Anita's POV

I dragged my suitcase, its weight slowing my pace.

I'm Anita, a twenty-six-year-old who's experienced a lot of difficulties. I grew up in a toxic and abusive family and never knew what it meant to be truly loved. I've faced criticism and hardship all my life.

I'm Anita, who was called darkness and the most miserable night by someone who was meant to love and care about me. I had to wait for him to come home before I could eat, even though he never showed me respect.

I am Anita, a woman who was forced to surrender to family pressure and marry someone I didn't love, even though I hoped to make it work. I was taught to prioritise others' feelings over my own, but I've finally broken free from those shackles.

Today, I am Anita, a free soul, ready to embrace my true self and create my own path.

I too have dreams, and I refuse to let them go like my mother and sisters' did. They had aspirations but had to sacrifice because of the family's traditions.

However, I promise to be different, to chase my dreams and make them a reality. I won't let myself become another victim of tradition.

If I go back home, I know my father will reject me for agreeing to the divorce. He'll see it as a disgrace to our family, and his anger will know no bounds.

I fear for my life because he might even kill me.

I can't risk returning there. It's too dangerous. If I do, I'm certain I'll only leave in a coffin.

But, I will reclaim my life and reshape my destiny. I will break free from the chains of oppression and free not only myself but also my sisters and mother from them.

Of course, I will appear before my father again, but only when I become stronger, and when I do, it will be to save my mother and unmarried sisters from the shackles of his control.

I will return, not as a victim but as a victor, to save those I love and shatter the cycle of abuse forever.

I don't have a plan, but I have faith. I will trust in God's guidance.

My feet moved on their own accord, leading me to a temple.

I smiled, peace reaching over me as I pushed open the door and rang the bell, the soft clang of it the only sound that reverberated in the night across the empty halls.

Before me stood the majestic idol of God, bathed in soft light. I went to it and touched its feet to seek his blessings, then stepped back.

The temple was empty, and the only sound that could be heard there was the soft whisper of my footsteps on the cold marble floor.

I folded my hands while gazing deeply into the idol's eyes. "Today, I'm letting go of the burdens of my past, leaving everything behind, including the diary that held the thoughts of a girl who no longer exists. You have awakened a new spirit within me, and so I beg you to guide and brighten my path forward."

I removed the wedding chain from my neck, its metal warming my palm before I placed it at his feet.

"You are my witness that I entered into this union with complete devotion and sincerity. When he wanted to divorce, I agreed because I was taught not to disobey. Now, I can't return to my parents' home. Guide me, oh divine one, and reveal to me a path forward. Where shall I go? To whom shall I turn? I cannot burden my sisters because they will surely force me to reconcile with the man who never showed me respect, and I refuse to submit to that fate again. So, I beg you, show me a way out of this darkness and lead me towards a future where I will find relief and happiness."

"Get up, let's go." My husband's unexpected command made me jump.

I spun around, seeing him standing by the door with red, swollen eyes.

It seems Divya's rejection has hit him hard.

"Excuse me?" I asked softly, unsure if I had heard him right.

"Mother woke up and was searching for you," he said.

"When I told her about the divorce, she refused to accept it. No one in our family has ever gotten divorced, so she's adamant that it won't start with her son." He paused, waiting for a reaction or answer from me.

"It's too late for regrets," I muttered. "You should have thought of that before we signed the papers. I'm sorry, but our relationship is over. I won't compromise my happiness again to appease you or your family."

"I know. You can go back and tell her yourself. I tried to explain, but she wouldn't listen and insisted I come find you and take you back."

"Did you tell my family about the divorce?"

He rubbed his forehead wearily. "No, I haven't."

I nodded, though a part of me wished he had to hear how my father would react to the news.

"Let's go," he added, his voice firm.

"Just let me be. I'm not going back. Look at my neck," I said, my hand touching the bare skin where my wedding chain once lay. "I've moved on. Your mother will, too, soon enough. It's not like she was attached to me. Tell her that sometimes firsts have to happen, and unfortunately, it happened from you."

"'Are you kidding me?' he sneered in anger.

"Where exactly do you plan to go? Back to your family who won't take you in? I'm doing you a favour by trying to reconcile."

I forced a smile on my face. "Keep your favour. I don't need it. Yes, I know my family won't welcome me back, that's why I'm still in Banaras. But I have dreams to chase, and I won't let anyone or anything hold me back again."

He burst out laughing. "Really?" he asked, still chuckling.

"Yes," I responded in a firm tone to his mocking laughter.

"Your dreams are nothing but a fantasy," he spat.

"A woman, especially a dark-skinned one like you, will always face insurmountable obstacles. Even those with fair skin struggle immensely before achieving success. You'll be overlooked and rejected at every turn. Women are only meant to be wives, not dreamers. You..."

I cut him short as I spoke, "I hope our paths cross again, so we can finish this conversation. However, for now, leave."

"You can't achieve anything," he said. "I had to work hard to get to where I am, and you... well, you're just a woman." He shrugged.

"I didn't ask for your life story." I replied, my voice still firm. "I just said we will finish this conversation when we meet again."

He gored me with a gaze so harsh that it felt like a blade against my soul before storming out.

Doubts crept in my mind, whispering that he was right and that I was foolish to dream.

I squared my shoulders. After I watched him leave in his car, I turned back to the idol, my eyes turning into a plead.

"Don't let him be right. Help me prove him wrong. Show him that a woman can be more than just a wife. She can be strong, capable, and deserving of her dreams."