Dreams
Aarav Malhotra
Weren’t you the one who pushed me to apply?
Meher Khanna
Of course I am!
Meher Khanna
Aarav, I’m proud of you. Like... you don’t understand.
Meher Khanna
You’re going to be in uniform. My best friend! Flying planes.
Meher Khanna
Serving the country. I’ll tell everyone I know you.
Aarav smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes.
Aarav Malhotra
Just know me quietly. Don’t make posters.
Meher laughed full-throated, as always.
Then she grew quiet for a moment and said,
Meher Khanna
Promise me one thing?
Meher Khanna
Don’t forget me when you go.
He paused. His cup hovered mid-air.
Aarav Malhotra
As if I could,
He whispered, before taking a sip.
There was a pause between them, not uncomfortable, but heavy.
Like something wanted to be said, but neither knew how to say it.
Meher leaned back on the swing, letting her hair fall behind her, eyes closed against the breeze.
Meher Khanna
One day, I’m going to marry a fighter pilot.
Aarav’s throat tightened.
He asked, trying to sound casual.
Meher Khanna
They’re brave, passionate, disciplined.
Meher Khanna
You know, men in uniform. I’ve had that dream since class seven.
Aarav Malhotra
And what if he turns out to be boring?
Meher Khanna
I’ll make him fun
She said, her voice light.
Meher Khanna
He’ll worship me anyway. I’ll make sure.
Aarav chuckled, but his grip on the cup tightened.
She turned to him suddenly, playful again.
Meher Khanna
Why? Planning to become one just for me?
He looked into her eyes for one full second too long.
He said under his breath.
Aarav Malhotra
I have to go. Need to finish packing
Meher Khanna
You’re leaving in two days
Aarav Malhotra
I like being prepared.
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Comments
nickki
where such an Am writer
2025-07-07
1