Running dreams.

The party

I had almost forgotten about it. My college form.

I sat on the edge of the bed and unfolded it. The paper had become slightly wrinkled. I smoothed it with my palm.

Aarav had promised and I trust him. So I filled in the form. Name. Age. Previous school. Preferred course. I stared at the final question. Proposed date of admission. I smiled. I wrote the date. Then I heard the front door. I hurriedly folded the paper.

Aarav entered. He looked exhausted. His shirt sleeves were rolled to his elbows. There was dust on his shoes. "You're home early." He nodded. "Work finished." I smiled. "I have something." He looked at me. "What?" I held up the form.

His face changed. Not dramatically. Just slightly. A tightening around the eyes. A pause. Then a smile. "You filled it." "Yes." "When?" "Today." He sat down. "Good." I waited.

He looked at the form again. "How much is the fee?" I told him. He was quiet. "That's a lot." "I know." "We don't have it." "I know." "Then why did you fill it?" I stared at him. "Because you told me to."

The words came out softer than I intended. He looked at me. For a moment, neither of us spoke. Then he sighed. "I'm sorry." He reached for my hand. "I'm just stressed." "I understand." "I'll find the money." "You don't have to do it immediately." "No." He squeezed my fingers. "I promised you." I smiled. "Yes." He kissed my forehead. "I haven't forgotten."

And just like that, the tension disappeared.

A week later, Aarav's cousin Nikhil invited us to his birthday. It was the first time I had gone anywhere since the wedding.

I wore a blue salwar kameez. Nothing fancy. Aarav said it made my eyes look brighter. "You look beautiful." "Really?" "Really." He adjusted my dupatta. Then smiled.

"Don't let anyone steal you." I laughed. "Who would steal me?" "Everyone." "You're jealous." "Very." I loved hearing him say things like that. I loved being wanted.

We left together. The party was at a small restaurant near the market. There was music. Food. Laughter. People talking over one another. For three hours, I felt like my old self. I laughed loudly. Too loudly, perhaps. But I didn't care.

Nikhil's sister asked me about college. I told her I was hoping to start soon. She smiled. "You should. You're still young." I nodded. "I will." Aarav was across the room talking to someone. He looked at me. Our eyes met. He smiled. I smiled back. Everything was fine. Until we got home. The door closed behind us. Aarav removed his shoes. I went toward the bedroom.