1.  Your Lost Memories

After taking a dive into the ocean of love,

I realized it’s not about the heart here,

It’s about destiny..

                                                     – Rahi­­­­­ ­­-

They say a person can be erased, but not their memories… Hiya was trying to escape from Rishi’s memories. She left her home, her family, her city, and even her country. But still, she couldn’t succeed in getting away from Rishi’s memories because as much as she tried to go far, the memories troubled her just as much. One day, in South Korea, a guy named Hawan enters Hiya’s life. But at the same time, Rishi also tries to re-enter her life. Now, Hiya has to decide whether she wants to live with Hawan and create new memories or relive the memories that are connected to Rishi. Life is all about memories, what will Hiya choose? Read Hiya’s story that takes place in South Korea…

Buy Link : Your Lost Memories By Hira Mokariya

Your Lost Memories

Hiya: I love you so, so, so much…

Rishi: What are you saying, Hiya?

Hiya: Yes, Rishi… I love you, not from today, not from yesterday, but for years, I’ve loved only you. Don’t you love me?

Rishi was astonished. He didn’t know what his crazy friend was saying today. She had said it many times before that she loved him, but today was different. There was a slight moisture in her eyes that he had never seen before. He had known Hiya for quite some time. She was cheerful and talkative, but today, her eyes seemed filled with love. Her words brought a calmness everywhere, as if even the waves had become still, and the whole universe had fallen silent. But in Rishi’s life, it was like a raging storm. He was looking into Hiya’s eyes, not knowing how to respond. Hiya just wanted to hear a simple “yes” as an answer.

In reality, he had come to meet her for this reason alone, because Hiya had said she wanted to meet him for the last time. He didn’t know why she had said that, and he had come to the seashore to find out. But now, she was saying something entirely different.

Rishi: Hiya, are you okay? What are you saying? Don’t you know I’m already married?

Upon hearing this, Hiya quickly changed her demeanor. She had momentarily forgotten that Rishi was now married, and she felt a sense of guilt for her question.

Hiya: Uh, well… You’re married… How could I forget? I don’t know why I asked that…

Rishi: Do you really love me? I mean, you’ve said it many times before, but I never paid much attention because I thought you were just saying it because of your playful nature. But today, your eyes are saying something different. Tell me the truth. Have you truly loved me for all these years?

Hiya looked into Rishi’s eyes, but she couldn’t see the emotions she had hoped to find. Instead, there were only questions. Perhaps, for the first time in her life, she was regretting falling in love with Rishi. Now, there was no point in trying to explain anything.

Hiya: No, I was just asking casually. You know me well, don’t you? Forget about it and listen to me. I’m going to South Korea, and I wanted to meet you one last time, so I called you here.

Rishi: When will you come back?

Hiya: Never.

Rishi: What? I mean, how long will you stay in Korea?

Hiya: Forever.

Rishi: What are you saying? Tell me why you’re going there.

Hiya: I have no reason to live here, but maybe I’ll find one there. That’s why I’m going. And I intend to stay there forever. That’s why I wanted to meet you one last time. Will you grant me a request?

Rishi: I’ll try.

Hiya: I want to hug you.

Rishi, still perplexed, decided to go along with her request. He knew Hiya well, but her actions today were beyond his comprehension. She had mentioned leaving forever, and now she wanted to hug him. Why? Despite being married, Rishi allowed her to embrace him.

As Hiya held him, everything else faded into the background. She momentarily forgot that Rishi was now married, and she felt his heartbeat against her chest. Rishi, in turn, held her as if he wouldn’t let her go anywhere, as if he intended to keep her in his arms forever. They both became lost in each other, as if they had a connection that transcended this lifetime. In this moment, it was simply love, even if it was marked by their impending separation. Hiya recalled all the moments they had shared, and tears welled up in her eyes. Rishi clung to her, unwilling to let her go, determined to keep her in his embrace forever.

Both of them were completely engrossed in each other, as if this was the only moment that mattered. Hiya cherished every second she had with him and realized that Rishi was her one true love. She didn’t know how to explain it to him, and now, there was no need to.

Rishi: Are you crying, Hiya?

Hiya quickly wiped away her tears, and there was no courage left in her to look into his eyes again. She left without saying anything.

       Rishi stood there, still trying to make sense of Hiya’s actions. She had acted strangely on several occasions before, but today he was truly puzzled. He couldn’t understand why he felt uncomfortable after Hiya had hugged him. His heart had urged him to stop her, but he couldn’t find the words. Afterward, he received a phone call and left the place.

     Once he left, Hiya returned to the same spot. She began crying loudly, and no one knew the reason behind her tears. But her sobbing seemed to calm the waves of the sea, as if even the surrounding nature had become still. She was alone there crying loudly after watching Rishi’s footprint going backwards.

          Hiya was sitting near those footprints, and she cried as if Rishi were standing there. She wanted to preserve the last trace of her love, as if the imprints of Rishi’s feet were a memory she wanted to hold onto. She filled her white handkerchief with some sand from where Rishi’s footprints were, folded the handkerchief, and tied it into a knot. She decided to keep it as a memento, a reminder of all the moments she had shared with him. As the time for her flight approached, she put the handkerchief with the sand in her purse and departed from the airport.

       Hiya had not only taken a handful of sand but also gathered all of Rishi’s memories in that small handkerchief so that she wouldn’t trouble herself with those memories in the future. She wanted to distance herself from Rishi’s memories, but she couldn’t bear to lose them completely. So, on that day, she packed all of Rishi’s memories into that handkerchief and placed it in her purse as she embarked on her journey.

     Hiya had arrived in South Korea, the land of K-pop, k-drama, and kimchi. She could feel the atmosphere of the country and was eager to start her new life there. She was on a mission to find a place to call home, not just for living but also for building her future. She had a job, a rented apartment, and all the essentials she needed. She had left behind her family and everything associated with her past life. She didn’t want to look back; she didn’t want to remember the people she might never meet again in this lifetime. She had memories, lots of memories, but she didn’t want to dwell on them. She wanted to start her life anew.

Hiya had left behind all of Rishi’s memories in a potli (small bag) in a cupboard. She secretly hoped she would forget where she had placed the key to that cupboard.

    As she got ready for her first day at work, Hiya resolved to embrace her new life with a smile, leaving behind the past. She didn’t want to turn back and look. She was in a foreign land, surrounded by people with a different culture, and she knew it would take some time to adapt. She was determined to blend into this new environment.

      On her way to work, Hiya had heard that Korean people might not openly express their dislike for Indians but would often display their feelings through their facial expressions. However, she wasn’t there to make friends or connect with people. She had come to Korea to distance herself from Rishi’s memories. She didn’t want any kind of attachment. She was ready to adjust herself to the new country and its ways.

       Hiya found herself in a beautiful country surrounded by even more beautiful people. Sometimes she felt she wasn’t as beautiful as the Koreans, but she was trying her best to adapt, even if it meant adjusting her taste buds to the local cuisine. She had been a vegetarian, but after a week in Korea, she was starting to enjoy kimchi and ramen.

     As the days passed, Hiya started immersing herself in the culture and grew fond of the local atmosphere. She lived in an apartment building, and though not everyone spoke English, she noticed that some of her neighbours did. However, she hadn’t made an effort to make friends yet. She didn’t even know who lived next door because, unlike in India, you couldn’t easily establish connections with neighbors in a foreign land. Hiya was focused on moving forward and embracing her new life in South Korea. She had left her past behind and was determined to create a new future for herself in this vibrant country.

       Hiya was living in Daegu, and one late night, she was engrossed in her work. She felt exhausted and was yearning for sleep, but she had to complete her work before morning. She decided to make some tea to help her stay awake, but when she went to the kitchen, she realized that there was no sugar left. Her mind immediately thought, “When will the neighbors come to my rescue?” However, this wasn’t India, and she couldn’t just go to her neighbours’ house with a container asking for sugar. Without sugar, tea wouldn’t help her stay awake, and she didn’t want her neighbors to think she was lazy or didn’t take care of her appearance.

   Hiya looked at herself in the mirror and thought, “My hair and face look tired. If I go out like this, my neighbors will never lend me sugar, and Koreans are very particular about their appearance. If I look shabby, they might think I’m a lazy person who doesn’t take care of herself. No, the first impression should be the best impression. I look pretty good, after all.” She adjusted her appearance with a smile and went to her neighbor’s door.

She didn’t know who her neighbor was, whether it was a guy or a girl, but it didn’t matter. She reached the door, and in a somewhat inebriated state, a young man opened it, looking surprised.

Man: “Yes?”

Hiya: “I’m sorry to bother you at this hour, but I need some sugar for my tea. I only need two spoons if you have it.”

The man was taken aback. A foreign girl was standing at his door at almost midnight, holding a container and asking for sugar. This was something he had never encountered before.

Hiya: “You see, I ran out of sugar just when I wanted to make tea. If you have some, it would be a great help.”

The man hesitated, because he found the situation unusual and partly because Hiya had disturbed him in this way late at night. He had been looking at Hiya as if he had never seen anything like this before. But despite wanting to decline, he couldn’t ignore Hiya’s captivating smile.

Hiya: Well, the thing is, I’m from India, and it’s quite common to visit neighbors for such things there. But I really respect your culture, and I’ve only been here for eight days. It might take me some more time to understand the people and their culture here. I’m sorry for bothering you, and I’ll make sure not to make such a mistake again.

Hiya thought he is drunk and rude so he won’t help her as this time… so she takes her steps back to her apartment. As she two took only two and half steps back he stopped her from back…

Man: Wait…

Hiya: Yes?

Man: You can take it…

Hiya: What?

Man: You can take two spoons of sugar from my kitchen. It’s right there.

Hiya couldn’t believe her ears. The man, who had seemed hesitant and taken aback at first, was now willing to let her take sugar from his kitchen. Hiya quickly decided not to let this opportunity slip by. She hurriedly went to his kitchen, filled half a cup with sugar, and brought it back outside. She didn’t want to give him any chance to change his mind.

Hiya: Thank you so much! I really appreciate it. Now I’ll be able to make my tea. I promise I won’t disturb you again.

As she was about to leave, the man called out to her again.

Man: Wait…

Hiya: Yes?

Man: You said you only needed two spoons of sugar, so why did you bring half a cup?

 Now what ?? she intended to ask but didn’t. she was thinking, “What kind of person is he? He made such a big deal out of it. If I took a little more sugar than two spoons, what’s the big deal? If he didn’t want to give it, he could have simply refused. Who asks someone like this?

Hiya was beginning to dislike that guy. This was the first and last time she had gone to him to ask for something because after this incident, she would never visit his house again, not even for anything important. He was still looking in her direction.

Hiya: I’m sorry; I’ll put it back.

Man: No, no, that’s not what I meant. There’s no need to put it back. I was just asking because if you wanted, you could have taken the whole container of sugar. Why did you take only half?

Oh, it was like that! God, what was I thinking? This guy is not as bad as I thought. He didn’t say anything wrong; it’s just the way he said it that bothered me, but it’s okay. He’s still helping me despite being drunk. That’s a good thing. And even though he’s tipsy, he’s not being rude.

Hiya: No, this is enough. I only need to make a cup of tea. Thank you. Good night.

Man : Good night.

He gave her a faint smile.

          Hiya was back in her home, making tea. She couldn’t help but think about him. While he was still drunk, this chance encounter somehow kept her awake throughout the night. Although everyone there seemed to be nice, he was the first person who had made a positive impression on her. Initially, she thought he wouldn’t help, but now she was convinced that he would. In the future, he might even become a friend. She was looking forward to discovering more about Daegu and the people in her neighbourhood.

     Hiya was beginning to like living abroad these days. She had settled in well there. It had been two days since she moved. One night, as she sat in her new home, she suddenly remembered something she had forgotten. Ah, she hadn’t returned the half bowl sugar yet. She immediately went to the kitchen, filled the bowl with sugar, and rushed out to her neighbor’s house to repay the favor.

   She was about to knock on the door when she realized it was already late at night. The last time she had visited, it was quite late, and her neighbor was understandably upset. But tonight, he was awake, perhaps still irritated by her late-night visit. She didn’t want to disturb his sleep, but she needed to return the sugar. She thought for a moment, wondering what to do.

Hiya: It’s late at night. He must be awake. Last time, I disturbed him at this hour. But what can I do? I just need to return this sugar. If I knock once, it won’t be a big deal. If he doesn’t answer, I’ll leave.

She reassured herself and finally rang the doorbell. She waited for a moment, but there was no response. She thought that maybe he had gone to bed, so she turned to leave.

Neighbor: Why are you doing all this?

When Hiya turned back to look, her neighbor was staring at her angrily.

Hiya: What am I doing?

Neighbor: Oh, so now you don’t even know what you’re doing? You think you can ring my doorbell in the middle of the night, and I won’t even notice?

Hiya: I didn’t mean to do anything like that.

Neighbor: That’s enough now. I don’t want to hear anything. You’re making excuses now because you’ve been caught. Don’t bother me with your kindness.

Hiya: You’re misunderstanding me.

Neighbor: There’s no time to be making disturbances in the middle of the night. It’s hard for me to get back to sleep once I’m awake. I doubt I’ll get any sleep tonight because of you. You’ve disturbed me for the past two nights. All these things are affecting my mental balance. If you want to disturb me, do it during the day. Why do you always come at night? Now, go away from here.

He was angry, perhaps because he hadn’t slept for two nights, but his anger was unjustly directed at Hiya.

Hiya: I’m sorry. I didn’t come here to bother you or disturb your sleep. I only came here to return the sugar I borrowed from you.

She handed him the sugar bowl and quickly left his doorstep. The young man watched her as she walked away. She closed her door and muttered to herself.

Neighbor: What? Did she really come here just to return it? When did I tell her she had to bring this sugar back? She came here to return it, and I scolded her for no reason. Now, she’s a foreign girl. I should have helped her, and instead, I got unreasonably angry at her and said so much. I don’t think she’ll ever talk to me again. This is my mistake, my fault. But there’s nothing I can do now. I’ll have to wait until morning. Maybe she’s already gone to sleep.

Hiya was talking to herself, “Should I sleep? How can he think that about me? Why did I go there? Why do I trust people so quickly? What must he be thinking about me… But what was my mistake? I didn’t go there to linger around. But now, it’s settled. He gave me sugar, and I returned it. Now, everything is balanced. I shouldn’t think about this anymore.”

   She tried to sleep but couldn’t. “Oh God! Please don’t let any trouble happen here. Help me. This isn’t my country, and if he changes his mind, what will I do? I don’t want any problems here. I hope this dispute ends here.”

Hiya’s alarm had been going off for the past half hour, but she had fallen asleep a few hours ago, so she couldn’t hear it. Now, she had to wake up, or she’d be late for work. She quickly got ready and left her apartment.

She was closing her front door in a hurry because the neighbor’s door was just a few steps away from her own, and she didn’t want to encounter him. But as she was leaving…

Neighbor: Wait, Hiya.

She heard the same voice again. Today, the young man wouldn’t let her go. Hiya turned around, a bit concerned.

Hiya: What happened? And how do you know my name?

The neighbor spoke, “You left your home before coming out, and I had already been there twice. I saw your name there.”

Hiya replied, “Oh, I see.”

He continued, “You can also call me by my name. My name is Hawan.”

Hiya responded, “Look, I’ve already apologized to you before. I’m getting late now, so please let me go.”

Hawan insisted, “I didn’t come here to stop you. I just wanted to tell you that when you’re done with work, come straight to my house.”

Hiya asked, “But why?”

Hawan replied, “Maybe you’re running late. I’ll explain the rest when you come to my house later. You can go now.”

         He then entered his own house and closed the door behind him. Hiya stood there, wondering why he did this. However, she was already running late for work, so she decided not to waste any more time and headed to the office.

    Hiya didn’t want to come back home today because she didn’t want to encounter Hawan. She didn’t want to meet him at all, but she couldn’t leave her job at the moment. She had only one job, which she didn’t want to lose.

Thinking about Hawan, she didn’t want to return home after work. She didn’t want to see him, but she also couldn’t go far away because her home was right there, and she had already paid six months’ rent in advance. She would have to go there somehow, sneak in, avoiding the watchful eyes of her neighbors, and reach her home. Hwan’s home and her home were in the same building, after all. She had to go, no matter how. She went there slowly, quietly, without making any noise, and quickly entered her home, closing the door behind her.

She let out a long sigh and whispered to herself, “I escaped from that Hawan, the devil.”

Hiya had just been thinking about going to sleep when someone started banging on her door loudly. She was tired and wanted to sleep, but her sleep’s enemy was knocking on the door. Despite not wanting to, she had to open the door as someone was ringing the bell insistently.

Hiya said, “Oh, Hawan, it’s you?”

Hawan replied, “I told you to come directly to my house. Why didn’t you come?”

Hiya explained, “I was just…”

Hawan interrupted, “No problem. I have a lot to talk to you about, so I came myself. Can I come in?”

Hiya hesitated and replied, “No…”

Hawan said, “Thanks.”

He then pushed his way into her house through the narrow space on the right.

Hiya protested, “Look, you can’t just come into my house like this.”

Hawan replied, “You’ve been to my house twice. I’ve never stopped you.”

Hiya retorted, “If you came here to argue with me, then let me make it clear, Hawan. I have absolutely no intention of arguing with you.”

Hawan responded, “Who told you I came here to argue? I just came to talk.”

Hiya was getting angry, very angry. How uncouth was this so-called “sophisticated” guy? Why wouldn’t he listen? She had to find a peaceful solution to this matter.

Hiya, trying to resolve the situation peacefully, told Hawan, “It’s quite late now, and I’m tired. You should go back to your house.”

Hawan replied, “Don’t worry, I won’t take much of your time. Sit down here because this is your house too, and there’s a sofa.”

Hiya reluctantly agreed, “Okay, tell me, what do you want to talk about?”

Hawan asked, “I wanted to know why you returned the sugar-filled container. I mean, I never asked you to return it.”

 Hiya explained, “Oh, that! We do this there. Whenever we need something and can’t go to the market, we borrow it from our neighbors. And when we have that thing, we return it to them. It’s like the first cousin principle – your closest neighbor can reach you first if you ever need help. Good neighbors have everything, and good relations with neighbors are a blessing.”

Hawan questioned, “So, you mean you ask your neighbors for anything you need, and they give it to you without any payment? That means if you ever need something for a short while and your neighbor has it, you can just borrow it and return it afterward?”

Hiya affirmed, “Yes, that’s how it works. And sometimes, even if there’s a small need, there’s no need to return it. If you return it late, nobody asks.”

Hawan pondered, “This must happen quite often, right?”

Hiya responded, “Many times? Oh, it’s very common, and it happens every day. You can ask your neighbors for anything—things, food, chairs, kitchen supplies, even a broom.”

Hawan was intrigued, “Even a broom?”

Hiya explained further, “Yes, it’s true. But don’t worry, I won’t come to your house asking for anything in the future.”

Hawan said warmly, “Who said it’s weird? I find it interesting, and I like it. Whatever you are, I like you.”

