Chapter 6: Breaking the Chains

His veins bulged as he choked me nearly to death.

In my previous life, I’d grown up like this—like a baby elephant chained from birth, never thinking of resisting.

Now, after living another life, I realised I could break free if I wanted. But this time, I still didn’t struggle.

“Didn’t you get my meaning earlier? Are you looking for trouble?”

Hearing my father’s furious whisper, I struggled to say, “Dad, I have another way—let go…”

He finally released me and shoved me hard. “Speak. What way?”

I took a few deep breaths and told him that even if my stepmother wouldn’t let him go, he could just follow them himself. After landing, he could chase after them—could she really make him fly home alone?

He thought about it, nodded, and ordered me, “Then get my passport and ticket ready too. Make sure my seat isn’t next to theirs, samjhi?”

I nodded quickly, my hand unconsciously fingering the thin gold chain around my neck—my mother’s, old and faded, a reminder of what family once meant.

The room smelt faintly of agarbatti and stale sweat. I could feel the imprint of his fingers on my neck, the taste of metal in my mouth. He always wore the same white vest, loose at the neck, stained with curry. As I gasped for air, I realised—fear had been my constant companion, but not anymore. The memory of being pushed down that hill was sharper than the ache in my throat. Let him go, let them all go. For the first time, I wanted to watch what happened when I stepped away.