How did my carefully built life suddenly turn into a bed of thorns? No matter how much I keep myself occupied, the anguish of unrequited love lingers at the back of my mind. Itonly worsens when I have to act normal in front of him, when I’m expected to cheer for his relationship with my own sister.
Why does fate have to be this cruel?
I lower my head onto the desk, sobbing silently, until the faint sound of the sliding door pulls me back. I quickly wipe my tears and look up to see who enters. I rise to my feet, disbelief washing over me.
Reyansh’s father, Suryaveer Uncle, is standing in my cubicle.
“Surya Uncle! What a surprise. Do you have some work to assign me?” I ask hurriedly. This is the first time he has ever come here.
“Can’t I visit you without work, Amyra? When I consider you my daughter,” he says gently.
“Of course you can, Uncle. Anytime. You could have called me, I would have come to your cabin,” I reply with a smile, trying to sound normal, though my voice feels heavy after crying.
“Amyra, I was in the lobby. I heard the entire conversation.” His gaze softens, his voice dropping.
My eyes turn glossy, but I blink rapidly, fighting the tears. “That’s nothing, Uncle. If you’re here to check on me, don’t worry. I’m fine.” I try not to sound vulnerable, but he steps closer and rests his hand on my head, a deep sigh leaving him.
“You don’t have to pretend with me, Amyra.” That’s all it takes. I break down again, and he pulls me into his arms, rubbing my back as I cry for a few more minutes. When I finally pull away, I look up at him.
“Please, have a seat, Uncle.” My voice steadies as we sit across from each other.
“I can’t imagine the pain you’re carrying while still giving your best at work,” he says. “We’re truly proud of you. Every day, your father and I hear about you and Reyansh from your mentors. Ms Shanaya has never said a single negative thing about you. How do you manage everything?”
His words are filled with pride and admiration, and I feel grateful for the support around me.
Another father figure - Surya Uncle!And once, if things had gone right, he would have been my future father-in-law.
“There’s nothing special, Uncle. I just want to take my responsibilities seriously.”
“That’s what we admire about you, Amyra. You’re carving your own path and carrying the legacy forward.”
“It means a lot to hear that from you,” I admit. “You and Dad have been my inspiration for as long as I can remember.”
Memories of my childhood surface—watching both of them work day and night, building the company brick by brick. I’ve always been grateful to be raised where hard work is worshipped.
“I’m glad we inspired you,” he says softly. “But we can see you’re still struggling in your personal life.” My smile fades. I lower my gaze to avoid his pathetic glances.
“And even though we haven’t moved on from Reyansh breaking his forgotten promise,” he continues. “Meenal and I may stay silent, but inside, we’re still grieving the loss of the daughter-in-law we dreamed of for years.”
I know that pain, the grief of losing a future you once believed in.
I stay quiet, letting him speak.
“I still don’t understand how he could even think of dating your sister when we’ve seen him care for you so deeply. Sometimes I feel he’s confused, unable to recognise his love for you—”
“That’s not possible, Uncle,” I interrupt gently. “Reyansh is smart enough to be aware of his emotions. He knows how to control his heart and mind. We should accept their relationship completely and find peace.” I say it aloud, as much for myself as for him.
“Don’t you think it takes years to forget a cherished dream?”
“It does,” I agree with a small smile. “But we still have to move forward.” He nods, rising to leave. I stand as well, out of respect, when his expression suddenly turns serious.
“I believe good things are coming your way. And if they don’t, we’ll make sure happiness finds you soon. Take care, Amyra.” He walks out, but his words echo in my mind.
Why did they sound like a silent promise, almost like a carefully curated plan? What if I’m not ready for that?
I can only hope my life doesn’t fall apart for the second time.
Chapter 20