Hiya agreed, “Alright then, thanks for understanding.”

Hawan continued, “But I still want to know more. Tell me something interesting.”

Hiya shared, “I have a day off from work tomorrow. We can talk more tomorrow.”

Hawan happily agreed, “Excellent! It’s a great idea. We’ll spend the day together and get to know each other better.”

Hiya concluded, “So it’s settled then. Now, look, the door is open.”

Hawan said, “Then close it.”

Hiya, slightly irritated, responded, “Hawan…”

Hawan quickly realized his mistake and said, “Okay, okay, I forgot that I’m in your house. Goodnight. I’ll leave now. And don’t forget that I’m looking forward to our full day together tomorrow.”

Hiya sighed, “Now go. Are you going to say good morning here as well?”

   Then she closes the door. She was extremely tired and that’s why she goes to sleep directly and within and couple of minutes..  I think she has already fallen asleep. A very good night to all.

Next morning, she wakes up early  and after preparing herself well she went to Hawan’s home. When she rang the ball he came to open the door almost naked.. I mean only short town was there on his waist to hide his thighs to the knee. His hair was dripping .. hiya closes her eyes and turns backward as quickly as possible.

 “I’m sorry, maybe I came at the wrong time.”

Hawan , “Oh, Hiya, why are you so shy? We are neighbours after all.”

Hiya replied, “So what if we are neighbors? Close the door, put on your clothes properly, and then open the door like a decent guy.”

      He took some time to get dressed and returned fully clothed. Now they were both ready to go outside. First, they looked around the neighborhood together because everything was still unfamiliar to Hiya. Hawan taught her some Korean words that might be useful in her daily life. Afterward, he explained various things to her, one by one, in detail.

Hiya had been in Korea for almost a month, but she still didn’t know much about these things. However, she didn’t have to worry anymore because Hawan was there to help her. She had never trusted any guy other than Rishi before, but now Hawan was becoming a good friend. It was already afternoon, and no matter how hungry she was, she couldn’t skip lunch. Although she felt really hungry, she didn’t like telling anyone that she needed to eat. She didn’t like discussing personal matters with anyone other than herself.

Hawan asked Hiya, “What’s wrong, Hiya? Aren’t you comfortable with me?”

Hiya replied, “It’s not that. I’m learning a lot today.”

Hawan, puzzled, said, “Then why do you look so sad? Why this gloom on your face?”

Hiya explained, “It’s not gloom, it’s hunger. I’m really hungry.”

Hawan realized his oversight and said, “Oh, I completely forgot. I didn’t even ask you if you wanted to eat anything. I’m sorry. This has happened first and the last time too. Let’s go to the best restaurant in this area. Come with me.”

Hiya, impatient and hungry, said, “Hurry up and take me there. I’m starving.”

Hawan, jokingly, said, “If you’re having trouble walking, my back is free. Would you like to ride piggyback?”

Hiya smiled and replied, “Absolutely not.”

Hwan asked. “ why ??? ”

Hiya answered, “ cause I’m heavy..”

Hawan said playfully, “Liar! You’re just adorable.”

Hiya was not in the mood for jokes. She was very serious about her hunger. She said to Hawan, “can I get the lunch before the end of lunch time ?? I’m dying without it..”

Hawan, said, “Of course, you’ll get it. Look, we’ve arrived. Now, we just need to go inside.”

Hawan and Hiya entered the restaurant. Since Hiya didn’t understand Korean at the time, Hawan ordered food for both of them. After a while, their food arrived. Hiya looked at her plate, puzzled.

Hiya asked, “What is this?”

Hawan had already started eating but stopped when he noticed Hiya’s expression. He asked, “What’s wrong?”

Hiya replied, “Nothing.”

Hawan said, “Then eat.”

Hiya hesitated and then said, “No, I’m not hungry anymore. You eat; I’ll wait for you outside.”

Hawan was concerned and asked, “Wait, what happened? You just said you were starving, and now you’re not hungry at all. What’s going on?”

Hiya explained, “I forgot to tell you that I’m a vegetarian. I don’t eat all this.”

Hawan responded, “Is that it? You should have told me without hesitation. I could have ordered something else for you.”

Hiya said, “No, it’s not necessary. I can eat something from somewhere else.”

Hawan insisted, “Tell me everything. It’s no trouble at all. I can order something vegetarian for you right now.”

Hiya replied, “No, really, there’s no need. I’ll eat something else later.”

Hawan said, “There are plenty of vegetarian options here too. I will order something for you….”

A waiter brought Hiya’s food and placed it in front of her. Just as he was about to leave, Hiya called him back.

“Excuse me, ” she said.

The waiter turned and asked, “Yes?”

Hiya requested, “Could I please have a spoon ?”

The waiter apologized, “I’m sorry, but don’t use spoons here.”

Hiya persisted, “Then can you give me a fork?”

The waiter replied, “I’m sorry but we don’t have fork either , we only use chopsticks..”

Feeling a bit disheartened, Hiya watched as the waiter left. She was worried about trying to eat with chopsticks because she was not very skilled with them. While she contemplated her options, Hawan got up from his seat and moved to the chair next to her, bringing the chopsticks with him. He said, “Okay, Hiya. I can help you with this. Don’t worry.” He extended his arm to feed her.

Hiya replied, “ its fine Hawan,, I will eat by myself….”

Hawan : do you know how to eat with chopsticks ?

Hiya : not perfectly but I’m learning.. sometime I can but sometimes you know….

Hawan replied with a smile, “In your country, do people spoons to eat?”

Hiya  said, “no.. in my country, most people prefer to eat with their hands. Our hands, stomach, and intestines harbor bacteria that help protect us from diseases. Eating with our hands allows these beneficial bacteria to enter our bodies and prevent harmful bacteria from harming our digestive system. Personally, I only truly enjoy the taste of food when I eat with my hands. My hunger isn’t satisfied until I’ve had a meal with my hands.”

Impressed, Hawan commented, “You have a unique perspective on things.”

Hiya responded, “Now, please don’t talk to me while I’m eating.”

Hawan asked curiously, “Why not?”

Hiya explained, “There’s also a reason behind not talking while eating, which I’ll tell you later. For now, let me eat in peace.”

Hawan respected her request and didn’t interrupt her meal. After they finished eating, Hawan went to pay the bill.

Hiya stopped him and asked, “Wait, Hawan, what are you doing?”

Hawan replied, “I’m settling the bill. Do you want something else to eat?”

Hiya said, “No, I’ll take care of the bill for my meal. Why are you paying for it?”

Hawan: Because I want to. I brought you here, so it’s my responsibility to cover both of our meals. Is it customary in your country to split bills separately?

Hiya: No, it’s not. Usually, guys pay for meals wherever we go. Even when two families dine together, the one who’s older usually takes care of the bill. But since we’re friends, we prefer to split it.

Hawan: That’s fine. It seems like our customs have some similarities. Look, I’m a guy, and I’m older, and I’ve already paid for both of us. So, don’t bother asking how much it is. Consider it my hospitality.

     As they continued exploring different places, Hawan took it upon himself to teach Hiya about various aspects of their culture and traditions. Hiya had been trying to escape her past, but today, she was considering the possibility of staying in this new world. She realized that there was no need to run away anymore, as she could call this place her home.

      Hiya smiled at Hawan and said, “Today has been the best day I’ve had in this country, and I owe it all to you, Hawan . But it’s getting late, and I have to go to work early tomorrow. So, I think it’s necessary for us to go back home now.”

          Hawan understood but tried to persuade her to stay a little longer, saying, “I really don’t feel like going back home right now. But if you’re in a hurry, then let’s go. But before that, you must accompany me to a wine shop. I’ll recommend the most famous and expensive liquor from our country.”

Hiya: What? Are you joking with me? How can you suggest that I drink alcohol? I don’t drink, and where I come from, drinking is illegal. No father would ever accept a son-in-law who drinks. How could you even think of suggesting that to me? I don’t even touch alcohol.

Hawan: Why are you getting so angry? For me, alcohol is essential. I can survive without water, but never without alcohol.

Hiya: I hate people who drink. (She grumbles)

Hawan: What did you say?

Hiya: Nothing, just go and drink.

Hawan: I’m not going alone; you’re coming with me.

Hiya: Now you’re being rude. How can you force a girl to drink alcohol? I told you I won’t go to the liquor store, and my family would never accept anyone who drinks. I’ve already told you I won’t go there.

Hawan: Alright then, let’s go back.

Hiya: I’ll go by myself. You go and enjoy your expensive alcohol.

Hawan: If you want me to enjoy my expensive alcohol, you will have to come with me… Otherwise, we’ll both go back home.

Hiya: You just don’t understand. I can’t come with you, and I can’t go to a liquor store. Where I come from, even boys are not allowed to drink. No one in my family can even utter the word “alcohol.”

Hawan: It’s quite strange! How can anyone live without alcohol? Alright then, I won’t force you to drink, but you can still come with me, right? I’ll show you different types of alcohol, and you can sit with me and see, can’t you?

Hiya: You won’t understand. Come on then.

             They both enter. Hiya had never seen the inside of a liquor store before. She was surprised because not only boys but also girls were drinking there as if they were thirsty for years. Hiya wasn’t bothered by it, but the guy who had come with her was causing quite a disturbance. Yes, Hawan was drinking – one bottle, two bottles, three bottles, and he was still going strong. Hiya didn’t know how to stop him, but if she didn’t, she might have to carry him home on her back. He was completely intoxicated. Now, it was Hiya’s responsibility to get him home safely. But how? He couldn’t even stand properly.

Hiya said, “This is why I hate Korean guys because of this habit. Why they drink so much? Get up now, we’re getting late. Let’s go. ”

But who was listening? Hawan was lost in his world of intoxication, oblivious to his surroundings. Hiya pays the bill and manages to pull him out of the liquor store. They get into a taxi and head home. They reach home, but the drama was far from over. Hawan sometimes laughed, sometimes cried, and sometimes gave unsolicited advice as if he were the only good person left on Earth. Hiya was tired of hearing his meaningless ramblings.

Hiya: Enough!

But he was not listening at all.

Hiya: Hawan, what’s the password?

Hawan: Password? What’s the password of your home?

Hiya: Stop the nonsense! Hurry up and tell me the password. I can’t keep you standing like this for long; you’re too heavy.

Hawan: Well, then go… go to your lovely home. But don’t leave me alone. Take me with you to your home. I’ll be a good boy there. I won’t cause any trouble. I’m a good guy. Please take me with you, my dear.

Hiya: Dear??? Don’t call me that again. Got it?

And he bursts into laughter.

Hiya: Shut up.

Hawan: You’re my dear. I’m your darling.

Hiya: Tell me the password, Hawan.

Hiya was getting angry now. “He’s talking about things from all over the world, but he’s not saying what needs to be said. It seems like he’s completely drunk. There’s no point in getting angry here.”

Hawan: I won’t say… because I want to come with you, I want to Stay at your house, the neighbor’s house…

Now, there was no point in asking him. why Korean people drink so much ? He was reluctant to even say the password. Despite not wanting to, Hiya had to bring him to her place. She laid him down on the bed and mumbled, leaving him there to sleep while she went to sleep on the couch.

In the morning, when she was getting ready for work, Hiya saw Hawan. He was still asleep. He looked so innocent while sleeping that Hiya couldn’t take her eyes off him. His face had a different kind of innocence, with thick double eyelids, a prominent nose, fair skin, neatly divided hair, perfectly shaped lips, and a six-foot tall frame. Hiya stopped herself thinking and said, “Hiya, what are you doing? Don’t look at him like that. He’s extremely handsome. You should be surprised that he became your friend. I thought all the guys here would be arrogant because they’re so good looking, but Hawan is not like that at all. He’s getting along with me very well. His behavior is good with me. He takes care of me and helps me too. If I don’t understand something, he doesn’t make fun of me but explains it to me lovingly. Finding a friend like him is a blessing. If Rishi weren’t in my life, I might have fallen in love with Hawan… Wait, what did I just say? Rishi? Where is he right now?” For a moment, she had forgotten that Rishi was no longer in her life, and she had come to Korea to get away from Rishi and his memories. But still, in every way, Rishi somehow found his way into her thoughts. She was struggling to distance herself from his memories even though she had come to Korea to do just that.

Hawan was now waking up from his sleep. He opened his swollen eyes and saw Hiya in front of him. He didn’t trust that his neighbor was standing at his house so early in the morning.

Hawan: What are you doing here?

Hiya smiled and said, “I think you’re still drunk.”

Hawan: Drunk???

And he started to vaguely remember what had happened yesterday. He remembered that he had drunk a lot, but after that, he couldn’t recall anything.

Hawan: I really can’t remember what happened yesterday. Can you help me remember everything? Did I misbehave with you?

Hiya: Oh… no…

Hawan: How can that be?

Hiya: What do you mean? Did you decided to misbehave with me?

Hawan: No… I mean, if I didn’t do anything wrong with you, then why are you so upset?

Hiya: I’m not upset; I’m just running late.

Hawan: Then go… I mean, I’m not stopping you?

Hiya: For your information, before leaving, you have to close the door, and then you have to lock it. (She knew that Hawan was still drunk, and his mind was not functioning properly, so she was explaining things at his pace.)

Then he looked around. After wasting some more time, he understood that Hiya was saying this because it was her house.

Hawan: Oh!! This is your house… I mean, it’s your house, so you want me to leave… I’m sorry if I bothered you a lot last night.

Hiya: No, you didn’t bother me.

Hawan: Do you really know that I didn’t bother you?

Hiya: Absolutely.

Hawan: That’s strange; you… never mind. I’m leaving now.

            And he came closer to Hiya, gave her a hug, and then, without saying anything else or listening to anything else, he left from there. Hiya didn’t like his behavior. “How did he have the courage to hug me, to touch me?” But then she understood that she was in a foreign country, and such things were common here. She was overthinking. They were friends now, and friends didn’t need to ask each other before hugging. Hiya reassured herself and left for the office because she couldn’t afford to be late.

          When Hiya returned home from the office, she noticed an unusual odor permeating the house. She sniffed the air and wondered if someone was smoking a cigarette inside her home. But who could it be? The door was closed, and she hadn’t shared her password with anyone. So, who had managed to enter her home and was smoking a cigarette? It could be a thief, a criminal, or anyone else. Hiya contemplated her next move as she cautiously stepped further into her home.

     Upon entering, she witnessed an unexpected sight. A young man was sitting on her sofa, but his face was turned toward the TV, making it impossible for Hiya to see his features. He wore a white t-shirt and black pants, had a long neck, and one leg was casually resting on the other knee. He was smoking a cigarette. His one hand was measuring the length of sofa while with the other hand he was smoking.. he was sitting there like he was the owner of the house. Hiya decided to handle the situation calmly, aware that he could escape or potentially cause harm if provoked. She needed to be prepared for anything. But today he entered in the wrong house because Hiya will not let him go as he came inside.. As she looked around, she spotted a broom nearby, which she thought might serve as a makeshift weapon. Quietly and carefully, Hiya approached the intruder, who was still engrossed in the TV. She raised the broom, ready to hit.. three .. two… one… go..  swung the broom and hit on his back, although she miscalculated her aim, hitting his shoulder instead.

“Ah…!” he cried out in pain.

Words came out of his mouth, and he looked back. He was more amazed to see Hiya than the wound by broom, and the girl closing her eyes and hitting him repeatedly. Hiya heard her groan but did not give her eyes the pain of opening them to see who the boy was. She was just hitting him, and then, due to closing her eyes, she did not even know where she was hitting him. She just continued hitting wherever the broom touched.

“Stop, Hiya, I’m in pain,” he said.

But who heard? She continued to beat him. But then, a thought sparked in her mind, “How does he know my name?”

She stopped. Slowly opening her eyes, she saw a boy standing with his back to her, hiding his face with both hands. After all, he wouldn’t want his face to be bruised. It’s okay to have wounds on his back, but he wouldn’t want his face to be injured. Hiya has stopped now. She is moving forward to see his face, that’s all. But he still kept his face hidden in his palms.

“Wait, Hiya, please don’t hit me,” he said.

“How do you know my name?” Hiya asked.

“First, please stop hitting me… I’m in pain… Ahhh….”

“Oh!!! This is a Hawan” Hiya recognized his voice, but now what? She had beaten him so badly that poor him was still standing, hiding his face.

Hiya: I’m sorry… I didn’t know it was you. I thought it was a thief or someone who entered my house.

Hawan: Never do this to anyone, not even a thief… not to anyone… I’m in so much pain… I still feel like I’m going to die from this pain. (Now he was exaggerating his pain.)

Hiya: Don’t say that, Hawan… You’ll be fine. I’ll help you. You’ll recover soon.

Hawan: Look… look, I can’t even walk… How will I go home?

He starts crying crocodile tears.

Hiya: You can rest here, Hawan. You don’t need to go home until you’re fine.

Now, he was completely in the mood to act because he was enjoying seeing Hiya troubled for him.

Hawan: But I can’t even make it to the bedroom… I can’t even reach the bed… Hiya, please help me, take me there…

And poor Hiya couldn’t understand his drama. She went to help him. To help him, she didn’t even remember that Hawan had injuries on his back, not on his legs. How could he have trouble walking? Well, alright then. She thought that maybe Hawan’s pain was because of her, so she didn’t want to leave any chance to help him. Hawan was probably waiting for this moment when she came to help him. When she went to help him, she placed one hand on her shoulder and held her hand with the other. Hiya couldn’t even say anything because he was still in pain. It was as if he was waiting for Hiya to come closer. He was quite happy to see him worried about him. She led him to her private room and then laid him down on the bed. She then brought some medicines for him.

Hiya: Hawan, take off your t-shirt.

Hawan: Hh… right now? I’m in pain… How can you even think about doing all that?

Hiya: Stop your nonsense. I’m telling you to take off your t-shirt because I need to apply medicine there. It will give you some relief from the pain.

Hawan: Just that?

Hiya gives him an annoyed smile and says, “Just that…” She then helps him take off his t-shirt. After that, she gently applies ointment to his back. At first, Hiya thought he might be pretending to be in pain, but he wasn’t entirely faking it. His back still clearly showed red marks from the broom. She felt guilty that her actions had caused Hawan pain. She no longer felt angry with him and was determined to take care of him until he recovered.

Hiya: How did you know my password?

Hawan: I saw it when you were opening your door in the morning.

Hiya: You’re really naughty. Who steals someone’s house password like that?

Hawan: I didn’t steal it, I just saw it.

Hiya’s face showed a hint of sadness.

Hawan: Now, what’s the matter with being sad about it? If you don’t feel comfortable sharing your password with someone, then it’s fine. When I’m not around, you can change it. And I promise I won’t try to find out your password again.

Hiya looked at Hawan. He looked completely different. He had changed completely. She had applied medicine to his shoulders and back and told him not to wear a t-shirt until the ointment dried. He was prepared for this as well.

