Chereads / Marked by Darkness / Chapter 1: Introduction

Marked by Darkness

🇮🇳Ariana_Das
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Synopsis

Chapter 1: Introduction

Another mundane day greets me as I wake up, slipping into my same well-worn routine. It's the usual flow—get up, scroll a bit, and then dive straight into work. I guess some people might say it's monotonous, but it's my life.

Hey there, I'm Ruhi. It's just me and my mom at home, a cozy space that's become a little sanctuary of ours. As for what I do, well, I'm an influencer—or a blogger, if that's what you prefer. It's funny because this wasn't exactly the path I'd planned. I'd envisioned something different, but somehow, this career found me instead of the other way around. If you'd met me two years ago, you'd probably say I wasn't as invested. But now? Now it's different. Now, it's like my work is the only thing that can hold my focus.

And love? Well, that's a blank chapter. I don't have a boyfriend, and honestly, the idea of love feels more like a passing trend than something real. Everyone seems to throw the word around, but I don't feel like wasting my energy on it. Still, I've got someone who's always been a solid anchor in my life—my best friend, more like a sister, actually. She's my ride-or-die, and her presence gives me a strength I sometimes forget I have.

Just as I'm lost in thought, my phone rings.

It's funny how people say, "Speak of the devil," and then—bam—the devil's right there, staring at you from the caller ID.

Anshi.

Anshi- Hey, Ruhi, what's up?

Her voice comes through, bright as always.

Ruhi- Nothing much.

I reply, knowing her energy will inevitably lift my mood.

Anshi- OMFS…

"What?" I ask, half-amused already.

Anshi- You didn't go to the event, did you?

Ruhi- Nah. Didn't make it.

I say with a sigh.

Anshi- But that was a big deal for you.

She says, a little surprised.

Ruhi- I know. But editing's got me tied up today.

Anshi- And you have to upload it by tomorrow, right?

Ruhi- Bingo.

Anshi- Why don't you hire someone to help? Spread the load a bit?

She suggests.

Ruhi- You're right; I'll look into it.

Anshi- Cool. Anyway, guess who just moved in next door?

I laugh. "Charlie Chaplin?"

Anshi- Ha! No, but close! This guy's insanely good-looking. My balcony's feeling like a prime spot right now.

She says, her excitement bubbling over.

Ruhi- That's a thought!

I reply with a chuckle.

Anshi- Come over, Ruhi. You've gotta see this guy—and his squad. They're unreal.

Ruhi- Nope, not interested.

Anshi- Oh, come on, just swing by.

Ruhi- Anshi, seriously, I have a mountain of editing to tackle. Catch you later.

There's a beat of silence before she sighs.

Anshi- Ruhi, sometimes, you've got to set work aside. There's so much more in life.

Ruhi- And I don't want to achieve all those things, Anshi.

I reply softly.

Anshi- I get that you're on your path, and it's a good one. But do you plan on staying single forever?

Ruhi- Maybe. I'm happy this way.

I tell her, my voice steady.

Anshi- Are you, though? How can anyone be happy alone? Everyone needs someone special, don't they?

Ryhi- I know.

Anshi- So why not open yourself up to someone? Just a little?

Ruhi- Do we really need to love someone to be complete?

Anshi- Well, no, but don't you ever want anyone?

I hesitate, my heart tugging.

Ruhi- I do. I really do. But I'm waiting…for someone.

Anshi- Someone? Who?

Ruhi- Someone I want.

She laughs softly.

Anshi- Don't be so cryptic. But…what if he never comes?

Ruhi- Then I'll keep waiting.

I say, my voice barely a whisper.

Anshi- But how will you even recognize him? Do you know him, or is this just…a feeling?

Ruhi- How could I not know? He's the reason I've turned away everyone else.

Anshi- Is that fair, though, Ruhi? To reject every single one?

Ruhi- If the love is for one, how can I see anyone else?

My words surprise even me.

Anshi's voice softens.

Anshi- I get the feeling you've already found him, but…what if he leaves?

Ruhi- If he's the one, he won't.

She sighs, the heaviness of our conversation hanging in the air.

Anshi- Then…I hope you never meet him.

Ruhi- Why would you say that?

I frown.

Anshi- Because, Ruhi…the ones we love most are the ones we never truly have.

And with that, the call ends, leaving me with thoughts I've been trying to avoid, lingering in the quiet of my room.

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