One Chance

Chapter 2 : Cracks in The Armour

Amira walked into the campus cafeteria, her hands clutching her books tightly against her chest. It was a Friday afternoon, and she had plans to study with Arjun, but her mind was elsewhere. The loud hum of students chatting and laughing around her made her feel more alone than ever. She spotted Arjun sitting by the window, his face lit by the sunlight streaming through the glass. He waved her over with a warm smile, but her stomach flipped with nerves.

"Hey, you," he said as she sat down across from him. His voice was always gentle, his words like a balm to her frayed nerves.

"Hey," she replied, forcing a smile.

"You okay? You look a little...distracted," he asked, his eyes scanning her face.

"I'm fine, just...tired," she lied. It was easier to say that than to explain the chaos inside her head. How could she tell him about the nightmares that kept her up at night? About the fear that she would never be able to escape her father's influence, even now that he was gone?

They dove into their study session, discussing themes of loss and lovein their literature class. But as the conversation continued, Amira foundherself struggling to stay focused. Her mind kept wandering back to the past, tothe moments when her father's hand had struck her, to the feeling ofhelplessness that had consumed her as a child. She wasn't that girl anymore,but sometimes, it felt like she still was.

"Amira?" Arjun's voice broke through her thoughts.

"Huh?" She blinked, realizing she had spaced out completely.

"I asked what you thought about the ending of the poem," he said, his brow furrowed with concern.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't...I didn't catch that," she admitted, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over her.

"It's okay. You sure everything's alright?" His tone was soft, but she could sense the genuine worry behind his words. She didn't want to keep pushing him away, but she also didn't know how to let him in. How could she tell him that she was terrified of being hurt again, of trusting someone only to have them shatter her all over again?

"I'm fine, really," she said, her voice a little too tight.

Arjun didn't push further, but she could tell he wasn't convinced. Heshifted in his seat, and for a moment, they sat in silence. It was then thatAmira realized she couldn't keep running from this. If she wanted a future withArjun, or with anyone, she had to confront the demons from her past. But thequestion was, how?