UNSPOKEN BONDS

13. Beginning Of Healing ?

SAMARTH RAGHAVAN MEHTA

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on my friendship with Ammu. Memories of our shared laughter, unwavering support, and the bond we once had kept replaying in my mind. I realized how much I missed those moments, especially considering the distance that had grown between us in the past two years. Determined to make amends and rekindle our bond, I decided a fun day out might be the perfect start. 

Picking up my phone, I dialed her number. As the line rang, nerves bubbled in my chest. This wasn’t just a casual outing—it was about rebuilding the bridge that had started to crumble. It was about showing Ammu that despite everything, she was still my best friend. 

As the phone rang, flashes of our childhood days, late-night chats, and shared dreams filled my mind. How did things get so complicated? I glanced at the cityscape outside my window, my thoughts swirling. 

Would Ammu feel the same pull toward our old friendship, or had she moved on? I knew I had to be honest, to tell her how irreplaceable her presence was in my life. The line clicked, pulling me back into the moment. 

“Hello?” Her voice was calm yet familiar, like a soothing balm to my anxiety. 

“Ammu, hey. It’s Samarth. I was wondering if you’d like to hang out today. Just you and me, like old times?” 

There was a pause, brief but heavy. My heart raced. What if she said no? But then she spoke, and the warmth in her voice settled my nerves. 

“That sounds great, Sam. I’d love to. Shall we meet around 12 pm? I have a small assignment to finish first.” 

Her words filled me with hope. This wasn’t just about having fun; it was a chance to mend what had frayed, to show her that our friendship was still strong. 

“I’ll pick you up from Mulund station, alright?” 

“Sure thing, see you soon, Sam. Bye.” 

As I ended the call, a swirl of emotions settled over me. It felt like a step forward, a chance to fix what I had let slip away. But my mind wandered back to everything that had brought us here—Ashwin’s confession, Ammu’s distance, and Kriti’s accusations. 

Ashwin had confessed his feelings for Ammu, only to be turned down. She had told him she loved someone else. When Ashwin told me this, I remember feeling a pang of something unfamiliar—jealousy? Regret? I hadn’t been able to place it then, but now, it gnawed at me. 

And Kriti... she had accused Ammu of overstepping, but I knew better. Ammu had been cautious, even distant. In trying to manage my relationship with Kriti, I had unknowingly pushed Ammu away, failing to see how much she still meant to me. 

This outing wasn’t just about nostalgia—it was my chance to align my actions with my words, to prove to Ammu that her place in my life was irreplaceable. 

AMRITHASHREE SRINIVASAN

Sitting on my bed, books scattered around me, I tried to focus on my assignment. My phone buzzed, and seeing Samarth’s name on the screen made my heart skip a beat. A mix of excitement and apprehension fluttered in my chest. 

“Hello?” I answered, putting him on speaker. 

“Hey, Ammu. I was wondering if you’d like to go bowling and hit the game zone today. Just you and me, like old times.” 

I glanced at Niya, who gave me a knowing look, her lips curving into a sly smile. 

“That sounds great, Sam. I’d love to. Shall we meet around 12 pm? I just need to finish my assignment first.” 

“Awesome! I’ll pick you up at Mulund station, alright?” 

“Perfect. See you soon.” 

I ended the call and set my phone down. Niya raised an eyebrow, her expression smug. “Looks like someone’s got plans.” 

I sighed, rolling my eyes at her teasing. “You gave me no choice, did you?” 

Niya chuckled softly. “Sometimes a little push is all you need.” 

Her teasing faded into seriousness. “Amritha, you’ve been holding onto a lot of hurt, and I get that. But maybe this is his way of trying to fix things. Isn’t it worth giving a chance?” 

Her words settled in me like a calm breeze. “It’s just hard to trust again, Niya. You know how much it hurt when he didn’t stand up for me.” 

Niya’s gaze softened. “I know, Ammu. But trust takes time. And if Samarth is making the effort, don’t let the past hold you back. Sometimes, people mess up—not because they don’t care, but because they’re human. And if you don’t take the chance, you might miss out on something beautiful.” 

Her words struck a chord. I smiled faintly. “Thanks, Niya. I needed that.” 

“Good,” she said, standing up with a grin. “Now finish that assignment and go have fun. You deserve it.” 

Later, as I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my outfit, I felt a mix of nervousness and hope. Maybe this was the start of something new. Maybe it was the beginning of healing?