New Delhi: At 21, Muskan had already begun turning her digital canvas into a livelihood, carving out a promising career as a fashion content creator through short-form reels.A second-year BA student at Delhi University, she balanced her growing online presence with life at home, where she lived with her mother and three siblings. Friends said Muskan had told them she was earning through her reels and hoped to pursue content creation as a career.Her Instagram account, which has more than 1,893 followers, was full of colour and energy, featuring reels on bridal wear, clothing and fashion. Her posts also reflected her love for travel and fitness, offering glimpses into the aspirations of a young woman trying to build a life on her own terms.Yet, amid the vibrant feed were cryptic messages that offered glimpses into a more introspective side of her life. “It can be terrifying how much chaos an individual can create out of nothing in their head — all by themselves,” read one of her posts from last year. Another post carried the words: “A thousand things to say and thousands of reasons not to.”In her last post, Muskan shared a photograph of herself with the caption: “I’d risk it all for you.”Behind the young woman’s growing online presence was a family that had weathered hardship together. A family friend said after the death of Muskan’s father, her mother Kamlesh, who currently works as nursing staff, had to take up various jobs to raise her four children — three daughters and a son. Muskan was the youngest of the three daughters. Her two sisters were also pursuing their own ambitions, one trying to make a career in modelling and the other preparing for the judicial services.Friends described Muskan as someone who remained grounded despite her early success. They recalled her as soft-spoken, warm and generous, saying she was often willing to help those around her.Aman, a friend, said Muskan was a part-time model and a student. However, according to him, there had been a troubling shadow over her life in the period before her death. Aman said he learnt through Muskan’s sisters that she was allegedly being repeatedly harassed by Imran – now suspected of killing her — and had been under considerable stress. “Soon after Muskan’s murder, her younger brother told police he was sure Imran was involved in the crime,” Aman said.
