Lost | ✓

Chapter 31. I Need You

🎶 Banjaara - Ek Villain & This Love (Taylor Swift)

Published on 21.08.2022

| AUTHOR'S POV |

"I need you."

The words, albeit written, echoed in his mind, unsettling him, making him anxious.

He was on his way to her house.

Slamming his fist on the steering wheel, he cursed himself with gritted teeth.

He was probably a douchebag, an asshole too. Hypocrite? Definitely. Probably the biggest hypocrite because how does one go from wanting and trying to stay away from a person to being exasperated with themselves for looking at that person's text an hour late? Because how does one go from acting indifferent and uncaring towards someone to quietly praying and hoping their behaviour don't affect them?

Fuck the 31st party! Fuck the fact that the clock is about to strike 12 and they're gonna enter a new year! Fuck the fact that he won't be with his family to celebrate it! And fuck him!

Three syllables from her and it felt as if his world shifted from its axis. He remembers himself growing concerned when he noticed her parents and brother in the party but not her. And his subconscious had mocked him for that because he earlier wished he didn't have to face her. After a long moment of contemplation, he gave in and went to Kartik to ask about her. He noticed Kartik's jaw going tense and the way his eyes glared at him. It was confusing for Ayansh but then, he seemed to have himself in check and said, "she's ill".

Just two words and then he turned away before Ayansh could even respond.

That should have been a clue. That should've ring a bell in his head that something wasn't right but he was adamant and an idiot to force himself to believe it wasn't a big deal. Inaaya anyways wasn't a fan of riches or parties where she would be surrounded by people flaunting their privilege and then flash fake smiles to all. So, it made sense why she wouldn't want to come. He wanted to call her but somehow resisted it.

And then, sometime later, as usual, he gave in to the urge. The moment he pulled his phone out and opened it, the message lying in the notification bar stared at him. Fear tugged at him, worry flooded his veins, his heart stalled. He dialled her number multiple times but she didn't pick up and then there was another message from her which said, "I'm fine" and instead of putting him at ease, it only distressed him more.

Searching for a family member, his eyes found his brother and his feet lead to him. Lies came really easily to Ayansh now but apparently his excuses were getting worse. He said he has to leave since one of his friend needs him and he also knew Rahul wasn't convinced at all by that reason but he didn't care. Rahul didn't say anything, just gave a small nod and Ayansh left.

Ayansh was now standing outside her house. He spoke through the intercom and waited for a response, his foot tapping on the floor due to anxiety. A few moments later, the door opened to reveal a disheveled Inaaya with bloodshot eyes, flushed cheeks and swollen nose. She looked at him as if she couldn't believe he was here.

"You came?" Her voice came out rough and low and his heart squeezed in his chest painfully.

"I'm sorry." He whispered and that was all it took for her to fling herself at him.

His arms came around her in a protective embrace and she let herself breakdown because it felt good to let someone hold her after doing it herself all alone for so long. He was comfort and security wrapped in one, a feeling of home cradling her, a ripple of water steadying her, a fleck of hope making her want to stay.