The room was still wrapped in darkness when suddenly, the sharp sound of a phone broke the silence. The screen lit up on the table beside the bed, its glow cutting through the dimness.
The sound stirred her from sleep.
Still half-asleep, she reached out lazily, her fingers brushing the table until they found the phone. Without even opening her eyes, she brought it to her ear.
“Hello…” she murmured, her voice soft, laced with sleep yet naturally sweet.
A cheerful voice came from the other side.
“Good morning, Aaru…”
“Good morning…” she replied faintly, her eyes still closed.
“Are you seriously still sleeping? It’s already 9 a.m., madam. Get up! You have an exhibition today… or did you forget?”
“Hmm… I remember,” she mumbled. “But thanks… for waking me up.”
“Alright then, hurry up and get ready.”
“Okay.”
The call ended.
She placed the phone back on the table and slowly pushed herself up, sitting on the bed for a moment.
Then she turned on the lights and walked toward the curtains.
As she pulled them open, a soft, cool breeze slipped into the room, carrying daylight along with it.
The darkness faded.
The room came alive.
She walked to her wardrobe, switching on the dressing room light. The glow fell gently on her face, revealing her reflection in the mirror.
As she opened the wardrobe, rows of clothes greeted her—just like every day.
But today, something made her pause.
Her eyes drifted upward… to the top shelf.
A small wooden box sat there.
She stilled for a moment.
Then, carefully, almost hesitantly, she reached up and brought it down.
She already knew what was inside.
Still… she opened it.
The handkerchief was there.
Simple.Plain.
And yet… unforgettable, even without any fragrance.
She stared at it for a few quiet moments, as if lost somewhere between memory and reality.
Then she picked it up—not like an object, but like a piece of the past she had carefully preserved.
A faint smile touched her lips.
It was obvious… it had come from someone special.
After a while, she folded it neatly, just the way it had been, placed it back inside, and closed the box.
Gently, she returned it to its place.
Then she picked out a dress, turned off the light, and went to get ready.
Mahi Malhotra.
The princess of the Malhotra family.
A young, renowned painting artist whose world was filled with colors, words, and creativity.
She had a way with colors—like they understood her, like they listened.
At twenty-three, Mahi carried an effortless grace—long silky hair, glowing skin, and a style that blended modern charm with elegance.Calm by nature.Soft-spoken, yet confident.
Innocent at heart, caring, and deeply loving.A beautiful balance of shy and bold.
Ready for the day, Mahi walked downstairs.
In the study room, near the window, her mother sat quietly, working on a new manuscript.
The soft rustle of turning pages filled the room.
“Mom, I’m leaving for the exhibition,” Mahi said gently as she stood beside her.
“All the best, beta,” Alka Malhotra replied, setting her pen aside. “And take care. Have you eaten anything?”
“I’m getting late, Mom… I’ll eat once I’m free.”
In the living room, her father sat on the sofa, reading the newspaper.
As soon as she saw him, Mahi smiled and hugged him from behind.
“Good morning, Dad…”
“Good morning, beta,” Arvind Malhotra said, lowering the newspaper.
“You forget your daughter, don’t you?” she teased.
“That’s not true,” he smiled.
“Oh really? Then why didn’t you wake me up today?”
“That’s because you were tired last night,” he said warmly. “I thought I’d let you rest. Our little girl works so hard… shouldn’t she get some sleep too?”
She looked at him, her eyes soft with affection.
“Careful… your love is going to spoil me,” she laughed lightly. “Okay, I’m leaving. I’ll get late.”
“Alright, beta. All the best.”
“Thanks, Dad… Love you.”
“Love you too.”
She stepped out of the house.
Behind her… she left the familiar warmth of home.
And ahead…
She had no idea—
that today’s exhibition wouldn’t just shape her career…
but would become a turning point in her life.
Hope you liked the beginning 🤍
Do share your thoughts and support ✨
With love,Priyanka 🤍
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