Hers To Love

Chapter-15

Vedh drove me home from the hiking site. I had to accept his ride because Arun and his assistant were nowhere to be seen when we emerged out of the woods. He was gone, as though he had never been there. It was as though I was lost alone, and imagined him being there. I was quiet as I got into Vedh's car and let him drive me. Vedh must have taken my silence for shock. He didn't try to chat with me, and I was glad for that. I was still trying to process everything that had happened since this morning. Arun's almost-confession and the way his gaze burned into Vedh's hand on my shoulder. What must he be thinking? Was he mad at me?

"Thanks, Vedh." I said as I got out of the car.

"Is there anything else I can do for you?" Vedh asked. "Are you okay, or shall I come up and help you get settled?"

"No, no," I said, crossing my arms against my chest. "I am perfectly fine. A good night's sleep is all I need."

"Cool," Vedh said, unconvinced. "Take care. Remember that I am just a text or phone call away."

I nodded, knowing that he would be the last one I would call if I needed anything. I could not keep on leading the poor man anymore. I waved as his car pulled away and then made my way up to my apartment. Arun's door was closed and foreboding, and it was just as well. I needed some time before facing him again.

I locked the door behind me and fell on the couch in the living room, all the energy sucked out of me. Not more than an hour passed when the doorbell rang, pulling me out of my sleep. Groggily, I got up and walked to the door. When I was about to open the door, I wondered if it was Arun standing behind, ready to continue his confession from earlier. With my heart beating fast and blood rushing to my face, I opened the door.

"Oh, it's you," I said to my best friend, who was standing with a casserole in her hand.

"Can you be any more disappointed on seeing me? Sudha asked, looking amused.

"Sorry, yaar. I am just sleepy. Come in." I said, waving her in.

"Oh, honey, come here," Sudha said, and enveloped me in a tight hug as soon as the door shut behind us. "I came as soon as I heard."

"How did everyone in the city know already?" I asked from over Sudha's shoulder.

"Who else knew?" Sudha asked, pulling away from me. "Rahul couldn't reach Arun, so he called his assistant. He found out you and Arun were just rescued from the woods and told me."

"Oh," I said, thinking Vedh might have found the same way. Fucking Arun's assistant.

"You look so tense. Is it just the shock of getting lost, or is there something else?" Sudha asked, perceptive as usual.

I felt sheepish as I looked at Sudha. She was with me when I was my miserable self, mending my broken heart during the holidays. But I did not tell her what was happening in my life these days. Not the date with Vedh, not the reconciliation with Arun, and not what happened in the forest. Maybe, deep down, I always knew that going out with Vedh was a bad idea. So bad that I had to hide it from my best friend.

So, I sat her on the couch, laid my head on her shoulder, and told her everything. Right from Vedh asking me on the date to Arun's wilting gaze earlier when he left me.

"Wow, that's quite a lot for one weekend." Sudha said, shaking her head.

"I know. My life became such a drama."

"You know what? Fuck them." Sudha said, standing up. "Fuck anyone who makes you upset like this. As long as you are with me, you are not crying over some man. If Arun knows what's best for him, he will quit playing and tell you how he feels. And Vedh should know better than propositioning his intern. I bought us dinner. We will eat it, put on a movie, and then fall asleep. Tomorrow you are taking leave, and I will take care of you until you become my vibrant Janvi again."