Stay

Chapter 32 - Trouble

Alan rode his bike to the girls' hostel, determined to get Fiza's attention. He banged on her window, ignoring the security guard's threats as he waved his lathi in warning. His persistence paid off as Fiza's wide eyes locked with his gaze.

The security guard approached Alan, while Fiza hurried to join him, prompting the guard to retreat back to the gate. In silence, they walked together to the parking lot, seeking a moment of privacy.

"Fiza, you can't block me," Alan stated, his eyes filled with a mix of hurt and anger.

"I was going to unblock you in a bit. I just couldn't deal right then," she explained devoid of emotion.

"It's just so hard." Alan said emphatically.

Fiza's narrowed eyes studied him, wondering why it seemed so challenging for him. She had heard whispers in the hostel about his continued involvement with others. The sight of that unknown girl kissing his cheek in the library had fueled her suspicions. She had even overheard Jyothi's proposition and pondered how many more there might be.

"You can't expect me to hold you through the night and then draw so many lines around it. I'm a guy, dammit," Alan forcefully expressed his frustration.

Fiza felt irritated that he used his gender as an excuse for carelessly handling her emotions. She had repeatedly explained the significance of physical touch to her, but he seemed unwilling to understand. However, she couldn't solely blame him. She had also succumbed to temptation, knowing he had no intentions of committing to her. "Then don't touch me again," she retorted, her voice filled with defiance.

Alan gazed at her longingly, his love for her overpowering. The thought of never being able to touch her again was daunting, but it paled in comparison to the thought of losing her entirely.

In that vulnerable moment, Jyothi and her friend approached them. They had entered the parking lot and, upon seeing Alan, made their way over.

Ignoring Fiza, Jyothi addressed Alan directly, enticing him with an invitation. "Shruthi is having a party at her house. It's going to be super fun. We'll play twister with a twist," she said, winking at him. Leaning in closer, she whispered something in his ear, causing him to laugh.

Fiza's heart sank as she witnessed their interaction, confirming her suspicion that Alan was indeed in some kind of casual relationship with Jyothi. But there were no tears left to shed.

As they prepared to leave, Alan caught a glimpse of Fiza's defeated expression. She seemed broken, drained of fight. His instinct urged him to step closer, to pull her into a comforting embrace and assure her that everything would be okay. However, Fiza quickly took a few steps back, raising her voice.

"Don't. Touch. Me," she exclaimed firmly. Alan recoiled, offering an apology. He couldn't help but wonder if Fiza would ever be able to love him the way he loved her. Just a few hours ago, he had been confident in her feelings for him, but now uncertainty crept into his heart.

Their relationship ship was strained in the following weeks, creating a palpable tension between them. Alan vividly remembered his promise to never leave her side, and he held onto it tightly, determined to salvage their friendship unless she explicitly asked him not to.

Fiza, on the other hand, seemed to withdraw into herself. The sparkle in her eyes had dimmed, and the once vibrant laughter had yet to return to her lips. It wasn't that she appeared sad, but rather a sense of weariness and distraction weighed upon her.

Despite the distance, they still managed to find solace in each other's presence, seeking comfort in their shared study sessions. Alan made a conscious effort to reach out to her, to bridge the growing gap between them. And Fiza, though hesitant at times, reached out when he didn't initiate their encounters, preserving the fragments of their routine.