THE IMPERFECT PERFECTIONS

•∆6~𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬

   
Knock knock...

"Come in," Aditya said when he heard the knock.

"Hey, Good morning"
"Your coffee", Taniya said, smiling. She didn't know how to initiate the conversation after the ruckus she raised in the morning.

"Ok, keep it on the table," Aditya replied in a somewhat cold tone.

He didn't mind Taniya's words in the morning. Vivaan also used to throw harsh words at him after his panic attacks, accusing him of pitying Vivaan because his parents were no more. But Aditya was mature enough not to take those words to heart. He continued to comfort Vivaan through those tough times.

Now, he sensed that Taniya was trying to apologize by bringing him coffee and even greeting him. So, he thought he could annoy her a little. He would enjoy this pampering.

Taniya had never heard Aditya use this tone before. She realised she had messed up big time.

"Listen," she called him in the softest voice she had ever used. "I am very sorry. I didn't mean to upset you in the morning. I blurted out those words because I thought you were pitying me. I am really sorry. And thank you for not telling anything to the family. You did so much, and I behaved like a shitty person. I am really sorry."

Taniya was genuinely sorry, tears ready to come out of her eyes.

Hearing Taniya's voice, Aditya stood up from his place and walked to her.

"It's ok. I forgive you," he spoke, making Taniya look at him.

"Just like that?" she asked, puzzled.

"Yes, just like that," he said, smiling.

"You are so good, and here I am behaving like that to you," tears were falling from her eyes now.

"Hey, it's ok," Aditya said, hugging her.

Taniya didn't hug him back. After a few seconds, he broke the hug and went back to his seat.

They sat there, sipping their coffee, the warmth of the mugs seeping into their hands when Aditya asked "Do you want to share it?"

Aditya's question hung in the air, a delicate thread connecting them. Taniya's response was measured, her eyes avoiding his gaze. "Not yet," she said softly, her voice barely audible. It was a simple phrase, but it carried the weight of unspoken fears and memories.

Aditya's heart skipped a beat. He had expected a flat-out refusal, a resounding "no." But those two little words—"not yet"—changed everything.

They held promise, a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, she would eventually open up to him.

He was feeling happy that there was still a chance for them to connect and heal. He smiled internally, feeling a warmth spread through his chest.

Taniya's vulnerability was a gift, and he would handle it with care.

He leaned back in his chair, studying her. The noise from the preparation of the party buzzed around them, oblivious to the silent exchange.

Aditya wondered what haunted her, what demons lurked in the corners of her mind. The panic attack from the previous night had left its mark, etched into her features. He wanted to ask, to unravel the mystery, but he knew better. Some wounds needed time to heal, and he wouldn't rush her.

"Are you alright now?" he asked, his concern genuine. The party loomed ahead—an evening of celebration, laughter, and noise. But for Taniya, it could be a minefield. He watched her closely, waiting for her response.