Chapter 4 – Betrayal, Blackmail & Threats (2021–2022)

The new year of 2021 arrived with hope for many, but for Janani, it began with silence.

Rishi had gone to Abroad

At first, she waited for his late-night calls. She sent him long messages about her day, her small victories, her worries. Hours turned into days before he replied, and his words grew shorter — “ok,” “busy,” “talk later.”

Janani clutched the diary he once gave her, the pages now filled with questions instead of joy.

“Why is he drifting away? Am I too much? Or not enough?”

By mid-2021, she realized the truth. Rishi cared less and less. Love, once her safe harbor, had become a distant shore.

⚡ Meanwhile, Ram & Leela

Ram had moved on — or at least pretended to. Leela stood by his side, loud and possessive. But their bond was poisoned by Ram’s unresolved obsession with Janani.

One evening in early 2022, Janani received a message from a strange Instagram account. It contained old pictures of her with Rishi, from the time they were together. 

The message read:

> “Stay away from us, or everyone will see what you’ve done.”

Her heart raced. She knew it was them — Ram and Leela.

And then the nightmare unfolded.

They sent those pictures to her family. They threatened to post them publicly. Janani’s world collapsed in a single night.

— it was the deepest shame she had ever felt, though she had done nothing wrong.

⚔️ The Confrontation

Weeks later, Ram himself appeared at Janani’s college. His face was hardened, his eyes burning with anger.

He cornered her near the library, voice low and venomous.

> Ram: “If you ever come into our life again, Janani, I’ll kill you. Remember that.”

Janani froze. She felt the weight of death pressing into her chest. She wasn’t just being harassed — she was being threatened for her very existence.

That night, she cried until her body gave up. She was no longer the carefree girl of 2017. She felt like a ghost in her own skin.

🌿 Psychological Layer

Janani: In 2021–2022, her psychology was defined by trauma. She carried abandonment (from Rishi) and humiliation (from Ram & Leela). The blackmail created fear of exposure and destroyed her sense of safety. Such trauma often leads to depression, social withdrawal, and suicidal thoughts if left unsupported.

Rishi: In Dubai, Rishi chose ambition over love. His neglect was not intentional cruelty, but immaturity. He failed to understand that love needs presence, not just promises. Psychologically, he valued freedom more than responsibility.

Ram: Ram’s obsession had now shifted into toxic control. His inability to handle rejection fueled revenge. Threats and blackmail are classic signs of unresolved insecurity and an abusive mindset.

Leela: Leela’s actions stemmed from fear of losing Ram. Instead of strengthening her relationship, she attacked Janani. Her psychology reflected dependency — she tied her worth to Ram, and any threat to him was seen as a threat to her identity.

🌸 Impact on Janani

For Janani, this was rock bottom. She lived with constant fear — of her parents’ disappointment, of Ram’s threats, of Rishi’s indifference. Nights became sleepless, days felt heavy.

And yet, deep within, a tiny voice whispered: “Survive this. Do not break.”

It was fragile, but it was there.

🌿 Public Awareness Note

1. On Blackmail:

If anyone faces digital blackmail, the first step is document everything (screenshots, chat logs).

Do not give in to threats. Immediately report to cybercrime helplines or police. In India, dial 1930 or visit the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

2. On Threats & Safety:

Death threats are not “emotional anger”; they are criminal acts. Informing trusted adults, college authorities, or police can prevent escalation.

3. On Parental Role:

Parents must understand that photos, messages, or friendships are not “shameful.” What is shameful is harassment. Instead of blaming the child, they must stand as allies.

4. For Students:

Know that love turning into abuse is not your fault. Walking away is strength, not weakness.

Counseling services in colleges must be made accessible for those who suffer silently.