When Love Lasts✔️

Chapter 19

Sukhpreet Kaur

The morning sun cast a warm glow through the windows of our cozy apartment, signaling the start of another day filled with possibilities. As I sipped my morning coffee, Mankirat's words from last night echoed in my mind. "Sukhi, it's been five years since we've been together. I think it's time you talked to your parents about us."

His words had lingered, stirring a whirlwind of emotions within me. Mankirat had always been patient and understanding, never pushing me to confront my past until I was ready. But now, as the years stretched on, his gentle nudge felt like a beacon guiding me toward a path I had long avoided.

I glanced at Mankirat, who sat across from me, his expression a mixture of concern and unwavering support. "I know it's not easy, Sukhi," he said softly, reaching out to take my hand in his. "But I believe it's time. Your parents deserve to know about us, about the life we've built together."

His words resonated deep within me, stirring a sense of longing mixed with apprehension. I had kept my relationship with Mankirat hidden from my conservative Sikh parents, fearing their reaction to my non-traditional choices. But as the years passed and our bond deepened, the weight of secrecy became heavier, weighing down on our happiness like an invisible burden.

Taking a deep breath, I met Mankirat's gaze, finding solace in the warmth of his eyes. "You're right," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "It's time I faced my fears and confronted the truth."

Mankirat squeezed my hand gently, offering me a reassuring smile. "I'll be right here beside you every step of the way," he promised, his words a comforting embrace in the face of uncertainty.

With his unwavering support bolstering my resolve, I knew I couldn't delay any longer. Gathering my courage, I reached for my phone and dialed my parents' number, my heart pounding in my chest with each ring.

After what felt like an eternity, my mother's voice filled the line, warm and familiar. "Sukhi, beta, is everything okay?" she asked, concern evident in her tone.

Drawing in a shaky breath, I steadied myself before speaking, my voice trembling with emotion. "Ma, there's something I need to tell you and Dad," I began, my words faltering slightly.

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line, followed by the sound of my mother's gentle exhale. "Whatever it is, beta, you know we're here for you," she said softly, her words a comforting reminder of their unconditional love.

Summoning all the courage within me, I spoke the words I had long kept hidden in the depths of my heart. "Ma, Dad, I... I'm in a relationship," I confessed, my voice filled with equal parts fear and relief.

There was another pause, this one heavier than the last, as my parents processed my revelation. Then, my father's voice filled the line, his tone measured yet filled with concern. "Sukhi, beta, who is this person? Are they treating you well?" he asked, his protective instincts kicking into overdrive.

I glanced at Mankirat, whose presence beside me served as a silent reminder of the love and support we shared. "His name is Mankirat," I replied, my voice steady despite the turmoil swirling within me. "And yes, Dad, he treats me with nothing but love and respect."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line, followed by the sound of my parents' quiet murmurs as they whispered to each other in Punjabi. Though I couldn't understand their words, the tone of their conversation conveyed a mixture of surprise and acceptance, easing the knot of anxiety that had formed in my chest.

When my parents spoke again, their voices were filled with a newfound sense of understanding and compassion. "Sukhi, beta, we may not have expected this, but we love you no matter what," my mother said, her words a soothing balm to my wounded soul.

Tears welled in my eyes as I listened to my parents' words, their unconditional acceptance washing over me like a healing tide. "Thank you, Ma, Dad," I whispered, overcome with emotion. "I love you both so much."

As I ended the call and turned to Mankirat, his eyes shimmered with unshed tears, mirroring the depth of emotion I felt in my own heart. "Thank you for being my rock, Mankirat," I said, my voice choked with gratitude. "I couldn't have done this without you."

Pulling me into his arms, Mankirat held me close, his embrace a testament to the strength of our love. "We're in this together, Sukhi," he whispered, his words a promise of unwavering support as we embarked on this new chapter of our lives, hand in hand.