Moonlight

Inadequately spoken

Shruti POV

It was so crowded here. I felt like suffocating. I went outside and was welcomed by cool breezes. This sleeveless dress is of no help! I closed my eyes enjoying my little time. I feel warm. Someone draped his jacket around me. I didn't have to turn around to look at him but I did. His eyes held some emotions this time. His hands in his pocket, his grey t-shirt making him even more intimidating. This is not the time to check him out Shruti. I mentally scolded myself.

I was about to remove his jacket from my shoulders but he stopped me. His cold hands holding my warm ones. He laced my fingers with his and took me somewhere. I tried to pull-off my hand from his grip but he only made it tighter. He suddenly stopped and turned around. 

'Why are behaving like this Atharva.? What has gotten into you?'

He was silently watching me.

'The same question Shruti. Why didn't you let me start at least a friendship? Just a normal conversation was all I needed from you, at least once.'

I didn't reply. I turned to leave but he grasped my wrist.

'No, you are not running away from this. Let's make it clear, once and for all. Did I do something wrong?'

'No'.

Silence.

'That's it? You don't want to add anything to it?'

'Yes'.

Silence

 'Remember one thing Shruti, I gave you a chance to explain and mend things between us. I want something more than silence. but if that's what you want, then this is what you will get from me. Since I brought you here, I will drop you safely at the club, let go'. 

He walked away but he didn't spare me a single glance. I followed him like a lost puppy. We reached the club. I turned around and handed over his jacket to him. He looked at me with some emotions, I can't comprehend. Then, his demeanor changed and in the next moment, he was gone like he was never there, leaving behind an unknown feeling of emptiness in my soul. 

Seconds turned into minutes, minutes into hours, hours into days. Basically, a few days passed. 'Hi Shruti'.

 Aashna. She waved at me. but she is looking different..? She is Awkward? Why?

'Aashna , what happened? Are you okay?'

'yeah..just tired. We didn't talk to you so much these days, right? so It's just.. I-I missed you and our friendship.'

she gave me a weak smile. 

'Come, let's go somewhere?'

- She looked puzzled at my words.

'Where?'

'It's for me know and for you to find out'- she smiled sheepishly. She is truly an angel. We entered the tea stall nearby. Tea is lubbb.

'Tell me, What is something bothering you?' she was silent for a moment.

'You know, I don't have any sister. Bhai is the best brother one can ever have. It's not like I am complaining. But sometimes, I just feel like having a best friend. I know we are not that close but u should know, You are very precious to me'. she paused and then again continued- 'Am I sounding weird?' she laughed nervously.

I kept my gaze fixed at her. Something is wrong with her.

'Did someone say something to you?' She was silent.

'I followed you'

'Pardon?'

'I followed you Shruti whe-when Atharva,  took you to the garden' -She looked at me and squeezed my hands lightly. 'Listen to me please. I know why you reacted the way you did. Its me right?  There is a very fine line between care and love. We care for many people, our friends, family, about certain things. Maybe we love them but the love between a man and a woman is entirely different. No doubt, care is a part of it. We can care for many people but love, its a decision for our hearts to make. I noticed everything. The way Atharva's eyes were on you all the time. The way you tried to ignore him. Everything! I won't lie, I did feel bad. But I feel miserable to be the reason for my two best friends' situation right now. You know Shruti, Atharva never give a fuck about anybody's opinion. But he did. When it came to you, he gave you a chance to explain. Don't let him go.'

'But Aashna-'

'I do like him. He likes me too. but not as lovers and this is the reality. I want a man who would love me the way a man does. Not as friends. and Atharva is not the one. He was, he would be my friend always. Even when the things between you both work out, he will care for me the way he does today. Nothing would change. And speaking of me, I am so nice right, like an angel in your words' -She laughed- ' Whatever, whoever I deserve, I will get it or him. Just on right time'

'I don't know what to say or do'

'just a chocolate would do'. She grinned widely.

'Sorry?'

'You owe me a chocolate, don't you?'

 My god! This girl!!! 

'Shruti, Whatever Atharva said in the last, don't take it lightly. Now it's your turn to make things right for you both.' She further continued.

'Thank you Aashna! I don't know from where to start or what all to say.'

' It's fine Shruti. Anything for you.!'