-• familar strangers•-

Taranya

I couldn't go back home right away.

After stepping outside the hotel, I drove to Tower Bridge and took a stroll there. The place was bustling with people. It was so easy to spot out the locals from the overwhelming number of tourists. People who amble here regularly rarely come for the picturesque view it offers. This place is a part of their life. And hence, never bothered with. Unlike the tourists. They look around with generous enthusiasm, as if they had been waiting their whole life for this moment. But I'm sure a few more years here, and they wouldn't even bother to look away from their phones to glance at this place.

People and places are so alike. The only difference being, places don't get tired of the familiar. People, unfortunately do.

That's the thing about familiarity.

You meet new people, get excited about their little quirks and strange habits, and eventually with time, stop getting excited. Perhaps, even stop noticing.

What's more disappointing is that you never think that'd happen. But it does. And you realise when it's too late.

I look up at the sky.

I wonder whether Mom and Dad are looking down on me. What are they thinking? Did I make the right decision? Are they furious at me? I didn't think I'd get married like this. I wanted it to be a grand, most beautiful moment of my life. I wanted to take my partner to meet them, introduce them. I wanted my partner to smile at me and hold my hand when we come to them for blessings.

"I'm sorry," I whisper to the two lone stars sparkling in the dark sky. "I can't bring him with me to meet you guys. I'm not proud of him. I don't love him. And I'm sorry, I'm about to lie to my remaining family." Hands clasped to my chest, I brace the railing and lean in, lowering my gaze to the river beneath the bridge.

My phone rings in my pocket. I fish it out, freaking out a little internally. I lied that my friend's mother insisted I stay for dinner. Vivaan Bhai then asked me for her number. I had no choice but to give it, hoping he doesn't call her to cross check. We're friends but not close enough that she'll lie for my sake to my brother.

Arush's name on the screen puts me at ease.

"Hello,"

"Shourya said you left the hotel an hour ago. Where are you? Why are you still not home? Are you okay? Did you car break down? Send me your address, I'm on my way." He fires questions one after another, not stopping to breath, let alone hear me. "Say something! I'm freaking out."

"Take a breath," I say calmly.

"What?"

"Breath. You know how to breath? Inhale and-"

"Shut up, smartass. I know how breathing works." To prove, he inhales deeply, and then exhales. "Hear that? Now my turn. Where are you?"

"Tower Bridge."

"What are you doing there?" He asks. "I thought you went to the hotel to accept his proposal. Did he reject you? I understand why he would do that, but please don't jump. I have an important exam next week."

I snort out a chuckle. "He proposed me first."

"He can still reject you."

"That's not how a proposal works." I counter.

"It does. What if he realises he'd regret it?"

"Excuse me?"

"From a man's point of view, you're very hard to deal with."

I scoff. "You of all people never had to deal with me."

"Exactly. And I can still feel the pressure."

"I'm hanging up." I pull the phone away from my ear.

"No, no, no! Don't!"

Slowly, I put the phone screen back to my ear. "What?"

"Should I - Should I come there? Do you want a company?"

"No, I'm fine. I'm actually on my way home." I step away from the railing and start walking towards my parked car. "Thanks for checking up on me. Though you didn't have to."

He chuckles. "Thought I did. Disadvantages of being a big brother, you know?"

I smile in amusement. "Big brother, my ass."

"Hey, I'm older than you."

"By three months." I state.

"Still older." He emphasises.

"Whatever." I unlock my car and open the door, sliding in the comfort of the rich leather and calming sandalwood scent. "I'm hanging up. I've to drive."

"Everyone's already asleep. Don't make a noise." He informs.

Humming, I cut off the connection and toss my phone on the passenger seat. I press the start button and the engine purrs to life. With a reverse out of my spot, I drive ahead and into the busy road.

It takes me thirty minutes to reach home. The elevator opens to the dark living room. All lights are already turned off. I didn't expect the men to go to bed so early in the night. It's only eleven. But then again, they've an early flight tomorrow morning. I hold back a sigh of disappointment and make my way towards the kitchen. I've been feeling hungry from the moment I left the hotel. I should at least drink a glass of milk before retiring to bed.

A figure looming across the kitchen counter startles me. I teeter back with a yelp.

Lights flood in and Ayush places an index on his lips, shushing me aggressively.

I calm down.

"What the hell are you doing?"

"I was hungry." He shrugs, two cups of instant noodles in his hand. "Do you want one?"

"Sure." I mumble.

As long as I get them enough soggy, I'll be fine.

