My heart felt like it had shattered into countless pieces, more numerous than the stars above. As my tears threatened to flow, a gentle rumble filled the air, and the sky opened up, releasing a cascade of rain. I longed to escape to a secluded sanctuary, hidden from prying eyes and ears. The icy touch of the raindrops on my skin clashed with the fiery turmoil burning inside of me.

"Do you want to catch a cold, Jai?" She giggled, fluttering her eyelashes. "That might ruin your movie plans with me."

"I'm actually surprised that you still want to go to a movie with me." I crossed my arms. "Plotting for a kickboxing match between me and your boyfriend?"

"Oh, challenge accepted!" she quipped, a mischievous glint in her dove eyes.

"First, let's find some shelter!" I flicked my wrist happily, and the air shimmered.

The path we had chosen was a stretch of muddy water, swirling and shifting with the unseen currents beneath. Deep puddles scattered like traps, their murky depths cunningly concealing the hidden ruts. Every step forward felt like wading through uncertainty, a test to our resolve.

The sky above grew darker, and the sound of thunder rumbled in a distance. Determined to find shelter before the storm hit, we quickened our pace, scanning the surroundings for any sign of refuge. Suddenly, a flash of lightning illuminated a small car shed. We hurried towards it, seeking safety from the looming tempest.

As we reached the car shed, the wind picked up, whipping rain into a frenzy. Inside, the darkness enveloped us, with only faint glimmers of light seeping in through the cracks. The sound of rain intensified, a constant pounding against the metal roof. The shed was cramped, offering little space for us to move around. Water trickled down the walls, creating a damp, musty smell that permeated the air.

Blurry-eyed, a surge of pain gripped my abdomen as the rain defied Divya's warning, seeping through antiseptic defenses and tormenting my stitches. Shivers raced down my spine, and I succumbed to the agony, fainting instantly. When consciousness reluctantly returned, I discovered myself nestled in her lap.

Her touch felt like a revitalizing tonic, tempting me to pretend I was still unconscious, just to bask a little longer in the comforting warmth of her lap. The world beyond our shelter faded into a distant murmur, the only reality being her soft touch against my skin. The rain continued its downpour, its rhythmic patter serving as a soothing lullaby.

"Hey Jaiku, wake up," she whispered gently, giving me a light shake.

Slowly, I opened my eyes, blinking against the dim light. "How did I get here?"

"You fainted! I was worried, but you seemed to be breathing okay." She gently rested her hand on my shoulder.

"Oh, I must have been more tired than I thought." I sat up slowly, rubbing my eyes. "Thanks for letting me rest, Ritu."

"No problem. You looked so peaceful, I didn't want to disturb you." Her eyes sparkled like stones polished by the sea.

"I appreciate it! How long was I out?"

"Not too long, just enough for the worst of the rain to pass." She shifted slightly, making room for me to sit up fully.

"Good timing!" I stretched my arms and legs, preparing to get up. "I don't think I can walk, my stomach feels like it's on fire."

"Let me see. I'm a medical student."

She's a medical student? She's going to see my stitches now! I have to escape from here!

"Um, are you sure? I mean, I don't want to trouble you anymore, Ritu."

Her eyes met mine as she smiled gently. "No trouble at all. I want to help if I can."

"I think it's just a normal stomachache."

"I want to make sure there's nothing serious going on," Ritu continued, her tone gentle yet firm. "Just a quick look will do."

With a hesitant nod, I slowly unbuttoned my shirt, revealing the redness and tenderness around the stitches on my abdomen. She leaned in closely, her fingers hovering delicately over the stitches, almost hesitant to touch, as if she was careful not to cause any further discomfort.

Ritu's brow furrowed slightly, her gaze thoughtful. "Perhaps some inflammation or irritation around the stitches. Have you been experiencing any other symptoms?"

I shook my head. "No, just this sharp pain whenever I move fast or touch the area."

She nodded, her expression turning more serious. "Okay, but how did this happen?"

"Nothing to worry," I said, waving my hand dismissively. "Just a small accident!"

"Didn't Divya warn you about staying dry?" Her sharp and penetrative gaze bore into mine, like a laser honing in on its target.

Does she know the truth? Could that be why she's showing such concern for me?

"How do you know about her?" My eyebrows knitted together in confusion.

"Divya isn't just my dad's doctor. She's also my best friend," she said sharply, her words slicing through the thick air.

