Finding Our Safe Haven TS Updated - Page 2

Originally posted by: _SenbonZakura_

res, my love!

Originally posted by: punamluvshilpa

awesome hinal...loved it..waiting for next ud..

di

Hello once again :)

Thank you to all for your support!

I hope you enjoy the second part just as much as the first 😳

Comments/likes/feedback is always appreciated! 🤗

Here goes the last part of the TS.

Finding Our Safe Haven Part 2

Vicky went in the football locker room to change while I waited outside the girls' changing room for Kria. She came out, looking as perfect as ever.

Kria - NEHA!!

Her scream broke me out of my thoughts, as she pulled me into a bear hug. I guess she never expected me to stay back for a game. She looked at me with a naughty smirk, winking and nudging simultaneously.

After a quick conversation, she too had to leave with her cheerleading squad.

I was still standing in the hallway, waiting for Vicky, when some cheerleaders came out. The scrutinizing looks they passed were deathly enough to get me fidgeting with my sleeves. I didn't understand why they felt so superior by making girls like me feel pathetic about ourselves. I always told myself to ignore them, but it was hard. It was hard to ignore them, hard not to feel ugly, hard to keep your head held high. I was a nervous wreck by the time the girls passed. I hated how much power I gave them.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't even realize Vicky had come out into the hallway.

Vicky - What's wrong Neha?

His voice was itched with worry. I shook my head, trying not to let it get to me.

Me - Nothing really. Just worried I guess.

Vicky - About what though?

I let out a small giggle.

Me - This is the first time I'm ever staying for a match.

A huge smile erupted on his face.

Vicky - I guess I'm a good influence then!

We started walking towards the field. Vish joined me as he left to join his teammates. It was actually quite exciting to watch a football match live. Quite nerve-wrecking too though. Every time Vicky was tackled, I could feel my heartbeat rising. It was way too intense, but as weird as it sounds, I actually enjoyed it!

By the end of the match, I felt vocally drained. Vish and I had screamed our lungs out, cheering for our school, and it felt so great!

After the match ended, Vicky walked over to the bleachers where we were sitting. He sat beside me, panting heavily. Vish had to leave, and so it was just him and I sitting there.

I had reached a new level of comfort with him by now, and I guess that's why in an instant, I intertwined my fingers with his. I felt at ease with him beside me. I knew what was coming up, but I had a feeling he would understand; he wasn't the one to judge.

Me - Vicky I think you should change now before the changing rooms get locked.

Vicky - Good idea! Let's go. We'll grab something to eat too, I'm so hungry!

Apart from the few stragglers, we were all alone in the hallways. He went for a shower and changed, whereas I ordered two coffees and bagels for us in the nearby cafe.

He joined me in the cafe, and we quickly finished eating. And then we began walking...

I was nervous.

Hell I was nervous about being so nervous about me being nervous.

I didn't know if I'd be able to tell him everything, but a part of me urged me to do so because he deserved to know. He wants to genuinely help me, and I can't let myself be a victim always. I have to do something about it, and this was the first step.

---

I picked up the phone and dialled her number. She was my only hope now. I really didn't want to be a coward.

---

We walked to the nearest park, and sat on the grass.

Vicky - So did you like watching the game?

Me - Yea! It felt great! Thanks for making me come!

I leaned in and kissed his cheek.

Me - And congratulations for winning Mr. Quarterback!

He gave me a goofy smile and ruffled his hair, looking absolutely adorable.

Vicky - And all the hard work and training finally paid off, he said with a wink.

Things took a serious turn, though, when he asked me if I wanted to talk about "it".

---

I could sense the fear in her eyes, but I couldn't help myself. I wanted her to share her worries with me. Seeing her sad made me feel sad. I could relate to her and I wanted to make sure she at least has someone. Somewhere along the line, I had started caring for her as someone who is more than a friend. I didn't know if I could give a word for our relationship, but all I knew was that I had to make her happy.

I wasn't sure what she was going through, but I was determined to find out the cause of her worries.

---

I readied myself for the little confession I was about to make.

Vicky - Neha, we don't have to do this right now! I'm serious! Take all the time you need!

I took his hand in mine, and blinked my eye in an attempt to convey how ready I was.

