Chapter 4

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The late afternoon sun bathed the living room in a golden glow as Dev’s college friends, Rohan, Priya, and Sameer, arrived for a casual visit. Laughter and nostalgia filled the air as they reminisced about their college days, catching up on years of missed stories and adventures.

Rohan: “Dev, it’s been so long! We should definitely plan a reunion. Just like the old days.

Priya: “Yes! It would be amazing to get everyone back together. Remember that epic trip to Goa?”

Sameer: “How could we forget? You were the life of the party, Dev!”

Dev smiled, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. The memories of happier times clashed painfully with his present reality.As the conversation continued, Navya entered the room, carrying a tray with tea and snacks. She approached the group with a gentle smile, setting the tray on the table.

Priya: (curious) “Oh, is this your wife, Dev?”

Dev’s expression hardened, and a tense silence fell over the room. He glanced at Navya, his eyes cold and distant.

Dev: “No, this is Navya. She’s the servant of the house.”

Navya’s heart stopped, her breath caught in her throat as his words struck her like a physical blow. She stood frozen, the tray trembling slightly in her hands.

Sameer: “But… you’re not married, Dev? All this time?”

Dev’s jaw tightened, his voice filled with an edge of bitterness.

Dev: “Yes, I’m unmarried. I can never accept anyone other than Heena as my wife.”

Rohan, Priya, and Sameer exchanged uncomfortable glances, sensing the tension but unaware of the full story. Priya tried to lighten the mood, her smile faltering slightly.

Priya: “Oh, I see. It’s just… surprising, I guess. We all thought you’d be married by now.”

Rohan: “Yeah, Dev, we always thought you and Heena would end up together. But life has its own plans, right?”

Dev nodded curtly, his gaze fixed on the floor. Navya felt a wave of nausea, her heart aching with each word. She wanted to speak, to defend herself, but the shock and trauma of Dev’s declaration left her mute.

Sameer: “So, Dev, what’s new with you? How’s life treating you?”

Dev forced a smile, trying to steer the conversation away from the painful topic.

Dev: “Work is keeping me busy. You know how it is.”

Navya stood silently, feeling like an invisible shadow in the room, her presence dismissed and her heart shattered. She excused herself quietly, retreating to the kitchen where she could let her tears fall without being seen.In the kitchen, Navya leaned against the counter, her hands shaking as she tried to steady her breathing. The weight of Dev’s rejection pressed heavily on her chest, suffocating her. She had known their relationship was strained, but to hear him deny her existence so cruelly was a wound deeper than she had ever imagined.Back in the living room,

Dev’s friends continued their conversation, trying to fill the awkward silence with stories and laughter. But the cheerful façade couldn’t mask the underlying tension.

Rohan: “So, Dev, any plans for the future? Besides work, I mean.”

Dev shrugged, his expression unreadable.

Dev: “Just taking it one day at a time. No big plans.”

Priya glanced toward the kitchen, where Navya had disappeared, her brow furrowed in concern.

Priya: “Navya seems nice. It’s rare to see such dedication these days.”

Dev’s eyes flicked to the kitchen door, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them.

Dev: “She’s… reliable.”

The conversation drifted to other topics, but an unspoken tension lingered in the air. Eventually, Dev’s friends decided to leave, promising to plan the reunion soon.

Rohan: “It was great catching up, Dev. We’ll definitely plan that reunion.”

Sameer: “Take care, buddy. And think about what we said. Life’s too short to be alone.”

As they left, Dev closed the door behind them, his shoulders sagging with the weight of the day. He stood in the hallway, staring at the floor, his mind a tumultuous storm of emotions.In the kitchen, Navya wiped away her tears, composing herself before stepping back into the living room. She found Dev standing there, lost in thought. She approached him cautiously, her voice soft but resolute.

Navya: “Dev…”

He looked up, his eyes meeting hers briefly before looking away.

Dev: “ what do you want now, i don't have time for you're drama”

She took a deep breath, summoning her strength.

Navya: “I heard what you said. I… I understand you miss Heena. But please, don’t deny our existence. Don’t deny Ayaan’s existence.”

Dev’s expression hardened again, a wall of emotional distance rising between them.

Dev: “I never asked for this, Navya. I never wanted this.”

Navya’s heart ached with unspoken pain, but she held her ground.

Navya: “Neither did I, Dev. But we’re here now. We’re a part of your life, whether you want us to be or not.”

Dev turned away, his voice barely above a whisper.

Dev: “I will never need you or you're son.”

Navya watched him walk away, her heart heavy with sorrow.

Navya stood in the solitude of the kitchen, the clang of dishes and the hum of the refrigerator filling the air around her. Dev's words echoed in her mind like a relentless drumbeat, each syllable a painful reminder of her place in his world.

**Navya's Thoughts:** *What should I do, Dev, to even feel worth in front of you?*

Her hands trembled slightly as she wiped the counter, the tears that had threatened to spill now streaming silently down her cheeks. She had tried so hard to earn Dev's respect, his love—even a fraction of the affection he had once reserved for Heena. But time and again, she found herself cast aside, relegated to a role she never sought nor desired.