"Wait... Really?" I exclaimed, my eyes widening like saucers, in disbelief.

"How could you!" Her eyes blazed with anger as she raised her hand, as if about to deliver a resounding slap. I instinctively crossed my arms in a feeble attempt at defense. But instead of anger, tears welled in her eyes, streaming down her face.

"It was you all along!" Her words resonated like a revelation, filling the charged atmosphere. The truth had been unveiled, and there was no going back. Her breath came in rapid inhales and exhales, adding to the palpable intensity of the moment. Gripping my shirt collar with closed fists, her eyes bore sharp emotional daggers.

"I'm sorry. I didn't think you'd find out," I muttered, my shoulders slumping.

"Thank you, Jaiku," she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. She collapsed into a hug, her body trembling as tears streamed down her face. It was a moment of pure vulnerability, as if a dam had burst open, releasing all the pent-up emotions she had been holding back till then.

"I apologize! I didn't mean to fall apart like that." She clasped her hands together.

"It's okay, Ritu." I brushed a stray tear from her cheek, offering a gentle smile. "No need to apologize for being human."

She nodded, leaning into my touch for a moment before straightening up. Taking a deep breath, she seemed to gather her composure. "Why did you do this?"

"I did it because I care about you," I replied, trying to meet her gaze. "I wanted to help, even if it meant risking everything."

"I wish you had talked to me first..."

"I know, and I'm sorry," I said, guilt weighing heavy on my chest. "I should have talked to you, but I was afraid. Afraid of losing you, of making things worse."

"I understand that. But I need you to promise me that you will talk to me next time, no matter how scared you are."

"I promise!" I reached out to take her hand. "I'll never keep anything from you again."

She smiled, squeezing my hand gently. "Good," she said. "Because I don't know what I would do without you."

"I'm here to stay," I assured her. "But what about your boyfriend?"

"I don't have a boyfriend, you idiot!" she exclaimed. "I was just pulling your leg."

I stared at her, wide-eyed and utterly bewildered. "You mean, all this time..."

She burst into laughter, doubling over with amusement. "I can't believe you fell for it!"

"You got me good," I admitted with a sheepish smile on my face. "Does that mean I'm the new kickboxing champion?"

"Not quite, grasshopper, but keep practicing," she grinned, giving me a playful look. "You'll get there someday."

"Ah, you're so sweet! Don't go out in this rain without an umbrella," I responded, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

"Why not?" She huffed cutely.

"Because... The sweet melts in rain." I wiped an imaginary tear from my eye.

"Wow, your pick-up lines are getting better," she chuckled softly. "You're not going in the rain either, not because you're sweet, but because you have stitches."

"Thanks! I'll keep improving," I said, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks. "I can't argue with your flawless logic. So, I guess we will have to share the umbrella then."

"True, but fair warning, I might sneak a little extra room," she giggled lightly.

"What, are you Mary Poppins with a magical umbrella bag?"

Ritu chortled, her eyes sparkling in the evening light. "Maybe! Just be prepared."

"Well, as long as you don't start flying away, I think we will be just fine."

"I will try to stay firmly on the ground," she declared, tapping her feet enthusiastically.

"I'm counting on it," I replied with a smile. "Looks like the rain has let up. Let's move!"

"Lead the way," Ritu said, stepping forward.

The rain gradually tapered off and we stepped out onto the damp road, with our shoes making soft squelching sounds against the wet pavement. The air carried a refreshing scent, cleansed by the recent downpour, and it invigorated our senses as we inhaled deeply. It was as if the rain had washed away not just the dirt from the streets, but also the pains and worries.

Above us, the sky began to clear, revealing patches of blue clouds, while the sun peeked through, casting a soft glow over the glistening streets. Puddles reflected the lights, and the occasional car splashed through them, sending ripples across the surface. The leaves on the trees shimmered with a fresh sheen, and the flowers seemed to stretch and unfurl their petals in gratitude for the nourishing shower.

As we walked side by side, the street stretched out before us, leading to the end of that charming avenue. Eventually, we reached a point where our paths diverged briefly. I bid her a tender farewell, knowing our time together had been fleeting but meaningful. Walking back home, I relished the peacefulness that granted me a moment of calm like a pigeon's leisurely flight back to its nest.

As a writer, this is my favorite chapter. Do you like it too? Do you think their happiness lasts for long?