Eternal secret crush

A FAMILIAR STRANGER

Vidhi

"Vidhi... Vidhi Wake up, it's already late, dear". I heard mom shouting from down.

I was still sleeping.

I mean, it's Sunday. What's so urgent about waking up? That's when reality hit.

fuck, fuck,fuck..

I woke up and checked my alarm, which was set for 6 a.m. I might have stopped in my sleep; it's 9 already.

"Goshh, Mamma, you should have woken me up at 6. Arnav might have already arrived", his flight was at 8 a.m. I panicked and screamed.

"Well, it's fine, chill; your brother Vishal has gone to pick up Arnav from the airport", mom said, walking inside my room with Leela Aunty, who is carrying breakfast.

"Go get freshened up and have breakfast", mom said, and she left for her office, kissing my cheek.

Leela Aunty smiled at me and teasingly said, "Are you excited to see your man after a long time!?"

Leela Aunty was my babysitter, and now she continues to take care of me and works in our house, so I have known her my entire 21 years of life. We grew fond of each other since she had no kids of her own and my parents were always busy. I share all of my secrets with her, including the most special secret: my crush on Arnav.

I shyly nod, go to the bathroom, and start my happy dancing.

Flashback:

Arnav departed from Bangalore airport for London with his caretaker. Sobbingly, I cried out, "Arnav, don't leave, please".

"Please come back". Arnav, tears filling his eyes, said, "Remember, little kitten, never be scared of anyone, learn to always stand up for yourself.

I continued crying. "No, Arnav, don't leave me. I will listen to whatever you say, so don't go. Who will take care of me if you leave?"

Arnav, "Don't worry, little one; I will come back strong and take care of you".
Vishal, my brother, hugged and consoled me, saying, "Arnav needs to grow up to take on huge responsibilities, so let him go to gain knowledge."

Calming myself slowly, I asked," Arnav always remember me, okay!?"
Arnav smiled softly and said, "Okay".

I returned the smile. "Promise?"

"Yeah, pakka promise.

When he goes to check-in, I scream, "I will write letters to you on your every birthday."

Present:

I am more than just happy; I am filled with a whirlwind of emotions. Feeling nostalgia of our childhood and slight nervousness, the electric excitement under the surface and the joy of seeing him after anticipating his arrival for almost 13 years, it's finally the day.

Thinking of all these, I naturally find myself blushing and smiling like an idiot because even though he left the country he never left my mind and heart. All these years I imagined Arnav and I being together happily in a relationship, making cute scenarios and constantly checking him and his friends' accounts on social media to know about him. Please say it is not called stalking.

I received a text message from my brother Vishal whilst having breakfast, "Hey, Arnav and I are in Arasu mansion now. Rajendra Uncle and Rashi aunty informed that they all will be there by 7 pm with Arnav so plan and organize the dinner well like you always do."

My face lit up reading the message. Our family had invited the Arasu family for dinner to celebrate Arnav's MBA graduation and arrival but it wasn't confirmed from them but reading Vishal brother's message I am on cloud 9. I immediately get to the task.