An Empty Chair: A Brother's Endless Grief

This poignant story delves into the enduring pain of Arman, a young man who loses his elder cousin, Saba, to cancer. Thirteen years older than him, Saba was more than a cousin—she was a sister, mentor, and confidante who shared an unbreakable bond with him. Raised together by their parents without differentiation, Saba had always been Arman’s pillar of strength and a source of unconditional love. The story chronicles Arman’s struggle to cope with her loss, especially as her absence looms over significant life events. Despite being critically ill, Saba was the happiest when Arman’s marriage was fixed, meticulously planning every detail. Tragically, she slipped into a coma a month before the wedding and passed away just ten days after it, leaving behind her three young children and a void in Arman’s life. The narrative explores Arman’s grief as he revisits memories of Saba while attempting to honor her legacy. From sitting with her children to seeing her reflection in their innocent faces, Arman is constantly reminded of her irreplaceable presence. The empty chair at family gatherings symbolizes the void she left, one that no one can fill. Through this deeply emotional tale, the story examines themes of love, loss, and the enduring bond between siblings, leaving readers with a heartfelt reminder of how some relationships continue to shape us even after the person is gone.