Where the River Took Him

The morning light spilled gently through the small kitchen window as Isabella stood at the counter, humming a soft tune. She was carefully slicing strawberries for breakfast when Ishan appeared behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist.

“Good morning, Bella,” he murmured, his voice still raspy from sleep.
“Good morning,” she replied, blushing as he nuzzled his face into her shoulder.

“What are you making?” he asked, peeking over her shoulder.
“Pancakes. Your favorite,” Isabella said with a smirk.
Ishan chuckled. “You mean your favorite. You just like watching me eat them so you can steal my strawberries.”

She turned around, mock indignation lighting up her face. “That’s a lie!”
“Oh really?” He plucked a strawberry from the plate and held it up. “Admit it, Bella. You’re a strawberry thief.”

“I am not!” she protested, reaching for it, but he pulled his hand back, grinning.
“Say it,” he teased, holding the strawberry just out of reach.
Her face flushed as she muttered under her breath, “Fine. I like your strawberries.”

He laughed, pressing the fruit to her lips. “That’s my girl.”
Their mornings were filled with small moments like this—playful teasing, stolen kisses, and endless laughter.

They loved their quiet life in the little town, where every corner held a memory they had built together.
After , bella and Ishan decided to take a walk to the market. It was their favorite part of the day—a chance to see familiar faces, bicker playfully, and pick up fresh produce for their meals.

As they strolled through the cobblestone streets, Ishan carried the basket while Isabella pointed out everything she wanted to buy.

“Don’t forget the oranges, Ishan,” Isabella said, tugging on his arm.

“Oranges? Again? You ate a whole bag last week,” he teased, grinning.

“They’re healthy!” Isabella retorted, puffing her cheeks.

“And expensive,” Ishan countered, pretending to inspect his wallet. “Do you think I’m a millionaire, Bella?”

Before Isabella could reply, an elderly vendor, Mrs. Sharma, chuckled from behind her fruit stall. “Oh, you two. Always bickering like children.”

Isabella blushed while Ishan grinned. “She started it,” he said, pointing at her like a guilty child.

Mrs. Sharma laughed and handed Isabella an orange. “Here, dear. For free. Anything to stop him from complaining.”

“Thank you, Aunty,” Isabella said with a smile, sticking her tongue out at Ishan.

As they moved to the flower stall, the florist, an older man with kind eyes, greeted them warmly. “Ah, the lovebirds! What will it be today? Roses for the lady?”

“Not today, Uncle,” Isabella said shyly.

“Wait,” Ishan interrupted, picking up a daisy. “Here, Bella. A flower as cute and simple as you.”

Isabella’s cheeks turned crimson as the florist and nearby shoppers chuckled. “He’s hopeless,” she muttered, but the smile on her face betrayed her.

“You two are the heart of this town,” the florist said warmly. “Your love makes even a cloudy day brighter.”

Ishan leaned closer to Isabella. “Hear that? We’re famous.”

“Famous for driving me crazy,” Isabella quipped, swatting his arm.

The market hummed with life as the couple continued their playful banter, surrounded by the warmth of their neighbors who adored them.
Later that day, the rain started as a light drizzle. The couple sat by the window, watching the drops race down the glass.

“I like the rain,” Isabella said, resting her head on Ishan’s shoulder.

“Only because you don’t have to do laundry today,” he teased.

She pinched his arm lightly. “No, it’s because it’s peaceful. Don’t you think?”

He nodded, wrapping an arm around her. “It is. But don’t get too used to it. You know how this town floods.”

“I know,” she said softly. “But it’s just rain right now. Let’s enjoy it while we can.”

They stayed there for hours, talking about nothing and everything. Ishan told her stories from his childhood, and Isabella shared her dreams of planting a garden in their backyard.

As night fell, the rain grew heavier, but the couple paid it no mind. The world outside was distant—nothing mattered except the warmth they shared in that moment

Day 2 rain had become relentless. The streets were slick with water, and he townspeople began preparing for the worst.

“Ishan, do you think we should do something?” Isabella asked as she watched the rain from the window.

“Like what?” he said, chopping vegetables in the kitchen.

“I don’t know… Maybe move the important things upstairs?”

He shrugged. “The rain’s bad, but it’s not that bad. Let’s not panic yet.”

Still, he humored her and helped carry a few boxes upstairs. They spent the rest of the day cleaning the house, joking about how unprepared they were for even the smallest disaster.

“I think we’re officially adults now,” Isabella said as she folded clothes.

Ishan grinned. “Speak for yourself. I’m still a kid at heart.”

“Then why am I the only one doing the laundry?” she teased, throwing a shirt at him.

“I’m supervising,” he replied, catching the shirt with a laugh.

That night, they lit candles and played board games as the rain poured outside. Despite the storm, their laughter filled the house, creating a bubble of happiness amidst the growing tension.


