Chapter 2:
Arshi's hands trembled as the screen of her phone dimmed. The message felt like a cold hand tightening around her throat. Why now? Why was Joy coming back after all these years?
The next morning, the sound of her father's cheerful laughter echoed from the living room. Arshi walked down the stairs, her heart heavy with dread. Her father was on the phone, his face beaming with joy.
"Yes, Joy! We are so excited to have you back. Arshi has grown up so much; she'll be thrilled to see you!"
Arshi felt a chill run down her spine. Her father didn't know the truth. He didn't know that Joy's 'love' was a dark, suffocating prison. She still remembered the day Joy burned her favorite diary just because she had talked to another boy. Joy didn't just love; he obsessed.
Suddenly, her phone vibrated in her pocket. A new message from that same unknown number appeared:
"I just landed, Arshi. I hope you're wearing the color I like. Don't make me wait."
"Do you think Arshi should run away or face Joy? Let me know in the comments!"