Echoes of the Field: Love's Bittersweet Symphony

After Goodbye

Life's greatest tragedy is that we don't know, we are valued, we are loved and most of all we as an individual matter.

Kavya, resting her hand on her cheek, watched Aayan sleep, hoping he found some peace. Memories flooded her mind. She recalled the nights she would fall asleep at his house in Vardora after dinner, the warm glow of the kitchen light casting comforting shadows as they whispered secrets and dreams late into the night. Her mother never questioned her gatherings, understanding the solace she found in Aayan's company.

YEARS BACK~

A particular evening stood out vividly. After a chaotic family dinner at her house, filled with tension and harsh words, Kavya had fled to Aayan's home. She arrived with tear-streaked cheeks and trembling hands, her heart heavy with the weight of her father's anger and her mother's silent despair. Aayan's mother, Mrs. Dev, welcomed her with open arms, her gentle embrace offering the comfort Kavya so desperately needed.

As they sat on the couch, Aayan brought out a blanket and wrapped it around her shoulders. Mrs. Dev prepared hot cocoa, her soft, kind eyes filled with concern. She sat beside Kavya, listening patiently as she poured out her heart, sharing the pain and turmoil that had driven her from her own home. Mrs. Dev's presence was soothing, her words like a balm to Kavya's wounded spirit.

"You're always welcome here, Kavya," Mrs. Dev said softly, brushing a stray hair from Kavya's face. "This home is your home too."

That night, after comforting words and warm cocoa, Kavya had fallen asleep on the couch, the remnants of her tears still wet on her cheeks. Aayan had stayed close, not leaving her side, watching over her with a quiet protectiveness that spoke volumes. Mrs. Dev covered her with a soft blanket, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead, her actions speaking of the maternal love which Kavya never got.

PRESENT DAY-

Now, in the dim light of Aayan's room, she smiled at the memory, feeling a pang of longing for those simpler times. She wiped away the tears that had gathered in her eyes, her heart swelling with gratitude for the unwavering support Mrs. Dev had always provided. Even now, with so much uncertainty and pain in their lives, Aayan was her anchor, her safe harbor in the storm.

Aayan stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He looked at her with a sleepy, concerned expression. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice thick with sleep.

Kavya nodded, a tender smile playing on her lips. "I am, now," she whispered.

After his mother's death, Aayan had several living options, but he decided to work and earn his way, which eventually opened up hundreds of opportunities for him. He became a blog writer and a trading broker, earning a decent amount. Although his mother's fixed deposit helped with his fees and other expenses, the loss weighed heavily on him every day.

"By the way, how did you find me?" Aayan asked, sipping his coffee.

"Just some luck," she said with a laugh.

"I'm serious, Biscuit," he said with a concerned expression.

"I went to your home, found out about your mom," she said, looking down. "I decided to talk to your relatives and eventually got your girlfriend's number."

"Who, Priya?" he asked with a smirk.

"Yes!!" she said, laughing. "No, she is like a cousin, my mom's friend's daughter," he explained, shaking off the long relation. They both laughed, a brief moment of levity in their otherwise heavy lives.

The room fell silent again as the weight of their memories settled. Aayan's thoughts drifted to his mother. After her death, everything changed. She had been his anchor, his source of strength. Losing her was a blow he never fully recovered from. But he had to be strong, not just for himself, but for the future she had envisioned for him.

He remembered those sleepless nights, staring at the ceiling, wondering how he would make it through. His mother's voice still echoed in his mind, urging him to keep going, to never give up. It was her savings that helped him continue his studies, and the thought of making her proud kept him going. He juggled multiple jobs, writing blogs, and working as a trading broker, just to keep afloat. Every penny earned was a step closer to fulfilling the dreams she had for him.

Kavya, sensing his turmoil, placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "She was like a mother to me also, Her love and strength are what kept me going," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "She believed in us, And I believe in you."

Aayan looked at her, eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I miss her every day," he whispered with teary eyes.

Kavya reached out, placing her hand over his head. "You've been so strong, Aayan. She would be so proud of you."Aayan with his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I really hope so."