ALWAYS YOU

"THE END"

Abhimaan

1 month later :

I glanced at everyone gathered around the laptop after dinner, anticipation thick in the air. We were all eager to see Amara's admission results from Toronto University, Canada.

My wife clung to her brother, her hand squeezing my shoulder in silent anxiety, not even daring to look at the screen as I navigated to the website. Aditya, as usual, stood there fidgeting like he was the one applying, while Kabir sat on the edge of the couch, fingers tightly crossed.

The updates loaded, and with a deep sigh, I closed the laptop.

Veer gently cupped Amara's face, his voice soft but firm. "It's okay, little light. There's always next year. Don't lose hope."

"Yeah, Mara," Kabir chimed in with a smile, trying to lift her spirits. "We could even travel together this year. Make it a proper adventure. Trust me, it'll be fun!"

"Or..." Aditya drawled, ever the schemer. "Maybe I can dig up some dirt on the university heads, Abhi Ki Jaan. Could pull a few strings, you know?" His implication of potential blackmail made Amara raise an eyebrow, but her sadness was still palpable.

I stood up, the weight of her unshed tears twisting something deep in my chest. The way her eyes shimmered with disappointment made it hard to speak.

"Guys?" I said, my voice catching their attention as they glanced at me, distractedly.

"Huh?" They answered in unison, too wrapped up in comforting Amara.

I exhaled deeply, letting the moment stretch. "That was a happy sigh, you know?"

They all froze.

"A... happy sigh?" Kabir was the first to react, blinking in confusion. Veer paused mid-consolation, squinting as if trying to decipher my meaning. Even Aditya, poised for his next mischievous plan, furrowed his brow, unsure.

"Yeah," I nodded, unable to hold back a grin as I watched realization slowly dawn on their faces. "She got in."

Amara's head shot up, her teary eyes wide with disbelief. "W-what?"

"You got in," I repeated, this time with more clarity, my voice soft but full of pride. "You're going to Toronto University."

For a heartbeat, the room stood still, the weight of my words sinking in. And then, in a blur of motion, Veer let out a whoop of joy, wrapping his arms around Amara and spinning her in the air as if she weighed nothing.

Kabir, always dramatic, leaped onto the couch, pumping his fists triumphantly, while Aditya broke into a satisfied smirk, clapping his hands together.

Amara, overwhelmed, buried her face in Veer's shoulder, her body trembling with a mixture of relief and disbelief. Her hand, still resting on my shoulder, tightened as if seeking confirmation that this moment was real.

"You did it," I whispered, my voice filled with pride. "You earned this, Amara."

Her tears, once heavy with disappointment, now flowed with joy. Kabir, still perched on the couch, let out a loud cheer. "I knew it! I told you she would get in!"

Aditya, ever the joker, shook his head, laughing. "Guess I'll have to cancel that blackmail plan. Shame, though—it would've been fun."

Veer, still holding his sister tightly, whispered something to her that I couldn't hear, his own eyes glistening with pride.

He wouldn't be this elated if it weren't for the prospect of accompanying Amara and me to Canada for those two years. He's enrolled in a prestigious Leadership course there, a crucial step before he assumes his royal duties.