Kavya

As the plane soared, I settled in, trying to distract myself from the turmoil within. I pulled out my tablet and scrolled through news articles. My heart sank when I saw the headline: "Sagar Ties the Knot with Rhea Kapoor." I hesitated, then opened the article.

The words blurred, but the images caught my attention. Sagar and Rhea's smiling faces stared back, their happiness radiating. I felt a pang in my chest - sadness and anger mixed.

How could he move on so quickly? Pictures showed them exchanging vows, surrounded by friends and family. I recognized some guests, industry colleagues.

Sagar's smile, once captivating, now felt like a betrayal. I thought we had something real. The article touted their whirlwind romance, how they'd fallen deeply in love. I scoffed, bitter.

Love? Was it love when Sagar cheated on me with Rhea?

Closing the article, I couldn't stomach more. The tablet slipped from my fingers. Eyes fixed on the window, clouds blurred, mirroring my tears.

Why did it still hurt? I thought I'd moved on, but seeing them together... A lump formed in my throat. I took a deep breath, fighting to compose myself.

The flight attendant's voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Can I get you something to drink, ma'am?"

I nodded, forcing a smile.

"Water, please."

As she handed me the glass, I caught a glimpse of myself in the window reflection. Red-rimmed eyes and a pale face stared back.

I sipped the water, my mind wandered back to Sagar. Memories I thought were long buried resurfaced.

Our first meeting on set, his charming smile, and effortless charisma. Our late-night conversations about dreams and aspirations. The way he made me laugh, the way he listened.

Our whirlwind romance, the passion, the adventure. He was my rock, my confidant, my everything.

But now, those memories felt tainted.

I remembered the nights he worked late, the times he canceled plans at the last minute. The excuses, the lies, the betrayal.

My thoughts swirled, a mix of nostalgia and anger.

How could he do this to me?

The pain I thought I'd overcome still lingered raw and tender.

A gentle turbulence rocked the plane, and I gripped the armrests, my knuckles white.

"Kavya?" a soft voice whispered.

I turned to see Aditi, concern etched on her face.

"You okay?"

I forced a nod.

"Just memories."

Aditi's expression softened.

"You'll get through this."

I smiled weakly.

"I know."

But as I gazed out the window, the clouds seemed to darken, mirroring my thoughts.

Would I ever be free from Sagar's shadow?
_____

As the plane touched down in Mumbai, a mix of emotions swirled within me. Relief, exhaustion, and anxiety wrestled for dominance.

Aditi smiled, squeezing my hand.

"Welcome home."

I nodded, collecting my thoughts.

We disembarked, and the humid Indian air enveloped me like a warm hug. The sounds, the smells, the vibrant colors - everything felt familiar yet foreign.

As we made our way through the airport, a commotion erupted outside. Camera flashes and shouted questions assaulted us.

"Kavya, what's your reaction to Sagar's wedding?"

"Did you know about Rhea?"

"How do you feel about Varun's statement?"

The media frenzy surrounded us, relentlessly.

Aditi shielded me, navigating through the chaos.

"Let's get out of here."

We pushed through the crowd, but the questions persisted.

"Kavya, will you work with Sagar again?"

"Is this a publicity stunt?"

The cacophony overwhelmed me.

Suddenly, a microphone was thrust in front of me.

"Kavya, one word for your fans."

I hesitated, searching for composure.

"Peace."

The media scrum erupted, analyzing my single-word response.

Aditi ushered me into a waiting car, shutting the door behind us.

"Breathe," she said, smiling.

As the vehicle pulled away from the airport, the city's familiar landscape blurred outside my window.

The car navigated through Mumbai's chaotic streets, Aditi's phone buzzed with notifications.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"Varun's statement," Aditi replied, scanning her phone. "He said you were 'difficult' to work with and that your departure from the set was a 'relief'."

My eyes widened.

"That's a lie!"

Aditi's expression turned sympathetic.

"I know, Kavya. But Varun's trying to save face."

I fumed, feeling betrayed.

"Difficult" to work with? He had no right.

Memories of our arguments on set resurfaced. Varun's constant criticism, his demands for more "intensity" in my performances.

The car stopped at a traffic light, and a group of pedestrians started, recognizing me.

"Kavya, don't react," Aditi cautioned. "It'll fuel the fire."

I took a deep breath, forcing calm.

"You're right."

The car moved forward, and we continued in silence.
____

I stepped into my apartment, weary from the long flight, I was met with an unexpected surprise. My sister Vani and brother-in-law Ashrit Mehta sat in my living room, their faces etched with concern. The soft glow of the table lamp cast a warm ambiance, and the aroma of homemade food wafted through the air, tantalizing my senses.

"Didi!" I exclaimed, my voice laced with surprise and gratitude.

Vani rushed to envelop me in a tight hug, her eyes brimming with empathy.

"Kavya, we saw the news. We had to come," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Ashrit, ever the calm and composed one, smiled warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"How are you holding up, Kavya?" he asked, his deep voice soothing.

I shrugged, feeling the weight of my emotions.

"Just tired," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

Vani guided me to the couch, sitting beside me with a gentle touch.

"We brought dinner," Ashrit announced, producing a bag from behind the sofa.

