The Last Promise
Aarav sat on the empty park bench, watching the swings that once beamed with laughter. The wind blew right at his face, but the real chill was chilling in his heart. He retrieved an old, damaged letter from his pocket that was the final piece of Riya he had left
If you’re reading this, Aarav, I’m gone. It’s likely that you’re feeling angry, confused, or broken. Don’t let my absence diminish your happiness. Love goes beyond being together; sometimes, it’s about freeing ourselves from the hold of attachment. ”
His fingers trembled as he traced her words. How could she ask him to smile when she was the reason behind his every heartbeat? He still remembered the day she walked into his life—her eyes filled with mischief, her laughter like music
They had built a world together. Midnight drives, long phone calls, dreams of a future where they’d grow old side by side. But fate had other plans
One evening, as they watched the sunset, she had turned to him, her smile softer than usual
” Aarav, promise me something. ”
” Anything, Riya. ”
” Promise me you’ll be happy, even if one day I’m not here. ”
He had chuckled and ignored her words.” Stop talking nonsense. We have a lot to live for. ”
But a lifetime turned into months. Then weeks. Then just days
Riya was fighting a battle she never told him about—a sickness that was slowly stealing her away. And by the time Aarav realized, it was too late. She didn’t want him to see her fade, so she left with only a letter and a promise she hoped he’d keep
Sitting in that park, Aarav looked up at the sky. The stars blinked like they knew his pain, like they carried messages from Her. He closed his eyes and whispered,
” I promise, Riya. I will smile. Even if it hurts. ”
During that moment, the wind gave off a warm feeling similar to her hug