INVISIBLE STRINGS // SARAJ

nothing to you

He rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the fond smile on his face as he grabbed the papers. "You already owe me about ten, but sure."

Rajat's smile faltered as he traced a finger over her name scrawled at the top of the worksheet. The fondness in his eyes quickly gave way to a shadow of hurt. Her words from earlier echoed in his mind, and the warmth he'd felt moments ago vanished, replaced by a cold, sinking feeling.

He shoved the papers aside and leaned back in his chair, staring up at the ceiling. He didn't know what to think anymore.

***

Savi tiptoed through the front door of her house, holding her breath as she closed it quietly behind her. The house was dark and silent, and she let out a sigh of relief. Everyone seemed to be asleep. She took a moment to lean against the wall, pressing a hand to her chest as she tried to calm her racing heart.

The night had been a whirlwind, and now that she was finally home, she had a moment to process everything. Her mind drifted back to her argument with Rajat, how it seemed serious this time. He had hurt her, and she was only looking out for him. He just couldn't see her concern, as everyone else he also misunderstood her. 

And that hurt her more than it should have. 

If that wasn't enough, the only form of peace she could have got was vanished once she saw Ishaan Sir at her Isha Ma'am's house, looking like they were in a heated discussion, which severely confused her. 

She slipped off her shoes and made her way down the hallway, but before she could reach her room, she heard her Badi Ajji's voice.

"Savi? tum hai?" Bhavani's voice called out softly from the living room.

Savi's heart sank. She'd almost made it. Forcing a smile, she walked over to where her Badi Ajji was sitting, the older woman looking at her with a soft but tired smile.

"Yes, Badi Ajji?" Savi asked, trying to keep her tone light despite the heaviness of the night.

Bhavani patted the seat next to her. "Sit, I need to talk to you."

Savi felt a wave of worry wash over her as she sat down. Her Badi Ajji rarely called her for a talk unless it was serious. Bhavani's smile faded a little, and she took Savi's hand in her own.

"I heard from the college today," Bhavani began. "You've been selected for that leadership camp, the one only a few students are chosen for."

Savi's eyes widened but dimmed a beat later, she didn't know what to say. She assumed that her Badi Ajji would reprimand her for her ambition once again, forcing her to give up on this opportunity. 

Bhavani sighed as she watched her grandaughter's downcast eyes, she did feel bad inside everytime she scolded Savi. She had always thought she was helping her, making sure that she didn't follow her mothers' path and land the same fate they did. 

"Bachpan mein jab mujhe log bolte the, ki meri beti dimaag wali hai toh mein bolti thi ki vakt hi baatayega"  She said, and Savi looked up her eyebrows furrowing in confusion. "Mujhe jaldi hi pata chala ki tume kitne talent hai, Lekin meri bhi pareshaani tha"

Savi moved closer to her Badi Ajji, "kaise pareshaani?"

Bhavani sighed. "I worry that all this ambition... it's going to take you away from us, like your Aai. Sometimes, I think women's dreams are limited, Savi. They end after marriage. Look at what happened to your mother's ambitions. It cost our family dearly."

Savi's throat tightened, and she shook her head. "It wasn't her fault, Ajji. You know that."

"I know," Bhavani said quietly. "I don't blame her, not entirely. But I can't help but see her in you sometimes. You remind me of both your parents, you know. But it's been taught to us different, the way we're supposed to hold ourselves in society.... I see so much of Sai in you. I did love your mother as well but time ruined everything and I don't want the same for you"