He stops boiling the water and pours it in the cup noodles, sealing them back after he puts the carafe away. Then he picks them both and nods towards the living area.

"Should we turn on the tv?" He suggests.

"I've a better idea."

He raises a brow.

I jut my chin towards the couch.

He helps me turn it around so it's facing the floor-to-ceiling glass wall. We settle down and he sighs. "Suddenly, cup noodles feel like a cheap meal for this view."

I agree.

The view from this high up is absolutely spectacular. It's difficult to differentiate the city lights from the sky stars. They deceive your eyes to believe they're merged, now one among each other, finally together.

He opens the seal of his cup and digs in using chopsticks, mixing the sauces and noodles together. I let mine rest in my hand. "You're not eating?" His brows go up in question.

"I am. In some time."

"I'd advise not. They'll turn soggy."

That's what I want.

"Yeah, it's okay."

He shrugs and focuses on his noodles. I glance at him as he starts eating. The present moment collides with a faint memory from the past. I used to think remembering about that boy will leave me feeling fond and happy. Instead, embarrassment and hurt fills in. He fooled me for so long. And without a shred of remorse. And now he's back, demanding I marry him if I want the justice for my father.

How can he expect me to believe he's feeling sorry for what he did, when he's here to make another proud mistake? Or is it all a faux, an act, another game for him? Does he want to see how long he can play me again? I won't put it past him.

"I'm getting the jitters now. You should really eat them before they get soggy."

I flinch out of the thoughtful daze.

"Yeah," pulling the seal open, I plunge my chopsticks inside and stir the sauces and noodles. Ayush leans over to glance. His nose scrunches.

"Told you," he looks at me pitifully.

I smile. "It's okay. I don't mind."

He sits back straight and resumes eating from the almost empty cup. I lift the chopsticks to my mouth and slurp the noodles in, sighing in relief when I'm able to swallow them without needing to chew much. We eat in silent until we're almost done.

"So," I try to start a conversation, "you and Janet?"

He stiffens.

"What's wrong?"

He puts the empty cup on the floor and straightens up. "She wants to keep it casual."

I frown.

"Apparently, I'm good enough to be her bed partner, but not her boyfriend." He mutters. "She doesn't even know I gave her my virginity." His voice fades, weakens.

I put my cup away and wrap my fingers around his elbow, pulling his arm on my lap. He looks up at me, revealing the shiny layer of tears in his eyes. "I'm stuck. I want to stop loving her but I can't. It's so tiring."

I rub the back of his hand gently, listening him speak. He takes my reaction as an encouragement and unveils all that he has been hiding. How tough being in love has become for him. He calls it a burden. That it's starting to wear him out. He wants to end it, but finally having her in his arms has now made him selfish, greedy.

"She suggested friends with benefits and I said yes. God, you've no idea how much those words pierced through my heart. I was in disbelief. I couldn't believe her for a moment. I thought-I thought we're finally going somewhere. That the yearning of so many years has finally come to an end." He blubbers out softly, wiping his tears as they spill out of his eyes.

"She has commitment issues."

He chuckles sarcastically. "Yeah, that didn't stop her from going on dates and getting into random relationships. She even gave Arush a chance. Then why not me?" He looks at me accusingly, as if I've the answers.

"You're precious to her." I cup his cheek in my hand. He holds my wrist, nuzzling his face in my palm and sobbing softly. I feel my own eyes tear up. I wish I can storm up to Janet and tell her to collect her shit because she was making my brother cry. But I can't. I know what she's going through. And I also know it's not something to overcome so easily. Moreover, I'm a helpless spectator of their lives. I've no right to meddle in their matters. I just need to be there whenever either of them needs me. "Come here," I murmur, my arm sliding around his shoulder to pull him into my arms. He wraps his arms around my waist, his face buried in the nook of my neck. "Think of something positive. Your love has withstood the time and distance for five years, maybe it'll withstand this too. I know my best friend. And I know she'll never intentionally hurt you." I rub his back soothingly.

"She wants us to be exclusive," he pulls away sniffing, wiping beneath his eyes with his knuckles.

"So, no meaningless physical relationships?"

He nods.

"Isn't that a good sign?" I smile. "She's making sure you're not sleeping with anyone else even though you guys will be thousands of miles apart."

He shrugs. "I never sleep around. She does. Hopefully, she'll stop now."

"I'll keep an eye on her." I wink at him.

"Report to me if she speaks to another guy."

"To tell you," I lean in secretively. He closes up. "She has been speaking to this guy Tom lately."

