Closer Than Before | 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙙 ✅

Chapter 22: Party?

Radhika's POV:

"Radhika, stop crying, babe," Siya's voice came through the phone, steady and reassuring.

But it only made the tears fall faster as I sat on the closed toilet seat in the office washroom, clutching my phone like a lifeline. My emotions were a tangled mess, and I felt like I was drowning in them.

"He... he didn't even talk to me, Siya," I stammered through the sobs. "Not last night, not this morning. He just... looked at me and walked away like I wasn't even there. And then he made breakfast and didn’t say a word. It’s like I’m invisible to him." My voice broke, and I buried my face in my free hand, feeling utterly lost.

Siya sighed on the other end of the line, her tone softening. "Radhika, listen to me. He’s just jealous. This is what happens when someone cares about you but doesn’t know how to deal with their feelings. He’s probably confused and scared, and he doesn’t want to admit it’s affecting him."

"But why does he have to act like this?" I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand, trying to calm down. "I mean, he’s the one who’s been distant, and now he’s jealous? I don’t understand, Siya. I thought... I thought we were moving forward, but now it feels like we’re back to square one."

"Because he’s scared, Radhika. Think about it. You’re talking to Reyansh, he’s seeing you with someone else, and it’s driving him crazy. He probably doesn’t even realize how much he cares about you until he sees someone else getting close. And trust me, that jealousy is eating him up inside."

I sniffled, trying to make sense of what she was saying. "But why can’t he just talk to me? Why can’t he just tell me how he feels instead of shutting me out like this?"

"Because guys can be idiots sometimes," Siya said with a small laugh, trying to lighten the mood. "They don’t always know how to deal with their emotions. He’s probably worried that if he opens up, he might lose you or get hurt. So instead, he’s bottling it all up and acting like nothing’s wrong, which is only making things worse."

"But it’s hurting me, Siya," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "It hurts so much when he does this."

"I know, babe, I know." Siya’s voice was gentle now, filled with understanding. "But you need to give him time. He’s not going to figure this out overnight. Just keep being yourself, and show him that you’re there for him. He’ll come around. And in the meantime, stop crying, okay? You’re stronger than this, Radhika. Don’t let his mixed signals break you."

I nodded, even though she couldn’t see me, and took a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions. "You’re right. I can’t keep breaking down every time he acts like this. I just... I just wish he’d talk to me, you know?"

"He will," Siya assured me. "He just needs a little push. And if that push comes from a little jealousy, then so be it. But for now, focus on you. Don’t let his mood swings control how you feel. You’ve got this, Radhika. Just keep your head up, okay?"

"Okay," I whispered, feeling a little bit stronger, thanks to her words. "I’ll try."

"Good," Siya said firmly. "And remember, I’m always here for you, no matter what. You’re not alone in this, babe. We’ll figure it out together."

"Thank you, Siya," I said, my voice steadier now. "I don’t know what I’d do without you."

"Hey, that’s what best friends are for," she replied with a smile in her voice. "Now go wash your face, fix that gorgeous hair of yours, and show him what he’s missing out on."