Chapter 2: Fractured Memories
Zoya’s fingers still trembling from the unexpected call. The storm outside mirrored the whirlwind of emotions raging within her. She hadn’t spoken to Rajeev in years, but here he was, reaching out to her with a desperate plea, dragging her back into memories she’d fought hard to bury.
She closed her eyes, and the faint hum of rain outside became a backdrop for memories of her childhood. She could see their small, cramped home—a modest apartment in a crowded Mumbai neighborhood. Her father, Rajeev, had worked tirelessly as a salesman at a local clothing shop, bringing home just enough to make ends meet. They weren’t wealthy, but they managed, finding joy in the little things. Her mother would often laugh and scold Rajeev for bringing home sweets with whatever money he could spare.
Then everything changed. Zoya’s mother fell ill, and no amount of home remedies or medicines seemed to help. They visited hospital after hospital, spent sleepless nights in cramped waiting rooms, but the news grew more grim with each visit. Eventually, they received the diagnosis: cancer. Rajeev was devastated, and though his love for Zoya’s mother had always been complex, with moments of tension and unresolved arguments, he loved her deeply.
Zoya remembered watching her father try to scrape together money however he could. He took on extra shifts, borrowed from friends, and at one point, even sold the few valuables they owned. She’d often see him come home late, exhausted, his shoulders hunched as if carrying the weight of the world. But despite all his efforts, her mother’s condition only worsened.
When Zoya’s mother passed away, the thread holding their family together snapped. She blamed her father—felt that if he had tried harder, if he had been smarter, he could have saved her. But Rajeev was grieving too. He grew bitter and frustrated, feeling he’d failed in the one thing he’d wanted most: to protect his family.
The days that followed were filled with arguments, misunderstandings, and silences that felt colder than any words. Zoya felt trapped in the house, suffocated by her father’s sadness and guilt. She saw him retreat into himself, unable to cope with the loss. Their relationship deteriorated slowly at first, then all at once. Rajeev began drinking, staying out late, losing himself in a haze of self-pity and despair. One night, after a particularly bitter argument, Rajeev, in a fit of despair and anger, lost control and slapped her. The shock of that moment hung heavy in the air, their eyes locking in mutual horror. It was the final straw. She packed her things and left that night, vowing to never look back.
She built a life for herself, pouring all her energy into her dreams of escaping her past. Meanwhile, Rajeev spiraled further. He tried starting a small business, hoping to turn his life around, but without guidance, he failed. He gambled, hoping for a lucky break, but each loss pushed him deeper into debt. Eventually, he borrowed money from local lenders, people Zoya knew from whispered stories—dangerous men who wouldn’t forgive or forget.
Now, here he was, calling her, asking for help. Zoya clenched her jaw, feeling the familiar tug of resentment. But beneath it was a pang of sympathy—a lingering care she hadn’t managed to shake. Despite everything, he was still her father. And as much as she tried to bury the past, she couldn’t ignore the memories of the man who once, in his own flawed way, had tried to give her a better life.
Back in the present, Zoya blinked, the memories dissolving as she looked up to see Aarav and Raghu watching her intently. She took a shaky breath, feeling the weight of it all press down on her.
“Zoya?” Aarav asked softly, concern etched in his eyes. “Are you okay?”
She looked at him, her gaze conflicted. “I don’t know, Aarav. My father…he’s in trouble. Real trouble. He’s asking for my help.”
Raghu’s steady gaze met hers. “We’ll figure it out, Zoya. Whatever it takes. We’re with you.”
She didn’t know if she could save her father, or if he even deserved saving. But with her friends by her side, she knew she wouldn’t have to face it alone.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and situations are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The story is meant for entertainment purposes only and does not depict real-life events, places, or organizations.
