Rapture

Chapter 14

"Ming, please tell me what is wrong?" I pleaded, but he just looked away.

It had been a month since I was discharged and I am slowly picking up all the pieces but the most important one seems to be drifting away from me further and further, little by little.

I could not stand it any longer, I had to know what it is.

"Nothing ... I am just held up with too many assignments and this project seems to be killing me, I am tired" he said trying to be cheerful but his eyes said otherwise

"Are you sure?" I asked him for confirmation again. "Yes" he smiled looking at me from his desk, he has been pretending to read a book for an hour now, but I know he has not turned even a single page.

Is he regretting moving in with me or is he regretting me all together – I just couldn't understand.

"Okay" I said and left it at that – afraid of what the answer might be.

"I need to concentrate and finish this chapter – why don't you sleep" he said walking towards me and gave a quick kiss on my forehead.

I just kept looking at him, it has never been more than a small kiss, he doesn't take my hand every time like he used to and worst of all - his smirk, his beautiful goofy smile, the smile that reached his eyes every time he looked at me is no longer there.

Has he finally snapped, understood the reality and regretting his decision?

I have been fighting hard – trying to sort things out – my pa's trial came on, I had to attend the trial – relive every single moments of horror that had been my life to ensure that he stays locked up for next few years at least.

I could go through all that for Ming, I stayed strong for him and now I didn't know what to do.

"Good night" I told him and pretended to sleep. May be he is really busy and I am over-thinking as always, I consoled myself.

When I woke up the next day – Ming had left a note "Got to go early for class – see you tonight", I sighed and got ready for my class. I was going to drive Beam as well, and Pha will join us dropping Yo.

"Hi Kitty" Beam shouted – I couldn't help but smile.

The only constant in my life has been my friends, when everyone in the campus heard about what had happened, they either avoided me or treated me like I am someone fragile. I didn't want to admit – even MING. I stopped myself from thinking about it.

"Hi Beam" I told him, and then I saw Forth coming behind him "I thought you were coming with me" I said "Hey, Forth" I wished him too.

"Yes , I am" beam replied "He is just sending me off, before going to his class". He then looked around "Where's Ming – I don't see him in the morning now a days"

"He had to go early today" I said.

"Why – I thought they are free..." and he stopped midway looking at me and Beam, he quickly changed his tone "Engineering is crazy!!!" was all he said before quickly bidding us good bye.

We were on our way to my car "Is something wrong" Beam asked me

"No" I told him "but it is not right either"

"What do you mean" asked a surprised Beam.

"I don't know, I am not able to pin point it " I sighed "It's ming" something is very different.

"WHAT??!!!" he shouted in shock, and then calmed down "No way – he loves you" he said "Are you sure – what is it"

"Nothing major" I told him "It is just that I feel like he is a bit distant now a days.... don't say anything – but just small things you know" I paused

"Shit – I sound like a whining wife" I said "Nothing major – I will speak to him"

Beam didn't say anything but he seemed to be thinking. "I am sure it is not anything major – maybe he is just tired, I see Forth these guys go crazy when a project needs to be submitted" he now looked at me

"I know for a fact he loves you and will do anything for you" he patted on my shoulder and we went to class.

The day went fast – with classes and anatomy lab, I had just entered my room when my phone buzzed – "Dinner at noodle place, be there by 8 30" from Beam. OK, this guy is upto something – I should have just kept quite I thought to myself.

I texted Ming – "Got message from Beam – you are coming right"

He replied back instantly "Might be late – but yes I will meet you there"

"Okay - see you there. I texted back and got ready

We were all at our usually place and and had ordered food. Pha, Yo and Beam were all there with me.

"It is good to take a break" said Pha "I am so tired" he then added "Where is Forth and Ming"

"Ming is going to be late" I replied and was looking at Yo when I responded, for some reason he looked a bit uncomfortable.

"Forth is coming here with Ming" he just texted relied Beam, I still looked only at Yo – this guy knows something.

Yo avoided looking at me the whole time, and I gave up, I need to talk with Ming not anyone else.

"Hey Guys, hello darling" said Forth as he came and sat next to Beam, Ming slowly walked towards me, his usual smile came on his face as he saw me.

I smiled back relieved - there it was, smile i have been missing.

He walked towards me and sat next to me, but he didn't take my hands as usual.

"How was your day" I leaned in to give him a kiss, but he pulled back a bit and said "It was good", and I didn't know what to do.    

He just pulled back completely and started eating without looking at me.