I forwarded my arm towards him, signalling him to roll up my sleeves.

---

With some hesitancy, I rolled up her sleeve, only to find jagged scars all through the length of her arm. I looked up at her face, but she refused to meet my eyes.

Me - Do your parents...?

But I was shocked when her head shook sideways, indicating a no.

Me - Abusive relationship?

But her answer was a no. I couldn't come up with any other explanation for them, so I waited for her to speak up.

---

Me - I cut myself Vicky!

I saw his eyes widen, scaring me a little. I was afraid he would judge me, afraid of him thinking low of him, but his action completely surprised me.

He took my arm, and placed a kiss on one of the longest scars.

And as softly as ever, he just questioned me a plain and simple Why?

---

I was definitely not expecting her to be cutting herself. She was a strong girl; I didn't understand why she would need to do such a thing.

But I wasn't going to be the one to judge, knowing it took a lot from her to open up about her insecurities.

---

His eyes bore no trace of pity, but rather pure concern. I knew he would understand.

Me - I was in grade 7 when I met Arjun. He was quite friendly, and back then, I wasn't the shy one so I had approached him. We conversed often, and then one day, he asked me out on a date. I did have a small crush on him, so I agreed. Anyway, long story short, when I reached the restaurant, he was with another girl. And not only that, they were also pretty much making out. I didn't know what to make of it, so I confronted him. And then the showdown happened where both of them downright insulted me in front of everyone. I know I'm not the prettiest, but I didn't expect them to be that shallow.

I felt tears make way down my face as I recalled those moments.

Me - After that, I was the talk-of-the-town in a bad way. Everyone stopped talking to me except for Vish. It hurt to be that ignored. I tried so hard to fit in; lose weight, eat healthier, be more outgoing, but nothing worked. I started hating myself, and eventually resorted to cutting. I felt like I need to be punished for being so awkward and ugly and unwanted. The worst part was that I had just given up. I no longer wanted to fit in because I believed that I never would. I cared only about doing well in school. I was aversive to social interaction except with Vish and Kria. I know it sounds silly to be that hurt from one incident, but it has happened multiple times. I approached some students in my bio class for a project but the only thing I heard other than a no is their insulting words about how no one would ever want to even talk to me let alone work with me. I couldn't do it anymore Vicky. I just started hating myself for even trying. Cutting myself did give me pain, but it was much more tolerable in comparison to the other pain.

I let my head hang in shame, but he picked it up, looked into my eyes, and gently placed his lips on mine.

---

I knew she was upset upon recalling all those moments, but now that I knew of them, I was going to make sure she gets over all those issues.

At that moment, I chose to do the only thing that came in my mind. I leaned in and kissed her.

Me - You are beautiful Neha! And don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

She collapsed her shoulders and hugged me tight. I kissed her hair, and patted her head until she had stopped crying.

She rested her head on my chest, as I hugged her.

---

It was then that I had promised to help her through it all. I felt as if I could go to any limits to make sure she was happy; and then I thought, What will she go through if I give up?

---

She was the one crying, but I felt like I was the one in pain. Why? I don't know. All I knew was that she was the most beautiful and sincere girl I've ever known in my life.

Her crying eventually stopped, but I didn't pull my arms out of the hug.

---

I had stopped crying, but I didn't want to come out of his embrace. I felt safe with him. Free - that's what I felt. Free of worries, insecurities, and from any of the petty issues which would normally torment me. He was my safe haven, my guardian angel.

---

I picked up the phone, and dialled her number. I knew she would be there for me, and that she would help me make the right decision.

After what seemed like an eternity of silenced rings, Neha picked up the phone.

Her joyous voice rang through the phone, and I couldn't hold myself together anymore.

Me - I need you Neha!

---

I couldn't think straight when I heard those words from his mouth. As much as I always knew his life wasn't as perfect as everyone thought, I was surprised to hear such words from him.

I knew it was serious, and so I did the only thing I could think of doing.

Me - Give me 10 minutes Vicky

---

Vicky was very supporting and ensured that I kept myself from cutting until now. But I just couldn't help it. It felt like a relapse stage. I had the blade in my hand and a strong desire to feel it against my forearm. I felt helpless and almost succumbed to the urge. I found enough strength in myself to withhold myself and call Vicky. He spent the next 2 hours talking to me on the phone to make sure I was okay and that I did not cut myself.

