UNSPOKEN BONDS

12. Forgiveness

© archanaj1308 2024. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.

THIRD PERSON POV

Sam sat in his room, staring at his phone. The conversation with Ashwin had left him shaken. He knew he had to make things right with Ammu, but he couldn't shake off the feeling that he had crossed a line that couldn't be uncrossed.

The next morning, he met Chinmay at their usual café, hoping to clear his head. The familiar setting, usually a source of comfort, did little to ease his turmoil today.

"Hey, man," Chinmay greeted, his tone casual but his eyes serious. "You look like you didn't sleep at all."

Sam sighed heavily, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "I didn’t. I can’t stop thinking about what I did to Ammu. I messed up big time."

Chinmay leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful as he studied Sam's face. "So, what are you going to do about it?"

Sam's gaze dropped to the table, his fingers tracing the edge of his coffee cup. "I want to apologize, but I don’t think she’ll forgive me. I said some really hurtful things."

"She deserves an apology," Chinmay said firmly, leaning forward. "Even if she doesn’t forgive you right away, it’s important to own up to your mistakes. She needs to know that you realize how much you hurt her."

Sam nodded, though the doubt still lingered in his eyes. "I know you’re right. I just hope it’s not too late."

He took a deep breath, trying to find the right words to express the guilt gnawing at him. "I don’t know how I let it get this bad, Chinmay. When I think back to the things I said... it’s like I wasn’t myself. I was so wrapped up in my own frustrations that I didn’t even consider how it would affect her."

Chinmay listened patiently, his eyes never leaving Sam's face. "We all make mistakes, Sam. The important thing is that you recognize it and want to make amends. But you need to be prepared for the possibility that she might not be ready to forgive you immediately."

Sam swallowed hard, the lump in his throat making it difficult to speak. "I know. It’s just... the thought of losing her, even as a friend, scares me. Ammu means a lot to me, more than I realized."

Chinmay’s gaze softened, but his tone remained resolute. "That’s exactly why you need to do this. She needs to hear from you that you’re genuinely sorry. It’s not just about seeking forgiveness; it’s about showing her that you respect and care about her enough to acknowledge your mistakes."

Sam nodded again, his resolve strengthening. "You're right, Chinmay. I need to face this, no matter how hard it is. She deserves that much from me."

He looked up, meeting Chinmay’s steady gaze. "Thanks for being here, man. I don’t know if I could do this without your support."

Chinmay smiled, a rare, reassuring expression. "That’s what friends are for, Sam. Now, go make things right with Ammu. It won’t be easy, but it’s the right thing to do."

Sam took a deep breath, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. He didn’t know what the future held, but he knew he had to try. For Ammu, and for himself.

AMRITHASHREE SRINIVASAN

Staying at Niya’s house on Nepean Sea Road was a refreshing change for me. It had been 2 days since I arrived here. The serene neighborhood, with its lush greenery and view of the sea, offered an escape from the chaos of my usual life. Niya, my close friend from Japanese class, had welcomed me with open arms, providing the perfect sanctuary I desperately needed.