PART 3:
My periods are painful, thanks to a stupid gene I inherited from my mother. She would rub my back, massage my legs, apply heat pad on stomach and take so much care that I missed her terribly when I was alone that day. I knew rest would help but I couldn't fall asleep.
When I heard the knock on the door, I knew it was Arnav, I smiled involuntarily when that was confirmed.
He thought I am sick because I didn't eat, I wish the solution was so easy. He somehow seemed to understand a while later. My stomach cramped when I laid down and my homesickness resurfaced.
When Arnav touched me, I refrained from controlling my tears. I wanted some comfort and his touch was magical. His warm hands and his presence was so soothing that I didn't realise when I felt asleep.
When I woke up, I saw Anjali and aunty, worried and waiting to help me. They are very sweet and caring.
My transition to new school was made easier by Arnav.
His friends were very welcoming, not like those dumb closed groups who didnt welcome any new person to be their friend. Lavanya was a very nice simple girl. Aman was a very decent guy and the one closest to Arnav.
Akash and Payal were always at each other's throat. Payal was Arnav's cousin and only child to her parents, over pampered by everyone and Arnav was very protective about her. She was just a week younger to Arnav and called him by his name but addressed him as 'bhai' when Akash bothered her too much, apparently a hint to step in and check Akash.
Arnav is a heartthrob at school with his looks and talent. He is the school pupil leader, good at sports and excelled in studies. That was a terrific combination when paired with his boyish charm.
My eyes had their own accord in his presence, following his every move and refusing to look away when his gaze fell on me. The attraction was palpable. My senses would be alert when he was in my vicinity. I felt butterflies in my stomach whenever we touched and hiding the blush was impossible.
The more I knew about him, the more I liked him. He had a dominating personality but was very caring too. And the extra attention he showered on me made him even more endearing.
He seemed cautious about other guys approaching me and having small talks but I guess that's expected given the pull we had towards each other.
I knew aunty was divorced and Arnav never mentioned his father. Anjali didnt speak of him either. I realized it was a sensitive matter but that man must be really foolish to leave such a beautiful family.
One night, I went to Arnav's house to discuss with him about the Diwali cultural activities. I volunteered to lead the co-ordination group and wanted him to take a look at sequence of events. I was walking out of my house when I saw him banging the gate and leaving. Aunty was calling out for him but he didnt look back.
I went inside and saw aunty in tears, Anjali was holding her and she looked worried.
I was apprehensive about approaching them but Anjali ran to me
"What happened Anjali?"
"Dad came and...I need to go... find bhai...Kushi, please...you you stay with mom" she was swallowing her words.
Arnav! where did he go?
I stopped her "Anjali, you stay, I'll get him"
She nodded negative. "No Kushi, you don't know his anger. You can't handle him"
I didn't wait a second longer; I hurried saying "I can". I called his mobile but he didn't answer
I came to the street and ran up and down, I couldn't find him. I searched all the adjacent streets.
Where are you Arnav?
I went to the last street and turned around the corner to the park. That was my last guess. I didn't know where else to search if I don't find him there. I breathed in relief when I found him sitting on the bench.
I took slow steps and stopped in front of him. His eyes were red and moist, his nose flaring and I heard his heavy breathing. Hair was sticking to his sweaty forehead and his left fist was closed tight covering his lips. I was contemplating on what to say when I saw his right fist, bleeding!
"O God! What's this Arnav?" I held his hand
He flinched and took it back, I grabbed it again equally fast.
He let it stay this time
"Did you punch it somewhere?" I guessed remembering the anger Anjali mentioned
He remained silent
"Arnav!"
"What?" he snapped and I cringed
He closed his eyes momentarily and said "Kushi, leave me alone"
"No, I won't" I declared "and this hand needs attention, come with me" I stood up with his hand in mine
He didn't budge and I tugged his hand.
He sighed and got up and we walked back to his house.
Anjali and aunty were not present in the hall and we went to his room. I went to Anjali and asked for first aid kit. She gasped when I told about his injury but I assured her I will take care of it.
After cleaning his hand, I winced seeing his bruised knuckles. He has hit something really hard. My vision blurred with tears and I stopped breathing when I looked into his agonized eyes.
He appeared so vulnerable, like a little child who needs to be protected.
I wanted to hug him tight.
I applied antiseptic and covered it with a bandage. I held his other hand and sat beside him.
He just stared ahead, lost in thought. We sat in silence for sometime.
"Do you want to talk about it?" I asked
He didn't answer
I asked again and he nodded negative
I felt him tightening his grip on my hand and I did the same
It was getting late. I had to leave but I didn't want to break the moment. He was drawing some comfort from my presence and I wanted to do whatever I can to ease his pain. I wish he told me what hurt him and caused this aggression.
Mami came looking for me. I left half heartedly.
I couldn't fall asleep, his pained eyes were haunting me. I messaged him "are you sleeping?"
He replied immediately "no"
"Are you ok?"
"yes"
"I don't believe you"
"I can jump the wall and come to make you believe"
"What?!! No"
"I'm coming"
"No Arnav"
He didn't reply. I looked out and I saw him jumping inside. I covered my mouth to stop making any sound.
He walked to my window with a stupid grin plastered on his face.
"Show me your hand" I whispered
He showed "does it pain?"
He made a sign with his hand saying "a little"
"You need to change it tomorrow"
"You need to change it tomorrow" he repeated what I said
I raised my eyebrows and he repeated again pointing to me at 'you' and his hand at 'it'
I smiled and nodded. Then we looked on in silence.
He needs to leave before anyone wakes up, he read my mind and left after saying goodnight
I laid in my bed staring at the ceiling and smiling. I don't know what's going on between us but I liked it. This was special.
Cricket
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