I Am A Liability | Wattpad India Award 2020 #WIA2020 |

Whispers from the Ashes

The embers of the factory still glowed faintly in the dawn light, a stark reminder of the Sou's final act of defiance. The air was heavy with a mix of sorrow and the acrid scent of burnt dreams. Yet, amidst the ashes, the seeds of hope began to sprout, watered by the tears of those who had loved him.

In the days following the Sou's sacrifice, Neha, Isabelle, Rhett, and Utsav found themselves gathered in the small, cozy living room that had once been a witness to their laughter and shared secrets. The weight of loss hung heavily in the air, but so did a sense of purpose.

"I found this among his things," Rhett lied not revealing that in the end Sou had instructed him to check the contents of the car, his voice breaking the deafening silence. He held up a well-worn journal and a pendrive, its pages filled with Sou's handwriting. "He wanted all of us to find it if anything ever happened to him."

Tucked within the pages of his well-worn journal, they found individualized letters, each penned with love, care, and the hope of inspiring them to forge ahead, even in his absence.

For Neha:

My Brave Neha,

From the day destiny intertwined our lives through the complex dance of fate and circumstance, I saw in you a mirror of my own resilience. Your journey, from the stolen moments of childhood to the reunion that fate could not deny us, has been a beacon of unyielded strength. Remember, the trials that led to our separation also paved the path for your rightful claim to a legacy you were born to elevate.

Your capacity to turn past wounds into ladders reaching towards the future is your greatest strength. Embrace the dual heritage that courses through your veins, and let it fuel your mission to transform our family's legacy into a bastion of hope and progress.

In our shared laughter and tears, you found the courage to face the shadows of adoption, forging a bond with your biological mother, a journey of healing I've been privileged to witness from the shadows. Let this newfound bond be a testament to the love and understanding you've longed for.

Carry forward our shared dreams, Neha. Your light is destined to guide many out of darkness, a true legacy of our intertwined fates.

With eternal pride and love,

Sou

For Isabelle:

Isabelle, My Guiding Star,

Your steadfast resolve and fierce spirit have been the compass guiding us through the darkest storms. Your fight for justice, a relentless pursuit that has inspired not just me but all who dare to dream of a fairer world, is your true calling.

I've taken steps to ensure that the chains of the past no longer bind you. Freed from the weight of my family's expectations and the financial burdens they imposed, your path is now yours to forge, unencumbered by obligations that were never yours to bear.

Your journey with Utsav, while filled with moments of undeniable connection, is but a chapter in your vast saga. Remember, you are the sun that lights up the world, a force for change in the fight against the injustices faced by women everywhere. Your voice, fierce and unwavering, will echo through the ages.

Shine on, my fearless warrior. The world awaits your light.

Yours in solidarity and admiration,

Sou

For Rhett:

Rhett, My Steadfast Shield,

Our shared path has been one of unspoken bonds and silent understandings, marked by moments of vulnerability that have only deepened our connection. The night you offered me solace and protection is a testament to the depth of your empathy and the strength of your character.