Hearing my words, Ryan Bhaiya stared blankly, not understanding anything.
Then I explained everything to him about Disha. When he heard that Tiyas had helped someone turn their life around, Ryan Bhaiya was utterly shocked.
After that, I took Disha's phone number and spoke to her for a while before returning home.
In the evening, I called Disha. As soon as she picked up, I spoke first:
___ "Disha, it's Preelia. Remember the day we met?"
___ "Yes, Apu (sister/ older women). I recognize you, but where did you get my number? I don't remember giving it to you when we met."
___ "Disha, do you remember this morning when a gentleman came to you asking for someone's contact details and ID account?"
Disha stayed silent for a moment and then said,
___ "Oh yes, yes! He came to ask about my aunt, Laila Afroze, but since there wasn't enough time, he collected my contact information to follow up later."
I cleared my throat and softly asked,
___ "So, where is she now?"
What Disha said next was something I couldn't believe. I was stunned, just listening. I didn't even realize when the call ended, but I could clearly feel my hands and feet trembling.
The next day, I informed Ryan Bhaiya about the matter. Then we decided that we would go there with Tiyas this coming Friday.
When I told Tiyas about the plan, he didn't refuse. But he couldn't understand where he was being taken, why, or for what purpose.
We got out of the car in front of Chattogram Central Jail. Tiyas stepped out, looked around, and with teary eyes, said to me,
___ "Preeli, do you want to punish me? Hand me over to the law? You could've just told me, and I would've informed my mother. I swear I wouldn't have run away. But you..."
I scolded him sharply,
___ "Be quiet and come inside. It's not what you're thinking."
Ryan Bhaiya walked ahead, and I followed behind with Tiyas.
Once inside, Ryan Bhaiya introduced himself to the officer on duty and said,
___ "We want to meet Laila Afroze. Can you grant us permission?"
In response, the officer flipped through some files and said,
___ "Sorry, sir, we can't grant that permission yet. The investigation into this case is still ongoing. I don't have the authority to allow anyone to meet her. She's not an ordinary criminal."
Ryan Bhaiya shook his head and made a call. A minute later, the officer received a call and immediately said,
___ "The DC (District Commissioner) sir has instructed us to give you 10 minutes. You may proceed."
He then instructed another officer to take us inside.
Tiyas was wide-eyed, looking around. By now, he had realized who we were talking about, but he had lost the ability to speak and walk. He looked distant, almost lost.
Ryan pulled Tiyas forward by the hand. Tiyas stumbled as he walked. Slowly, we stood outside the bars, waiting. Before long, a tired, thin woman with a dry face and frail body stood before us.
I looked at Tiyas and said,
___ "That's Laila Afroze, the woman your late father loved and because of whom he committed suicide."
Tiyas, who had been calm until now, suddenly burst out, reaching through the bars and shouting,
___ "You! You! Because of you, my father died! Do you remember Julhaz Habib? He was my uncle. You drove him to suicide! I saw him die with my own eyes! I want to kill you with my own hands!"
Frightened, she stepped back, trembling. Ryan and another police officer tried to calm Tiyas down.
We all brought Tiyas outside. I handed him a bottle of water, which he gulped down, breathing heavily. Ryan Bhaiya softly said,
___ "Tiyas, calm down. Criminals get their punishment, sooner or later. She killed her husband with her own hands and hid the body for nine days. The reason for the murder was that she was having an affair, and her husband demanded answers. Though they often fought, she ultimately committed this heinous crime with her own hands. However, she had indirectly caused deaths long before. Your uncle, Julhaz Habib, was driven to suicide by her. I brought you here because I want you to bring up the suicide in court and demand her severe punishment. Even if she doesn't get the death penalty, she'll likely spend the rest of her life in prison."
Tiyas let out a deep breath. There was a sense of relief in that breath. He laughed, almost like a madman. Ryan and I stared at him in shock.
Then Tiyas suddenly stood up and said,
___ "Preeli, turn me in to the police too, please. I've committed many crimes. I've wronged you, Dipthi, and countless other girls. Even if I'm punished or face death, I won't feel any pain. I'll tell my father, 'Look, your killer is facing punishment now. She'll wither away bit by bit. Are you happy, Dad? Your happiness is my happiness!'"
Just then, a horn honked from behind. I turned and saw Disha had arrived.
I looked at Tiyas and said,
___ "Tiyas, Disha is Laila Afroze's niece. Just as she killed your uncle, she also killed her own uncle. Disha loves you. She told me everything on the phone that day. But I was too scared to tell you earlier because I thought you'd get angrier if you knew about her connection to Laila Afroze. But the truth is, you've changed her life. You've taught her how to live beautifully. That's why she respects you so much. Isn't a relationship based on respect the most beautiful? And Disha has no trace of Laila Afroze in her blood. She's just like you! So, marry Disha. I know you'll be fine if you want to. You'll become normal again, and Disha will stand by you. And see, what was once hatred can turn into friendship. Ryan Bhaiya and I will always be there for you as friends."
