Misha
Misha had completed her Master's in English Literature. Words were not just something she studied—they were something she lived with. One day, she wanted a library filled with books written by her own hands, her own heart, her own stories. But dreams were hard to grow in a house full of poison. Every day inside her parents' home felt like she was slowly losing herself.
So she chose to leave.
Not because she was weak—
but because she wanted peace.
---
6:30 AM
Sunlight slipped through the thin curtains and touched Misha's face. She was always an early riser, but today felt different. It felt like the beginning of something new.
She jumped out of bed, went straight to the bathroom, and let the warm water wash over her in a long,shower. When she stepped out, she started getting ready for the new day waiting for her—beige trousers, a black full-sleeve top, and her long black curls tied into a ponytail that fell down her back like waves of the beach, calm yet hold so much. For a moment, she looked at herself in the mirror and smiled.
It was a rare smile.
But it was real.
---
8:00 AM
Misha moved through the kitchen silently, making breakfast for everyone like she always did. No one noticed her presence. No one thanked her. She took a few bites for herself hurriedly, then went back to her room, picked up her bag, and walked toward the door.
Her parents were sitting there, but they didn't even look at her when she said she was leaving.
To them, she wasn't a daughter.
She was a responsibility they wanted to get rid of—
through marriage, on their terms.
Just as she reached the door, her mother's voice loud and sharp, making her stop on her path.
"Misha."
The bitterness and agerr in that single word made her body stiff, heartbeat pacing. Before Misha could respond, her mother grabbed her wrist, her grip cold and painful.
"I will kill you before I accept you with any man of your choice," she shouted. "So don't you dare try to make any boyfriend."
Misha stared at her blankly.
There was no love in her mother's touch.
Only control.
Only hatred.
She slowly pulled her hand back, swallowing the lump formed in her throat and tears rising up in her eyes. Without another word, she turned and walked out.
She just want to leave this place as soon as possible.
Outside, Misha touched her aching wrist. It was already turning red. She was glad she had worn full sleeves—it would hide the marks, just like it always did.
She had lived with this her entire life.
She had learned to survive it.
But it still hurt.
Not today, she told herself.
Today, I won't let this ruin me.
Blinking away the tears, she straightened her back and stepped into the cab.
"Okay, baby," she whispered softly to herself,
"let's change this life once and for all."
Thirty minutes later, her heart nearly stopped.
In front of her stood a beautiful building wrapped in soft pink bougainvillea that climbed up the walls like a dream. A simple yet elegant board hung above the entrance.
KITAAB CAFE
Misha stared at the name again and again. The air smelled faintly of books. The store was just opening; cleaners moved quietly inside, preparing it for the day.
It felt unrealistic.. to beautiful to be true.
Three storeys tall.
A café and book section on the ground floor.
A full library with quiet reading corners above.
And the top floor—mysterious, private, like stories were being born there.
Misha has always seen this place in photos and reels and the only thought was—
Bhagwan ji… bas ek baar yahan jaana hai…
She had prayed for this place so many times.
And now she was here.
Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice the man until he cleared his throat loudly.
"So, Ms. Misha," the manager said. (almost same age as Misha), they met once before to discuss the job and her timings etc.
The manager says—"are you planning to admire the building all day, or are you coming in to start your job? You're already twenty minutes late."
Her eyes widened as she checked the time.
10:20 AM.
She quickly apologized, embarrassed, and followed him inside—and when she looked at the place.. Damnn!!! —only to feel her heart explode with happiness.
Because it wasn't just a bookstore.
It was a royal library.
And maybe…
the first place that would ever feel like home.
And her inner self did a happy dance on seeing the place- Abhi maja ayegaaa naaaa….