Misthi stood in the dimly lit room, her arms wrapped around herself as memories of the past flooded her mind like a relentless storm. There was a time when her world was bright, filled with laughter and warmth. Her small family-Maa, Baba, and Akshat-had been her safe haven. Their home had always echoed with joy, her mother's loving embrace, her father's protective presence, and her brother's constant teasing that never failed to bring a smile to her face. She had dreams, simple yet beautiful, and a heart full of hope.
But one fateful day, everything changed. It was as if someone had cast an evil eye on their happiness, tearing it apart in the cruelest way possible.
She had been r*ped.
When she returned home, shattered and broken, her parents had been devastated. But despite their pain, they had stood strong for her, ready to fight for justice. They filed a police complaint against the monster who had stolen her innocence. Akshat, her ever-loving brother, burned with rage, vowing to protect her. Their small family, once filled with warmth, was now standing against a storm they never saw coming.
Justice, however, was not meant for the weak. The rapist, backed by power and influence, twisted the truth, turning evidence against her. The court granted him bail, and the world that once embraced her now turned its back.
Desperate, they sought help from Ekaksh, the king they had once trusted. But fate was merciless. Ekaksh was out of town, unreachable when she needed him the most. Instead of aid, they were met with cruelty. His guards had pushed them away, their sneering faces filled with disdain. "She must have deserved it," they had muttered. "A girl like her, thinking she could demand justice? Gold digger. Disgrace."
During this time, they had reached out to Sumitra Ji, she immediately fired that guard but by the time she learned of their plight and tried to intervene, it was too late.
The humiliation came like a tidal wave. In the middle of a jeering crowd, her family was torn apart. Her parents, once respected, were dragged through the dirt, beaten, and disgraced. Misthi had screamed for mercy, but no one listened. No one helped. When the dust settled, she was left kneeling beside the lifeless bodies of her parents, their once warm hands now cold, their eyes-those loving, protective eyes-forever shut.
Only she and Akshat had survived.
Their uncle and aunt, who had never cared for them, took them in-not out of kindness, but out of greed. The property left behind by her parents was their real prize. Misthi and Akshat were shoved into a storeroom, treated worse than servants, ridiculed, and abused. Each day, Misthi bore their taunts, their cruel words, their punishments. But she endured it all-for Akshat. He was her only reason to keep breathing, to keep pushing forward.
She refused to let her tragedy define her. She stepped outside into a world that scorned her, whispered about her, eyed her with lust. Each day was a battle, but she stood strong. Her only prayer, her only question to God, was-why? Why had He let this happen to her? What was her fault?
But if she thought the worst was over, she had been mistaken.
Yesterday was yet another nightmare. Just when she believed, for a fleeting moment, that happiness might finally touch her again, the video had played. And just like that, she was ruined again.
Their incoherent words rang in her mind like a curse.
"She got r*ped." "She is a gold digger."
Tears slipped silently down her cheeks as she clung to Ekaksh, her body trembling from the weight of her grief. Her silent cries reached no one but him, the only witness to her endless pain.
She had lost everything once. She had lost it again tonight.
And she no longer knew if she had the strength to keep fighting.
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Author note:-
I know that topic is very serious for talking about but it's necessary.Women are not objects; they are human beings who deserve respect, safety, and equality. The problem lies in deeply ingrained patriarchal mindsets that excuse men's wrongdoings while burdening women with shame and blame.
Rape, harassment, domestic violence-these are not "women's issues"; they are crimes, and the responsibility lies with the perpetrators, not the victims. No girl or woman should have to justify her existence, her choices, or her clothing to avoid violence. It's the men who commit these acts who should be held accountable, not the victims.
And yes, it's painful when some women, instead of supporting each other, become enablers of this toxic system. Whether due to internalized misogyny or societal conditioning, they sometimes reinforce the same oppression that hurts them. But change is happening. More people are speaking up, challenging outdated norms, and demanding accountability.
The real measure of a man is not in dominance or control but in respect, kindness, and integrity. A true man does not need to belittle or harm women to prove his strength. And anyone who thinks otherwise is not an "alpha"-they are simply weak and cowardly.
