A Journey From Tears To Happiness | ✔

Chapter One

The old and rusting gate made a small sound as it creaked open, bringing in a cold wisp of air that eventually mixed with the heated air of the prison. 

For Payal, however, the small sound was like an explosion- the impact of which caused her to retreat a few steps back.

A sigh left her as she directed her gaze to her frozen feet and no matter how much she tried, they were simply rooted to the ground, as if scared to move forward and step into the world that she left behind three years ago. If anything, all her feet wanted to do was to turn around and run into the confinements of her dark cell- where no one would find her- where she could recoil herself against the reminders of the deeds she committed into this very outside world- where she would be safe from the hateful gazes of her victims- where she will simply not have to confront anyone, not even her own self.

She was scared, truly scared and definitely unprepared for this freedom, for what laid ahead of it was a set of unwanted confrontations. Her mind was still rattled from the happenings of that night, which though was three years ago, seemed to have taken place just yesterday. How will she take the blow of the new circumstances awaiting her now? She was way too vulnerable to face anything right now. Especially that.

"Move! We don't have the whole day to wait for you." 

Her unpleasant reverie broke at the annoyed voice that reverberated in her ears, making her wonder how much time she took while contemplating this whole situation. Leaving that question to rest aside, she heaved another sigh and finally started walking, lest she wants to infuriate the already annoyed guards. 

The second gust of wind that hit her face as she crossed over to the external world, though was fresh seemed to be unpleasant to her. For her, this fresh air did nothing but deepen the realization that now, she has to go and face those she left behind.

"Payal!" 

A soft call of her name made her acknowledge that she had her eyes closed due to the impact of the wind and as she lifted her lashes, she felt all her fear succumbing inside of her, leaving on her face nothing but a mask of blankness for the person standing in front of her. She registered the hurt on his face at her indifference but it was now beyond her reach to prevent her emotions from hiding from him. It was a reflex that she unknowingly learnt over the years, against anyone who tried to read her, including her own husband.

"How are you?" 

She saw how he mastered his hurt and asked her the next question, as well as she sensed his attempt to hide the breaking in his voice and the tears in his eyes as he spoke. Yet, her unrestrained callousness managed to plague her answer, making it sound as cold as ever. "Fine." 

She stole a glance from him and inwardly sighed as he gave a meek nod before moving towards his car, not before gesturing her to come along. 

She knew he was tired of getting such responses from her, and she also knew that it's just a matter of a few minutes before he tries to talk to her with a whole new found spirit, as if he was never tired to begin with.

And his this behavior did nothing but confuse her, for he was the one who used to get tired of her- without her even doing anything. And now that she's literally being so annoying and callous, he is trying his level best to talk to her? 

He never showed this understanding, neither did he ever expressed such determination of wanting to be with her - not until she lost all hopes in building a future with him herself and that's what makes her angry. Thus, without even sparing him a second glance, she went and sat on the passenger seat, her body still as stiff as a board despite his continuous helpless stares.