YOU AND ME

Amina

I sit on the edge of my bed, my phone trembling in my hands. I hit the video call button, and soon my parents, brother, and three best friends appear on the screen. Their faces light up with concern as they see my tear-streaked face.

“Amina, what’s wrong?” my mother asks, her voice filled with worry.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my voice. “I called off the engagement,” I say, my voice breaking. “Ayush’s mother… she said horrible things about me and my family. And Ayush… he didn’t say anything. He just stood there.”

My mother’s face softens with understanding. “You did the right thing, sweetheart. You stood up for yourself, and we’re proud of you.”

My father nods in agreement. “We’re disappointed in Ayush for not defending you, but we’re here for you. You can come back home if you want.”

My brother chimes in, “Yeah, sis, come back home. We’ll book a flight for you.”

My best friend, Lila, leans closer to the screen. “Amina, you deserve so much better. I’m so proud of you for standing up for yourself.”

“Thanks, Lila,” I say, wiping my tears. “I just feel so lost right now.”

“You’re not alone,” my other friend, Zuri, adds. “We’re all here for you. And when you get back, we’ll have a girls’ night and forget all about this.”

“Absolutely,” my third friend, Nina, agrees. “We’ll make it a night to remember.”

I feel a wave of relief at their support. “Thank you, everyone. I’ll come back tomorrow evening. Please book the flight for me.”

As the call ends, I feel a small sense of comfort, but the pain of the evening still weighs heavily on me. I begin packing my things, my movements mechanical. I don’t even have the appetite for dinner, a habit my mother knows all too well.

“Please try to eat something, Amina,” my mother had said. “I know you’re upset, but you need to take care of yourself.”

I nod, but the thought of food makes my stomach churn. I continue packing, ignoring the calls from Ayush. I can’t face him, not after what happened.

The next morning, Ayush arrives at my house, his face etched with regret. “Amina, please, let me explain,” he pleads, his voice trembling.

I look at him, my eyes cold. “You didn’t stand up for me when your family was there. Now you want to explain? It’s too late, Ayush.”

“Amina, I was shocked. I didn’t know what to say,” Ayush says, desperation in his eyes.

“You didn’t know what to say? You just stood there while your mother insulted me and my family,” I retort, my voice rising.

“I know, and I’m sorry. I should have defended you. Please, give me another chance,” Ayush begs, reaching for my hand.

I pull my hand away, my heart aching. “How can I trust you again? How do I know you won’t let me down when it matters most?”

“I’ll prove it to you. I want us to get married. Please, come with me,” Ayush says, his voice filled with determination.

I stay silent, my emotions a storm inside me. I allow him to lead me back to his house, my heart heavy with doubt.

When we arrive, Aisha’s mother is waiting, her face a mask of displeasure. “What is she doing here?” she demands.

Ayush steps in front of me, his voice firm. “If I’m not allowed to marry Amina, then I’m leaving this house.”

Aisha’s mother laughs, disbelief in her eyes. “You can’t leave this house. You have nowhere else to go.”

“Watch me,” Ayush says, his voice steady. He turns to his parents, touching their feet in a gesture of respect. “I’m leaving with my bride-to-be. If you can’t accept our marriage, then I can’t stay here.”

“You think you can just walk out? You have responsibilities here,” Aisha’s mother says, her voice cold.

“My responsibility is to the woman I love. If you can’t accept that, then I have no place here,” Ayush replies, his voice unwavering.

“You’ll regret this, Ayush. You’re throwing away your family for her,” Aisha’s mother spits, her eyes blazing with anger.

“I’ll never regret choosing Amina. She’s my future,” Ayush says, taking my hand and walking out.

We return to my house, the silence between us heavy with unspoken words. As we settle in, Ayush tries to change the subject. “I left everything at the house. We need to go shopping for clothes.”

I nod, not wanting to add to his stress. We spend the day shopping, sharing quiet moments of connection amidst the chaos.

That evening, as we lie in bed together, I feel a sense of peace. The engagement ring is back on my finger, a symbol of our renewed commitment.

The days we spend together are filled with tender moments. I prepare breakfast for Ayush, and he helps me with my tie before I leave for work. We often order takeout for dinner, enjoying quiet evenings together.

One night, we decide to go out for ice cream. As we walk hand in hand, Ayush looks at me and smiles. “I love these little moments with you.”

I squeeze his hand. “Me too. It’s the simple things that make me happiest.”

We watch movies in bed, cuddling under the blankets. I love how Ayush holds me close, his warmth comforting me.

We often video-call my parents, who are supportive of our relationship. “We’re proud of you, Amina,” my mother says. “And Ayush, thank you for standing by her.”

Ayush nods, his eyes filled with gratitude. “I love her, and I’ll always stand by her.”

My friends also join the calls, offering their support. “You two are perfect together,” one of my friends says. “Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

Ayush’s brother Raj occasionally calls, and there’s always a bit of tension between us. “You know, Amina, you’re lucky to have Ayush,” Raj says one day, his tone slightly mocking.

I roll my eyes. “And you’re lucky to have a brother like him. Maybe you should learn a thing or two from him.”

Raj smirks. “Touché. But seriously, take care of him.”

“I will,” I reply, my voice softening. “He’s everything to me.”

Ayush and I have our share of cute arguments. “You always leave your socks everywhere,” I complain one morning.

Ayush grins. “And you always hog the blankets.”

We bicker playfully, but it always ends with a kiss. “I love you, even if you are a blanket hog,” Ayush says, pulling me into his arms.

“I love you too, even if you are a sock scatterer,” I reply, laughing.

One day, Aisha’s mother arranges a meeting with me, only to insult me again. “You’re just like all those other girls, only after our money,” she sneers, handing me a check.

I look at the check, then back at Aisha’s mother. “You don’t know anything about me,” I say quietly. “I don’t need your money. I own my own company.”

Aisha’s mother walks out, leaving me feeling a mix of anger and sadness. I tell Ayush what happened, and he wants to confront his mother, but I stop him.

“There will be a time to show her she’s wrong,” I say. “But for now, let’s focus on us.”