Part 11
Flashback:
The trip to Leh was the most cherishable moments of the gang’s life. When next day , Aryan and Imlie told their friends, they were shocked but happy. They didnt stop teasing that the friends who fought the most with each other will be together. Aryan and Imlie relationship blossomed even more after coming back from trip. They got to know each other more, Aryan was very laid back person Imlie observed. He did spend time with her alone after classes. Then the fight happened it wasnt anything major but Imlie started noticing him taking her granted. Slowly, he started to spend time more with boys. I mean Imlie didnt even want that he gives her time everyday. Just once a week? Is that too much? She had even thought that yet she let it go. One day, Imlie asked Aryan “Hey Aru lets go watch movie please? Its been so long “ she asked excitedly.
“Um babes not today i am going out with family tonight , some other time” he said
“Ok “ Imlie was little disappointed but she let it go. Family first ofcourse , she smiled. She decided to go with Kesha and Sia which meant Rocco tagged along as well. Now the plan was intially to go their regular theater , but because Kesha wanted to eat this particular restaurant they decided to change location near that place.
Her heart broke, when they went to the auditorium gate. Aryan was there but not with family, it was another group that she never saw at their college. “Rocco” she elbowed him, Aryan was too busy to even notice them.
“Aryan” she gestured him lightly. “Yea i know” She frowned.
“What you mean?”
“I mean we all know that he hangs out with that group, they are from different college. Family friend daugther met him and thats how he got invovled with them. You see that girl? Anamika , family friend”
“Everybody knows?” She asked
“Yea? Wait you have no idea about this?”
She shook her head no. Whats the point of hiding and lying? I mean unless there is something to hide, everybody knows but she doesnt have a tiniest idea? What is going on? She needed answers, her mood was ruined. “You alright?” Kesha asked seeing her friend suddenly paled.
“You guys go i will be there shortly” she lied.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes go” she smiled. Once they went in , she turned around and left the theater. She cried all the way back home, what is he hiding? Why he lied ? She never expected this atleast from
Aru. Next day they all met outside college, thats when she decided to confront.
“So Aru , you started lying to me ?” She asked bluntly
“What you mean?” He asked
“I saw you at theater. “ His eyes went wide
“Lets talk alone” he said trying to grab her hand.
“No everybody knows except me so then i want to know why here infront of our friends” she demanded
“Nope” he simply said
“Yes “ she responded
He brushed his hair in frustration, “Um one night i um we boys went drinking and i met Anamika there. I was drunk and seeing her after long time i mean she was my ex. I kissed her” he said. Imlie feet almost gave away. She turned around started walking away. “Listen to me” Aryan said and then Imlie slapped him hurt and broken. She went home, but Rocco had followed her.
She was throwing things in her bedroom, when Rocco came and closed the door, “Get out!! You call me bro and you knew it! That day you told
Me half truth! Get out!! I am done “ she sat down sobbing.
“Please bro dont do this” he came trying to hug her.
“No” raising her to hand to stop him.
“I am done… i was too naive. Thank you for being my friends but going forward i dont need anyone .You can go” Rocco heart broke , but he knew his bro, she wont budge from her decisions.
Multiple calls from Aryan and messages didnt melt Imlie. She after that day, avoided the group they tried coming to her house but she would tell her parents to make excuse. She would join classes late and leave early so she doesnt have to deal with them. Their final year, she saw them having fun and being the same they didnt even care anymore about her. She cried that day again just for old moments.
And now three years later :
Imlie was successful journalist and flourishing in her career. She was senior editor and had earned a name in her world. She still misses her friends, she secretly stalks them on social media. None ever contacted her, nor she did. She was hurt still for lying and for the hiding , yes it was immature situation that time but nevertheless the hurt it remained.