Dreams have a beautiful essence. Without dreams, you can’t achieve your goals. When you follow your dreams with all your heart, there’s a chance of turning them into reality. Dreams don’t require money; they require effort. Vaidehi Desai believes this.

Life comes with surprises, and you never know when happiness will knock on your door. For Vaidehi, happiness came when she got her desired job, and that too, in the metropolis of Mumbai, a city already known as the city of dreams. Vaidehi’s happiness knew no bounds; however, her parents were a bit hesitant at first, but eventually, they agreed. She had secured the role of content manager at WordWeave Solutions in Mumbai.

However, Vaidehi had her own set of fears. She was in her room, sharing the good news with her best friend, Gargi. A smile played on her face as she sighed in relief.

“I’m so relieved, Gargi! Finally, I will get to leave from here. It’s something that is not easy to forget. That’s why I want to go away from here. And I’ve got the chance.”

“Yeah, I will take care! And you come soon, I’ll be waiting.”

Saying this, Vaidehi disconnected the call and got busy packing her things for the move to the metropolis. Her parents decided to go with her to help her settle in the city. She happily agreed and called a few of her friends who were already living in the metropolis. Life had been harsh to her, yet she hadn’t failed to dream. However, there was another side to her demeanour, one that was scared at the moment, but a gentle pat on her shoulder soothed her heart. As she turned around, she found Gargi behind her and hugged her tightly. Gargi patted her back, trying to calm her.

“It’s all going to be fine, Vi,” Gargi said, using the short name she had given her.

“I hope so, Gargi. I just don’t want things to repeat,” Vaidehi said, her tone filled with emotion.

“It doesn’t matter, Vi. That’s the past; we’re over it now. I know it’s hard for you, and that’s why this job is important for you. Go, make new friends, and if possible, fall in love all over again,” Gargi replied, her tone laced with mischief.

Vaidehi glanced at her friend, who was smiling at the moment. She shook her head and pulled her friend into another hug, the warmth radiating an aura of love and positivity. Meanwhile, Gargi also shared the news of her own interview and her hope of joining Vaidehi in Mumbai. This elevated Vaidehi’s excitement, and the two friends began packing. Meanwhile, Vaidehi’s mom silently prayed for her daughter’s well-being. 

*****

Mumbai is certainly a dream city, and for Vaidehi, it’s just the beginning. Landing in the city has rejuvenated her spirits. Having her parents by her side is soothing for her. She had already booked a hotel, and after checking in, they first decided to visit her office, WordWeave Solutions. After a quick meeting with her boss, Vaidehi also asked him for accommodation options, and he provided her with some contacts.

Finding accommodation in a metropolis is tiresome. After a lot of struggle, Vaidehi comes across Sunshine Society, which is two kilometres away from her office. A decent flat with two bedrooms, a hall, and a kitchen is a good deal. Vaidehi looks at her parents; her dad is keenly inspecting the house, as if checking if everything is good. The dealer helped him understand everything, and finally, he gave a nod, causing Vaidehi to smile. They finally sealed the deal and took the house on rent. Her dad paid the first installment, and they decided to move in the next day since it was Sunday.

Taking the keys from the dealer, the small family headed to a nearby restaurant. After having a scrumptious meal, Vaidehi discussed everything with her parents, including the schedule for the next day. Her mom offered to help her settle into her new house, and she couldn’t refuse the offer. Vaidehi was excited to start her new life.

The next day was quite busy for the little family; they headed to Vaidehi’s apartment, and her mom helped her settle in. The flat was well-furnished, but she still needed to buy groceries and organise her belongings. After arranging the bedroom and kitchen with the essentials they brought from home, they went out to get groceries and everything she would need for the house. It was like assembling a whole new home. However, the young girl felt a sense of accomplishment. Her parents were proud of her too, and she couldn’t help but smile at how they reached out to help her. Her mother even offered to help her arrange her almirah, but Vaidehi declined. In fact, she asked them to rest since they had to travel back the next day.

Away from her hometown and all the haunting memories, Vaidehi felt at peace as she settled into bed that night—her first night in her apartment. Though rented, it gave her a sense of independence and love. However, her mind wandered back to a certain memory, and she quickly snapped out of it, focussing on the present that lay ahead of her. 

*****

The first day at the office seemed to be smooth. Vaidehi made a lot of friends, and it included a young lad of her age, Vedant Malhotra. She befriended him, realising that their vibes matched. She created a good rapport with him; they started spending time together and Vedant started dropping her home in the evening. However, he couldn’t help but read the sadness in her eyes. Her demeanour seemed happy, but she was sad inside, and he understood her concern. Whenever he decided to talk it out, Vaidehi had excuses to divert his attention. 

