RIGHTFULLY YOUR'S

Part 25

Yusuf's pov:

As my eyes opened to the familiar darkness of the night, I found myself entangled in the same haunting dream that had relentlessly haunted my sleep for weeks. My body, drenched in sweat, betrayed the turmoil raging within. Glancing at the clock, its relentless ticking whispered the unwelcome truth-8 o'clock. An earlier awakening than anticipated, following the fleeting vision of gently placing Layla onto her bed, stealing a final glimpse before slipping away into the night.

Returning home in the pre-dawn hours, Layla's ghost lingered, an undeniable ache seeping into the very core of my being. Layla, with her unyielding determination, stood firm in her decisions, especially the looming shadow of our impending divorce. I, carried within me a stubborn streak cultivated since childhood-once something rooted itself within me, it refused to let go. Layla, now intricately woven into the very fabric of my existence, had become an irreplaceable part of me.

Driven by an unyielding determination to reclaim what I'd lost, I pledged an unwavering commitment. Layla's absence echoed as a void too vast to fathom, her essence now an indelible mark etched upon my soul. I resolved to orchestrate our reunion, resolute in my refusal to allow Layla to slip away again. My devotion to retrieving Layla knew no boundaries; I'd exhaust every avenue until she returned to me-whole in mind, spirit, and body. She had become, in every essence, an integral part of my being, merging seamlessly with my very existence.

As I emerged from my bed, the morning routine began, yet as I descended the stairs, an unexpected sight met my eyes. There, at the table, sat my mother, arranging breakfast. Her gaze met mine, and in that familiar maternal tone, she inquired, "How are you, my child?" Returning the inquiry, I asked, "I'm fine, Ammi. How about you? What brings you here so early in the morning?" Her response caught me off guard, "I felt a sense of unease, as if something had gone wrong with you, that's why I'm here, and Btw did Layla returned?."

It had been a month since every time my mother would ask about Layla's whereabouts, I'd deflect, stating she had gone to stay with her father. I didn't want my troubles to weigh on my mother's heart. But now, I couldn't conceal it any longer; I needed to unburden my heart in front of her. So, I admitted, "She's not at her father's place, Ammi." Her questioning gaze probed me further, "What do you mean, Yusuf beta? Where is Layla?" Taking a deep breath, I confessed, "She left me, Ammi."

The revelation left my mother visibly concerned. "What do you mean, son? Where has she gone and why?" Tears welled up as I struggled to articulate, "She knows everything, Ammi. Everything." And then, I broke down. My mother came to my side, guiding me to the nearby sofa, her soothing voice urging me to share everything.

Nestled against her, like a child seeking solace, I began, "Ammi, the woman who rode the waves of my life, who showed me every hue of existence, who taught me the true purpose of life, she's gone. I've caused her immense pain, Ammi. I've hurt her while she lived. But, Ammi, I can't lose her. I love her so much that my existence feels hollow without her. This house feels like a prison without her, Ammi. I can't live without her; she's the anchor of my heart, the tranquility of my soul. But I've broken her, and she'll never forgive me."

My mother wiped my tears, her eyes mirroring mine. "Son, you know how delicate a woman's heart is. Even a slight discordant note can cause her heart to ache. But when a woman loves, she loses herself in that love. Often, we believe women can't love as deeply as men, but that's a fallacy. When a woman loves a man, she surrenders herself entirely. She's willing to sacrifice even her life for the man she loves. A woman's love is as powerful as her hatred. But, Yusuf, Layla loves you, immensely. That's why she'll forgive you soon, but you have to make an effort, alright, my son?"