I was sleeping until I felt someone's present so strong that I count help but woke up with a jolt. But found no-one.
Sweats started to form in my temple. I breathed heavily before looking here and there in this unknown place, where I was being brou...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
As the arctic wind gently brushed against my face, I was enveloped in an oddly comforting blanket of tranquility. The cold breeze, while sharp and biting, had a tender touch, offering an unexpected sense of calm amidst the frigid environment. I turned my gaze towards my companion, who seemed to be completely and utterly engrossed in the simple, yet profound pleasure of savoring his ice cream. Despite the lack of a deep-rooted familiarity between us, his calm and composed demeanor created an inviting aura, imparting a sense of security that I found strangely soothing.
The attire he had chosen for the day was a reflection of his personality - reserved, yet undeniably stylish. He was clad in a crisp white turtleneck sweater, which he had paired with a pair of well-tailored brown draughts pants. The pants, with their perfect cut and fit, added a touch of elegance to his ensemble. To shield himself from the biting cold, he had thrown on a long, stylish green jacket. This jacket, with its understated elegance, provided the perfect amount of warmth while adding an element of style to his attire.
His outfit was completed with a pair of polished black boots, which added an air of sophistication to his overall appearance. The boots, with their immaculate shine, were the perfect finishing touch to his ensemble, elevating his look to a whole new level of class. His style was undeniably classy, a perfect blend of comfort and fashion. As I observed him, I found myself quietly admiring his fashion sense, the way each piece of his outfit came together to create a look that was simply stunning.
My gaze shifted downwards, landing on the untouched ice cream that lay before me. I picked up the spoon and began to eat, using the act as a distraction to halt the thoughts that were beginning to flood my mind, thoughts that were linked to a scene that had shattered something within me. I was so engrossed in this internal struggle that I didn't notice when my eyes began to well up with unshed tears. I tried to blink them away, to maintain a facade of calm and collectedness. Suddenly, I felt a warm hand gently enclose my free one, startling me out of my turbulent thoughts. I turned to look at the person who had dared to intrude on my solitude. It was the guy from the canteen. He was smiling at me, a nervous yet sweet smile that somehow made me feel a little less alone. He began to speak, his voice cautious yet kind, "It's completely okay to cry, you know. Let your emotions out. It's healthy and it helps." His words were genuine, filled with an understanding that I hadn't expected.
Further breaking the ice, he extended his other hand in a friendly gesture and introduced himself, "I'm Ahaan Ajhuha" he said, "I'm from Rajasthan." With a gentle nod of my head, I responded to his introduction, opening up a bit more about myself. "I'm Ruhi Oberoi," I began, allowing my name to hang in the air between us for a moment. I then continued, "I spent my early years in India. It was there where I first learned to walk, to talk, to experience life. But as I grew older, circumstances led to a shift in my life's trajectory, and I moved here." His eyes held understanding as he absorbed my words, his nod signaling his comprehension of my statement. Intrigued by the stranger before me, I decided to learn more about him. "And you, Ahaan," I queried, my tone curious, "Which year are you in?" He responded without hesitation, revealing that he was in his second year of studies. This piece of information took me by surprise. He was my classmate, yet our paths had never crossed until this moment. My confusion must have been evident on my face, for he quickly elaborated, "I know you haven't seen me before. I just transferred here a few days ago." His words provided clarity, explaining his unfamiliar presence in my familiar world.
Driven by curiosity, I decided to question Ahaan about his apparent nervousness around me. I gently asked, "Why do you seem so nervous around me that day?" His response was a simple shrug of his shoulders as he muttered, "The new atmosphere just makes me a bit awkward." I merely hummed in response, a non-committal sound that acknowledged his feelings without passing any judgement. To my surprise, Ahaan then did something unexpected. He extended his hand towards me, a clear gesture of friendship. His voice was a bit shaky as he asked, "Would you be my friend?" In that moment, a smile tugged at the corners of my lips. I reached out, accepting his outstretched hand. Our hands locked in a warm handshake, a physical affirmation of the new friendship that was blossoming between us. It was a simple yet meaningful gesture, one that seemed to put him at ease. And then I saw it. A sweet, genuine smile spreading across his face, so broad and infectious that it could melt the heart of anyone who saw it. The nervousness that had been present earlier seemed to fade away, replaced by a newfound confidence that was drawn from the comfort of our budding friendship. It was a beautiful moment, a testament to the power of friendship and acceptance.
