Twisted Scars

1. ITHA

ITHA

Some are busy clicking pictures, some people are making videos, some people are crying, some people are sighing in relief thinking finally the college ended, some are planning to meet once in a while ... some are crying hugging each other telling how they are going to miss the fun they had, the fights, buttering the teacher for internals, talking while lecture is going on, the punishment etc. So, yeah it was our farewell day just when I was about to go to my favorite place in the college that is canteen someone hugged me from behind. It didn't take me a minute to know who that was. She was my best friend, Shivani. She is such a cute, kind, bubbly girl. She has this power of lightening the mood when someone is sad, she is the one who listen to my all nonsense talk and my delusional thoughts. She is the one who helped me when I was suffering from MY NIGHTMARE.

"Hey, finally you decided to show up" I asked her knowing very well what she is going to say. The same old line "I got late because of bus".

As I raised my eyebrow she gulped and said "Itha, I would've reached early but because of bu-". I cut her in between and said, "You always say this I know very well Shivi you are late because you woke up late".

"Itha, I am really sorry but what can I do I was so sleepy, and I didn't even listen the alarm sound". She spoke.

As I was about to give her a lecture of making me wait there was an announcement for us to gather in the auditorium. She grinned sheepishly thinking she escaped from my wrath. As we gathered in the auditorium there was a big speech which literally made me sleepy if not Shivani beside me, I swear I would've slept.

"Ihta, when are you going to Chicago for doing your masters?" Shivi asked me out of nowhere.

"Umm probably next month. I received a mail. The college starts from September 9th. So, I am planning to go there august that is next month. so that I don't have to face any problem and even I have rented a small apartment I need time to settle and all even the place is unfamiliar so I can spend my time knowing the place. "I said to which she nodded her head in understanding.

"Itha, I know I don't have to say this, but you know right I will be with you no matter what. just call me if you are feeling low or if you get that nightma-." I cut her in between and said seeing her concern filled face "Don't worry I will take care of myself, and I have you. I will let you know if I have any problem now let's go from here, I am so hungry let's eat our fav that is..."

"Pani Puri..." she screamed just then her boyfriend Dhruv approached her.

"So, ladies where are you planning to go and why she is screaming?" he asked looking me and Shivi and then at me.

"Nowhere. And about screaming she is just excited to eat panipuri that's it." I told him to which he shook his head, and he held her hand and interlocked their fingers and started to go near panipuri stall.

I saw them in awe they are dating from 1st year of our college, and it is almost 4 years despite all the fight they stood together. when I see them, I feel happy. Happy for them. And when we reached the stall and started eating panipuri I notice them teasing each other and laughing. I can't help but feel sad that I don't have anyone like that to make me happy. Will I ever find love? even though I find it will I love him without any doubt after what happened to me in past, I didn't dare to love anybody though I had crush here and then I never fell in love maybe I was insecure. May be somewhere I have trust issues. I don't want to fall for sweet talks again. No. no. no. not again. I can't breathe. My eyes are filled with tears. I felt suffocation in my chest. Everything around me started getting blur.

"Itha. Itha, are you okay? look at me Itha." I heard Shivani voice. I opened my eyes slowly and once I did; I saw I was inside the car. I looked at Shivani who is looking at me with concern.

"Did I faint? Again?" I couldn't help but ask her this question knowing very well I did. She just nodded.

"I have to go my house Shivi I am leaving please don't stop me." I said looking at her

"Itha, we will drop you. Don't. don't you dare say no. even if you deny us, we are going to drop you after what happened just a few minutes back I am not letting you go alone." She said with end of the discussion tone. The whole ride was silent and as we reached my home.

"We are here, Ita." Dhruv said to which I nodded my head and was about to get down when Dhruv spoke "we are here with you Ita. Just one call and we will come to you." I smiled thinking how lucky to have them as my friend and nodding my head I said "I know and thank you for being with me. Bye take care." I bid them goodbye and went inside my house which is not less than any hell.