Chapter 2: Consequences and Contemplation

As the three friends returned home, late from their adventure, they were met with varying degrees of anger and disappointment from their parents.

Monalika bore the brunt of her father's wrath. His abusive behavior, fueled by alcohol, made her home life a living nightmare. Only Monalika and her mother knew the truth about his behavior, while the rest of the world saw him as a good person. In her household, Monalika's opinions were rarely sought, and she was often silenced. Her family believed she was spoiled, and her voice was systematically suppressed. The emotional anguish had taken a toll on Monalika's mental health, leaving her with anxiety issues. Her mother, once a vibrant and independent woman, had become a shadow of her former self, trapped in a loveless marriage and unable to protect her daughter from her father's abuse.

Monalika's room, once a sanctuary, now felt like a prison cell. She longed to escape the toxic environment that suffocated her, but she felt trapped. Her father's abuse had made her feel worthless, like she was walking on eggshells, never knowing when the next explosion would come.

Khushi, too, faced her parents' ire. She tried to explain the situation, telling them about the puppy and how they had helped it. However, her parents didn't believe her. They scolded her, saying she should focus on her studies instead of roaming around and lying. Khushi's honesty hadn't spared her from punishment. She loved her family, but they seemed to ignore her, making her feel like the least favorite child. She was burdened with household chores, working tirelessly without recognition or appreciation. No matter how hard she worked, it was never enough for her family. Her parents, though well-intentioned, were products of their own upbringing, where children were seen as servants rather than individuals with their own needs and desires.

Khushi's life was a never-ending cycle of chores and studying. She felt like a robot, going through the motions without any sense of purpose or passion. Her parents' constant criticism had made her doubt her own abilities, leaving her feeling lost and uncertain about her future.

Varishtha, however, was a smooth talker. She could effortlessly charm her way out of trouble, buttering people up with her silver tongue. This skill had helped her talk her way out of trouble earlier, as she spun a convincing yarn about running errands for Khushi's mother. Growing up, she had often found herself in situations where she needed to talk her way out of trouble. Her health issues and body image concerns had made her a target for bullies, and she had learned to use her charm and wit to protect herself. Over time, this skill had become second nature to her.

But despite her confident exterior, Varishtha was struggling. Her parents, traditional and conservative, wanted her to become a doctor, just like her father. But Varishtha's passion lay in art. She dreamed of attending the prestigious Fine Arts University, but her parents refused to even consider it. They saw art as a hobby, not a viable career path. Varishtha felt trapped, caught between her own desires and her parents' expectations.

As the night wore on, each girl retreated to her own routine. Monalika scribbled down some notes for school, then went straight to sleep, emotionally exhausted. Khushi, on the other hand, had a long night ahead of her. She studied for her exams, completed her household chores, and finally collapsed into bed, drained. Varishtha, meanwhile, pored over her art portfolio, preparing for her application to the Fine Arts University. Her mind was focused on her dreams, and she was determined to make them a reality.

Despite the troubles they faced in their individual lives, the three friends found solace in each other's company. As long as they were together, they felt happy and invincible. They had formed a bond that went beyond friendship - a bond that helped them navigate the challenges of their lives.

( as it's my first novel I would love to have your feedbacks 😁)

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