🌼Arushi's POV:

It was too easy to convince my parents that it just felt wrong. I got them to accept my admission to a business major abroad. Well the reasoning I gave them is, that it would be easier to find NRI matches if they knew I could stay abroad. That sure was a melody to their ears. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? But maybe I shouldn't complain.

I have everything under check. The consultancy people don't need to interact with my parents much, only regarding the money they will be paying. The admission to my music program is also done. And the stay—well, I am 100% sure it is completely sorted as well.

"But Dad, do you think Madhav uncle will accept our request?" My good-for-nothing older brother decides to open his mouth. Can't he just let me live in peace for once? Can't he just let me have a win? I want a way out of here; for that to happen, he better shut his mouth.

"We need to ask to know." My dad gruffly answers and turns towards me. It was the right idea to talk to him about my living arrangement before he left for work, it gave him less time to think making it easier for me to get a favorable answer. "It won't happen until he accepts, Chinnu" I nod my head. Madhav uncle is bound to accept. I know it.

"But, is it safe? Sending our only girl there?" It was my mom's turn. Where do you want me to be Mom? Tied up like you? Haunting this home that doesn't even regard you as a family? Always treating you like an outsider? I don't want that life for myself. I hate that my mom is an embodiment of Sati Savitri herself, calling her the most doting wife would be an understatement. It is a pity she was born as a daughter, she would be happier if she were born as a daughter-in-law.

"If she is living with Madhav, She will be fine" My dad answers. I know my mom is not convinced but she can't go against her Pati parmeshvar, it would be so out of character. She just backs out and stares at me.

For the first time, I am kind of happy that my father is on my side. It is only because of my perfectly orchestrated lie. This calls for a celebration! Maybe a Run BTS marathon? Nothing is better than oogling at my 7 favorite men enjoying their life. It keeps me fueled. No new episodes are coming because they are away for their military service, but the old episodes are always there to keep me company.

"I will get going." My father announces as he picks his bag up to leave and we all wave him goodbye. Before I know my mom is back in the kitchen and my brother eyes me with suspicion. I just ignore him and walk to my room, but he keeps following me.

"Quit that!" I shout at him as I try to get into my room and close the door behind me but he follows inside anyway.

"What is it?!" I ask frustrated when we are finally in the room.

"That's my question." He says as he folds his hands.

I imitate his stance "As if! you are the one in my room" I tell him getting defensive, what is going on inside his stupid brain?

"Is it for him?" I look at him dumbfounded. It is not. I want to say but I cannot let my brother know I still think about him.

"Whom?" I ask feigning innocence.

"Please Aru, I know you better than that." No, you don't you forgot my existence the day you decided I was coming in between your dreams of going to the most prestigious IIT. You forgot I existed, after finishing your degree, you come back and act like I am important to you? WELL FUCK OFF.

"Is it BTS? They are the only 7 him's in my life" I say making my brother roll his eyes.

"Rohan" He doesn't beat around the bush. Once the name is out I suck in a deep breath. I cannot do this for him. I am scared to face him. I screwed everything up pretty badly, just because of my insecurities. I screwed up the only friendship I had because I believed I am not worthy of it. I shouldn't let my brother know how a single name affects me so badly.

"What about him?" I make sure to answer him as casually as possible.

"I know you liked him Aru, don't make drastic decisions just because you believe you have a shot with him." Does he hear himself sometimes?

"I assure you that is not the case. I am not a kid anymore to have a silly crush. It's my life I wanna live it better." I also can assure you that Rohan has better taste in women given his good looks, he won't go for a girl like me and it would be such a bad thing if anyone knew that I had a crush on him. He is better off without- SHUT UP MIND!

"Are you sure Aru?" My brother asks me, I look him in the eyes to see what he means by it and I see care in them, but does he actually care though?

"Yes Ru," I call him by the name I used to call him as a kid and that just stuck.

" I want you to be happy Aru," My brother says ruffling my hair.

"This will make me happy" I answer him, it feels like the end of the conversation.

"Aru, you know you can trust me right?" He says reaching the door. No, I don't trust you! You left me when I needed you the most and now you come back and act like nothing happened. It's unfair towards me.

"Yes" I blatantly lie, I already am lying a lot anyway.

"I will miss you so much," He says as he closes the door behind him.

The feelings that I have been trying to contain break free. Guilt envelopes my heart, holding it tightly enough to cause immense pain as I tumble to the ground. Breath, Breath I remind myself but my airways burn as they feel the lack of air.

Do you really feel he will accept you back if you go there? My mind starts talking. But I am going there to get away from here.

He hates you, he always has. You are good for nothing you know that? Have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror? No will like you. You are ugly, you can't handle situations, and you break down easily. You are too broken, it made you break his heart. Do you think he will let you back in?

I don't care I want to get out of here.

I slowly crawl towards my bed and take out a box from underneath it. I open the box and take the snow globe into my hands. I shake it and see all the iridescent flakes disperse as two kids in the center build a snowman.

I need to stop spiraling. I need to be in the present. I take my headphones place them on my head and start playing the only song that helps me.

' I do believe your galaxy'

I let the words sink in and soak me as I hold the snow globe close to my heart. I am sorry Rohan for doing what I did.

I need to remind myself I am good.
I am better than this.
I am not what others define me as.

I take out my journal and read out the qualities that belong to me, to remind myself as to who I am.

I am funny
I am kindhearted
My voice is great when I sing
I am passionate
I am great at cooking

I may not be perfect but I am good.

I am good, I am worthy of good things.

I love myself.

But really, do I?

🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿

So guys! Hey!!
What do you think of Arushi?
There is more as the story opens up.
The book was supposed to come out on November 1st but it's the 29th today lol!
Anyway, what do you think of things till now?
Any guesses as to where things are going?
Comment down below and don't forget to vote!
Take care and I will try my best to update daily guys
Love you!

~Author