Taken For Granted

Chapter 23

Akash's POV

I find myself in a beautiful garden, the kind that looks like a scene from a fairytale. The sun is setting, casting a golden hue over everything. There's a gentle breeze that carries the sweet scent of blooming flowers. In the middle of this serene setting stands a girl, her silhouette glowing with a soft, ethereal light. Her hair flows like a river of midnight, and her smile is the kind that can light up the darkest nights.

Girl (laughing and hugging him) - Akash, I am so excited about our marriage. Aren't you excited?

I step closer, a sense of warmth spreading through me. "Of course, I am," I reply, trying to keep the excitement from overtaking me. "But first, I want bhai to get married."

She giggles a sound that makes the world around us shimmer. Suddenly, she starts running away, her laughter echoing through the garden. I chase after her, calling her name, but as I get closer, she starts to fade, her form dissolving into the air like mist in the morning sun.

SPLASH!!!

I'm jolted awake, the sound of the splash still ringing in my ears. My bed is soaked, and the dream's vivid details blur into the reality of my room. Pari, with her wide, concerned eyes, stands by my bedside, her small frame casting a shadow over the chaos in my mind.

The dream, so real, so full of emotions, leaves me breathless. I can't shake the feeling that it was more than just a dream. It was a memory, a piece of my heart trying to connect with something lost, something I can't quite reach.

I stare at my little Pari, in her adorable PJs, standing beside the bed, her face etched with concern.

Pari (concerned face) - Papa!!! You were shouting 'Payal, Payal' in your dreams and then you started crying. So I woke you up. Are you fine?

I gaze at her, the maturity in her eyes surprising me. How can a six-year-old be so perceptive?

Akash (hugging her) - Yes, Jaan (life), I'm fine... just a weird dream. Let me shower and then we can go see your bade papa.

Checking the time, I quickly hop into the shower, letting the warm water wash away the remnants of the dream. Once I'm dressed, I find Pari, all set and waiting, her little backpack slung over one shoulder.

Pari nods enthusiastically and plants a kiss on my cheek. I carry her to the car, the morning sun casting a golden glow, and we drive to the guest house a few kilometers away from our home. The journey is quiet, the only sounds being the hum of the engine and Pari's soft humming.

As we arrive, the familiar sight of the guest house brings back a flood of memories. It's time to face the past and maybe, just maybe, find some peace.