Celestial Bond

11

Arjun🦕

"Arjun Pillai," the nurse called out firmly.

Satish gave my back a comforting pat as we stepped into the consultation room.

"Arjun, it's been a while, hasn't it?" the doctor said, glancing up from the reports with a welcoming smile.

I nodded, keeping my eyes fixed on the floor.

"Doctor, he's been struggling with anxiety as the rainy season gets closer," Satish explained, his voice steady as we took our seats.

It's a secret I've carried for years, buried deep enough that even my wife, Sita, and my family have no idea about it. Only my closest friends know what rain does to me.

"For now," the doctor began, "use grounding techniques when you feel overwhelmed. Avoid exposure to rain as much as possible-you're not ready for it yet. If you do face it, make sure a friend is with you. Noise-cancelling earbuds or music can help during storms, especially with thunder. Keep them handy at all times."

I nodded silently, the weight of his advice pressing down on me. After a series of therapeutic questions and a brief discussion about treatment, we left the clinic.

As we stepped outside, Rohith screeched his bike to a halt right in front of us, his expression a mix of annoyance and concern. "Man, you look like you've been to a mortuary, not a doctor. Why are you wearing that deathly serious bitchy face?"

"Yeah, seriously," Satish chimed in, frowning. "You're making progress, Arjun. The doctor said so. What's going on?"

"It's... nothing," I muttered weakly.

Rohith rolled his eyes, revving his bike. "Satish, hop on. This fucker is lying. Let's leave this idiot to brood in peace."

"Hey, wait!" Satish barked, spinning to face me. "I'm giving you three seconds to spill before I beat it out of you."

"It's Sita!" I blurted, my voice cracking. "I haven't told her about... about my fear. What if she finds out? What if she sees me when I'm at my worst? What if she thinks I've been lying to her? That I betrayed her trust? That I'm... weak?" My words came tumbling out, and I swallowed hard, fighting the lump in my throat. "What if... she leaves me?"

Rohith narrowed his eyes, his voice sharp. "What if?"

"What if she decides I'm not enough for her?" I whispered, the thought alone tearing me apart.

"Enough of this shit, Arjun. Satish, did the reports come back okay? I swear this idiot's brain must be malfunctioning," Rohith scoffed, shaking his head in frustration.

"You keep asking me to open up, and the moment I do, you throw nonsense in my face, you bastard," I snapped, my fists clenching.

"Arjun, calm down," Satish interjected, his voice firm but steady. "You're overthinking, man. Let's not do this here."

Rohith sighed dramatically, but he parked the bike properly, motioning us to follow him. "Fine. Let's talk somewhere quieter. Clearly, this guy needs a reality check before his thoughts eat him alive."

We moved to a shaded spot away from the noise, and I felt their eyes on me, waiting for me to continue. The weight of their concern pressed down on me, but I still hesitated.

"Arjun, we're here, man," Satish said gently. "We're not judging you. Just talk."

I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "I'm scared, okay? Not of the rain, but of Sita finding out... and leaving me. I don't know if I can handle that."

Rohith leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "You think she'll leave you because you're scared of rain? Seriously, dude?"

"It's not just the rain," I muttered, staring at the ground. "It's everything. What if she thinks I'm weak? What if she can't handle it?"