Chapter 26: Chapter 23

Sensing the heaviness of air, Raghav took Siya to his favourite place.

The sun was setting, casting a golden hue over the riverside. The buransh tree stood tall, its crimson flowers glowing against the backdrop of the serene river. Raghav led Siya to the spot, their steps crunching softly on the gravel.

“I figured you could use a change of scenery,” Raghav said, gesturing to the tranquil surroundings.

Siya looked around, her lips curving into a small smile. “It’s beautiful here. I didn’t know you liked places like this.”

Raghav shrugged. “I come here when I need to clear my head. It’s peaceful. No expectations, no judgments... just quiet.”

They sat under the buransh tree, the soft rustling of leaves filling the silence.

“So,” Raghav began, glancing at her, “what do you do for fun? What’s something you enjoy?”

Siya chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I love reading mangas and watching anime. They’re an escape—a world where the impossible feels real. And Bollywood romantic songs… they’re my guilty pleasure.”

“Anime?” Raghav’s eyes lit up. “You’re kidding. I watch anime too. And Hollywood songs are more my thing, though.”

Siya raised an eyebrow. “Really? What’s your favorite anime and song?”

“Your Name. It’s a masterpiece,” he replied. “The storytelling, the art, the emotions—it’s just perfect. And as for the song”, he gestured his finger to his lips, “....it's a secret.”

“What ?? No!!!” She smiled, while nodding. “Well ‘Your Mine’ is my favourite too. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve rewatched it.”

For a moment, they forgot their troubles, exchanging favorite moments and laughing at each other’s quirks.

After a comfortable pause, Siya’s tone turned serious. “Raghav… can I ask you something?”

Raghav looked over at her, his posture relaxing as he turned toward her. “Sure,” he said, leaning back against the tree trunk.

Siya hesitated, her fingers tracing patterns on the grass. Then, she asked softly, “Why does your dad…. hate you so much?”

Raghav’s jaw tightened, his gaze drifting toward the horizon. He let out a bitter laugh, trying to mask the hurt. “Because I’m nothing like him”. After a long pause, he continues, “He’s all about power, control, and appearances. I’m… not. I care about things he thinks are ‘weak’—art, honesty, freedom. He sees it as defiance, but it’s just me being me. He hates that I don’t fit his mold, that I refuse to become his shadow.”

Siya nodded, her expression empathetic, her voice low. “I get that. My family… they’re not much different. My parents only care about their social image. Prestige, appearances, and alliances—that’s all that matters to them. And that’s why they agreed to this wedding in an hour, without even asking me.”

Raghav’s brows furrowed. “Didn’t you want to say no?”

“I didn’t need to,” Siya said with a sad smile. “I’ve always wanted to escape. To get away from the suffocating expectations and fake affection. This marriage is different… it’s just another cage. But at least it’s one I can manage. For now.”

Her words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken pain. Raghav’s heart tightened as he looked at her. He understood the weight of what she was saying—he felt it too.

Two Weeks Later

Siya was in the living room, engrossed in a book, when the massive main door creaked open. A line of servants entered, their arms laden with gift hampers. Following them was Samar. His sudden arrival was as unexpected as the tension that filled the room. He held a small box wrapped in gold—a traditional gift from a brother to his sister.

“Siya,” Samar said cautiously, his voice laced with hesitation.

Siya’s eyes flickered to him, her expression cold. “What are you doing here !!!”

“I came to see you... and Raghav,” Samar began, his tone trying for warmth. “It’s been a while, and I thought these might—”

“Spare me the sentiment” she interrupted, her voice sharp as glass. “You could’ve stayed away a little longer.”

Samar’s jaw tightened. “I’m trying, Siya. I’m trying to fix—”

“Well, don’t!” She slammed her book shut and stood abruptly. “Whatever this is, it’s too late. You can’t just show up with gifts and think it erases everything.”

“It’s not about erasing,” Samar replied, his voice rising with emotion. “It’s about showing you that I still care—”

“Care?” She laughed bitterly, her eyes narrowing. “When did you start to care, and out of all, for me? When I was drowning and you turned your back”

“Siya,” Samar’s voice broke as he took a step toward her, extending a hand, “I made mistakes. I’m here to—”

“Don’t you dare touch me!” she shouted, her voice trembling with suppressed rage. Her chest heaved as she glared at him. “I don’t need your apologies. I don’t need you. Just leave!”

The silence that followed was deafening. Samar stood frozen, his hand still extended, his face a mixture of pain and regret. Before he could respond, Siya stormed out, her footsteps echoing through the hall.

Raghav, who had been observing from the doorway, hesitated before stepping in. He approached Samar, who looked utterly defeated.

“Hi, Samar,” Raghav said softly, unsure of how to bridge the tension.

Samar gave a hollow smile and extended his hand. “Raghav, I owe you an apology... for everything that happened at that party. Thank you for taking care of Siya. She’s lucky to have you.”

“You don’t have to leave yet,” Raghav said cautiously. “Urmi bhabhi would love to see you.”

Samar shook his head, his eyes glistening. “No. Not like this. Siya wouldn’t want it... and I can’t bear to face her anger any longer. She might pretend, but I’ll see through it, and it’ll break me all over again.”

He placed the box of gifts on the table, his voice barely a whisper. “I thought I could fix this. But maybe some wounds are meant to stay open.”

Before Raghav could respond, Samar turned and left, his shoulders heavy with the weight of years of regret. Raghav watched him go, a deep frown settling on his face. This wasn’t just sibling tension—it was heartbreak.

Later that evening, Raghav found Urmi in the kitchen. He wanted to ask her but hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“Raghav, do you want to know why Siya is like this with Samar?” Urmi reads her brother-in-law's mind.

“Yes,” he said, his curiosity piqued.

Urmi sighed, her expression tinged with sadness. “Three years ago, they had a terrible fight. It was bad enough to tear their relationship apart, but no one knows the reason. Samar won’t talk about it, and Siya avoids the subject. Whatever it was, it left a scar.”

Raghav frowned, his thoughts swirling. “And no one has tried to mend things?”

“I tried, many times,” Urmi said softly. “But Siya… she’s built walls around herself. And Samar, I think he’s too afraid of breaking them any further.”

Raghav’s gaze flickered toward the hallway where Siya had disappeared. He resolved to try and understand her better, no matter how long it took.

That night, Raghav found Siya staring out the window. He sat down beside her, breaking the silence.

“You don’t have to tell me,” he said gently, “but if you ever want to talk about it, I’m here.”

Siya looked at him, her eyes softening for the first time that day. “Thanks, Raghav. Maybe someday.”

Raghav nodded, a small but sincere smile tugging at his lips. “Take your time. I’m not going anywhere.”

She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her years of silence start to lift, just a little. For the first time, Siya felt a flicker of comfort in her new cage—a reminder that even in the darkest corners, there’s always a little light.