A Heartfelt Journey of Love and Betrayal

Nihba's Bond with Her Grandfather

Nihba would rush home from school and head straight to her grandfather's room. He adored her deeply, more than anything else. As the only child of her parents, she had two uncles, one of whom had a family with two boys.

From the outside, their family appeared to be quite prosperous and happy.

Nihba's mother was a sociable woman, well-known in the community for her kindness. The family was always there for others in times of joy and sorrow. Her grandfather had been a high-ranking government official and, after retirement, built a two-story house in the same city. Nihba's family lived with her father.

One day, upon returning from school, Nihba went to her grandfather's room, only to find it empty. Confused, she wondered where he had gone. Her mother informed her that he had gone to visit her uncle. "Why didn’t you tell me he was leaving?" she asked her mother.

"I did mention it this morning, but you were in a hurry for school and might have forgotten," her mother replied, heading to the kitchen and calling out, "Change your clothes and come to the dining table."

As time passed, Nihba began to forget about her grandfather amidst her school friends, yet a lingering sadness remained within her about his sudden departure without a word. Gradually, memories began to fade as time moved on.

Now, at eighteen, Nihba still remembers her grandfather on her birthday and tries to call him at her uncle's place, but she always receives the same response: "He’s out for a walk; I’ll let him know you called." It has been eight years since she last spoke to him. However, he would write her letters every birthday, which her mother would bring to her.

Nihba cherished those letters, holding them close and crying as she remembered him. Her eighteenth birthday was celebrated with great joy. For her mother, Nihba was everything, and she loved her in a way that made it clear no one else could claim that bond.

In the meantime, Nihba had to move to a hostel for further studies. Her mother’s health began to decline in her absence, and she was engulfed in a strange turmoil. One day, while shopping with her husband, she spotted a girl who looked just like Nihba. In a moment of shock, she jumped from the moving car, only to be struck by a truck, leading to her untimely death.

Upon hearing the news of her mother’s passing, Nihba rushed home from the hostel, crying on her father’s shoulder. The day after the funeral, she went with her cousins to a retirement home to donate food and blankets in her mother’s memory, where she was astonished to see her grandfather. She rushed towards him, asking, "Grandpa, what are you doing here? I thought you were with Uncle?"

Her cousins quickly interjected, "No, he moved to the village, as Dad said." Nihba was confused as to why her parents had lied to her about her grandfather's whereabouts during her childhood. Tears streamed down her grandfather's face as he saw the children; he had given up hope of seeing them in this lifetime.

Back home, Nihba confronted her father and uncle, asking why her grandfather was absent during such a significant family event. "Dad told me he moved in with you. Why didn’t you bring him back?" The two men exchanged glances, unsure of how to respond. Before they could speak, she continued, "I saw Grandpa at the retirement home today. Who will tell me the truth?"

Her father finally spoke, explaining, "Your grandfather had some issues; that’s why he was placed there. Your mother didn’t like him. We covered his expenses but couldn’t keep him with us. Ask the neighbors; they’ll confirm what I’m saying." Nihba was stunned that her father could speak so poorly of his own father.

She quickly retorted, "If Grandpa was like that, you should have left him. This house belongs to him, and he has the right to live here, not you!"

Nihba accused them of conspiring to take his property and forcing him to sign documents against his will. "Shame on me for being your daughter! I never imagined you would stoop so low for money. I’m leaving; you can keep this house!"

With determination, Nihba made her way to the retirement home.