Unfulfilled promises
Author: Nahid Hasan
Once upon a time, a young man named Arav lived in a quiet village in the midst of green hills. She was known for her warm smile and kind heart. Aarav's life revolves around his family, especially his younger sister Anika. They shared a bond that was unbreakable.Aarav and Anika's parents died when they were very young, leaving Aarav to look after his sister. He worked tirelessly as a labourer, earning meager wages, but he always ensured that Anika never went to bed hungry.
Despite their hardships, Aarav and Anika find joy in small things. They used to sit in the shade of banyan trees and watch the world. Arav would tell Anika stories of the faraway places he hoped to take her, promising her a bright future.
One monsoon evening, as raindrops danced on the tin roof of their small hut, Arav made a promise that would change their lives forever. He looked into Anika's innocent eyes and said, "Didi, one day when the rain stops I will make you the most beautiful house, which will shine like a star in the night sky. We will have a garden full of flowers. , and you won't have to worry about anything. I promise." "
Anika's eyes lit up with tears of joy as she hugged her brother tightly. She believed every word he said.
Years passed, and Arav continued to work hard, saving every penny for Anika's dream home. But life had other plans. Anika falls seriously ill, and Arav has to spend all their savings on her treatment. Day and night, he sat by her bed and prayed for her recovery.
Despite the efforts of the village doctor, Anika's condition continued to deteriorate. Aarav's heart sank as he saw his sister's once bright eyes fade. She looked at him weakly and whispered, "Brother, please don't cry. I know you tried your best."
Tears were streaming down Arav's face holding Arav's weak hand. He couldn't bear the thought of losing the only family he had left. He whispered, I love you Anika.
Anika managed a faint smile before closing her eyes forever.
Aarav is shattered. The promise he had made to his sister was heavy on his heart. He failed to give her the beautiful house and garden he had dreamed for her. Her grief was overwhelming, and without Anika's smile, the village felt colder and lonelier.
As the years go by, Arav withdraws himself from the world. He continued to work but found no joy in it. The banyan tree under which he and Anika once found solace is now a painful reminder of his unfulfilled promises.
One evening, as it rained outside, Arav sat alone in his dimly lit hut. Anika's laughter echoed in the sound of raindrops on the tin roof. He wiped away his tears and decided it was time to fulfill his promise, even though it was too late.
Aarav used the little money he had saved over the years to buy a small piece of land on top of a hill. He built a modest house with his own hands as promised to Anika. He planted a garden full of the most beautiful flowers dedicated to his beloved sister.
As the years passed, the house and garden improved, but Arav remained a broken man. He kept his promise, but the joy and warmth he felt was gone forever. Her heartache was carved into every brick of the house and every petal of the garden.
One fateful day, when Arav was sitting by Anika's grave, a young woman from the village approached him. He heard the story of the man who fulfilled his promise to his sister and he was inspired by her devotion. She introduced herself as Meera and asked if she could help him take care of the garden.
Aarav is hesitant at first but agrees. In time, Meera's presence brings a glimmer of happiness in his life. Her kindness and warmth slowly melted the ice around his heart. Aarav found solace in Meera's company, and together they tended the garden as a testament to his love for Anika.
As the years pass, the village watches in awe as Aarav and Meera's friendship blossoms into love. Aarav found a second chance at happiness, and he knew that's what his beloved Anika would want.
And so, amid grief and loss, a new chapter of life begins for Aarav and Meera. The garden once planted in memory of a lost promise becomes a symbol of enduring love and a beautiful, if bittersweet, twist of fate.