Keep that in your mind
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Evening had arrived, yet Ekaksh and Misthi remained inside their room. Ekaksh had strictly instructed everyone not to disturb them. The Rathore mansion, once filled with laughter and warmth, had turned somber. No one in the living hall spoke; silence loomed heavily as they all replayed the disastrous events of the reception in their minds.
Sumitra Ji was devastated. She had spent the entire night crying, while Abhimanyu did his best to console her. Even the servants, who had grown fond of Misthi in just two days, shared in the household's grief. Ruhi and Shivank, lost in thought, had skipped work, while Vidyut remained deeply troubled about his bhabhi.
A faint jingling sound broke through the heavy silence. The rhythmic chime of anklets announced Misthi's presence. All eyes turned toward the staircase, where Ekaksh and Misthi descended together. Misthi's gaze was lowered, her shoulders slumped, and Ekaksh's heart clenched at the sight of her sorrow. He hated seeing her like this.
As they reached the hall, Sumitra Ji's eyes welled up once more. Unable to control her emotions, she rushed to Misthi and enveloped her in a tight embrace.
"meri bacchi..." she whispered, sobbing.
Misthi, overwhelmed by the motherly warmth, broke down in her arms. The sight was enough to bring tears to everyone's eyes. The once silent hall now echoed with Misthi's sobs.
Ekaksh gently led Misthi to the sofa, kneeling before her. He held out a glass of water.
"Drink," he said softly, his voice firm yet gentle.
Misthi took small sips, trying to compose herself. The moment she felt a little calmer, she parted her lips to speak.
"M-main..." she stuttered, but before she could continue, Shivank knelt before her, his eyes filled with determination.
"I know, bhabhi maa... life has been unfair, and you have endured so much. But you are not alone. We are all here for you," he assured her, his voice unwavering.
Ruhi came forward, sitting beside Misthi. "Yes, bhabhi maa, you don't have to worry. You have us. But you have to promise me something-never cry again. Your tears hurt us."
Abhimanyu stepped closer, his voice filled with both warmth and authority. "Beta, you are the embodiment of Durga Maa. The very Durga who defeated Mahishasura and became a symbol of good triumphing over evil. You must not let your spirit waver. The strength of a woman is unparalleled, and you must never forget that."
Dada Ji, his voice firm yet filled with affection, spoke next. "Misthi beta, we have seen life, and we know that storms come and go. But those who endure, who rise after falling, are the true warriors. You are a daughter of this house, and we will never let you stand alone."
Dadi Ji gently took Misthi's hands in hers. "Child, every hardship you face only makes you stronger. Do not see yourself as weak, because you are not. We are all with you, today and always."
Akshat, her brother, whose eyes were swollen, crying whole night, was not ready to face misthi but after Shivank explained him, he got ready. He stepped forward and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. " Didu You are strong, and you always have been. After , maa -baba death, you were there for me. You are truly goddess didu. Never let down yourself. We are here for you. If anyone dares to hurt you, they will have to face me first."
Vidyut, who had been silent until now, took a deep breath before speaking. "I never had a sister, but from the moment you entered this house, I knew-you are my sister. And no one, I mean no one, has the right to make you feel any less than the incredible woman you are. If anyone ever tries, I will stand in front of you like a shield. Because that's what brothers do."
A fresh wave of emotions surged in Misthi's heart. The love and support she had just received filled her with an indescribable sense of warmth. She wiped her tears, trying to find the right words, but before she could, Ekaksh gently took her hand in his.
His grip was firm, steady, unwavering. His dark eyes locked onto hers, filled with a silent promise.
"Misthi," he began, his voice laced with conviction. "No one-not society, not fate, not even your own fears-gets to decide your worth. You are not weak. You are not alone. And you are certainly not someone who should bow down to circumstances. If the world dares to break you, then I will stand against it. Because from this moment on, you are not just Misthi-you are mine. And I will protect you, even from yourself if I have to."
His words sent a wave of relief through her, easing the turmoil in her heart. For the first time since the reception, she felt truly seen, truly valued. The weight she had been carrying felt lighter. Looking around at the faces of her family, she realised- she was not alone.
They stood for her. They believed in her.
And at that moment, she knew she would not let them down
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