UNLIKELY PARTNERS( Smriti & Perry)

Holding On

Perry’s heart raced as she bolted toward the figure in the doorway. It couldn’t be—yet as the sunlight shifted, illuminating the familiar features, there was no doubt. Smriti stood there, a beacon of strength in the overwhelming fog of fear and uncertainty. Without a second thought, Perry closed the distance and enveloped her in a fierce embrace.

Time seemed to still as they melted into each other. Perry buried her head into Smriti's shoulder, the familiar scent of her shampoo mixed with a hint of the morning air grounding her in the moment. Tears streamed down her cheeks, releasing the pent-up fear and anxiety that had consumed her since she received that fateful call. Smriti wrapped her arms around Perry tightly, whispering soothing words, her fingers gently massaging Perry’s scalp, a simple gesture that spoke volumes of her support and love.

“I'm here, Pez. I’m here,” Smriti murmured, her voice a soft balm against the chaos swirling around them. The warmth of Smriti’s body seeped into Perry, reminding her that she was not alone, that someone cared deeply for her even amidst the despair.

As they slowly pulled apart, Perry’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. She took a shaky breath, gathering her thoughts. “It was a typical day. He was just waiting at a signal… then a truck slammed into him from behind. I can’t believe this is happening.” The words spilled out of her, tinged with disbelief. “I was so close to him. He was supposed to be at my game next week.”

Smriti's expression darkened with concern, but she held Perry’s gaze firmly. “He’s strong, Pez. He’ll pull through. You have to believe that.”

Before Perry could respond, her brother appeared in the doorway, his face a mix of worry and relief. When he spotted Perry in Smriti’s embrace, a flicker of recognition crossed his features. “Pez?” he called softly, stepping closer.

Perry straightened, her heart still heavy but grateful for the presence of family. She introduced Smriti with a hint of pride, “This is Smriti, the one I told you about.”

“Hey, nice to meet you,” her brother said, his voice steady as he extended a hand. Smriti smiled, finding it easy to connect with him. “I’ve heard a lot about you,” he added, a sense of warmth filling the air.

As the three settled into the hospital room’s somber atmosphere, her brother’s keen observations broke through Perry’s cloud of despair. “You both should go home and rest. You’ve been here all night, and Smriti, you must be exhausted after that long flight.”

Perry opened her mouth to protest, but her brother cut her off gently. “Pez, please. I’m here. You need to take care of yourself. And Smriti crossed half the world to be here for you.”

With a sigh of resignation, Perry nodded, her heart heavy yet grateful. “Okay, let’s go, Smriti.”

The drive back was shorter than she anticipated, the sun filtering through the trees, casting gentle shadows in the car. The warmth was a stark contrast to the chill of the hospital. As they pulled up to Perry’s flat, she glanced at Smriti, who wore a soft, reassuring smile.

Opening the door, the inviting space greeted them, flooded with sunlight and adorned with photographs and memories. Perry guided Smriti inside, showing her where to set her bag. As Smriti placed it down, they turned to each other, a gravity drawing them close once more.

They embraced tightly, a silent promise exchanged. In this moment, they were just two souls seeking solace from the world’s chaos. Smriti cupped Perry’s face, her thumbs brushing away the remnants of tears. “He’ll be fine, Pez. I promise you that.”

Perry felt the truth in those words, yet the fear still lingered. “What if…” she began, but Smriti pulled her closer, silencing her doubts with a kiss. It was long and deep, filled with the longing that had grown in their days apart. It spoke of everything they had missed, every heartbeat that had echoed in loneliness.

When they finally pulled away, both breathless, Perry’s eyes shone with unshed tears, but this time they were mixed with relief. “I’ve missed you so much.”

“I’ve missed you too,” Smriti replied softly, brushing a loose strand of hair behind Perry’s ear. “But I’m here now, and we’ll face this together.”

They settled onto the couch, Perry leaning against Smriti’s side, soaking in the comfort of her presence. The silence that followed was filled with an understanding deeper than words. As Perry's thoughts drifted back to the hospital, she felt Smriti’s warmth beside her, a reminder that she was not alone in this fight.

“I don’t want to be a burden,” Perry confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. “You have your own life, your own career.”

Smriti shifted, tilting Perry’s chin up to meet her gaze. “You’re never a burden, Pez. You’re my everything. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t want to be. You’re my priority.”

Perry smiled softly, gratitude washing over her. “You always know what to say to make me feel better.”

“Only because I’ve had to learn how to handle you,” Smriti teased lightly, a playful glint in her eyes. They both laughed, the sound filling the space with a lightness that had been sorely missed.

“Let’s get some rest,” Smriti suggested after a moment. “You need to recharge, and I’ll be right here.”

With a reluctant nod, Perry agreed. The exhaustion from the long night weighed heavily on her, but the warmth of Smriti beside her made it easier to relax. They shifted into a comfortable position, Smriti wrapping her arms around Perry, holding her close.

As they lay together, Perry felt a sense of safety she hadn’t experienced since the accident. Smriti’s heartbeat echoed against her back, a steady rhythm that lulled her into a peaceful slumber, comforting and steady.

Hours passed, and when Perry finally woke, she found Smriti still sleeping beside her, her features relaxed in repose. The sunlight poured through the large windows, illuminating the room and chasing away the remnants of despair that had clung to Perry.

Feeling an overwhelming sense of love, Perry shifted carefully, ensuring not to wake Smriti. She quietly made her way to the kitchen, brewing a pot of coffee while glancing back at Smriti, whose presence brought a smile to her face.

As the rich aroma filled the air, she thought about her father and the uncertainty that still loomed. But today, with Smriti by her side, she felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.

When Smriti finally stirred, the light caught her eyes, and she blinked awake, a slow smile spreading across her face as she saw Perry. “Morning, love,” she said, grabbing her by the waist from behind. Breathing in the scent of Perry's hair, she kissed her on the cheeks.

“Morning, but it's afternoon love” Perry replied, her heart swelling at the sight of Smriti she gave her sweet little kiss. “I made coffee.”

“Perfect,” Smriti said, stretching slightly before sitting up. “I could use some.”

As they sat together, sipping their coffee, Perry felt a renewed sense of hope. She knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but with Smriti beside her, she felt like they could conquer anything.

“Thank you for being here,” Perry said, her voice filled with sincerity. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”

Smriti reached out, intertwining their fingers. “You’ll never have to find out, Pez. I’m not going anywhere.”