Escape : When Love is Stronger Than War

Chapter 4 - Bad decisions

Monday was the same as always, heading to yoga followed by my day shift at the library. Nithiin still haven't called me back since the previous evening, where he ran out of my house feeling completely worried about his family. I had to admit that he was starting to make me worried too.

I decided to try calling my ex boyfriend, Pavan, once more, hoping to get him on the line and give Nithiin good news that nothing happened in India. However, I again was unsuccessful with this call. Either something bad was really going on, or Pavan was holding a grudge against me for a very long time.

The day passed without any incidents, also without any news from my boyfriend. After work, I chose to take a walk before going to eat at home. Walking either took my mind off stressful things or made me see them with a clearer mind.

After the threats that India received a few weeks ago, I could understand why Nithiin was going through so many emotions. His family and his friends were all in India, I knew that he would feel the urge to go help them one way or another if Pakistan decided to attack. Even I would probably run off to India to save my family. They're not your family anymore, I remined myself. The strangest thing was that the news channel never mentioned anything regarding threats or war between India and Pakistan. It felt like the whole world was either ignoring it or they were completely clueless regarding this situation.

After half an hour of walk, I tried again Pavan's phone. This time, it didn't go to voice mail.

"This number has been disconnected." The call ended.

I stared at my phone in disbelief. "What the f..."

My phone buzzed. Hoping it was Pavan, I hurried to verify who messaged me.

Nithiin.

Disappointed, confused and relieved at the same time, I tried to smile. Nithiin had finally decided to message me.

Lauren... I am so sorry.

My eyes filled up with tears. I was hurt by his reaction, but at the same time I could empathize. I knew that if it was reversed situations, I would have reacted the same. Probably even worst. I knew what it felt like when the world collapse in front of you and you are completely helpless.

As I was about to reply that all is forgiven and forgotten, even though that wasn't entirely true, he had already messaged again.

Tell me where you are. I'm waiting outside your house. I will come meet you.

I quickly texted him that I was at the park, but I would go wait for him at our Starbucks café, where we had first met. I had to tell him about Pavan's phone being disconnected. Turning around, I walked twice as fast to reach my car, so we could meet at our rendezvous point.

Trying to find a parking spot nearby the coffee shop, I saw that Nithiin's Jeep was already parked in the streets. When I entered Starbucks, I found him in a far corner, away from any eavesdroppers, holding his coffee mug while staring outside, lost in his thoughts. I noticed that my mug was waiting patiently for me at the table, so I put away my wallet in my purse and went to meet him right away.

"Hey..." I told him, as I reached his table. He looked up at me and smiled, for a minute all the tension in his face dissimilated. Then he noticed my face. I had forgotten to wipe off the marks that my mascara left on my cheeks. I quickly wiped my face, knowing that I was looking ridiculous.

"Were you crying?" He asked, standing up to give me a big warm hug. He then touched my cheek gently. Blushing and shaking, I turned my face away from him and sat down across his seat. "I'm so sorry, Lauren," he whispered as I started drinking my latte. He sat down.