𝑯𝒊𝒔 𝑺𝒖𝒃𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒖𝒕𝒆 𝑩𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒆

➍ ᴍᴇʜɴᴅɪ

Arham's POV:

I stood at the edge of the cliff, gazing out at the vast landscape below. It stretched out endlessly, like a painting that had no clear beginning or end. The cool breeze swept across my face, but suddenly, I heard something that made my heart stop for a moment. Those voices—familiar, comforting, and filled with love.

"Ammi... Abbu," I whispered, my breath catching in my throat. I turned around slowly, and there they were, standing just a few steps away from me. Their faces radiated warmth, just as I remembered. Tears welled up in my eyes, and before I knew it, I was running towards them, my heart pounding with happiness.

I threw my arms around them, clinging tightly as if they might disappear at any second. "Ammi, Abbu, how are you both?" I managed to ask, though my voice was thick with emotion.

Ammi smiled softly, her gentle hand caressing my cheek just like she used to. "My child, how are you?" she asked, her tone filled with the same love I had longed to hear. But there was something else too—worry. I could see it in her eyes. She knew. She knew the pain I had been carrying since they were gone.

I turned back towards the cliff, staring down at the endless horizon, the wind brushing past me as if it was trying to offer comfort. But I felt empty inside, as vast and lonely as the land below. "I know you both want me to be happy," I said, my voice shaking as I spoke. "But I can't seem to find it anymore. Happiness feels so distant... it’s like I’m just going through the motions. I wake up, I live, but I don’t feel anything real. It’s like I’m missing something important, and I don’t know how to fill that emptiness."

Ammi stepped forward, her eyes filled with worry and love, and took my hands gently. "We know you've been carrying a lot of pain, beta," she said, her voice soft and full of care. "But marrying just to make us happy is not the answer. You need to be sure that it’s what you want."

Abbu came closer, his face showing the same concern as Ammi’s. "Arham, think about what truly matters to you," he added, his tone calm but serious. "We don't want you to feel trapped in a marriage that doesn't bring you happiness. Your happiness is more important to us than any duty."

I looked at them, tears welling up in my eyes. Their words hit me hard, but I had already made up my mind. "I understand what you’re saying," I replied, my voice cracking slightly, "but my decision is made. I’m going to get married, and that's final."

Ammi pulled me into her arms, her hug filled with warmth and love. "Beta, all we want is for you to be happy," she whispered softly, her words full of emotion. "That’s all we’ve ever wanted for you."

I held onto her tightly, finding comfort in her embrace. "I know, Ammi," I said, my voice steadier now. "I know you both love me, and I’m doing what I believe is right for me."

Abbu placed his hand on my shoulder, his touch firm but comforting. "We’ll support you in whatever choice you make," he said, his voice calm and strong. "But just think carefully. We only want to see you truly happy."

I nodded, feeling their support surround me like a blanket of love. "I will, Abbu. I promise."

I turned to Ammi, her eyes filled with sadness. It hurt to see her like this, so I reached out and gently cupped her face in my hands. "Ammi, I’m happy," I said, my voice soft but determined. "Don’t worry about me. I’m learning to find happiness, even without you."