Twisted Scars (Ongoing)

1. ITHA

Itha's POV

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 an eyebrow, shivi gulped and said, “Itha, I would’ve reached early, but because of bu–"

I cut her off before she could start her drama. “You always say this. I know you very well, Shivi. you’re late because you woke up late.”

“Itha, I’m really sorry, but what could I do? I was so sleepy, and I didn’t even hear the alarm” she said.

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.

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

"Umm… probably next month. I received a mail saying college starts on September 9th, so I’m planning to go there in August. That way, I won’t have to face any problems.

I’ve rented a small apartment too, and I’ll need some time to settle in. The place is unfamiliar, so I want to spend some time getting to know it."I said.

She nodded 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, interlocking their fingers they moved towards panipuri stall.

I looked them in awe, they are dating from 1st year of our college, and it is almost 4 years of their togetherness.

Despite all their fights, they always stood together. Watching them made me happy. Genuinely happy for them.

When we reached the stall and started eating pani puri, I noticed the way they teased each other, laughter spilling easily between them. Shivi giggled at something Dhruv said, her eyes shining.

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 the past, I never dared to love anyone again.
I had small crushes now and then, but I never truly fell in love.
Maybe I was insecure.
Maybe, somewhere along the way, I learned not to trust.

I didn’t want to fall for sweet words again.

No. No. No. Not again.

My breathing grew uneven.
Tears blurred my vision as a tightness wrapped around my chest.
The world around me started to fade, edges softening into nothingness and all I could feel was the suffocating weight of everything I had tried so hard to forget.

"Itha. Itha, are you okay? look at me Itha." I heard Shivani'svoice. 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.

"Itha. Itha, are you okay? Look at me, Itha."

I heard Shivani’s voice, distant yet urgent.

I opened my eyes slowly, and when I did, I realized I was inside the car.
I turned to Shivani, she was watching me with pure concern etched across her face.

"I have to go home, Shivi. I’m leaving." I said, looking at her.

"Itha, we will drop you" shivi  said firmly.

“Don’t..don’t you dare say no. Even if you refuse, we are still taking you home. After what just happened, I’m not letting you go alone.” Her tone made it clear the discussion was over.

The entire ride passed in silence.

“We’re here, Itha” Dhruv said when the car came to a stop. I nodded and was about to step out when he spoke again.

“We’re here for you, Itha. One call, that’s all it takes. We will come.”
I smiled softly, realizing how lucky I was to have friends like them. Nodding, I said, “I know. And thank you… for being with me. Bye. Take care.”

I waved goodbye and walked into my house–a place that felt no less than hell.

That's it for today.
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