Afterlife Of Ember And Rhea

Chapter 75: The Heart Has Been Touched

"No, I don't believe you," said Mrs. Laghari that afternoon in the kitchen. Jessica and Noor helped her with the cooking and also tried to make her convinced about something.

"But it's true!" Cried Jessica. "And you were the one who told us afterlife exists and you're married to uncle for your next seven lives. What about that?"

His mom coughed. "Beta, those are just sayings because we are married. And even if afterlife exists, you can't just remember anything from your previous lif-"

"WE DO!" Screamed the two cousins in unison.

"You are crazy. Both of you," she laughed.

"Ugh, nevermind," said Noor. "But how do you think about di and Ember?"

"Aw she had the audacity to hold the hand of a boy in front of her parents," said his mom, not looking mad.

"..."

"I'd let them date," she smiled, "if he is actually how you describe him to me, then I want to see how it goes between them. But how long have they known each other?"

"Since age 4 of previous life," Jessica said, "I was there."

"There you go again," she facepalmed. "But it would be problematic for me for I'm not fluent in English like you all. Speaking to him would be a challenge for me."

"No worries, Ember learned Hindi."

"Wow, really? Since when?"

"Past life," they giggled.

* * * * *

Ember and Rhea crossed Neel and Alicia who were making their way to Rhea's house. Rhea didn't take the notice of them and dragged Ember along with her. Ember noticed and waved at them as he ran with her. He laughed nervously.

"Ember," Neel spoke softly. "I'm afraid he told her everything."

"Why does that matter? I always thought they were meant for each other," Alicia stated, "though I've known them to be together for one year," with pain.

"Don't think about it anymore," he patted her shoulder.

"Fine. But what about you? Are you ready to give her up?" She looked concerned, "again?"

"For the third time. Yes," he said as he watched them disappear at the end of the road. "She was there for me when I needed her and he was there for her when she needed him. I guess he's the winner. He always was."

"It's not it. You can't deny that they're soulmates."

"Cheesy!"

Alicia chuckled, "you're saying that because you've never been in love."

"Have you?" Neel questioned her, "I envy them."

"I do too for I never had nobody for me like that."

He looked at her for sometimes. She also stared but at the road, blankly, for sometimes wondering why she had to say that in front of him.

"Do you like me?" He said suddenly with no facial expression.

"What do you think?" She answered after a short pause.

He chuckled, "you can chase after me," he said and started running towards his home.

"Geeeez!" She giggled and actually started chasing him, "wait for me!"

* * * * *

Ember and Rhea walked for quite some time now. They didn't speak but let their hands do it for them. They played with each other's hands as the walked in silence. It was getting dark again. But the sunlight still held the warmth. They reflected his gold and her hair also appeared to be golden. Rhea walked and stood in front of him. She used her hands to shade his eyes.