Is This A Dream?

'His Life'

John's POV:

Today has been incredibly hectic; I couldn't even manage a 15-minute break. My best friend, Sid, just called me, claiming he has something important to discuss. I arranged to meet him during my lunch break at the office, which means I'll have to speed through my work. Sid has a knack for pulling me away when I'm busiest, but I can't turn him down. We've been friends since we were six, and he's more like a brother to me. Despite his constant advice on my relationships, I tend to brush it off. As I mused over this, a knock interrupted my thoughts.

"Come in," I said, though I never understood why Sid bothered knocking when he could just walk in like my other friends. But, that's Sid for you - always respectful, and that's why I value him.

"Hey, bro," he greeted, pulling me into a hug. "Long time, huh?"

"Definitely. How have you been?" I replied, breaking the hug. "Missed me?"

As always, Sid's warmth often sparks rumors about us being more than friends, but we're just really close.

"Everything's fine, and yeah, I've missed you," I said playfully, earning an eye roll from him. We delved into various topics, and before I knew it, the day had flown by. As expected, Sid's "important" matter revolved around advice, this time concerning my interactions with a partner who had been overly affectionate, something I detest. I responded with my usual ruthless demeanor, refuting her claims with evidence, effectively tarnishing her reputation. I felt justified; she should have known her boundaries. Despite my outward calm, Sid's parting words lingered in my mind for the past five hours.

Flashback

"Do you honestly think your justifications can excuse your actions?" Sid's voice carried a mix of anger and calmness, piercing through the tension.

"Sid, I stand by my decisions. I know what I'm doing, and I won't have any regrets," I asserted confidently, though beneath the surface, a sense of unease gnawed at me. It had lingered for days now, hinting at a looming reckoning.

"Bro, I'm saying this for your own good. Why can't you see that?" Sid's voice rose, frustration evident in his tone. This time, I had no excuses to offer. I couldn't fathom his unwavering support for her.

"Why are you siding with her when she's clearly in the wrong, Sid?" I exploded, unable to contain my frustration.

"It's not about taking sides, John. It's about your treatment of women in general," Sid retorted, matching my intensity.

"I couldn't care less," I spat out, my frustration boiling over.

"Listen, John. One day, someone will come into your life who will challenge you, change you for the better," Sid interjected, halting my protest. "And mark my words, you'll rue the day you treated women the way you do now. And on that day, I'll have a good laugh."

The flashback dissolved, leaving behind a bitter aftertaste as Sid's words reverberated in my mind.

Flashback Ends

His words echoed relentlessly in my mind, disrupting any hope of peaceful slumber. Each attempt at sleep was thwarted by a torrent of 'What ifs,' a mental barrage I detested entertaining. My life had found solace in the simplicity of work, family, and tranquility, yet today, that peace had been shattered. I prayed for oblivion to claim my thoughts, yearning to wake to a morning free of recollection.

So, how is this chapter? Hope you enjoyed this arrogant and selfish man's life. Let's wait and watch how restless his life will be from tomorrow.

Next chapter: 'Meeting her'