❝The only kind of love I want is one where even if it is just for a short moment, it feels like I have lived a lifetime in that moment with that person. ❞ - Jhanvi Raichand.
**You CANNOT read this as standalone. Read Dare to Be before reading this...
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∞ author note ∞
Hello everyone! I think I should just start each note by apologizing for long delays between chapters. I can't tell you how crazy grad school can be! There's not enough hours in a day.
BUT, this is a SUPER long update - ~8200 words. So, take your time reading it and processing it. TONS of things happen.
. . . ∞ . ∞ . ∞ . ∞. . .
2.29 House of the Rising Son
Aarush continues to remain silent but it is important for me to know what reason he has to be here, what reasons he has for coming back... just because I am in danger? He knew I would have a tough time here 3 months ago as well when he warned me to be careful. So, why now?
I press for an answer, "Why are you here?"
"We... uh, that radical group your Aunt mentioned. They seem to be resurfacing again so, my job isn't done like we thought."
Is that it? I search his face in the dark for any signs of deception. I question the first thought that comes to mind, "Why do I feel like you're not telling me everything?"
"You question too much," he says in an attempt to dismiss my worried as baseless.
I shake my head, refusing to let him talk me into thinking that, "One too many people have lied to me my entire life, Aarush. I don't know what it is, but my gut is telling me that I am not wrong. You are hiding something from me. You have been hiding something since the first day and I am not just imagining this."
He exhales in defeat, stepping back. "Nothing that I am not telling you will put you in harm's way."
I drop the topic in slight irritation, "Fine, you never gave me proper answers anyway." Why should today be any different? "I guess you'll be here till your job ends so I'll leave you to it."
"Jhanvi..."
"Turn around," I instruct no longer interested in listening to what he has to say for I am sure of one thing; whatever it is, it is not going to be a direct answer to my question. It's not going to be what I want to hear. I didn't much like it when Aarav used to do that with me in the beginning and I don't much like it now with Aarush hell bent on doing the same.
Reluctantly, he turns his back to me and this time, I change in a couple of minutes.
I inform when I am ready for bed, "Feel free to sneak back out."
I don't hear him leaving. I never did hear him walking about. He was always light with his footing, which is ironic given his build. Leaving the outfit hanging on the screen, I walk to the bed in the dark and slide under the covers, shifting the pillows and letting out a sigh as my back meets the soft mattress and all tension sinks away.
