The Forever Story

Yahya was a tempestuous boy, known not for struggles but for his affluent lifestyle in a big city. He was the heir to a prosperous business empire, often seen driving luxury cars and surrounded by people who admired him. His life seemed perfect, but deep inside, he felt an emptiness. On the other hand, Akshara, a middle-class girl from a small town, led a simple yet content life. Her world revolved around her family, her books, and her dreams of making something of herself. Though their worlds were miles apart in lifestyle and culture, destiny brought them together when both enrolled in the same prestigious college. Yahya’s entry into college was as dramatic as his persona—a roaring sports car, unmatched confidence etched on his face, and a magnetic presence that turned heads. Conversely, Akshara’s quiet grace and modest charm captivated Yahya at first glance.

It all began with fleeting glances—in the college corridors, the lecture halls, and then one day, an unexpected meeting in the library. Yahya, who often skipped classes, had come to borrow a book. Coincidentally, it was the same book Akshara was looking for. “Excuse me, but I got here first,” Akshara said firmly. Yahya raised an eyebrow. “Do you even know what this book is about?” “Of course, it’s for the comparative literature assignment,” she replied confidently. A faint smile played on Yahya’s lips. “Alright, you take it.” This was their first of many conversations, and soon Yahya found himself inexplicably drawn to Akshara. To Akshara, Yahya was a mystery—a storm she couldn’t help but be intrigued by. 

As days turned into weeks, Yahya’s fiery demeanor began to soften. He started attending classes regularly, not to listen to lectures but because Akshara’s presence became the highlight of his day. One evening, as they sat under the sprawling banyan tree in the college courtyard, Yahya opened his heart. “You know, I never believed in love. For me, it was just a game,” he admitted, his voice tinged with vulnerability. “And now?” Akshara asked, her eyes searching his. Yahya paused for a moment and said, “Now it’s different. You’ve changed me. I don’t know what this is, but I know it’s real.” Akshara smiled, her heart racing. “Love isn’t a game, Yahya. It’s a promise to stand by someone, no matter what.” And there, under the banyan tree, they promised each other—no matter what life threw at them, they would never let go of each other.

Their love blossomed, but it didn’t take long for rumors to reach the college professors. One day, they were summoned to the principal’s office. “Your relationship is inappropriate,” the principal said sternly. “We have informed your parents.” Their parents arrived at the college, furious. Yahya’s father, a staunch believer in preserving the family’s image, was livid. Akshara’s family, equally adamant, demanded that she cut all ties with Yahya. Despite their protests, they were forcibly separated, warned to focus on their studies, and instructed to forget each other.

The next four years were a test of their promises. Yahya tried every possible way to reach out to Akshara, but her family had blocked all avenues. Similarly, Yahya’s own family kept a strict watch on him. One day, after years of silence, Akshara reached out to Yahya through an old friend. Their first conversation after so long was filled with raw emotions. “I thought about you every single day,” Yahya said, his voice breaking. “I did too, but everything is so difficult,” Akshara replied, her heart heavy.

As their conversations resumed, Yahya’s love for Akshara deepened. But Akshara, now working in a corporate firm, found herself entangled in her new life. Gradually, her responses grew less frequent, and their calls became shorter. “Why are you drifting away from me?” Yahya asked one day, desperation in his voice. “I’m not drifting away,” she said, avoiding his gaze. “I just need some time.” But Yahya knew the truth. During the early days of their relationship, even their worst arguments would never drive Akshara away. She had always been the one to patch things up, to fight for their bond. Now, that determination was gone. She no longer made an effort to fix things, and Yahya could feel the growing void between them. Time only widened the chasm. Yahya’s waiting became agonizing as Akshara began to completely ignore him.

One day, Akshara sent her final message: “Yahya, this relationship can’t continue anymore. Please forgive me.” Yahya’s world shattered. He tried calling and messaging her, but she never responded. Days turned into months, and Yahya found himself once again sitting under the banyan tree where they had once made promises to each other. “You promised you’d never leave me,” he whispered to the empty air. Tears streamed down his face as he clutched the bracelet Akshara had once given him. The pain was compounded by the immense pressure Yahya was facing from his family. They expected him to clear competitive exams and take over the family business, constantly reminding him of the responsibilities on his shoulders.

Despite his suffering, Yahya tried to balance his career and his love for Akshara, but she didn’t seem to understand. She never acknowledged the immense pressure Yahya was under, nor did she recognize the sacrifices he made to keep their love alive. the battles he was fighting, both within himself and with his family. Yahya often thought about how different Akshara had seemed when they first met. He had believed she was unlike anyone else—unique, compassionate, and loyal. But as time went on, he began to feel betrayed by his own perceptions. She turned out to be like others, leaving him when he needed her the most. The thought crushed him further, making him question everything he had believed about their love. Akshara had once made a commitment to Yahya, saying she would stay single forever if their love didn’t work out. But in the end, it was Yahya who upheld that promise. Despite his broken heart, he chose to honor the commitment, staying true to his love for her.

Epilogue

Yahya poured himself into his work, channeling his heartbreak into building his career. Over the years, he rose to become a world-class businessman, a billionaire respected worldwide for his vision and accomplishments. Yet, despite his success, his heart remained a quiet chamber of unspoken pain and memories. He stayed with his family, providing them with a life of comfort and pride, but he never sought companionship again. Yahya chose solitude, living with the echoes of a love that had once been his guiding light. In the end, Yahya’s love for Akshara became a tale for those who knew him. People spoke of the boy who loved so deeply that even time couldn’t erase his loyalty. And while Akshara moved on with her life, Yahya remained steadfast, a symbol of a love that never forgot its promises.