Anaya Oberoi, a final-year student at a prestigious college in India, was thrilled to be selected for a student exchange at King's College London. But there was a catch-she had to live with foster parents. To her surprise, one of her housemates turn...
Before starting I want to thank all of you who have reached so far supporting my story. Your support means the world to me because it motivates me write more and showcase my creative side. I never expected that so many of you will engage with me.
I would love it if you take a moment and review my story <3.
Also this part might contain hindi sentences but don't worry I will translate it all for you.
Also it's my birthday tomorrow <3
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I tried my best to ignore all the notifications for five minutes straight, but eventually, I reached my breaking point. I don't know what came over me to make me act that way. Consumed by anger, I felt it intensify with every passing second.
Fearing I might say something hurtful to either myself or him, I hurriedly left the room. All I wanted was to be with my girlfriends and wallow in their comforting presence. Without wasting any time, I left the hotel and caught a nearby taxi back to the villa. As the taxi sped away, I called Aashna, my best friend, and asked her to pack my things as quickly as possible. I told her I'd be there in fifteen minutes and that we would leave immediately.
When I arrived at the villa, Liz was already waiting with another taxi ready to take us back to London. Overwhelmed with emotion, I hugged her tightly, my tears betraying my attempt to stay composed. I climbed into the taxi, sitting in the middle between Aashna and Liz, who both tried their best to console me as the journey began.
As the initial wave of anger subsided, I felt a bit better and started to narrate everything that had happened to get their opinions. However, Aashna had other plans and chose to lighten the mood with a bit of humor.
"Meri priye kanya, yaadi hum purush hote toh yeh humara saubhagya hota ki hum apko voh sab de paate jinki aap patre hain. Hum aap pe apna prem murjhavar karte aur apko itni adhik sochne ki samasyayein nahin dete," she interrupted me, speaking in an exaggeratedly formal Hindi.
"My dearest girl, if I were a man, it would be my greatest fortune to give you everything you deserve. I would shower you with love and never give you the problem of overthinking," she translated, her voice filled with playful sincerity.
"Since when did you learn such complicated Hindi?" I replied, my jaw dropping in surprise.
"Just for my dearest friend," she said, hugging me tightly.
"What the hell are you guys even talking about?" Liz interjected, her confusion evident.
Aashna and I burst into laughter and quickly explained to Liz what Aashna had said. Understanding dawned on her face, and her expression softened.
"I wish we could just turn into men for a few days and show them how to treat us right. Life would be so much easier," Liz mused.
"I know, right?" I responded, nodding in agreement.
"Purush ek bahut pyaari cheez hai. Tum unki ek na maano, magar pyaar mein tumhari saari baatein manega," Aashna said, quoting a piece of poetic wisdom.
"A man is a truly beautiful thing. Even if you don't listen to him once, in love, he will listen to everything you say," she translated.
"You're wrong," I said, shaking my head.
"Tell me, Anaya, where am I wrong? Noah has always made you feel special and comfortable. You must respect his actions. He might not be expressive enough, but don't his actions speak louder than words about how much he loves you?" Aashna explained, her tone earnest.
"She's right, Anaya. I've known Noah for a year now, and since you've entered his life, all he wants is to give you his best," Liz added, her voice gentle and reassuring.
"I understand what you guys are saying, but that doesn't mean he loves me. Right?" I spoke, my voice trembling with uncertainty.
"What's your definition of love?" Liz questioned, her eyes searching mine for answers.
"Love is when you have no expectations from things, you just do it," I began, feeling the weight of my words, "and I know he won't love me the way I do."
"Unconditionally, for eternity," Aashna interjected, finishing my thought.
"So why do you think he planned this trip?" Liz asked, her tone gentle but probing.
"For taking my virginity, and he was successful in it," I completed the sentence, breaking down out of nowhere. Tears streamed down my face as the realization hit me harder than ever.
"Why did you do that then?" Aashna asked softly.
"Because I love him," I yelled, my voice raw with emotion.
"Hey, do you want to eat something?" Liz asked, trying to distract me from my pain.
"No, I want to go to your apartment and lock myself up for a week or so," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
"I will extend my flight," Aashna said without hesitation.
"Yaar, Aashna, ghar le chal na mujhe, mujhe nahi rehna hai yaar yaha ab aur," I sobbed, pleading with her to take me home.
"Stay strong, Anaya. London has always been your dream. You can't just throw it all away because of a heartbreak," she consoled me, her voice filled with determination.
"You have me, bitch," Liz said, hugging us both tightly.
"I love you both," I sobbed, feeling their warmth and support surround me.
"So do we," they replied in unison.
"When will we reach London?" I asked the driver, desperate for this journey to end.
"One more hour, ma'am," the driver responded.
I had cried so much in these six hours that my eyes were swollen. This was my worst birthday ever. I never thought things would go so downhill so quickly. At this moment, I knew that I was in love with the person I once hated the most, but confessing it would lead him to be cold even with me. I could accept his absence, but not the coldness he would serve me with.
I got jealous with all those messages he was getting constantly. All I wanted was to make him mine, but I guess I was looking in the wrong place. I was trying to make someone mine who was never mine.
At this point in my life, I wanted to disappear. I didn't feel like staying around people anymore. I couldn't wait for this semester to end so I could go back to Delhi. I might even cancel my program and continue there for the next six months.
"Aashna, I will leave London after this semester. I will continue my last semester in Delhi," I said it loud, making my decision clear.
