studying the changes I had undergone changes born from pain, not growth.

"This new me will never let anyone hurt you again, Anvi" I whispered to my reflection, hardening my gaze. But even as the words left my lips, memories of the past pricked at my heart, bringing a misty glaze to my eyes. The ache lingered, but so did the promise to be stronger, to protect myself from ever feeling that kind of pain again.

Don't make me feel disgusted further with this love

I closed my eyes as his words replayed in my mind. It's been 5 years but I remember every single detail which is ghosting me even for today.