Rain became a torrent. By morning, the streets were submerged, and the town was in chaos. Ishan and Isabella watched in shock as the water climbed higher.

“This isn’t like before,” Isabella said, her voice trembling.

“No,” Ishan agreed, gripping her hand tightly. “It’s worse.”

The couple spent the morning helping neighbors move their belongings to higher ground. Ishan carried bags and furniture, refusing to rest even as the rain drenched him.

“Come inside,” Isabella begged as he returned from helping the elderly couple next door.
Isabella, will rain stop ?“Not yet,” he said, wiping water from his face. “There are still people who need help.”

“Ishan, please! You’ve done enough!”

He cupped her face, his expression serious. “I can’t stop now, Bella. They’re my family too.”

Tears filled her eyes, but she nodded. “Be careful.”

“I always am,” he said, pressing a kiss to her forehead.will
“It’s raining too much,” Isabella said, frowning. “The river’s going to rise.”

“Don’t worry,” Ishan said, placing a reassuring hand on hers. “We’ve been through this before.”
But the hours passed, and the rain didn’t stop. By evening, the streets were flooded, and panic spread through the town.

“We need to help,” Ishan said, grabbing his jacket.
Isabella’s eyes widened in alarm. “Help? Ishan, no! The water is too dangerous!”
“There are families trapped in their homes,” he said firmly. “I can’t just sit here.”

“Then I’m coming with you!”
“No,” he said, cupping her face. “I need you to stay safe. Please, Bella. Trust me.”
Tears filled her eyes as she nodded reluctantly. “Come back to me. Promise me you’ll come back.”

He kissed her forehead. “Always.”
Hours later, the floodwaters surged through the streets, carrying debris and destruction. Isabella had climbed to the second floor of their home, clutching a photo of them together, when she heard someone calling her name.

“Ishan?” she cried out, running to the window.
He was wading through the chest-high water, soaked and shivering. “Bella! I’m here!”
Relief flooded her chest, and she hurried to open the window. “You came back.”

“I promised, didn’t I?” he said, smiling despite the chaos.
He helped her climb out onto a makeshift raft he had secured. “Hold on tight,” he said. “We’ll get through this.”

The journey was treacherous. The current was strong, and debris floated dangerously close to them. Ishan steered the raft with every ounce of strength he had.
“Isabella, don’t let go, no matter what happens,” he said.
“I won’t!” she cried. “But you can’t let go either!”

The water surged violently, and suddenly, a large piece of debris collided with the raft, knocking Ishan into the water.
“Ishan!” Isabella screamed, reaching out for him as he struggled against the current.

“I’m fine!” he shouted, though his voice was weak.
He swam toward the raft, but the current was too strong. He grabbed a piece of debris to stay afloat.

“Bella,” he called out, his voice trembling. “You have to keep going.”
“No! I’m not leaving you!”
“You have to,” he said, tears streaming down his face. “You’re my everything, Isabella. If I can save you, that’s all that matters.”
She sobbed uncontrollably, reaching for him. “Please don’t leave me! I can’t do this without you!”

“You can,” he said, his voice breaking. “You’re stronger than you think. Live for me, Bella. Live for us.”
As the current pulled him under, his last words echoed in her ears. “I love you, Isabella. Forever.”
She screamed his name, but he was gone.

In the days that followed, Isabella felt like a hollow shell. The world had lost its color, and the laughter that had once filled her life was gone. But she remembered his words, his love, and his unwavering belief in her.

She started planting trees in his memory, creating a small grove by the riverbank where they had shared so many moments. Each tree bore his name, a testament to the life he had lived and the love they had shared.

One evening, as she sat beneath the tallest tree, she felt a gentle breeze brush against her cheek. She closed her eyes and heard his voice, soft and familiar.
“Bella.”

Her eyes snapped open, and there he was—a faint, glowing figure standing beneath the tree.
“Ishan?” she whispered, her heart aching.
He smiled, his form shimmering like the light of the stars. “You’ve done so much, Bella. I’m so proud of you.”

Tears streamed down her face. “I miss you so much. Every day.”
“I’m always with you,” he said, placing hand over his heart. “In here. You’ll never be alone.”

She reached out to touch him, but h hand passed through his.
“Live, Bella,” he said, his voice growing faint. “Live a life full of love. That’s how I’ll always be with you.”
As he began to fade, she called out, “I love you, Ishan.”
“And I love you,” he said, his voice a whisper on the wind. “Forever.”

The light disappeared, and Isabella was left alone beneath the tree, her heart heavy but filled with a quiet strength.
From that day forward, she dedicated her life to the causes he had cared about, ensuring his legacy lived on in every tree she planted and every life she touched. Though her heart ached for him, she found solace in the knowledge that their love would never fade.