Chapter 9: A Promise Between Friends

The evening sky over Sur Sagar Lake had turned shades of orange and purple. The two old friends sat in silence, each thinking about the conversation they had just had.

After a few moments, Haji Kareem spoke.

Haji Kareem: "Mahendra, I know convincing Poornima won't be easy."

Mahendra looked at him.

Mahendra: "Why do you say that?"

Haji smiled sadly.

Haji Kareem: "Because she has buried her own happiness for years. Her life revolves around Ayat and Aarhan. She will probably refuse the idea before even thinking about herself."

Mahendra nodded.

Mahendra: "Veeresh will do the same. The moment I mention marriage, he'll say his children come first."

Haji let out a small laugh.

Haji Kareem: "Then both of them are alike."

The two friends smiled.

Haji became serious again.

Haji Kareem: "I'll speak to Poornima. I'll try to make her understand. I know it will be difficult... but I also believe it's important that she at least gives herself a chance to be happy again."

Mahendra replied gently.

Mahendra: "And I'll speak to Veeresh. I know he'll resist, but it's important that he understands life doesn't end after one heartbreak."

Haji nodded.

Haji Kareem: "In the end, the decision will be theirs."

Mahendra: "Always."

Haji Kareem: "If either of them says no, we'll accept it without another word."

Mahendra: "Agreed. We can guide them, but we cannot decide for them."

Haji smiled warmly.

Haji Kareem: "That's why our friendship has lasted so many years. We respect people and their choices."

Mahendra laughed.

Mahendra: "And we still think like old schoolmasters."

Both men burst into laughter.

Haji packed the empty kheer container while Mahendra stood up from the bench.

The two friends embraced once again.

Mahendra: "Take care of yourself, Kareem."

Haji Kareem: "You too, my old friend. Drive safely."

Mahendra: "I'll call you after speaking to Veeresh."

Haji Kareem: "And I'll let you know after I speak with Poornima."

They shook hands one last time before walking toward their respective cars.

As their vehicles drove away in opposite directions, both carried the same hope in their hearts—not to arrange a marriage, but to give two good people, who had endured so much pain, a chance to choose happiness once again.