I was deeply depressed that night, my mind completely shut off. I kept replaying his words in my head: "Relationship for the past 2 years." My thoughts relentlessly cycled through questions like, "He was in a relationship, so why did he kiss me? Was it his fault? Was I just entertainment for him? Or did I misinterpret his feelings?" I lay in bed, unable to stop the internal debate.
After a brief pause, my mind continued, "It must have been the situation in the class that led to this. What could he possibly say to justify it? I don’t want any justification; I can’t discuss this again. Do I really need to understand the justification?"
Just then, Niru came into the room and asked, "What’s wrong? Are you okay? I got a message from Faizal asking if you’re alright."
“Oh!” I sighed in relief, thinking, “He remembers me.”
Niru asked, “Is there anything I can help with?”
I simply said, “No, I’m okay.”
She added, “Get some good sleep. We have model exams starting the day after tomorrow, and a lot of studying to do for exams.”
I didn’t respond, just smiled as I pulled the blanket up over me.
The next day, I tried to study a bit, but I was so distracted and unable to focus on my work. My mind kept wandering, making it hard to concentrate.
The first model exam day arrived.
Everyone was in search of getting everything mug up before the exam began and here in the opposite my eyes was in search of Faizal for the answer his eyes promised me two days ago.
Niru pointed to the opposite side with a cheerful tone, “Fidha, look over there—Nidhin and Faizal!”
I turned to where Niru was pointing, and my eyes immediately locked with Faizal’s. He approached me and said, “Fidha, I’d like to talk to you privately for 5 minutes. Can we do that after the exam?”
I agreed.
After the exam, Faizal approached us and asked, “Niru, can I take your friend for a walk?”
Niru quickly replied, “Sure,” as if she had been anticipating the question.
We went for a walk, and I said, “If you were waiting for a better moment to discuss what happened, the time has come. I’m ready to listen.”
Faizal spoke with a somber tone, "Fidha, please don’t interrupt while I’m speaking." I sighed.
He continued, "I know I made a huge mistake. I haven’t done anything like this before. It’s true that I’ve been in a relationship for the past two years, and I love her. We have many problems between us. That day, the weather was nice, and you looked attractive. When you were close to me, I couldn’t control myself and ended up kissing you. I’m sorry. It was the situation and the atmosphere that led to it. I don’t know how to explain this to you. Please try to understand, Fidha. I feel very guilty. I am truly sorry for what happened."
My eyes were filled with tears as I said, "I understand the situation, and I'm sorry for what happened. I am also part of the reason for that day."
Before he could respond, I walked away. I knew if I stayed for even another five minutes, I would end up crying.
Returning to reality, I found myself sitting on the couch with him after the literal second kiss of my life, and he was staring at me. Just as I was about to ask him something, the door opened, and Nidhin shouted, "Niru just said yes!"
Both of us were taken aback and exclaimed in unison, "What??"
Nidhin, catching his breath, said, "Niru just accepted my proposal."
YOU ARE READING
In his vicinity
RomanceFour friends, two love stories, and their lives intertwined with drama.
