Rain & her smile

Silence lingered between us until I decided to break it, asking her how she's been lately. She gave a small smile and replied, 'Everything is going fine.' But we both knew that wasn't the truth. I pressed on, 'Something seems off. Are you okay?' She insisted, 'No, everything is really fine,' while tears glistened in her eyes even in the darkness of night. Pausing to read her expressions, I watched as she attempted to conceal her emotions, then turned to leave, hands nervously rubbing together. I reached out, but my lack of confidence stifled my actions. Uncertain of what to say to ease her, I called out her name, asking her to stay a while longer. In a charade of laughter and nonchalance, she quipped, 'You'll get used to me.'

She returned and sat once more beside me. Knowing she wasn't ready to discuss her concerns, I began recounting tales of my mischievous and stubborn childhood. We shared laughs as she inquired, 'If you could change one thing from your past, what would it be?' I promptly replied, 'I would go back to embrace you.' Startled, she questioned, 'When?' I reassured her of my pure intentions, recalling a night during our freshmen year when I witnessed her tears in silence but lacked the courage to inquire. A smile played on her lips, but before she could speak, rain poured down. I offered shelter indoors, yet she insisted on remaining outside a while longer.

she initiated the conversation with a barely audible whisper," i may come across as foolish to you, but I am a deeply sensitive individual who often struggles to conceal my true feelings, except for those that exude positivity. Suppressing my emotions has become increasingly challenging, particularly in your presence and that of aria." she fixed me with a look of innocence before turning away. i reassured her that she could confide in us, suggesting that if she felt uncomfortable sharing with me, she could turn to aria instead. aria truly cares for her and would be there to lend a helping hand. she nodded and playfully inquired, "Are you available on Monday for our tea rendezvous? The invitation still stands." Without missing a beat, I eagerly agreed, "yes, let's go." Just as I was about to reach for her hand, aria and rishav joined us, eager to revel in the rain. We found ourselves dancing and frolicking about, and after many days, I witnessed her genuine laughter and radiant smile once more. It brought a sense of tranquility over me.

Eventually, fatigue set in and I sank down onto the staircase, finding myself gazing admiringly at her from a distance. However, my attention was soon diverted by a text alert on Kaira's phone. Although I typically refrain from touching other people's devices, the message began with the words 'you should go for the medical test....' I couldn't catch the entire contents of the notification, but it certainly piqued my interest. Concern crept in as I wondered about the medical tests mentioned by the sender stored under the initials 'KD' in Kaira's contacts. The rain began to fall heavily, prompting us to retreat to our apartment. Aria and Kaira proceeded to separate rooms to change, as did Rishav and I. During our wardrobe change, Rishav playfully prodded me, 'hey, do you have a crush on Kaira? I noticed your adoring glances.' I denied it, asserting, 'No, she's just a nice girl.' At that moment, I was unaware of when my feelings for her had blossomed, and even now as I reflect on it, the answer still eludes me.

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