He frowns. "Really?"

I nod.

"What do they talk about?"

"Oh, the usual," I add, "she asks him how he's feeling, sometimes she kisses him on the cheek. She also thinks he's very very very adorable."

Ayush grows jealous. I hold back a grin. "Who the fuck is this Tom?"

"Our guard dog." I reply. "He's usually at the gates in the evening."

Ayush inhales a deep breath, then glares at me.

"What? He's cute."

"You should try stabbing yourself with a knife sometimes." He gets up and grabs the empty cups, stashing them into each other.

"Why? Do I look suicidal?" I bite back a smile.

"Yes. You'd make a terrific victim." He walks away.

I laugh.

He throws the cups in the trash can and washes his hands. "Good night, loser." He throws over his shoulder.

"Good night." I drop the smile I had been clinging to and face forward. Resting back on the couch head, I stare outside the glass wall. The phone in my pockets starts poking me in the hip bone. I take it out and put it next to me. The lock screen lights up.

Missed Call from Shourya.

The notification stills me.

I thought I had deleted his number? Did I not? Why not? Why did I not delete his number? What stopped me?

I look away, channeling my attention elsewhere, counting the buildings I can see from here. Unable to help the curiosity, I pick up the phone and call him back.

I accidently steal a glimpse of the time on the status bar before the screen goes black and that makes me pull away the phone to hang up immediately. To my unfortunate luck, he answers.

Shit. It's twelve thirty in the midnight. I've no business calling him so late. What will he think?

"Hello? Esther?"

I blink and clutch the phone tightly in my hand.

"Taranya, are you there?" His voice groggy.

Was he sleeping?

Sheepishly, I put the phone screen to my ear and swallow. "Hello,"

"Hi," he exhales a soft breath.

"Sorry, were you sleeping?"

"No," I hear some shuffling in the background. "I was reading a book."

"Okay," I reply like a dumb fool, because I had nothing better to reply with. "Will you be here the next few days? Or are you flying back to India?"

"You tell me." He says. "Whatever you decide. I know we'll need to wait until your graduation ceremony to tie the knot. So, you make the call. We'll do things your way."

"If things were to be done my way, I wouldn't be forcing myself to marry you." I snap bitterly.

His silence is enough response.

"There's a cafe at Northampton Square, it's close to my University. Let's meet there tomorrow." I say, "I don't remember the name right now. I'll text you the accurate address tomorrow morning."

"Or you can come to my hotel suite?" He suggests.

No.

It feels too intimate.

I need people around me.

"I've classes tomorrow. It's easier for me."

"Alright, what time?"

"Three thirty." I answer.

"Okay, I'll be there. Good night."

I hang up.

Pulling myself off the couch, I drop the idea of turning it back around to fit the interior. It's too heavy. Once I'm inside my room, I close the door and change into a comfortable pair of sweats and t-shirt. Then I sprawl across my bed and sigh in relief, closing my eyes to the soothing white noise of my ceiling fan.

I'm woken up abruptly by two pair of arms. They shake me up like an earthquake. My eyes snap open with a startle. "What the hell?" I glare at Agastya.

"They're leaving." He whispers.

Sleep flies out of the window. I sit up straight and rub a hand across my face. "Now?"

"Yeah, their flight is at seven."

I throw off the comforter and get off the bed, fixing my crumpled tshirt as I put on the slippers and follow him out of the room. Vivaan opens his arms for me the moment his eyes find me. I hug him fiercely.

"You could have stayed a couple days more." I speak muffled against his sweatshirt.

"Hmm, but work," he reasons.

I nod against his chest.

He lets me go after a few seconds. I hug Yuvraaj next. He stands stiffly, immobile like a robot. "You know I'm not a porcupine, right? You can hug me. My skin doesn't prick." I grumble.

Everyone chuckles. I feel heavy arms slowly surround me. I nuzzle more into the embrace. He might not know how to show affection, but his warm body compensates for his cold attitude.

"Three more months and I'm returning to India." I pull away smugly.

"Is that supposed to be a threat?" He asks with his infamous poker face on.

"Does it sound like one?"

"I'd know, right?" He smirks.

I laugh softly.

Shifting towards Yuvaan, I beckon the tall man to lean in. He does. My arms goes around his neck and he wraps his own around my waist, automatically lifting me off the ground when he stands straight. "This is good." I say happily.

He chuckles, resting his cheek to the side of my head.

Slowly, he lowers me back to the floor and I turn towards the twins. The two step into my arms and we embrace tightly. "I'm gonna miss you both." I murmur.

