BEHIND THE SMILE

Chapter 1: The Smile She Wore Aarohi was known for her smile. It was the kind of smile that lit up rooms, made strangers feel welcome, and convinced everyone that she was the happiest person they’d ever met. But smiles can be deceiving, and Aarohi’s was no exception. Every morning, she stood in front of the mirror, practicing that perfect smile. It wasn’t just about curving her lips—it was about hiding her pain, concealing the hollowness that echoed within her. Behind that smile were sleepless nights, silent cries, and a heart that had grown weary from carrying pain too heavy for her young shoulders. At school, she was the life of her group. The one who cracked jokes, offered comfort, and made others feel seen. No one knew about the bruises her heart carried, the sharpness of words that stung deeper than any blade, or the loneliness that consumed her every night. Chapter 2: Shadows at Home Home wasn’t a sanctuary for Aarohi. It was a place of silence and unspoken sorrow. Her mother had passed away when she was eight, and since then, her father had turned into a shadow of the man he once was. Distant. Harsh. Cold. Aarohi learned to navigate the house like a ghost, careful not to disturb him. She learned how to cook by the time she was ten, not out of interest but necessity. She learned to swallow words and stifle her tears, because tears brought scoldings, and silence brought safety. But silence also brought loneliness. At night, she would sit by the window, staring up at the stars. She’d talk to them, pretending her mother was among them, listening to her whispers. “I’m trying, Maa. I’m trying to be strong.” But strength felt heavy, and sometimes, it felt like a curse.