The Fallen Queen~[✓]

ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 50

'Riya, Ayum's here, accompany him to the departmental store, you guys bring all that is necessary for today's cooking.' Mom said excitedly. 'We'll have fun.'

He stood there, fidgeting slightly. Looking at him gave me goosebumps. That day's memories came crashing down on me, and I also was reminded by my conscience about how I hadn't yet told this to Ryan. Our parents were really excited to have this dinner, where they'd be trying a three-course meal (cooking) from a popular YouTube channel and I saw this party after a long time, so I couldn't say no. Besides, Prateek and Dad were there, so I didn't wanna disappoint them either.

So keeping my turmoil aside, I stepped out of my house with Abhiraaj. I texted Ryan to come by the store so that I wouldn't have to be alone with Ayum.

I hated how things turned out, but Kashi, let bygones be bygones.

'I really want to ta--

'Just keep quiet. Just, please. You don't know what sort of problem you've created for me. Actually, we've created.' I shook my head in despair. 'You told her?'

'Not yet. But I will. I'm thi--

'We're here.' I cut his words halfway. Truth to be told, every second I stayed and interacted with him, my heart ached.

For a lot of reasons.

'Hey, buddy, Abhiraaj!' Ryan gave Ayum a bro hug. That was pretty friendly to him. Wait until you know what he's actually done alongside your girlfriend. Yes, I also wanted to confess today. I didn't want to stretch it any longer.

We went inside and started fishing out the ingredients. I loved the look on Ayum's face and the emotion in his eyes when Ryan walked in between us. I squeezed his hand in between.

You weren't quick enough, Ayum.

'Ryan, can we talk?' I asked. The time had come for the great confession. He nodded and we went to a corner where the noise didn't seem to bother us. 'I wanted to confess something. I've done a terrible thing some time ago.'

He just looked at me and gestured me to go on. I expected some curiosity or defense for myself. 'I uh... when I came here the last time, I kind of, um, we didn't mean to but, he.. he kissed me. We kissed. I'm sorry.'

He gasped, his expression blank. 'Ayum.' He mouthed as he raced off the departmental store. I know he was angry, he had every right to be angry, but I wanted to talk. I wanted him to shout, scream, beat even, but I didn't want his silence. I hated his silence. Whenever we got into small fights and he did this, I'd go crazy. I ran after him.

'Get inside, Kashi. Don't run after me, I'm going home, the road has a lot of traffic, you'll get in trouble.'

'I'm going after you until you stop. Please, talk to me, I'm sorry. It just happened.. I hate myself for this.'

'Kashi go.' He raced at full speed. My legs hurt, but I kept following him.

'Please Ryan.' Tears streamed down my face. I was about to cross the two-lane road after him when I felt someone grabbing my arm with full force.

'Let him go.' Ayum said, his eyes glistering with tears. I looked towards Ryan, who'd stopped, tears welling up in his eyes too.

'Go.' He gestured to both of us and left, as Ayum took me back into the store.

I felt terrible.

I'm a horrible person.