Path Of Thorns

"Life isn't a bed of roses, I had learnt it very early in life; but no one told me that it is a walk on a path full of thorns." Leyla said, a melancholy smile on her face. Saransh just looked at her, no words to respond. He wanted to hold her hand, hug her, give her some comfort. However, he stopped himself. Here she was baring her soul, and he couldn't let anything jeopardize this trust she had put in him. Leyla spoke again, this time he could hear the vibrations in her voice, caused by the chocking in her throat. She was struggling to keep the tears from flooding her cheek. "Since the day I came into the world, I have been endowed with thorns. In fact, now that I think about it... It was way before... The seeds to these thorny bushes were sown even before I was born. I am the fruit of those seeds." She couldn't withhold the tears, and now they fell freely on her bronze cheek.

He wanted to kiss her tear strewn cheek right then. He wanted to absorb all that pain that was falling on her cheek. He stayed still. Now wasn't the time to disturb her flow. He was sure this dam had burst the first time ever. The flood was imminent and stopping it now would only do more damage. He steadfastly heard her with an expression-less face. "I am damaged goods, Saransh. I know it. I wasn't the dream child of my parents. I am a rape child... My father raped my mother. I am born out of the most malicious, evil act that can ever be carried out. I feel dirty... Each cell, each bone of me feels dirty. My mother couldn't look at me, when I was born, she kept remembering the night I was conceived. She kept looking at my face and kept screaming, re-living every moment of that dreadful night. I don't blame her, I am a woman. I cannot even imagine how she carried me for nine months, let alone undergo labor pain for bringing me into this world. They had to take me away, to protect me, and to protect her sanity. My grandmother was my angel. She took care of me. She even tried to love me with all her heart. But, even she must be reminded of what her daughter had to go through, and sometimes I was on the receiving end of that anger. I do have his genes, I wanted them or not! And I am helpless about that. This is the first time I have ever told this secret to anyone. I am not worthy of love and that is all I see in your eyes for me, Saransh. You love me. I know it. But I don't deserve that love. I am dirty to my core and damaged beyond repair. Let go of my thoughts, Saransh. I am destined to thorns. You deserve roses." Saying that, Leyla started sobbing. 

Saransh kept quiet for a moment. He closed his eyes, and with great courage, finally, held Leyla's hand in his. She stopped sobbing and looked at him, her eyes full of tears. Saransh then began speaking slowly but very confidently. "Leyla, I know life has been hard on you. I know, you were not dealt the best cards by destiny. But, none of it was your fault. Whatever happened to you was sheer bad luck at every step of the way. You may have his dirty genes, but you also have her genes, she who from the pure goodness of her heart and the un-judged love for the little life growing inside her, carried you for nine months, despite being reminded of the cruel deed, every time you kicked her from inside. And for all the time I have known you, I can vouch that her genes are dominant in you. Despite all the adversities, I have seen what a kind hearted and beautiful soul you are. I love you for that goodness and for that kindness. I have seen how you have stood strong through all that damage. I have seen through the cracks of your broken heart and seen the love that peeps from those. I think you deserve a part of the rose that doesn't carry the thorns. I want to line your path with the soft petals for as long as I can. I am just requesting you to let me. Just take my hand Leyla. I promise, you won't regret it." Saying so Saransh looked at her, with earnestness in his eyes. 

Leyla couldn't believe her ears. Saransh was ready to take her with her past. She finally looked out the window and smiled. A fresh red rose smiled back at her as she fell in Saransh's arms.