              Hawan was resting, and Hiya was preparing food. She didn’t know how to cook Korean food, so she had ordered it for Hawan. Hawan, on the other hand, was rummaging through the belongings in her room. He wasn’t ready to rest because he hadn’t suffered enough injury to require rest. Hiya was worried about him. Hiya had cooked her own food, and the food she had ordered for Hawan had arrived. She called him to come and eat. He came, sniffing the aroma of the food. He didn’t know what was placed in front of him since it was Indian cuisine. He was about to extend his hand to eat…

Hiya: Wait, Hawan…

Hawan: Why?

Hiya: Your food is here… This one is mine.

Hawan: Oh, come on… Food is food. It’s not yours or mine. And today, I want to eat Indian food. I crave those Indian Flavors.

Hiya: It’s too spicy for you, and you’re injured, so you should eat what’s good for you. I’ve ordered noodles for you. I’ll get them for you right now.

Hawan: No, I don’t want noodles. I want this.

Hiya: Are you sure?

Hawan: Absolutely.

Hiya handed him a plate of stuffed eggplant (bharwa baingan) with pearl millet (bajre ki roti) along with some buttermilk, and a bit of salad on the side.

Hiya: Now you can eat.

Hawan: Fantastic! This is incredibly delicious. I’ve never tasted anything like this before. It’s so different. You know what? I used to think that vegetarian people only ate greens and vegetables, and their food couldn’t possibly be tasty like this. But I was wrong. This has a unique flavor. I’m really enjoying it.

Hiya: Thank you for the compliment.

Hawan: Thank you for introducing me to this delicious meal.

They both finished their meal, and Hiya left the dishes in the kitchen, as she was tired and it was already late. Hawan observed her tired face and went into the kitchen to start washing the dishes. Hiya was unaware of this initially, but when she heard the clattering of dishes, she went to check.

Hiya: What are you doing, Hawan?

Hawan: Helping you… Why not?

Hiya: I don’t need your help. Go and rest.

Hawan: You look tired. Let me do this.

Hiya: No, never. I can’t let you do the dishes. Besides, your back might still hurt, right?

Hawan: You’re tired. Let me help.

Hiya: No, never. I won’t let you do this work. Especially not today. You might still have pain in your back.

Hiya was trying to make him understand, and he had been washing the dishes while she was speaking. By the time Hiya had finished talking, he had washed almost all the dishes. Now, how many dishes could two people have?

Hawan: It’s done. You didn’t even notice, and the work is finished. Now come and rest. You need it more than I do.

Hiya: Why are you so nice?

Hawan: Do you want me to be bad?

Hiya: No, of course not. Thanks for your help.

Hawan: No need to thank me. Now we are friends. We’ll keep helping each other. Don’t thank me every time. I’m going now. Good night.

Hiya: Where are you going?

Hawan: To my home, of course.

Hiya: But you had pain in your back, and besides, if you need anything in the middle of the night, who will bring it to you? My suggestion is that you stay here tonight.

Hawan: Aren’t you afraid?

Hiya: Why would I be?

Hawan: You’re asking a young man to sleep at your place. Isn’t that…

Hiya: Look, Hawan… don’t overthink it. I’m doing all of this because your pain is my responsibility right now. Until you’re fully recovered, you’re my responsibility. But if you’re feeling better, then you can go back to your place right now.

     Hawan observed the purity in her eyes and her trust in him. He had never met a girl like her before. She was beautiful, gentle, and caring. Most importantly, she trusted him with her eyes closed. That day, Hawan made a promise to himself that he would never break her trust.

Hawan: No, really… My back still hurts, and you know, my shoulders hurt more than that. After washing the dishes, my hands are also not functioning properly.

Hiya: Stop with the drama and go lie down on the bed.

Hawan: So, where will you sleep?

Hiya: besides you

Hawan : really ???

Hiya : of course, Right next to your bed, on the floor.

Hawan: Why?

Hiya: Now, no more questions. Just go to sleep, and let me sleep too.

      Then, both of them went into the bedroom. Hiya spread her bedding on the floor, and Hawan lay down on the bed. Hawan knew that Hiya couldn’t sleep on the floor, and she will never sleep on the bed either because he had already slept there.

Hawan: Hey, are you awake?

Hiya: Do you need something?

Hawan: No.

Hiya: Then, I’ve already gone to sleep.

Hawan: Listen… I’m trying to sleep, but I can’t because I’m used to sleeping on my back. The wounds on my back are still stinging, and the pain in my shoulders is making it impossible for me to sleep even when I turn on my side.

Hiya was listening to him with her eyes closed, clearly worried about his discomfort.

Hawan: It seems like I won’t be able to sleep tonight. The burning sensation is too much.

Hiya: I’m sorry, Hawan. This is all my fault. I shouldn’t have beaten you without seeing you first. Should I give you a back massage?

Hawan: That’s not the issue. The problem is with my back. I’m used to sleeping on my back. I can’t sleep upside down, and I won’t be able to get any rest.

Hiya: If there’s any way I can help you, please let me know.

Hawan: Well… I need your support. I’ve never slept on my stomach, but if you let me lay my head in your lap, I might be able to sleep.

     His pain was evident in his eyes. Hiya couldn’t refuse, not because of his pain but because she was the cause of his pain. She moved closer, placed a pillow in her lap, and gestured for him to lay his head down. Hawan rested his head in her lap, and she gently stroked his back. She was feeling little discomfort but after seeing the red marks on his back she blames herself and then let him sleep hugging her. She thought Hawan has fallen asleep but he was just pretending. She her hand was giving him relief that any medicines.. she has decided to went back to her bad which was on the floor after Hawan fall asleep but she was tired and that’s why she falls asleep there within a few minutes..

   The next morning, when she woke up, she found herself alone in the room. Alone? Where was Hawan? She searched for him and He was nowhere to be seen. While she searching for him in the kitchen she saw a plate of sizzling breakfast but Hawan wasn’t there. Perhaps he had gone back to his own home. She hurried to his house and found him there, taking slow, painful breaths.

Hiya: Thank goodness you’re here.

Hawan: What are you doing here so early in the morning?

Hiya: I could ask you the same thing. When did you come here?

Hawan: I came here after you fell asleep last night.

Hiya: And what about breakfast?

Hawan: That? Well, I was making it for myself, but then I thought I should make it for you too. I figured you might wake up late, and you wouldn’t have time to prepare breakfast, and you’d rush to work without eating. Besides, I was sitting alone in my house, so I made breakfast for both of us.

Hiya: Hawan, Hawan…

Hawan: I’m completely fine now, Hiya. You don’t need to worry about me anymore. And you know what? If you keep caring for me like this, I’ll be ready to take a beating from you every day. No one has ever shown concern for me the way you do. And now I’m perfectly fine. Also, one more thing, before coming to my house next time, you don’t need to ring the bell. I’ve sent my house’s password to your phone. Go and check it. In the future, whenever you come to my house, you can enter without ringing the bell, as seeing you suddenly startles me.

Hiya: Come on, what are you talking about? Is your mind okay, or did I accidentally hit you on the head too hard yesterday? Today, you’re saying all sorts of things.

Hawan: My mind is fine, but I definitely got hit on the lips. Can you do something about that?

Hiya: How?

Hawan: With a kiss…

Hiya: I can’t kiss you.

Hawan: Why?

Hiya: Because you smoke cigarettes.

      At this point, she was joking and thought Hawan was joking too. She believed he was just teasing her, as he often did. She didn’t realize that he was being serious. She left quickly, not considering what he said. Hawan tried to stop her by grabbing her hand but couldn’t. He called out from behind, “I’ll quit smoking forever if you say yes!” But she left without hearing him.

             Later, Hiya found herself alone in her own home, and she thought about her previous relationship with Rishi. She never forgot him. As for Hawan, she didn’t try to stop him because she believed he was just trying to be a good friend. She also assumed that someone as attractive as Hawan couldn’t possibly fall in love with someone as ordinary as her. She thought she was there not to fall in love but to escape from love. However, one thing she couldn’t deny was that Hawan’s actions made her feel more comfortable. She had her own insecurities and was keeping some secrets that she couldn’t share with anyone. Perhaps she was overthinking things. Now, she had the password to his house and could enter at any time without ringing the bell.

One day, when both of them were sitting and talking as usual…

Hawan: Hiya, are you married?

Hiya: Have you gone crazy? Do I look married to you? Am I wearing a Mangal sutra? Is there sindoor in my hairline?

Hawan: Well, I was just asking because I read somewhere that in India, people arrange their children’s marriages by the age of twenty or so…

Hiya: They may start looking, but it doesn’t always happen that way. Parents consider it their responsibility to find a good life partner for their children. They think it will take a couple of years to find someone suitable, then a couple more years for the engagement, and then the wedding. In this way, by the time they reach their twenties, the marriage is fixed.

Hawan: Does that mean your choice doesn’t matter, and they can decide your marriage without asking you?

Hiya: They can, but my parents are understanding. They won’t make such a decision without consulting me.

Hawan: And if someone wants to marry you?

Hiya: What do you mean?

Hawan: No, I was just asking. I want to know what a guy would have to do if he wanted to marry you.

Hiya: He would need to talk to my father… But he can’t directly approach to my father. He would have to take our relationship proposal to a third person, someone whom both our families know well. Trust is built upon that person confirming that both families get along and that the boy and girl will be happy together.

Hawan: Finding that third person must be difficult, right?

Hiya: Not at all. In every Indian household, there’s someone who takes care of such matters. You just need to talk to them. You just need to tell them that you’re looking to get married, and they will gather a pile of proposals for you, all from girls like you described. Then, you can choose the one you like, and they will take it from there.

Hawan: Is it that easy?

Hiya: Yes.

Hawan: For example, if someone brought a proposal for me to your father, and your father agreed, then we could get married?

Hiya: No, that won’t happen.

Hawan: Why?

Hiya: Because, the way you are, they will reject you right away. You drink alcohol, smoke, don’t have a stable job, and your long-dishevelled hair, torn jeans, and your fashion sense – all these things are enough for them to not consider you as a suitable groom.

Hawan becomes quite upset upon hearing this, as if Hiya’s father has genuinely refused him as a potential husband. He gets lost in his thoughts.

Hiya: What’s wrong, Hawan? Where did you go in your thoughts?

Hawan: Nothing, I was just thinking that there’s no way left for me to marry you.

Hiya: Why do you think there’s no way? There is another way. If I fall in love with you and tell my father that I want to marry you and only you, then you won’t need anything else.

Hawan: Is it that easy?

Hiya: Absolutely. A father won’t break his daughter’s heart so easily.

Hawan: This is quite surprising.

Hiya: Tell me, what do your parents think about your marriage?

Hawan: It’s very easy. They don’t need to do anything. I’ll choose a girl, introduce her to them, and tell them that I want to marry her. And they will agree.

Hiya: That’s it?

Hawan: Yes.

They both continue to discuss their likes, dislikes, and their respective cultures. While Hiya hasn’t been as close to any other guy as she is to Rishi and hasn’t trusted anyone else as much, in Hawan’s case, it’s different. Hawan wants to know everything about Hiya, every detail. He spends as much time as possible with her, and Hiya continues to think that maybe he’s just asking all these questions out of friendship, not love. She still hides the fact that she’s in love with Rishi.

        One day, Hiya goes to Hawan’s house without ringing the doorbell he was showering. She knows that Hawan usually doesn’t take a shower during the afternoons. When she enters his room, she finds something surprising. A beautiful, radiant girl is sitting on Hawan’s bed, waiting for him. Initially, Hiya gets angry, but then she realizes that there’s no point in being upset. Hawan can be with any girl, go out with her. Why should she be jealous? She has never asked him if he has a girlfriend or not, and why should she? He’s just her friend. She’s controlling herself from asking who that girl is because she doesn’t want to seem jealous. However, Hiya couldn’t stop herself from wondering who she is… She sits there on Hawan’s bed, as if she has taken half of its space. She should be Hawan’s friend too, right? Moreover, Hawan looks good, and he’s talkative and caring. Every girl would want a friend like him. That girl must be his girlfriend, Hiya thinks. But deep down, she’s still wondering who this girl is – the reality that she’s in love with Hawan, who is sitting with another girl, is hard to swallow. She tries to contain her feelings.

“You, who are you?”

“First, you tell me, who are you?” Hiya began asking her questions.

“What do you mean? Get out of here right now.”

“Why should I leave? You should leave from here. And how can you sit on Hawan’s bed like this? Stand up from there,” Hiya told her.

“My temper is still hot. Get out of here right now with that face of yours, and you are who to say anything to me. I can sit wherever and however I want. It’s my choice.”

She was getting angrier. Hiya didn’t want to have an unnecessary argument, so she asked directly, “Are you his girlfriend?”

“Yes,” she replied abruptly. Hiya didn’t want to hear her anymore, so she left without asking any further questions. The girl’s name was Aina. She was also surprised that the girl who had started an argument with her without any reason suddenly left without saying anything more. Hawan had not told her anything about Hiya until now.

Hawan: Aina, when did you come?

Aina: Do you have any female friends?

Hawan: Why are you asking that?

Aina: Just tell me, do you have any or not?

Hawan: Not yet, but I am surely in someone’s love.

Aina stammers, “Then it must be her.”

Hawan: What are you saying, Aina?

Aina: That… when you were taking a shower, a girl came, and I… I threw her out of the house.

Hawan: What??? How could you do that with Hiya? She’s innocent, naive. She must be troubled because of you. Why did you do that? I won’t forgive you for this mistake.

Aina: Please forgive me, brother. I’m your little sister, a small, dear, innocent sister. Forgive me one last time. I promise I’ll never make such a mistake again.”

Hawan: You make mistakes every time, and every time you apologize with that innocent face. You’re grown up now; you should also become sensible. Now tell me, what did you say to Hiya?

Aina: Not much, just a little.

Hawan: Aina… Speak clearly.

Aina: I told her that I am your girlfriend.

Hawan: Right away, go to Hiya. Apologize to her and tell her everything truthfully.

Aina: Her expression was priceless when I told her I am your girlfriend. Brother, let me play this drama for a little while. It’ll be fun.

Hawan: I’m telling you for the last time, Aina. I will throw you out of this house if you don’t go and apologize to Hiya right now. She is different from others. She keeps her pain to herself and doesn’t say anything to anyone.

Aina: Don’t worry, brother. Your choice is worth millions, and how much you love her is visible in your eyes. Even if she doesn’t want to leave you, I won’t let her do anything like that. I’m going there now.

Hawan: But listen… When you go, don’t tell her that I love her. I haven’t told her anything yet. She’s broken inside, and I want to approach her slowly. So, for now, keep this secret from her because I don’t know how she will react.

Aina: Relax. I’ve never made a mistake in matters of love.

And then, she goes to Hiya’s house. Hiya was watching TV at that time.

Aina: Are you still watching cartoons?

She says as soon as she steps inside Hiya’s house.

Hiya turns around and sees the same girl who had claimed to be Hawan’s girlfriend earlier. Although she had harboured hatred for Aina earlier, but as an Indian ordination she can’t disrespect the guest.

Hiya : yes.. but why are you here now ?

Aina : Hawan has sent me here..

Hiya : why ?

Aina : to tell you that I’m his sister and not his girlfriend.

  As she heard it her hatred turned into love and she invites her to sit on the couch next to her. Both of them start watching cartoons together, laughing and talking as if they were long-lost friends. Hawan had been waiting for Aina to return for the past half an hour. He thought Aina might have ruined everything, and there might be a rift between them. Now he couldn’t stop himself from going there, fearing that Hiya might be very angry with him.

He quickly goes there…

And what does he see?

Both were sitting on the same sofa, enjoying watching cartoons. Hiya is usually quiet, she doesn’t like talking to strangers, but what’s this? Aina and she were joking around as if they had reunited after years of being apart. Yeah, they were watching the Tom and Jerry cartoon, but the behavior was nothing like that. What magic has Aina cast on Hiya?

Hawan: Hey, Aina…

Aina didn’t hear.

Hawan: Aina… I’m talking to you.

Aina turned her head but then looked back at the TV. Hawan was a bit annoyed by this. He turned off the TV and stood between them. Both girls started shouting. Hawan couldn’t understand how to explain to them because they were not listening, just shouting. So, he started shouting too. As soon as they heard his loud voice, both of them fell silent.

Hawan: Now, listen to me.

Aina: First, turn the TV back on.

Hawan: I won’t. Listen carefully to what I have to say, or I’ll break this TV right now.

Hiya: dare to touch the tv. I’ll break your hand.

Hawan: What’s wrong with both of you? You don’t even know each other, so why are you behaving like this? Hiya, you don’t like talking to strangers, right? Then why are you getting so friendly with this girl?

Aina: Hey, what do you mean by ‘this girl’?

Hiya: And what do you mean by ‘stranger’? She’s not a stranger; she’s your sister.

Hawan: Aina, come on, leave from here.

Aina: Why?

Hawan: I said, leave from here.

And then she left. Now, both of them are alone. Hawan was happy to see Hiya’s cheerful face. He didn’t know what Aina had done to make Hiya like this. He wanted to find out, so he gave Hiya a sweet smile, turned the TV back on, and said he would be back soon.

Brother and sister were now alone.

Hawan: What did you do with her?

Aina: What?

Hawan: She never talks to me like that, the way she was talking to you. How could she talk so freely with you when she doesn’t even talk that way with me ?

Aina: Because she loves you.

Hawan: It can’t be…

Aina: No, it can’t be anything else. That’s exactly what happened. I don’t even know what suddenly changed her because when I went to her house, she wasn’t happy to see me. But as soon as I told her that I’m your sister, her behavior changed immediately, and she welcomed me with a smile. And she did all of this because I’m your sister.

Hawan: Really? Is that the reason? Does it mean she not only cares about me but also cares about the people connected to me? She brought you close, served popcorn, talked to you, and treated you so well just because you are my sister? And you know, Aina, whether it’s her things or food and drinks, she never shares them with anyone, not even me. But she easily gave everything to you. What does that mean?

Aina: It means she loves you. Go and confess your love to her.

Hawan: Not now. I need a little more time. I have to wait a bit longer. But promise me you won’t tell her all this.

Aina: I don’t care what you do or don’t do, but please, don’t break her heart. She has a lot of pain inside that she doesn’t want to show. If anything happens now, she won’t be able to bear it. And one more thing, she’s your only choice that I like. And now I’m going back and you be with her forever.

Hawan: goodbye..

And Aina left. Hawan was so happy as if he had won the biggest race of his life. He was ecstatic to know that Hiya loved him back. Now, he needed to wait for the right moment to confess his love to her.

         Hiya is one of those who wake up early in the morning. Hawan knew this morning routine of hers very well. He thought that early morning would be the perfect time for expressing his love. Besides, he couldn’t wait any longer. Today was a very special day because it was his birthday, and it would be even more special when he confessed his love to Hiya. He arrived at Hiya’s house early in the morning. She was still asleep. He sat on her bed, leaned in, kissed her forehead, and gently held her hand. Hiya grabbed his hand in her sleep and pulled him closer, hugging him tightly. But she was still asleep. Hawan was waiting for this moment for a long time. His birthday was going to be extra special today when he confessed his love to Hiya. In her sleep, she held his hand tightly, and he couldn’t wait any longer. Hawan was overwhelmed with love and happiness.