The next day, I woke up to 25 texts from him with inspirational quotes and little cute messages like "Hey Beautiful".

Even in school, he always spent time with me and spread positivity through each and every part of my life.

---

I heard the doorbell ring, and in an instant, I rushed to the door. Upon seeing her, I let loose of my inhibitions and hugged her tight, letting my walls come down.

---

In an attempt to soothe his shaking frame, I hugged him tighter as I patted his back. This was not the Vicky everyone saw at school. I didn't pity him or feel sympathy, I was empathetic. I knew what it felt like to break down completely, and I was determined to not let him go through it all alone.

As soon as he quieted down, I went to his kitchen to make two cups of coffee as he sat on one of the island stools, fiddling with his fingers mindlessly.

Placing the cups in front of us, I took his hand in mine and signalled him to start speaking.

---

I started telling her about all the problems I faced at home because of my parents. I told her how stupid they made me feel; told her how pathetic, useless, and lonely they made me feel. I even told her how my parents were never satisfied with me despite all my achievements in my academics and athletics.

It was easier for me to speak up in front of her because I knew she wouldn't be one to just pity me and give fake assurance.

I trusted her to help me out of this mess, and I believed with all my heart that she would.

I confessed to her about my planned suicide and she still didn't judge.

---

I couldn't help but respect Vicky even more. The fact that he was going through so much yet he was always the one to make others smile was admirable.

I felt angry when he spoke about killing himself, but I also understood why he planned to take such a drastic step. Cutting for me was an escape, and in a similar - yet twisted way -, death was his.

Me - You know Vicky, you are 18 now. And according to the law, you can move out from here! I know it will be tough, but there is no reason why someone like you deserves to go through something like this! You already have a scholarship to St. Louis, so all you need to do is keep your part-time job and use the earned money for rent. I don't want you to give up on this life, because I know you are here to make a difference in many peoples' lives, as you did with mine! You shouldn't waste your life. You have yet to achieve so many great things! Don't give up... Please! For me!

The last bit coming out just as a whisper. I saw his eyes glistening with tears. He looked deep into my eyes, and I hope he could see the sincerity of my words and the respect I hold for him. I truly believed he was a special person.

That moment was special as well, because I discovered how I really felt for him.

Leaning in, I captured his lips into a soft kiss and poured my emotions into the kiss.

---

Walking out of there, hand in hand, I for once realized how beautiful of a person Neha really was. She may not be a super model, but she was the most beautiful in my eyes. The way her brown hair fell perfectly into place, the way her hazel eyes shimmered with joy, the way her nose twitched every time she was sad, the way her smile lit up my whole body. Everything about her was perfect; and as imperfect as she thought herself to be, it was at that point that I knew she was the one. She was mine.

---

I saw calmness in his demeanor. His eyes held a special tint of joy, his smile reached his eye, and his face just seemed naturally relaxed. It felt blissful to view him in such a serene light. He spread positivity in me, and I knew he was special. I had known since the first time I saw him, but now, I was absolutely certain. He was perfect. And he was all mine.

---

In that one year, they had both gone through so much to move on, but in the end, they still found ourselves anchored to their past. While they couldn't completely erase the past, their presence in each other's lives constantly reminded them to move on. They know there will be a day when they will feel at ease with their past, but until then, they chose to just be glad that they had found their safe haven in one another.

Originally posted by: rinkubathija12

Splendid job did here. . The way their characters and state of mind is put into words is ravishing and something which I can relate to. . 😊

Keep writing. .

Originally posted by: srinidhi94

wow... loved to...

i have been waiting for the second part since i read the first... loved it...

the way you have put the words together is just awesome... it reflects what people feel and i was able to feel the emotions..

Originally posted by: ..MiStLeToE..

Reserved.
-Unreserve-
That was beautiful.Neha has went throught a lot.May be the feeling of being unwanted is the most hardest feeling to deal with and she felt it every second.Vicky helped her to spread some positivity around her.It was so beautiful to see ViHa like this.The end was amazing. . .Hope is what keep you going.Thank u for such a wonderful TS.Please write more.I would love ro read your works.It was a delight to read this. ⭐️ 👏