The Sky's Tear

Episode VI: A leaf of faith

Days turned into weeks, and as they shared laughter and secrets, their bond deepened effortlessly, like roots intertwining beneath the surface of the earth.
Aryan had always been drawn to Asma's vibrant spirit. It wasn't just her laughter that ignited something in him, but also the way her eyes sparkled with every story she told, or how she could find joy in the smallest of things-a fluttering butterfly, a stray dog wagging its tail, or even a simple cup of coffee. She had a way of bringing light into his life. With every conversation, he became more fascinated by her, half-dreaming of the adventures they could have and the memories they could create.

Asma, in turn, found comfort in Aryan's presence. He was attentive and kind, and she appreciated how he listened to her, not just with his ears but with his heart. They talked about everything-ambitions, dreams, favorite books, and fears. Late-night chats turned into sunrise viewings, with promises whispered softly in the morning's golden light. The world slowed for them, and their worries felt miles away.

Yet there was a fine line that Aryan was edging closer to-a feeling that morphed into an obsession. It was as if the universe conspired to keep them together, and he couldn't shake the intensity of his feelings. He began to take note of every little thing that made Asma who she was. How she brushed her hair back when she was deep in thought. He marveled at her ability to find beauty in mundane moments, but in his heart, something more sinister brewed.

As Aryan became entwined in this web of emotions, he struggled to differentiate between admiration and obsession. Thoughts of Asma filled his mind, intruding on his daily life. Every moment without her felt like a void, and he constantly sought ways to be near her. He found himself analyzing their conversations, searching for hints of reciprocity, an affirmation that his feelings were mirrored.

One sun-drenched afternoon, the pair strolled hand in hand along the lakeshore, the water shimmering like diamonds beneath the sun. They shared jokes, memories, and dreams, and Aryan felt a surge of daring risk.

As they reached a secluded spot, he turned to her, his heart pounding. "Asma, can I tell you something?"

"Of course! Anything," she replied, her eyes bright with curiosity.

"I think I'm... falling for you," he confessed, his voice trembling slightly.

There was a moment of silence as Asma's expression shifted. Her smile faltered, replaced by an unsettled look. Aryan's heart raced-had he crossed a line?

She finally spoke, "Aryan, I really like you. You're amazing, but... I don't want to rush into anything. I value our friendship so much."

The words hung in the air like a cloud threatening rain. Aryan nodded, but inside, a kaleidoscope of emotions formed. He wanted more than friendship; he wanted all of Asma, and the thought of that being pulled away felt like a dagger to his heart.

"I understand," Aryan replied, trying to keep his voice steady. "I don't want to pressure you."

"I know," Asma said, her voice soft. "I'm just trying to figure things out."

As they continued their walk, Aryan felt a shift within himself. He realized that he needed to give Asma the space she needed to process her feelings. He also understood that his own obsession was becoming unhealthy.

Kunal, Aryan's closest friend, had noticed a significant change in his behavior. The once vibrant and carefree Aryan was now withdrawn and melancholic.

Concerned, Kunal approached Aryan, his voice filled with genuine concern.
"Hey man, what's going on? You've been acting really off lately," Kunal said,
placing a comforting hand on Aryan's shoulder.

Aryan sighed, his eyes filled with sadness. He poured out his heart to Kunal, recounting his unrequited love for Asma and the pain of her rejection.
Kunal listened attentively, his heart aching for his friend. Determined to help, he decided to confront Asma directly. He found her at the lake, where she was engrossed in a book.

"Asma, can I talk to you for a moment?" Kunal asked, his voice firm.

Asma looked up, her expression neutral. "Sure, what's up?"

Kunal wasted no time. "Asma, I've been talking to Aryan. I know what happened between you two."

Asma's eyes widened. "How do you know about that?"

Kunal hesitated, unsure of how to approach the sensitive topic. "Aryan told me. He's really hurting, and I just want to understand why you rejected him."

Asma sighed, her voice filled with resignation. "It's complicated, Kunal. We belong to different religions."

The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications. Kunal's face blanched. He had never considered religion as a barrier to their friendship, let alone a potential relationship.

"I didn't realize," Kunal said, his voice barely a whisper.

Asma nodded, her eyes filled with sadness. "It's not just the religion. There are other factors too. Our families, our cultures... it would be too difficult."

Kunal felt a pang of sympathy for Aryan. He knew how much Asma meant to him, and it pained him to see his friend suffer.
Returning to Aryan, Kunal shared the conversation with him. Aryan listened, his heart heavy with disappointment. He had never considered religion as a significant obstacle. It was a revelation that left him feeling even more hopeless.

In the days that followed, Aryan focused on himself. He rediscovered old hobbies, spent time with friends, and worked on building his self-confidence. He realized that by focusing on his own growth, he would be better equipped to handle whatever came his way.

One day, as they sat on a park bench sharing stories, Asma looked at Aryan with a newfound admiration. "You've changed," she said softly. "You seem more at peace."

Aryan smiled. "I have. I realized that sometimes, the best way to love someone is to let them breathe."

Asma nodded, a warm smile spreading across her face. In that moment, Aryan knew that their relationship was on a healthier path. The obsession had faded, replaced by a deep respect and understanding. And as they sat there, watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink, Aryan felt a sense of peace and contentment. He knew that their journey together was far from over, and he was excited to see where it would lead.

क्यों काम नहीं होती मेरी चाहते,
क्यों पूरी नहीं करता तू मेरी हसरतें,
और कितनी मांगू मैं तुझसे मन्नतें,
उस एक शख्स के लिए ठुकरा दूं सारी जन्नतें.
~Author