Canvas of Destiny

Chapter twenty-one

I know it's a short chapter. But I wanted to write all the emotions and confessions raw, so yeah. Kept it short. But this chapter does deserves a lot of votes and comments. Please do not hesitate. Thank you <3

Happy reading.

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Ishika's POV

Once again, the rain poured relentlessly, reminiscent of years gone by when it drizzled just like this.

Back then, I stood before him, expressing my desire to explore the potential of "us," ready to take that step into dating.

However, all he did was nod, handing me a few Dairy Milks before speeding away on his bike, instructing me to head home.

Now, years later, we found ourselves in the midst of this torrential downpour.

We stare at each other, my hands resting on his. My heart races like it's in a marathon, hoping he remembers the same day.

I feel him gently caressing the back of my hands. "Have you..." He visibly gulps. "Have you thought about... us?"

"What could I possibly think about us?" I did. I have done all the thinking about us. Maybe, it's time.

I stand up, pulling my hands away from his grasp, and attempt to walk toward the car, but his words halt my steps.

"Just one chance, Ishika, that's all I ask for!" he requests.

But do I truly want to grant him that chance... again? And the only answer that came screaming in my mind was, yes.

"It was both our faults, Ishika, please. We both deserve a chance. Our love deserves a chance," he pleads.

He was right; we both made mistakes. I acknowledged that we deserved a chance. Yet, the doubts lingered - what if history repeated itself, and he made the same mistakes again?

"I know I made a bigger mistake by blocking you from my life and distancing myself so much, but anyone in my shoes at that time would have done that. It's really no big deal-"

"No big deal?" I turned sharply toward him. It might have meant nothing to him, but for me, it was everything.

I attempted to safeguard our friendship, or whatever we had. Two silent years of unspoken love suddenly reciprocated. We weren't officially in a relationship, but he held immense importance for me. I couldn't bear the thought of losing him, yet he started treating me as if I meant nothing.

"Four years later, you want me again after removing me from your life?" Tears welled up in my eyes, making it even harder to keep them open in the pouring rain.

"Ishika, it was out of impulse-"

"I said it before and I am saying it again. I am not a mere sketch on your canvas, erased because it didn't meet your expectations, and then redrawn because you thought you made a mistake in erasing it."

I scream at him, breaking down completely. My knees weakened, but before I could collapse, he enveloped me in his arms.

"Of course, you are not, my love," he said, holding me tightly. "I never fathomed the damage my impulsiveness could cause. I am so sorry. I know a sorry won't change anything, but I'll do anything to have you back. I can't let you go again." He takes a deep breath. "Oh god, not again!" he mutters under his breath.

In that moment, as I hug him back, tighter, and cry on his chest, the paradox of him being the source of both pain and comfort struck me profoundly.

"Okay, okay. I won't say it again. Please stop crying. Please." He cradles my head and holds me against his chest, hugging me tighter.

A chuckle escapes my mouth. He sounds so cute, and all I want is to kiss him.

He slightly pulls back so he can see my face, and I look up at him, noticing a cute frown on his face.

"Jeet," I say his name softly, resting my chin on his chest.

"Hmm?"

"Let's go on a date, okay?"

"Okay," he utters, and I stare at him. His expression gradually changes as he processes the meaning behind my words, and suddenly he sobs, catching me off guard.

"Hey," I say, looking at him in shock. Even in the rain, I can see his tears. "Why are you crying?" I cup his face in both of my hands.

"Because I'm happy. Relieved," he says, making me chuckle at how his voice sounds like a baby's. I pull him down and wrap my arms around his neck, while his arms circle my waist, pulling me into a tight hug as he hides his face in my neck.

"I love you." A wide smile spreads across my lips. This feels euphoric.

This time, the rain played cupid for us, unlike the last time. It gave us a chance to start anew, instead of tearing us apart like it did years ago.

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