Second Chance for love

chapter-2 ' A leap through time'

Just then, Neil felt a jolt of light in his eyes. The brightness enveloped him, making him shield his gaze. As he struggled to adjust, he tried to figure out where he was.

"Open your eyes, child," a gentle voice whispered.

Neil hesitated, then opened his eyes to find himself surrounded by clouds. Disoriented, he scanned his surroundings, searching for the source of the voice.

To his right, a radiant golden light pulsed softly.

"Who are you?" Neil asked, his voice trembling.

"I am Fate, child," the golden light replied. "I have made a grave mistake. Your body perished before its time, trapping your soul within your house."

Neil's eyes widened in understanding.

"What mistake?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"I allowed your life to be cut short," Fate explained. "Your soul was meant to journey further, but now it remains tied to the earthly realm."

Neil's gaze fell, his heart heavy with resignation.

"It's alright," he said softly.

The golden light chuckled warmly.

"Such a pure soul you are, accepting the unfairness of fate with grace," Fate said, amusement lacing its tone.

Neil's eyes met Fate's warm gaze, seeking answers.

"What can be done?" he asked, hope flickering within.

Fate's warm smile illuminated the clouds.

"There is a way to rectify the situation, child," Fate said. "I can offer you a choice: return to your past, relive the moments that led to your untimely departure, and alter the course of events."

Neil's heart skipped a beat.

"Return to my past?" he repeated, his voice filled with longing.

Fate nodded.

"Yes, child. You may change the decisions that led to your tragic end. But be warned: altering the past will reshape the present and future."

Neil thought of Aarohi, Ruhi, and his family.

"What about Aarohi?" Neil asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "Can I save her from pain?"

Fate's light dimmed slightly.

"Aarohi's path is intertwined with yours, child. Changing your fate will impact hers as well."

Neil's resolve strengthened.

"I'll do it," Neil said firmly. "I'll change the past."

Fate's golden light burst into a warm smile.

Fate's expression turned solemn, its golden light dimming slightly.

"Remember, Neil, this journey remains a secret. You must not reveal it to anyone," Fate warned, its voice low and urgent.

Neil nodded gravely, his heart racing with anticipation.

"I understand," he replied, his voice firm.

Fate's golden light pulsed softly, as if gathering energy.

"Now, I will intertwine your soul with the soul of your past body," Fate announced, its voice filled with ancient power.

Neil steeled himself, bracing for the unknown.

"Are you ready?" Fate asked, its tone gentle yet commanding.

Neil took a deep breath.

"Yes," he said, his voice resolute.

"Where do you want to start?" Fate asked, its light flickering with curiosity.

Neil's eyes drifted into the distance, lost in thought. Moments passed before he responded.

"When mine and Aarohi's families discovered our relationship," Neil said, his voice laced with nostalgia and regret.

Fate's light flickered, as if considering the weight of Neil's words.

"Are you certain?" Fate asked, seeking confirmation.

Neil's resolve was unwavering.

"100%," he replied, his voice firm.

Fate nodded.

"Very well. Remember, I will always be here to guide you," Fate said, its tone reassuring.

Neil nodded gratefully.

"Close your eyes," Fate instructed.

Neil obeyed, his eyelids shutting out the radiant light.

"I am sending your soul back into your past body," Fate announced.

Neil felt a sudden jolt of pain, a sensation he hadn't experienced in six years. His eyes instinctively tried to open, but they remained shut, as if sealed by an unseen force.

The pain intensified, like a burning flame reigniting within him. Neil's mind reeled, adjusting to the unfamiliar sensation.

As the pain subsided, Neil's awareness shifted. He felt himself being pulled back into his past, back into the body he once knew.

His thoughts blurred, and his vision began to fade.

Neil heard his brother Abhimanyu's voice, laced with pleading and helplessness.

"Neil, please open your eyes," Abhimanyu begged.

Neil forgot his bitterness towards Abhimanyu and felt the same love he used to feel years ago. He slowly opened his eyes and looked at Abhimanyu's tear-stained face.

"Bhai," Neil murmured weakly.

Abhimanyu's relief was palpable. "Neil, you're awake! Are you mad? Who drives a car like that? What if something had happened to you?" Abhimanyu scolded, his eyes brimming with tears.

Then it clicked, and Neil looked around, seeing himself on a hospital bed. He touched his forehead and felt the bandage.

He remembered this day; their family was against his relationship with Aarohi. Aarohi had argued with her family, and in anger, she told Neil she would commit suicide if their families didn't agree to their marriage. Worried, Neil drove to her house and got into an accident.

"Neil kya soch rha hai? Dard hai kya?" Abhimanyu asked worriedly.

Neil tried to sit up, and Abhimanyu helped him. Neil hugged his brother tightly. For Abhimanyu, it had been just a morning since they last spoke, but for Neil, it had been six years. He had seen his brother in a lot of pain but couldn't console him.

Tears rolled down his eyes. "I love you, bhai," Neil said.

Abhimanyu tightened his hold. "I love you too, mera bacha," he said, kissing Neil's head. For Abhimanyu, Neil was more like his child than his brother.

"Tera accident uss ladki ke wajah se hua na?" Abhimanyu asked, pulling back.

Neil flashed back to memories of Ruhi's neglect and Aarohi's pain. He felt bitter toward his brother but hid it.

"Why isn't she good for me, bhai?" Neil asked calmly. "And don't give me reasons like she's bad, selfish, etc. I know her well, more than you could ever. I know she's short-tempered, immature, and insecure, but she's not bad, bhai."

Neil's voice grew resolute. "And I love her; I love her more than anything, more than my life."