When Love Lasts✔️

Chapter 21

Sukhpreet Kaur

The warm glow of the setting sun bathed the bustling streets in a golden hue as Mankirat and I walked hand in hand, lost in our own world of shared laughter and tender moments. The day had been perfect, filled with leisurely strolls and intimate conversations, a rare escape from the demands of our busy lives.

As we rounded the corner, I spotted the familiar silhouette of our family home, its comforting presence a welcome sight after a long day spent exploring the city. But as we drew closer, a knot of apprehension tightened in the pit of my stomach, a nagging sense of unease casting a shadow over our idyllic day.

My fears were realized as we stepped into the courtyard, the harsh glare of the porch light illuminating my parents' stern expressions as they stood waiting for us. Mankirat's grip on my hand tightened instinctively, his concern mirroring my own as we approached them cautiously.

"Sukhi, what is the meaning of this?" my father's voice boomed, his tone laced with anger and disapproval as he pointed an accusing finger at us.

I felt a cold shiver run down my spine as I struggled to find the words to explain, my mind racing with panicked thoughts. But before I could respond, my mother stepped forward, her eyes brimming with disappointment as she took in the sight of us together.

"How dare you bring shame upon our family like this?" she spat, her words like a dagger to my heart as tears welled in my eyes.

Mankirat stepped forward, his protective instincts kicking into overdrive as he tried to diffuse the tension. "Please, let us explain," he pleaded, his voice calm despite the rising tension in the air.

But my father's rage was unrelenting, his fists clenched in fury as he advanced toward us menacingly. "Explain?" he roared, his voice echoing through the courtyard. "There is nothing to explain! You have disgraced us with your sinful behavior, and now you will face the consequences!"

Before I could react, my father's hand lashed out, striking me across the face with a force that sent me reeling backward, my cheek stinging with pain. Mankirat's eyes widened in shock as he moved to intervene, but my father's wrath was unyielding, his anger fueled by generations of tradition and pride.

I stumbled backward, the weight of my father's blow sending me crashing to the ground, my vision swimming with tears as I struggled to make sense of the chaos unfolding around me. Through the haze of pain and confusion, I felt Mankirat's arms wrap around me protectively, his whispered words of reassurance a lifeline in the storm.

But even as I clung to him desperately, I knew that the scars of this night would run deeper than any physical wound, a painful reminder of the chasm that lay between the expectations of my family and the truth of my heart. And as I lay there, broken and bruised, I couldn't help but wonder if love was worth the price of such unbearable pain.