Coming Home!!

Chapter 8

Ayaan entered his room. He lay on his bed staring at his ceiling. The lights were switched off. He preferred darkness at the moment. Suddenly, he saw a shadow dancing on his wall. He noticed the light coming from Inaaya's room. He went over to his window and saw her dancing in her room. She was lost in music which was bursting through earphones. She looked cute in teddy bear printed pajamas, he thought. She didn't have her spectacles on which made her look different. He could see Vanilla sitting on bed and watching her roam around the bed. He felt something flutter inside his stomach. Maybe she was better off without him. He shut the curtains and went to bed without changing into his night clothes. He should tell her the truth. She was naïve, sweet and helpful. She would never forgive him.

"Are you going to stay?" Ayaan asked her as they walked down the street. He had his hands in his pockets and his hair messed up. He wore black sweatshirt with ripped-jeans. Inaaya could see he was tired. She tried to keep a distance between them but he moved closely. His arm brushed against her which made her jump. She turned to him saying, "No"

"But why?" his eyes had sadness in them. Was he sad that she was leaving? Did he want her to be with him? She wondered as they went in the park. They sat on the wooden bench. He had his fingers entwined in his lap and was watching the park where people were enjoying their Sunday. She relaxed beside him. She has to make the decision today. She had told him about it. He asked again, "Why?"

Distracted, she asked, "What?"

He asked, "But why are you not staying?"

Sighing, she looked over at the happy family having picnic in front of them. She pushed small strands of hair which were escaping the braid back saying, "We used to be a family but now they are just two people who had given me birth. They are not my family. And I can never be part of their family. Zara, you obviously know my sister, right?"

He didn't answer. He was squinted his eyes while watching people. She continued, "Well, she doesn't like me. I love her and I am scared for her"

"Why are you scared for her?" he glanced at her. She was still watching the family. It was as if she was talking to herself, "Just because of some stuff that I can't tell you. We had an accident which changed both our lives"

"If she hates you, why do you care?" he said. She turned to him and stared. He returned the gaze when she replied, "Because she is family. You don't stop caring for them just because you had some fight. Fights happen but family is family"

He raised his brows, "But you said they are not your family"

She had a small grin, "My parents are not my family. Zara is still my family. We were kids when we had that accident. It was not her fault."

His eyes were studying her face as she started fiddling with her heart shaped silver pendant. She shook her head and flashed a smile, "Enough about me, what about you? What is bothering you?"

He pushed his hair back which were falling on his forehead, "Umm, actually I wanted to tell you something. But if you are leaving then it doesn't matter"

Her eyebrows raised, "You don't want me to go?"

"No, it is not like that" he replied. Her eyes squinted, "You want me to leave?"

He nodded then jumped, "No, I don't mean it like that. It is just...Look Inaaya, I am not the kind person you think I am"

She turned towards the park, "Well, I don't think anything about you. We have met like a week ago, it is not like we know each other for years. Don't stress, I don't think anything good or bad about you"

He interrupted, "See, if you knew me, you would never sit with me like this"

She rolled her eyes, "Okay, are a drug-addict?"

"No"

"Serial killer?"

"No, I am not. Why would you say that?"

"Psycho rapist?"

"Definitely no. I am not that" he yelled. She turned to him with a smile and folded her legs, she said, "Then I have nothing to fear"

He tried to protest but she shook her head, "Look, if I didn't think you are good, I would have not let you touch Vanilla. Vanilla would never let you touch her. You are a good person I know that. Living with Grandpa, I have learnt one thing...how to know whom to trust"

She noticed a leaf in his hair. She plucked it out. His hair felt soft as her fingers brushed them. He breathed heavily. Somehow, he felt that someone was choking him. She trusts me, the thought kept stirring in his mind. What if she finds out that I broke her trust? What if she stops talking to me? Why do I care so much about her? He sank his face in his hands. When he looked up, he saw her missing. His heart was racing. Looking around, he saw her playing with small boys near the pond. Letting out a breath, he smiled. Why not enjoy the time that is left, he wondered. He jumped on his feet and joined her in the game.