Chapter 15: Chapter 12

“You know her? Why didn’t you invite them to lunch?” Rudra’s voice broke my train of thought.

“If you’re so interested in her, you should make the first move,” I teased, though the words felt hollow. Deep down, I wanted Siya to stay a little longer. There was something about her presence, even in silence, that felt meaningful.

Rudra grinned mischievously. “As you say, sir, I’m going to invite her… and you,” he added, patting my shoulder, “should invite yours.”

I felt warmth rise to my cheeks. The thought of inviting Siya myself made me nervous, but I knew Rudra—he’d definitely invite Gauri but conveniently forget about Siya. I had to step up.

Rudra rushed outside, catching Gauri and Siya just as they were about to leave. He eagerly invited Gauri, who looked torn. Her hesitation was clear—she didn’t want to leave Siya alone.

Seizing the moment, I spoke up. “Siya, why don’t you join us for lunch? Consider it our treat for treating Gauri.”

“That’s the lamest pun I’ve ever heard.”

Ouch. But when everyone burst into laughter, I couldn’t help but smile. So I can smile too.

After lunch, Rudra, in his usual over-the-top enthusiasm, dragged Gauri to the library, probably to impress her with his nonexistent knowledge of manga. I was left with Siya, and the silence between us felt comfortable, almost like a conversation in itself.

I wanted to say something—anything—but my mind was a blank slate. Before I could stumble into a topic, Siya broke the ice.

“So, do you have a girlfriend?” Her question caught me off guard. I froze. Was she just curious? Or was there something more behind her question?

“If you don’t want to talk about it, it’s fine,” she added softly.

“No, no, it’s not that,” I stammered. “It’s just… complicated.”

She tilted her head, studying me with those eyes that seemed to see straight through me. “Why? You don’t like her? Or… you’re not sure about her?”

For the first time in my life, someone had unraveled me with such ease. My defenses crumbled, and before I knew it, I found myself opening up to her.

“It’s not that I dislike her,” I admitted hesitantly. “It’s just… she wants to rush things, and I want to take it slow. It’s confusing.”

“Did you try going at her pace? Did it make you feel better?” she asked gently. “If not, maybe you should ask her to try slowing down. It might help.”

“She doesn’t want to be slow,” I said, frustration creeping into my voice. “She wants to get married—like, now. And I think we’re too young for that.”

“Age isn’t what’s bothering you,” Siya said quietly. “It’s something else, isn’t it?”

She reached out and placed her hand over mine. The warmth of her touch steadied me, grounding me in a way I hadn’t felt in years. Looking me in the eye, she said, “What’s really bothering you? Ask yourself that. Face it.”

I swallowed hard, unable to look away.

“I don’t know much about love,” she continued, her voice soft but certain. “But I know one thing—it shouldn’t feel forced. Love should bring you peace, not confusion. It’s not about how much you’re willing to give—it’s about whether you’re giving it to the right person. Think it like pouring- wine like love in a glass. Now think, what kind of glass is this, is it even worth to pour”.

Her words hit me like a freight train. “So… should I just break it off- the glass?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

“No,” Siya said firmly. “Breaking the glass will hurt both of you. Put it down gently. Walking away doesn’t mean you failed right ? It just means you’re choosing to heal.”

Her gaze turned thoughtful as she added, “If a relationship can’t bring you peace, even in the chaos of life, it’s not love. It’s a compromise.”

Her words stripped away every illusion I’d built around Noorie. My relationship with her wasn’t love—it was a transaction, a deal where peace came at a price, every single day and every single time.

“Siya,” I began, my throat tight. “Thank you. I… I think I needed to hear that.”

“I’m sorry if I went too far,” she said quickly, her tone apologetic. “I didn’t mean to—”

Before I could stop myself, I reached out and placed a finger on her lips. The softness of her skin sent a jolt through me, and I pulled back quickly, my heart hammering.

Desperate to change the subject, I blurted out, “That bracelet you’re wearing… it’s beautiful.”

“You were the one who gave it to me,” she said with a small smile.

“What?” I frowned, caught off guard.

“Try to remember,” she said, her voice almost teasing. “Twelve years ago, you came with Vasu Jiju to meet Urmi Di. I was there too.”

I searched my memory, and then it hit me like a flash of light. The summer vacation. A shy little girl sitting quietly beside Urmi Di. I’d noticed her staring at the bracelet on the market's counter and I asked Vasu bhai to given it to her on a whim.

“I… I remember now,” I said, my voice tinged with embarrassment. “You were so quiet back then. I didn’t even think you’d remember me.”

“I’ve always treasured this,” she said, holding up the bracelet. “It’s special to me.”

Her words stirred something deep inside me, something I couldn’t quite name.

“I think I should go now,” Siya said, breaking the moment. “It’s getting late.”

Before I could say anything, Rudra and Gauri returned, their faces glowing with unspoken emotions. I could sense a spark between them but chose not to comment.

We exchanged numbers before saying our goodbyes. As Siya walked away, I watched her, my mind swirling with memories and emotions.

“I’ve always treasured this. It’s really special to me.”

Her words echoed in my mind as I replayed the moment we’d met all those years ago. Had she been thinking about me all this time?

She didn’t look back as she walked away.

“Is it over before it even begins?” I whispered to myself, feeling a pang of something I couldn’t quite name.