Aakash knew that Ashalata was married.

With a heavy heart, he spoke, "Ashalata, the day I first met you in our village, you said something I could never forget—that the dust clinging to the villagers' feet was far more valuable than your expensive car. I made sure your words remained true, Ashalata. I proved to your arrogant, wealthy uncle that a poor farmer doesn't just cultivate crops in the field; he can also cultivate change in people's lives. You see, love isn't about wealth or status. It's about sacrifice, about the strength to let go for the sake of the one you love. Be happy, Ashalata. That is all I have ever wished for."

Ashalata's hands trembled as she wiped her tears, her voice breaking, "No! I will not keep these eyes. How can I walk through life with the light of your eyes when I could never have you? I would rather choose darkness than live with a gift that reminds me of my greatest loss."

Aakash smiled—a smile filled with both pain and peace. "Ashalata, love isn't just about possession. True love doesn't end with loss; it lives on in the longing, in the sacrifice. I am not heartbroken because I couldn't have you; I find fulfillment in knowing that you will live a good life because of me. Your happiness is my happiness, Ashalata. And now, I must return to my village, even if it means walking in darkness for the rest of my days.

But do you know what hurts the most, Ashalata? I will never again see the river that holds our memories, the golden fields swaying in the wind, the birds that once sang our names, or the endless white kashbon where we once walked together. My world will now be nothing but shadows. But even in that darkness, I will find solace, knowing that somewhere in the light, you are living the life I always wanted for you."

With those final words, Aakash turned and walked away, his blind eyes never looking back.

Ashalata stood frozen, her heart shattered beyond repair. Could she truly live in another man's home, carrying the weight of Aakash's sacrifice? Every time she looked at the world with his eyes, would she not see the love that she lost?