Love Rivals: The Day I Saw Your Tears

36. The Weight Of Words Unsaid

After we took a group selfie, Nitya grabbed my arm, pulling me along. "Come on, let's take a few more pictures together," she said, leading me away from the group. As we posed for more photos, I could see the others huddled up, laughing and clicking pictures with each other.

But I noticed Sarah quietly slipping away from the crowd. She moved with a certain calmness, her figure retreating into the background as if she didn't want to be part of the excitement.

The Navratri dandiya dance began, the music filled the air, and everyone seemed to come alive with excitement. Some of my friends, already full of energy, rushed to join the dance floor. My eyes instinctively searched for Sarah, but to my surprise, she hadn't joined in. Maybe she wasn't in the mood, or perhaps she had slipped away again.

Suddenly, I felt someone tugging at my arm-Rima, of course, with her usual enthusiasm, and Vicky right behind her. "Come on, Ryan! Don't just stand there, join us!" Rima grinned, dragging me into the circle of dancers. The rhythm of the dandiya sticks clacking together surrounded me as we danced in sync, moving in circles with the music's fast pace.

But after a couple of rounds, my attention wavered. I glanced around and spotted Vicky standing off to the side, talking to Sarah. They were laughing, their heads close as they looked at something on his phone-probably taking pictures together. A wave of irritation washed over me, seeing them so at ease with each other.
The burning sensation inside me grew as I watched them. My focus faltered, and before I could correct myself, I lost the rhythm of the dance. The next thing I knew, I felt a sharp sting as someone's dandiya stick collided with my hand.

Confused and overwhelmed by my own emotions, I found myself wandering to the quieter side of the pandal, away from the lively crowd. The music and chatter seemed distant now as I sought refuge in the relative calm of the back area.

Leaning against a wall, I took deep, steadying breaths, trying to clear my mind. The cool evening breeze soothed my agitated thoughts. I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to make sense of the swirling feelings inside me.

Suddenly, I felt a gentle prod on my shoulder. I turned around, puzzled, and saw Sarah standing there with a bandaid and some cotton in her hand.

"What's this for?" I asked, still trying to understand the situation.

She glanced at my hand and said, "You're bleeding. Your hand."

I looked down and noticed a small cut on my index finger. "I didn't even realize I was hurt. Thanks."

Sarah nodded, but as she started to turn away, I called out, "Sarah..."

She paused and looked back, raising an eyebrow. "We're still rivals, you know. So, I'm not doing this to help you."

I took a deep breath, "We're not kids anymore. Can't you spare just a minute?"

After a brief hesitation, she walked over and stood beside me. I fumbled with the bandaid, struggling to get it right. She took it from me with a soft smile and said, "Let me help." With careful hands, she applied the bandaid to my finger, her touch surprisingly gentle.

I spoke with a tone full of regret, “I’m genuinely sorry for what happened that day. My dad shouldn’t have said those things.”

She cut me off gently, “I know.”

I looked at her, puzzled, and asked, “What do you know?”

She responded calmly, “It’s not your fault.”

I continued, “Then why do you act like I’m a stranger?”

She gave me a confused look.

I explained, “When we first met after all these years, I expected you to be annoyed or distant. But you treated me like nothing had happened, which confused me. I thought you’d hold a grudge when I apologized, but instead, you spoke to me as if nothing was wrong. The more I tried to figure out how you felt, the more tangled I became.”

She said, “Do you know what’s changed between us from then to now? Back then, you were the one who lied, while I couldn’t. But now, we both have the ability to deceive, though your eyes betray you.”

I studied her, feeling more at ease than before. She met my gaze and continued, “I know your parents. And over time, I’ve come to realize that none of this was really your fault.”

Her words left me momentarily stunned. Seeing my disbelief, she offered, “Do you want me to be honest?”

I nodded, saying, “Yes, like you are with your friends.”