Confession

Chapter 51

Insecurities
ARYAN

It's been one week since Kushal's heart got broke. He has distant himself from everyone. I always find him alone in the classroom with a book in his hand. I don't even see him in canteen during lunch break. He has changed his place in tuition and sits in another row away from Meera.

I sometimes try to talk to him but he never replies and only shrugs.

I don't know why Meera rejected him. I never asked Vini about this because I respect Meera's privacy.

Today, in the morning, my coach called me in the sports room to do some discussions regarding inter school basketball match which will take place next month.

After returning from there, I was just passing by the school garden when I saw Kushal sitting on a bench, staring blankly at the ground.

I feel really bad for him. This shouldn't have happened.

I slowly approach him and stand beside him. He lifts his head when he feels my presence.

"Hi!" I say.

He smiles lightly and nods his head. I sigh and sit beside him. He didn't say anything and continued looking at the ground.

We just sat there quietly for few minutes before I spoke. "Kushal... you're okay?"

He sighs again and gently shakes his head.

"Hey, it's okay man. It happens. I really feel that there must be some genuine reason on why Meera said no to you." I pat his back.

He takes a deep breath and shakes his head. Looking closely, I realized that tears were forming in his eyes. "I did everything you told me."

I slowly remove my hand from his back. He sits up straight and meets my gaze.

"You told me to be who I am. To be yourself." He licks his dry lips as the tears coming from his eyes won't stop. "You told me that Meera will not break my heart. Then why? Why did she do that?" He cries. "Why?"

"Kushal, there must be some reason behind this." I rub his back.

He takes off his specs and wipes his eyes.

"You must be knowing what has happened with her. Vini must have told you something. She is Meera's best friend no. She must have told you something about this." He asks hurriedly.

"No...Vini didn't tell me anything. I mean, I can't just ask her. It will be like interfering in Meera's private life." I shake my head.

His face saddens upon hearing this.

"Kushal, that day, I was there in the cafe." I reveal.

He looks up at me with confused expression.

"I mean, I and Vini were also there in that cafe. We saw what happened between you two. I could figure it out by Meera's voice that something must have happened that is troubling her. That is becoming a barrier for you both. I guess you should talk it out with her."

He lowers his gaze and stares at the ground.

"Look buddy, it's your choice now. If you don't want to give up on her then I'll support you. I'll talk to Meera and..."

"No" He abrupts. "You know, I'm in that phase of life where... I don't want to give up on her and at the same time... I don't want to force her to be with me."

"What if... she is confused." I point out. "You both can talk about it. You both can sort it out together."

He let's out a dry chuckle. "No...no Aryan." He shakes his head. "She clearly doesn't want it. And I'll not force her. She said no. So... let it be." He gulps. "I'll... let her... go."