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Anshul had been restless since he dropped Aarushi at her home. The image of her quiet, grateful eyes haunted him, robbing him of sleep. He couldn't shake the thought of her from his mind. How could such an innocent and young girl survive in a society so ready to devour her? How could fate be so cruel to someone who deserved so much more?

He thought about her situation endlessly. Aarushi was so young and had a bright future ahead, yet she was being treated like dirt. His frustration with the world's injustice boiled over as he sat in a bustling restaurant, his mind miles away. He banged his hand on the table, the loud thud attracting concerned glances from the other patrons.

"I can't just leave," he muttered to himself. "I have to do something. I have to show her what life can be like. I want to protect her, to give her a chance at happiness."

Determined, Anshul threw some money on the table to cover his untouched meal and stormed out of the restaurant. He got into his car and drove to Aarushi's home, his mind racing with thoughts and plans.

When he arrived, he took a deep breath to steady himself before knocking on the door.

Anshul stood at the front door, knocking repeatedly, but nobody answered. He noticed the judgmental stares of passersby, their eyes filled with suspicion and disdain. Muttering a curse under his breath, he lamented the oppressive society they were living in. Just as he was about to leave, a thought struck him-there might be another entrance to the house. Determined, he walked around the building, seeking a back entrance.

As he rounded the corner, he found a small, well-tended garden. Among the flower plants, Aarushi sat, lost in her thoughts. Her black wavy hair cascaded down her back, free from the confines of her usual dupatta. The gentle breeze lifted her hair, revealing glimpses of her delicate profile, her skin glowing under the sunlight. Anshul was mesmerized by her natural beauty, seeing her for the first time in a different light.

"Aarushi," he called out softly, not wanting to startle her.

She turned quickly, her eyes widening in surprise. She thought he had already left. In her haste, she stepped on her discarded dupatta and lost her balance. Anshul rushed forward, his arms encircling her waist to steady her. For a moment, he was speechless, captivated by her beauty. Her dark eyes, graceful nose, and delicate lips were like a vision from his dreams. He became acutely aware of her slender figure under his touch.

Aarushi immediately backed off, hastily covering herself with the dupatta.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, though her heart fluttered at his touch. She realized how much she longed for a partner who could assure her safety and share in her happiness and sorrow.

Before Anshul could respond, her grandfather and Siya's uncle entered the garden. The sight of the vile man made Anshul's blood boil. He lunged at him, ready to deliver a punch, but Aarushi held him back, pleading with him to stop.

Aarushi's grandfather, sensing the tension, asked, "Who is this man, Aarushi? What's he doing here?"

"This is Anshul, the man who saved me from the one standing behind you now," Aarushi explained, her voice shaking with emotion.

Her grandfather, looking solemn, said, "He has come to apologize and wants to amend his mistake."

Aarushi's eyes widened in disbelief. "What could this despicable man possibly do to make amends? His presence alone is revolting."

Her grandfather continued, "He wishes to marry you, to restore your reputation."

Hearing this, Anshul's temper flared. He couldn't contain his fury any longer and punched the vile man, sending him sprawling. Siya and her grandfather gasped in shock.

"How dare you show your face here after what you did!" Anshul shouted, landing another punch.

The vile man started shouting, gathering the attention of the neighbors. Soon, a crowd had formed, watching the spectacle in shock.

The vile man, smirking, spat out, "Aarushi has tarnished our traditions by seducing this young man, Anshul. She's no longer a virgin. She's been sleeping with him!"

The crowd began murmuring, casting judgmental glances at Aarushi. The accusations were flying thick and fast, each one more hurtful than the last. Aarushi clung to her grandfather, tears streaming down her face.

Anshul could not stand by and watch as they vilified Aarushi.

"Enough!" he roared, silencing the crowd.

"You talk about traditions and values, but what kind of values justify the abuse of a helpless young girl? How dare you accuse her without any proof?"

The crowd fell silent, taken aback by his anger.

"What if this were your daughter or daughter-in-law? Would you stand by and let her be humiliated and abused like this? You hide behind your so-called traditions to justify your cruelty. These values are worth nothing if they cause harm to innocent people."

Anshul's words struck a chord, and the crowd began to shift uncomfortably.

"Aarushi is a human being with feelings, hopes, and dreams. She deserves respect and dignity, just like any of you. You should be ashamed of yourselves for allowing such injustice to occur. If you have any decency left, you will stop this madness and let her live in peace."

The crowd, chastened by Anshul's impassioned speech, began to disperse, their heads hanging low. Anshul turned to Aarushi, his expression softening.

Anshul reached into one of his pockets and pulled out a small, transparent packet. Inside, mixed Holi colors gleamed brightly. Aarushi's eyes widened as she realized what he was about to do. He tore the packet open with his teeth, pouring the vibrant powders into his other hand.

He looked up at her, then at her grandfather.

"May I have your permission to propose to her?" he asked respectfully.

Her grandfather, confused and shocked, was at a loss for words.

"I... I don't know what to say," he stammered.

Turning to Aarushi, Anshul said, "I want to color your life, to brighten it with every hue imaginable. I want to paint your world with the colors of my love."

Aarushi stood stunned, the weight of the moment pressing on her. She could hear the gasps and murmurs of the onlookers, their taunts fading into the background.

"Fuck society, fuck everything that's keeping you away from happiness, You're more than their narrow-minded labels. I want to cherish you, Aarushi." Anshul declared, his voice firm.

"Aarushi, will you let me color your life with mine?"

Tired of living her life for others, Aarushi felt a stirring within her. She wanted, at least once, to live for herself. She wanted to be selfish for her happiness, to love the man who stood before her, fighting against the world for her. She wanted to feel every color of life.

Slowly, she nodded her head, tears filling her eyes. Anshul's heart swelled with joy as he brought his hand to her cheek, brushing the vibrant color onto her skin. The powders slipped onto her white clothes, staining them with the promise of a new beginning.

He inched closer, taking her hands and coloring them with the powders before guiding them to his face. She touched his cheeks, marking him with her touch, their hands intertwining in a moment of shared intimacy.

"You are mine now. You are safe now.", he said looking into her eyes earnestly and she just smiled through her tears.

Her grandfather watched, tears of happiness streaming down his face. He couldn't wish for more.

Anshul and Aarushi, united by their defiance of societal norms, stood together, ready to face the world with newfound hope and love.

For the first time, she saw a glimmer of a brighter future, one where she could live with dignity and happiness.

*****

😢 The End.

It's a short story 😔 so it's to end to maintain its flavour. I will update EPILOGUE or EPILOGUES 😌

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Allah hafiz ✨