YOU AND ME

Amina

The morning sun cast a golden hue over the quiet streets as Raj and I jogged side by side. The rhythmic sound of our feet hitting the pavement was almost therapeutic. After the incident with Raj’s ex, I found solace in these morning runs. It was our unspoken therapy, a time when Raj could voice his feelings and emotions without judgment.

“Remember that time we tried to race each other and you tripped over your own feet?” Raj teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

I laughed, the sound echoing through the empty street. “Hey, I was just giving you a head start!”

We continued our banter, occasionally bumping into each other playfully. It was moments like these that reminded me of the strength of our friendship. We could be silly, vulnerable, and completely ourselves.

After our run, we headed back to Ayush’s house, where the aroma of spices and fresh ingredients filled the air. Cooking breakfast together had become our ritual. Raj had changed so much; he no longer reached for a bottle of alcohol but instead found joy in these simple moments.

As we entered the kitchen, Ayush walked in, feigning exasperation. “Oh my God, I can’t believe you guys left me again! I said we should be jogging together.”

I smiled at him, feeling a rush of affection. “I know, babe, but you looked so tired and exhausted.” I wrapped my arms around his neck, and Ayush responded with tender kisses around my face. I blushed, as I always did, feeling the warmth of his love.

Raj rolled his eyes dramatically. “Oh my God, guys, get a room!”

We all laughed, the sound filling the kitchen with warmth. Ayush joined us in preparing breakfast, and the three of us moved around the kitchen with practiced ease. Raj and I continued our playful banter, occasionally bickering over the best way to chop vegetables or season the food.

“Raj, you always put too much salt!” I teased, nudging him with my elbow.

“And you always undercook the eggs,” he shot back, grinning.

Ayush watched us with a smile, clearly enjoying the dynamic. “You two are like an old married couple.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “Just best friends who know each other’s quirks too well.”

When breakfast was ready, we sat down with Ayush’s grandmother. The transformation in Raj hadn’t gone unnoticed. Ayush’s parents exchanged proud glances, their eyes filled with gratitude, though his mother remained distant, her disapproval palpable.

As we ate, Ayush’s grandmother cleared her throat. “I have an announcement. We should all meet in the living room in a few hours.”

Curiosity piqued, we all nodded. After breakfast, we gathered in the living room. Ayush’s grandmother stood up, a twinkle in her eye. “Before Ayush announces anything, I have something to share. I bought two tickets to Paris for our newlywed couple!”

“Oh my God!” Priya, the youngest daughter, squealed with excitement. She rushed to hug Ayush and me. “I’m so happy for you!”

The room buzzed with excitement, but the joy was short-lived. Ayush’s mother stood up, her expression stern. “Yes, that’s part of the news I had. The other part is that I will be installing a monitoring device in Ayush and Amina’s room.”

A hush fell over the room. “A monitoring device?” Ayush’s father asked, incredulous.

“Yes,” she continued, “a device that will allow me to hear everything that happens in their room. It’s for the safety of my child.”

“That’s an invasion of their privacy!” Ayush’s father protested.

I stood up, my voice steady. “I know why you’re doing this. You don’t want me to get close to Ayush. Let’s be specific—you don’t want me to have sex with your son.”