The Silence That Told Everything
Mrunal finally understood that Vishwak wasn't avoiding her because he was busy with his IAS training.
He was avoiding her because something had changed.
Even on his busiest days, he could have spared a few minutes for her. A phone call, a loving message, or even a simple question about how she was feeling would have been enough.
But now, she was missing the affection she once received from the man she loved more than anyone else.
Vishwak was the man she had fought for.
The man she had chosen despite her parents' concerns and her family's objections.
She had believed in him when he had nothing but dreams and determination. She had supported him through his struggles and celebrated his success as if it were her own.
But now, when she needed his love the most, she felt completely alone.
Lost in these thoughts, Mrunal reached home.
She stepped out of the car and walked inside quietly. Before she could settle down, her phone rang.
It was Preethi, her best friend.
Mrunal answered the call.
"Hey, Mrunal! How are you? How's life going?"
There was no response.
"Mrunal?"
Still, silence.
Preethi knew her friend well enough to understand that something was wrong.
"Hey, what's happening? Is everything okay?"
Mrunal wanted to speak. She wanted to tell someone how much she was hurting.
But the moment she tried to put her feelings into words, she couldn't.
Her silence said more than words could.
Preethi's voice softened.
"Mrunal, is something wrong between you and Vishwak?"
Mrunal closed her eyes.
She couldn't bring herself to answer.
Preethi waited for a few seconds before speaking again.
"Listen, I know something is bothering you. You don't have to tell me everything right now. Can I call you later?"
After a brief silence, Mrunal finally replied.
"Yes, Preethi. Please call me in the evening."
"Okay. Take care of yourself until then."
The call ended.
Preethi stared at her phone, worried.
She had expected Mrunal to share at least something, but her friend had barely spoken a word.
One thing was clear: whatever was happening between Mrunal and Vishwak was more serious than she had imagined.
But Preethi had another reason for wanting to speak with her.
Earlier, Mrunal's father, Raghav, had called her. He wanted to understand what was happening in his daughter's marriage and whether Preethi knew anything about Vishwak's sudden change in behaviour.
Now, Preethi was caught between two concerns.
A worried father wanted answers.
And her best friend was suffering in silence.
She decided she would speak to Mrunal again that evening.
This time, she hoped to understand what Mrunal had been unable to say.
But what had happened between Mrunal and Vishwak—and would Mrunal finally reveal the truth to her best friend?