Dons of Punjab: Fluke of Reality✔️

chapter 4

Amandeep Singh Aulakh

The realization hit me hard, like a storm crashing against the shore. My heart twisted with a mix of emotions—happiness, pride, but also an ache so deep it was unbearable. I should have been celebrating her success, but all I could think about was how she was leaving. Again.

I clenched my fists, trying to push away the selfish thoughts. Prabh deserved this. She had worked so hard for it. But how was I supposed to be okay with watching her go when I had just started feeling like she was finally mine?

As I watched her, standing there with that bright, excited smile, my chest tightened. Her happiness was like sunlight breaking through the clouds, beautiful and warm, but it only reminded me that soon, she'd be gone.

I forced a smile, shoving my hands into my pockets. "So, England, huh?" My voice sounded strained even to my own ears.

Prabh nodded quickly, her eyes shining. "Yes! I still can't believe it. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Yeah... that's amazing, Prabh."

She frowned, her smile faltering just a little. "You don't sound happy."

I shook my head and chuckled, though it felt forced. "Of course, I'm happy. You deserve this."

Her eyes searched mine, as if trying to figure out what I wasn't saying. But before she could press further, someone called her name from the other room. She gave me a small smile and touched my arm lightly. "I'll be right back."

And just like that, she walked away, leaving me standing there, feeling like my heart had just been ripped out of my chest.

Later that night, when the house was quiet, I found myself sitting alone in the kitchen. Everyone else was asleep, lost in peaceful dreams, but I couldn't find rest. My mind was spinning, my chest heavy with emotions I couldn't even begin to untangle.

The moonlight streamed through the window, casting long shadows across the floor. The silence felt suffocating. My fingers tightened around the crystal glass in my hand. The golden liquid inside swirled as I tilted it slightly, the scent of scotch filling the air. I rarely drank, but tonight... tonight I needed something to dull the ache in my chest.

I took a slow sip, the burn spreading down my throat, but it didn't make me feel better. Nothing would.

I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair. "Why does this hurt so much?" I whispered to myself.

The answer was obvious.

Because Prabh wasn't just some girl to me. She was everything.

For six years, I had loved her in silence. Six long years of watching her from afar, craving her touch, her laughter, her love. And now, just when I thought I had a chance, she was slipping through my fingers again.

I gritted my teeth, gripping the glass so tightly that, before I could stop myself, it shattered in my hand. The sharp crack of breaking glass echoed in the empty kitchen. Pain shot through my palm, but I barely felt it.

Blood pooled in my hand, dripping onto the table, but I didn't move. I just stared at it, watching the red liquid mix with the last drops of scotch.

A shaky breath left my lips. "I can't lose her," I muttered.

I needed her. And I was done pretending I could just stand by and watch her leave.

With my uninjured hand, I grabbed the decanter and poured another drink, barely noticing how my hand trembled. The deep gash on my palm stung, but it was nothing compared to the pain clawing at my heart.