Dear Destiny

10- Dear Partner

*REET*

As I stood in the shower, the warm water cascading over me, I let my mind wander to all the things I hoped would come true. Tomorrow was the big trip, the start of something new-or at least, that's what I kept telling myself. I couldn't shake the idea that this trip might finally give me the courage to confess my feelings to Atharv. It was getting impossible to keep it all bottled up. I was head over heels in love with him, and I needed to tell him just how much he meant to me. I could almost picture it now-his response filled with the same passion and excitement I felt.

I made a solemn vow to myself, right there under the showerhead: Tomorrow, I would finally confess. No more giggling and whispering to my imaginary Atharv-I was going to do it for real.

Feeling giddy and lost in my daydreams, I turned off the shower, patted myself dry, and wrapped a towel around me. Still grinning like a fool, I unlocked the bathroom door, only to have my grin instantly replaced by sheer terror.

There, standing in the middle of my room, was a large figure in a black leather jacket, it's back facing me. My heart jumped into my throat, and before I could stop myself, I let out a blood-curdling scream.

"Ahhhhhhh!" I shrieked, and in my panic, my wet feet betrayed me. I slipped and fell flat on my chest, wincing as the pain shot through me. The figure turned around, but luckily, the bed between us kept him from seeing my embarrassing tumble.

I scrambled to tighten the towel around me and sat up, leaning against the bed, my whole body trembling with fear. Who was this guy? How did he get into my room? My mind raced with possibilities-should I scream for my mom? Or make a dash for the door?

Just as I was about to lose it completely, the figure spoke. "Reet?"

That voice-it was unmistakable. My eyes widened as recognition dawned. "Ariv?" I hissed through gritted teeth, still too terrified to stand up. But then I remembered my current state of undress and thought better of it.

"Reet, is that you?" he called again, and I couldn't help the sarcasm that dripped from my voice.

"Well, its not like it could be anyone else! This is my house! What are you doing here? How did you even get in?" I demanded, still half-hiding behind the bed.

"Apparently, you forgot to lock your balcony door", he said nonchalantly. "So, I just used it to demonstrate how easily a midnight intruder could sneak into your room."

I stared at the floor, dumbfounded, before realizing he was right-my balcony door was unlocked. But then I remembered the real problem: my bedroom door was also unlocked! If my mom walked in and saw me in a towel and some strange guy standing in my room at this hour, I'd be done for.

"Okay, fine, lesson learned. Now, get out-I need to change!" I snapped, trying to maintain some dignity.

"So change. It's not like I'm interested in staring at your malfunctioning body", he replied, making my blood boil.

"I'm serious! Get out of my room!" I insisted, my voice rising in frustration.

"And what if I don't?" he challenged, his tone dripping with that infuriating confidence.

"I'll ruin you!" I shot back, my mind racing for something more threatening to say.

"And you know I can ruin you better", he said, his voice suddenly lower and more dominant, sending an all-too-familiar shiver down my spine. I gulped hard as now I could feel the fear just by his voice.

"Say please, and I'll leave", he added, clearly enjoying my terror.

I swallowed hard, knowing I had no other choice. "Ariv?" I began, my voice trembling with a mix of fear and anger. "Could you please leave me alone for a moment?"