Is forever for R.E.A.L?

Chapter 30- Happily ever after?

“What?” I said staring at him.
“Yes. See.”
He showed me the letter. A little soiled in dirt but clear words were inscribed on it.
Dear Larry,
I know I have been avoiding all of you for a while. Things have been quite fishy with my life and I am going through a lot of things. I didn’t tell you yet as it could put your lives in danger. But I will tell you everything today in this letter.
Esha is my cousin sister. I know it’s shocking but I got to know this a while ago too. Her father is my uncle. The one who had a fight with my grandfather and left the home. He killed my parents. I went to meet my father’s best friend and he told me everything. He was just afraid that Karim will hurt his family so he didn’t tell anyone and I don’t blame him. But I am not going to stand back. And I am afraid he will try to kill me. If I die, show this letter to some trusted police officer. Also take care of Esha. I am not good for her and we don’t match. Like we are too different. Opposites do attract but what about staying together? That’s hard. And I know how much you love her and I feel she likes you too. I am sure you both would be a great couple.
Your best friend
Rehan.
 
“Shit. What?”
“Yes. But.”
“But what?”
“She will say no. I don’t want to risk our friendship again.”
“Let’s see. You just show her the letter.”
“When?”
“Now.”
“Now?”
“Yes.”
“I am nervous.”
“I know. But do you want to let her go?”
“Never.”
“Just say all of it. I know she likes you still. It’s evident in her behaviour.”
“Can you call her?”
“Okay. Ashish too?”
“Yeah. I want my two best friends to be with me today.” He said.
“Three.” I said pointing at the letter.
Everything was planned. We were set to meet in the evening. We didn’t tell Ashish and Esha anything for we decided this to be a surprise.
“You going out or somewhere?” Larry’s dad asked as he returned home early.
“Huhh. To meet Esha and Ashish.” Larry said.
“Oh. Hope everything is pleasant.” His dad said with a I-know-what-you-are-upto expression.
“Thanks.” I said.
“When will you return?” He asked.
“Soon. Can I ask you something?” I said.
“Sure.”
“How did Esha’s mother agree to everything?”
“What do you mean?”
“She was a traditional woman and like she believed that the husband should be respected no matter what the situation is. Then how did she agree to help you?”
“I guess her love for her daughter and the sentiments to keep her safe overpowered her traditions. Her beliefs in the traditions started to shiver from the day she saw Pratham or I should say Karim hit Esha. All this while she was with him because she felt Esha would be secure but that day when a father raised his hand on her daughter, her beliefs shattered. I suppose this is the reason she helped us.”
“It makes sense.”
“Can I say something too?” he asked.
“What?”
“I am proud of you both. The way you handled everything. It’s impressive.”
“Thank you so much. It means a lot.”
“Yes. Now go hurry up. I feel this guy here has someone to impress.” He said indicating Larry.
We left our house and met Ashish and Esha at the same place where it all started and where Ashish met me first time.
“Hey. They are there.” I told Larry as I saw Ashish and Esha standing nearby.
“I saw them.”
“You saw only Esha.” I said and nudged him.
“Hmm.” Larry said blushing as we went up to meet them.
“You are here at last.” Ashish said and sighed.
“Yes. And we have to show you something.”
“What?” Esha asked.
“This.” Larry said and put a hand in his pocket.
He took out the letter and showed it to Esha. Esha had tears in her eyes as she read everything.
“I think you both should talk alone.” I said.
“Yes of course.”
They left the table and went a little far all alone.
“You are gay right?” I asked Ashish.
“I guess you know that by Larry’s story.” He said.
“Yeah.”
“So any boyfriend?”
“Nope. What about you? Any girlfriend?” He asked.
“No.”
“Okay.”
“I want to confess something.” I said.
“What?”
“I am gay too. And I have a huge crush on you. It’s okay if you don’t like me but I just wanted to confess.” I said as fast as possible.
“Seriously?” he asked me with open mouth. His expressions were so cute.
“Yes.”
“I like you too. Since the day you first met me. All this time I thought you were straight, so I didn’t say anything. All of this is so unbelievable.”
“It is for sure.” I asked.
“I feel whatever we have we should take it a little slow.” He said.
“I was thinking the same.” I said. I swear this moment is the best moment in my life.
Just then Esha and Larry returned.
“We have a good news to make.” He said grinning from ear to ear and his fingers entwined in Esha’s.
“You don’t need to say it.” Ashish said.
“We have one too.” I said.
“What?”
“I am gay and Ashish and I like each other. But we are going to take it slow.” I said not believing my own lines. I pinched myself to make sure it wasn’t a dream.
“Finally.” Esha said as Larry stared at us with shock. Pleasant shock, I must say.
“You knew?” I asked.
“You think I haven’t noticed?”
“Was it that obvious?” I asked.
“No. But girls have sharp observation skills.”
“Ohh.” I said in awe.
“Yes.”
We roamed around the city. It was night time. At last we stopped at a garden before returning to our homes.
“See there’s a bridge there. Let’ go on that.” Esha said.
“Yes.”
The moonlight was being reflected in the pond. It was a beautiful scenery.
“I don’t believe what’s happening.” Esha said.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“Everything seems alright. Rehan got his justice. I am together with Larry. You both are together. This is just ‘wow'.”
“Indeed it is.”
“But don’t you think it is a little clichèd. Like the ending and all?” Larry asked.
"Maybe. Even if it is, I don't mind, because the fact that this ended is too unrealistic and real at the same time that I can do with all the clichès in the world.”
“Do you think with us there will be a happily ever after?”
“I don’t know about happily ever after. But I am sure this R.E.A.L is together for forever.”