Broken I

39

ARNA

It's been a week since I met Damini. I haven't involved myself in any work since then, choosing instead to spend my time at home. Giving myself a chance this time.

The chance didn't go wrong because he was beside me. It was for him more than myself. I was trying to accept him. I am doing my best in it.

Each morning, Hridhan and I share coffee on our balcony, his worst jokes a complementary.

Never mind he is a cutiepie.

After our coffee, we cook together. We manage to prepare both breakfast and lunch before he leaves for the office. In this time, I've learned the basics of cooking from Hridhan, his patience guiding me through each step.

Our dynamics have shifted, Now, it's natural for me to give him a friendly side hug each day when he leaves for the office and he returns home with a flower in hand.

Oh yeah, he brings me a small flower every day. I can't give him flowers, so why not hugs ?

We've become more friendly lately. I enjoy listening to Hridhan talk, and I want him to talk even more.

"Padam pakalama ?" Hridhan asked me, his eyes twinkling with excitement. I nodded, smiling.

"Enna pakalam ?" he asked, looking for my suggestion.

I had never really watched movies. My life had always been consumed by academic books. I racked my brain for any movie titles I might know, but came up empty.

"Na padam ethuvum pathathu illa, Hridhan," I admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed.

He looked at me curiously as I placed my head on his shoulder.

"En life full academic books laiyae poiduchu," I whispered, feeling a bit vulnerable.

"Paravala, baby. Ippo time irukku, nama pakalam," he said softly.

The way he said "baby" brought a strange peace within me, making me feel safe and cherished. I closed my eyes for a moment, savoring the tranquility of the moment.

The sound of the TV pulled me back, and I opened my eyes. The movie had started, and I had no idea what it was. But then the title appeared on the screen, and I gasped.

I

"Intha padama ?" I asked, lifting my head slightly to look at him

He nodded, "Nee pakalanu anniku sonna la ?"

Okay. He remembers. He remembered something I ranted to escape my vulnerability. If he's not a gem, then no one is. Period.

I had said it that day because I couldn't control my emotions. So, I thought of talking to him. He made me feel safe.

But I didn't know he remembered these small details about me. We watched the movie until late night. I didn't even change positions, leaning on him the entire time.

My head rested on his shoulder while his left hand gently held my waist. Despite the comfort of the moment, a nagging worry lingered-would Hridhan still like me after knowing who I truly am ?

Later, we went to bed, lying next to each other with a small gap between us. I looked into his eyes, the dim light casting soft shadows around us. He raised his eyebrow, a silent question in his gaze.

I didn't know what to say, so I hugged him tightly. He was taken aback by the sudden embrace but then wrapped his arms around me, holding me close. I rested my head on his chest, my hands around him, feeling his warmth and heartbeat.