A promise: That changed my life

Karan

I instantly hurried from my office after my sister Kaya informed me that mom's health has been critical and they took her to the hospital. She was fighting cancer for the past 2 years and she is in the last stage, doctor has warned us earlier about this, "Your mother hasn't much time left." Like a month ago.

When I reached out of the hospital, my brother Sunny was waiting for me in the lobby, we quickly ran to the staircase because elevators were run out of order.

Surely the elevators chose the best timing to test my patience and anger when I am in rush to see my ill mom.

Finally, we reached in front of her room, taking a deep breath, I headed in, finding my mom on the bed with an oxygen mask on her face whereas my father and sister were sitting beside her, holding her hand.

"Maa." my voice came out as an audible whisper, all eyes turn on me but I smiled weakly when my mom looked at me, trying to mirror my expression to convince me she is okay but failed.

I walk to her, Kaya stood up to give me a seat on the stool she was sitting on, I nod to her as thanks and sat near mom, taking her hand in mine.

"You suppose to be in your office right now for your important meeting," Mom says silently.

I smile at her, "Nothing is more important to me in this world than you, Ma."

She raised her hand when I slowly tilted my face down for her to caress my cheeks, "You aren't going to change, are you?" I chuckled, shaking my head in no, she continues, smiling, "But you have to understand, I have not more time left to live." My heart thumped yet shattered at her words, controlling the lump that made in my voice, I spoke. "Don't say like that, you will stay with me forever."

"No doubt, I will but I shouldn't need to live for that."

"Maa, don't say-" She cuts me off.

"I am not immortal, my Son, neither anyone in this world, sooner or later we all gonna die, the only thing which is in our hands is to choose the way to die, peacefully or dreadfully. I have chosen peacefully but I can't get that unless till I make sure that you live a happy life with your wife who will take care of you and our family after me." She said, sadly.

I knew what she trying to say but this is not possible in this life, I can't marry because there's nothing like love exits, it's fake, no girl in this world can live happily with me.

"Maa, ask for my life I will give you, happily but not this," I stated, coldly.

"I know, and I shouldn't force you if I wasn't in this condition but I am in my death bed, and I want to keep my promise that I made to my friend years ago, " She responds.

"What promise?" I ask, puzzled.

when his daughter will be 18 you will marry her and give her

promise, Maa, how could you be so sure that I will live happily with that girl also I am almost a decade older than

last wish is to see you with someone who can bring a smile to your lips and I am 100% sure she is the only one who can, coming to the age, ain't your father is 16 years older than me and still we both love

any

I know," she

well, I can't say no to

live to see my grandchildren

knuckles, saying, "I am doing this just for you." She nodded

I have to do for her, then so

~~~

that, no girl wanna be part of my dark and messy life unless she is stupid enough to do so except for her the girl who made my heart skip Its beats and ruined my sleep for months just

was waiting for me at the dining table. I

returns from the hospital a week ago in a bit better health condition doesn't matter what Mom says to me but I know there must be

the table after everyone joined in. "So, Son, When do you want to meet her?" Mom asks, pouring a fruit juice for me in the

I ask back, digging into my

our future daughter-in-law." She replied, pushing the juice glass next to

know you are not doing this just to keep your promise but for me, so I'm sure, your choice

"As

for bro's marriage! No,

snatched from his hands because his

"What, brother?!" He yells.

during food,"

cut

buts, Sunny,

Sunny dug in and chewed

and I confirm the marriage at the

up at her,

we should inform the bride's family

"Right."