In a distant marriage with her brooding husband, Ayan, Adira Khanna has resigned herself to a mundane life. However, fate has different plans when Ayan's childhood friends plan a week-long trip to Goa. Little did Adira know that this vacation would...
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Chapter 5 BLANK SPACE
ARJUN
The night was young, but so were we.
I, Ayan, and Viraj settled into plush lounge chairs by the poolside, each with our third pint bottle of Corona beer in hand, enjoying the calm of the night. The twinkling stars overhead added a touch of magic to the atmosphere. I felt dizzy, more by the serene moonlight rather than the bottle of spirited elixir in my hand.
It was just like our days of youth. The three of us, spilling our secrets and ranting about random problems which now seemed so frivolous. We were together since school, moved in same circles but eventually life happened and we drifted apart.
"Ah, Arjun, you were the ultimate backbencher with a genius brain! How did you manage to ace every exam without even trying?" Ayan teased, causing me to chuckle.
"I guess I had a way of defying expectations. Who knew that being a troublemaker in class would translate into academic success? Life is full of surprises, my friends," I replied with a grin.
Viraj joined in, sharing his own memory, "And let's not forget when I failed math and hid the results from my parents. Arjun, you were the one who let me hide at your place until the storm blew over."
I raised an eyebrow, recalling the close call, "Ah, yes, the infamous math fiasco. I'll never forget the look on your face when you realized your parents were coming to my house for dinner that night. We managed to keep it a secret, but it was a close call."
But amidst our chatter, Ayan's question brought a slight pause,” So, Arjun, tell us more about your father. What is he up to these days?”
I hesitated, a flicker of emotion crossing my face before I composed myself. Softly I replied, "Well, as for my father... well, let's just say he's busy."
Ayan and Viraj exchanged a knowing glance, their expressions filled with empathy. They understood that there were certain chapters of my life that I preferred not to delve into.
Viraj said sincerely, “Arjun, we're here for you, you know. If you ever want to talk or need anything, don't hesitate to reach out. We're family, after all.” Sensing their understanding, I offered them a small smile, grateful for their support.
Sensing the tension in the air, Viraj chimed raising his beer, announcing his and Kavya's quest for a baby. "Let me tell you, making a baby feels like a science experiment gone wrong."
I chuckled, raising my beer in a toast. "Well, here's to successful baby-making endeavours! May the stork deliver on time, my friend."