Four months passed by real quick. Vaidehi has settled well in her new life.  In this long time, Vaidehi built a nice, soothing bond with Vedant. They became inseparable and she started feeling the beautiful bond with him. A part of her heart felt like Vedant is the one who will understand her and the inner turmoil she’s going through. She had noticed his trials but couldn’t bring up the topic for discussion. 

It’s a fine day; Vaidehi is in the Luxe Central Mall, eagerly waiting for her friends. They had decided to go shopping, watch a movie and have dinner in their favourite restaurant. Little did she know that the danger was looming around the corner. As her friends took time, she decided to explore, entered the Lifestyle Shoppe, and suddenly, she wanted to pamper herself. While looking for some tops for herself, Vaidehi bumps into someone, and she’s shocked at the moment. 

It’s Rishabh! Her ex-fiance!  

His face lit up with a smile, though it was more of a smirk. Vaidehi froze, her heart pounding in her chest as a flood of memories rushed back, each more painful than the last. Rishabh’s expression was unreadable, but the glint in his eyes made her uneasy.

“Well, well, look who’s here,” Rishabh drawled, his tone smooth and dangerously familiar.

 “How are you, Vaidehi? It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?” He asked, his tone laced with sarcasm. 

Vaidehi struggled to maintain her composure. The sight of him brought back everything she had tried so hard to forget—the betrayal, the heartbreak, the humiliation. But she wasn’t the same person she had been back then. She squared her shoulders, forcing herself to meet his gaze.

“You’re here?  “I thought you never liked coming out of your luxurious cocoon.” she asked, her voice edged with sarcasm.

Rishabh chuckled, a sound that sent shivers down her spine. 

“People change, Vaidehi. Even you, it seems. I must admit, I’m surprised to see you here. I didn’t think you’d ever step out of that little shell you built around yourself.” 

Vaidehi’s eyes narrowed. “I did change, Rishabh. But not in the way you think. I’m not running away anymore, and I certainly won’t stoop down to your level.”

Rishabh’s smile faltered, but he quickly recovered. “You’re still getting me wrong, Vaidehi. Everything I did was for our good. You know that.”

Vaidehi felt a surge of anger. How dare he try to justify his actions?

 “For our good?” she echoed, her voice rising slightly. 

“That’s what you think, Rishabh. But I think otherwise. And I’m done listening to your excuses. Why are you here? What do you want this time?” She asked, there’s impatience in her tone. 

Rishabh’s eyes darkened, and he took a step closer. “I just wanted to talk, Vaidehi. You’ve blown this whole thing out of proportion. You’re making a mountain out of a molehill.”

He reached out as if to touch her hand, but Vaidehi jerked back, her eyes blazing with anger. 

“Don’t you dare,” she hissed. 

“I don’t want to talk to you, Rishabh. Or Rocky, or whatever name you go by these days. Stay out of my life, or you’ll regret it.” She threatened him, her eyes glaring fiercely.

With that, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the showroom, leaving Rishabh standing there, his smirk replaced by a look of seething anger.

As Vaidehi made her way out of the shop, her vision blurred with unshed tears. She stumbled, but before she could fall, a strong hand caught her. She looked up, startled, and saw Vedant, one of her friends, his face etched with concern.

“Vaidehi, are you okay?” Vedant asked, his voice filled with worry. The sight of her tear-streaked face sent a chill down his spine.

Vaidehi tried to force a smile, but it came out as a grimace. “I’m fine, Vedant. Really. I just… I just need to get out of here.”

Her friends had finally arrived, but Vaidehi couldn’t bear to stay any longer. She forced herself to remain calm as she spoke to them.

 “I’m sorry, guys. Something came up, and I need to leave. You all enjoy your day. I’ll catch up with you later.” She made an excuse.

Vedant frowned, clearly not convinced. “Are you sure, Vaidehi? You don’t have to go. We can leave together.”

But Vaidehi shook her head. “No, please, Vedant. I’ll be fine. You should stay and enjoy. I just… I need some time alone.”

Vedant hesitated but finally nodded, sensing that pushing her would only make things worse. “Okay, but I’m just a call away if you need anything.”

Vaidehi gave him a grateful look before turning away. As she left the mall, she couldn’t shake the feeling of Rishabh’s presence lingering behind her; like a dark shadow. The encounter had shaken her more than she cared to admit, but she was determined not to let it derail the new life she had built for herself.

Vedant, however, wasn’t about to let her face this alone. Ignoring her insistence that he stay, he quietly followed her out of the mall, ready to be there for her—no matter what happened next.

*****

He reached her home and found that the door was slightly ajar. He peeped through the door and found her crying. His heart fluttered at the sight, not wanting to believe what he just saw. He wanted to run to her and comfort her, but he maintained her composure. She had trusted him and he didn’t want to break her trust by intervening in her personal time. It might be something she didn’t want to share with him and he completely understood it. He decided to give her the time she needed. He knew only time could heal. 

