AAHANA'S POV
As I emerged from the bathroom, refreshed but not revitalized, a nagging ache in my stomach caught me off guard. Perhaps it was something I'd eaten, but for now, it was a mystery. I arched my back and stretched my arms, coaxing my muscles to relax. The relief was fleeting, but it was enough to propel me toward the living room.
Kavya was already there, waiting for Sidharth to arrive. Her eyes met mine as I settled beside her on the couch. "You look uncomfortable," she observed, her brow furrowed in concern.
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her perceptiveness. "Really?" I replied, leaning back into the couch's embrace. My gaze drifted over Kavya, taking in the elegant simplicity of her outfit: a crisp white kurti paired with blue jeans, and delicate light blue earrings that danced in the soft light.
Kavya's eyes flicked to her phone, her thumb hovering over the screen before she powered it off and turned her attention to me. "Do we have sanitary napkins at home?" she asked, her voice soft and gentle, as she gave my thigh a reassuring squeeze.
It was moments like these that reminded me of Kavya's unwavering thoughtfulness. She knew me inside out - from my grocery shopping habits to the intricacies of my menstrual cycle. Her concern was a comforting presence, a reminder that I wasn't alone.
"Your period's late, isn't it?" Kavya asked, her gaze locked onto mine, a blend of concern and compassion etched on her face.
"I'm not due yet, but I can feel it looming," I said, my voice laced with a mix of discomfort and resignation. I gently massaged the bridge of my nose, my eyes drifting shut as I let my head fall back against the couch pillow. A dull ache had begun to throb in my forehead, and I could feel the familiar tug of cramps in my lower abdomen.
"Should I stay-"
Kavya's voice was laced with concern, but I cut her off before she could offer to stay. "No, don't worry about me," I murmured, my eyes still closed. "You go, Sid's waiting. Don't ruin his plans." I knew Kavya too well - she'd sacrifice her own plans in a heartbeat to take care of me. But I didn't want her to miss out on her evening because of my impending period.
"I'm worried aaha, your cramps are always heavy, who'll take care of you now?" Kavya asked, her voice tinged with concern. I stood up, smoothing out my posture as I turned to face her. I placed a reassuring hand on her arm, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"I'm not broken, Kavya," I said with a smile. "I can take care of myself. And if I need food, I'll just order in."
Kavya's gaze lingered on mine, searching for reassurance. "Okay, if you're sure...just promise me you'll call if you need anything." Her voice was soft, but firm, and I nodded in agreement.
The doorbell's chime interrupted our conversation, signaling Sidharth's arrival. Kavya stood up, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she smiled. "I'll be off, take care, okay?" She gently ruffled my hair before hurrying out of the living room.
I caught a glimpse of Sidharth's warm smile as he waved at me, and I returned it, feeling a sense of comfort in their departure. The door closed behind them, and the apartment grew quiet once more.
I settled back into the couch, losing myself in the TV's glow. But as the minutes ticked by, a subtle ache in my lower abdomen grew more insistent. I felt a trickle of blood, and my heart sank. My period had finally arrived.
I leapt from the couch, dashing towards the bathroom with a sense of urgency.
I emerged from the bathroom, the confirmation I'd been dreading staring me in the face: my period had finally arrived. I trudged over to the drawer where we kept our daily essentials, hoping to find some relief. But as I scanned the shelves, my heart sank. The spot where our sanitary napkins were usually stacked was empty. Not a single pad remained.
I let out a frustrated sigh, feeling the irritation of my cramps escalate. This was the last thing I needed. I stood there, frozen in annoyance, wondering how I could have forgotten to restock. The pain and discomfort seemed to be closing in around me, and I felt a wave of desperation wash over me.
A pained gasp escaped my lips as I clutched my belly, my mind racing for a solution. I thought about calling Kavya, but I couldn't bring myself to ruin her plans. Panic set in, and I scrambled for an alternative.
That's when Rihan's face popped into my mind. He was probably lounging at home, doing nothing. I could count on him. Gritting my teeth against the pain, I pushed myself off the floor and made my way back to the couch, my hand grasping for support.
As I collapsed onto the cushions, I snatched my phone and sent Rihan a text, my fingers trembling with urgency. But the pain spiked again, and I couldn't wait for his response. With a surge of desperation, I dialed his number, holding my breath as the phone rang.
As Rihan's promise to arrive within 15 minutes hung in the air, a wave of relief washed over me, calming my frazzled nerves. I envisioned the comforting warmth of a homemade meal, and my mind wandered to the simple pleasures of soup or pasta, the only culinary feats Rihan had mastered.
But as the minutes ticked by, my anticipation gave way to concern. Twenty minutes had passed, and Rihan was nowhere to be seen. I hesitated, wondering if I should call him, but something held me back. Perhaps it was the knowledge that he was aware of my discomfort, and the thought of him worrying about me was almost palpable. I reassured myself that he must be stuck in traffic.
As I waited, I curled up on the couch, drawing my knees to my chest in a futile attempt to ease the cramping pain. My eyes drifted shut, and I focused on the sound of my own ragged breathing, willing Rihan to arrive soon.
