Arjun's POV :

"Dear Kishan...", I started to type. I then paused for a second to pierce my fork into the plate of broccoli salad that Janvi had made for me and shove it into my mouth. My chest still ached briefly from the stab wound. But not my heart.

Ananya was coming home today. I wondered how she was feeling. I half fall in love with half the girls in my class. But Ananya wasn't like that. The only guy she has fallen in love was now in a hospital.

I resumed typing.

"I just came home yesterday and let me tell you Kishan, I'm too good right now so please don't even think about feeling guilty.

I heard from Ananya, all that has happened. I heard your story from her too. About your parents. And for Godsake don't even let it enter your head that you've done something wrong. You didn't know what you were doing.

People who knew what they were doing, have done way worse things than this and they don't even feel guilty.

Ananya told me a lot of medical terms which I didn't understand to describe your present condition. Both of you toppers should bear with my cringy brain.

But all I know is that somewhere you were searching for yourself and believe me, I've been there. We are all a little naive and lost. But that's not wrong in any way. It takes courage to be vulnerable.

I accused Ananya of being problematic and messed up but I was no better, myself.

I came to the competition to get the money so that I would be able to legally cut off ties with my parents and start a career on my own. Imagine how messed up I must've been when I made that decision.

But then I've been messed up all my life. Dated half a dozen girls, never broke up with any of them smoothly (which always created so much ruckus), bunked all the tuition classes and wasted my parents' money, never did a single record work or assignment right and went up and down the city like a lunatic looking for music chances.

That's a lot right?

I mean, there's not a single achievement I've made in seventeen years that my parents can proudly talk about. I've not given them anything except my failed exam sheets, regular headaches and extra meetings with teachers to worry about.

Only a few days ago, I told them all that useless things I've been doing for seventeen years. I told them I had wanted to cut ties with them.

But even after all that shit, they were willing to forgive me and sponsor my course in a music institute.

Today I realise that I have good parents.

Mumbai is my target, by the way. I hope I get it.

I can't believe I finally got my dream acknowledged and my parents agreed to it. And what more? They even agreed that I didn't have to write NEET.

But your dream on the other hand bro, is already a parent favourite one - to become a doctor. I heard that you will recover way ahead of the NEET so go kill it. I have a feeling you're going to be that new sexy doctor on the block. Chicks will keep coming to you (and not for treatment).

To be honest, I was a bit annoyed when Ananya was going on ramping about you during meals and even at school because I never went on and on about any of the girls I had dated. But that's also probably because I never was actually in love with any of them.

But I did fall in love with someone. I fell in love with my longtime friend and classmate. You know her. Yeah it's Pooja. (I haven't told her yet but I would be surprised if she hasn't already guessed *wink emoji*)

This is really the longest Instagram DM I've sent someone (and I know it's worth it).

And the main purpose of this is to tell you to forget about this incident. I have. And I'm sure you will too. And please don't ask for an apology. You didn't know what you were doing. You caused me a bit of blood loss but not pain. I'm taking many medicines right now, I won't lie to you. But I don't care one bit. I got my dream acknowledged. A thousand drips through my body wouldn't have mattered.

I'm happiest when I sing. And to know that I will actually be able to do that for the rest of my life is a feeling I can't describe.

So if anything, what you did, proved a blessing for me. I wouldn't be holding a one way ticket to chase my dream if you hadn't stabbed me.

Sounds so weird right? But that's how this world works sometimes.

I'm sure, things will work for you too. They say things always work in the end for good people and you're a way better human being than I am. So if it worked for me, it will definitely work for you too.

Just remember, the world has changed but the people in it haven't. So you might have to face judgements and some people might not like you. But then again, what's the fun in life if everybody starts to like you?

Your condition right now, is not going to stop you in anyway. Plus it's not permanent either. Two steps forward and one step backward, is still one step forward.

I know philosophy has always been more of Ananya's department but I'm not bad either."

"Arjun, where's your mom's wardrobe key?", Janvi called out from outside, "I can't find it in her room!".

"She might have taken it with her to the hospital", I said.

"I should've known", I heard Janvi mumble.

I resumed typing, "Oh and something else, my aunt is getting engaged next week and the marriage is in four months. You might be knowing already. I know you can't make it but we will think of you *heart emoji*

I don't know when exactly you will be fine enough to read this but when you do I hope it's in good health and wellness (and I'm not talking about the physical aspect).

We never had the chance to become too close during the competition because my desperate sister was moping around you the whole time, but know that when you come back, I'm waiting to embrace you as a brother and maybe someday in the future as a brother-in-law too *winks*

I do believe in 'There's someone for everyone' and it's highly likely that Ananya is your 'someone'. But regardless of whether or not you and Ananya stay together after this, I will always be your friend.

Take care of yourself.

And before I finish this message, let me tell you, my sister was right. You do look as good as Harry Styles *toothy smile emoji*.

Your brother and friend for life
Arjun".

I clicked the send button and lay back on my bed, starring at Kendall Jenner on my wallpaper, but thinking of Pooja and finishing up the last bit of my salad.