**Navya's Thoughts:** *Am I destined to forever be seen as nothing more than a servant in this house? Is there no way to break through the walls he has built around his heart?*

She closed her eyes, willing herself to find strength amidst the ache in her chest. She had chosen this path—marriage to a man whose heart belonged to another—in the hope that love could grow where it was initially absent. But each rejection, each reminder of her lesser status, chipped away at her resolve, leaving behind a raw vulnerability she struggled to conceal.

**Navya's Thoughts:** *I love him, despite everything. I love him enough to endure this pain, to bear the weight of his indifference. But how much longer can I go on like this? How much longer can I deny the longing in my heart for a love that may never be returned?*

The kitchen, once a place of warmth and nourishment, now felt cold and empty around her. She leaned against the sink, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs as she battled the flood of emotions threatening to overwhelm her.

Outside, the world continued its steady rhythm—cars passed by, birds chirped in the distance—but within the confines of her own heart, Navya struggled to find solace. She longed for someone to see beyond the facade she presented to the world, to recognize the depth of her love and the pain she carried in silence.

**Navya's Thoughts:** *I will endure, for Ayaan's sake if not my own. He deserves a mother who is strong, who can shield him from the storm raging within these walls. But oh, Dev... when will you see me? When will you see the woman who has given everything, only to receive so little in return?*

With a deep breath, Navya composed herself, wiping away the tears that stained her cheeks. She straightened her posture, the mask of composure slipping back into place as she prepared to face the world outside the kitchen door.

**Navya's Thoughts:** *One day, perhaps, he will see me. Until then, I will continue to love him, silently and steadfastly, in the hope that one day, love will conquer all.*

And with that silent vow, Navya turned away from the kitchen sink, determined to carry on with the strength she had always known lay dormant within her.








Dev sat alone in the living room, the conversations with his college friends lingering in his mind. The talk of a reunion had stirred memories long buried, memories that now rushed back with vivid clarity.

He leaned back on the sofa, closing his eyes as he allowed himself to be transported to those carefree days of college, where life had seemed simpler, and love had felt like an unbreakable promise.

**Flashback:**

The campus was alive with the buzz of students, laughter, and the vibrant energy of youth. Dev, with a bright smile on his face, walked toward the courtyard where he knew Hina would be waiting. They had made it a habit to meet there between classes, stealing moments of joy amidst their busy schedules.

Hina was sitting under their favorite tree, her eyes lighting up as she saw him approach. Her laughter was like music to his ears, filling him with a warmth that only her presence could bring.

**Hina:** “Dev, you’re late! I was beginning to think you forgot about me.”

**Dev:** (laughing) “Forget about you? Never. Got caught up in a meeting with the professor.”

He sat down beside her, their shoulders brushing. Hina playfully nudged him, her smile infectious.

**Hina:** “You and your meetings. One day, you’ll be too important for little old me.”

Dev’s expression softened, his eyes locking onto hers.

**Dev:** “Hina, you’re the most important part of my life. Meetings can wait. You, on the other hand…”

He leaned in, capturing her lips in a tender kiss. The world around them faded, leaving just the two of them in their bubble of love and happiness.

They spent the afternoon talking about their dreams and plans for the future. Hina had always been passionate about social work, wanting to make a difference in the world. Dev admired her dedication and was always inspired by her selflessness.

**Hina:** “You know, Dev, one day I want to open a center for underprivileged children. Give them the opportunities we’ve had.”

**Dev:** “And I’ll be right there with you, supporting you every step of the way.”

Hina’s eyes sparkled with excitement, her hand reaching out to hold his.

**Hina:** “Together, we’ll make the world a better place. Promise me, Dev, no matter what happens, we’ll always be together.”

Dev squeezed her hand, his heart swelling with love and determination.

**Dev:** “I promise, Hina. Always.”

They spent countless hours together, exploring the city, attending classes, and dreaming about the future. Their love was the cornerstone of their lives, giving them strength and hope.

One day, during a particularly beautiful sunset, Dev proposed to Hina. They were standing on a hill overlooking the city, the sky painted with hues of orange and pink.

**Dev:** “Hina, you are my everything. Will you marry me?”

Tears of joy filled Hina’s eyes as she nodded, throwing her arms around him.

**Hina:** “Yes, Dev. A thousand times yes.”

**End of Flashback:**


Dev opened his eyes, the weight of the present crashing down on him. The memories of his time with Hina were bittersweet, filled with a love that had once felt eternal. But now, those dreams lay shattered, replaced by a reality he had never imagined.

He got up from the sofa and walked over to the window, staring out at the night sky. The stars twinkled above, a reminder of the promises he had made and the love he had lost.

In the quiet of the night, Dev allowed himself to mourn the life he had once dreamed of, the future that had slipped through his fingers. His heart ached with the weight of regret and the realization that no matter how much he tried to hold on to the past, time continued to move forward, leaving him behind.

As he stood there, lost in his thoughts, he couldn’t help but wonder if there was still a chance for healing, for finding peace amidst the chaos of his life. But for now, all he could do was remember and hope that one day, the pain would fade, leaving behind only the cherished memories of a love that had once been his everything.


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