𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐁𝐘 𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐄 ✅

Chapter 21 : Shadows to light

As Khushi and Sathi walked back, Khushi decided to take a detour to lighten the mood. She brought Sathi to a cozy little spot she knew, a quiet corner of the park where they could sit and talk undisturbed. Pulling out a couple of small bottles of drinks from her bag, Khushi handed one to Sathi with a mischievous grin.

"Let's have a drink and talk this through," Khushi suggested, opening her bottle.

Sathi, feeling emotionally overwhelmed, took the bottle and started drinking. The cool night air and the warm sensation of the drink seemed to loosen her tongue. Before long, Sathi found herself pouring out her heart.

"He... he always knew how to make me feel special," Sathi slurred slightly, her eyes unfocused. "Like that time he surprised me with those flowers... and his smile, Khushi, his smile could light up the darkest room."

Khushi listened quietly, sipping her drink and nodding encouragingly.

"And... and he always supported me," Sathi continued, her voice becoming more emotional. "Even when I was scared or unsure, he believed in me. He... he never let me down."

The tears started to flow freely now, and Sathi made no effort to stop them. "But then... then he said if I left, I couldn't come back. And it hurt, Khushi, it hurt so much. But I couldn't go against my dad... I couldn't."

Khushi reached out and gently rubbed Sathi's back, offering silent support.

"But I miss him," Sathi sobbed, her emotions pouring out with each word. "I miss his laugh, his touch, his presence. I can't stop thinking about him. And seeing him cry... it broke something inside me."

She took another swig of her drink, shaking her head. "I don't know what to do, Khushi. I'm stuck between my love for Ayaan and my duty to my family. How do I choose?"

Khushi looked at her friend with sympathy and determination. "Sathi, love isn't always easy. Sometimes, it requires difficult choices and sacrifices. But if you truly love Ayaan, you have to find a way to make it work. Talk to your parents, make them understand. Fight for your love."

Sathi, still sobbing, looked at Khushi with tear-filled eyes. "See, Khushi, look at my fate. My dad settled my sister's house and broke mine," she said, her voice cracking with emotion. "The misunderstanding is just such a bad thing."

Khushi's heart ached for her friend. She gently took Sathi's hand, squeezing it reassuringly. "I know, Sathi. It's unfair and painful. But misunderstandings can be cleared up. You just need to talk to your dad, explain everything."

Sathi shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "He won't listen, Khushi. He's so stubborn, so set in his ways. He doesn't understand how much I love Ayaan."

Khushi wiped away a tear from Sathi's cheek. "Then make him understand. Show him how much Ayaan means to you. Prove to him that your love is worth fighting for."

Sathi sniffled, trying to compose herself. "I don't know if I have the strength, Khushi. It's so hard."

Khushi gave her a determined look. "You have more strength than you realize, Sathi. You've already endured so much. You're strong, brave, and capable. You can do this."

Sathi took a deep breath, feeling a flicker of hope. "Maybe you're right. Maybe I can make him understand."

Khushi smiled, her eyes filled with encouragement. "I know you can. And I'll be right here with you, every step of the way."

Sathi managed a small, grateful smile through her tears. "Thank you, Khushi. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Khushi hugged her tightly. "You don't have to find out. We're in this together."