Bound by Ashes

Chapter 1 : Ashes of the operating room

"Stop. Just stop.

Tears pricked her eyes

"I begged you to take me back. I called, crying, bleeding. You told me to adjust. You turned your back when I needed you the most."

There was silence. Then a sigh, older than time.

"That's why we're calling," her mother said finally, voice softening, turning sugary — a manipulation wrapped in maternal guilt. "There's a boy. A good family. Influential. Rich. And willing to marry you. Despite... everything."

Ruhanika froze.

"Excuse me?"

"His name is Samar Rajvansh. You must have heard of the Rajvanshs. Real estate tycoons. Old money. Powerful. His parents want a cultured, educated bride. And we thought of you. Because despite everything—you're still our daughter. And you still need a husband."

A laugh — bitter, disbelieving — escaped her lips.

"You're joking, right?

"This isn't the time for drama, Ruhanika," her father's voice cut in now — clearly on speaker. "He's their younger son. The elder one is already married. Samar is... quieter, simpler. They don't want a dowry or even an elaborate wedding. You should be grateful."

Grateful?

Her voice shook. "For what, Baba? For being treated like leftover goods? For being pawned off again?"

"You have no idea what this could mean for you and Rahi," her mother pressed on. "She'll grow up with a father figure. You'll finally be a wife again. We can finally hold our heads high in society. People still talk, you know. About what you became. A doctor with a daughter and no husband."

"I became that because you abandoned me," she whispered.

"We did what we had to. Now do what you must."

Ruhanika's breath came out in short bursts.

"Do you even know what I've been through?" she said, her voice cracking. "Do you know what it means to hold your baby at two in the morning while your body is still healing from stitches that tore open because you returned to work too soon? Do you know how many nights I've gone to bed hungry just to afford her medication?"

Her parents were silent

"I didn't become strong because I wanted to. I became strong because you gave me no choice."

Still, silence.

Then, her mother's voice — softer now, a hint of shame, maybe. "We only want what's best for you. Give this a chance. The boy's family will meet you next week. Thursday. Don't mess this up.

Ruhanika hung up.

---

The silence after the call was deafening.

She sat down slowly, her knees trembling.

Her eyes blurred as she looked at her phone. A message came through from her mother.

"Wear something simple but elegant. We already told them you're quiet and traditional."

Traditional.

As if.

As if her scars could be covered in silk

She stood up slowly and walked into Rahi's room.

The little girl stirred and looked up with heavy eyelids. "Mumma?"