Dually Devoted ?

CHAPTER 22

"Harps. He doesn't want you to call him, or text him. Actually, he strictly instructed me to let you know. You are not to call him, text him, or mail him." As he delivered the message, he wanted to punch Arnav for making him say this to her, but he ran his hands through his hair, knowing that that guy would already be dwelling in pain. Pain, of being away from her.

"What?!" She shrieked.

"This isn't permanent, and you know it. He sounded upset, and you know he's a tad bit crazy, don't you?"

Arpita smiled at his choice of words, humming. "Hmm."

"He's gonna miss you bad and then, it'll be a sight to see him swallow his gigantic ego and call you back," Aad laughed. "Now, that's worth a little patience, don't you think?"

She hummed again, chuckling a little. "You're right. But I already miss him."

"Aww. Don't I feel loved here? He's been gone for what? A few hours? And I moved out long back, yet you haven't told me you miss me, even once!"

She chuckled, "Because I don't," she jested.

"Liar!"

***

When Aad had told her Arnav would miss her and call her back real soon, she thought maybe in a day... Or in the span of a few days? No? A week? A few weeks? And here, a month had passed!

30 petrifying days!
43,200 minutes, each of which felt like an eternity.

Addison had no assurances anymore. He felt bad himself. He told her he would try speaking to Arnav. And she knew he was trying his best.

Nevertheless, just like Arnav had ignored her calls and texts, he had begun to ignore Addy's calls too. He only rarely texted Addison, to tell him about his whereabouts that he wasn't supposed to disclose to her. Arpita felt like she was being played. Anger surged within her, but she did not have enough energy to do anything about it.

After that, she never asked Addy for his whereabouts. She even stopped asking Aad about him. Addy would tell her if there was anything she had to know, anyway.

She missed him, but showing Addison her pain would only hurt him too. That poor guy was stuck in-between them. At least she should spare him now. He needed to focus on his own life, his girlfriend and his studies.

He was already trying hard to make time for her almost everyday.

She would never forget that he had bunked college for two days straight and come to check on her the following day. She knew he didn't have all the money in the world, yet he had travelled for hours, stayed in a small uncomfortable lounge, just for her. And he hadn't complained, not once, even though all she had caused... was trouble. By not wanting to eat, not wanting to talk, not wanting to do anything.

She hadn't even wanted to cry!

Not a tear left her empty eyes, because she still couldn't digest the fact... that Arnav wasn't next to her. Sometimes... it felt like years had passed. And sometimes. As if he had been with her just a minute ago. She couldn't really comprehend what was going on.