The news spread like wildfire across the village.
Whispers filled every corner—at the wells, the fields, the chai stalls:
"Did you hear? Qadeer Khan's son sent a proposal for Amaya."
"Her parents refused… but the boy is dangerous."
"Arman will be shattered… he loves her."
Arman heard it too.
He was sitting near the riverbank when two boys passed by, gossiping loudly.
"Arif Khan… proposing to Amaya? Big trouble."
Arman's heart dropped.
His fingers tightened around the grass.
"Amaya? Proposal?" he whispered to himself, his voice shaking.
He stood up immediately and walked toward the old peepal tree—their special place, where they used to sit for hours talking about dreams, stars, and silly jokes.
He waited there.
Day1
He kept looking at the road.
Every footstep made him hope.
But she didn't come.
Day 2
He was back again, sitting under the shade.
Villagers passed by and whispered,
"Poor Arman… he's waiting."
But he didn't move.
Day 3
Even the tree seemed to sigh with sadness as Arman sat there again.
Dark circles under his eyes, clothes dusty, heart restless.
Still… Amaya didn't come.
On the third evening, something inside him snapped.
He stood up abruptly.
"No. I can't just wait. I need answers."
And he walked straight to Amaya's house.
Amaya was sitting inside, lost in fear and thoughts, when the door swung open.
Arman entered, eyes burning with hurt.
"Arman?" she whispered, shocked.
He didn't speak.
He just walked to her, gently but firmly grabbed her hand, and said,
"Come with me."
"Arman—please—someone will see—"
"I don't care."
He pulled her outside, taking her to the peepal tree—their tree.
Her heartbeat was loud, her hands trembling.
When they reached the tree, he let go of her hand and stepped back.
"Why didn't you come?" he asked quietly, but his voice broke at the end.
Amaya lowered her eyes.
"I… I couldn't."
"Three days, Amaya. Three days I sat here waiting. Do I mean that little to you?"
She looked up, tears in her eyes.
"It's not like that—"
"Then what is it?" he stepped closer.
"Tell me. What happened? Why is the whole village talking about a proposal from someone else?"
Amaya swallowed hard.
"Arif… he…"
She hesitated.
"He what, Amaya? Say it!"
"He wants to marry me."
Arman felt his knees weaken for a moment.
"But I didn't say yes," she added quickly.
"My parents rejected the proposal."
Arman breathed out in relief—and then confusion returned.
"Then why are you scared? Why are you avoiding me?"
Amaya looked around nervously, making sure no one was there.
"Because… Arif threatened us."
Arman froze.
"What?"
"He said… if I reject him, I might never see my parents again."
Her voice cracked.
"He is powerful, Arman. Dangerous."
Arman clenched his fists, eyes filled with anger.
"That man is a monster."
He took her hands gently.
"Amaya, you should have told me."
"I didn't want to drag you into this mess."
"I already am," he whispered.
"I always will be. Because I—"
But he stopped himself.
Amaya looked at him, tears rolling silently.
"Arman… I'm scared."
He brushed away her tears with trembling fingers.
"I'll protect you. No matter what."
She nodded weakly.
They both didn't realize someone else was there.
Behind the trunk of the peepal tree, Saira stood frozen.
Her heart broke hearing Arman's soft voice, seeing the way he touched Amaya's hands.
"Why does he love her… not me?" she whispered angrily.
When Amaya left, wiping her tears, Saira stepped out—her face red with jealousy.
Arman was still staring at the road where Amaya disappeared.
Saira folded her arms.
"So that's why you ignored me these days?"
Her voice was sharp.
Arman didn't respond.
She took a step closer.
"You waited for her like a fool, Arman. And for what? For a girl who didn't even come for three days?"
Still no answer.
She scoffed loudly.
"You deserve someone who actually cares. Someone like—"
"Saira, stop."
His voice was tired, drained.
"I am not in the mood for this."
"But Arma—"
He walked past her without another word.
Saira stood alone under the tree, fists clenched, jealousy burning hotter than before.
"Someday, Arman… you'll realize she doesn't deserve you. I do."
Her whisper faded into the evening wind.