Chaotic Love

Confessions Part-II

Aru is sitting on her desk completing her homework as I enter. She stands up when she looks up at me. It must be weird for her, I realize. Me coming to her room like this. We haven't had a one-on-one conversation since the war, mostly because I wanted to give her time and space. And partly, because I couldn't go have a conversation with her pretending we were nothing but friends.

"Hi," I tell her. My voice doesn't sound like my own. Way to go Acharya.

"Hello," Aru says slowly as she closes her textbooks and turns to me.

"I wanted to talk." I say, taking a step forward.

"Straight to the point I see." Her mouth curves into a smile.

"I can go if you—"

"It's fine, Wifey. We should talk." She gestures towards the bed and we both take a seat. Her hair is tied in a braid, with a few strands falling on her face. I resist the urge to tuck them.

"How have you been doing?" It's definitely not the best conversation starter, but I need to say something before I say something stupid. Or do something stupid. Like kiss her.

"It...It's good, I guess. I have you all, and my mom and I are spending more time together. I can finally focus on school and I have...a future in mind." She finishes hesitantly, meeting my eyes.

"A future?" I ask her.

"I've been thinking about becoming a writer." Aru studies my face for a reaction. "I make up a lot of stuff. Maybe it'd be good for something."

I honestly feel so proud of her. Though I don't like how she always downplays her talents.

"Not something. You'll make the best stories, Shah."

"And I can make a bunch of Lord of the Rings and HP references in them!" She adds joyfully.

I smile. It's nice to see some things haven't changed, and I wouldn't have them any other way for the world.

"As long as you give your characters good names." I tell her solemnly.

She cracked a smile. "One of my characters is definitely getting named Wifey." She leans close to whisper "Spoiler: it'd be a boy."

"I do feel for them." I say.

Aru laughs. I realize with a pang how long it's been since we've talked like this.

"It's nice to talk like the old times. I missed this." She tells with a sad smile. Once again, I am reminded of how long I've pushed her away. I can no longer do that.

"You're right, it's nice. But that's not why I'm here, Shah." I begin.

"You mean?" She looks at me expectantly. I'm guessing she has a fair idea now. Her brown eyes fill with hope.

"I came to talk about us, Aru."

Aru dips her head a little and exhales.

"About the..." She trails off knowingly in a small voice.

"Yes. I wanted to give you time. I didn't want to shove my feelings on you amidst the chaos and aftermath of the war. But I can no longer put it off."

Aru looks at me skeptically. "Your feelings?" She asks.

"I like you, Aru." Saying those words, I feel as if a great weight has been lifted off me. I do feel vulnerable, baring my feelings to her, but I also feel happy. I wanted to tell her that I love her, but I don't want to rush her. We can get there slowly.

Aru doesn't say anything for a few moments, remaining silent. Anticipation and anxiety fill me. She looks up at me carefully.

"And what if I don't feel the same way?" She asks in a measured voice.