Stay

Chapter 14 - Stay

Alan spent the following couple of months studying with Fiza on weekdays and partying with Mownika on weekends.

As time passed, Fiza began to sense Alan's gradual withdrawal. Something felt off about him, though she couldn't quite pinpoint it. He seemed distracted, as if trying to escape her company.

One day, with a bright smile, Fiza suggested, "Hey, do you want to record another song with me?" She hoped to find an activity more engaging than studying to share with Alan.

"What do you have in mind?" he asked curiously.

"I was thinking we could record 'Stay' by Rihanna. I'll take the lead, and you can harmonize with me. I can play the piano for it, unless you prefer to..."

"Sure," Alan agreed.

"Let's go!" Fiza exclaimed spontaneously.

"Now?" he asked, surprised.

They made their way to the jam room, and Fiza began singing.

Not really sure how to feel about it
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can't live without you
It takes me all the way
I want you to stay

It's not much of a life you're living
It's not just something you take, it's given

Round and around and around and around we go
Oh, now tell me now, tell me now, tell me now you know

As Fiza's melodic voice filled the jam room, Alan's body jolted upright, caught off guard by the emotions that swelled within him. Something about the way she sang, seemed to unearth buried memories.

Surprisingly, his thoughts drifted to Mownika. In his mind's eye, he saw her hand reaching out, her eyes imploring him to stay the night. He shook his head vigorously, as if attempting to shake off the haunting image.

Yet, amidst the turmoil of conflicting thoughts, another voice resounded in his consciousness-a sharp reminder of Aarthy's biting words. "You have nothing to offer. Don't flatter yourself."

Sensing his distress, Fiza immediately stopped singing and hurried to Alan's side. She could feel his rapid breaths and gently rubbed his back, trying to provide comfort.

Alan sank back into his seat, his head cradled in his hands. In a soft and shaky voice, he muttered. "What am I doing?"

Fiza, unsure of how to console him, sat beside him in silence, rubbing his back gently.

When Alan finally lifted his gaze, his expression hardened and he spoke in a dry, detached tone, "I need to go home."

***

As the Internal Exams grew closer, Fiza immersed herself in her studies, with Alan occasionally joining her in the library.

On weekends, she relished the opportunity to break free from the confines of campus life, venturing out with her friends. They explored the bustling shopping districts of Brigade Road and Commercial Street, indulged in delicious dosas at Sagar Samrat, and caught movies at local theaters.

The week leading up to their internal exams was a period of heightened stress. Fiza diligently prepared herself and emerged at the top of her class, proud of her accomplishments.

Alan, on the other hand, settled for a score somewhere in the middle. While he seemed content with a passing grade, Fiza recognized his untapped potential, knowing he could achieve much more if he applied himself.

As the months dragged on, Alan found himself increasingly entangled in Mownika's lifestyle. Friday nights became a regular occurrence for him to stay over at her place. Mownika's apartment became a hub for parties on the weekends.