I clench my jaw, my heart hammering in my chest. A week ago, those words would have meant everything. But now, I’m not sure they’re enough.
And the one person who should be here—Sana—is nowhere in sight.
My gaze moves to Sana’s mom, who is staring at me silently, her lips pressed into a thin line. She still doesn’t look convinced either.
A lump rises in my throat, and before I can stop myself, I take a hesitant step toward her. My knees hit the floor as I kneel before her, my hands clasped together in desperation.
“Please, Aunty,” my voice trembles. “Don’t take Sana away from me. She means everything to me. She’s my life, my safe place. She’s what keeps me grounded. I just can’t lose that. I can’t lose her. I don’t know how to exist in a world where she isn’t by my side.” My throat closes up, but I force the words out. “I know I don’t deserve her, but I just can’t let go of her either.” My fingers tighten, my whole body aching. “Please understand I don’t just want her in my life—I need her. Without her, I—” My voice cracks, and I squeeze my eyes shut. “I don’t even know who I am without her.” I look up at her, desperation gleaming in my eyes. “I know I let you down once. But that won’t happen again. I swear to you—I’ll cherish her, love her, protect her, and respect her the way she deserves.” My voice drops to a whisper.“I know she’s hurting right now and wants nothing to do with me. But I’m not going anywhere. I’ll wait, as long as it takes. Just... please….. place your hands on my head and give me your blessing that you’ll support me in winning your daughter’s heart again.” My throat tightens. “Please, just give me a chance.”
Sana’s mother looks at me. Really looks at me. Her eyes that were cold and guarded earlier now glisten with unshed tears. Her fingers tremble slightly as she reaches out, hesitating before gently placing her hand over my head.
“You… really love her that much?” she says softly.
I nod, unable to find the words as my own eyes sting.
A shaky breath escapes her. She looks at my parents, then back at me as tears spill down her cheeks. “Then who am I to stand in the way of that?”
Before I can ask her if she has really forgiven me, a sharp voice cuts through.
“What’s happening here?”
I turn, my breath catching as I see Sana standing just a few steps away. Her arms are crossed tightly over her chest, her eyes dark with anger and hurt.
“Sana—” I start to rise to my feet, but she shakes her head and moves toward her mom, kneeling in front of her and holding out her hands.
“Mom, are you okay?”
Her mom nods, wiping her damp cheeks. “Beta… Aditya and his parents are here to apologize.”
“We don’t need an apology,” Sana says coldly as she rises to her feet. “Please, leave.”
My heart sinks.
“Sana—” I take a step towards her, but she takes one back, her arms tightening around herself as if shielding herself from me.
“No.” Her voice shakes, but she keeps her chin up. “You don’t get to walk in here and think an apology can fix everything.” Her eyes flicker to my parents. “And Aunty, I don’t even know why you’re here. Do you even realise what your words did? Do you have any idea how they made my mom feel? How they made me feel?”
“Sana,” my mom looks at her, guilt shadowing her features. “I know what I said that night was unforgivable. And I have no excuse. I was a mother who spoke out of anger and fear. I judged without listening, without understanding. And in doing so, I hurt you and your mom deeply. I regret that more than you can imagine.”
“Regret?” Sana’s voice shakes with hurt. “Do you have any idea what that night was like for me? I watched my mom break down in front of me. I watched her lying unconscious in a hospital bed, helplessly waiting for her to wake up. And now you’re standing here, thinking a few words of regret can erase that pain?”
My mom looks shattered, her eyes pooling with unshed tears. “No,” she whispers. “I know it can’t. But it’s all I have, Sana. It’s all I can offer—my remorse and my promise to be better.”
Sana’s mom slowly rises, placing a hand on her daughter’s arm. “Beta… they didn’t just come here to say sorry. They came here to make things right.”
Sana looks at her mom, confusion flickering in her eyes. “But Mom, you were the one who told me it’s better to let go.”
“That was then,” her mom admits. “But today, when I see the regret in their eyes, I believe they deserve a second chance.” She looks at me then, her gaze soft yet resolute. “And when I see this man here—someone who would do anything for you, someone who truly loves you—I saw something real. I saw the way he knelt before me, pleading for you like his entire lifedepended on it. I saw the way his voice shook, the way his hands trembled. I saw the love in his eyes, the desperation in his words. I have never seen someone beg for anything the way he begged for you, Sana. That kind of love… it’s rare. It’s clear to me that he’s worth taking a chance on.”
Sana falters for a second before shaking her head. “Mom, you can’t seriously—”
“I can,” her mom’s voice softens. “Because even your dad believed in giving second chances to people, especially to those who truly deserved them.”
Sana’s breath hitches, but she turns away, refusing to let her emotions show.
I step towards her. “Sana, I know I hurt you.” My voice cracks, but I push on. “I know what my mom did was wrong.” I swallow hard. “But losing you... it’s tearing me apart.”
She stays quiet, but her fingers twitch at her sides.
