The Cricketer

Chapter 29

Vicky's POV:

I come home, my mind racing with worry as I find the apartment empty. It's already 11 p.m. Where could Ara be at this time? I sit down, trying to calm myself, but my thoughts keep spiraling. I think about what I need to say to make things right between us.

As time passes, my anxiety grows. I call Shreya, hoping she might know where Ara is. Her response is no help—she hasn't seen Ara all day. I hang up abruptly, unable to bear her questions.

The clock ticks closer to 1 a.m., and I call Anu bhabi. Her groggy voice confirms that she hasn't seen Ara either. Frustrated and worried, I cut the call before she can ask more questions. I grab my car keys and drive around, but the streets are empty and silent.

Back home, I pace restlessly, my worry escalating. Just as I'm about to call Vee bhai for help, I hear the door open.

I look up to see Ara standing there, her face tired and apologetic. "Where have you been?" My voice is sharp, tinged with both concern and anger. "It's after 2 a.m.!"

Ara takes a deep breath, her guilt evident. "I'm sorry, Vicky. I had some things to take care of. I needed time to think."

I stand up, frustration clear in my posture. "You think you can just disappear for hours and come back as if nothing happened? We need to talk, Ara. I've been worried sick!"

She winces at my harsh tone but meets my gaze. "I know. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you worry. I just... I had to sort things out in my own head."

My frustration softens slightly, but I'm still upset. "You could have at least let me know where you were. I was starting to think something happened to you."

"I didn't think it would be such a big deal," she responds defensively. "I needed space to think about everything that's been going on. It's been a lot, and I was trying to figure things out."

I take a step closer, my eyes narrowing. "And did you figure things out? Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you've been avoiding the issue."

Ara's frustration boils over. "Avoiding!? I did try to talk to you! You shut the door on my face! You shut me out! Don't you dare say it was me who's been avoiding when you've been nothing but a coward to face me!"

Her words hit hard, and I see the hurt in her eyes. My own frustration melts into regret. I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of the argument. "I'm sorry," I say quietly, my voice barely audible. I don't have anything else to say. I turn and walk towards the door, leaving Ara behind.

After hours of talking with KL Anna and Harry bhai, the knot in my chest begins to loosen. They listen patiently as I open up about my feelings for Ara. Despite everything that's happened, it becomes clearer to me just how deeply I care for her.

KL Anna, noticing my frustration, says, "You know, Vicky, sometimes our deepest feelings come to light during the toughest times. It sounds like you really care about Ara."

Harry bhai nods in agreement. "It's natural to feel overwhelmed by the problems in your relationship, especially when you care so much. But it's important to remember that love often means dealing with these difficult moments together."

I sigh, rubbing my temples. "I just want to fix things. I hate seeing her unhappy, and I can't bear the thought of losing her."

KL Anna offers a reassuring smile. "It's clear you love her. The pain and confusion you're feeling are signs of that love. If you didn't care, you wouldn't be so affected by this."

Harry bhai adds, "Exactly. Your love for her is what makes all these issues feel so magnified. It's about finding a way to show her that you're there for her, despite everything."

I nod, absorbing their words. The realization that my feelings for Ara are driving my frustration and confusion hits me hard. I need to find a way to communicate this to her, to show her how much she means to me.

Just as I begin to relax, the doorbell rings, breaking the quiet atmosphere. KL Anna goes to answer it, and I hear the familiar voice of Anu bhabi. She walks in with a concerned look on her face, her eyes finding me immediately.

"Vicky, I thought you might be here," she says softly, her gaze lingering on my tired and distressed appearance.

I nod, feeling a mix of gratitude and curiosity. "Yes, I needed to talk. I've been struggling with things with Ara."

Anu bhabi sits down beside me, her expression serious but kind. "I need to tell you something about Ara that might help you understand her better."

I listen intently as she begins to speak. "Ara is actually my adopted sister. She was my mother's sister's daughter. Her parents passed away in an accident ten years ago. Yesterday was the tenth anniversary of their death."

I'm taken aback by this revelation, my mind racing to piece together the new information. "I had no idea. That's... a lot to handle."

Anu bhabi nods, her eyes filled with empathy. "Every year on their anniversary, Ara visits their grave. But that's not all. She also goes to see the driver who was involved in the accident. He was critically injured and is now bedridden. Ara spends time with his family every year, taking care of them and covering all their expenses."

The depth of Ara's compassion and responsibility hits me hard. "She does all that?"

"Yes," Anu bhabi confirms. "She's been supporting them financially and emotionally since the accident. It's something she does out of love and responsibility, even though it's been incredibly hard on her."

I sit back, absorbing the gravity of Ara's commitments and the immense strength she's shown. The anger and frustration I felt earlier seem trivial compared to the burdens she carries.

"I didn't realize how much she's been dealing with," I admit, my voice heavy with regret. "I understand now why she might push people away or struggle with her emotions."

Anu bhabi places a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Ara's heart is big, and she does everything she can for those she loves. But she also needs to know she's loved and supported in return."

I nod, feeling a renewed sense of clarity. "Thank you for telling me this. I need to make things right with her. I can see now how much she's been through, and I want to be there for her."

Anu bhabi smiles gently. "That's the first step. Just remember, love is about understanding and support, especially during the hardest times."

I take a deep breath, feeling more resolved than before. "I'll make sure to show her that I understand and that I'm here for her."

As Anu bhabi leaves, I feel a renewed sense of purpose. I know what I need to do now, and I'm determined to face it head-on. I'll make things right with Ara and show her that I'm committed to supporting her through everything.
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