Her Choice but not His love

Are you the key to my dear heart?

NOTE:

Nyctophobia : An extreme fear of the dark.

Non-consensual drugging : A person does not consent to being given alcohol or drugs, or to taking them. That is they don't know it's being put into their drink or their body by any means.

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*Aarohi's Hostel*

As soon as Aarohi recovered from the shock of seeing Abhimanyu in front of her hostel, she quickly went downstairs to the main gate.

Aarohi: *sarcastically* Dr. Abhimanyu Birla what are you doing infront of women's hostel this late at night?

Abhimanyu: *awkwardly* I kept tabs on your current address after you left the Goenka House.

Aarohi: *concealing her shock* Is that so? And may I know why?

Abhimanyu: *deep breath* Because I'm a stupid person, who's reckless action made you go away from your family.

Aarohi: Huh! They were never my family to begin with but yes, you're stupid and reckless.

Abhimanyu looks down ashamed and Aarohi takes a good look at him. Abhimanyu was drenched in sweat from head to toe and his breathing was abnormal.

Aarohi: *concerned* What happened? You're not alright! Don't try to lie Dr. Abhimanyu, I'm also a doctor.

Abhimanyu: *once again took a deep breath* I'm undergoing exposure therapy to Nyctophobia, and this is my first session.

Aarohi: *wide eyes* Are you insane?! It does not work like that!!!

Abhimanyu: *deep breath* Yes, I am. I left my phone at home, so I was thinking on how to call you outside, anyway you've come out yourself! So please hear me out I'm sorry, I'm....

Aarohi interrupted Abhimanyu.

Aarohi: Dr. Abhimanyu! You're downright panicking! Calm down!

Abhimanyu: *uneven breathing* Please hear me out!

Aarohi: Considering your ragged breathing now, what the hell even made you think that leaving your house this late at night is even a good idea?!

Abhimanyu: *sadly* Maa kicked me out.

Aarohi: *shocked* What? Why? How did you even managed to travel all the way from Birla house to here with Nyctophobia?

The past memories sent a jolt of shiver down his spine.

Abhimanyu: *gulping* I still have my wallet with me, so I took a cab.

Aarohi: Where will you even go now in the dark? And how can your mother kick you out at night with Nyctophobia??

Abhimanyu: *deep breath* Aarohi calm down! I can manage quite well if I was with someone I know and sober. Please let me apologise properly to you.

Aarohi: *huff* I can see how well you can manage and I forgive you!

Abhimanyu: *shocked* What? Why?

Deep down in her heart Aarohi wanted to soothe Abhimanyu to some extent.

Aarohi: *controlling breaking down* You've said sorry and took away some of the burden of tauntings, *masking her emotions* all thanks to your father. And *clears her throat* what do you mean by "if you were sober?" Do you've any history with non-consensual drugging?