Far Yet Forever

Chapter 18

"In moments of confusion, we seek comfort in the familiar, even if it's no longer what we truly want."

After what felt like hours of wrestling with her emotions, Aarisha took a deep breath and reached for her phone again. She scrolled through her contacts until she found Arjun's name. It felt strange to think of him now, but she needed to talk to someone. Despite their past, he had always been there for her.

With a nervous flutter in her stomach, she tapped his number and pressed the phone to her ear. It rang a couple of times before he picked up.

"Hey, Aarisha! What's up?" Arjun's voice was warm and familiar, instantly calming her.

"Hi," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "I... I was wondering if we could meet up. Can we talk?"

"Sure! Is everything okay?" he asked, concern lacing his words.

"Not really, but I think I just need to get some things off my chest," she admitted, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety.

"Of course. How about we meet at that café near your dorm? I can be there in twenty minutes," he suggested.

"Yeah, that sounds good. I'll see you there."

As she hung up the phone, Aarisha felt a wave of mixed emotions wash over her. She was nervous but also hopeful. Talking to Arjun felt like a safe space, a chance to unload her thoughts without judgment.

Aarisha quickly got ready, brushing her hair and changing into a comfortable outfit. As she made her way to the café, her mind raced with all the things she wanted to say.

When she arrived, Arjun was already sitting at a table by the window, his face lighting up when he saw her. He stood up and gave her a warm smile that made her feel a little better.

"Hey! It's good to see you," he said as she sat down.

"Thanks for meeting me," she replied, fidgeting with her hands. "I've just been feeling really overwhelmed lately."

"Tell me what's going on," Arjun encouraged, his expression earnest.

Aarisha took a deep breath, diving into the mess of emotions she had been carrying. She talked about Aarin's message, her confusion, and the anger that had bubbled up unexpectedly.

"I just don't understand why I reacted that way," she confessed, frustration creeping into her voice. "I didn't want him to walk away, but at the same time, I felt like I was losing control."

Arjun listened patiently, nodding as she spoke. "It's okay to feel confused, Aarisha. Relationships are complicated, especially when you're not sure what you want. You're allowed to have those feelings."

As she continued to open up, Aarisha felt the weight of her burdens start to lift. Talking to Arjun was like shedding layers of heaviness, and his understanding made her feel validated, even if it was complicated because of their past.

"Maybe you should talk to Aarin about how you're feeling," he suggested gently. "It's okay to be vulnerable with him. You don't have to carry all of this alone."

Aarisha nodded, realizing that he was right. Maybe she could find a way to express herself without fear. "Thanks, Arjun. I really needed to talk to someone who gets it," she said, a small smile breaking through her uncertainty.

They spent the next hour chatting about everything and anything, the laughter and lightness making her feel more like herself again. Despite the awkwardness of their history, she found comfort in Arjun's presence.

The night air was cool as Aarisha and Arjun left the café, walking side by side. The streetlights cast a warm glow on the path, but it was the moon that captured her attention, shining bright and beautiful. It felt magical, a sharp contrast to the confusion swirling in her heart.

As they strolled down the quiet streets, the silence between them felt comfortable. Aarisha glanced at Arjun, feeling a mix of nostalgia and warmth. They chatted about small things—their classes, mutual friends, and funny moments since they last met. Talking to him felt good, and she started to relax.

When they reached a small park, Arjun stopped and turned to her, the moonlight highlighting his face. "I've missed this," he said softly, his eyes searching hers. "It's nice just being with you again."

Aarisha's heart fluttered. "Yeah, I missed it too," she replied, feeling a warmth spread inside her.

Then, in a moment that felt both sudden and natural, Aarisha found herself stepping closer. "I'm glad we met tonight," she said, feeling vulnerable yet safe with him.

Arjun reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers brushing against her cheek. "I'm always here for you," he said gently, his voice low.

Before she knew it, he leaned in, and their lips met. Aarisha was caught off guard. It was unexpected, but the kiss was soft and warm, stirring something deep inside her. It felt good, and for a brief moment, everything else faded away.

But then reality hit her like a wave. She pulled back, her heart racing and her mind spinning. Hours earlier, Aarin had confessed his feelings for her through a text. Why did she just kiss Arjun?

Aarisha felt a rush of regret. "I... I didn't mean to—" she stammered, confusion flooding her.

Arjun, however, didn't seem to regret the kiss at all. "I'm sorry if I crossed a line," he said, his expression serious. "But I still care about you, Aarisha."

Her heart sank. "I care about you too, but this is complicated," she replied, trying to catch her breath.

"Yeah, it is," he said, running a hand through his hair. "I didn't want to make things harder for you. I just missed being close."

Aarisha nodded, feeling tears prick at her eyes. They stood under the moonlight, two people connected yet so far apart. She wanted to feel happy about the kiss, but the memory of Aarin's confession lingered in her mind, making it hard to enjoy the moment.

As they walked toward her dorm, Aarisha felt a heavy weight in her chest. The silence stretched between them, and she could sense that everything had changed.

When they reached her dorm entrance, Aarisha paused and turned to Arjun. "Thank you for tonight. I really needed to talk," she said, trying to find the right words.

He looked at her with a mix of sadness and understanding. "I'll always be here for you, no matter what," he replied sincerely.

With a small smile, Aarisha said goodbye, feeling a mix of emotions. The kiss had stirred feelings inside her that she didn't know how to handle. As she walked inside, she felt a sense of loss, but also a flicker of hope. The night was beautiful, and the moon still shone brightly, but she couldn't shake the feeling that things would never be the same again.