When Love Lasts✔️

Chapter 1

Sukhpreet Kaur

Today marks the dawning of a new chapter in my life, as I embark on my very first day of college. Oh, the sheer elation that courses through my veins! No longer shall I be subjected to the incessant bickering and tumultuous clashes between my father and brother, which seemed to plague our humble abode day and night. At long last, I am liberated from those shackles, and the sweet taste of freedom dances upon my lips.

Ever since my days in middle school, I have eagerly anticipated this momentous occasion. Dreams of a serendipitous encounter, a college meet-cute, have filled my heart with hope. Perhaps, just perhaps, destiny shall intertwine my path with that of a kindred spirit, and the tender tendrils of love shall envelop my very being.

Ah, but there is a secret I must confess, dear reader. A secret that has remained hidden within the depths of my soul for far too long. Despite nearing the tender age of eighteen, I have yet to experience the blissful sensation of a first kiss. Alas, I owe this peculiar circumstance to my dear brother, whose overprotective nature has deterred any potential suitors from venturing too close to my heart. His mere presence has been enough to send them scurrying away, like frightened mice in the presence of a formidable feline.

But fear not, for today marks a new beginning. As I step foot onto the hallowed grounds of my college campus, I can feel the winds of change whispering promises of newfound experiences and unexplored emotions. With each passing day, I inch closer to the possibility of that long-awaited first kiss, and who knows, perhaps even the blossoming of a love that will transcend the boundaries of time and space.

From the time my sister and I were little, we were always given the impression that we could do anything we wanted. We were encouraged to dream big and chase after our passions with all our might. However, there was one caveat that always hung over our heads like a dark cloud. We were forbidden from dating until after we graduated from college, and even then, we were only allowed to date a Sardar that our parents had chosen for us.

It was a strange rule, one that we never quite understood. We were allowed to pursue any career we wanted, travel the world, and make our own decisions about our lives. But when it came to matters of the heart, we were expected to follow a strict set of guidelines that seemed to have no rhyme or reason.

As we grew older, my sister and I began to question this rule more and more. We wondered why our parents were so insistent on us dating a Sardar, and why they felt the need to control such a personal aspect of our lives. But no matter how much we pushed back, the rule remained in place, a constant reminder of the limitations that had been placed upon us since we were young.

I reached for my phone, which was resting on the desk of my dorm room. I dialed my sister's number and waited for her to pick up.

After a few rings, she finally answered, her voice filled with excitement."I've been waiting for hours!" she exclaimed. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her dramatics.

"Come on, Jassu, it hasn't been that long," I teased. "And yes, I've reached my destination safely," I reassured her.

Jasleen and I may have a two-year age gap, but that doesn't stop us from being the best of friends. We've always been close, despite our differences.

Even though my father and brother don't see eye to eye, Lovely and I have always gotten along well. Well, except for when he goes into Mr. Overprotective Older Brother mode.

"So, what time will you be home?" Jasleen asked, interrupting my thoughts.I groaned inwardly. I had completely forgotten that it was Friday.

"I should be home around 7 pm. Why, what's up?" I asked, curious.

"Nothing, just wanted to know," she replied before quickly saying goodbye and hanging up.

●●●

As I was making my way to my last class of the day, I suddenly collided with something, or rather someone. I looked up to see a towering figure, a man who was easily the tallest person I had ever seen. My heart skipped a beat as I took in his chiseled features and broad shoulders. I was completely speechless.