However, a few days later, he got the chance, when during lunch time, Vaidehi was in the office cafeteria, having her coffee in silence. Ever since that incident in the mall, she has been quiet. It seemed like she didn’t want to talk to anyone, but today Vedant got the chance. He sat by her side and welcomed her with a smile.

“Vaidehi, what’s up? Are you alright?” He asks, jolting her out of her thought process. 

“Yeah, I am fine,” Vaidehi faked a smile at her friend. 

“Vaidehi, please stop pretending; you can tell me all that’s bothering you. Please, I can not see you lost like this.” He said, his tone convincing. 

“It’s nothing, Vedant, really!” Vaidehi tried to cover up with a fake smile. 

“I know you’re hiding something; please tell me; I’m here to listen.” Vedant insisted and Vaidehi sighed; she knew there’s no escape now. 

She told him about Rishabh, her ex, and all the illegal activities he was involved in. He was habitual of consuming drugs and also had an illegal business behind his legal business name. Adding to it, he was also involved in human trafficking, and hid it behind his goodwill. He was greedy for money. He had threatened her to death when she came to know his reality, after which she found her lost courage and broke her alliance with him. She had already dreamt of a beautiful future with Rishabh, but it was all shattered into pieces.

“I met him after two years, Vedant. I came here to forget all of those memories—the memories that still haunt me. But he’s here again; he has tried to contact me, but I don’t want to meet him; I don’t want to see his face even. I am scared that he might try to do something awful, you know how such people are,” Vaidehi said, gazing intently at Vedant. 

“We must  file a complaint against him, Vaidehi. He can’t harass you like this,” Vedant said, his tone etched with concern for her. 

“I don’t know, Vedant, I don’t want any troubles. I feel hopeless at this point.” She said, her tone dejected. 

“Relax, Vaidehi; I’m here for you, and we’ll fight with him together.” Vedant convinced her, squeezing her small hands.

Vaidehi looked at him, her eyes shining with hope. She always had a feeling that he was different and here he’s proving her right. He entered her life as an angel. He cracked a few jokes to make her smile, and she’s in a good mood again. They headed back into the office and the normal workday started. 

*****

A few days passed by, and Vaidehi was relaxed that Rishabh had stopped calling her. Since it was Sunday, she was doing a reset of her home when the doorbell rang. She hoped it to be Vedant, but she was stunned to find Rishabh at the door, smirking at her. 

“Won’t you invite me in, Vaidehi?” He asked. 

“Where did you find my address from?” She asked, her heart pounding. 

“It’s an easy task for me, Vaidehi; did you forget who I am?” He reminded her of his real identity: a mob boss, and he’s involved in all illegal activities. 

“What do you want from me, Rishabh?” She asked. 

“Ah, I need you, Vaidehi; I mean, it’s okay; I am still ready to marry you,” He said, his words laced with sarcasm, trying to convince her. 

“But I don’t want to, Rishabh, we don’t have any relationship, and I hate you; can’t you understand it?” She yelled at him. 

“But I love you, Vaidehi, “ he said. 

“Ah, really? Where did that love go, when I started falling for you? You said you only see profit; you’re not into any relationship. I know you’re here, for your own benefit.” Vaidehi shouted at him, and at the same time Vedant entered the house. 

“You’re right, Vaidehi; he is here for his own benefit. See..” He showed her a bunch of pages. 

Rishabh was here for his personal business; he wanted to strike a deal with their company, and he thought Vaidehi would help him. Also, Vedant showcased how he bluffed people to reach out to her, and also harassed many people. Vaidehi cast a disgusting look at Rishabh and slapped him hard on the face. 

“You can never change, Rishabh!! Men like you only think of yourself; you have no affection or respect for people around you, especially ladies. You misuse your power, and you’ll see, your power would push you back on the floor, and you’ll have no power. Now get out of my house; otherwise, I’ll push you out, not only out of this house but also the society, so that people know that women do know how to deal with men like you.” She said and pushed him out of the door. 

Rishabh couldn’t say or do anything, for Vedant stood like a shield for Vaidehi. As he left, she sighed and plopped down on the couch. Tears trickled down her eyes as the realisation washed over her—that she was free from the clutches of her fear. 

She turned towards Vedant and found his eyes glued to her. She immediately pulled him in a hug, thanking him. She had suddenly realised that he has been a blessing in disguise in all these five months and that he’s special. 

“Thank you, Vedant. You’re surely an angel in disguise; I think God knew; I’ll need you, so he sent you my way.” She said, a smile playing on her lips. 

He pulled her in a friendly embrace, assuring her that he’d be there for her always, being her beautiful blessing.