SEVENTY TWO: ARE WE REALLY OVER?

[SHAIRA's POV]

"Shaira?" A girl in a delicate floral dress interrupted my thoughts, confidently taking a seat in front of me. Her face sparked a sense of familiarity, though it took me a moment to remember her.

Ah, yes! She's Jessel, the lady whom I thought was Jhotam's mistress. She looks so different now with her shorter, octopus-style hair.

"Is that you?" I smiled as recognition dawned on me.

"I'm glad you still remember me. This is my boyfriend." She proudly introduced her kind-looking boyfriend. As much as I tried not to judge, past experiences had made me wary of men and their intentions. But I reminded myself not to generalize.