ᴇᴄʜᴏᴇꜱ ᴏꜰ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛᴀᴄʜᴇ

The days passed in a frenzy as Veda lost herself in paintings. The art studio became her sanctuary, a refugee from the suffocating reality of her toxic marriage.

Adyant had gone on a business trip for two weeks while Advith and the family had found out about her passion for arts and fortunately they all supported her with enthusiasm.

Advith had gifted the art studio to her and Aadita seemed really satisfied with his decision.

She still remembered with a warm smile he declared, “This space is yours, beta. Create magic here, fulfill your dreams and make me proud.”

She was overjoyed but deep down she had a bad feeling about how Adyant would react when he would come to know about her art studio. She only prayed to god hoping this new venture won't create any new trouble in her life.

Veda spent the next few days immersed in her art, finding solace in the creative process. Her studio became her sanctuary, a place where she could escape the suffocating reality of her marriage.

One afternoon, as she was lost in her painting, she heard footsteps outside the studio. The door creaked open, and a tall, dark-haired man entered in an expensive business suit.

His piercing green eyes met hers, and Veda felt an unexpected jolt.

"Hi," he said, his deep voice warm and gentle. "I'm Vidyut Goenka, Aadita's friend"

Veda's brush hovered over the canvas. "I'm Veda, Adyant's wife."

Vidyut's gaze lingered on her face for some time, his expression softening as he took in her soft features and beautiful siren eyes.

"I've heard a lot about you and I must say that you're truly as beautiful and kind as Aadita had mentioned," he said, his voice tinged with genuine interest.

Veda's cheeks flushed in embarrassment as she wasn't habitual of getting compliments from people outside her family members.

As they conversed, Veda discovered Vidyut's passion for art. He was an avid collector and supporter of emerging artists and she loved how genuine and kind his own nature was.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, like a gentle stream.

For the first time in months, Veda felt seen.

Felt heard.

Felt appreciated.

Vidyu's presence was a breath of fresh air, a respite from the toxic atmosphere surrounding Adyant.

He felt like a calm ocean amidst the chaotic waves of pain and sorrow.

Vidyut felt like a breath of fresh air and finally she smiled, a genuine smile in the presence of Vidyut.

As the sun dipped below the horizon and Vidyut stood to leave.

"It was wonderful meeting you, Veda," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Perhaps we can discuss art again soon?"

Veda smiled, feeling a spark of hope. She would love to meet him again. This was the only person in all years who had made her feel a soothing calmness inside her heart.

"I'd like that," she said, her voice barely above a whisper as she smiled at him softly.

Vidyut departed, leaving Veda with a sense of calmness inside her heart.

Had she just found a friend?

She wondered as a smile tugged at her lips again.

She snapped out of her thoughts hearing her phone buzz as Adyant's name flashed through the screen.

Veda froze and her heart skipped a beat.

It was the first time that he had called her on her own phone. She couldn't believe it was real or just a dream.

Her hands trembled and she picked up the phone with her shaky fingers.

“He--Hello”

Her voice came like a whisper as she spoke. It's been days since she has seen him and heard his voice.

Veda had missed it. She didn't want to, but her heart missed his presence even though it was as piercing as a thorn but she had grown to find a sense of belonging among his cruel world.

“How are Eira and Vedansh...”,his voice came out husky and she could feel a hint of something else in his tone.

“They're good…Aap kaise hain?”

Her voice was soft with a sense of longing. Her yearning for him is clearly visible in her voice.

“Hmm. I'm alright.” Adyant answered back but something in his voice felt different.

It felt as if he's almost missing her….

She shook her head, scolding her stupid heart for even thinking of this.

He could never miss her.

He would never miss her.

Never.

He didn't spoke anything further and she remained silent as well.

But the silence between them spoke a thousand words.

Only their breathings echoed in the silent call and finally Veda decided to end the phone call.

Before she could cut the call his voice stopped her.

“Veda.”

He spoke, his voice held a different emotion which made her freeze again.

“Ye---yes?” Veda stuttered not knowing what to day further.

But before he could speak further, a sultry voice echoed in the background.

"Adyant, baby, where are you? I've been looking everywhere for you."

Veda's heart plummeted.

A woman's voice.

From Adyant's end.

Her mind reeled.

Who was this woman?

Why was she calling Adyant "baby"?

The familiar ache of betrayal and hurt coursed through her veins.

"Adyant?" Veda managed to whisper.

The line went silent.

Adyant's breathing was the only sound.

It looked like he wanted to say something but soon the line went off.

Adyant had dropped the call and with that Veda was again left alone in the world of colors and darkness.

Veda stood frozen, her phone still pressed to her ear.

The woman's voice haunted her.

"Adyant, baby...".

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes.

The echoes of her broken heart lingered in the darkest of the night as moon faded away in the veil of clouds, leaving only whispers of ruin and a tale of shattered heart behind.

She felt cheap.

Used.

A mere convenience for Adyant.

The art studio, once her sanctuary, now seemed suffocating and dark.

Veda's gaze drifted to her paintings.

Once vibrant and full of life.

Now, they seemed dull.

Lifeless.

Just like her life.

━━━━━━━━━━

So how was today's chapter yall?

Any thoughts on our characters?

xoxo