Dons of Punjab: Fluke of Reality✔️

Chapter 37

Amandeep Singh Aulakh

The sight of her smiling face has always been my greatest happiness. It's like a guiding light, pulling me through my darkest days. Her smile holds a kind of magic—one that heals wounds, mends broken hearts, and brightens even the bleakest of times. And now, after so many years of waiting, she's finally letting me into her world. She's lowering the walls she built so high, revealing the beautiful soul she has hidden away for far too long.

Watching her now, sitting across from her parents, talking so freely, fills me with a deep sense of joy. It has been a long time since I've seen her like this—so open, so comfortable. Gone are the days of tense conversations and distant stares. Now, there's warmth in her voice, a newfound ease in the way she interacts with them. She's happy. And that happiness is like a breath of fresh air, one that fills the entire room with warmth and contentment.

Her father leans back in his chair and chuckles. "You know, Aman, she used to be such a stubborn little thing," he says, glancing at her with a teasing smile.

Prabh rolls her eyes but smiles. "Still am," she mutters under her breath.

I chuckle, shaking my head. "Trust me, sir, I know."

Her mother, lying in the hospital bed, watches us with a gentle smile. Her eyes are warm, filled with a mother's love. "Aman, come here," she says softly, reaching out a frail hand. I move closer, standing beside Prabh.

She places her hand over mine, her touch light but full of warmth. "You are not just my daughter's husband," she says, her voice gentle. "You are my son now, too."

Something tightens in my chest—a mix of gratitude, relief, and an emotion I can't quite name. I feel Prabh's eyes on me, watching my reaction. I glance at her, and for the first time in a long time, she's looking at me with something soft in her gaze. Maybe trust. Maybe something more.

Her father clears his throat, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Now tell me, does my daughter give you trouble?"

I smirk, throwing a sideways glance at Prabh. "Oh, all the time," I say dramatically. "She's always bothering me."

Prabh gasps, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Aman!" she exclaims, lightly slapping my arm. "I do not!"

Her father bursts into laughter. "I knew it!" he says, shaking his head. Then he looks at me seriously. "Call me Dad, alright?"

A lump forms in my throat. I nod. "Alright, Dad."

He grins, then reaches out to tug Prabh's ear playfully. "And you, stop annoying him," he teases.

She pouts, crossing her arms. "I do not annoy him. He annoys me!"

I laugh, enjoying the lighthearted moment. The tension that once existed in this family is nowhere to be seen. It's all laughter and love now, and I feel grateful to be a part of it.

As the visiting hours come to an end, I walk Prabh back to her place. The night air is cool, and she walks beside me with an extra bounce in her step. Her happiness is so evident that it's contagious.

"I can't believe she's alright," she says, a deep breath of relief leaving her lips. Then, she turns to me with narrowed eyes. "And you! You're such a tease! Why would you tell them I bother you?"

I smirk, stuffing my hands into my pockets. "Because it's true."

She huffs. "Have I ever actually bothered you?"

I stop walking and turn to face her. The streetlights cast a soft glow over her features, making her look even more beautiful. I take a deep breath before answering. "When you don't talk to me, it bothers me. When you look away instead of meeting my eyes, it unsettles me. When you shut me out, it makes me restless."