Existence in Emptiness Chapter: 18

After everything, I realized that Tiyas isn't fully in control of his actions. So, would punishing him be justified? On the other hand, he hasn't done anything bad to Nuzhat—what he did was to me and countless other girls like me. But Tiyas claims that everyone he deceived has risen again. Meanwhile, his mother, having no other option, is demanding punishment for her own son. Would that help him become normal? He could be punished, but only if his mind is normal and he understands his mistakes. Right now, neither Tiyas's logic nor his mother's makes sense. First, he needs to be freed from his vengeful thoughts and obsession. Now, we need to find another way, leaving all this aside.

Two days later, I suddenly ran into Ryan Bhai. He was standing downstairs. As soon as I saw him, I rushed down. He was looking at me with guilt in his eyes. As soon as I got close, I angrily said,

___"What's wrong with you? I told you to stay with me. But you disappeared from there, and there's been no news since. On the other hand, I didn't even dare to call Dipti and ask about it. If I called, she might think, 'Who knows what's going on between them, what happened, or why?' So, I didn't call. Now, tell me, where were you? And why did you disappear?"

___"Priliya, actually, what Tiyas said is true. I thought you'd take him back after hearing his story. I couldn't sit there and listen to it anymore. It was too painful for me. I felt like if I stayed, you'd look at me with pity, and I didn't want to put you in a dilemma. That's why I wanted to leave. Believe me, these past few days, I've been losing my balance. It felt like I had no existence of my own—everything was about you. I was restless but couldn't understand or explain anything."

___"What are you saying? You left after hearing Tiyas's story. Do you even know about Tiyas? Come, let me tell you everything."

Then I told him everything Tiyas's mother had shared with me. Ryan Bhai listened in stunned silence for a long time. Then, in a surprised tone, he said,

___"You're saying Tiyas's mother admitted he has mental issues? But Priliya, you know Tiyas sent me here himself. I don't know how he found my address. Last night, he tracked me down and told me how restless you were when you couldn't find me that day. He also said that no matter what, you want me! He clearly understood that that day. Then he said he loves you, but he can live without you. Because he's been with countless girls, changing love is normal for him. He also said that after hatred, love never feels the same. Even if he wants to love, the years of hatred keep resurfacing."

I stayed silent for a while. Then, changing the subject, I teased,

___"So, what will you do with those 500 cards?"

Ryan Bhai also started laughing. I didn't understand the reason for his laughter. He said amidst his laughter,

___"Did you check the date on the cards? Even if you saw it, you probably didn't notice the year. If the wedding happens on this date next year, they'll come in handy. Otherwise, we'll have to burn them."

I smiled sheepishly. I really hadn't noticed anything except that it said "next Monday." I hadn't checked if the date matched this year or if it was even a Monday. I thought he had written the date I suggested. Who knew he'd plan so far ahead? Did Tiyas notice this? Who knows!

Meanwhile, Ryan Bhai looked at me and said,

___"Prepare for the BCS exam. If you succeed on the first try, the cards will come in handy. Otherwise, I'll have to pay a fine."

I made a face and said,

___"Oh, you're so cunning. Once I get a job, I'll send out not 500 but 5,000 cards. I'll invite the whole village."

He cut me off and said,

___"I'm not cunning; I'm frugal. But if needed, I'll send out not 5,000 but 50,000 cards and invite the whole city. But only if you want!"

I was thinking of saying I'd invite the whole country, but I couldn't figure out how many cards that would take. But I kept the thought to myself, smiling. Feeding so many people would leave me in debt for a year, even with a job.

Ryan Bhai looked at his watch, stepped back, and said,

___"I have work, so I need to go now. I'll send you my full address via MMS. From today, you won't find my phone switched off, and even if you do, I'll be home. My parents know about you and that I'm waiting for you, refusing other marriage proposals. And listen, I have a couple of days off soon, and I'll go to Chittagong. I'll do everything I can for Tiyas's recovery. I'm here for you, Priliya! I'm leaving now, okay?"