The aromatic flavors of my homemade food wafted from the bag, transporting me to a place of comfort and security. My stomach growled in anticipation.

As we ate, Vani filled me in on family news, carefully sidestepping the sensitive topic that had brought them to my doorstep. Ashrit listened intently, his eyes never leaving mine.

But Ashrit, even the direct one, couldn't resist asking the question that hung in the air.

"Kavya, what happened with Sagar?" he inquired, his tone gentle yet probing.

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal.

"Just...it didn't work out," I replied, my voice laced with a mix of sadness and resignation.

Vani's eyes narrowed, her expression a blend of understanding and concern.

"We know about the wedding, Kavya. And Varun's statement," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ashrit placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

"We're here for you, no matter what," he declared, his voice firm and resolute.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I gazed at my sister and brother-in-law.

"Thanks, Didi. Jiju," I whispered, my voice trembling.

For the first time since landing, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. Family. They didn't judge; they just loved.

As we finished dinner, Vani began to clear the plates, her movements efficient and comforting.

"You rest, Kavya," she instructed, her voice firm.

I nodded, feeling a wave of gratitude.

"I'll stay here tonight," Ashrit announced, settling into the armchair.

Vani nodded, smiling.

"We'll face this together, Kavya."

In that moment, surrounded by the people I loved, I knew I would find the strength to navigate the turmoil that lay ahead.

I stepped into my drawing room, seeking refuge from the emotional turmoil that had been brewing inside me, my gaze fell upon a cream-colored envelope nestled on the coffee table. The soft glow of the table lamp cast a warm, golden light upon it, illuminating the elegant calligraphy that danced across its surface: "Kavya."

Curiosity piqued, I reached for the envelope, my fingers tracing the intricate design that adorned its edges. The paper felt luxurious to the touch, its texture smooth and refined. I slid my finger under the seal, and the envelope opened with a whisper.

A wedding reception invitation unfolded before me, its words stark and unforgiving.

"Sagar and Rhea request the honor of your presence..."

The room seemed to shrink, the air thickening with tension. My heart sank, weighed down by the crushing reality of their union.

Date: This Saturday

Time: 7 pm

Location: The Grand Ballroom, Hotel Taj

A personal note, penned in Rhea's flowing script, seemed to mock me:

"Dear Kavya,

I wanted to extend an olive branch. Come, join us in celebrating our love.

Warm regards, Rhea"

The words seared themselves into my brain, each one a tiny dagger twisting in my heart.

How dare she?

Did she think I'd attend their celebration, smile and pretend that everything was fine?

I crumpled the invitation, my fingers trembling with rage and hurt. The paper crackled in protest, its edges torn and jagged.

Vani's voice broke the spell, her concern etched on her face.

"Kavya, what's wrong?"

Aditi, sitting beside Vani, frowned.

"Kavya, what is it?" she echoed.

I turned, the invitation still clutched in my hand, its torn edges fluttering like tiny flags of defeat.

"This," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Vani's eyes widened as she read the invitation, her expression mirroring my shock and outrage. Aditi's face darkened.

"Why that...?" Aditi muttered.

Ashrit's brow furrowed, his jaw clenched.

"Why would Rhea do this?" he asked, his tone laced with incredulity.

I shook my head, the words tangling in my throat.

"I don't know."

But one thing was certain - I wouldn't attend.

The invitation slipped from my fingers, drifting to the floor like a discarded leaf.

Vani wrapped her arms around me.

"We're with you, Kavya."

Aditi nodded.

"You don't have to face this alone."

Ashrit's expression turned resolute.

"We'll figure this out together."

wrapped her arms around me.

"We're with you, Kavya."

Aditi nodded.

"You don't have to face this alone."

Ashrit's expression turned resolute.

"We'll figure this out together."

In that moment, surrounded by people who cared, I felt a glimmer of strength.

I stared at the invitation, Rhea's words echoing in my mind.

"Come, join us in celebrating our love."

A spark of defiance ignited within me.

Why not? I thought.

I turned to my sister, Vani, my brother-in-law, Ashrit, and my friend, Aditi.

"I'll go," I declared, my voice steady.

Vani's eyes widened in surprise. "Kavya, are you sure?"

Aditi frowned. "Is that wise?"

Ashrit's expression turned cautious. "Think this through, Kavya."

But my mind was made up.

"I need to see it for myself," I explained. "See them together."

Vani placed a gentle hand on my arm.

"Are you doing this for closure?" she asked.

I nodded.

"And what about Sagar?" Aditi asked, her brow furrowed.

My jaw clenched.

"I'll face him," I said, determination coursing through my veins.

Ashrit's expression turned resolute.

"We'll be with you, Kavya."

Vani nodded.

"Every step of the way"

With newfound determination, I picked up the invitation and dialed the number printed on it.

A cheerful voice answered.

"Hello, this is Rhea's wedding planning team."

I took a deep breath.

"This is Kavya. I'm coming to the wedding," I said, my voice steady.

The line went silent.

Then, "Welcome, Kavya. We're looking forward to seeing you."

I hung up, my heart pounding.

What had I just gotten myself into?

Fear and uncertainty crept in, but I pushed them aside

I would face Sagar and Rhea, no matter what.