But after that, what she said left Hawan stunned. She was talking in her sleep, saying,

 ‘Don’t go… don’t leave me, Rishi… don’t go…’

Hawan’s face quickly changed from joy to concern. He moved away from Hiya, immediately got up, and left her house in haste. When he returned home, he was angry, worried, shattered, and confused. His mind was filled with many thoughts all at once.

However, a little while later, Hiya came. She hugged him and softly whispered in his ear, “Happy birthday, Hawan.”

Hawan: Thank you…

Hiya: Is that it?

Hawan: Yes…

Hiya: Don’t you want a gift?

Hawan: Do you have a gift for me ?

Hiya: You can ask for anything you want, but it has to be within my budget.

Hawan: Alright, I’ll ask for a gift within your budget, but promise me you won’t refuse.

Hiya: I promise.

Hawan: But right now, I don’t want anything. I’ll ask for it later.

Hiya: Whenever you want.

Hawan: I’ve decided that I’m going to take you out for a day. And since it’s my birthday, you can’t say no. Don’t come up with any excuses because today is Sunday, and you have the day off.

Hiya: I’m ready. Take me wherever you want.

Hawan gave her a small smile and signaled that she should get ready. She went back to her house. Hawan didn’t know who Rishi was, but he didn’t want to let Hiya go either way. He would find out all the secrets Hiya had hidden inside her.

         Perhaps Hiya had a special connection with the sea, which is why Hawan brought her to the seaside for their conversation today. It was a tranquil and beautiful shore, where even the waves were as calm as they were beautiful. Hawan loved Hiya, and now he wanted answers to all the questions she had kept hidden inside her.

Hawan: Who is Rishi?”

Hiya: What?

Hawan: Hiya, don’t try to hide anything from me. I want to know everything. Tell me about your past. Tell me who Rishi is. Do you love him or loved him, or was he just a friend? Who is he?

         The calm seaside had turned into a storm inside Hiya. It seemed as though a storm was brewing inside her. She didn’t want to hear that name again, she didn’t want to talk about it, but once again, she heard that name. This name was reminding her of what she had lost. She didn’t know how Hawan knew about this name, but if he was asking questions, it meant he would find out sooner or later. It was better that he heard everything from her rather than finding out from someone else, which might make him even angrier. Hiya decided to tell him everything.

Hawan had been holding her hand and looking into her eyes. Hiya let go of his hand.

Hiya: How did you know this name?

Hawan: You said it yourself. You said it in your sleep this morning when I came to meet you.

Hiya: You didn’t come to meet me this morning.

Hawan: I did. I came when you were in a deep sleep. You were talking in your sleep, saying, ‘Don’t leave me, Rishi… don’t go.’ Now, tell me who Rishi is.

Now, Hiya had no choice but to reveal everything. She realized that there was no point in hiding it. She needed to tell him everything.

Hiya: Rishi is not my lover, nor was he ever. He’s something more than that. He’s my life. I love him immensely.

But maybe my love was one-sided. He never knew about it. I did tell him once, but it was too late. He was already married. And, you know, I came to South Korea just to stay away from him, from his memories. But I haven’t been able to forget him until now.

Hawan: Hiya, I want to know everything in detail.

Hiya: I was just like you before. Very lively, talkative. Even more than you. But after falling in love with him, I started enjoying his absence. I used to laugh alone, thinking about him. I waited for him every day. I realized that it was love, my first love, true love. But I was still too young, too naive. I couldn’t understand much. Maybe everyone feels this way. Still, I gave myself some more time, some time to know everything about him. His likes, dislikes, his birthday, his family, everyone in his life, and everything. I learned everything about him. But I never confessed my feelings because I wanted him to come forward and express his love. I didn’t want to go. I waited for him for years.”

          My father had chosen a very good college for me, which was a little far from our house. I was living in a rented house, and what’s even better, I found out two days later that he was also studying in the same college. I mean Rishi… and this felt like some kind of good karma for me. It was his third year, and it was my first. I had seen him for the first time in years on that day, so I couldn’t gather the courage to talk to him. When I saw him in the library, I realized how much he had physically changed over the years. He was reading a book at that time, and just looking at him brought me comfort. I completely forgot everything around me. I had forgotten that I was in the library too. But suddenly, he turned towards me. Maybe he had realized that I had been staring at him. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t even take a breath. I didn’t know why he was looking at me. I kept looking down, then up. I wanted to hide, but I also wanted him to see me. I wanted to stay where I was. I wanted Hawan… that’s how he looked. He was not much taller than me. He had a beard and a mustache. He had big eyes and a prominent nose. His hair was a little curly, and he was dressed neatly. When I was staring at him, he was reading something. My heart was dancing when I saw him. I forgot everything. I forgot everything happening around me. I had forgotten that I was in the library. But just seeing Hawan… that look he gave me that day was the most precious moment of my life. I have never seen such a captivating smile. He smiled just a little, enough for me to notice it on his lips, but not in his eyes. But I could never forget that smile. Then I saw his eyes. His eyes were beautiful, but they held a hint of pain. It felt like he hadn’t slept peacefully for years. And just that day, I had decided that this person would be my love forever. I would only love him, and I wouldn’t look at anyone else. I would love him for the rest of my life…

            I used to talk a lot, but he was very calm. Seeing his smile, I felt like he liked me too, so I gathered the courage to approach him for a conversation. Besides, I was just searching for an opportunity. He was sitting in a corner of the library, engrossed in reading a love story. He preferred that corner because he didn’t like people’s voices. Upon seeing him alone, I went over to talk to him, but he was so lost in the story that he didn’t even notice me. Then, this happened.

Hiya: Rishi…

Rishi: Who are you? And how do you know my name?

Hiya: What’s in a name… I know everything about you.

Rishi: Who are you?

Hiya: I am Hiya, a first-year commerce student.”

Rishi: So?

Hiya: So what? Isn’t this enough for now? Do you want to know my horoscope too?

Rishi: Look, I am here to study. I don’t like it when someone sits next to me while I am studying. Please don’t waste my time and go away.

         Just then, the librarian overheard two students talking in a corner and started her speech, “What are you two doing over there? This is a library, not a garden where you can come to chat. You’re not even letting others study. Students come here to study, not to sit in a corner and chat. You have broken the rules, so both of you are suspended from the library for a week. Now, leave immediately.”

And we both suspended for a week. I wasn’t particularly bothered by it, but Rishi seemed quite distressed. He went to apologize to the librarian, and I went along with him.

Rishi: I’m sorry, librarian. I didn’t make a mistake. I won’t do this again. Please don’t suspend me. I was just studying in the corner.

Librarian: I don’t want to hear any excuses. Leave right now. Don’t disturb other students who are studying. They come here to study, not to chat like you two. Now, go and come back after a week after completing chat .

          I didn’t care much about the librarian’s words, and to be honest, I was quite happy about it. However, Rishi was leaving disappointed. I couldn’t bear to see him like that, so I tried talking to that grumpy librarian again. I told him that she could suspend me for fifteen days or a whole month, but she should allow Rishi to come to the library. But his mind was always stubborn; he didn’t agree. Then I abused him, not to his face, of course, but silently in my mind. And then I was following Rishi, trying to make amends.

Hiya: Wait, Rishi… Wait, Rishi… Listen to me.

Rishi: It’s the first time in three years that I’ve broken a rule, and I’ve been suspended, and all because of you. You… you… I can’t even begin to explain what you’ve done.

Hiya: But Rishi…

Rishi: For the past two days, I was engrossed in reading that novel. I had made up my mind to finish the entire book in two days, but because of your childhood antics, I’ve been kicked out of the library. Maybe you don’t know, but until I read from start to finish, I can’t sleep. I was at such an exciting part, and until I finish reading, I won’t find peace. I won’t be able to sleep, and I’ll be in turmoil. And you’ll be responsible for it.

Hiya: Oh, Rishi! Don’t be so angry. I’ve already solved your problem.

Rishi: How?

Hiya: Just peek into my bag…

He looks inside, surprised. The book he was reading was in my bag.

Rishi: How did you get it?

Hiya: I stole it.

Rishi: Why?

Hiya: Because I knew you’d be searching for me later, questioning me, so I stole it when you were begging the librarian not to suspend you.

Rishi: So, you’ve learned to steal now?

Hiya: Stealing is quite common. Besides, I’d even give my life for you if needed.

            After that, I left Rishi alone and walked away. Rishi was asking me to stop because he had many questions in his mind, questions he wanted answers to, but I didn’t want to provide answers, so I walked away. Rishi couldn’t understand what I was saying because, for him, I was still a stranger. He knew how deep my feelings were for him, but he didn’t understand why I was saying all this because he didn’t know anything about me except my name. He had never seen me talking to any other guy, but he couldn’t figure out why I was so concerned. He wanted to know. By the time he started thinking about all of this, I had already left, and he had to wait until morning.

            The next morning, he was waiting for me. I knew he would be waiting for me, so I arrived at the college a few moments earlier than usual. He was looking at my face, which was always smiling and glowing. I liked to tie my long hair neatly, and I never forgot to apply lipstick to my lips. One thing I really liked to do was draw a thin, long line near my eyelashes with kajal. I had always been fond of dressing well, and I preferred to go out well-prepared. His eyes were showing that he was completely captivated. Perhaps he was thinking about how I could be so mischievous. Stealing something, even inadvertently, couldn’t possibly hurt anyone far away. He was looking at me from a different perspective that day, as if he couldn’t trust that I was the same girl he met yesterday. He was staring at me without blinking. I knew what he was thinking, so I said,

Hiya: What you’re thinking is absolutely correct…

Rishi: What?

Hiya: What you’re thinking is absolutely correct, I swear to God. You’re thinking that I’m as beautiful, graceful, and innocent But I am not like I was yesterday not that at all. You will not believe it, but I’m the same girl you met yesterday.

Rishi: How can you read my mind?

Hiya: I already told you that I can do anything. Whether you believe it or not, I know more about you than you do. But I don’t want to force you to do anything, so I’m giving you time to understand me.

Rishi: Why are you doing all this?

Hiya: If I tell the truth, you won’t believe me.

Rishi: I will believe you. I will trust you. Tell me, why are you doing all this?

Hiya: Because I love you.

Rishi: That’s not possible.

Hiya: I told you that you wouldn’t trust me. But whether you believe it or not, I have loved you for years.

Rishi: Don’t try to divert me. I’m completely focused on my studies. I have to achieve something in life. Love should not complicate things.

Hiya: Then why do you keep reading love stories all the time?

Rishi: It’s not about reading love stories. I read everything because I enjoy reading.

Hiya: Lies! I’ve known you for years. You believe in love; you trust in true love. That’s why you were waiting for me here.

Rishi: Look, whatever you may think or say, one thing I can clearly tell you is that I don’t love you. I cannot fall in love with a girl like you.

Hiya: What do you mean by ‘a girl like me’?

Rishi: I prefer girls who are calm, who don’t argue as much as you do. I like mature girls, not someone as crazy as you. I want someone in my life who respects me, not someone as stubborn and arrogant as you.

Hiya: You like calm girls, right? Ask any of your friends if I’ve ever talked to them. You’ll see that I’m not the kind of girl you think I am. Go ahead and ask anyone in the entire college if I’ve ever done anything foolish or disrespected anyone. You like girls who respect you? Ask anyone older than me if I’ve ever disrespected them. I’m like this just for you, and I’m here for you. Tell me, do you want me to change?

Rishi: I don’t want you to change. Why would I?

         I started laughing while looking at him because I knew he liked me just the way I was. I was only asking  all those questions to understand his thoughts better. He would never want me to change. His expressions were worth watching that day. He might have wanted to push me away by telling lies, but deep down, he didn’t want me to be far away from him. Listen to what happened next:

Hiya: Come on now.

Rishi: Where to?

Hiya: You have an exam tomorrow, right?

Rishi: So? Are you going to help me?

Hiya: Yes, I will. I’ll write the notes for  you to cheat in examination.

He started laughing when he heard this. He was trying to hide his smile, but I had already seen it clearly. I always wanted to see him smile, and if my words could bring a smile to his face, what could be better than that?

Rishi: You are amazing, Hiya. I was about to get angry with you, but after hearing your words, I couldn’t help but smile. I don’t laugh much, but being with you makes me laugh more.

Hiya: Thank you for your appreciation. But tell me honestly, do you really want me to change?

Rishi: I want you to never change. Just stay the way you are today.

Hiya: Alright, go now. I’ll spend the rest of the day this way. And anyway, you have your exam, right? I don’t want you to blame me if you fail.

Rishi: Okay then, I’m leaving.

          And then he left. I was watching him. I am very emotional. I cry when I’m sad, and I cry when I’m happy. When he’s in front of me, I control myself, but later, his words haunt me. They don’t let me sleep. I become sad, and I can’t hide anything from him. When he tells me my flaws, I get upset. I tried to express my love to him many times, but every time he clearly rejected me, saying he doesn’t like girls like me. He never allowed me to enter his heart, and he never came close to me. I couldn’t understand how to tell him how much I love him.

            We used to meet every day because we studied at the same college. Maybe he didn’t come to meet me, just for studying, but I would go there only for him. Even if he talked to me for just five minutes, my day would be made because he was the most special person to me. Five months had passed— one month of holidays, and now only five months were left for his studies, and for me, only five months were left to show him how much I loved him. After his exams were over, my exams were about to start. Rishi was trying to explain to me repeatedly not to waste my time following him and to focus on my studies. But listen to what was happening.

Rishi: Hiya, don’t follow me around. You have exams tomorrow; go and study.

Hiya: I don’t need to study. I know everything. Haven’t you seen my results? I got the highest marks.

Rishi: Are you kidding? You must have gotten the lowest marks. As far as I know, you are not intelligent at all. You don’t know anything.

Hiya: If that’s the case, here, take my books. Ask me any question from any book, and then decide if I’m intelligent enough.

Rishi was astonished by my self-confidence because he had never seen me studying before, and he believed that I didn’t know anything. He was surprised to see me offering to answer questions from any book. I gave him seven books and challenged him to ask me any question from them. He chose a math book, thinking I wouldn’t know math. Then he searched for the most difficult example and asked me to solve it.

         For me, all the books were easy. I looked at the problem and solved it within three minutes. He kept staring at me because he thought that if he solved it himself, it would take him more time. But I did it. He still had doubts and thought I might have memorized the solution. So, he gave me another math problem, which I solved in just two minutes. Only then did he start to believe that I was genuinely capable. He realized that I wasn’t pretending, and he may have underestimated my abilities.

Rishi: Hiya, you’re incredibly smart. I thought you needed to learn from me, but you’re much more intelligent.

Hiya: That’s why I offered to help you before your exams. But you didn’t take me seriously that day.

Rishi: I still can’t believe it. I don’t have words to explain how amazed I am. But tell me one thing, if you’re so smart, why do you behave so strangely sometimes?

Hiya: I don’t even know myself. But I only act that way with you. Otherwise, I’m a bookworm. I spend most of my time studying when you’re not around. And let me tell you one more thing; I read the same books you do. The book you have in your bag, I’ve already read it. I mean, if you even accidentally touch a book you’re reading, I’ll make sure to read it. There won’t be any book related to you that I haven’t read. If you ever accidentally leave a book behind, I’ll read it the next day. I think books related to you will help me understand you better. And I remember that day when we got kicked out of the library, and I gave you the book you were reading. I didn’t steal it; I had already spent the entire day at the library. So, when the library director recognized me, he offered me access to the library. I told him I wanted that book, and he gave it to me.

Rishi: So, why did you lie to me about stealing that book?

Hiya: I said that because  knew you wouldn’t believe me if I told the truth.

Rishi: You’re truly unique. Do you have any dreams for the future, Hiya? What do you want to do?

Hiya: I want to get married, to someone I’ve loved forever. I just want to be his wife and take care of the household.

Rishi: He’ll be very lucky.

I was staring at him but the words didn’t come out to say that that lucky person is none other than you.

Rishi : why are you looking at me that way ?

Hiya: I know that you’re excellent, and you don’t lack anything or have any expectations from anyone. But if you ever need anything in life, if you ever face a situation where you need something, the first person you should turn to is me. I’ll consider myself lucky if you remember me during those times.

Rishi: Why are you saying all of this?

Hiya :That’s just how I am. I don’t even know why I say these things or why I do them, but I want to. I like it. My exams are tomorrow. Wish me luck.

Rishi: you don’t need wishes.. You’re so intelligent yourself.

Hiya: How can I not need them? I’ve always considered myself unlucky. I’ve never got what I wanted, be it things or people. I’ve always seen my loved ones going away from me.

Rishi: Come on, don’t be so sad. I’ll definitely come tomorrow to wish you good luck.

        And then he went to the library to study. Life has always taken away those people who were closest to me, so I still fear losing the things I cherish the most. I needed some good luck because finding someone like Rishi wasn’t easy. This relationship was as strong as it was fragile. As much as it made me powerful, it could break me too. I eagerly awaited his arrival, more than my exams. He hadn’t come until then, though. I had been waiting for him for so long. Only ten more minutes were left for me to reach the exam hall. I was just about to enter my examination room when he didn’t show up. Even though I had been waiting for him for so long, I couldn’t proceed without his good wishes. I started to get a little upset with him because even though it was my exam, he hadn’t come yet. I couldn’t wait any longer. My exam was at stake, I couldn’t wait any longer. What if something happened to him? I was worried about him, so I started looking for him. I was just about to leave when I saw a boy coming towards me. His head was bleeding. Oh my god! It’s not someone else; it’s my Rishi! I rushed to him.

Hiya: What happened? Rishi, what happened to you? You’re bleeding from your head. Did someone attack you? Tell me their name; I’ll go and teach that scoundrel a lesson!

Rishi: There’s no need for that. I’m perfectly fine.

Hiya: You’re not fine! You’re still bleeding from your head. Come on, let’s go to the hospital.

Rishi: Are you crazy? Your exam is just ten minutes away. Go inside, sit in your place, and focus on your exam. Why are you standing here? Go on. I’m perfectly fine.

He was trying to convince me to go to the examination hall, but for me, his bleeding head was more precious than anything else. I couldn’t bear to see his blood flowing like that.

Hiya: To hell with the exam!

Rishi: You’ll fail, and your whole year will be wasted.

Hiya: I don’t care if I fail. You are more important to me than anything else. I’d sacrifice my entire life for you with a smile on my face.

