When Love Lasts✔️

Chapter 7

Sukhpreet Kaur 

 The repetitive routine of driving back and forth to my parents' place has become a source of immense displeasure for me. It's as if the universe conspires to ensure that there is always some sort of discord brewing in that household. I have grown tired of being caught in the crossfire between their petty arguments and trivial disputes. Whether it's the need to dedicate time to my studies or the exhausting task of dealing with their nonsensical drama, I have reached my breaking point.

Wow, what a day it has been! I must say, life has been quite the rollercoaster ride lately. Everything seemed to be going smoothly until my car decided to break down right in the middle of the bustling highway. Talk about bad timing! But hey, I'm not one to let a little setback ruin my spirits.

As I stood there, watching the cars whiz by, I couldn't help but chuckle at the irony of it all. It's moments like these that truly test our resilience, don't you think? Now, I could have easily panicked and dialed up my family or my best friend, but I knew they would worry themselves sick. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and find a solution.

Without any clear reason, I felt an irresistible urge to dial Manny's number. It was as if some invisible force was guiding my hand towards the phone. Deep down, I knew that he was the only person who could come to my rescue. There was an unspoken trust between us, a bond that had been forged through countless shared experiences.

Rumors had been circulating about Manny's exceptional skills when it came to automobiles. They said he possessed an almost magical ability to breathe life back into broken-down cars. With a heart full of hope, I dialed his number, hoping that he would be able to work his mechanical wonders on my own ailing vehicle. The thought of my car being restored to its former glory filled me with a sense of anticipation and relief.

As the phone rang, my mind raced with questions. Would Manny be available? Would he be willing to lend a helping hand? The uncertainty gnawed at me, but deep down, I knew that Manny was the only one who could fix my broken car. His expertise and dedication were unmatched, and I had witnessed firsthand the miracles he had performed on other vehicles. With a mix of excitement and nervousness, I waited for Manny to answer, knowing that he held the key to resolving my automotive woes.

As soon as his charming voice reaches my ears, I can't help but blush. 

"Hey there, beautiful," he says, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. 

"I hate to bother you, but I'm stuck on the highway with a broken-down car. I have no idea how I'm going to get back home." 

"Just send me your location, and I'll be on my way." I can't help but feel incredibly lucky to have this amazing man in my life. He's a true lifesaver, always there when I need him the most.

I stood there for almost 40 minutes, watching the expert mechanic examine my broken car. He was so good at what he did, it was almost mesmerizing. I couldn't help but feel grateful that he was there to help me out of this mess.

"How old is this car?" he asked me, breaking my train of thought. I thought for a moment before answering, "I'd say it's about 15 years old." He nodded, as if he had already guessed the answer.

"I would say it's time to get you a new car," he said, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread wash over me. Great, just what I needed - another expense. But as I watched him work, I knew that I was in good hands. Maybe it was time for a new car, but at least I knew that this one was in the best possible care.

As we ride home in his car, I can't help but feel a tinge of anger. How could my car break down on me? This car and I have been through so much together. I've spent countless hours sitting in it, crying my heart out. I've blasted music through its speakers and had some of the best nights of my life in this car.

It's not just a car to me, it's a symbol of my independence and freedom. I've relied on it to get me to work, to school, and to countless adventures. It's been my trusty companion through thick and thin, and now it's failed me when I needed it the most.

But as I sit here, seething with frustration, I realize that this car is more than just a machine. It's a part of my life story, a tangible reminder of all the memories I've made and the obstacles I've overcome. And even though it's broken down now, I know that I'll always cherish the moments I've spent in this car, and the lessons it's taught me about resilience and perseverance.

As his hand lingers on my thigh, he offers me words of comfort, "Sukhi, there's no need to worry." His voice is soothing, and I can feel the warmth of his touch. "We'll find you a brand new car, one that won't leave you stranded on the side of the road." A playful chuckle escapes his lips, and I can't help but join in. It's moments like these that make me appreciate our friendship even more. Despite not being a couple, his unwavering kindness towards me is a testament to the depth of our bond.

There was an intangible quality about Mankirat that set him apart from anyone else I had ever encountered. It was as if he possessed a hidden depth, a well of emotions and experiences that were waiting to be discovered. His eyes held a certain sparkle, hinting at a world of stories and adventures that I longed to unravel. Despite not knowing exactly what it was that attracted me to him, I couldn't deny the magnetic pull he had on my heart.