Burned By Love

chapter 2

Kabir

"You walk past me, lost in your own world,
While my heart beats for you, endlessly unfurled."

Kabir leaned against the cool metal railing of the balcony, the evening sky painted in hues of orange and purple, but his heart felt heavy.

**Thud-thud, thud-thud.**

Each beat echoed the turmoil inside him, a constant reminder of the love he had kept buried. He inhaled sharply, the crisp air failing to clear his mind.

"Hey, Kabir! You still out there?" Danish's voice sliced through his thoughts, filled with a casual cheer that grated on Kabir's nerves.
"Yeah," Kabir replied, forcing a smile as his best friend stepped outside, his demeanor radiating a confidence that Kabir envied. "Just taking a break."

Danish crossed his arms, leaning beside him, oblivious to the storm brewing in Kabir's chest. "I just talked to Arohi. She's all set for tomorrow night. Can you believe it's been five years?"

"Five years," Kabir repeated, his voice barely above a whisper. Arohi's laughter flashed in his mind, the way her eyes sparkled when she talked about their future.

**Thump.** It was a painful reminder of what he could never have.

"Yeah! And she's finally ready to spend the night with me." Danish's voice was filled with triumph, but Kabir could hear the underlying arrogance. "I mean, I told her after my promotion, things would change. She's trusting me, you know?"

Kabir swallowed hard. "Are you sure about this?"

Danish scoffed, dismissing Kabir's concern with a wave of his hand. "Of course! She's naive, but that's what makes it easier. I'll take care of her."

"Take care?" Kabir's heart raced, anger bubbling up. "You think it's just about you taking care of her? She deserves respect, not just a night of your so-called love."

"Chill out, man. You sound jealous." Danish laughed, but it felt hollow. Kabir clenched his fists, the weight of his feelings almost suffocating him.

"I'm just saying, don't make her regret it."
"Regret? Come on, Kabir! You know Arohi and I are meant to be." Danish's tone shifted, a hint of irritation creeping in. "You're overthinking this. You're like a broken record."

Kabir turned away, the sunset casting long shadows over his face. "Maybe I'm just looking out for her."

"Yeah, right. You're only looking out for what you want," Danish shot back, his voice rising. "This is about us, not you."

"What about friendship, Danish?" Kabir's voice cracked, desperation creeping in. "You're my best friend, but you're not good for her. You know that."

Danish stepped closer, his expression darkening. "Are you really going to lecture me on what's good for Arohi? You've never even told her how you feel. You sit on the sidelines while I'm with her!"

The truth hit Kabir like a punch.

**Bam!** He'd kept his feelings hidden, buried beneath layers of friendship and loyalty. But now, hearing the words twisted in Danish's mouth made it all the more painful.
"I can't just come out and say it," Kabir admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "She's your girlfriend."
Danish shrugged, his nonchalance infuriating. "You think she'd choose me if she knew you were in the picture? You think she'd even look at you twice?"

Kabir felt the sting of Danish's words. "You don't know her like I do. She's special, Danish. She deserves more than your games."

"Games? You're the one playing a game by hiding how you feel!" Danish shot back, anger sparking in his eyes. "Just admit it, Kabir. You want her for yourself!"

"Maybe I do," Kabir replied, the admission tasting bitter on his tongue. "But I'm not going to take her away from you. I can't do that to her."

Danish let out a harsh laugh. "Then stop whining about it. You're just making this harder for yourself."

Kabir turned back to the view, the skyline now darkening, mirroring his mood. The air felt heavy around them, filled with unspoken words and the weight of their friendship. "I just want her to be happy."

"She is happy with me. Just trust me to make her happy," Danish said, but there was a flicker of doubt in his voice that Kabir couldn't ignore.

"Is she?" Kabir asked, his voice low. "Or are you just too caught up in your own desires to see the truth?"

Danish fell silent, but the tension between them spoke volumes. Kabir felt the pull of his emotions, the struggle of loyalty versus love.
"I won't say anything to her," Kabir finally said, breaking the silence. "But if you hurt her, I won't stand by and watch."

Danish nodded, though his eyes were filled with uncertainty. "You're too intense, Kabir. Just back off."
"Yeah, maybe I should." Kabir turned to leave, his heart aching.

As he stepped inside, he could still hear Danish's voice trailing behind him. "You'll regret it one day, Kabir. You'll see."

The door clicked shut behind him, and Kabir pressed his back against it, breathing heavily.
**Thud-thud.**

Each heartbeat felt like a reminder of the silent war raging within him, caught between friendship and the undeniable love he had for Arohi.

Tomorrow night would change everything, and he could only hope she would be safe in Danish's hands. But deep down, a storm was brewing, and Kabir knew he couldn't ignore it forever.

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