        He was trying, but I wasn’t ready to accept it. How could I have agreed? He was more important than anything else to me. If I had gone to take the exam after seeing him injured, questions would have been raised about my love tomorrow. Later, I found out that he came there because he knew that I wouldn’t go for the exam without him. Otherwise, his friends were planning to take him to the hospital. He stays silent for a while, looking into my eyes. And breaking the silence, as if he stirs a storm within me, he says, “swear to me…”

            I couldn’t utter a word. I looked at him and then straightaway went to the examination hall without saying anything else. Rishi was still standing there, thinking, was it so easy for him to change my mind with just an oath? Could his one promise make me change my thoughts so quickly? But how could I say anything else when it came to his oath? I would do anything for him, so I left without saying a word. However, my mind wasn’t in the exam at all. I was physically in the examination hall, but my heart and mind were with my Rishi outside. I completed my exam as quickly as possible and came out.

Hiya: How are you now?

Rishi: How did your exam go?

Hiya: I asked how you’re doing now.

Rishi: I asked how your exam went, and I won’t answer your question until I get an answer to mine.

Hiya: It went well. Now, tell me, are you okay? Are you feeling better?

Rishi: Why? Why do you want to know? Why are you so worried?

Hiya: Because you were injured. Blood was coming from your head. I was concerned about you.

He said angrily, “I’m not a little child. Stop caring for me like this.” Then he walked away, leaving me standing there alone.

          I was really worried about him. What could I tell him to make him understand why I cared so much? Although I appeared small in stature, I had become deeply concerned, which perhaps angered him so much. After some time, I realized that my concern was creating boundaries for him. He had become upset with me. He hadn’t met me for a week, and he hadn’t even come to college. I knew everything about him, but I had no idea where he lived now. I knew his old address, but there was no point in going there.

           I was trying to assert myself more with him. I could tolerate his anger, his stubbornness, his habits—everything. But there was one thing I couldn’t bear, his silence. His silence was making me restless. Time was slipping through my fingers, and I couldn’t do anything. He had stopped coming to college, and now there was nothing I could do except wait.

          I thought he might stop coming to college, but he would definitely come to give the exam, that’s what I believed, and I was absolutely right. He came on the day of the exam. When I saw him, it felt like I was dancing with joy. Butterflies seemed to flutter around me, and happiness filled the air. My college courtyard turned into a swinging playground, and he was coming towards me. It felt like all the happiness in my life was converging at once. But in a single moment, all that joy turned into sorrow when he passed by me as if he didn’t know me.

         I didn’t think I had made such a big mistake, but still… I couldn’t stop my tears. That night, I couldn’t sleep. I kept thinking about him all night long. The next day was the last day of college, and perhaps it was the last chance to meet Rishi. Maybe I would never get another opportunity to meet him after that. Maybe I would never get to see him again. After thinking it through, I decided that if he didn’t love me, it was okay. I wouldn’t force him into anything. But he still considered me a good friend, right? I didn’t want to lose a friend. Even if not as a lover, I would stay with him as a friend. I wouldn’t let him go so easily.

     The last day… I mean, I was eagerly waiting to see him the next day. His exam was about to end, so he was about to come outside. And then he came with one of his friends. I was telling him, “Rishi, wait for a minute. Today is the last day. Listen to me. I know you don’t love me, but we’re friends, right? Just give me five minutes as friends.”

But he didn’t respond. He kept walking. How could I let him go like that? I tried to stop him, to call him, but he didn’t hear me. I ran to him, went up to him, and grabbed his hand… Oh! What was this? His hand was burning hot, as if a fierce fire was raging inside him.

But then he stopped for a moment, ready to talk to me, perhaps because he saw the worry on my face.

Hiya: Do you have a fever?

Rishi: It’s just a little fever.

But I wasn’t convinced. I felt like something big was being hidden from me. It wasn’t just a fever; he seemed terribly ill, yet he wasn’t ready to tell me what was wrong.

Hiya: Rishi, you’re definitely hiding something from me. Please tell me. Why are you behaving like this with me? Why are you treating me like this?

Rishi: Because I don’t like you. One of my friends told me that you’re after me because you love me. But listen carefully and remember this: I don’t love you. Don’t waste your time on me. I have to go now. Let go of my hand.

And I let go of his hand. After that, I never tried to hold his hand again because he believed that I was pursuing him. I couldn’t believe that he could think that way about me. Love cannot be forced. If you fall in love with someone and they don’t love you back, you can’t make them love you. There’s no process to win someone’s heart forcibly. If love is meant to happen, it will, and if it’s not meant to be, it won’t. I had accepted my defeat that day. I had accepted that I had lost in love. And now, Rishi wasn’t mine. However, a desire still lingered in my heart, so I presented a proposal to him.

Hiya : Alright… if you don’t love me… but can we be friends then?

Rishi: No.

Hiya: Why?

Rishi: Because if I accept your friendship proposal today, one day you’ll force me to accept your love.

Hiya: Do you really think that about me? Fine then… from today, right now, I’m ending this relationship. From now on, we are strangers. Forget that there was ever a Hiya in your life, and I promise, you will never see my face again. Goodbye, Rishi…

                   And like that, I ended everything. I had been waiting for him for five years, and everything ended in just five months… vanished… After that day, I started living alone. My only companion in solitude was my silence. I stopped talking to people, stopped hanging out with friends… Cut off all family ties and started living alone. I became quiet, and from then on, I became the person I am today… I tried everything possible to get him, but I couldn’t. I cried every night for him… I prefer solitude because it reminds me of him. It reminds me of the moments spent with him. I tried to forget him, but forgetting him was not in my control… I sacrificed everything for him… my future… my dreams… my relationships… and my life… I started learning the art of living without him… I don’t know why, but even then, I only remembered him.

        This was not enough… even though I was far from him, I kept track of all the news related to him. And in the midst of it all, one day I received a dreadful piece of news about him. I was almost unconscious after hearing that news… because that news was terrible and heart-wrenching. At that moment, I had no one to sit with me and cry. One day, one of my friends came to me and told me… he is in a very critical condition… he’s suffering from extreme physical pain… he’s fighting for his life every moment… He’s been admitted to the hospital for the past fifteen days, and his parents are crying and begging for help, but… no one is willing to help… Hearing about his condition, I felt like I had died already… The news was that… “Both of his kidneys have failed, and he doesn’t have much time left…” He hasn’t found a donor yet, and if his kidneys aren’t replaced… he could die… And I had already died when I heard this news… But I couldn’t let him go like this… never…

      I rushed to the hospital… as quickly as I could… because I was the only one who could save him from that dangerous situation… I felt lucky to be the one who could get him out of that situation… I considered it a blessing that God had given me the opportunity to do something like this… Anyway, it had been too long, so without thinking much, I went straight to the hospital… When I reached there, I didn’t go to meet him… I didn’t ask about his condition… I went straight to meet the doctor…

Hiya: I’m ready to donate my kidney, Doctor.

Doctor: Who are you? And who are you talking about donating your kidney to?

Hiya: There’s no time to explain everything right now because a lot of time has already passed. There’s a patient in your hospital named Rishi Rathod… I want to donate both my kidneys to him because both of his kidneys have failed… Please hurry because his condition is very critical.

Doctor: Firstly, you can only donate one kidney, and one kidney is sufficient to save someone’s life. We need to perform some checks first before we proceed.

Hiya: That won’t be necessary because I’ve already had all those tests done. He’s not a stranger; I already know him. Our kidneys are compatible with each other. If you don’t believe me, you can check the medical records, but please don’t waste time. He’s fighting for his life there. Please save him before it’s too late.

              The doctor reviewed the medical records and then had me fill out some forms, which required me to provide my name, address, and other details. However, I deliberately provided incorrect information because I didn’t want him to ever find out what I had done to save his life. I could have even donated both my kidneys if it had been necessary, as I had told him many times before that I could give my life for him. This was a chance I couldn’t afford to lose.

               The surgery went well. I was feeling quite anxious and in pain, but I was still happy because Rishi was going to be fine. I went to see him in the hospital, but he was still unconscious, lying in his hospital bed. His parents were standing by his bedside, watching over him. They couldn’t speak, but their swollen eyes were telling a lot. I couldn’t gather the courage to go near him because he was in such a critical condition, and I couldn’t bear to see him like that. I had to keep my promise, the one I had made to him on the last day of college, that I would never show my face to him again. So, as soon as I could muster some strength, I left the hospital without telling anyone. The doctor had advised me to rest, but I knew that as soon as Rishi regained consciousness, he would come to meet the person who had saved his life, and if he saw me there, he might be even more distressed. So, I left as quickly as I could.

         Four weeks passed since my surgery, and Rishi’s recovery took time. I did my best to gather information about him. I felt like God was listening to me, and one day someone told me that he had fully recovered. He had started moving forward in his life, while I was stuck in the past. His memories were not allowing me to move on, and I couldn’t forget him. I couldn’t go to him, nor could I stay away. My life seemed to have come to a standstill. And it would stay that way forever if he didn’t take my hand and lead me away. There was nothing left now.

                My parents were extremely angry with me when they found out that I had donated my kidney to a stranger. But who would make them understand that he was not a stranger; he was the reason I was alive? I couldn’t let him die. I was at the age that people in India call the marriageable age. My parents were exhausted by then because nobody was ready to marry me after they found out about my kidney donation. I have three brothers and sisters. I come from a middle-class background where people believe that having more children is good because if, God forbid, one or two die in the future, there will still be one to carry the family line forward. I understood what they meant. They couldn’t afford to feed me for the rest of my life for free because my condition prevented me from doing any work, and I wasn’t engaged in any income-generating activity. I understood that I was a burden on them, so I left home and started living in a rented place. Surprisingly, they never called me back home. Perhaps that’s what they wanted.

           I was living with memories of him. I was tired. I had given up completely. It felt as if besides his memories, there was nothing else in the world. My misfortune had always been with me. He had always supported me. And one day, I thought of breaking my promise and meeting him. It had been a year since I had seen him, heard his voice. I invited him to meet me, and he came. When I saw his face, I took a sigh of relief. It had been ages since I had seen him because I hadn’t seen him after the operation. So, seeing him again made me feel as if I had regained my lost life. He was the same person I had fallen in love with. He was my Rishi. But at that moment, I had to keep control over myself. I asked him with great love,

Hiya: Rishi, how are you?

Rishi: I’m absolutely fine. How about you?

Now, how do I tell him how I am without him?

Rishi : hiya… did you lost your weight ? you are looking skinny.

Hiya: No, I’m still the same weight… I’m still on the heavier side. But maybe you think I’ve lost weight because you’ve become so slim.

Rishi: My parents want me to get married. They are looking for a bride for me. But I don’t want to get married. They don’t listen to me, and they keep meeting new girls every day.

Hiya: Why don’t you want to get married right now?

I wanted him to say what I was feeling inside, but now you also understand what’s going on in my mind, Rishi. You never said the things my heart wanted.

Rishi: I don’t know. I just don’t want to get married right now. Maybe I haven’t found that special girl yet.

Hiya: Just ask your heart once. You’ve met her so many times.

Rishi: What do you mean by that? What do you mean, you?

And then he started laughing and said, “Maybe it’s better for me to stay single than to get married to you.”

                I was shattered. I didn’t want to make a joke about my love again. So, without telling him anything, I left. Even then, I didn’t tell him that I was the girl who had given him a kidney, so that he would feel ashamed of making fun of me. I left without saying anything, leaving him laughing. My love was one-sided, so I couldn’t hate him.

                      Then, one piece of news changed everything. All my efforts were in vain. A week after that day, I received the news that he was getting married. All my hopes shattered. My dreams were shattered. I didn’t want to intrude into his married life, so I decided to distance myself. I made the decision to come to South Korea because I thought that if I stayed away from him, I would gradually be able to distance myself from his memories. Maybe if the country changed, my thoughts would change too, and I would be successful in moving on. In India, every little thing reminded me of him. Every place we had been to, every word we had spoken, all those moments we had shared—it was like he was still there. His name even reminded me of him. That college, the library, my home, the hospital, the chirping of birds, everything. My life was suffocating there, so I thought about I had made up my mind that I would settle in South Korea forever and never return to my country because there was no one waiting for me there. I had already bought my ticket, and only a few hours were left for me to bid farewell to my country. But deep down, there was a desire to see him one last time. Why not go and meet him one last time? After all, I was never going to come back. I decided to call him and invite him to meet me at the seaside, which was quite close to the airport. Fortunately, he agreed to meet me in such a short time.

        On that day, I didn’t go to persuade him. I didn’t go to confess my love to him or to make him understand how much I loved him. I couldn’t explain to him how much I loved him. I just wanted to see him, to gaze at his beautiful face, to drown in his deep eyes, and to etch the image of his smiling lips into my own eyes forever. I didn’t need to say anything to him; I just wanted to see him one last time. But when he appeared in front of me, I couldn’t control myself, and I even forgot that he was married. I directly told him that I loved him because he was the same person I had loved, innocent, unaware, and silent. He was the one I had loved, and he had always been the same.

             He asked me then when I would return, but he didn’t say, “Stop, don’t go.” He didn’t try to stop me. Even when I told him I would never come back, he didn’t try to hold me back. He kept asking when I would return, but he didn’t stop me. When I told him I wouldn’t return, he seemed a bit saddened, but he didn’t stop me from leaving. After a while, I decided that I wouldn’t stay any longer.

          I never hugged him. The last time, I asked him if he would permit me to hug him, and he agreed. On that day, I felt him in my arms for the first and last time, heard his heartbeat. I didn’t need anything more at that moment. Besides, I hadn’t gone there to destroy his home. I left from there. He was standing in the waves of the sea, perhaps searching for me in them. I watched him from my car. After a while, he left the place. After he left, I went to the spot where he had stood. The wet sand still held the imprints of his feet. So, I sat there and cried while looking at the marks of his footsteps going backwards. I wanted to go far away from him, but I also wanted to stay connected to his memories. From the place where his footprints were, I collected some wet sand in my hand, tied it in a handkerchief, and placed it in my purse, as if I had packed his memories in a pouch. Then, I turned and didn’t look back. And that’s how I came here, to you. I still have that pouch with me today.

             Hiya’s eyes had filled with tears as she narrated her story. She spoke as if she had just bid him farewell yesterday. Now, there was nothing left to tell, so she looked towards the sky. However, he was looking in a different direction. He couldn’t understand whether he should console Hiya or just hug her and cry together. It seemed as if he had started hating Rishi. He felt sad after hearing that Hiya hadn’t done anything wrong, yet she had to suffer loneliness.

       Hiya could sense what was going on in Hawan’s mind, even though he couldn’t express it. She spoke, “Hawan, I know what you are thinking, but there’s no need to be sad anymore. Because now, I too have started changing by being with you. I’ve started forgetting him. Ever since I met you, I’ve started living again, and you are the reason behind this smile on my face.”

Hawan: I still can’t believe how you can love that person so much who doesn’t care about you at all. You gave him so many chances, even to the extent of giving him your kidney without a second thought. Besides him, you didn’t give anyone else any importance. But he never understood your feelings. He never loved you. He was so unlucky to lose a girl like you.

Hiya: He wasn’t unlucky for not getting me; I was unlucky for not finding him. Forget it, Hawan. I’m doing the same.

Hawan: How can I forget? You did such a big favor for him by giving him your kidney, and yet he… How can anyone forget that? You sacrificed everything for him, and he doesn’t even look back.

Hiya: Because he doesn’t know that I’m the one who gave him my kidney.

Hawan: Hiya, do you consider me a good friend?

Hiya: I understand completely.

Hawan: Then please answer my question honestly. Do you still love him?

Hiya: Hawan…

Hawan: No, don’t complicate it like this. Look into my eyes and give me an answer.

Hiya: Yes, I still love him, but… it’s also true that I don’t wait for him anymore.

Hawan: Will you give me a chance?

Hiya: A chance?

Hawan: Yes… the day you came to my house to ask for sugar, I fell in love with you at first sight. I don’t care about your past. I just want a chance to make your future better. And I know you love me too, just as my sister felt. Hiya, say yes. I love you very much.

Hiya: No… because I love Rishi.

Hawan: I don’t care. I can erase him from your memories even more. I’ll love you so much. Just give me a chance to come into your heart. Give me a chance to love you. I can wait for you if you want. Rishi is the one who left you when you needed him the most.

Hiya: Stop it, Hawan. He never really left me. Just because he’s not with me now, it doesn’t matter. His memories have always been with me and will always be.

Hawan: If you keep remembering him like this every day, you’ll burn from within.

Hiya: You don’t understand the true meaning of love, that’s why you’re saying this.

Hawan: You’re speaking the truth. I might not understand the true meaning of love, but did Rishi ever understand your love? Did he ever truly comprehend your love? He always broke your heart, stole your smile, and never understood your emotions. He’s responsible for the tears that come in your eyes every night instead of sleep.

Hiya: And if I still tell you that I love him?

Hawan: Fine. Let’s go back home.

Hiya: What happened suddenly?

He didn’t feel the need to answer and started heading home. They both reached home and went to their respective houses. Hawan didn’t say goodnight to Hiya and angrily closed his door. Now, besides waiting for the morning, Hiya couldn’t do anything else.

        Hiya woke up early in the morning and went to Hawan’s house to meet him, but he wasn’t there. She was feeling a bit anxious because he hadn’t talked to her since last evening. she didn’t go to work that day, and she waited for him at his house. From morning till evening, he still didn’t come. She couldn’t wait any longer. She decided to go and look for him.

         She started searching for him in nearby places, asking people if they had seen him. She was feeling guilty because she thought that Hawan had left because of her. As she continued her search, she passed by a liquor store, the same store where Hawan had forcibly taken her last time.

         She thought, “Maybe he’s here.” She went inside and searched for him. And yes, he was there, lying on the floor. He seemed to have consumed a lot of alcohol. His eyes were swollen, and he looked exhausted, as if he hadn’t slept or eaten for the past two days, except for alcohol.

Hiya: Hawan… Hawan, wake up.

He was completely drunk and not ready to open his eyes. But as soon as a waiter saw Hiya with him, he quickly approached her and asked:

“Do you know him?” the waiter asked Hiya.

Hiya replied, “Yes, I know him.”

The waiter asked, “Is he your brother?”

Hiya quickly responded, “No, no, he’s my friend.”

The waiter continued, “Have you two had a fight, or is there some dispute between you?”

Hiya replied, “What do you mean? Just do your job.”

The waiter said, “Well, he’s drunk more than half of our store’s alcohol, and he doesn’t have any money .. so,, pay the bill and please take him away from here.”

Hiya paid the money and brought Hawan back home. He was still not fully conscious. Hiya thought that it wouldn’t be right to leave him alone at night, given his condition. What if he went somewhere again? No, she decided to stay with him at his home that night. After all, she had a tight grip on his hand, and he wasn’t going to let her go easily.

            Although he was asleep, he had gripped Hiya’s hand so tightly that she had no choice but to sleep close to him. She was thinking about the past, reminiscing about their moments together. She loved Hawan, too, but her inner conflicts had kept her from accepting Hawan’s love. But she knew she was somehow responsible for his current condition, and she accepted that responsibility. She couldn’t explain anything to him right now; she just wanted to give him some time to understand why she couldn’t reciprocate his feelings. Hiya kissed his forehead and held him close, knowing that deep down, she loved him too.

