Eternal Love ❤️

~3~

"Thinking of you keeps me awake. Dreaming of you keeps me asleep. Being with you keeps me alive."        
– Unknown

Amayra's pov :

"Please, just say no to this marriage," I said, my voice trembling with a mix of hope and desperation.

"Why?" Viraj asked, his expression a blend of confusion and curiosity.

"Um... Just say that you don't like me. Please," I pleaded, feeling my cheeks flush with embarrassment.

He chuckled softly, seemingly intrigued by my insistence. "Why do you want me to say no?"

"Because I think you deserve someone better than me!" I said, trying to convey my earnestness.

"Why do you think I deserve someone better?" he pressed, his eyes searching mine for an answer.

I struggled to articulate my feelings, finding it difficult to express the full extent of my uncertainty. "I... I just don't want you to settle for something you might regret later," I said, feeling the weight of my words.

"But isn't it my right to decide whom I want to marry?" he asked, his tone a mix of frustration and genuine inquiry.

"I don't understand why you're so eager to make me back off," he continued, looking more perplexed.

"I—" I began to explain, but was abruptly interrupted by Kashvi's voice.

"Guys, everyone's calling for you!" Kashvi announced, coming into the garden with a sense of urgency.

"Hi! I'm Kashvi Shah, Amayra's friend," she said, extending her hand towards Viraj with a friendly smile.

"Hi," Viraj responded, shaking her hand and offering a polite smile.

"I think we should head back inside," I suggested, trying to shift the focus away from our earlier conversation.

They nodded in agreement, and we made our way back into the house.

"It was nice meeting you, Mr. Sharma. I'll let you know our decision soon. I hope it's a positive one," Uncle said as he shook hands with Dad.

"It was nice meeting you too, Mr. Khanna," Dad replied, his tone courteous but detached.

"We shall take our leave now!" Uncle announced, glancing at the clock.

Dad nodded in acknowledgment, signaling that it was time for them to go.

"Bye, Amayra," Uncle and Aunty said in unison, their voices warm but tinged with formality.

"Bye," I replied, feeling a pang of mixed emotions as I watched them prepare to leave.

Viraj turned to me and whispered softly, "Bye." I responded with a gentle, "Bye," feeling a flutter of nerves as I met his gaze.

As they departed, I let out a deep, heavy sigh. The encounter had been intense and emotionally charged, leaving me with a whirlwind of thoughts and feelings. I felt both relieved and unsettled, unsure of what the next steps would be.

"I hope you didn't say anything foolish in front of him," I heard Dad say, his voice laced with irritation.

I remained silent, choosing not to respond.

"What did you say?" Dad demanded, clearly suspecting that I had said something out of turn.

"Why do you even care?" I snapped, my frustration bubbling over.

"Of course I care! If they didn't agree to the marriage, then you're out of the house," he yelled, his voice harsh and unyielding.

I could hardly believe he was my father. My eyes began to well up with tears as I struggled to process his cold words.