Riya stood in front of the bathroom mirror, gripping the sink tightly. Her reflection stared back — her face pale, eyes tired, and strands of hair falling messily around her face.
Who are you really?
No matter how many times she looked, she couldn’t shake the feeling that the person in the mirror wasn’t her.
“I’m not Rayan anymore,” she whispered. “I’m... Riya.”
But saying it didn’t make it feel true.
---
The Weight of Secrets
School felt suffocating that day. Aarav kept glancing at her in class, like he expected her to fall apart again. Mira was acting distant too — like she knew something was wrong but didn’t know how to ask.
Riya barely made it through her classes before she found herself in the empty music room — her escape whenever things got too heavy.
Sliding onto the piano bench, she let her fingers dance over the keys. The soft notes calmed her nerves, and for a moment, she felt like herself again.
But the peace didn’t last.
---
A Sudden Confrontation
“You’re avoiding me,” Mira’s voice cut through the air.
Riya jumped, spinning around to see Mira standing in the doorway. Her arms were crossed, her expression sharp.
“I’m not,” Riya muttered, looking away.
“Yes, you are!” Mira snapped, stepping closer. “You don’t answer my texts, you barely talk to me anymore... What’s going on?”
“I’m just tired.”
“Liar.”
Riya’s breath caught. “I’m not lying.”
“Then why are you acting like I don’t exist?” Mira’s voice cracked. “I’ve been your best friend since we were kids, Riya... but lately, it’s like I don’t even know you anymore.”
Riya clenched her fists. “Because you don’t.”
“What?”
“I’m... not the same person,” Riya whispered. “And I can’t explain why.”
“Can’t or won’t?” Mira shot back.
Riya’s chest tightened. “Just... leave me alone.”
“You’re pushing everyone away,” Mira’s voice trembled. “I don’t know what’s going on with you, but... I’m not going anywhere.”
Before Riya could say anything else, Mira turned and walked out.
---
Memories That Hurt
That night, Riya lay in bed, her mind spinning.
She remembered all the times Rayan had laughed with Mira, the way he’d always been there for her — comforting her when her dad left, teasing her when she was nervous, promising her that no matter what, they’d always have each other.
Now... Mira barely knew who she was anymore.
“It’s better this way,” Riya whispered to herself. “She’s safer if she doesn’t know the truth.”
But the ache in her chest told her she was wrong.
---
End of Chapter 4
Would you like next Chapter to explore before that chapter come ??? i will give some part of it if u don't wanna get spoiler then don't read and go to next chapter sharp and so hard she was hugging her stomach as it was hurting like hell
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