Tiyas laughed and said,
___ "Disha, why didn't you tell me? And Preeli, do you think I'm still not okay? After seeing that sinner at the gates of punishment, I've already atoned for my sins. I realize now how wrong I was. I feel so good today!"
Disha stepped forward and held Tiyas's hand. Seeing this, Ryan Bhaiya and I smiled.
All the emptiness had been filled today. Existence had changed! Truly, we can transform our existence and live anew if we choose to. But pushing ourselves into emptiness and questioning life and death is undoubtedly a grave mistake, and it only harms our beautiful lives.
11 Months Later
The house has been filled with Eid festivities since yesterday. Because today, my lifelong dream has come true. My father has invited everyone in the village for biryani and arranged milad at the mosque. My parents and grandfather haven't stopped smiling.
On the other hand, I've also shared everything about Ryan Bhaiya.
Today, people from his house are coming to finalize the wedding date and exchange rings.
As per Ryan Bhaiya's request, I'm wearing one of his favorite sarees today.
I'm sitting with his parents when he arrives with his sister, walking down the road behind our house. They couldn't come together because his brother-in-law is coming straight from work.
Meanwhile, Ryan Bhaiya's mother is talking to me. My father comes over for something. I bring up a topic and say,
___ "Yes, after the wedding, my family will stay with me. We'll all live together."
Before I could finish, Ryan Bhaiya's parents exchanged glances, and his mother said,
___ "What? They're doing fine here. Besides, they might not adjust well to city life. Why the hassle?"
I could feel my blood boiling, but I calmly replied,
___ "I want to live with them and you together. Besides, I..."
Before I could finish, my father rushed inside. I looked at them and said with a hint of anger,
___ "Wherever I live, I'll live with my family. If you don't agree, you can cancel the wedding. I don't care. But I won't tolerate my parents or family being hurt. My father has shed blood, sweat, and tears to build this life. I'll heal those wounds, and that responsibility is mine!"
Without saying more, I ran after my father.
I found him sitting and crying. When he saw me, he wiped his tears and softly said,
___ "Lia, are you here? Look, the guests are probably coming. You go ahead."
I sat beside him, crying, and said,
___ "I'm ready to give up everything, Dad. I can't bear to see your tears. If needed, I'll stay unmarried my whole life. Believe me, Dad, as long as I have you, I'll never feel empty. I'll consider myself successful a thousand times over. Dad, call off the wedding. Wherever your existence is devalued, I'll feel empty even if I have everything. I won't get married!"
My father broke down, placed his hand on my head, and said,
___ "Lia, parents are happy in their children's success. They don't ask for anything else. We're fine here and will continue to be. Your father has already received the reward for a lifetime of struggle. Isn't that enough? People will respect me, inspire others through me, and dream for their children in your name. What more could a father want? Now, if I can take care of your grandfather till the end, that'll be another achievement. And if your brother finds his path, your mother and I will manage just fine."
I silenced him and said,
___ "I'm not going anywhere. If I go, I'll take you with me. You've brought me to the brink of success step by step. Now, I'll protect you till your last breath. I won't get married, Dad."
Just then, I heard Ryan Bhaiya's voice from behind the door. He said,
___ "Preelia, are you calling off the wedding because of what my mother said? Didn't you even ask me what I want? I would've taken care of your parents like my own, even if you hadn't asked. It's because of them that I have you. And my mother—tell me, Mom, didn't you raise me hoping that one day I'd take care of you? Just like Preelia's parents did. Can't a daughter take responsibility for her parents? Don't daughters know how to care?"
Ryan Bhaiya's mother softened and said,
___ "Ryan, I didn't understand. I made a mistake. It was a terrible thing to say! Lia, I..."
I stepped forward, held her hand, and smiled slightly,
___ "Oh no, don't worry! Besides, once you spend time with my parents, you won't want to let them go!"
My father smiled a little. My mother, having finished her chores, came over, confused about what had happened. My father signaled me not to say anything, and I nodded.
The wedding date was finalized.
A few days later, the grand wedding took place. After the ceremony, where usually only the bride goes to her in-laws, our entire family accompanied me. We've rented a new, spacious flat.
In the car, I rested my head on Ryan Bhaiya's shoulder. He gently placed his hand on my head and said,
___ "Preelia, our existences are now one. There's no emptiness here, right?"
I smiled and said,
___ "Mhm! There's no emptiness here, only completeness! We'll stay together like this. But I'll call you 'Bhaiya' sometimes, don't get mad!"
He made an angry face but laughed and hugged me tightly!
(The End)
The Name of the author of this story is "Tajrin Khondoker." Her Facebook group name is "Tajrin's World ".
A/N: "Many readers were on the verge of losing patience while reading the story. Still, to everyone who stayed by my side till the end, thank you so much! Life is a mix of good and bad, and that's how stories are born.
So, share your thoughts about the story—both the good and the bad—in my group, Tajrin's World ❤️
Endless love! :)"
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T/N: If you like it please vote with power stone please. More stones equals faster release.
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