Her Last Wish

Chapter 1

Aankhein khuli ho ya ho band
Deedar unka hota hai
Kaise kahoon main o yaara
Yeh pyaar kaise hota hai.

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In the dimly lit room, the air was thick with silence, interrupted only by the occasional sound of a ticking clock. Ananya sat on the edge of her bed, her delicate fingers holding a photograph. Her deep brown eyes, now glistening with tears, stared at the picture as if trying to relive every frozen moment it held.Her voice, trembling and heavy with emotion, broke the stillness.

Ananya(softly to herself):-Pata hai aaj bhi mai jab....tumhari aankhon mai dekhti hu ....toh mujhe aankhon mai mere liye wahi pehla wala pyar dikhta hai....

(Do you know, even today when I look into your eyes... I see that first love, the one just for me.)

A melancholic smile crept onto her lips, a bittersweet reminder of what once was.

Ananya(smiling faintly):- Ha wahi,wo college wala pyar,wo hamara pehli baar milna......phir hamara tom and jerry ki tarah har choti baat par ladna......wo tumhara mujhe propose karkar......mujhe shock karna.....hamara wo college bunk karkar bahar ghumne aana.......tumhara chupke se raat ko mere ghar par .....milne aana.....Wo sab sapno ki tarah lag raha hai Abhi.........sab sapna......tum mere pass ho.....par......kuch din.

(Yes, that college love, our first meeting... then how we fought like Tom and Jerry over little things... you proposing to me and shocking me... us skipping college to go out... you secretly coming to my house at night to meet me... It all feels like a dream now... just a dream... you’re right here with me... but... just for a few days.)

Her voice cracked as she whispered those last words, the weight of the truth evident in her tone. The photograph blurred as fresh tears welled up, streaming down her cheeks. Her fingers trembled as she gently traced the outline of the face in the photo.

Suddenly, the faint sound of approaching footsteps pulled her out of her reverie. Panic flickered across her face as she hurriedly wiped her tears, her palms brushing against her flushed cheeks. She placed the photograph back on the table with deliberate care.

The door creaked open, and Abhi entered, his sharp features softened by the dim lighting. He crossed his arms and leaned slightly against the doorframe, his voice breaking the silence.

Abhi(with a teasing tone):- Miss late,tum yaha kya kar rahi ho?Neeche maa intezar kar rahi hai mandir Jane ke liye.

(Miss Late, what are you doing here? Mom is waiting downstairs for us to go to the temple.)

Ananya turned toward him, her lips curling into a practiced smile that barely concealed her emotions.

Ananya:- Mr.Punctual bas mai abhi aa hi rahi thi.

(Mr. Punctual, I was just about to come.)

Abhi studied her face for a moment, his gaze lingering on her red-rimmed eyes and the faint traces of tears she couldn’t entirely hide. His jaw tightened, and his eyes softened with an unspoken understanding. He chose silence, merely nodding and They descended the stairs together, where the family was waiting.

Kajal:- Chalo jaldi karo mandir Jane ke liye deri ho rahi hai.

(Come on, hurry up, we are getting late to go to the temple.)

Ananya:- Ji maa.

( Yes maa.)

In temple,

The rhythmic sound of temple bells echoed, mingling with the soft murmurs of prayers. Ananya standing on the marble floor,her hands folded tightly, her eyes closed. Her lips moved faintly as she prayed in silence, her heart pouring out its plea.