Chapter 9
434 Words
Ishaan had never felt this nervous before.
Standing at the doorway, his hands clenched at his sides, he took a deep breath before stepping inside.
The house was quiet. The only sound was the faint hum of the air conditioner. He could hear soft movements coming from Arohi’s room.
He swallowed hard.
Would she still be afraid of him?
Would she look at him with the same terror in her eyes as that night?
His feet felt heavy, but he forced himself to move.
As he walked towards her room, he saw the door slightly open.
Arohi sat on the bed, hugging Teddy close. The little pug wagged its tail happily when it saw Ishaan.
Arohi looked up.
Her eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, neither of them said anything.
Then, slowly, she let out a breath.
She looked *relieved.*
Ishaan felt his heart tighten.
Without thinking, he stepped forward . He knelt down infront of her and took her hands in his.
“Arohi, I…” His voice trembled. “I’m so sorry.”
She didn’t pull away. She just watched him, listening.
“I would never hurt you. Never,” he said, his grip tightening. “That night… I don’t even know how it happened. But I swear to you, I will never drink again.” His voice was filled with determination. “I will never let my past ruin your peace again.”
Arohi’s eyes softened.
“It wasn’t your fault, Ishaan,” she said gently. “You don’t have to carry that guilt.”
He shook his head. “But I—”
She squeezed his hands. “Don’t worry about it.”
His breath hitched.
She didn’t hate him. She wasn’t afraid of him.
She *trusted* him.
Ishaan blinked rapidly, looking away for a moment before he smiled. She said “ by the way, you look like s**t” she teased him while messing with his hair. Ishaan grunted “ Arohi!”
After few days
“I brought your favorite meal,” he said, holding up the takeout bag. “I missed eating together with you.”
Arohi chuckled, her eyes glistening. “I missed you too.”
His heart skipped a beat.
“I missed Teddy too, obviously,” he added quickly, trying to lighten the mood.
Teddy barked happily, wagging his tail.
Arohi laughed, and for the first time in weeks, Ishaan felt like he could finally breathe.
They sat together at the dining table, eating their meal in comfortable silence.
But they knew one thing for sure— Their friendship was stronger than ever.
- Writer
