My Sweet And Sassy Love

|| EPISODE 28 ||

Sarah's POV

I spent the rest of the day relaxing with Pooja and Neha, laughing and enjoying the simple pleasures of their company. But when night fell, I returned to our room with a sense of longing in my heart. Aryan glanced at me as I entered, then made his way to the couch. I climbed onto the bed, turning to my left to catch a glimpse of him. To my surprise, he had already drifted off to sleep.

"Aryan, are you asleep?" I whispered, trying to keep my voice gentle.

"Yes," he murmured, his eyes still closed.

"Do you want to talk about something?" I asked, even though my true intention was to explore something deeper, something I had been pondering since our earlier conversation.

"If you have a question, just ask. Don't hesitate," Aryan replied, turning to face me, his gaze piercing through the dim light.

"Aryan?" My voice wavered, filled with reluctance.

"Yes, kitty?" He kept his eyes locked on mine, an openness inviting me in.

"Why don't you... why don't you believe in love? Why didn't you want to marry?" I asked, my heart racing at the thought of his answer. It was a question that had been itching at me, a mystery wrapped in layers of hurt.

He regarded me with a blank stare, as if wrestling with memories before answering. "What is true love to you? Do you believe in it?"

"For me, love is a profound connection where both people respect each other's boundaries. It's about feeling safe and cherished—not just in grand gestures but in those quiet moments when you understand one another without words. True love is knowing you're protected emotionally, physically, and mentally, and prioritizing each other's happiness, even in chaos. Now, it's your turn," I replied, gazing into his eyes, where I found a sanctuary amidst my turbulent emotions. In that moment, I felt safe, secure—a universe I could escape to anytime.

"My parents had a love marriage. They were madly in love, taking care of every detail in each other's lives. I was born as a symbol of their love, and for a long time, I thought I was lucky to have such an example." He paused, a shadow crossing his features. "But everything shattered when I turned fifteen. My father lost himself to fame and fortune, straying with younger women. He died in a car accident with his mistress. My mother was heartbroken, her silent tears becoming the backdrop of my youth. My trust in love crumbled alongside her suffering. Watching her despair made me realize that love can be devastating, and that's why I decided I'd never fall in love." He sighed, and the pain in his eyes cut through me like a knife.

"I can see how this shaped you," I said softly, my heart aching for the boy who had lost so much. "But don't you think it's unfair to judge love based on just one experience? My parents loved each other too. My dad was an orphan who worked as an investment banker in my grandpa's firm. My grandpa recognized his potential and married him to his daughter. They fell in love, supported each other through thick and thin. Love can propel you to great heights, even if it sometimes leads to heartbreak. But there's beauty in those moments at the top. It's also okay to fall and rise again." I looked up at the ceiling, memories flooding back, a bittersweet smile creeping onto my face.

As I turned to check on Aryan, I noticed he had fallen asleep. I felt a sense of relief, knowing that he had at least shared a piece of his soul with me. Deep down, I hoped he would one day find love again, that he would rise above his past and discover happiness.

"Good night, Aryan," I murmured, a wish hanging in the air: that my heart wouldn't fall too deeply for him.

During the night, I sensed someone watching me intently but dismissed it as a figment of my imagination, sinking into dreams that felt strangely peaceful.