Sharanya's POV

"Alright, students, that’s all for today,” I said quickly, gathering my notes before anyone could stop me with doubts. The moment I stepped out of the classroom, I let out a slow breath.

Oh god... Finally.

I was so exhausted and Hungry as well... Why did I even choosed my profession as professor... Oh wait, i didn't... Maybe that's why I'm so tired everyday. Should I just change my profession? You know what forget it... It will be even more exhausting. I will have to start everything from the start and not to mention the taunts I'll have to hear from my family and even relatives...

I was lost in my thoughts when someone tapped me on my shoulder...

"Ms. Chauhan! There you are. I’ve been looking for you everywhere. Let’s go for lunch.” I turned around and saw my best friend myra...

"Oh wait, aaj suraj konsi disha mei se nikla h? Itni izat woh bhi aapke muh se... Yaar itni khushi Mt de pata chale mai heart attack se mar jau" I replied with a shocked face...

(Oh wait… which direction did the sun rise from today? So much respect… and that too from you? Don’t make me this happy yaar, I might just die of a heart attack!)

She smacked my back lightly. “I thought I should show you some respect in college. But clearly, you don’t deserve it.”

I laughed. “Please. Don’t. Call me like you always do.”

"Okay... Now just tell me what did you bring for lunch today? I'm starving..." She replied but before I could answer she snatched my bag from me and opened it... But as soon as she saw inside the smile on her face faded...

"Again? A fruit? Behen agar tu dieting kar rahi h toh kar mujhe mat karwa... But waise tujhe bhi dieting ki jarurat toh h nahi... Itni cute si lagti h my panda... And your cheeks i just want to pinch them everytime I see..." She replied excitedly her hands coming forward to pinch my cheeks... But thankfully I stopped her midway.

(Sis, if you want to diet, go ahead — but don’t drag me into it. Though honestly, you don’t even need dieting… you’re already so cute, my little panda. And those cheeks of yours — I just want to pinch them every single time I see you.)

"It’s not like that,” I replied quickly. “Mihir’s on vacation. Reeva just finished her board exams, so she’s at home. Maa finally gets to rest. I don’t want to disturb anyone in the morning. And… I think I’ve gained weight anyway. I should lose some.” Myra stared at me as if I had just said something unforgivable.

"But my panda you need to eat... Look at yourself, you've already lost so much weight this month. What will I do if those cheeks disappear?" She replied acting hurt.

"Don't worry about me... Worry about yourself half of our lunch is already over... Go and have your lunch..." I said quickly...

"What about you?" She asked again...

"Don't worry... I'll eat later. Did you forget I'm going home early as well. And right now I'm not hungry..." I replied quickly pushing her forward before she can ask me any other questions...

Sigh... Finally. She left I placed my hand over my stomach as it growled in protest.

Okay fine... I lied I'm starving... But for the past few days, I had been sharing Myra’s lunch, and I hated that she never seemed full later... Should I just buy something for myself? Forget it... I'm leaving in around half an hour. I'll eat at home. And as it's Reeva's birthday i think they must have prepared something special...

I quickly collected my things from staff room and left the campus... But midway my phone started ringing...

I quickly pulled out my phone and saw it was none other than papa...

"Sharanya?" Came his voice from his other side...

"Yes... Papa..." I replied quickly.

"Are you on your way?" He asked to which I said yes...

"Alright... Don't forget to pick up the dresses your mom ordered... Everyone's busy here..." He ordered with his usual calm tone.

"Okay..." I replied and finally ended the call...

So I quickly went to the my mom's friend store and picked up the dresses and went directly home... But the moment I entered... I froze.

Our house was decorated...

Lights. Flowers. Music. Were we having a party? No one told me.Maybe it’s just a small family gathering, I thought and I walked into the living room.

But I was wrong... It wasn't a small party. All my cousins and relatives had already started to arrive...

"Sharanya you're back..." I heard bua ji

Yes, Bua ji,” I replied politely, greeting everyone with a practiced smile and There goes my peace.

“Sharanya, give the dresses to Reeva,” Maa said. “She’s been waiting.”

I nodded and went upstairs. When I came back down, I got busy serving drinks, greeting guests, making sure everything was in place.

And then Reeva came downstairs. For a moment, the entire room went quiet.

She looked beautiful. Just like a fairy from a fairytale...

Everyone stared at her with admiration. Compliments filled the air.

And there I was... Still in a simple kurta and wide leg jeans...

I wish I was beautiful too...

Everyone in my family was attractive. Confident. Effortlessly charming. And then there was me. Sometimes I really wonder if I’m even their real child but I quickly pushed the thought away... It's a happy occasion I should be happy...

