Aarohi And Dev

CHAPTER 42

Content Warning: This chapter includes a depiction of self-harm. Please note that the narrative does not endorse or condone such actions. If you or someone you know is struggling, seek support from a mental health professional. There are always healthier ways to cope.

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Aarohi POV

From the moment I stepped onto the university campus, I felt the weight of every gaze upon me. It was clear the events of yesterday had quickly spread, though I doubted the accuracy of the circulating stories judging by the curious and speculative looks I was receiving.

As we exited the university, the anxiety that had initially seized me returned with full force. When Dev texted to say he was about to meet my father, my nerves were on edge. The thought of my father potentially disapproving or saying something to upset Dev weighed heavily on me. I couldn't shake the fear that my father might create a situation that would pressure Dev to leave me. However, after hearing Dev's response, I felt a wave of relief wash over me.

"Feeling better now?" Tara inquired, her eyes narrowed with mock seriousness. I recalled how I had been a bundle of nerves, bombarding her with my incessant overthinking, yet she had remained steadfast, answering each of my concerns with reassuring calm. I nodded, a smile spreading across my face, clearly reflecting my newfound happiness.

"I told you, everything would be fine," she said, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "By the way, remember how you showed off those wild driving skills when we were rescuing Devika? You should seriously consider honing them further," she added, clearly trying to steer the conversation to lighter topics and ease my worries.

"Yeah, yeah, I’ve been thinking about it," I replied, eager to join in her lighthearted banter and not burden her with my concerns any longer.

“Are you okay?” Rajveer inquired as we prepared to head home. His concern was a rare gesture, considering he seldom initiated conversations.

“Yes,” I responded warmly, appreciating his unexpected care.

“Dev is powerful, he'll handle everything,” Rajveer stated his unique way of offering reassurance. No clichéd "Don't worry" or "Everything will be okay," just his straightforward style. I chuckled softly and nodded. “Yeah, thank you.”

“Where’s Mayank today?” I asked, looking at Rajveer and Tara. Their blank expressions indicated they had no idea.

As the evening stretched ahead of us, I suggested, “How about we surprise Mayank at his place?” Rajveer's eyes lit up with excitement, while Tara said, “You two go ahead. I'll join you a little later.”

Nodding in agreement, Rajveer and I set off, eager to catch Mayank off guard with an impromptu visit.

After a 30-minute drive, we arrived at Mayank’s house. When we rang the bell, an unfamiliar face greeted us. Rajveer and I exchanged glances, both unsure of how to proceed. If I was a social mess, Rajveer was a full-blown catastrophe, and without our chat saviour Tara, we were lost at sea.

“Is Mayank here?” I asked, summoning the courage since Rajveer wasn’t going to initiate.

“He’s not here. He left for his hometown yesterday,” the stranger informed us. The words hit us hard. What did this mean? Why would Mayank leave so suddenly without informing us? Did something happen? The confusion was evident on both our faces.

“Do you know why?” I pressed, hoping for an explanation.

“I’m not sure,” the stranger replied, leaving us more puzzled. After thanking him, we made our way back to the car, thoughts swirling in our minds.