HEALING MIRRORS

14

My heart shattered at whatever Eshh said to me. It felt like someone had pierced something into my heart. Did I do something wrong? What made her think like this? I never said anything bad to her. Am I this bad? That Kyra, that bitch, is filling her ears with lies about me.

For the very first time, Eshh, my Eshh, left me and held someone else's hand, not even glancing back once. Tears streamed down my face. This is not what I deserve. First Tarun, and now her. No, this can't happen.

As I sat there, lost in my thoughts, the pain of betrayal gnawed at my heart. Eshh and I had been through so much together, and yet, she seemed to believe the worst about me without even giving me a chance to explain.

The realization that she had chosen to trust someone else over me stung like a thousand needles. I felt a mix of sadness, and confusion swirling inside me. Was our friendship so fragile that it could be shattered by a few whispered lies? Or was there something more that I was missing?

Despite my hurt, a part of me refused to believe that Eshh would willingly turn against me. Perhaps there was a misunderstanding, a miscommunication that could be cleared up if we just talked.

I wiped away my tears, determined to confront Eshh and set things right. She is my best friend, my family, and I refused to let our bond be torn apart by rumors and misunderstandings.

I didn't stop them; I turned back and left the college. As I walked along the road,Engrossed in my own mind, the honking of a car startled me. Irritated, I moved to the side, even though there was plenty of space for the car to pass. But the incessant noise grated on my nerves, adding to my already turbulent emotions.

I turned and yelled, "Congratulations on the world's loudest horn! I'm sure it'll come in handy when you need to announce your arrival at the next 'Most Annoying Person' awards!" My voice dripped with sarcasm, a mix of frustration and humor in my tone.

After that, the car's window rolled down, and I saw his face. It was Tarun. My rage surged to new heights at the sight of him.

"Oh, look who's driving down Memory Lane in their fancy car. Hope the rearview mirror is clear enough to see me moving on," I retorted, my voice laced with bitterness and hurt.

"Hey Mihi, let's talk inside the car, not here on the road, please. I'm sorry, okay, but please, at least sit here," Tarun urged, his tone was imploring.

"No way, Tarun. Just go to hell," I shot back, my anger still raw.

"I can't see you walking all alone in this summer heat. It's not good. First of all, you're crying, you're not in your right mind. And one more thing, whatever you're thinking, it's not like that, I promise. You're taking me wrong, please trust me." He pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation.

More tears welled up in my eyes as the realization hit me—he had lied to me, played with my emotions. "No way, you fucking asshole," I muttered, my voice breaking as I turned and started running, eager to get away from him.

"Mihi, Mihi, my tulip, please stop, please," he begged.

In the next moment, I was lifted off the ground, cradled in his arms like a bride. My hands instinctively wrapped around his neck.

As he held me, I felt the gaze of people around us, and a blush crept onto my cheeks. "Tarun, please, put me down. Everyone is staring," I whispered, embarrassed.

"Come what may, I'll never leave you stranded," he declared, his voice resolute, echoing with unwavering determination. "I will weather any storm, conquer any challenge that comes in your way my dear Barbie."