The Hole In My Soul

In The Shelter Of The Friend

Mili decided to visit her parents’ graves before taking the next steps in her life.

She hailed a taxi to the cemetery, where both her mother and father rested peacefully beneath a lush green tree. Her parents had always loved nature — it brought them peace in life, and she wanted them to have that same peace in the afterlife.

Carrying a small bouquet of white lilies, Mili knelt by their graves. Her mother’s name had been Lilly, and her father had adored her endlessly. The flowers felt like a quiet conversation between them, as if through every petal, she was reminding them how much they meant to her.

She cleaned the graves gently, brushing away fallen leaves and tiny pebbles. Then, she sat beside them, afraid to disturb their peace with the storm that churned inside her. In that moment, nothing else mattered. Though their bodies lay silent, Mili could feel their presence — the warmth of their embrace, the faint scent of her mother’s jasmine oil, and her father’s calming voice, reminding her she wasn’t alone.

Time slipped away unnoticed. It wasn’t until a dull ache crept into her knees that Mili realized how long she’d been sitting there. The ache reminded her of how carelessly she’d neglected herself over the years. At thirty-five, even sitting in one position left her in pain.

The sky had darkened to a deep, dusky grey. She took out her phone and called Nishitha.

The phone barely rang once before Nishitha answered, her voice tight with worry.

“Mili? Where are you? I’ve been trying to reach you. Your mobile was off, and when I called your landline… someone picked up and said no one by the name of Mili lives there anymore.”

Mili’s voice cracked. She couldn’t hold back the storm any longer. Words tumbled out between sobs as she told Nishitha everything — every cruel word, every betrayal, and the deep loneliness gnawing at her heart.

On the other end, Nishitha’s voice cracked too, a mixture of rage and tenderness.

“That bastard… how dare he? Doesn’t he have even a shred of humanity left? Oh my poor Mili… don’t you worry, you have me. Even if the whole world turns its back on you, I’ll stand right by your side. Tell me where you are — I’m coming to get you right now.”

Without a word, Mili sent her location and sat down quietly near the cemetery’s entrance, leaning against the old stone gate. The cold evening breeze brushed against her face, carrying the scent of earth and flowers.

About half an hour later, she spotted Nishitha hurrying towards her. The sight of her best friend, with that familiar mix of worry and fierce love in her eyes, made Mili’s heart ache.

Nishitha didn’t say a word. She just pulled Mili into a tight embrace.

“You i***t,” she murmured, holding her close. “Why didn’t you come straight to me? Or at least call? You know I’d have come with you to visit Uncle and Aunty.”

Mili managed a weak, tear-soaked smile.

Without another word, Nishitha took Mili’s bag, slung it over her shoulder, and grabbed her hand.

“Come on, let’s go.”

They walked toward the car, Nishitha placing the bag in the backseat and opening the passenger door for Mili. Mili slipped inside, grateful for the warmth and comfort of the familiar.

Nishitha settled into the driver’s seat, started the car, and as the headlights cut through the gathering mist of evening, they drove off toward Nishitha’s home — a small apartment filled with warmth, memories, and the promise of safety.

When they reached, Nishitha helped Mili inside. The home smelled of sandalwood incense and fresh tea. She guided Mili to the living room, both of them collapsing onto the couch without a word. For a while, neither spoke — the silence between them felt soft and healing.

It wasn’t much, but it was enough.

Mili leaned her head on Nishitha’s shoulder, and for the first time in what felt like ages, she let herself believe she wasn’t entirely alone in this world.