Forgotten Fires

Chapter 3

Aarini

We reached the dining table, where Reyan and Kavya were sitting together. Kavya looked at me, speaking to Reyan in a way that made both of them burst into laughter.

I had never felt any hatred towards Kavya before, but this time, it was different. The moment I saw her laughing with Reyan, something inside me shifted. I couldn't help but feel a surge of resentment, because this time, it was about Reyan.

Reyan wasn’t even looking at me, and it made my anger boil. I felt this strong urge to just walk up to him and ask what was going on. I had so many questions, and it was like I couldn’t hold them in anymore. I just needed to know why he was acting like this.

As soon as dinner was over, everyone headed to their rooms. I waited, hoping for a moment when Reyan would be alone. When Kavya finally went to her room, I noticed Reyan walking toward the pool. Without thinking, I followed him.

As he reached the poolside, I grabbed his hand, unable to hold back any longer. He turned sharply, looking at me with a mix of confusion and frustration. "What is this, Reyan?" I asked, my voice shaking, a tear threatening to fall. "How could you do this to me?"

"Aarini, right? Aarini, we're not kids anymore. Stop being so annoying," he snapped, his words cutting deeper than I expected.

I was stunned, barely able to process what he had just said. *This* wasn't the Reyan I knew. "What are you saying, Reyan?" I whispered, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I don’t even recognize you anymore. Why are you talking to me like this?"

I refused to back down, my voice growing more desperate. "Don’t play with me, Reyan. I’m serious about this. Don’t make me feel like this."

His face twisted with anger. "What the hell is wrong with you?" he shouted, his voice loud and harsh. In the same motion, he pulled his hand away from mine. The sudden force made me lose my balance, and before I could react, I was falling into the pool with a splash.

I have aquaphobia, and as I fell into the water, panic surged through me. I couldn’t think, couldn’t breathe—everything felt so suffocating. It was as if I was sinking deeper with every passing second, and I thought for a moment that I might not make it out. My vision blurred, and I was about to close my eyes, ready to give up, when suddenly, I felt a hand on my waist.

Someone was pulling me upward, lifting me out of the water. At first, I thought it was Reyan, but as I was pulled to safety, I saw it wasn’t him. It was Ayaan-Reyan’s older brother. Reyan was looking at me with a strange curiosity, not saying anything, not even offering a hand to help me stand.

I was too weak to ask why he was just staring at me, but I couldn’t understand it. My mind was foggy, and as I tried to gather myself, my eyes fluttered closed. Everything went black after that—I didn’t know what happened next.

When I finally opened my eyes, I found myself surrounded by everyone. I was lying in a bed, and my mom looked more tense than I had ever seen her. Everyone seemed worried, except for Reyan—he was nowhere to be found. It was as if he didn’t even care.

My mom, with concern written all over her face, leaned in closer. "Aarini, how did you fall into the water? You have aquaphobia—you know you have to be careful. What happened?" Her voice wavered with worry, but there was a trace of disbelief too.

I couldn’t answer her right away. The weight of the situation, and the confusion about Reyan’s coldness, made it hard to speak. Finally, I managed a quiet apology. "Sorry, Mom. I’ll be more careful next time. It won’t happen again."

The room grew quiet after that. One by one, my uncles and aunts spoke up.

"Take it easy, beta. You’re alright now," said Vijay uncle, his voice calm, though I could see the worry in his eyes.

"Vijay uncle is right," Devi aunty added, looking at me with a gentle smile. "We just want you to be safe. Don't scare us like that."

Ajay uncle, who was usually the serious one, gave me a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "You’ve been through a lot, Aarini. Just focus on resting now."

My dad, who had been standing by the door, finally spoke. "We’re just glad you’re okay, sweetheart. Don’t let this shake you too much."

As everyone slowly left the room, Tara stayed behind. She was the only one who didn’t seem in a rush to leave. Her presence was a small comfort in the chaos that had just unfolded.

Didi, I know you're not careless. It couldn't have been you. Who did this to you? Tell me, and I won't let them get away with it!" Tara said, her voice trembling with anger, her eyes burning with fury.

"Tara, it wasn’t anyone else. It was just me—I slipped and fell by mistake. Don't worry, everything’s fine," I told her, offering a reassuring smile.

"But, Didi—" she began, but I cut her off. "I’m telling you, it was my fault. I just need some sleep. Let’s talk later, okay?" I said, my voice gentle but firm, hoping to put her worries to rest for now.

I told Tira to sleep, but I couldn’t sleep. My mind wouldn’t stop spinning—how could Reyan do this to me? I kept asking myself that over and over. It wasn’t just the betrayal; it was the way it felt like a part of me had been taken without any care.

I never thought he would hurt me like this. I thought we were different, that he was different. But here I am, feeling lost and unsure. It hurts more than I can explain, and I don’t know what to do with all this pain.

I can’t just let it go. I can’t pretend like it didn’t matter. I need him to understand how much it hurt me, but I also know I can’t keep holding onto it forever. It’s a strange feeling—wanting him to pay for what he did, but still feeling something for him deep down.

I’m not someone who believes in seeking revenge, but for my love, I could even take revenge on the one I love.

Now I’m starting to understand how love can change a person, turning them into someone they never thought they’d be. And I’m going to make sure you feel the consequences—so you can suffer and finally realize the mistake you made.

Let’s begin the game, Reyan.

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I think this series is a rollercoaster first there was two sided love then one sided and now love hate.

Is Aarini really starting to hate Reyan or is it just that she feels hurt.

And did you noticed something.