In the midst of the simmering violence in the air of Punjab stood a girl, now transitioning towards becoming a Woman with black kohl under the brown eyes, dense curly hair reaching till hips and red dark chooda which is carrying weight far beyond her age.

She is way too calm for a girl who just got married right before her father's funeral. Her bhabhi constantly fretting around her while packing her suitcase, nearly packing everything that falls under her eyes.

" Chidiya dar nhi lag rha " She whispered.

The words fall in the cold room. After one minute replied comes without any emotions

" Isse jyada bura aur kya jo sktaa hai bhabhi"

The elderly woman paused in her actions. Finally she pleaded, her voice teary

" Bcha ab jo yha hua use bhul jaao use.Tum apni nayi duniya basane jaarhi ho. Yaha ki kadwi yaade mat lekr jaao"

After hearing her reply, the bride's heart hardened. She left her hope for any understanding. She promised herself to not fall prey to weakness again. And with steel in her and determination running through her veins. She put back her mask on with only one word.

"Jiii"

Little did she know her future, which now seems so wilted without the chance of ever blooming, will become one day so bright under the watchful eyes of grey ones.