They pull away and smile, so identical, but still so different.

Janet and Agastya say their goodbyes before we see them out of the building. They get into the black suv and we stand there as their car disappears in the dawn of the morning.

"C'mon, it's cold," Janet says in a whisper, hugging herself tightly. I nod and move, frowning as I see Agastya watching the road longingly even when the car has drove out of the sight.

Stepping closer, I place a tender hand on his shoulder. He flinches slightly.

"What's wrong?"

He shakes his head and turns around, heading back inside the building. Janet and I share a glance.

"He's already missing them."

I shake my head. "He misses being with them."

She sighs.

We head back to our loft together. Instead of going back to sleep, I spend an extra hour in the gym before getting ready for my morning classes. Janet and I leave together, then go seperate ways in the parking lot. She gets in her own vehicle, while I get in mine. We wave at each other before driving out the opposite ways.

I'm barely able to focus in the class. The impending meeting this afternoon hovers over my head like a blunt sword. Luckily, there's not much left to teach now. The syllabus is almost over.

In the cafeteria, after getting myself mushroom soup and bread, I find myself a corner table and sit down to eat. A few minutes later, some of my class friends join me. I ignore Tarun when he walks in. His eyes linger on me for a moment, then he walks up to the counter, orders himself something and leaves.

I breathe out in relief.

I don't want to see his face ever again. Even if I try to justify what he did by saying he was getting even with me for what happened five years ago, it still doesn't make it right. He did everything to hurt me. I can't stand him anymore. And I hope he has got enough signal from my hostility. It's better for both of us to stay away from each other until I graduate and leave.

"Everything okay between you guys?" Jennifer asks. She's blonde hair and blue eyed beautiful British girl. Her mother is Mexican though, so she is naturally tan. And the freckles make her look exotic.

"Yeah, that did not seem very friendly," her best friend, Anna says.

"Is everything okay? He wasn't even at your birthday party. You guys were best friends." Nazia places her slender hand over my wrist, worry clouding her brown eyes. I reach out to fix her Hijab so it doesn't show the roots of her hair near the temple. "Thanks," she says, taking over and doing it correctly. "Now tell us,"

These three have been with me from the first day of the University. I was dreading starting in second year, assuming I'll have no friends, and even if I do, will be only for status benefits. But I was proved wrong. Jennifer, Anna and Nazia might not be my best friends, and we may not share our deepest darkest secrets, but we respect each other, and feel comfortable together.

"He did something that hurt me." I shrug.

"Tried to kiss you?"

I shake my head.

Anna gasps. "Force you?"

I roll my eyes.

"Lied to you?" Nazia asks.

I fall quiet.

"It's okay. Forget about him. He never gave me good vibes anyway," Jennifer waves her hand nonchalantly.

"Yeah, me neither." Anna scoffs, nibbling on the breadsticks.

"Eat," Nazia pats the back of my hand.

I nod, tearing a piece of garlic bread and soaking it in the soup until it's completely gooey. Then I fill a spoonful of it and eat. Usually Agastya packs me a lunch box, but I know he wasn't in the mood to do anything this morning.

"Your eating style is so peculiar," Jennifer frowns.

"Jen, what did I tell you about commenting on people's eating habits?"

"Not to do it." Jennifer answers obediently.

"That's right. Now eat your food." Anna commands.

I smile in amusement at their exchange. They remind me so much of Janet and I.

I finish my food and sit through the remaining lectures before the final bell finally allows us outside the classroom.

"Who's that guy?" Nazia questions, causing my eyes to follow her line of sight and my breath hitches meeting the familiar pair of brown eyes. He has put back the contact lenses. "He's been looking at you from the time we stepped out of our class."

"He's hot." Jennifer chews her gum in an obnoxiously loud voice.

"He is." Anna sighs dreamily.

"I'll talk to you guys later." I say to the girls.

Shourya stands clueless near the welcome desk. I grit my teeth, watching the attention he pulls by the people around us as I descend the staircase. "What are you doing here?" I ask bluntly.

"We were supposed to meet-"

"Not here."

"I know. I was here to meet Tarun. But then the final bell rung, so I thought -"

"You thought what? That you'll wait in my University for me?" I didn't care how rude I sounded.

He nods slowly. "Yeah, it was out of line. I'm sorry. Next time -"

"There'll be no next time. Let's go," I swing the glass door open and walk out.

Aw, I'm hurt. But he deserves it. But I'm hurt 🥺

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