LUNA AND ERTHA

:: CHAPTER 6 ::

SNOOZED

Outcome of Dhruv's Walk with Jhanvi resulted into a new tension within him, his mood and behaviour changed. His past relationship ended in a heartbreak, leaving him uncertain and insecure about opening up to love again, making him question his feelings and approach new connections.

With a sigh,
Dhruv rode his bike back home. He walked into his apartment, and it was pitch black – he thought he had the place to himself.

As he entered, he tossed his keys on the hook and kicked off his shoes, exhausted from the day. He was looking forward to a relaxing evening workout.

But then, BAM!! The lights flickered on, and Diya, Celia, Varun, and Ash jumped out, screaming "CONGRADULATIONS!!"

Dhruv's eyes widened in shock, "What. The. Fuck? What are you congratulating me for?!"

And in unison, they shouted, "YOU GOT A CRUSH!!"

Dhruv played it cool, not wanting to dampen his friends' excitement. They cracked open beer cans and Kingfisher, but Dhruv opted out not to drink. Instead, he offered his drinks to Varun and Ash.

The gang partied till 9pm, then Dhruv retreated to his room for a workout. Varun tagged along, saying he'd just keep him company.

"You're gonna watch me workout?" Dhruv raised an eyebrow.

"Just gonna chat and hang out." Varun shrugged.

Dhruv chuckled, "Sounds weird, but whatever."

Varun asked, "Something on your mind? You're not yourself."

"Nothing, why ask?" Dhruv brushed it off, while taking his shirt off to workout.

Varun pressed on, "I've known you for 5 years, I can tell when something's up. Spill the beans!"

Dhruv started skipping the rope, after 100 skips, Dhruv said,
"Honestly, I don't think I'm ready for another relationship."

Varun nodded, "I knew that when you said you have a crush. But give yourself another chance, man. You never know."

"I'm not completely over it.... I'm still stuck on what happened in the past. I spent months blaming fate and myself. It took me a while to move on, and even then, it was because of you guys. You know me, I'm still struggling with relationships." Dhruv continued.

He paused, taking long breaths as he warmed up, his muscles flexing with each stretch.

Varun nodded understandingly, "Fine, no one's forcing you to jump into a relationship right now. Take your time, figure yourself out."

He took a sip of his beer, his eyes never leaving Dhruv's face, showing he was fully present and supportive.

Dhruv nodded, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. "Thanks, man. Just knowing you have my back makes it easier."

The two friends shared a moment of silence, the only sound being Dhruv's heavy breathing and the occasional clink of Varun's beer can.

Excellent! Varun gave Dhruv a nod of encouragement and said,
"Take your time, give yourself space. If anything comes up, feel free to talk, I'm here for you." With that, he left Dhruv to his workout and his thoughts.

Dhruv continued his routine, focusing on his physical and mental well-being, knowing he had a supportive friend like Varun in his corner.

Night passed in an instinct. Dhruv's alarm blared to life, and he greeted it with a hearty
"FUCK YOU, ALARM!!!!"

His friends, sprawled on the couch like zombies, didn't flinch.

Dhruv launched a drill, "GET YOUR ASSES UP!!! It's 9am!! WE HAVE A BLOODY OFFICE TO GO!!!"