         Hiya woke up early as per her routine, looked around, and saw that Hawan was still asleep. She didn’t want Hawan to find out that she had spent the entire night in his room, so she quietly left his house and returned to her own. Hiya had always been allergic to perfume, but she liked using rosewater. She used it every day. Now that she had left Hawan’s house, the scent still lingered on her clothes.

          Hawan woke up; his head was heavy, and his body felt tired. He was still a little drunk. However, when he smelled the fragrance of rosewater, he felt happy. He was happy because Hiya had been in his room all night, and the scent of rosewater was still present. It wasn’t just in his room; he could smell it on his shirt too. Something was compelling Hiya not to accept his love, but Hawan was determined to find out what it was. He had decided that he wouldn’t let her go this time, no matter what.

         Hawan had made up his mind to do whatever it took to keep Hiya by his side. He had forgotten what had happened a few days ago and was now on a path to win Hiya’s heart. He would do whatever it took to impress her and make sure she never left him. He was determined not to return empty-handed this time. He held Hiya’s hand, and in that moment, he vowed that he wouldn’t let her go. Never. He took off his shirt and walked into Hiya’s house.

Hiya: Hawan, are you still drunk ??? wear your shirt.. why are you here taking it in hand ?

Hawan: Because it has the scent of rosewater that I don’t like. I don’t know who was with me last night. The fragrance is stuck to this shirt. Do you know who it was?

Hiya: Me? How would I know?

Hawan: Well, then take this and wash it.

He hands his shirt to her.

Hiya: Why should I? You have a washing machine in your house. Go and wash it yourself.

Hawan: Well, the one who made it dirty will be the one to clean it, right? Isn’t that fair?

Hiya: Why are you doing this, Hawan?

Hawan: I don’t know. Maybe because I love you.

Hiya: But I don’t love you. I still love Rishi.

Hawan: Oh… Rishi, the one who left you.

Hiya: Hawan, please don’t talk about Rishi like that. I won’t tolerate it.

Hawan: Alright, so you can make fun of my love, but I can’t say a word about Rishi?

Hiya: No matter how hard you try, I will never love you.

Hawan: Then what were you doing with me last night?

Hiya: Your health was deteriorating, and you had too much to drink. That’s why I stayed with you.

Hawan: Is that so? Then I’ll drink just as much every night. Will you stay with me every night? Answer me. Why are you silent? Did you think I was drinking because of you? Did you think I was ruining my health because of you? You may believe it or not, but you love me. You can’t lie because your eyes always tell the truth. One day, you’ll say it with your own words that you love me.

Hiya: Why don’t you just let this go?

Hawan: Why don’t you leave Rishi then? Why don’t you move forward in your life? I Won’t let you go that easily.

Hiya: What could be the outcome of this? The living example of someone who’s wasting their time in such a thing, is right in front of your eyes. If you keep wasting your time on me, one day, your condition will be just like mine. You can see it happening, right? Rishi was never mine, no matter how hard I tried.

Hawan: But you’re not Rishi. You’re Hiya, my Hiya. One day, you’ll understand my love. On that day, you’ll consider both me and my love your own. A broken heart can understand the feelings of another broken heart. Only you can understand how it feels when someone doesn’t understand your love. So, you’ll never wish for me to go through the same pain that you’ve endured and are still enduring. Just wait a few more days, and I’ll show you how I can cross all limits for my love.

    Then he left her home. Hiya understood his words very well. She knew he was determined to do whatever it took to win her over. She prayed to God that he should do whatever he wanted, but he should not harm himself in the process. She washed his shirt and went to work.

Hawan was preparing for his next move at home. When Hiya returned in the evening, he was already there in her house.

Hiya: What are you doing here, Hawan?

Hawan: I’ve told you before that if you don’t like my presence, change your home’s password because I’ll keep coming like this.

Hiya: Fine, for now, it’s okay. Have you seen my face? Now go back to your home.

Hawan: What’s the hurry, Hiya? Can I stay here for a little while longer? Is that too much to ask? But do you remember one thing?

Hiya: What thing?

Hawan: You promised me on my birthday that you would give me whatever I asked for as a gift.

Hiya: Yeah, I remember.

Hawan: That’s good. So, today, I want that gift. I want something from you, but once again, I want you to promise that you won’t break your promise. If you break your promise, it will cost me my life.

Hiya: I’ve said this many times; don’t talk like that. Ask, what do you want? I promise to give you whatever you ask for.

Hawan: I want that parcel.

Hiya: parcel???

Hawan: Yes, a parcel. The same parcel in which you’ve kept Rishi’s memories, the parcel you brought from India to here. The parcel in which you’ve preserved a handful of soil. Do I need to explain further which parcel I want?

Hiya: Hawan, I can’t give you that parcel.

Hawan: Fine, if a handful of soil is more valuable to you than my life, then so be it. What can my life be worth to you anyway?

Hiya: There’s nothing more valuable to me than your life, but you have to understand, Hawan. It’s not just a handful of soil; it’s memories of Rishi. How can I give it to you?

Hawan: I don’t know. If my life means something to you, then give me that parcel.

Hiya: Why? Why are you doing this?

Hawan: You don’t understand, Hiya. You want to stay away from his memories here, but you also want to keep his memory parcel with you all the time. As long as that potli will stays with you, you won’t be able to move away from it. Now give me that..

Hiya: I will die, Hawan…

Hawan: Don’t worry. Death is a distant thing. I won’t let anyone harm you, ever.

        Hiya saw something in his eyes that she had always seen in Rishi’s eyes. It was the same love that she had seen in Rishi’s eyes the first time they locked eyes. She took the parcel out of the cupboard and placed it in his hands. Hawan told Hiya to get ready early in the morning because they were going to the beach, but he didn’t tell her why. He left without hearing her response because he knew that she couldn’t say no.

          Hiya was looking at the empty space in her cupboard. The sack was not there. It felt as if that empty space was mocking her, as if she had lost the most precious thing in the world. She kept staring at the empty space, tears streaming down her face, not knowing that the space was empty because it had been left there intentionally so that she could make new memories and keep them safe.

         In the morning, Hawan came to pick up Hiya from her house, as usual, without knocking on the door; he just entered. Hiya was getting ready to go with him. Her long-wet hair, her childlike face in the morning, her teary eyes, and everything about her… Everything was pulling Hawan towards Hiya. How could he control himself? He stood at the threshold, gazing at her, and Hiya’s attention was drawn to him.

Hiya: Oh, Hawan! Why are you standing there? Come inside.

Hawan: Seeing you from a distance gives me peace.

He approached her. He wipes her tears like Hiya was crying.

Hiya: What are you doing?

Hawan: I wasn’t here last night to wipe away your tears, so I’m doing it now.

Hiya: I wasn’t crying last night…

Hawan: You’re really good at lying in this matter.

Hiya: Now tell me, why are we going to the beach so early in the morning?

Hawan: Oh, I had forgotten why I came here. Let’s go; we’re running late.

          They reached the beach. In Hawan’s pocket was the sack about which Hiya had no information. It was morning, with fresh, cool breezes blowing. The sea was calm, and there were no humans or birds around, only the peaceful ocean and its gentle waves. Hawan stood watching Hiya play with the waves. It was a beautiful sight. Hiya’s laughter and her carefree demeanor made it impossible to tell that she had been crying just a while ago. Now, Hawan was about to reveal to her the reason for bringing her there.

Hawan: Hiya, do you know how much sand is here?

Hiya: It’s vast, endless.

Hawan: Absolutely.

He takes out the sack from his pocket.

Hiya: Wait, what are you thinking, Hawan?

Hawan scoops up the sand in his hand and throws it all around. Hiya starts running towards him, and by the time she reaches him, all the sand has been thrown away.

Hawan: Now tell me, Hiya, where are his memories?

Hiya: You threw them away.

Hawan: No, Hiya. I didn’t throw them away. I’ve given you another chance, a chance to make memories, to live. Look around you. There is plenty of sand here, meaning there are plenty of memories. If you sit down with just one handful, what will happen to the other memories you need to create? You forgot that the whole shore is filled with the same sand. You can create new memories as you wish. But if you become content with just one handful, how will it work?

Hiya: But that sand was different.

Hawan: Then recognize and tell me where that sand is. I just threw it right here in front of you, didn’t I? Figure out which sand it is that you brought here in the sack. You won’t be able to. Can you?

Hiya: No.

Hawan: So, leave it here.. Let it be, Hiya. It’s just like those memories that will truly belong to you when you remember them. It’s just like your everyday life, but you’ve made it so special that it keeps making you cry. Just as this sand mixed with the rest and got lost, similarly, when you immerse your memories in the sea of other memories, they won’t trouble you anymore. You kept some of Rishi’s memories separate in this sack. Now see how they’ve vanished, just like this. When you open this sack, you won’t be able to see the rest of the sand. In the same way, as long as you keep remembering Rishi, you won’t be able to see the others who love you. Until you remove your focus from him, you won’t be able to see anyone else. You don’t even realize what you’re losing.

Hiya: I understand, Hawan. To stay away from his memories, the first step is to keep away from this sack.

Hawan: Yes. Look around you. The world is so beautiful to create new memories. It’s better to make memories than to live in old ones.

Hiya: I’ve understood, Hawan. Now, I won’t tell you that you’ve taken Rishi’s memories away from me. Can I go now? It’s time for me to get back to work. I’ll go straight to the office from here.

Hawan: Sure. I’ll drop you off.

Hiya: No, I’ll go alone. If you come to drop me off, what will my colleagues think?

Hawan: What will they think?

Hiya: They might suspect that you’re my boyfriend.

Hawan: If that’s the case, then I’ll definitely come to drop you off.

Hiya: Hawan, I’m really telling you the truth.

Hawan: So, you think I’m joking just by looking at my face?

Hiya: But people will think anything about us.

Hawan: Let them think… I want people to talk about us. Let them discussions about our love.

Hiya: Don’t create misunderstandings.

Hawan: Don’t waste my time. Come on, get on my bike.

Hawan drops Hiya off at her office and returns home. He was secretly pleased that Hiya seemed to understand what he was trying to convey. Now he had faith that one day, she would come around. However, he was proceeding cautiously because Hiya’s heart was broken, and he didn’t want to make any wrong moves that could shatter her further.

           The wheels of time were turning slowly. Despite Hiya clearly refusing, Hawan’s love for her was growing stronger. He wanted to love her, to convince her. Hiya was gradually forgetting Rishi now because she no longer had that bag that reminded her of Rishi’s memories. But there was one thing that still reminded her of Rishi, and that was Hawan’s way of loving her. Everything he did for her these days reminded her of what she wanted from Rishi but never received. What Hawan was doing for her now,  she had wanted all of that from Rishi, but she never got it. She was willing to do anything for him, even give up things she liked if it meant making him happy, just like she was willing to do for Rishi. Nowadays, Hawan was doing the same.

         Hiya understood Hawan’s feelings perfectly because she had been through this stage herself. She felt even more upset when Hawan said no because she knew what it felt like when someone didn’t understand our love. She didn’t want to disturb him, make him sad, or reject his love over and over again, but there was still something holding her back. She wanted to make him understand that he shouldn’t ruin his life for her.

Hiya: How long will you keep trying, Hawan?

Hawan: Until you accept me.

Hiya: I know from my own experience how much pain it is when someone doesn’t understand our love.

Hawan: Then understand it, Hiya. Understand my love. If you know how painful it is, why are you causing me this pain? You also know how much you suffered when Rishi didn’t understand your love. And now, you are giving me the same pain.

Hiya: I don’t want to cause you any pain, which is why I’m telling you to leave me and move on. But you’re just not ready to let me go.

Hawan: Did you leave Rishi when he didn’t understand you? Do you think I’m inferior to myself? I won’t let you go like that.

Hiya: I can’t be yours.

Hawan: Why?

Hiya: Because I have many flaws that will stay with me for a lifetime, and you’re perfect. You’re wasting your precious life behind me.

Hawan: I’ve loved you. I’ll embrace every one of your flaws and make them my own.

There was Rishi, who used to point out Hiya’s minor flaws and reject her love, and there was Hawan, who saw virtues in her flaws. Hiya was feeling proud of herself for finding a lover like Hawan, who embraced her completely. Hiya was looking into his eyes, seeing love reflected in her double-lidded eyes – pure and sacred love – something she had always wanted to see in Rishi’s eyes.

Hawan: What are you searching for in my eyes? You won’t find anything there except you.

Hiya: Do you know what my flaw is, Hawan?

Hawan: There can’t be any flaw in you. I don’t see any flaws in you.

Hiya: You know about it.

Hawan: Since I’ve known you, I’ve never seen any flaws in you.

Hiya hesitates and says, “Hawan… you know… you know… that… you know that… I have… donated my kidney… to Rishi… and I… I’m living… with only one… kidney…”

Hawan: So, what?

Hiya: So, what, Hawan? I… I’m living with just one kidney.

Hawan: So, what’s the problem?

Hiya: What’s the problem? Hawan, why would you want to associate with a girl who’s only living with one kidney, who’s so sick that there’s no guarantee of her life, who’s dependent on medications?

Hawan: Is that all?

Tears fill Hiya’s eyes. What kind of guy is he? He doesn’t care about any of her flaws. How can someone love so deeply? Despite explaining such a big thing in such simple words, he says, “Is that all?” Hiya still couldn’t fully trust her luck that she had found a guy who loved her like this.

Hawan: So, was that the reason for not accepting my love?

Hiya: Yes…

Hawan: How could you even think that way, Hiya?

Hiya: You’re intoxicated. You’re not thinking clearly. You should understand, Hawan. You’re ruining your life for me. Go and find a beautiful and healthy girl for yourself.

Hawan: Enough, Hiya. Is this a reason for you not to accept my love? To not love me? Do you think that about me? If I fall seriously ill in the future, will you leave me?

Hiya: Never.

Hawan: Then how can you think this way, Hiya?

Hiya: Hawan, why do you love me so much?

Hawan: I don’t know… I don’t know why I love you so much, but one thing I do know is that I love you, and I love only you.

Hawan’s love is without reason. He doesn’t even know why he loves, but he loves. He loves deeply, without expecting anything in return. He doesn’t want to delve deep or overthink. He just loves the one he loves, no matter what the circumstances. He has no reason to love Hiya, but he loves her. It’s a selfless love that he sees clearly in her eyes. Hiya hides herself in his embrace, and with all her strength, she tells him, “Yes, Hawan… I love you. I love you deeply too…”

              Hiya had now completely forgotten about Rishi. Her move to South Korea had been successful, and she had been living a happy life without Rishi’s memories. Hawan’s love had gradually replaced the memories of Rishi. Now, she felt comfortable sharing everything with Hawan, speaking her heart openly. She had become the carefree and playful Hiya she used to be before losing Rishi. She didn’t need Rishi anymore, and her life had become content with Hawan.

One evening, Hawan came home with a mischievous smile on his face. Hiya instantly sensed that something was on his mind, even before he said anything.

Hiya: Hawan, stop right there.

Hawan: Why?

Hiya: You can’t sneak up on me from behind. You can’t even think of doing something like that.

Hawan: How do you know what I’m thinking without saying a word?

Hiya: Your smile… Your words come after your smile.

Hawan: I have a suggestion, if you don’t mind.

Hiya: What suggestion?

Hawan: Look, we both live in the same apartment. There are only a few steps between our doors. And…

Hiya: And what?

Hawan: And we both pay rent for our separate homes. I mean, I pay for my home, and you pay for yours, but we only use one of the homes. What I mean is, either we both stay at your place or at mine. So why pay rent for both homes?

Hiya: I’m not understanding what you’re trying to say. Please be clear.

Hawan: I’m trying to say that I’m suggesting we should live together in the same house. This way, we can save money.

Hiya: Oh, really! This idea never even crossed my mind. You’re quite clever, thinking about saving money like this. (She understood what he was hinting at and changed her expression to one of annoyance.) So, are you going to leave from here yourself, or do I have to hand you over to your house on a platter so that you can easily go back?

Hawan: What’s there to be angry about? I was just giving a suggestion.

Hiya: Look, Hawan, it can’t be like this. We can’t live in the same apartment together before marriage.

Hawan: Then let’s get married.

Hiya: Sometimes you say things like I feel like kiss you, bite you, or eat you up.

Hawan: So, why don’t you?

Hiya: Hawan, I love you so much. Thank you for coming into my life.

Hawan: You won’t let me stay in your house, but you’re thanking me for coming into your life? (He pretended to sulk.)

Hiya: Oh, Hawan! Why are you so sad all of a sudden? You can stay in my house.

Hawan: Really?

Hiya: of course

He hugs her tightly, and their happiness was indescribable. Hiya had always wanted his happiness. She had also been eagerly waiting for this day, and now, they had made the decision to live together.

                Even though they were going to live together, Hiya had some rules that Hawan had to follow, despite his reluctance. If he didn’t comply, she would show him the door. But he was ready to follow all those rules because he didn’t want to be homeless. Hawan couldn’t understand one decision, though. He couldn’t wear slippers at home. He understood not wearing them inside, but he couldn’t even keep them at home. Why? Well, Hiya had set up a designated area near the front door where even the most expensive shoes, from expensive to tattered slippers, resided, without any objections. Once he wasn’t ready to keep his expensive shoes outside that day she pushed him out of her house with his expensive shoes..  After that, Hawan had to think twice before going against any of Hiya’s decisions. She didn’t like lazy people at all. She was a morning person, so Hawan had to wake up early as well. Now, what could poor Hawan do? Love cost him dearly, but he accepted it all.

         “Come on, Hawan, it’s time for lunch,” Hawan heard this line three times a day. What does it mean, ‘it’s time for food’? Is there a specific time for eating? Hawan couldn’t understand this rule. He believed that one should eat when they are hungry. Who checks the time to eat? But if Hiya had fixed meal times, why didn’t she fix tea time? She could drink tea at any time during the day, even without seeing the sun. And in the middle of the night, if you ask her for tea, she would happily take it. Why? Because there’s no set time for drinking tea. However, for meals, there’s a strict schedule, but Hawan didn’t understand these rules. Still, he was willing to adapt to all of them because he didn’t want to be homeless. He was already preparing himself to adjust to Hiya’s peculiar rules for their upcoming long journey together.

        Hiya didn’t like watching TV, but she never missed watching her favorite show, ‘The Kapil Sharma Show.’ Even though Hawan didn’t understand the language, he watched it with Hiya because it would be strange to laugh loudly alone. Sitting with her, he was learning more about her. He appeared carefree and emotionless, but he was the one who understood Hiya the most in the world and cared about her the most.

            One day, Hiya got a fever, which was quite natural for her since she felt cold even at normal temperatures. But that day, the temperature had dropped even lower than usual. The snow was falling, and Hiya had only seen such a scene in movies. Seeing it in real life was overwhelming, and she rushed outside without thinking, playing in the snow. Hawan was advising her to wear her winter coat, but she forgot that such a view would be a daily occurrence for her now. There was no need to rush outside. And what happened next? She didn’t mention coming back inside. She was playing in the snow, jumping around, and if Hawan hadn’t pulled her back inside, she might have stayed out there all night. And then, as she came back inside, she started trembling, shivering uncontrollably.