Reeva cut the cake. Everyone bagan  cheering...Gifts were  piled up around her. Laughter echoed through the house and Soon the guests were eating dinner. Some cousins started dancing. Mihir was chatting animatedly with someone. Reeva was surrounded by her friends...

And in the middle of noise... I felt alone... And no one noticed.

Forget it... Should I just go to garden? Yes, i should...I quietly slipped into the garden and sat in my favorite corner, the one place where the noise couldn’t reach me. After a while, my stomach reminded me that I hadn’t eaten all day.

I went inside, filled a plate, and finally had my first proper meal.

I checked the time it was already 10:36 p.m

My first meal of the day.

The party ended late. One by one, everyone went to their rooms, exhausted. But I still had work to finish. After completing all my work I finally went to sleep...

The next day...

As soon as I entered the cafe... The cafe bell rang... I could smell the coffee clearly. I was walking to the counter of order something for myself when I felt someone behind me...

But before I can turn around... Their arms wrapped around my waist. It felt like i already knew this person.He was holding me tightly — not too hard, not too loose — just right. The kind of hug that makes all your worries feel smaller. I slowly relax in his arms. His chin rests on my shoulder. I close my eyes. Everything feels calm. Safe. Like nothing can hurt me. It's been ages since I felt so safe.

"It's fine... Bachhe..." I heard his voice...  And for a moment I really felt like it was fine... And everything will be fine...

But suddenly I hear my phone ringing... I was trying to ignore it but that voice began getting louder...

And irritatedly I sat up...

And my room came in my view... I was in my room? It was just a dream... That's not fair. Why does it always happens to me... But that damn thing is still ringing... Who the hell is it?

Why are you calling me in morning?

I pick it up. It’s none other than myra.

“What happened?” I asks still a little irritated.

“What do you mean what happened? Look at the time! It’s 7:21!” she shouts.

“So what? It’s not like we have college anymore,” I say lazily.

“Yes, we do! We’re professors, remember? How will it look if we’re late? Get up. I’ll pick you up in half an hour,” she says and cuts the call.

I stare at the ceiling, still thinking about the dream. How nice it must feel when someone you love hugs you like you’re their whole world.

Then I check the time again it's already 7:25.

Oh no. My lecture is at 8:30.

I quickly get out of bed and get ready as fast as I can. I grab my bag and got ready and went  downstairs. As usual, only Maa and Dadi are awake.

I greet them and go to the kitchen to see if there’s anything for lunch. But there’s only tea. They already had their breakfast... And everything is finished... What a Great start.

“Finally awake, our queen?” Dadi says angrily. “At least wake up early sometimes. Who knows what will happen when you go to your husband’s house?”

Maa adds, “People will say we didn’t teach our daughter good manners.” I don’t reply. I just pick up an apple and walk out.

Behind me, I hear Dadi say, “Such a mannerless girl. She never listens.”

I stay quiet and leave the house.

It’s going to be fine. Everything will be fine.

I repeat the words to myself like a quiet prayer. It's fine... I'm used to it and I won’t let them ruin my day. Not today.

Taking a deep breath, I step outside and saw Myra waiting near the car.

“Finally! Hurry up, we’re already late,” she says, waving dramatically. I was about to open the front door when I pause.

Wait, why is she not in driver's set?

I quickly checked through the window to see who it is...

And there he is. The one I didn't wanted to meet...

Of course.

Kanha ji aisa kyu karte ho aap mere saath... Kyu single insaan ko baar baar dukhi krte ho...I murmur under my breath...

“Kanha ji… why...Why do you always do this to me? Why is it always the single person who has to suffer?”

“sharanya, come on!” Myra calls.

Forget it...I open the back door and slide into the seat. The driver, unfortunately, is none other than her boyfriend and my sautan

Perfect. Just perfect. The last thing I need at eight in the morning is front-row seats to their romance.

He turns slightly and smiles. “Hi, Sharanya. How are you?”

“I'm good,” I reply politely. “How about you?”

“Doing great.”

After a little small talk, the car starts moving toward college. Myra leans toward him, whispering something that makes them both laugh softly.

I look out the window.

The morning sun is gentle, the roads still half-asleep. People rush past with purpose, with someone waiting for them somewhere.

I rest my head against the seat and sigh.

It’s okay, Sharanya.

Someday, you’ll have someone too.

Someone who chooses you. Someone who holds your hand in crowded rooms. Someone who looks at you like you’re their whole world.

Maybe.

A small smile forms on my lips.

Right… maybe.

Until then, it’s just me.

And that has to be enough.

To be continued...

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Hey guys here is the first chapter of shades of imperfection... do tell me if you liked the chapter in comments box

Till then

Bye