The Day You Wanna Repeat

Chapter - 9 That Promise I Still Remembered

Chapter- 9

That Promise I Still Remembered 

Richard stood in stunned silence, trying to piece together what Tracy had just revealed. His mind raced, but no coherent thoughts came. The room seemed to shrink around him, the weight of her words pressing down like a physical force.

"Explain the whole thing, Tracy. Why did you say you were adopted as a wife? What's the real story?" Richard's voice trembled, a mix of confusion and urgency.

Tracy took a deep breath, her eyes misty as if looking at a distant, painful memory. "Okay, listen," she said, her voice soft but steady. "When I was just five, my family died in a tragic accident. I was the only one who survived, but barely—I was left in a critical state. The accident was so severe that no one expected me to pull through, and there was no one there to help me. But my father's closest friend, Imran Khan, was the one who found me and rushed me to the hospital. He covered all the medical expenses and gave me a second chance at life."

Richard's eyes widened as he listened, absorbing every word.

"After that," Tracy continued, a tear sliding down her cheek, "his family took me in and raised me as their own daughter. They gave me a home, love, and everything I needed. But as time passed and circumstances changed, things became more complicated..."

Richard felt a knot forming in his chest, the weight of her confession sinking deeper into his heart. He reached out as if to touch her, but hesitated, unsure of what to say.

Tracy's gaze was distant as she spoke, her voice soft but charged with emotion. "Imran uncle had a son named Atif. He was five years older than me and, though he was kind at heart, he struggled with bouts of impatience and unpredictable outbursts. It was something that loomed over our family, a silent storm we all learned to endure."

Richard listened intently, each word sinking into the quiet room like a heavy stone.

"By the time I turned 18 and graduated, I was ready to pursue higher studies in another country. It felt like a beacon of hope, a chance to chase my dreams," Tracy said, a faint smile flickering across her face before it faded. "Atif was 23 then, and I knew that soon, his parents would want to find him a wife. But they were aware of the harsh reality—no one would willingly marry him because of his condition. Imran uncle knew this too well."

She paused, recalling the moment that changed everything. "One day, I approached him, full of excitement, and asked if I could go for higher studies. He looked at me, eyes full of a mix of love and weariness, and said, 'Beta, I need to discuss something important with you. Can I ask for one thing?'"

"I was taken aback, but I nodded, saying, 'Of course, you're like a father to me. I would even give my life if you asked. What is it that you want?'"

Tracy's eyes glistened, holding back tears. "'After your family died, we took you in and raised you as our own. You've never been just a guest; you're part of our family. I've tried to give you everything, just like I would for my own daughter. And now, you're the only one who can save us,' he said, his voice trembling.

"'I understand that you want higher studies, and I support that wholeheartedly. But in return, I need you to promise me something.' He looked at me with pleading eyes. 'After completing your studies, you must marry Atif.' He paused, swallowing hard. 'When I paid for your operation, I used every bit of savings I had set aside for Atif's treatment. I saved you, and by Allah's grace, you survived. But Atif's condition only worsened, and now, no one will marry him. I need you to be the one who stands by him.'"

Richard's heart ached as he listened, unable to find the words to respond. The room seemed to hold its breath, the weight of Tracy's story hanging heavily between them.

Tracy's voice wavered, and she looked down as if the weight of that day still pressed on her shoulders. "After he said those words, I was speechless. There was no room for protest, no space for my own dreams. I looked into his eyes and saw the desperation of a father who had given everything, the silent plea of a man hoping to save his son. I couldn't say anything. I just nodded, feeling a hollow ache settle in my chest."

Richard's eyes searched her face, his own expression caught between empathy and disbelief.

"So, I did what he asked," Tracy continued, her voice barely a whisper. "I promised him. The next day, I packed my bags and left for my higher studies. But that promise followed me like a shadow, weighing me down even as I tried to focus on my future. I knew that no matter how far I went, the day would come when I'd have to keep that promise."

A silence fell between them, heavy and unyielding. Richard could feel the depth of her sacrifice, the burden she had carried alone all these years. He reached out, his fingers brushing hers, wanting to say something that could ease the pain but finding that no words were enough.

As the sun set, Tracy felt a mix of heaviness and relief. She had shared her secret with Richard, and now a silence hung between them, filled with understanding.

Richard sat next to her, calm and steady. The air felt thick as if the world was waiting for them to speak. In that quiet moment, their bond grew stronger, like a connection that felt both delicate and unbreakable.

"You've done so much for everyone, Tracy. It's okay to want something for yourself," Richard said softly, his eyes focused on hers.

Tracy looked away, watching the puppies play. "It's hard. I've always been expected to take care of others. I don't know if I can break my promise."

"I understand," he replied, his eyes searching hers. "But you deserve to follow your dreams. You've given up so much."

Tracy felt a warmth in her chest, realizing how much Richard cared for her. He had opened himself up completely, giving everything he had.

With only half a year left until graduation, the thought of what lay ahead filled her with anxiety. What would happen after college?

"Whatever happens, I'm here for you," Richard said, his voice steady. "We can face this together."

Tracy felt grateful yet uncertain. "You don't have to do this, Richard. You have your own future to think about."

"I want to support you," he insisted. "You mean a lot to me, and I won't turn away."

In that peaceful evening, surrounded by fading light and playful puppies, they built a strong bond. As stars began to appear, Tracy realized she had someone who believed in her. But the promise she made to Imran uncle still weighed on her mind. For now, she allowed herself to feel Richard's support, knowing they would face whatever came together.