You Belong With Me

28

As the train sped through the Indian landscape, Viru couldn't shake off the heaviness in his heart. The usually positive Rahul sat beside him, lost in his thoughts. Viru had tried to break through Rahul's silence, but it was like talking to a wall. It was evident; Rahul was shattered. Shattered into a million pieces, just like his dreams.

The journey from Kolkata to Mumbai felt longer than usual. The chugging of the train, the rhythm of the tracks, all seemed to accentuate the silence between them. Viru couldn't wrap his head around what had just happened. How could Sourav do this to Rahul? Sourav, Rahul's best friend, his confidant, his lover! It was simply unimaginable, like a nightmare they couldn't wake up from.

As the train finally pulled into Mumbai, Viru knew what he had to do. He had to take Rahul to Sachin's house. Sachin, their friend, was the only one who could handle Rahul right now. He was the only one who could calm him down, the only one who could understand his pain.

Viru guided Rahul through the bustling streets of Mumbai, each step heavier than the last. The city was alive, but Rahul was a mere shadow of himself. Finally, they reached Sachin's house. With a heavy heart and a lump in his throat, Viru rang the doorbell, hoping against hope that Sachin would be able to mend Rahul's broken spirit.

Flashback Ends

Rahul's voice trembled as he spoke, his words heavy with emotion. "And then Sachin helped me overcome my pain and heartbreak," he confessed, a tear escaping his eye despite his efforts to hold it back. "I could never thank him enough."

Vanshika listened intently, her heart going out to her friend. She could see the pain etched on his face, the raw emotion in his voice. "And then you never contacted Sourav?" she asked softly, her voice laced with concern.

"No," Rahul whispered, his gaze fixed on the ground.

The room fell into a heavy silence as Rahul battled with his thoughts and emotions. Vanshika watched him, feeling a pang of sadness in her chest. Rahul didn't deserve this, she thought. He deserved better.

But as she sat there, a question nagged at the back of her mind. Why had Sourav made such a decision? What had prompted him to behave this way? What was really going on?

Vanshika's eyes were fixated on Rahul, her friend's words echoing in her mind. "So you will never contact him ever?" she asked, her voice a whisper, as if she feared the answer.

Rahul looked away, his gaze distant. His lips curved into a bitter smile, but his eyes betrayed a sadness that Vanshika couldn't miss. "I'm just not ready for another heartbreak," he finally replied, his voice barely above a murmur. 

Vanshika watched as Rahul's shoulders slumped, the weight of his words heavy in the air. She wanted to reach out, to comfort him, but she knew that some wounds ran too deep for words to heal. She thought back to the day she first met Rahul, his smile bright and infectious. But now, there was a sadness in his eyes that she couldn't ignore. She wished she could take away his pain, to mend his broken heart, but she knew that some things were beyond her control.

As a psychiatrist, Vanshika was well aware of how to navigate emotions, but oh, how she wished she could also take away someone's pain. She desperately wanted to help Rahul. If she replayed the psychology books she had devoured, she would come to the conclusion that communication was the key to a successful relationship. Someone needed to bridge the gap between Sourav and Rahul, someone needed to make an effort. She knew Rahul had already tried so hard, but he was the only option she had. She decided she needed to convince Rahul to try one more time.

With a determined look on her face, Vanshika leaned in closer to Rahul. "Rahul," she began, her voice gentle but firm, "I know you're hurting, but I truly believe that communication is the key here. I understand you're afraid of getting hurt again, but shutting Sourav out completely isn't the solution. Maybe... maybe you just need to talk things out. Give him a chance to explain himself. Who knows, it might bring you the closure you need." She paused, searching his eyes for any sign of agreement.

Rahul let out a frustrated sigh, his brows furrowing. "Didn't I tell you how many times I tried to ask him, but he didn't want to talk to me?" he said, his voice tinged with frustration.

"I know, Rahul, I know," Vanshika responded, her voice soothing, "but maybe at that time, his mindset was different. People change, and so do their decisions with time. You must at least try to contact him once."

"Is it my duty every time to keep the relationship working?" Rahul asked, his voice heavy with the weight of his emotions.

"It's not a competition or an equality contest, Rahul," Vanshika explained patiently. "It's about the importance of another person. If you still love him, talk to him. It doesn't matter what he thinks," she said, her words filled with conviction and empathy. "Relationships are like gardens, Rahul. They need care, attention, and sometimes, a little bit of weeding. You can't just give up on something that means so much to you without trying your best to salvage it."

Rahul remained silent, his thoughts a whirlwind of emotions and doubts. He knew Vanshika was right, yet his fear of being hurt again gnawed at him. The idea of reaching out to Sourav, of making himself vulnerable, seemed daunting. But as he glanced at Vanshika's unwavering gaze, he knew she was right. Maybe, just maybe, it was time to confront his fears and take that first step towards healing.

"Do you have his number?" Vanshika's voice was almost a whisper, edged with anticipation.

"Sachin gave me his new number a few years ago, just in case. I still have it," Rahul replied, his voice carrying a mix of uncertainty and determination.

"Okay, call him," Vanshika insisted, her eyes locking onto Rahul's, urging him on.

"What if my number are saved on his phone and he recognizes me? I don't want him to know it's me, for now!" Rahul said.

"Okay. Call him from my phone." Vanshika said.

Rahul hesitated, uncertainty swirling within him like a turbulent storm. He had wanted to do this for so long, but fear had held him back, its grip tight and unyielding. Yet, here was Vanshika, offering the push he so desperately needed. With trembling hands, he pulled out his phone, his heart pounding so loudly he was sure Vanshika could hear it too. His fingers hovered over the screen, searching for Sourav's contact.

His throat felt dry, and he swallowed hard, trying to ease the lump of fear lodged there. Finally, he found Sourav's name and number. With a deep breath, he dialed the number in Vanshika's phone, his heart racing faster with each passing second. The phone rang, each tone echoing in his ears like a countdown to a momentous event.

One ring. His breath caught in his throat.

Two rings. His pulse quickened.

Three rings. His palms grew sweaty.

And then, suddenly, someone picked up on the other end.

"Hello?"

It was Sourav's voice.

Guys, pehla dialogue Sourav ka yayyyyy 😱🥰🤌🏻