Julian and Payal found themselves cocooned in the comfort of their own small world, the hum of the luxury car masking the tension brewing ahead. William's calm voice filtered through, his fingers tapping a device in his left ear: "Yes, we'll be there." Father's asked for our presens. We need to be there within half an hour," he announced, his tone steady, tMoments later, Julian , driving them back towards Mansion. though Payal noticed Asra and William's irritation. Their strained relationship with their father created a heavy tension, a fact Payal had observed that morning.
As they approached the mansion, the weight in the air increased; Julian glanced at Payal, his eyes soft. "Don't get out," he whispered, "I'll be back." Payal nodded, understanding that something serious was about to unfold, better left to those who knew how to navigate it.
The car, filled with distinct scents—Julian's crisp cologne, the lingering sweetness of Payal's shampoo, the musky undertones from William's jacket—became a sanctuary. The gentle vibrations beneath Payal's hands and the faint shuffle of movement from the back seat were comforting reminders that she was not alone.
As Julian stepped out, Payal drifted into reflection. She traced her journey in her mind: she'd longed for the look Julian gave her, the warmth of his smile, the feeling of being special. Gratitude filled her—a sense of belonging, opportunities to study and learn, and a life she never imagined before coming to this world. Once, she thought of escape is only killing herself, and that's now after killing herself she wondered, "If I hadn't died, could I ever have felt this?" she felt enormous joy , she didn't feel in decades ,
Waiting, she leaned her head against the seat, surrounded by the quiet ambient hum of the car and the possibility of something big about to change her life again.