Happily Ever After

-The First Date?!-

I don't think I've ever waited for the next day as much as I did for today. Woke up at 6, got ready as fast as possible and rushed to the school. School went by faster than expected. Although people still glared and taunted me for being who I am, but I was least bothered. Ahana's text from last night gave me immense strength. "Arjun, they don't know who you really are. They just know what they want to. They don't matter."

She being the sweetheart she is, has made her own little corner in my heart. In just one meeting, she has made a home inside my heart. And her thoughts again made me lose track of time. I look at my watch, it's 4:55 pm. I better rush. I grab the keys and rush to the park. As I am near the park, I see a figure sitting on the same bench, same as yesterday. Ahana gets up to greet me. "Hey Arjun." We hug and sit down.

"So how was your day?" She asked me.

"Well, it was the same boring one." I lied. I did not want to look over-excited in front of her. What will she think of me?

"Oh, I see."

"Yeah. What about you?"

"I was really excited for this. So I woke up early, got to school, came back, had my lunch and finished everything I had to do as soon as possible. I really wanted to meet you."

"Um, Ahana... that actually... that is what I did. I mean, I too was excited to meet you but I didn't want to show you my over excitement. You know..."

"Oh Arjun, it's okay. You can be open with me. I don't judge."

"Yeah, sorry.

"I hate that word. Don't."

"Okay, okay. Sorry. Oh Shit! I think I should keep shut."

"You're so cute Arjun! By the way, tell me, something happened at your home yesterday? Your mom scolded you?"

"Oh no, no, no. My parents are really very cool. They don't scold me. I told mom about school, Parth and you as well. She didn't say anything to me."

"You told your mom about me? A stranger with whom you spent almost two hours? She didn't react?"

"Firstly, you are not a stranger anymore. And secondly, she didn't. She is a chill mother."

"Wow man! You are lucky to have such parents."

"Indeed. I am really very happy to have them. Although they still do care a lot, but they have given me the freedom I desire."

"That's great Arjun."

"Yes. By the way, Ahana?"

"Yeah."

"You really have no friends?"

"Um, yeah. Like I do have friends but none of them is as close. Some of them are really fake."

"Oh. But you have me. Whenever you need someone, just ping me.

"Sure Arjun."

"And, mind if I ask about your boyfriend?"

"Um, ex. We broke up this morning. He was... he did... he... Ugh! He's just..." And tears started flowing down her eyes.

"Calm down, Ahana. It's okay if you are not comfortable talking about him. I'll not mention him again."

I give her a consoling hug. I pet her head as she sobs into my chest.

It was heaven the way you touched me, and I held my breath praying that you'd never let go.

"Ahana, listen.
I'll be here, when everyone gives up.
When the night is dark, and you cry in a corner.
When no one holds you, I will be your shoulder."