Eternal secret crush

Faded Echoes

Arnav

After getting dressed amidst a storm of emotions and an aching desire from what happened a while ago, I headed downstairs and noticed Vidhi with her friends. My gaze lingered on her as she enjoyed rasgulla. When our eyes met, she quickly looked away, her friends stifling laughter.

Someone tapped on my shoulder, and I turned to see a girl in a salwar. "Excuse me," I said, trying to move past her towards Vishal, who was engrossed in his phone.

"Wait," she said, grabbing my arm. I shook her hand off.

"Do you remember me? I'm Lasya, from school. I was in Vidhi's class. I was two years junior to you," she said with a weird smile.

The name clicked. Lasya, who had made Vidhi's school life difficult. My eyes darkened as I recalled Vidhi's distress. I glanced at Vidhi, who looked calm yet had an intense hint of anger in her eyes.

Lasya moved closer, but I pushed her away. "Just stop acting so clingy and stay away from me," I said firmly. Then I looked back at Vidhi, who now had a small, satisfied smile.

Lasya's tone turned serious. "You might think you're too good for me, but I don't mind. I'm interested in you, and I'll do whatever it takes."

I raised an eyebrow. "You've got to be kidding."

"Arnav!" she yelled as I walked away toward the puja area. Vidhi was there, her face calm as she prayed.

I noticed Lasya approach her and say something. While Vidhi's friends were talking back to Lasya, I saw Vidhi's initially distressed face turn into a composed posture as she said something back, making Lasya fume with anger. I couldn't help but admire Vidhi's courage.

After the rituals, I gently pulled Vidhi to the balcony.

"Arnav, why did you bring me here? My friends will be looking for me," she said, her voice tinged with worry.

I looked at her with deep affection. "Are you okay, little one?"

"Ha-wh-what do you mean?" she stammered, but I could see she knew exactly what I meant.

"You don't have to hide anything from me, you know that, right?"

"Arnav, I just don't want to remember those days," she whispered, her eyes turning misty. I immediately hugged her, and she seemed startled. After a moment, she hugged me back tightly. I gently stroked her hair.

"What did she say to you?" I asked, my voice soft but firm.

"She's just like before, immature and bitter. But it doesn't matter. I gave her the answer she deserved. Now she knows I'm not the same naive, scared girl she used to bully."

Vidhi pulled back slightly, looking into my eyes.

"Yeah, I know. You're a lioness now. I saw Lasya fuming. It was glorious."

We both laughed softly, sharing a moment of emotion.

"Always remember, you're strong and no one can make you feel insecure. Don't give them that power."

She nodded with a warm smile.

~~~~•••••~~~~

Vidhi

My heart raced as I left Arnav's room earlier, my mind replaying every moment. I had pushed his buttons, and it thrilled me to see him so affected. But my own feelings were a mess. I wanted to stay angry with him, but his touch, his scent, his presence-it was intoxicating. I joined Esha and Kiara downstairs, my mind still buzzing with what had just happened.