It's Called PRIDE!

[26] A NIGHT OF REVELATIONS

Prity

As I sat at my desk, trying to focus on my notes for the upcoming court hearing, the evening light cast a golden glow across my cluttered workspace. Despite my efforts to concentrate, my phone wouldn't stop buzzing.

Notifications from colleagues and old friends kept popping up, the screen lighting up with a relentless stream of messages. Some were dripping with sarcasm, poking fun at my case. Others offered heartfelt encouragement.

The mix of emotions only added to the tension simmering inside me. It felt as though the entire world was watching, waiting to see if I would succeed or fail. The weight of expectations, both supportive and critical, bore down on me, making it harder to focus.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing thoughts. The court hearing tomorrow was crucial, not just for me, but for everyone who believed in humanity. The pressure was immense, but so was the importance of the battle we were fighting.

Determined to regain my focus, I switched off my phone and turned back to my papers, the silence offering a momentary reprieve from the chaos.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang, cutting through the quiet of the evening. I wasn't expecting anyone, so I hesitated before getting up to answer it.

A knot of anxiety formed in my stomach as I walked toward the door. I was alone in my house as mom and dad got out to stay with one of our relatives. The gentle chime had a sound, making me wonder who could possibly be visiting at this hour.

When I finally opened the door, I was surprised to see Rahul standing there. His face was a mixture of concern and determination, his eyes searching mine with an intensity that made me uneasy.

"Hey," he said softly, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. The familiar warmth of his presence filled the room, but I could sense an underlying tension.

"I came to see you, to stay beside you tonight," he continued, his voice gentle yet firm. It was clear that he wasn't asking for permission; he was telling me what he intended to do.

I sighed, trying to muster a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes. "Rahul, I'm fine. Really," I said, attempting to sound convincing.

But even as I spoke, I knew it was futile. Rahul had always been able to see through me, to understand my unspoken fears and worries.

He didn't buy it for a second. Stepping closer, he took my hand in his, his grip firm but comforting. "You don't have to pretend with me, Prity," he said, his voice filled with a quiet insistence. "I know you're going through a lot right now, and it's okay to let someone else be strong for you."

Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision as I looked at him. For so long, I had tried to handle everything on my own, to keep up a facade of strength. But in that moment, Rahul's understanding broke down the walls I had built around myself.

As I stood there, vulnerable and exposed, he gently pulled me into an embrace. His arms wrapped around me, providing a sense of security that I hadn't felt in a long time. The dam of emotions I had been holding back finally burst, and I let myself cry, the tears flowing freely.

Rahul held me tighter, his presence a soothing balm to my aching heart. "I'm here, Prity," he whispered. "You don't have to go through this alone."

We stood like that for a long time, wrapped in each other's arms, the silence between us filled with unspoken understanding. When I finally pulled away, I felt a sense of relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted off my shoulders.

"Thank you," I said, my voice barely more than a whisper. "I didn't realise how much I needed this."

Rahul smiled, brushing a tear from my cheek. "That's what friends are for," he replied. "To be there when you need them the most."