Her Light In Darkness

CHAPTER 23: Talks and Girls Day Out

ISHIKA'S POV:

The next morning, I woke up feeling lighter than I had in years. The sun's rays gently filtered through my bedroom curtains, casting a warm, comforting glow over the room.

I stretched and smiled, reflecting on the weight that seemed to have lifted from my shoulders after my talk with Ansh. I wasn't sure if it was the act of finally speaking about my past or the incredible comfort Ansh provided, but I felt like I could breathe again.

Today, I felt ready to take the first steps toward healing, ready to let go of the bitter memories that had haunted me for so long. Maybe I couldn't fling the doors of my heart wide open just yet, but I could at least crack the windows and let in some fresh air.

They say good friends can be your best therapists, and I couldn't agree more. While Ansh was so much more than a friend to me, sometimes he played the role of a best friend perfectly.

Last night, he listened to me without offering unsolicited advice or words of wisdom, just holding space for me. It made all the difference.

Rishh had always been there for me too, just like Ansh. She had a way of comforting me during my breakdowns and being my rock during my lowest phases.

Today, we had planned a much-needed girls' day to rant about everything, gossip, and, of course, catch up on yesterday's events. Given the political rally that had blocked roads near our office, we had been assigned to work from home. It was the perfect opportunity for some quality time with Rishika.

Heading towards her room "Rishh, finally we can get some girls' time." I said while plopping on her bed while she was sleeping. 

Rishika was still in bed, buried under a mountain of blankets. She had been so much engrossed with work lately that I knew she was finally getting some good sleep. But me being me, I wasn't going to let her sleep for long.

"Ishu yaar, I will kill you I swear to god if you won't let me sleep," she said irritatedly in her sleepy morning voice. I understand her need for rest but also at the same time I can't just wait to talk to her about the things that have happened lately and of course, I need the tea about her life. Hehe, call me a kid but I want to know what is happening in my best friend's life.

"Come on, sleepyhead, it's already morning! And we have the whole day to ourselves. Let's not waste it."

She groaned, turning over to face me with half-open eyes. "You're impossible, you know that, right? And also I hate you yaar for disturbing my beauty sleep," she muttered, though I could see a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"I know, but you love me anyway," I teased, pulling the blankets off her in one swift motion.

Rishika sat up, rubbing her eyes and giving me a look that could kill her. "Fine, fine, I'm up. But you owe me a big breakfast for this, that too proper south Indian style and I will spend an extra hour with Meera maa without you" she declared, crossing her arms with mock indignation.

I laughed, knowing I was caught. "Deal! But you have to spill all the tea about your life too, and no holding back."

Rishika rolled her eyes but couldn't help laughing along. "Alright, alright. But first, let's get that breakfast. I'm starving, and I need my coffee." 

After our morning banter, she went to freshen up and by the time she took a bath and fresh up I started preparing breakfast according to her wish finally within an hour and a half I was done and she came into the kitchen

"Okayy, now that you have fulfilled my demand let me help you set the dishes and you call maa," she said and started arranging everything. "Maa already had her breakfast and she has left for Masi's place as it's been a long time since they hadn't catch up so today we are only there," I said and we settled down for breakfast.