Soulmates ✓

08 | Soul-Crashed

Being in his embrace feels like the entire universe is enclosing within one person, and sadly this is until he is around. Once they are apart, he takes all away, and she is left with so much longing that it hurts even to preserve the memories.

How do you know something awful is about to happen? What are those warning signals? Do you wake up at the wrong side of the bed, or you suddenly hear a voice in your head screaming danger, or you drop porcelain by accident, or the milk simmering on the gas stove overflows all of a sudden. Maybe, you get one of them or all. But you pay no heed to them until the very end.

After waking up in Aarav's arms, wrapped in his shirt and his touch raw on her skin, Shay had made up her mind. One look at the boy in her embrace and she felt exceptional. His features were delicate as the morning dew, glistening in the sunlight. Shay wanted all her mornings to start like this.

When Aarav and Shay were both awake, she was scared to look him in the eyes because of last night. What if his eyes carried any hint of displeasure or regret? It was her best night, so it'd destroy her to see any doubt in Aarav's eyes.

Yet there was none. He appeared as in love as ever, and a happy smile danced on his lips when Shay finally met his eyes. He showered her with his soft kisses and murmured her name over and over again.

They stayed in bed till afternoon, watching funny reels and taking cute selfies. Aarav brought Shay's favorite blueberry ice cream and served her breakfast on the bed. He, as always, was the perfect boyfriend with a beautiful sunshine smile and breathtaking midnight black eyes.

With Aarav, everything felt exotic, though it was her first time with someone. She couldn't deny the pain because it wasn't all that erotic as written in books. But something being with Aarav dulled the hurt and primed the pleasure. His soft, unnaturally gentle caresses were enough for her to come undone, and the way he worshiped every part of her body and soul, she sure would never find that feeling anywhere else.

If Shay had to be honest with one thing, that would be how much she adored her boyfriend. Aarav was better than all the stars and the moon that any other guy had to offer her. He was better than her morning cup of coffee, her favorite poem, and the rainbows she craved to watch after the rain.

She knew this love was a forever thing.

***

A few days ago, she mentioned on a whim that she wanted to celebrate her finals score with them on a crowded dance floor. As known to everyone, long before the results, Ryan topped the board while Aarav trailed just after him, and Shay barely made it to the top ten. That was more than she had prepared for, so she was still going to celebrate.

Without wasting another second, she brushed her hair in a high ponytail and dressed in a jumpsuit she had packed for the occasion. She ran her hand along the black piece of fabric, loving the way it molded her body. When paired with strappy heels, the outfit gave enough edge to her look. She made some final touches with a smile underlying the pleasure from knowing she was going to blow her boyfriend's mind with her look.

A knock on her bedroom door had her hand flying to her chest. The light raps of knuckles against her door indicated it was her dad since her mom would waltz right away into her room.

"Papa?" She opened the door for her father's affirmative hum, and he didn't step in but leaned on the doorjamb.

"Make sure you don't stay past your curfew, or your mother will kill me first," he said, a genuine smile across his face as she strapped her watch on her wrist. It was the same watch he had gifted Shay on her eighteenth birthday.

"Yes, and that would be 2 a.m." Shay looked at him for a response, and he shook his head. A fatherly glare shot her way. "Papa, you promised me. It's just for tonight."