“That may be logical,” Dad interrupts, “but Amyra is overwhelmed by emotions right now.” I nod, too drained to argue further, every word sounding like another lost hope of my future with Amyra.
“Can’t I even get one chance to fix my mistakes?” my heart screams silently.
“There might be a chance,” Harsha Uncle says slowly, “if Amyra and Aditi talk to each other.” Hope sparks in my eyes, only to be extinguished instantly.
“But that doesn’t seem possible anytime soon. Aditi is leaving India in three days.” His words crush my confidence, shaking my faith in both myself and my love.
“But, does that mean you all support me?” I ask hesitantly. Their answer comes in a united nod.
“We’re hurt by what you did to Aditi,” Mom says gently, “but we’re also glad that the dream of you and Amyra still exists.”I nod, noticing once again their longing to see Amyra as their daughter-in-law.
“If Amyra and Aditi are okay with it, we will be too,” Neelima aunty adds softly. “It’s not a big deal.”
Relief washes over me as I have my family’s support, at least.
“Mistakes are inevitable,” Dad says firmly, “but hurting people is not excusable. Be patient. Time will heal everything.”
I murmur a quiet, “Okay.”
“Let Amyra decide,” Harsha Uncle concludes in a commanding tone. “That’s the only decision we will support.” His words send a shiver down my spine, but they are undeniable.
“I agree, Uncle.”
As they return to their discussion, my heart pulls me toward Amyra’s room. I ask her mother’s permission and enter. She may not be here, but I can at least feel her presence.
As I step over the threshold, her familiar fragrance envelops me like a warm embrace. The air is infused with subtle notes of jasmine and vanilla, instantly grounding me in memories of laughter and late-night conversations. I scan the room, taking in every detail: everything is immaculately tidy, serene, and comforting—just like her. The atmosphere hums with tranquility, almost as if Amyra herself is standing beside me, sharing in this moment.
My gaze wanders until it lands on the nightstand next to the queen-sized bed. There, resting like a cherished treasure, is a round, clear resin décor piece, delicately crafted with dried flowers sealed inside, their stems trimmed with meticulous care.Recognition washes over me slowly, then floods my thoughts with clarity.
Pink tulips and lilacs. The ones I had gifted her months ago, tokens of our friendship now enveloped in fragility.
Why would she go to such lengths to preserve them? Were they just flowers from a best friend, or something more?
As my thoughts spiral with confusion and unspoken questions, I turn away, but my curiosity is piqued by a colorful, bound book perched on her study table. It beckons me closer, and with a mix of trepidation and intrigue, I reach for it, flipping it open only to feel the world around me shift beneath my feet.
‘My Memories with My Crush/Love.’
A chill shoots through me, and my heartbeat plummets. My breath becomes shallow and uneven, a gnawing fear settling in. What secrets does this book hold about her feelings, her hidden love? With trembling hands, I carefully turn the pages. It's a scrapbook filled with cherished moments: childhood photographs, whimsical doodles, and handwritten notes documenting her journey through love. And then—
There they are! My childhood photos.
Page after page reveals snapshots of us, from carefree school days to the bittersweet moments following graduation. My heart races as one particular handwritten line pierces through my chest, the truth hitting me like a tidal wave.
‘My Rey, why can’t you see my love for you?’ Suddenly, my vision blurs, and the air feels thick in my lungs as I struggle to process the revelation.
“Does this mean… does this mean… Ames—”
“Yes, Reyansh.” The familiar voice cuts through my chaotic thoughts, grounding me in reality. I whip around to find Aditi standing near the door, her expression calm yet reassuring.
“Yes,” she confirms softly. “Whatever you’re thinking right now… is the truth.”
Amyra loves me? The realization crashes over me like a storm, raw and electrifying. And Aditi knows about it? My mind reels, the weight of the moment heavy with revelations yet to come.
What the hell!
Chapter 35
Reyansh
