Escaping Reality ~ ADIYA

1. Friends, right?

Dreams have always fascinated me as a kid, they are like this alternative universe you travel to where anything is possible, not to forget how unexpected and thrilling they can get. You could be anyone and do anything. Then there are dreams where you're even aware its a dream, known as 'lucid dreams'. It is said to occur rarely, only a couple times throughout one's life, or maybe even never.

So what was it about me that made me have constant lucid dreams in which i wasn't alone, where there was someone else, that too in every damn one? I have never met her in real life, never even saw her face yet see her every time my eyes close shut.

I just cant get over her either. How is it even possible to not get over someone you haven't even met? And it kills me, it frustrates me to know that i might never meet her, but thats not the only thing stressing my mind.

It's been a month now. The dreams are getting more and more intense.

"Adi" i lose my train of thoughts and look up to see Pooja.

"Why are you already on bed, its 8 pm."  She complained while folding my clothes one by one and putting them inside the wardrobe.

"I.. I need sleep bro." I lie. How could i even bring myself to tell her the actual reason?

I hated myself for what i have been seeing lately, because I, Aditya Hooda, am a married man. How could i even dream of someone else when i already have someone in my life? And how can a dream feel more real than reality?

They say friendship strengthens love, and this was exactly our case. Our friendship turned to love so our parents married me and Pooja off. We haven't gotten physical yet though, deep down we both know we're still not over the friendship phase.

And id rather let it stay this way, honestly.

"You've been sleeping a lot lately. Everything okay?"

Her concern only sent me deeper into the pit of guilt.  It was becoming more and more strenuous to tame the storm inside me. All i needed was some time before i disclosed about all these dreams to her, though I absolutely have no idea how I'd do that.

"Im.. okay, just getting more and more tired with each passing day."

"When are you not tired Adi?" She chuckled.

"I prefer staying tired, and now if you'd allow me madam, please lemme get my little nap." I cover my face up with the blanket.

"Ill wake you up for dinner." She leaves.

Here we go again.

Taking a deep breath, i doze off to sleep.

——————————

It was the lake today.

We were walking along the lake which brought back memories. Heres where we became friends post the freak out part.

We both were gloomy, silently basking in each other's much needed presence. There was a haunting silence as we walked quietly. The cold breeze played with a few strands of her hair. I glance at her and catch sight of the dark circles forming under her eyes. She fidgeted with a piece of pebble with her feet as we walked.

"How have you been Zoya?" I ask. She was silent than usual.

"Fine.. actually nope. Im not fine, I don't know.. its just one of those days." she sighed.

"Same." I relate with her exhaling deeply.

Silence takes over again, only the sounds of the wind and the rustling of leaves surrounding us.