Hawan: Are you crazy? Who goes out in such cold weather like this?

Hiya: I’ve never seen such a mesmerizing view before, so I couldn’t stop myself.

Hawan: Even when it’s normally cold here, you get sick. How could you go out in such extreme cold? Please take care of yourself.

Hiya: Hawan…

Hawan: No more talking now. You’re shivering from the cold. Go, your bed is ready.

Hiya: But my hands and feet are so cold. I’m feeling extremely cold.

Hawan: Come here.

He goes to her. Hawan takes her hands in his and tries to warm them up by blowing warm air on them. Then he massages her feet with his hands to bring some warmth to her body, so she doesn’t feel as cold. He then lifts her and takes her to the bed, where he tucks her in. Her feet are still cold, but she’s feeling a bit better. He covers her with another blanket and then goes to sleep on a small bed in the same room, which Hiya had brought before he came to her house. Hiya had told him that they could sleep in the same room but not on the same bed.

          Hawan woke up in the middle of the night and went to check on Hiya. He was worried to find that her fever had gotten worse. She was still shivering, even though she had three blankets on. Hawan couldn’t figure out what to do at this hour, as her fever seemed to be increasing. He gently touched her forehead to check her temperature, but she didn’t respond. She kept her eyes closed, and when Hawan came to give her medicine, she was not willing to open her mouth.

       Hawan was worried about how he could take her to the hospital in the middle of the night. He looked at her innocent face, her dishevelled hair, her dry lips, and her closed eyes. His love for her was growing stronger with each passing moment as he got closer to her. She wasn’t ready to take the medicines.. he was more worried he can’t take her to the hospital at that time.. he sits near her,, as hiya feels something warm near her she holds him tightly.. Hawan sleeps near her because she was shivering and half unconscious, she wasn’t  ready to leave him. He was waiting for sun ray to give warmth to Hiya.

    Finally, the sun arose.. Hwan woke up while Hiya was still in sleep.  Her innocent face was feathered because of high fever. He waited for long to see hiya that closer , he didn’t want to get up but he knows that if Hiya find him that close to her she might think he is taking advantage of her illness to get closer to her. So, he went back to his bed, which was just a few steps away from Hiya’s bed. He pretended to be asleep, hoping that Hiya would eventually wake up on her own.

Hiya: Hawan…

(With great difficulty, she managed to call him. Hawan quickly stood up and reached Hiya because her voice sounded very weak.)

Hawan: Hiya, you’re awake. How are you feeling now?

Hiya: I can’t get up, Hawan. I have no strength left. Please help me.

He holds her hand and gently lifts her slightly, placing a pillow behind her.

Hawan: What’s happening to you? We should go to the hospital right away.

Hiya: I can’t make it on my own, not at all. I can’t even stand. Hawan, hold my hand.

Hawan: It won’t work like this, Hiya. Come on, let’s go now.

Hiya: Hawan, I can’t see you. Show me.

Hiya faints. She lies down right there, and Hawan, shocked, Hiya become unconscious right in front of him,  he was still holding her hand. He feels as if something has happened to Hiya, and he’s terrified, fearing for her life. But he gathers his courage, lifts Hiya, and rushes her to the hospital.

                    A few hours later, the doctor informed them that Hiya was now fine. However, he emphasized to Hiya the responsibility she had for her condition. Hiya was already quite shattered, seeing herself in such a state, and then when the doctor confirmed her recovery, Hawan breathed a sigh of relief. The doctor explained that they could take her home the next day.

        During that one day, Hiya realized how much Hawan cared for her. he had trouble sleeping all night, couldn’t eat properly, and the cheerful smile that always adorned his face had disappeared completely. One day passed like this, and they didn’t even notice it.

When the doctor finally discharged them, they returned home.

Hiya: Hawan, take some rest. Your eyes are begging for sleep.

Hawan: No, I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.

Hiya: And I’m fine too. Why are you so downhearted all of a sudden?

Hawan: Because they said I’m responsible for your current condition.

Hiya: Who said that?

Hawan: The doctor… he said that when I knew about your kidney issue, why didn’t I take you to the hospital earlier? Why did I delay it like this? If I keep making such mistakes, I might lose you one day forever.

Hiya fell silent after hearing this. She had forgotten about this aspect of her health. She had thought it was just a fever, but it was more than that. She realized that she needed to be more aware of her health. However, what bothered her more than her own discomfort was seeing the concern in Hawan’s eyes.

Hawan: But don’t worry. If you ever have a fever or face any health issues in the future, I’ll take you to the hospital immediately. This was my first time seeing you like this, so maybe I was a bit slow. Please forgive me, and I promise I won’t repeat this ever again.

Hiya: Don’t blame yourself, Hawan. It’s not your fault.

Hawan: It is my fault. I was careless. Let me blame myself so that I can make sure I never do this again in the future.

Hiya: Hawan… I am like this. I get sick very quickly, and that’s why I didn’t want to be with anyone. Being sick is a common occurrence for me. I didn’t want anyone to love me and suffer for my sake. I’ve been watching you for the past two days. How troubled you are because of me. You’re not eating or sleeping properly. And this is my destiny, Hawan. You still have a chance. Control your heart, control your love, where it is right now. You’ll find someone like me easily.

Hawan: Hiya, I’m telling you for the last time that I will never leave you, no matter what happens. If needed, I’ll even give you both of my kidneys to save your life. I’ll sacrifice myself to save you, but I’ll never let go of your hand as long as I live.

Hiya looks into his eyes, realizing that his love won’t allow anything to happen to her. Now she knows what to do.

Hiya: Alright, I won’t talk like this anymore after today. And now, I’m feeling sleepy.

Hawan leads her to the bed and tells her to rest. There were still chores left to do at home, so he gets up to attend to them, but Hiya holds his hand.

Hawan: Do you need anything else?

Hiya: You…

           A captivating smile form on Hawan’s face. He approaches Hiya and lies down next to her. Before Hiya closes her eyes to sleep, Hawan falls asleep. He was visibly exhausted, and the fatigue was evident on his body. He hadn’t slept for the past two nights. Hiya gently strokes his head; she knew how tired he was. However, she also knew how stubborn he could be. He wouldn’t sleep until he knew that she was resting properly. But as soon as he embraced Hiya, he immediately fell into a deep slumber. His fatigue was so great that even his habit of staying awake didn’t stand a chance. That’s why he had asked her to lie down only. Now, he was in that deep sleep, Hiya had decided she wouldn’t leave him alone anymore. She wouldn’t stop herself from loving him. She would let him do whatever he wanted. She would allow him to come closer, to hug her, and to love her. She compared Rishi and Hawan and concluded that Hawan had easily won. Now, Hiya had decided that no matter what happened, she would only be with Hawan and love only him.

        Hawan had done so much for Hiya, more than she had ever imagined. Everything she had done for Rishi, Hawan had done for her. Although she hadn’t found Rishi, she was certain that she would find Hawan. Hiya didn’t know what her destiny held, but she was determined to fight it. No matter what troubles came their way, she would never leave Hawan. Now they were together, deeply in love. They had no expectations from life other than each other. Let’s see what destiny had in store for them.

    The tantalizing aroma of food was interrupting Hawan’s sleep. Given his hunger, the scent seemed even more appealing. He got up and followed the fragrance, which led him to the kitchen. Hiya was busy cooking. He forgot about his hunger when he saw Hiya working and scolded her because the doctor had advised her to rest.

Hawan: What are you doing there? The doctor recommended rest for a few days, so why are you overexerting yourself?

Hiya: I’m fine now, Hawan. I was feeling hungry, so I came here to cook something.

Hawan: You could have woken me up if you were hungry.

Hiya: You look so adorable when you’re asleep. How could I disturb your sleep?

Hawan: Don’t try to sweet-talk me with words.

Hiya: Then how should I distract you?

Hawan: With a kiss.

Hiya: You never miss an opportunity for romance, do you?

Hawan: You’ve never done this before, have you? Do you not like my lips?

        Hiya blushed as Hawan continued to talk, surprised by his words. He spoke with confidence, knowing that Hiya was quite shy and reserved. However, today was different. Hawan didn’t know that Hiya had changed completely. He was still in the middle of his sentence when Hiya silenced him by kissing him gently with her soft, dry lips. Hawan, who had been standing there with his eyes closed, lost in thought, was taken by surprise.

            When he opened his eyes, he was still standing alone in the kitchen. Hiya had left a while ago, leaving him in a state of shock and confusion. He couldn’t believe upon what happen a moment ago.. he was standing there like an image. His time was stopped there , he still couldn’t believe that Hiya has kissed him.

About an hour later, Hawan spotted Hiya leaving the kitchen.

Hawan: Where are you going, Hiya?

Hiya: To the office.

Hawan: Stop. You can’t go to the office because you’re still sick. You need rest, and besides, I’ve taken a leave from your office on your behalf.

Hiya: Why did you do that? I had to go to work.

Hawan: Why are you looking here and there instead of at me? Look at me first. Why aren’t you looking at me?

Hiya: No, I… (She stammers as he approaches her.)

Hawan: Are you feeling shy in front of me?

(He tries to catch her gaze as he moves closer.)

Hiya: Please move away, Hawan. Let me go. I’m feeling embarrassed.

Hawan: Why? You look into my eyes every day and talk to me. You meet my gaze, so why are you feeling so shy today? It’s just another day. I’m the same. Why are you hiding your face today? Let me see you.

However, she was not ready to remove her hands above her face.

Hawan: Oh! I get it now. It’s because of what happened in the kitchen, right? You’re feeling shy about meeting my gaze because of that. And if that’s the reason you want to go out for a while, let me make it clear that I won’t allow you to go anywhere.

       He grabs her and spins her around. She embraces, and Hawan, who had never seen such a shy girl before, gazes at her blushing face. Afterward, he kisses her forehead and lovingly holds her. He told her, “ why are blushing.. now you have to make that thing your morning habit..”

         Time was doing its work, adding new colors to their love story. They were creating memories together. They couldn’t live without each other anymore, and now they both wanted to formalize their relationship. One day, when Hiya had gone to work, someone knocked on their door. Hawan was at home then. He opened the door, and there stood a handsome young man with a wheatish complexion, a well-trimmed beard, and a thick mustache. His eyes revealed immense sadness, and it was evident that he was carrying a heavy burden. seeing Hawan at the door, he didn’t seem pleased. He lowered his gaze, and with a hint of sadness in his eyes, he read the nameplate on the door, which said, “Hiya Roy… Home.” He realized that this was Hiya’s home, but he didn’t know who the man standing at the door was.

“Hiya… Where’s Hiya? Is this her house?”

Hawan: Yes, this is her house, and we live here together. Tell me why you want meet her ?

Man: I’ve travelled a long way to see her. I have some important matters to discuss with her. By the way, I don’t recognize you. Who are you?

Hawan: I am whoever I am. What does it matter to you?

Man: Are you her boyfriend?

Hawan: No, I am not her boyfriend.

The man seemed to take a sigh of relief when Hawan denied being Hiya’s friend.

Man: who are you to Hiya ?

Hawan : I’m her husband.

But he couldn’t muster the strength to ask more questions. His eyes conveyed his disbelief in what Hawan had told him. He turned away slowly, as if his feet had become heavy, making it difficult for him to move. It was as if he didn’t want to leave that place, even though he was walking away. Just when he was a couple of steps away from Hiya’s door, Hawan called out from behind.

Hawan: Wait, Rishi.

Man: Rishi… How do you know my name?

Hawan: Well, I’ve never seen you before, but I’ve seen someone who looks exactly like you in Hiya’s eyes. She described you in such a way that I recognized you. I’m Hawan.

Rishi: Are you really her husband?

Hawan: Do you have any doubts?

Rishi: I’m confident she wouldn’t do something like this. She loves me. She can’t marry you. Are you lying?

Hawan: I feel like throwing you out of here right now, but you are the person Hiya loved. If I cause you any trouble, it will hurt her too. That’s why I’m letting you stay here.

         Hawan gives him the key to the house and, in return, asks for a promise that  Rishi won’t meet Hiya until he explicitly allows it. Rishi had no place to stay, no acquaintances in the area, and he needed to meet Hiya. If he goes against Hawan’s wishes, he won’t let Rishi meet Hiya. So far, Rishi has no idea where Hiya is located at this moment.

               Rishi… the same Rishi whom Hiya loves, had now arrived in South Korea in search of her. Hawan recognized him at once, and he even gave him the key to stay for a while. However, his motive remains unclear, known only to himself. Hawan had locked the house from the outside to avoid any suspicions. But Rishi was Hiya’s first love.. childhood love.. it’s not that easy for Hawan to hide rishi from Hiya. As Hiya entered the house, she immediately said to Hawan:

Hiya: I need to tell you something important today.

Hawan: What is it?

Hiya: I don’t know why, but today… today I’m feeling something different. It’s impossible for him to be here, but I don’t know, I just have this strange feeling that he might be somewhere close by today.

Hawan: Who are you talking about?

Hiya: I want to apologize to you before saying all this, Hawan, but… today when I returned home from the office, I felt like Rishi was near our house just a while ago. I could smell his fragrance. I’ve never felt this before, but today, it’s as if he’s not far away, but rather quite close to me.

    Hawan wasn’t surprised at all to hear this because he knew how much Hiya loved Rishi. He knew that Hiya could even sense his presence in the air. However, it wasn’t the right time to reveal the truth, as Hawan had also put a lot of effort into winning Hiya. He didn’t want to lose her so soon. Instead, he wanted to find out the reason behind Rishi’s visit to South Korea.

Hiya: I’ve been thinking a lot today, Hawan. Please forgive me. It’s impossible for him to be here. But I don’t know why, today, it feels like there’s someone else here who uses the same cologne that Rishi used to wear. I’ve never thought about him this much before. Hawan, will you take me out somewhere today? I’m feeling suffocated here. Something feels strange.

Hawan: Don’t worry. Come here. Give me a hug. You’ll feel better.

She hugged Hawan tightly. Even while hugging, something felt strange to be. It was as if he was hugging her differently than usual, almost as if it were the last time. Was the idea of leaving Hiya crossing his mind? Only he knew the answer.

Hiya’s distress was growing. They had dinner together, and Hawan explained that he had some urgent work and would need to go out in the evening. He assured her that he would be back by morning. Since Hiya couldn’t sleep alone, she agreed and decided to go wherever he wanted after she fell asleep.

          Hiya was peacefully sleeping in Hawan’s arms. Hawan didn’t want to disturb her sleep, but he knew that Rishi must be waiting for him at his home. Reluctantly, he gently removed himself from Hiya’s embrace and placed a pillow beside her. He closed her bedroom door and headed back to his own house. When he entered his home, he saw rishi staring at Hiya’s pictures which he placed on the wall.

Rishi: Hawan, do you live here?

Hawan: No, we both live in the same house because the rent here is quite high.

Rishi: Then why are these pictures of Hiya in your house?

Hawan: These pictures were originally at Hiya’s house. She used to live here, and she put up these pictures. I suggested that we share the rent so she started living there with me.

Rishi : fine.. now tell me where is Hiya ?

Hawan : she hasn’t back home yet.

Rishi: You’re lying. I can sense her presence. She’s somewhere nearby, very close to me. Hawan, I beg you, please let me meet my Hiya.

Hawan realized how much they both loved each other, even without seeing each other. They hadn’t met, but they could still feel each other’s presence. How could someone recognize someone else in the air? After hearing Rishi’s plea, Hawan decided to reveal the truth.

Hawan: I will let you meet Hiya, and I will bring her to you. But before that, I want to know something. Please sit down here.

They both sat down.

Hawan: Did you come here to find love?

Rishi: No, I didn’t come to find love. I came here to regain the love that I lost.

Hawan: How much do you love Hiya?

Rishi: I can’t say. I can’t express how much I love her. Hiya has asked me many times, but I don’t even know myself how much I love her. But yes, I love her immensely, beyond measure, more than myself.

Hawan was initially angry, thinking Rishi was lying, but as he heard Rishi’s heartfelt confession, his anger began to subside.

Hawan: Then why did you make her cry? You made her cry every day and night. Have you ever seen her tears, have you ever asked her? You not only took away her smile but also her will to live. And now you tell me that you love her so much? How can I believe you?

Rishi: Why are you so angry with me?

Hawan: Because you deserve it. Do you know, She still loves you. She can still feel your presence, Hiya can. I told her everything before coming here. She already had a sense of your presence here. How is that possible? You’ve done so much wrong to her, Rishi. You are the living example of how terrible a person can be. you don’t know how bad you are? I’ve seen Hiya crying at night, wiping her tears with the bundle of your memories. I’ve seen her waiting for you every day and night. I’ve seen her smile fade away when there’s no one around, and she thinks of you. I’ve witnessed the sacrifices she made to be with you. And I know how hard it was for her to let go of your memories. You turned her into a living corpse, Rishi.

Rishi: No, Hawan, I’m not that bad. I’m not responsible for all this. You’re probably saying all this because she confided in you. But if that’s the case, then you should also listen to me. I believe you can help me bring her back. I don’t think I need anyone’s help in this matter because as soon as she looks into my eyes, she will understand everything. I won’t even need to speak because she can read my eyes. When she sees remorse in my eyes, she will immediately embrace me and forgive me.

Hawan: Excessive self-confidence can be risky. I came here to help you, but perhaps you no longer need it. Nevertheless, I want to hear it from you. Tell me, what is Hiya to you?

Rishi: She is the reason behind my tea addiction. I used to dislike tea, but since I tasted her tea, it became a habit. Let me come to the point. I had no idea for years that she loved me. But on the first day of college, when I looked into her eyes, I instantly knew she loved me. And you know, Hawan, on that day when she came to talk to me, I felt proud and worried at the same time. She said that stealing books is a common thing for her, and she can take someone’s life for me. She was so intelligent. I had already decided to marry her, but I thought that if I revealed my feelings at that time, she would never focus on anything other than me. So, I always made her feel like I didn’t like her, but I was already immersed in the depth of her love. I knew how to stop myself, how to reject her love, but those were the times when I had to do it. If I hadn’t done that, she would have ruined her life for me. If you think I’m lying, ask her if she has ever seen me talking to any other girl. For me, Hiya was everything. 

           On the day when the unexpected happened to me, and I arrived late to wish her for the examination, that day I met an accident , it was no ordinary accident. My leg was broken, my head was injured, and there was a lot of blood. I couldn’t even stand at that time, but I still went to college because I knew that if I didn’t go, she wouldn’t be able to handle things. She wouldn’t even step into the examination hall, and her entire year would be wasted. I was almost unconscious, but my friends admitted me to the hospital, and I got some relief. She thought that she was the only one who knew everything about my next steps, but she didn’t know that I could understand what was going on in her mind without her saying a word.

      Hawan was listening to all of this without asking any questions. Slowly, he was realizing that Hiya had not fallen for the wrong person’s love. Rishi was the right guy for her. They both had their reasons for not openly confessing their love for each other, and those reasons were in Hiya’s best interest. They cared deeply for each other, always looking out for one another, even if they never openly admitted it.

