Guilt clouds her face. I glance at Dad, who looks just as remorseful, though words clearly fail him.
“Glad you finally realised who the best match for you is, Reyansh, before it becomes late. At one point in time, Harsha and I considered Karan for Amyra but eventually let it go, observing how she is more focused on her career than relationship,” he says quietly.
And I know he means it. I have seen how they were serious about choosing Karan for her, but now I understand it's because of helping her move on from the heartache I caused. But now, I feelglad they stopped their match fixing trials as I can’t imagine my life with anyone other than Amyra.
“Mom, Dad, it did hurt when you shut me out for my choices,” I admit. “I was also confused by how deeply you clung to my childhood promise and to Amyra becoming your daughter-in-law. But with time, I understood her place in my life and realised you both saw it long before I did. You don’t need to apologise for wanting the best for your son. I haven’t raised to that stage where I should forgive my parents. I’m sorry for being so blind until now.”
I stand, move to my mother, and kneel to hug her tightly. She pats my shoulder gently, and just like that, the weight on my chest eases.
When I pull back, I feel Dad’s hand rest briefly on my shoulder, accompanied by a small smile. That alone tells me we’re healing.
“But Mom, I’m scared of Amyra’s response,” I confess. “She hasn’t called or messaged me yet. I can’t imagine my life without her now.” I swallow the lump in my throat as my mother strokes my hair softly. This constant overthinking is draining me. Thinking about the stress Amyra must have endured all this time only makes it worse.
“Your suffering is over, Reyu.” Her words make my mind go blank. I look at her, unable to process what she just said.
“What do you mean, Mom?”
“Go to your room,” she says with a faint smile. “A surprise is waiting for you.” Without waiting for her to finish the sentence, I sprint up the stairs, race through the corridor, and shove my room door open, panting. My breathing worsens, turning shallow and uneven, but not from the run.
Amyra.
She’s seated on the couch, looking dazed until the door creaks. Her head snaps up, and the moment her eyes find me, her lips curve into a slow, radiant smile. It feels unreal, like magic unfolding right in front of me.
“Ames…”
The word escapes me on a broken exhale as I step inside, my gaze never leaving her. She rises, moving toward me in slow motion.
“Rey.” She sighs dreamily. She looks breathtaking in a red crop top, baggy jeans, her smile bright enough to soften every sharp edge inside me. Her eyes sparkle, alive like in old times.
“I thought you’d take longer to show up,” I whisper.
“I wanted to come last night after I spoke to Aditi,” she responds, taking a pause and continuing, “but it was midnight. Sneaking into your room felt improper, so I waited. Once Aditi boarded her flight today, I came straight here. Spoke to Uncle and Aunty for a bit, then slipped into your room and waited.” There’s a glow on her face, a quiet happiness that makes my chest ache.
My Amyra.Almost fully back.
“You should’ve called,” I tell her. “I would’ve come to you. I’d have dropped everything.”
“I know,” she smiles. “That’s why I didn’t. I wanted it to be a surprise. Did it work?”
“It depends,” I admit, my heart racing, “on why you’re here.” Her expression softens, emotion weighing her voice.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment, Rey.” My pulse roars in my ears, anticipating her next words.
“I love you too, Rey.” The next second, she’s in my arms. I hold her instinctively, hands locking around her waist as she wraps herself around my neck. My eyes close, overwhelmed and in relief, love, and gratitude crashing together.
I did it. She chose me.
It feels like I’m holding my entire world.
I bury my face into her neck, my throat burning. “This is the biggest day of my life, Ames,” I whisper. “Being yours, that’s my greatest pride.” Her arms tighten. Her lips brush my neck softly, and emotion floods me so intensely my body trembles.
“I was a fool to let you go,” she murmurs. “I waited my whole life for this moment.” She pulls back slightly, my arms still firm around her.
“You must be disappointed in me,” I say quietly. “I reached out to you so late… You might’ve already been moving on.”
“Never,” she says immediately. “You have no idea how hard I tried to remove you from my heart and failed every single time. I trapped myself in guilt over you and Aditi. But let’s leave the past behind. Yes, you came late… and I suffered loving you alone. But you loved me back. That’s enough. I was ready to let you go for your happiness, but not anymore. You’re mine now and forever.” My heart hits its breaking point, not from pain, but from immense joy. I pull her into my embrace again, tears slipping free.
“I was always meant to be yours,” I murmur. “That childhood promise wasn’t childish, it was destiny. I was just blind.” I press gentle kisses into her hair. She holds me tighter.
