Night of 25TH

Alternate Ending Part 2: Dreams Turned Real

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Shubman bit his inner cheek and rushed inside. Anya's eyes were tired and teary; she had travelled all this way, hoping not to be a disappointment. She looked at his parents and whispered, "I will leave."

Keart Gill reached out to her, concern etched on her face. "You don't have to go, dear. Let's give him some time."

Lakhwinder Gill nodded in agreement. "Stay with us for a while. He'll come around."

Anya's hands trembled as she wiped away a tear with her index finger. Turning around, she shook her head and said, "I can't stay. I didn't mean to cause any trouble."

Keart Gill reached out again, his voice gentle. "Please, Anya. We've missed you. Let us help."

Anya looked at them, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and sadness. "I appreciate it, but I don't want to make things harder for anyone."

Lakhwinder Gill spoke, his voice always steady breaking slightly. "Please stay."

Anya smiled sadly. "I want to, but he doesn't want me to, just like years ago. I can't stay."

She kissed his mother's cheek gently and ruffled the twins' hair, who pouted and fought back tears, not wanting her to leave. "I'll miss you all," she said softly. "Take care."

As Anya turned around, ready to walk out, Shubman's angry voice boomed through the night. "You are not allowed to leave this time, like you did seven years ago!"The force of his words stopped her in her tracks.

She noticed his angry tears as he stepped closer, cupping her cheeks. He took in her tired appearance: dark circles under her eyes, messy hair, and old glasses. She had always changed her glasses every three months, but these were overdue, adding to her worn-out look. Her pale skin and exhausted expression made him realize just how much she had been through. The sight of her so changed and tired, shifted his anger into a deep sense of regret and concern.

"You're not leaving anywhere," he said firmly, his hands gently caressing her cheeks. "Not anymore."

Anya nodded, leaning against his shoulder, utterly exhausted from the journey and the toll of her illness. Her weariness was evident, and she found comfort in his presence, even as her body ached from fatigue.

As he picked her up in a bridal carry, Anya's eyes widened in surprise. "What are you doing?" she asked, her voice weak but curious.

"I'm not letting you go," he said softly, his tone firm yet tender. "You've come this far, and I'm not going to let you walk away now."

"Manny, Uncle, Aunty and the kids are here," she said, using his name and blushing as she hid her face against his shoulder.

Hearing his nickname after so many years made Shubman's heart flutter. The familiarity and affection in her voice touched him deeply, stirring old emotions and reminding him of their shared history.

Shubman turned around and said coolly, "I guess no one here has a problem with this, right?"The twins immediately chimed in, teasing, "Nope, we're just happy she's back!"

Keart Gill, trying to lighten the mood, added with a smile, "We're all glad to have her here. No one's complaining."

Lakhwinder Gill nodded. "It's nice to see things coming together. We'll make sure she's comfortable."

"Well, I'll take her to my room," Shubman said with a shrug, moving forward.

Anya held him tighter as they made their way upstairs to his room. Once there, he gently laid her down on his bed. Their faces were just inches apart, and they gazed into each other's eyes.