One Picture One Story Week #103

This is very simple story not written by a writer but like college student who feel things deeply. My friend Salman was a normal boy. He studied in a local college and live with his parents in small village. His life was not special. He wake up early, go to college, come back and help his father sometimes. He believed if a person stay honest, life will also stay kind. But life was not that simple. In college Salman had a friend name Ayesha. She was quiet and respectful. She did not talk too much but when she talke her words had meaning. Many students ignored her but Salman notice her silence. There was sadness hidden in her eyes. Slowly Salman and Ayesha became friends. First it was about notes and assignments then small talks. Sometimes they sit without talking anything that silence was peaceful. Salman felt comfort near her. He never said anything wrong or crossed limits. He respect her deeply. Ayesha family was very strict. Her elder brother, Kamran controll her life. She was not allow to go anywhere freely. Even college was fight for her. She wanted to study more but at home nobody listen to her dreams. Her mother stayed silent and her father was always busy. One day Ayesha looked very upset. Salman asked her many times but she did not answer. Finally she said her family is planning her marriage. She said it like it was already decided. Her voice was shaking. Salman felt something break inside him. Bilal chosen for Ayesha by family. He had good job and money. Everyone in family was happy. For them this was success. But no one askel Ayesha what she want. Her feelings had no value. After that Ayesha changed. She stopped smiling. She stopped coming college regularly Salman felt helpless. He wanted to support her but he was only a student. He had no power against family and society. Salman never said he love her. But his care was visible. He worried for her health and her future. Ayesha trusted him. She once said

I feel like my life is decided by others.

Those words stayed with Salman.
Engagement day came. Salman did not attend, he stood far away from hous watching lights and people laughing. For others it was a happy day. For Salman, it was the most painful day. He realized love is not always enough. After engagement, Ayesha left college. Her studies ended suddenly. Salman felt angry and sad. He felt society is unfair, especially for girls. Dreams of a girl are always the first thing to be killed.
Marriage happened after few months. Ayesha went to her new home. Salman heard that her husband was not bad but he was emotionally distant. He cared about work and money more than feelings. Ayesha felt alone even in marriage. Time passed Salman focused on studies but memories stayed. Sometimes he remembered Ayesha smile sometimes her silence. He learned that some people come in life only to teach lessons not to stay forever.
One day Salman heard that Ayesha health is not good. She became weak and depressed. Salman felt pain but he could do nothing. Reality was stronger than emotions. This story has no happy ending because real life is not drama. Not every good heart wins. Some hearts only suffer quietly.
Salman is still a student. Still learning life. He believes one thing now. Society must change. Girls deserve choice. Feelings deserve respect. This story is not only about Salman and Ayesha. It is about many silent stories around us.