Chapter 3 – The Pandemic and the Sparks (2020)

The world had slowed down. Streets were empty, schools silent, and friendships trapped behind phone screens. For Janani, the lockdown was a strange mix of quiet and loneliness.

At first, Rishi’s calls filled her evenings. He would talk about dreams of going abroad, about building a future, about how he wanted to make her proud. But as weeks turned into months, the distance between them grew. The calls became shorter, the replies delayed.

Janani sat by her window one April evening, flipping through the diary Rishi had gifted her. The last few pages had been empty for weeks. Her heart ached for reassurance. She felt invisible.

That night, she remembered something.

It was Ram’s birthday.

Her fingers hovered over her phone screen. She told herself, “It’s just a wish. Nothing wrong in it.”

And so, she sent a simple message:

> “Happy Birthday, Ram. Stay blessed.

She thought it was harmless. She was wrong.

🌪 Leela’s Entry

Ram was no longer alone. He had Leela — fiery, possessive, quick to anger. When she saw Janani’s name pop up on Ram’s phone, rage boiled inside her. To her, this wasn’t a wish. It was an invasion.

That very night, Leela messaged Janani.

> Leela: “Stay away from Ram. You cheap girl. Don’t you have shame?”

Janani (shocked, trembling): “It was just a birthday wish… nothing else.”

Leela: “Don’t act innocent. I know your tricks. If you ever text him again, I’ll ruin you.”

The words cut deep. Janani sat frozen, phone shaking in her hands. She hadn’t meant harm, yet she was attacked as if she were the villain.

🌿 Psychological Layer

Janani: At this point, she was lonely. Rishi’s neglect pushed her to seek even the smallest connection. A simple wish was her way of clinging to humanity during isolation. Her psychology reflected vulnerability and a fear of abandonment.

Leela: Leela’s rage was rooted in insecurity. She feared that Ram’s past love would overshadow her present. Instead of trusting Ram, she fought Janani — the softer target. Her psychology reflected jealousy-driven aggression, which often stems from low self-worth.

Ram: He stood silent, letting Leela fight his battles. For him, the birthday wish was secretly flattering. He felt “wanted,” but he lacked the maturity to calm Leela or protect Janani. His psychology reflected passive approval of toxic behavior.

🌸 Impact on Janani

That one night changed something inside Janani.

She realized that her kindness could be misunderstood. That people could twist her silence into weakness. For the first time, she wondered: “Am I the problem? Maybe I should just stay quiet forever.”

The seed of self-doubt grew stronger.

🌿 Public Awareness Note

1. Pandemic Loneliness: 2020 showed how isolation can make people vulnerable to old bonds or unhealthy decisions. Emotional needs during lockdown led many into toxic patterns.

2. Digital Abuse: Leela’s abusive messages are a form of cyber harassment. Victims must know that screenshots, blocking, and reporting are first steps. Seeking support from trusted elders is crucial.

3. For Partners: Instead of attacking “third persons,” partners need to build trust. Jealousy only destroys the relationship faster.

4. For Teenagers: A simple message may feel harmless, but if it reopens old wounds, it can spark unnecessary conflict. Before reaching out, ask: “Am I doing this out of love, or out of loneliness?”