Claimed

The Truth

SAMAIRA

"Abhiiiiiiiiiiii!"

The morning light began to filter through the curtains, casting a soft glow over his apartment. It was around 7 AM when I arrived and enveloped him in a tight embrace.

I hadn't wanted to drag this out any longer. Without a second thought and without informing anyone apart from Virat, I came early, unannounced. I had no idea how I would break the news to him or how he would react.

He stood there, stunned, seeing me like this at such an early hour. A girl like me, who would never sacrifice her precious sleep, showing up at dawn was unimaginable. But the situation had turned my nights into restless, sleepless vigils.

I couldn't fathom how I had mustered the courage to stand before him, but I did, without a second thought. Perhaps it was love—love that gives you the strength to do the unthinkable.

With these thoughts swirling in my mind, it was time to confront reality.

"Oh my god!" was all he could manage, pulling me into another embrace.

I could tell he was still half-asleep. He guided me to the sofa, sitting beside me, and handed me a glass of water.

"Are you alright, babe?" he asked, his voice laced with worry.

I knew he was shocked to see me at this hour; I could clearly see the concern on his face.

"Yes, yes, how are you? I hope I didn't disturb you," I stammered, my voice trembling as I could hear my own heartbeat sitting next to him.

"Are you crazy? I am always free and available for you, my girl," he said. As usual, this guy was all anyone could ever want—just not me.

I'm the problem, not him, I declared silently to myself.

"Let's have breakfast first." He held my hand, trying to comfort me.

"Umm, no, Abhay. I don't feel like eating. I wanted to talk to you about something." Hunger was far from my mind now.

"Okay, shoot." He straightened his back, ready to listen.

I was terrified. My heart pounded so loudly I could barely hear my own thoughts. Words were lodged in my throat, and my palms were clammy with sweat.

I didn't want to go in circles because dragging this out would hurt all three of us. The quicker it was over, the less painful it would be.

"Sam! What's going on?" He held my hand, his concern deepening. His eyes demanded an answer now.

"Do you believe in the idea of living with someone your entire life without falling in love with them?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

He looked at me with such calmness, as if he already knew what I was about to say.

"No," he stated.

He said it with such finality, without any need for further explanation.

"Then what would you do?" I looked at him, his grip tightening a bit around my hand.

"I would tell that person straight away." He was hurt, his eyes revealed it, but he maintained his calm demeanor.

My eyes widened in surprise. The way he reacted, his eyes spoke of his awareness.

"What if he couldn't take it?" I blurted out.

"So, at least we know it's a 'he'." He chuckled dryly.

I mentally smacked my forehead. The words were tumbling out now, as if it had never been difficult to talk to him about anything. I paused, trying to gather my thoughts.