I nodded and said goodbye. Then I smiled faintly.

If I hadn't seen him, I might never have understood how someone could wait so patiently for an unlikely outcome, setting everything else aside. Has this waiting touched me too? I deeply respect and feel this waiting from within!

Meanwhile, I was making frantic efforts to bring my parents to the city. But Dad refused to come now. He was worried it would cause me trouble. He said they'd come once I passed the BCS exam and secured a good position.

On the other hand, Ryan Bhai spent his entire two-day leave trying to figure out what could be done for Tiyas. He's returning today. In the meantime, he took Tiyas's mother's number from me but didn't say anything. He said he'd explain everything when he returned. I don't know what he found out there, but I know very well that Ryan Bhai has no personal gain in bringing Tiyas back to normal. But he's taken this upon himself, just for me. Because I was once a victim of Tiyas's deception, like many other Priliyas who have been and will be deceived. Even though Tiyas's actions no longer affect me, as a human being, I feel it's my duty to ensure this doesn't happen to anyone else. I've experienced the horror up close and deeply understand how helpless one feels when betrayed. That's why I always wish no one else goes through this. And that's why Ryan Bhai is also serious about Tiyas's recovery—for my sake.

In the evening, Ryan Bhai returned and called me to meet him.

I got ready in a hurry and left because it was crucial for me to know what information he had gathered.

As I got out of the rickshaw, I saw him walking toward me, phone in hand.

Meanwhile, I started bombarding him with questions—what happened, what did he find out, is there any solution, did he find anyone?

But he didn't answer any of my questions.

He took my hand and led me to a nearby stall. I was about to ask again in frustration when he placed a gift box in front of me and said,

___"Open it, Priliya."

I opened it and was startled by the writing on the box. Inside two love symbols, it said, "Priyan."

He must have combined our names after hearing about it from Tiyas. His actions are truly baffling.

I smiled and opened the entire package. Inside, I found 7 dozen bangles. There were other things too, but I couldn't see them yet. Along with them was a note. I opened it first and read:

"I know you'll think, 'What kind of gift is this from an established person, like some unemployed lover?' But you know what? The love of an unemployed lover is often the deepest. The intense longing, the desire to see, the fondness, and the expression of love reach their peak in them because they can't focus on anything else but their beloved.

Even if I had the means to give gold or diamonds, I'd choose bangles, kajal, bindis, alta, and cheap earrings to earn the title of a lover. I want to see permanence in love. Before the burdens of life, the pursuit of progress, future worries, and despair touch me, I want to be your lover!"

I put the note back inside and closed the box. Then, with wide eyes, I asked,

___"Do you have the age to be a lover? Why do you act so crazy? Anyway, forget this and tell me about Tiyas. Did you find out anything?"

Ryan Bhai sighed and said,

___"I called Tiyas's mother and went searching for the woman who drove his Little Papa to suicide. I searched all day but couldn't find anything. Then I asked his mother which college they attended and which batch they were in. After finding out, I went to Sylhet, searched around the college, and finally got the address of her father's house. Then I went there and got her address in Chittagong. I went to Chittagong but found out she doesn't live there anymore. There, I got her phone number and Facebook ID from a girl who's her niece. The girl agreed to help me without even knowing why I needed the information. Then I came straight back here because I have work tomorrow. You should also contact the girl later."

Ryan Bhai gave me the girl's ID. I took out my phone and was shocked when I saw the name—Jesiya Islam, with the short name "Disha." Her profile picture confirmed it was the same girl. This was the girl who had spoken so highly of Tiyas and praised me. I said in alarm,

___"Tiyas must never find out about Disha's connection to that woman. He hurts innocent girls in his quest for revenge. If he finds out that the girl who rose because of his 'help' is related to his enemy, things will get very bad."

Hearing this, Ryan Bhai stared at me, completely confused.

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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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