Chapter 4: Promises to Keep

After Sneha left, I lay back on the hospital bed, boredom and memories swirling together as the TV in the corner played an old Bollywood classic—Amitabh’s voice rumbling through static.

Maa sat beside me, peeling apples and humming a Lata Mangeshkar tune, her worry lines softening as she watched me eat.

With this new life, I was determined to seize every chance and make sure those I loved—especially my parents—never suffered again.

Maa’s curious gaze lingered on me.

"Beta, who is that girl?" she asked, raising an eyebrow with a sly smile. She never missed a thing.

In my first eighteen years, I’d only ever been close to one girl: Ananya. My childish crush, my secret feelings—adults saw right through it.

Both families knew, even Ananya herself. But she’d always brushed me off, saying, "We should focus on studies."

After my accident, I stopped dreaming about happiness with her, believing my love could only be silent support.

I never thought she’d betray me so deeply.

Maa hadn’t expected that I’d fall sick and call another girl, not Ananya.

"Maa, I have nothing to do with Ananya. Don’t worry about it. She likes someone else."

"Your business, beta. As long as you’re happy, I’m happy."

She patted my hand, her fingers cool and gentle, love radiating in every touch. A mother’s love is endless—asking nothing but her child’s happiness.

In my previous life, I was a fool, risking everything for Ananya. After the accident, Maa’s hair turned white overnight.

After my death, I watched—powerless—as my parents went to Ananya for answers, only to be thrown out by her security. Even then, her fans hounded them, splattering filth on our home. Papa died of a heart attack, Maa lost all hope, and the house that was once our haven was left in ashes.

This time, I swore, things would be different. I’d see Maa’s hair black with henna again, hear Papa’s laughter, and make sure no one could ever break our family with lies or betrayal.