Chapter 15: When Reality Knocks

"Every fairytale has its dragons. This time, Siya had to fight hers."

The day after the riverside escape, Siya woke up feeling lighter.

For the first time in years, her mind didn't race.

Her chest didn't feel heavy.

She smiled—not because she had to, but because her heart did it naturally.

She looked at the bracelet on her wrist.

"Your heart is safe now."

She traced the words like a prayer, letting them sink into her bloodstream.

But fairytales are short.

And reality always knows when to crash the party.

💥 The First Crack

That evening, her mother returned home from her night shift.

The house was unusually quiet. Her brother was playing on the phone; her father hadn't returned yet.

Siya was humming in the kitchen when her mother walked in and stared.

"Why are you so happy?" her mother asked sharply.

She shrugged. "Nothing… just had a good day yesterday."

But her mother didn't smile back.

Instead, her eyes narrowed.

"You went out yesterday, didn't you? With that boy?"

Her heart skipped.

"How do you know?" she whispered.

"You think this is a joke, Siya? People saw you. Talking. Laughing. Holding hands!"

Siya's throat dried. "We didn't do anything wrong, Maa…"

Her mother's voice dropped, low and dangerous.

"You think we gave you freedom so you can ruin our name?"

🥀 When Love Feels Like Rebellion

That night turned ugly.

Arguments flew like arrows.

Accusations about her "character" were thrown.

Everything from her phone usage to her clothes became part of the case against her.

But the worst part?

Her father found out.

He returned home drunk—again—and the moment her mother whispered something into his ear, he stormed into Siya's room.

"Love? At this age? What are you, a heroine?"

"Papa, please…"

"Chup kar haramzaadi!" he shouted, raising his hand.

This time, Siya flinched but didn't cry.

"I won't apologize for being loved," she whispered. "Not anymore."

His hand paused mid-air.

Her eyes didn't.

For the first time… she didn't beg.

📱 The Escape in Digital Arms

She ran to her room and locked the door.

Her hands trembled as she texted Ruhan:

"They found out."

"Did they hurt you?"

"Not physically. Not this time."

"I'm coming."

"No. Please don't. They'll destroy everything."

"…Then let's run away."

Her breath stopped.

She wanted that. So badly.

But she wasn't ready… not yet.

✨ The Midnight Voice Note

At 1:43 AM, as her body shivered under a blanket of anxiety, a voice note arrived.

"My Siya… I know tonight hurts. But remember this—you're not alone. I'll fight the world for you. Even if I have to wait a thousand days… I'll wait.

Just stay strong. Breathe. You're almost out of this cage. I love you."

She replayed it. Again. And again.

Tears fell. But they didn't burn anymore.

They healed.