"Some love stories remain unfinished, yet within them, the concealed love always reveals its presence to the world, leaving an eternal imprint."
••••°°••••
In a tale where destiny itself has separated them only to promise a reunion, is it truly that...
I wake up drenched in sweat, breathing heavily. Glancing at the clock, I realize it's the same nightmare again. I run my fingers through my hair, tying them into a ponytail, and lean back against the headboard, closing my eyes.
Reflecting on today's events, I recall visiting Veer's house and encountering his father. Upon returning home, my mother informed me that I must marry Veer Malhotra in three months. It's always an order, never a question.
We had a heated argument, but it was futile. Ultimately, I found myself in my room, crying on my bed. Isn't it simple to understand that I don't want to get married? Parents are meant to support, love, and guide their children. However, mine believe in issuing commands and exerting control.
It's not that I never wanted to get married, but not when I don't even know what the future holds for me. Not when I'm uncertain if this deadly tumor will allow me to live. Not until I have answers to my questions.
I open the bedside drawer and retrieve a folded white paper from it. Unfolding it, I gaze at the temple sketch I drew, the only clear image from my nightmare. Somehow, my heart insists that I'll find answers here. While most people's nightmares haunt them, mine leave me feeling like I'm missing something vital, a part of myself.
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I've made a decision. I unknowingly have three more months to find a permanent solution to this absurd marriage proposal, which should be enough time. I need to act quickly.
Realizing sleep won't come easily, I reach for my phone to read on my Kindle. There are several notifications, but one catches my eye:
Unknown Number - "I think we need to talk. Meet me tomorrow at 2 PM at Emerald Health Hospital, my clinic. Dr. Veer Malhotra."
I read the message twice to ensure I'm seeing it correctly. Is this doctor is a mental patient also? Who asks a girl to meet at a hospital? I leave the message on read and delve into my favorite book to calm my mind.
. . .
"Can you please tell me, where is Dr. Veer Malhotra's cabin?" I inquire, greeted by a polite smile from the receptionist.
"Your name, ma'am?" she asks.
"Kiara Agnihotri," I reply, and she checks her system.
"Yes, you have an appointment. Dr. Veer informed us this morning. Take the lift on your left to the 6th floor, ma'am," she instructs, to which I express my gratitude.
Even though I don't want to, I find myself here to meet him. I can't avoid him, I know, but I have to somehow convince him to call off this marriage. Pr usne vo nahi mana toh? Vo kya uske baap ko bhi manna padenga. Relax, Kiara, let's not involve the father here. Correction: Vo kya uske bhoot ko bhi manna padenga, Better.
I knock on the door and enter upon hearing a faint "come in." He looks up from his file and offers a slight smile.
"Oh, Kiara, come in. Main tumhara hi wait kar raha tha," he says, rising from his chair. I furrow my brows, why all this formality?
