EP-1
Priya was standing in the kitchen, her hands deep in soapy water, scrubbing the dishes.
Her back ached, and the strong smell of spices from the lunch she had cooked made her feel sick again.
She pressed a hand to her stomach, trying to breathe through the nausea.
Four months pregnant.
Four months of trying to keep herself and her baby healthy.
Four months of doing all the house chores without a word of complaint.
But today… her body felt heavier than usual.
Suddenly, a wave of sickness hit her.
She quickly put the plate down and rushed to the sink.
Her body shook as she vomited, holding onto the counter for support.
Before she could even rinse her mouth, a sharp, cold voice came from behind.
Myra malhotra/fl's grandmother
“Stop being so dramatic, Priya.” (folding her arms.) “Pregnancy isn’t a disease. We all worked during our time. Don’t act like a queen here.”
Priya froze, her eyes filling with tears. She had heard such words so many times… but today, they cut deeper.
At that moment, footsteps echoed in the hall.
Vijay appeared, his eyes instantly moving to his wife, pale and shivering by the sink.
He glanced at his mother, his expression turning hard.
Vijay Malhotra/fl's father
“Ma, enough.” (he said, his voice sharp.) “She is not being dramatic. She’s carrying my child, and she’s been doing everything without complaining. But you—” (his jaw clenched)—“you’ve done nothing but bully her.”
Myra malhotra/fl's grandmother
“Vijay, I didn’t mean—"
Vijay Malhotra/fl's father
“I said enough.” (His voice was final, the kind that left no space for argument.
He turned to Priya, his anger melting into concern.)
“Pack the bags, Priya. We’re leaving this house.”
Priya Malhotra/fl's mother
(Eyes widened.) “But—”
Vijay Malhotra/fl's father
“No buts.” (He reached for her hand, squeezing it gently.) “I should have done this long ago.”
Myra malhotra/fl's grandmother
(Stepped forward, panic in her eyes.) “Vijay, I didn’t mean to hurt her—”
Vijay Malhotra/fl's father
(Didn’t even look back.) “I said what I said.”
Priya’s heart raced as she went to their room, her hands shaking while she packed.
She had dreamed of escaping this house so many times… but never thought the day would actually come.
Minutes later, they stepped out together.
For the first time in years, Priya felt a flicker of hope—hope for a life where she and her baby could breathe freely.
And behind them, Myra stood silently at the doorway, watching them leave… realising she might have just lost her son forever.
Days passed.
Life had changed completely for Vijay and Priya.
They now lived in a small rented apartment, far away from the constant tension of his family’s house.
It wasn’t big, but it was peaceful. No taunts. No cold stares.
Just the two of them… and the baby growing inside Priya.
But pregnancy wasn’t easy on her.
Every morning, Priya woke up with nausea, running to the washroom before she could even open her eyes properly.
Some days it was mild, other days it drained her completely, leaving her weak and tired.
Vijay, busy with work, still tried to be there for her as much as possible.
But on days when he couldn’t, her younger sister, Siya, became her biggest support.
Siya would show up at their place early in the morning, armed with fresh fruits, homemade soups, and her usual chatter.
Siya sharma
“Come on, didi.” (placing a pillow behind Priya’s back.) “You have to eat something. Baby needs energy.”
Priya Malhotra/fl's mother
(Shook her head weakly.) “I feel like I’ll throw up again…”
Siya sharma
“Then throw up.” (said casually, spooning a little soup for her.) “But you’re still eating. I’m not letting my niece or nephew starve just because you don’t feel like eating.”
Priya chuckled softly at her sister’s bossy tone.
Siya stayed by her side all day—massaging her feet, helping with laundry, and distracting her with silly stories.
Sometimes, she would even scold Vijay over the phone if she thought he wasn’t taking enough care of Priya.
In the quiet moments, when Siya had gone home and Vijay was yet to return, Priya would rest her hand on her small bump.
She felt a strange mix of exhaustion and joy—life was tiring, but in her heart, she knew it was worth it.
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