The sun was hidden behind thick clouds, casting a dull grey light over the city.
Back at home, Aaradhya sat by the window again, scribbling something in her notebook. Her eyes looked tired, but her mind was racing.
Amit came into the room, yawning. "Hey, tea?"
"Make it yourself," she replied without looking up.
He sighed and walked away. Aaradhya stared out of the window.
Later, she went out to the market. She saw two girls gossiping nearby. They were none other than her classmates—Bishaka Choudhary and Chitra Das. Her bullies.
They were friends of Ishita Basu. Ishita was always with them, following quietly. Ishita Basu—the daughter of their school principal.
"I hate them," Aaradhya whispered.
She walked past quietly, hoping they wouldn't notice her. They didn't.
She had already heard the news—Ishita was missing. Just to be sure, she checked her phone again. It was true.
The sun was hidden behind thick clouds, casting a dull grey light over the city.
Back at home, Aaradhya sat by the window, scribbling quietly in her notebook. Her eyes were tired, but her mind refused to rest.
Amit wandered into the room, yawning.
"Hey, tea?" he asked lazily.
"Make it yourself," she replied without looking up.
He groaned and walked away. She didn't even blink. Her gaze remained on the cloudy sky.
Later, Aaradhya went to the market. As she passed the bakery, she saw two girls laughing and gossiping near the shop window.
She froze for a moment.
Bishaka Choudhary and Chitra Das.
Her classmates. Her bullies.
They were always the loudest in school—whispering, laughing, pointing. And right behind them, always quiet and unsure, was Ishita Basu—the principal's daughter.
Ishita used to be with them.
But not anymore.
Aaradhya had already heard the news—Ishita was missing. She quickly checked her phone again. The updates confirmed it.
She didn't mention it to Amit. Instead, she kept walking, her thoughts drifting back to school—the giggles behind her back, the cold stares, the cruel words.
Even though she never fought back, it still hurt.
She was alone. No parents. No one to stand up for her. No one to say, "I'm proud of you."
But a long time ago, Aaradhya made a silent promise.
She picked up books, a new dress, fruits, vegetables, and a few personal things. Then, she returned home and followed her quiet routine.
To be continued....