        There were only a few days left until my graduation. That meant there were just a few days left in my college life too. I wanted to meet her and tell her that I loved her just as much as she loved me. I wanted her to feel safe with me, to be with her for the rest of our lives. I had decided that day to confess my love to Hiya, but fate had other plans. That day, I had a high fever, and when I was taken to the hospital, the doctor informed me that both my kidneys had failed, and I didn’t have much time left.

             At that moment, all I could think of was Hiya. I didn’t care if I died, but I didn’t want to bring tears to her eyes. I didn’t want her to suffer after I was gone. So, I started treating her poorly, making her hate me so that she would forget me easily when I was no longer in this world. I wanted her to move on and have a good life without me, without being burdened by my memories. I wanted her to hate me so that I wouldn’t occupy her thoughts after I was gone. I did what I thought was best for her.

           On the last day of college, I had a heated argument with her, and she told me that she would never show her face to me again. That’s exactly what I wanted. After returning home, I cried a lot because I knew I couldn’t live without seeing her, but it was the right decision for Hiya. It might have caused her some pain at that time, but it saved her from a lifetime of sorrow. I even convinced all my friends not to let Hiya know about my illness, so she would never find out.

              My condition was deteriorating day by day, and I was nearing death. In such a situation, a ray of hope appeared in the form of a woman. When the person who was initially willing to donate her kidney backed out, that woman came forward to give me a second chance at life. After recovering, I wanted to express my gratitude to that woman who had saved my life. I tried calling her using the number provided by the doctor, but I could never reach her. To this day, I don’t know who that woman was, as my efforts to contact her were in vain.

          I had been discharged from the hospital. It had taken me three months to       recover physically and mentally. My mother wanted me to get married, but I had no desire to do so because of my health condition. I had made up my mind that if I ever got married, it would only be to Hiya. However, I couldn’t muster the courage to face her due to my condition. I thought about Hiya every day and yearned to meet her, but my mother didn’t listen to me and found a girl for me. I was already committed to Hiya in my heart, and I would often cry thinking about her. However, my health was so fragile that I couldn’t gather the strength to confront her and express my love. I knew that if I went to her, she would marry me without a second thought, as she didn’t care about anything else. She could do anything for me, but I didn’t want her to bear the burden of my condition for the rest of her life.

        Then one day, my worst fear came true. She called me to meet her by the seaside and told me that she was leaving for South Korea, and that too, forever. I couldn’t understand why she was doing this. I never wanted her to leave her home and family because of me, but how could I stop her? I didn’t want her to go, especially not forever. I kept asking her when she would come back, why she was leaving, but she didn’t understand that my intention was to stop her.

           And then, she left, leaving me behind. I was crying inwardly, devastated. When she said that she wanted to hug me one last time, I wanted to hold onto her so tightly that she could never leave my side. I wanted to keep her in my arms forever, but I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t stop her from going far away from me. I knew she wanted to distance herself from me, from my memories, and from interfering in my married life. She didn’t want to be a part of my life because, in her eyes, I was already married. I was completely alone because I had promised myself that if I ever got married, it would be to Hiya, and she wanted to stay away from my memories. She didn’t know that I hadn’t actually gotten married. I was all alone, crying, and I kept thinking about her every night. I would go to the same seashore every day, hoping for her return, even though I knew she would never come back. I went there for a year, every day, at the same time I had met her for the last time. But I never saw her again. Still, I was happy that maybe she was far away from me in another country, but at least she was living a healthy and happy life. I would console myself with these thoughts every day.

            I understand that everything was going fine, but I still longed for her. It felt like she couldn’t be happy without me. She remembered me, called out to me, and I even dreamt of her, with tears in her eyes. I blamed myself and decided that I needed to meet her at least once, to see if she’s happy. I had this fear that maybe my dreams weren’t accurate, and perhaps she wasn’t crying for me after all. That’s why I came here. After a month of searching, I finally found her. Now, I want to meet her and apologize for not accepting her love. I want to explain why I behaved the way I did and why I didn’t express my love for her back then. I’ve come here to make amends, to accept her love, and to love her as much as she loves me. Hawan, will you help me?

Hawan: I’m finding it hard to trust you. If you truly loved her so much, why did you let her go on that day when she said she was leaving forever? You should have tried to stop her, shouldn’t you have?

Rishi: How could I have stopped her? The doctor had clearly told me about my condition. I couldn’t predict how my health would be from one day to the next. I wanted to stop her, but I knew how distressed she was that day when she saw blood coming from my head. If she had known the extent of the issue, she might have been shattered, broken. Seeing me in pain, she used to cry a lot. Seeing her in pain because of me made me cry. I felt even the smallest harm would have affected her greatly, and if she had known everything, perhaps something would have happened to her before me. The reason I didn’t tell her was that I couldn’t bear to see her cry and suffer because of me all her life. It was better for her to go away from me, forget me. If I had told her to leave me, she would never have accepted it. So, I did all this to make her realize that I don’t love her, and she is not fond of me, so that she can go away without any pain.

         Hawan was silent, looking into Rishi’s eyes, which were revealing the truth. Hawan realized that Rishi wasn’t a bad person; he had just done what he thought was best for Hiya. He had sacrificed his love to spare her from pain. Hawan understood that Rishi’s love for Hiya was beyond measure, more than anyone could ever imagine, even himself.

Hawan: Now I understand everything. You two are made for each other, and you did the right thing by coming here. It’s already late, Rishi, but as soon as tomorrow morning comes, I’ll bring Hiya here. But before that, there’s something important you need to know.

Rishi: What is it?

Hawan: Hiya is the girl who gave you her kidney. You weren’t keeping her because you were sick and had only one kidney left, but the truth is that Hiya saved your life. If she had been a match, she would have donated both of her kidneys to save your life. But she never let you know about it. You got better because of her, but she became ill because of you—physically, mentally, and emotionally. But perhaps, you are her remedy. If you come into her life, everything will be fine again.

Rishi was left speechless, hearing something he never expected. His legs felt weak, and tears streamed down his face, the ones he had been holding back for so long. He looked at Hawan with eyes filled with gratitude and asked if what he had just heard was true.

Hawan: Yes, as soon as she found out about your condition, she went straight to the doctor. Without wasting any time, she willingly gave you her kidney. She also told me that she didn’t want you to know that she was the donor which is why she intentionally provided incorrect information on all the forms.

Rishi: I was wrong. I have done so many wrongs to Hiya. I didn’t want to hurt her, which is why I treated her the way I did, but unknowingly, I hurt her the most. Hawan, I’ve made a terrible mistake. I left her when she needed me the most. Instead of wiping her tears, I became the reason for her tears. I didn’t realize that I was making her cry instead of comforting her. I can never forgive myself for this.

Hawan: Rishi, you were right in your own way. Your love was preventing you from accepting her. Your intentions were not wrong. You both didn’t want to hurt each other, which is why you both chose to be apart. But perhaps, it’s God’s will that you should be together, and that’s why you are here today. Truly, Rishi, you are a true lover. Before I bring Hiya to you, just wait for a couple more hours. She must be sleeping right now. As soon as she wakes up, I will bring her to you. But before that, please grant me some time to spend with Hiya for the last time.

         He was holding Rishi’s hands, as if there were no longer any connection between him and Hiya, and he needed Rishi’s permission to spend some time with her. He had decided that he would hand Hiya over to Rishi. He no longer had any right over her, and his eyes clearly displayed his pain. At that moment, Hawan’s eyes held more pain than Rishi’s. He had lost, and he had accepted his defeat. He had lost Hiya forever, and he wanted to spend some time with her before she go back to Rishi to India for good. Rishi didn’t know Hawan; he had no idea that Hawan loved Hiya. He couldn’t understand why Hawan’s eyes were filled with so much pain. He was eager to see Hiya, but he still listened to Hawan and agreed to wait until Hawan brought Hiya to him. He wouldn’t go to her before Hawan brought her.

           Hawan returned. Hiya was sleeping with her head on the pillow. Hawan watched her from a distance. He didn’t want to intrude on their moment, so he wanted to spend one last time loving Hiya. He wanted to hug her, kiss her forehead, and bid her goodbye forever. All this while, Hiya lay on her bed, unaware of what was about to happen.

       Hawan went to her and lay down beside her. He took her in his arms, kissed her forehead, and wanted to say goodbye forever. But he couldn’t stop his tears, realizing that this would be the last time he would be doing all this. Hiya felt a drop of his tears on her cheek and woke up.

Hiya: Hawan, are you crying?

Hawan: Don’t ask me any questions, Hiya. Just let me hold you. Give me a little more time to embrace you.

Hiya: Hold me forever, Hawan. You don’t need to ask. But your tears are troubling me, Hawan. Tell me, what’s wrong?

Hawan: Promise me, Hiya, that you’ll remember me. Promise me that you won’t forget me. Promise me that you’ll keep me in your memory…

Hiya sits up. Her face is more disturbed by Hawan’s words than by Hawan’s. She couldn’t lie down like this anymore. She hugs Hawan because she feels that he needs her. Something is bothering him, and hugging her seems to bring him comfort. She doesn’t know why Hawan is saying these things, as he’s usually the one who makes jokes and talks lightly.

Hiya: Hawan, what’s wrong with you? Why are you suddenly saying such things today?

Hawan: Do you still miss Rishi, Hiya?

Hiya: No, I…

Hawan: Liar. You still missing him, that’s why he’s here.

Hiya: What do you mean he’s here?

Hawan: Your prayers have worked. Your love has brought him here. Go and meet him. He’s at my house.

Hiya: Hawan, who is at your house?

Hawan: Rishi… Your love, Rishi… He’s inside my house. He’s waiting for you there.

Hiya: Hawan, please don’t joke like this with me. I don’t like all of this.

Hawan: He’s there. He’s waiting for you there. You don’t believe me, do you? Come with me. I’ve promised him that I’ll bring you there. So, I should be the one to take you. Let’s go.

         Hawan grabs Hiya’s hand, trying to lead her away. Hiya hesitates, thinking that maybe he had drunk too much in the morning. But it couldn’t be true. Rishi coming here and searching for her was impossible. She was convinced of that. Hiya is lost in her thoughts, but Hawan pulls her along, and they enter the house. Rishi is indeed inside, sitting there. When Hiya sees him, she freezes, her feet anchored to the ground. Her steps come to a halt, and she can’t move further. Her heart races, and as soon as Rishi spots Hiya, he stands up. He starts to walk towards her, spreading his arms, calling her towards him. In that moment, Hiya couldn’t let anything in the world stop her from going to Rishi. She pulls her hand away from Hawan’s grip and rushes towards Rishi. Hawan feels hurt, terribly hurt. It seemed like his presence was no longer necessary, not even in Hiya’s life. Not only that, even the world didn’t matter anymore when Hiya and Rishi finally embrace each other. And they were lost in each other’s arms as if they didn’t care about the world anymore. It was as if they didn’t belong to this world. After years of waiting, their love was finally pouring down like a torrential rain.

Rishi: Hiya… Please forgive me. I made a big mistake. Please forgive me.

Hiya wipes her tears and looks into Rishi’s eyes, seeing the love she had longed for years. She doesn’t need words because their eyes say it all.

Hiya: No, Rishi, there’s no need to apologize. Your eyes speak the truth. You don’t have to say anything else.

Rishi: How are you? Did you ever miss me?

Hiya: I used to remember you a lot, but right now, I don’t want to remember anything. I don’t want to recall those memories ever again. I’ve wasted more than half of my life just remembering you. Now, I don’t have anything left, I have only your lost memories.

Rishi: People can lose themselves, Hiya, but memories can never be lost.

Hiya: I used to feel the same way some time ago. But I’m grateful to Hawan, who helped me to lose your memories.

Rishi: I came here with no ulterior motives. I’m ashamed, and I regret it. But now, I can’t live without you. Please forgive me and come with me.

Hiya: Go with you? Rishi, I told you that day that I would never come back.

Rishi: And if I insist on taking you with me?

Hiya: Even then, no.

Rishi: Why? You have no reason to stay here. Don’t you remember your home, your family, the fields, the skies, and me?

Hiya: I have a very special reason to stay here, and that reason is above all else.

Rishi: Do you know how sick I am?

Hiya: Regardless of the reason you give me, I can’t come back with you.

Rishi: I know that you donated your  kidney to me and…

Hiya : who  told you that ?

Rishi: Hawan told me…

And suddenly, she remembered that Hawan had also come with her, but when she looked back, she couldn’t see him anywhere. Her eyes searched for Hawan, but he was nowhere to be found. He wasn’t in that house. However, she couldn’t ignore Rishi either.

Hiya: Despite my best efforts, I had managed to forget you. I had succeeded in erasing you from my life, and I don’t want to know the reason behind your return because I can’t be yours now.

Rishi: Hiya, you don’t know everything. You should listen to me once.

Hiya: No, I don’t want to hear anything. I waited for you for a long time, but I stopped waiting for you just a while ago. And maybe that’s why I’m not as happy to see you here as I should be.

Rishi: I love you. I can’t live without you. Please understand me. Have mercy on me, Hiya. Don’t leave me. Don’t go.

Hiya: You’re strange, Rishi. You forced me to leave you a while ago, and now you’re begging me not to go. Forgive me, Rishi, but I can’t love the same person twice. You broke my heart not long ago. Now, I don’t want anything from you. I don’t desire anything. I have no feelings left for you.

Rishi: What mistake did I make, Hiya, that you weren’t willing to listen to me at all? I didn’t reveal myself back then because I didn’t want to ruin your life. I didn’t say no to you because of my kidney disease, as I didn’t even know at the time that you were the one who gave me a kidney. My intentions were not wrong. I never thought wrongly about you. I, too, have loved you always. I’ve punished myself for every tear that fell from your eyes because of me. I cried too. My mistake was that I couldn’t tell you how much I love you.

Hiya: I know that, but I can never forgive you for that mistake.

Rishi: Which mistake?

Hiya: Why did you marry someone else? How could you even think of doing that if you loved me? It’s been two years since I came here, and you never remembered me, never called me. And today, you suddenly ask me what mistake I made?

After hearing Hiya’s words, Rishi fell silent. He could have told her at that moment that he hadn’t married anyone else. He could have cleared the misunderstanding right then, but no. He loved her, and if she found out the truth, she might not be able to accept it. Maybe she would come back to him, but she wouldn’t be happy. If she knew the truth, she wouldn’t forgive herself for hating him for no reason. Rishi was torn between his love for her and her hatred. He accepted it all in silence, and that day, Rishi lost in love, but he let Hiya win.

Rishi: We loved each other, Hiya. We both understood each other, and you know, Hiya, we can’t live without each other. If we separate, we’ll never be happy.

Hiya: You’re wrong, Rishi. When I was with you, I felt the most pain. But after being apart from you, I started living again. I started laughing again. If we stay together, we’ll keep thinking about each other, sacrifice everything for each other, and ultimately be unhappy. Yes, it’s true that we’ll love each other until the end of our lives, but the bitter truth of our love story is this.

Rishi: Yes, you’re right. We will remember each other, yearn for each other, but we can’t be together.

Hiya: To forget me, you’ll have to erase my memories, which will help you live without me, just as I did.

Rishi: What about the kidney you gave me? It will always remind me that my life is indebted to you. I don’t want to forget that. As long as I’m alive, I can’t forget your favor.

Hiya couldn’t respond to this. She had no answer to that, which is why tears were flowing from her eyes. Yes, they could erase memories from their lives, but the kidney Hiya had given him would always remind Rishi of her, and the emptiness inside her would always remind her that someone who was once everything to Hiya was now nothing.

Hiya: I’m telling you not to remember me, but Rishi… I never said to forget me.

Rishi: Never. (He says this to spare Hiya from more pain.) What if your heart is not with me, but your kidney is, and it always will be.

Hiya: You’ve made a huge mistake by coming here. Now you can leave me here alone. Yes, I’ll be happy without you.

Rishi: I’ll leave. I’ll leave right now. But promise me you’ll come to my dreams, not in person, not in my country, but sometimes you’ll show your face in my dreams because I can’t live without seeing you.

Hiya: I promise I’ll come. But I can’t bear to see you shedding tears for me like this. So please before my mind change its decision,, leave from here.

Rishi looks into Hiya’s eyes and sees that her tears are waiting for him to leave. He sees the pain in her eyes, understands her suffering, and so without saying another word, he leaves from there before her tears fall, leaving Hiya behind.

Hiya: Where is Hawan?

Hiya searches for him and thinks he might be waiting for her at her home. She goes there to check, but even after searching throughout the house, she doesn’t find him. She starts to brainstorm and suddenly realizes where he might be.

      She goes to that place and her guess is correct; Hawan is at an old liquor store, probably drinking heavily. Despite drunken state, he doesn’t recognize her. She approaches him and hugs him tightly. Hawan was too drunk to realize it’s Hiya. He was still talking in a drunken state, “Hiya, where are you? You haven’t left, have you? Don’t leave me, please. I’ll love you more than Rishi. I’ll make sure you never even remember him. I’ll love you so much…”

        The next morning, Hiya gets up and gets ready. She wears the Indian saree she had brought for a special occasion. Today is the most special day for her. Hawan is still sleeping. She goes to him, moves the hair off his forehead, and kisses his forehead. Hawan wakes up and, still in a drowsy state, sees Hiya. He thought Hiya had left and was dreaming about her. He rubs his eyes and looks at her.

Hiya: Open your eyes, Hawan. I’m right here in front of you.

Hawan: I thought I was dreaming. You’re not here. You’ve left.

Hiya: I haven’t gone anywhere, and I’m not going anywhere. Just open your eyes and see. This isn’t a dream. I’m really here with you.

He slowly gets up, as if he still can’t believe that Hiya is really there with him. He rubs his eyes, opens them again, and sees Hiya. Without wasting a second, he hugs her tightly. However, for some reason, he eventually lets her go. The happiness in his eyes turns into sadness.

Hawan: I know… You’ve come here to say goodbye, right? You’re here to tell me that you’re going with Rishi. Well, you can go. I won’t stop you. Rishi is a good guy. He’s not like I thought. In this world, he’s the one who loves you the most.

Hiya: It seems like you’re still half asleep. I didn’t come here to say goodbye. I’m not going anywhere.

Hawan: Really?

Hiya: Yes…

Hawan: Then what about Rishi?

Hiya: He’s gone. I made it clear to him that I will never go with him, so he went back to India.

Hawan: Does that mean you’re not leaving? You’re not leaving me, right?

Hiya: I won’t go anywhere without you.

Hawan: I can’t believe it. I can’t trust it. How can I believe? How can I agree? Are you really mine? Truly mine? I still can’t believe that you haven’t gone. Is this you? Right here? Forever? I can’t have faith in it. I don’t understand how…

And then… Hiya kisses his lips gently to reassure him that he’s not dreaming. She’s real, and she’s here to stay with him forever and ever.

It must be continued..