UNSPOKEN BONDS

3. The Arrival

© archanaj1308 2024. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.

AMRITHASHREE SRINIVASAN

The day had finally arrived—the day I would pick up Sam from the airport along with Kriti. I was at the airport waiting outside the arrival door. My phone rang, it was my dad.

"Hey Appa," I answered.

"Ammu, where are you?" Dad's voice held a hint of concern.

"Amma, Appa, I left a note on the fridge. I'm at the airport to pick up Sam," I explained.

Dad chuckled. "Ah, Sam and Ammu—the inseparable duo, as always. Dharmesh called, we're meeting them tomorrow for the merger."

"Got it, Appa," I said. "Tell Amma I'll update her later. Sam's almost here."

"Take care, Ammu," Mom chimed in. "Tell Samarth we said hello."

"I will, Amma. Bye," I said, ending the call.

My parents said, “Okay. Bye.” We ended the call.

As I stood amidst the bustling crowd, my eyes scanned eagerly for Sam's familiar figure. When I finally spotted him, my heart sank as I watched him and Kriti exchange a lingering kiss. It seemed like they were completely absorbed in each other. Their laughter mingled with the sounds of the airport, creating a bittersweet scene that stirred a strange mix of emotions within me.

"Hey, Ammu!" Sam called out, his voice warm and welcoming as he approached me. He gave me a brief tight hug.

"Hey, Sam," I replied, forcing a smile despite the knot tightening in my chest.

"It's nice to finally meet you," Kriti chimed in, her smile bright but distant. She shook hands with me.

I chuckled awkwardly and said, “Likewise.”

"I missed you so much, it feels like forever," Sam added, his eyes reflecting genuine warmth.

I said, “I missed you more than you can imagine, Sam.”

As we walked towards the parking lot, I tried to engage in their conversation, but my mind was elsewhere. Thoughts swirled chaotically in my head—of Sam, of our friendship, and of the unspoken feelings that lay buried deep within.

The drive back was filled with cheerful chatter, mostly between Sam and Kriti. Their easygoing friendship was evident, their laughter filling the car. I drove in silence, stealing glances at Sam whenever I could, a pang of longing tugging at my heart. I hated the fact that I felt this way, unable to understand why. It is so infuriating!

As we neared Sam's home, I decided to drop them at the gate and leave. "I should get going," 

Kriti forced a smile and said, “No you’ve to come up Ammu. I didn’t even get a proper chance to speak to you. I’d love to get to know you. After all you’re so important to Sam.”

I shook my head firmly and said softly, a lump forming in my throat. "I'm sure you both have a lot to catch up on besides, I need to go, my boss Jay has given me certain tasks which need my immediate attention so I’ll get it over and done with.”

Sam nodded, a hint of regret in his eyes. "Yeah, we have a lot of catching up to do.  As we have both been crazy busy, this woman here has blocked my time for her. But thanks for picking us up, Ammu. I really appreciate it." He sheepishly smiled.

"It's no trouble," I replied, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "Have a good evening, both of you." Tears threatening to spill from my eyes. I tried my best to compose myself hoping that Sam or Kriti didn’t notice.

With that, I turned away, my steps heavy as I walked towards my car. The drive home was a blur, tears welling up in my eyes as I struggled to comprehend the storm of emotions raging within me.

As soon as I reached home, I freshened up and changed into my night dress and sprawled on my bed. I stared blankly at the ceiling, replaying the day's events in my mind. Sam's infectious smile, Kriti's effortless laughter—it all felt like scenes from a movie I didn't belong in. Amidst the wave of emotions, an unexpected pang of resentment towards Kriti surfaced, and I immediately reprimanded myself for it. What fault was hers in all this?

As I wrestled with these conflicting feelings, my phone buzzed, interrupting my thoughts. It was a message from Sam.

Sam : Hey Ammu, thanks again for today. Let's catch up soon, just the two of us, okay?

Reading his message, my heart skipped a beat. What did he mean by "just the two of us?" Did he sense the unease I felt today? Could he understand the turmoil I was going through? He knew me too well. I hoped he hadn’t noticed. It would be embarrassing if he confronted me about it, as he always did whenever he sensed my discomfort, or saw me upset, stressed, or angry.

With trembling fingers, I typed out a reply.

Ammu : Sure, Sam. I'd like that.

I hit send, my heart racing with uncertainty. The tears had stopped, but the ache remained—a silent yearning that refused to be ignored.

As I lay on the couch, staring at the ceiling once more, I realized that today was just the beginning. A beginning of a journey that would unravel emotions buried deep within, a journey where Sam and I would navigate the fragile line between friendship and something more.

But for now, all I could do was wait—for clarity, for understanding, and perhaps, for the courage to confront the truth that lingered between us. Actually, it’s just my overthinking brain that is making me feel all of this, I really hope that this is what it is!