Catching Her Heart

Ridhi's POV

As I stepped inside my apartment, I was met with the sight of Swathi watching TV, seated on the couch. She looked exhausted, her eyes drooping from lack of sleep. It was almost 1 a.m., and I wondered why she was still awake.

"What are you doing up so late?" I asked, startling her from her sleepy state.

She glanced at the clock hanging on the wall beside the door and, rubbing her eyes, responded in a drowsy voice, "Oh... you're back?"

"Yeah, just now," I replied, walking toward the couch and taking a seat next to her.

"I came home early from work so you wouldn’t be alone today," she explained.

"Oh..." A soft smile appeared on my lips. These small gestures of hers make me feel like I’m truly 'God’s favorite,' as she always claims.

Swathi knew today was Reshma’s birthday. She knew that on this day, I would typically spend the entire day lying in bed. Even though Reshma asked me to be happy, I’ve barely been making it through life. Happiness feels like a distant friend—one who visits rarely and never stays long.

Normally, I’d lock myself in my room, watching all the videos and looking through photos of us together, followed by a quiet crying session. But I can’t cry anymore, so I just sit there all day, numb, slipping into the dark world of depression.

When Eunwoo initially invited me to the party, I hesitated. But Swathi insisted I go, saying maybe it was 'Reshma sending reasons to be happy.' This morning, I decided to give happiness a try and confirmed my attendance with Eunwoo, but I forgot to tell Swathi.

"I’m sorry... I only decided to go after you left. I thought, why not give happiness a try?" I said, pouting and holding my earlobe, feigning guilt.

"It’s good that you went to the party... a change for the better is nice. I’m sure Reshma was happy too," she reassured me, placing a comforting hand over mine. "So how was it?" she asked, switching off the TV and turning completely to face me, as if she sensed something else had happened.

"Ah... it was like every other party... people dancing, drinking, etc." I said, rolling my eyes dramatically and sinking deeper into the couch, letting out an exaggerated huff as I rested my head against the cushion.

"Wait... how did you come home? It’s so late..." she said, her brows crinkled and biting the nail of her thumb, her voice filled with concern.

I felt heat rush to my cheeks, my face growing warmer. A nervous flutter filled my stomach as I glanced away, struggling to find the right words. Biting my lip, I tried to suppress the sly smile threatening to escape. "Oh... um... Jungkook dropped me home," I responded, my voice barely above a whisper.

"What? He was there at the party?" she gasped, her eyes wide.

"Yeah... of course..." I replied, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

"You're hiding something, Ri, and your blushy face gives it away. What exactly happened at the party?" She leaned in toward my face, pointing an accusing finger at my cheeks, her voice intense as she demanded answers.

My mind drifted back to the party—the neon lights and the pulsating music vibrating through me, the crowd moving to the beat. It was a relief to meet Eunwoo without much struggle, and Jungkook was there, thank God. I smiled, remembering the time we spent on the rooftop. A warm feeling filled me as I thought about how he stuck by my side today, from offering me a drink to our conversation. I spoke to him about Reshma, which surprised me because I don’t usually like to talk about her to just anyone.