Alicia: The girl I met on twilight

38

In the quietude of the night, Meera's concern for Aarav's well-being reached its peak as he continued to ignore calls. Determined to check on her friend, Meera rushed to Aarav's home, her worry evident in every hurried step.

As Aarav opened the door, the weariness on his face met Meera's gaze. She couldn't contain her concern and, without a word, slapped him gently across the face. Aarav, taken aback, looked at her, a mixture of surprise and confusion etched on his face.

**Meera:** (scolding) Idiot! Do you know how much I was stressed? Why didn't you pick up my calls?

**Aarav:** (apologetic) Sorry, buddy. I needed some peace of mind.

**Meera:** (crossing arms) Really? Would you have let me stand outside your door forever?

**Aarav:** (chuckling) Oh, sorry. Come in.

Meera, playfully threatening him with a second slap, entered the room. Aarav, still a bit startled, couldn't help but smile at the familiar banter that brought a sense of normalcy to the moment.

**Meera:** Thank God you're okay. Otherwise, that second slap was coming.

**Aarav:** (jokingly) I'm scared.

Both friends shared a laugh, the tension of the evening dissipating in the comfort of camaraderie. As they settled into the room, the warmth of their friendship overshadowed the shadows of recent revelations.
In the heart-to-heart conversation between Aarav and Meera, the weight of recent events hung in the air. Meera, acting as the voice of reason, shared her wisdom with Aarav.

**Meera:** Aarav, just because you have a problem with one person doesn't mean you should fight against the whole world.

**Aarav:** (sincere) I don't know, Meera. Who should I trust in this world?

**Meera:** (assuring) You should trust yourself.

**Aarav:** (confused) What do you mean?

**Meera:** (encouraging) If you trust yourself, then this world can't harm you.

**Aarav:** (reflecting) You got a point.

Meera, lightening the mood, added, "Okay, since I've given you motivation, you should make me tea." Aarav, realizing his lapse, hurried to the kitchen.

As Aarav bustled in the kitchen, Meera seized the opportunity to address the elephant in the room.

**Meera:** (asking) Aarav, should I talk to her about this?

**Aarav:** (confused) Her?

**Meera:** (knowingly) I know what happened to you today.

**Aarav:** (resigned) Leave it, Meera. It's of no use now. I know my true worth.

**Meera:** (supportive) Okay, I won't talk about this topic then. Just focus on yourself. Don't think too much. Everything is going to be fine.

**Aarav:** (grateful) Thanks, buddy. You're so sweet.

**Meera:** (jokingly) Leave that sweetness; concentrate on making the coffee.

While Aarav laughed, Meera, still pondering over Alicia's actions, felt a simmering anger. The memory of Alicia's peculiar smile after their initial conversation about Aarav lingered in Meera's mind, intensifying her resolve. Amidst their banter, Aarav asked, "Coffee?" – a simple question that echoed the comforting routine of their friendship in the midst of life's complexities.