TOMBOY FALLS FOR FLIRT

Ch-12- Aarav's misery

Keya had been discharged later on the third day.
She had been attending the counselling sessions with Rachel and her foundation people and she was turning brighter and brighter each day.
She was so so happy about the way things were turning up.
She still had feelings for Aarav but she learnt to live with it.
They talked, ate, did fun things and almost stayed together for full day except their job timings.
But still she was just a best friend.
She wanted to be more.

It was wrong to compare two different and unique people but in many ways he was like Aakash, he didn't care about who her family was, he just accepted her the way she was. He made her laugh when she didn't want to smile a little. He was her support system.

Today they were joining back college in the last semester. In this semester, the students had to come weekly and show in their research project's progress. They didn't need to attend the college lectures.

"I have topics for research going around in my head.", Keya said.
"I am clueless.", Aarav muttered.
"I will help you out.", said Zahra who had already chosen her topic.
"Who will help me?", Sam asked.
"No one.", Zahra said and flicked her hair.
The other two chuckled as they moved to the lecture hall for joint lecture.
They were advised and guided for the project in the session and all of them now knew what they wanted to do.

"Okay then. Lets go clubbing today?", Keya asked.
"Okay.", Zahra said.
Sam nodded and Aarav said, "Your wish, my command.", and bowed dramatically.
Keya went blank.
These days Aarav generated the sort of reaction from her.
She let out a nervous laugh and said, "yeah whatever".

Aarav's phone rang as they sat on their usual hangout spot in the bleachers of basketball court.
"Why is Maa calling at this hour?", he wondered aloud.
"Must be something important. Pick up.", Sam advised.

"Hello maa, is everything fine?", he asked as soon as he picked up the call.
In the course of the call his expressions changed. He looked genuinely scared and his eyes watered up.
"Mom..I..", he wasn't able to form words.
He took a deep breath and briefly closed his eyes saying, "I am coming home."
He cut the call and immediately got up.
"Sam. Lets go home. I will pack my things and then leave me at Airport.", he said with serious expressions.
"What has happened?", Zahra asked keeping a hand on his shoulder.

"Pa..Papa had a heart attack. He is in serious condition. I need to go.", he said with blank eyes.

"Oh god. Sam get him to the airport in an hour. I will keep the tickets ready.", was all Keya said.
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An hour later, they assembled at the airport and saw him off.

Days passed and it was 4-5weeks now.
Aarav didn't pick up Sam's or Keya's call. He picked up Zahra's phone once just to tell her that he was busy and would call in later.

Keya was attending her counselling sessions and becoming more happy and positive but she was still really stressed about Aarav.
She was stepping out of the counselling centre when Sam called her.

K- Yes Sam, did you get to know anything?
S- No but he came back I know that. He is in Sydney. I saw his apartment light on which is a habit he has. So he is in town but not at his house, college or his workplace. Keya, he is scaring me now. What should we do?
K- Don't worry Sam. Leave this to me. I know where he is.

Keya cut the call and immediately left for her home.
"Vee, Can I take the car?", she asked as soon as she stepped in.
"Yes you can. But atleast sit for a minute or two, then go.", Vee advised.
"No I have to go. Bye.", she said kissing Vee on the cheek.
She started the car and drove to the place where he took her when she was feeling low, where they connected more, the one place where she had actually started falling for him.

As expected by her, he was sitting at the edge of the pond, with his head hung low.
"Wow yaar. Nice place to chill alone.", Keya commented sitting next to him.
He looked up at her. His hair had grown long, he had a thick stubble and his eyes were red and puffy.
"Go away Keya.", he said in a dead pan voice.

"Nope. I won't let you smoke alone. The stash must be really strong for your eyes to go like that.", she joked in an attempt to make him smile.
"LEAVE ME ALONE KEYA.", he shouted.
She stayed still. She just wanted this only. For him to talk and let out whatever he was feeling.

"I am sorry!", he said as he suddenly hugged Keya very tightly and broke down.
Keya had seen Aarav happy, jovial,ecstatic and even sad but she had not seen this vulnerable side of him, he was shivering and crying like a baby in her arms.
She didn't fake sympathise or anything but she hugged back tighter and patted his hair slowly.
"Papa is no more! Papa went away Keya! I feel so empty!", he said while sniffling.
"I am so sorry Aarav. How is aunty's condition? Is she alone?", she asked with genuine concern.
"Mumma has stabled herself very well, papa had a heart issue from sometime. They didn't tell me because they wanted me to concentrate on my studies. I feel so bad I wasn't there for them. I left them and came here. I wanted to make papa proud by setting up something of my own. I wanted to hear the proud in his voice.", slowly getting out of Keya's hug.
She looked ar her mobile and seconds later Aarav had a notification.
"Keya you are right next to me. Stop texting.", he said annoyed.
She just pressed the play button on his phone.

"I am already proud of my kiddo. I know he is already working on his dream startup, he is going to be big soon.", came in his dad's recorded voice.
"How? Oh my god! How did you get this?!", he said with a pleasant shock in his voice.
"It doesn't matter. What matters is, you were there for them, when they needed you, you are a great son Aarav , uncle was already proud of you.", she said squeezing his palm in order to show support.
"Thank you Keya! Thank you so much. I love you. This recording and you looking out for me means so much.", Aarav said hugging her again.
"Good that you are feeling well. Lets go now?", she asked.
She became awkward on the topic of 'I love you' , it actually meant something for her.
Did it mean something to him too?
______________
Hello!
Sorry due to my MBA. Studies not able to give time to this. But I am trying, bear with me.

Love,
Monu-Unique💕