Promise Of Love - A Forced Marriage (L&M #2) [COMPLETED]

Shot 49

As they stepped into the foyer of Mithran's apartment, Chaahat felt completely drained. Physically and Emotionally.

The emotional turmoil of the day has been as unexpected as it has been shocking.

Today's revelation felt like the curtains had been raised from decades long secrets, exposing a reality she had never imagined. The weight of those revelations now bore down on her shoulders, leaving her feeling utterly spent. Mithran walked beside her, his presence offering a faint glimmer of solace in the midst of her turmoil.

The apartment's foyer was dimly lit, the soft glow of a vintage chandelier casting delicate shadows on the walls.

Mithran gently guided Chaahat to a plush sofa, its deep maroon fabric providing a small measure of comfort. She sank into the cushions, her thoughts swirling like a tempestuous sea.

Mithran's concerned gaze lingered on her, his usual cheerful demeanour tinged with worry.

"Chaahat, are you okay?" he asked softly, his voice a soothing balm in the midst of the storm raging within her.

"I don't know what to feel. I don't know how to feel." Chaahat said softly, managing a weak smile.

"I know today has been overwhelming. If you are ready, I am here to listen." He nodded understandingly, taking a seat beside her.

"It is like I have been living in a shadow, Mithran," she whispered, her voice heavy with the weight of realisation. "Everything I thought I knew... it's all been built on falsehoods."

"All my life, I had this image of my father in my mind. An adulterer, who ruthlessly left his wife and children for another woman. And I always hated him for that. Though I loved my mother, a part of me always resented her for being an other woman in a marriage. For breaking a woman's home. And now, I am realising the hardships and heartbreaks my parents had been through because of some wealthy and powerful people." Chaahat breathed out with a resigned sigh.

Mithran listened attentively, his eyes reflecting his empathy for Chaahat's inner turmoil. He reached out and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, offering a silent gesture of support.

"It sounds like you are struggling with a lot of things right now," he said softly.

"Discovering that your perception of your parents was far from the truth must be incredibly disorienting." He added in an understanding tone.

Chaahat nodded, a tear escaping her eye and trickling down her cheek.

"It's not just about them. It is about the façade of power and influence that has dictated their lives and our lives. How can people be so heartless? How can they manipulate others' lives for their own gain?" She asked painfully, thinking of all the sufferings her parents went through because of the Khurannas.

Mithran's grip on her shoulder tightened, his voice infused with a mix of sadness and determination.

"Unfortunately, Chaahat, the world isn't always as kind and fair as we wish it to be. People can be driven by greed, ambition, and self-interest, even if it means causing pain to others. But what is important is how we respond to such revelations."

She wiped away her tears, her gaze now fixed on Mithran's sincere expression. "And how should I respond, Mithran?"

He took a moment to choose his words carefully.

"Firstly, it's okay to feel the way you do. This is a lot to process, and your emotions are valid. But remember, you have the power to choose how you move forward. You can let this knowledge shatter you, or you can use it to become a much stronger person."

Chaahat sighed, the weight on her shoulders feeling a bit lighter in Mithran's presence.

"I don't want this to define me, Mithran. I don't want bitterness or anger to consume me. I have let them define my entire life so far. I need liberation from all this."

Mithran's eyes held a mixture of encouragement and understanding.

"You are right, Chaahat. Liberation is the key word here. Liberation from the shackles of the past, from the pain that has held you captive for so long. This is your opportunity to reclaim your narrative." Mithran encouraged her gently.

"It won't be easy, but remember that you have a reservoir of strength within you. You've already taken the first step by acknowledging your desire for liberation. Now, it's time to start the process." He leaned in a little closer, his voice gentle yet firm.

Chaahat nodded, a flicker of determination igniting in her eyes.

"I want to free myself from the resentment and bitterness that have held me back. But how do I do that?" Her voice was a mixture of helplessness and desperation.

Mithran smiled, his gaze unwavering.

"It begins with forgiveness, Chaahat. Forgiving yourself for resenting your parents. Forgiving yourself for carrying the burden of these emotions for so long."

"But is forgiveness possible after all of this?" she questioned, her brows furrowing in doubt.

Mithran nodded.

"Forgiveness doesn't mean condoning your actions or forgetting the pain. It is about releasing the hold that those emotions have on you. It is for your well-being. It's a way of taking back your power from the past."

"And then comes the harder part. Forgetting.." Mithran added softly.

Chaahat stared at Mithran for a moment, her mind grappling with the concept of forgiveness and forgetting. The idea of letting go of the pain and resentment felt both relieving and terrifying.

"Forgetting," she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "How do I even begin to forget everything that has shaped my life?"

Mithran's expression softened even further.

"Forgiving and forgetting don't happen overnight, Chaahat. It's a gradual process, a journey that requires patience and self-compassion. It is about replacing the old, painful memories with new ones, ones that empower you rather than hold you back."

"You have a future ahead of you, one that you can shape in a way that aligns with your true self, not the resentment or bitterness you have held onto for so long." He leaned in a little closer, his eyes locking onto hers.

Chaahat stared into his eyes with a mix of emotions swirling in them.

"Make me forget, Mithran...." She whispered huskily, shocking Mithran and herself in the process.