chap:-7
725 Words
Night Love
By - Eva Talukder
Chapter 7: A Spark of Hope
The rainy afternoon felt longer than usual. Arura was staring at the raindrops sliding down the glass window, feeling utterly lonely. Her world had shrunk into this one room, and the only person she saw was the man who treated her like a prisoner.
Suddenly, the heavy door of her room opened. Arura didn't look back, thinking it was Zayan coming to taunt her again. But then, she heard a soft gasp and familiar footsteps.
"Arura! Oh my god, Arura!"
Arura turned around and her eyes widened. "Nilima?"
Nilima rushed toward her and pulled Arura into a tight, protective hug. Arura broke down instantly, sobbing into Nilima’s shoulder. Nilima was one of the few people who had always been kind to her. Seeing her here felt like a dream.
"I’m here, honey. Don't cry. I’m here now," Nilima whispered, stroking Arura’s hair.
Behind Nilima, Ayan stepped into the room, looking at Arura with deep sympathy. And lastly, Zayan entered. He stood near the door, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. His face was unreadable, cold as always.
Nilima: (Turning to Zayan with anger) "Zayan! What is this? Why are you keeping her like this? Look at her, she’s trembling! Is this how you treat someone?"
Zayan: (Calmly, but firmly) "Nilima, don't start. You came here to visit, so just visit. Don't interfere in things that don't concern you."
Ayan: "It does concern us, Zayan. We are your friends. We can't just sit back and watch you ruin this girl’s life. You’re being way too harsh."
Zayan looked at Ayan, then at Nilima. He didn't yell at them or say anything mean. Even though he was being a villain to Arura, he still respected his best friends. He didn't want to hurt them with his words.
Zayan: "Ayan, you know me. I don't do things without a reason. She is staying here because I want her to. It’s that simple."
Nilima: "It’s not simple! You are hurting her! Arura, did he hurt you? Tell me!"
Arura looked at Zayan. His dark eyes were fixed on her, warning her to stay silent. Arura shook her head slowly, still sobbing.
Nilima: (To Zayan) "You’re a jerk, Zayan! I’m going to stay here with her for a while. And you—go downstairs and think about how much of a bully you’re being!"
Zayan let out a tired sigh. He didn't argue. He knew Nilima wouldn't listen anyway.
Zayan: "Fine. Stay as long as you want. But she isn't leaving the room."
He walked out with Ayan, leaving the two women alone. Nilima sat on the bed with Arura, holding her hands tightly.
Nilima: "Don't be scared of him, Arura. I know he’s acting like a monster, but Ayan and I are trying to talk some sense into him. He’s just stubborn and lost in his own anger."
Arura: "He hates me so much, Nilima. He blames me for things I didn't even do. Why is he doing this?"
Nilima: "He has a lot of pain inside him, Arura. It doesn't justify what he's doing, but he’s not a lost cause. I’ll keep coming back to check on you. I won't let him break you."
They spent the next hour talking. Nilima tried to make Arura laugh by telling her about their old days, but the atmosphere in the mansion was too heavy. Arura felt a little better, but the fear of Zayan was still there, lurking in the shadows.
When it was time for them to leave, Nilima hugged Arura one last time. "Be brave, Arura. This won't last forever."
As the door closed and the lock clicked again, the silence returned. Arura heard Zayan’s voice outside, talking to Ayan in a low tone. He wasn't shouting, but his voice was still like iron.
Arura sat back on the bed. She knew that even though Nilima and Ayan were on her side, Zayan was the one in control. The mystery of why he was so obsessed with punishing her was still hidden, but for the first time, she felt like she wasn't completely alone in this darkness.
- Writer
