Dear Destiny

12- Dear Ruiner

*REET*

My heart was pounding wildly in my chest. As soon as I reached it, I called out, my voice edged with desperation, "Atharv, come out! I need your help!" My plea hung in the air, and within seconds, he emerged, his face tightening with concern as he caught the urgency in my tone.

He arched an eyebrow, his gaze probing. "What happened, Reet?"

I struggled to catch my breath, my words stumbling out in fragments. "Ar-Ariv..."

His eyes darkened with fury. "What Ariv? Did he mess with you again?"

I quickly shook my head, but he wasn't listening. "My God, this boy-I'll kill him for sure."

"No, no," I blurted, trying to stop him. "He didn't do anything."

"Then what?"

"I-I can't..." I hesitated, feeling a lump in my throat.

"You can't what, Reet?"

Finally, I found the words. "I can't find him anywhere."

His expression shifted from anger to confusion. He raised an eyebrow again, dismissively. "So what? He's probably out there somewhere, causing trouble as usual."

"No, he isn't-"

"Come on, Reet," he interrupted, his tone softer but still dismissive. "You don't need to worry. He's Ariv. He's brave, he knows what he's doing. He'll come back when he's done." With that, he turned to walk back into the tent.

But I wasn't done. I reached out and grabbed his arm, my small hand barely wrapping around his solid bicep. He looked down at my hand, then back up at me.

"But he said he might leave," I whispered, holding his gaze. "That he'd lose himself in the woods. Maybe he's mad at me and that's why he's gone."

I knew how ridiculous I sounded, even to myself. Ariv was strong, capable, and he knew how to take care of himself. But still...the thought of him disappearing left me uneasy.

Atharv sighed, exasperated. "My God, what kind of mess you two are? The guy who torments girl is ready to go to war for her, and the girl who gets to experience his tortures is also dying sick in his worries" His frustration was evident, but so was his disbelief.

His words struck a chord deep within me. I couldn't understand it myself-why I was so concerned for someone who'd caused me so much of pain. But then I remembered all the times he'd stood by me when no one else did.

I met Atharv's dark, intense eyes and whispered, "Please."
He sighed again, softer this time. "Alright, come with me."

-----------------------

The woods were eerily silent, the kind of silence that seeps into your bones. The darkness was absolute, with no trace of light, just the occasional whisper of a breeze that sent chills down my spine. Atharv and I walked side by side, our steps heavy with the weight of uncertainty as we searched for Ariv.

"I'm telling you, Reet, you're worrying for nothing. He's a wise man. He's probably somewhere causing trouble. We should head back," Atharv's voice came from behind me, laced with fatigue. I had dragged him out here, after all.

I sighed, maybe he was right. Maybe I was actually worrying for nothing. I turned to face him, his dark eyes meeting mine. He stood there, a figure that seemed both dangerous and serene. In the dim light, he looked almost ethereal, like a shadow cast by the moon itself-dark and brooding, yet somehow radiating a calm that could soothe even the wildest fears.

I nodded slowly, "Yes, I guess you're right, and sorry for-"

"Shhhhh!" he cut me off, pressing a finger gently against my dry lips. The moment his skin touched mine, it felt as though a current of electricity jolted through my body, rendering me speechless. "I hate hearing apologies", he murmured, his voice low and composed.