As I drifted off to sleep, my exhaustion momentarily eclipsing my discomfort, a gentle voice pierced the haze, "Aaha, I'm here." The soft words were accompanied by a reassuring touch on my cheek, sending a wave of calm through my body.
I slowly opened my eyes, expecting a jolt of fear, but instead, I felt a deep sense of safety. The touch was familiar, comforting, and I knew exactly who it belonged to.
As my gaze focused, Rihan's face came into view. His bright blue eyes, etched with concern, locked onto mine. His messy hair framed his face, and his furrowed brows spoke of his worry. In that moment, he looked just as he had all those years ago in high school - the same boy who had captured my heart.
Rihan's concerned gaze followed me as I struggled to sit up on the couch. "You okay?" he asked, his voice low and soothing.
I nodded, wincing as another wave of cramps hit me. "Yeah, did you bring the napkins?" I asked, my eyes scanning his hands.
He stood up from his kneeling position, holding out a packet. But as I took it from him, my confusion deepened. Why on earth would a brand feature a baby on the packaging of sanitary napkins? It wasn't until I looked closer that I realized my mistake - it was a packet of baby diapers, specifically Many Poco Pants. My eyes rolled heavenward as I face-palmed, mortification washing over me.
I let out a despairing mutter, my eyes fixed on the ceiling as if seeking divine intervention. "Oh god, why me?"
Rihan's gaze followed mine, his expression puzzled. "Huh?" he murmured, before looking back at me. "Why you?" he repeated, his tone innocent and endearing. as our eyes met, I felt a surge of frustration mixed with amusement. I took a deep breath, trying to rein in my annoyance, not wanting to unleash it on him. His innocent expression only added to my exasperation.
Rihan, oblivious to my turmoil, continued with a proud smile plastered on his face. "You know, there were lots of other brands like Huggies, but this boy on the packet caught my eye. And the color scheme seemed really cute, too." He struck a pose, hands on hips, looking like a triumphant conqueror.
I inhaled deeply, biting back my frustration as I struggled to maintain a neutral tone. "Rihan, these aren't sanitary napkins," I said, a sugary sweet smile masking my annoyance.
His grin mirrored mine, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I know," he replied, his voice dripping with innocence.
He knew?
My smile faltered, incredulity taking its place. He knew. He was fully aware that diapers weren't a substitute for sanitary napkins. Yet, he'd still brought them. Did he genuinely believe I could use diapers as a viable alternative?
"I thought it could help with leakage-" but I didn't let him finish. With a swift motion, I smacked the packet towards his face, but he caught it effortlessly, his reflexes saving him from the impact.
"Get the freaking sanitary napkins or leave!" I hissed, my glare intensifying as I struggled to keep my cool. The constant cramping and throbbing headache were pushing me to the edge, and his ignorance was the final straw.
His eyes widened in alarm, and he took a step back, hands raised in a placating gesture. "Oh, okay, calm down, I get it, I get it!" he repeated, his voice soothing as he tried to defuse the situation.
"Are you going to get them, or-" I began, but he cut me off with a hasty "I'm going, I'm going!" A sheepish grin still plastered on his face, he backed away towards the door, his hands continuing to gesture calming motions.
As he reached the porch, he turned around and made a swift exit, practically running out of the door. I watched him go, my frustration boiling over.
"Fucking idiot,"
As the minutes ticked by, my impatience grew. Each passing second felt like an eternity, a stark reminder that I desperately needed sanitary napkins. My mind reeled with incredulity, still struggling to comprehend how Rihan could have brought a women baby diapers - in the smallest size, no less. The absurdity of it all left me flabbergasted.
Just as my frustration was reaching a boiling point, the doorbell rang, snapping me back to reality. I strode towards the door, peering through the peephole to find a delivery guy standing on the porch, a parcel clutched in his hand.
Without hesitation, I swung open the door, assuming the parcel was for Kavya. She was always receiving packages, and I couldn't help but wonder what she'd ordered this time.
"Kavya Rehmani?" the delivery guy inquired, his voice a gentle blend of politeness and professionalism.
I nodded, stretching the truth. "Yeah." It was a familiar routine - Kavya's parcels often arrived when she was away, and the delivery company's policy dictated that they couldn't hand over packages to anyone else.
The delivery guy handed me the bag with a courteous smile. "Thank you for the order, ma'am. Please rate our service, so we can continue to improve and provide better assistance in the future. Thank you."
As he turned to leave, I nodded in appreciation. Once he was gone, I stepped inside, curiosity getting the better of me. I opened the bag, and a wave of relief washed over me - inside, I found a packets of sanitary napkins.
I gazed up at the ceiling, a soft whisper escaping my lips. "I still believe you're with me." After taking care of my immediate needs, I returned to the couch, settling in with a sigh.
Just as I was getting comfortable, the door creaked open. I turned to see Sidharth and Kavya walking in, their faces etched with concern. Sidharth carried a bag, while Kavya's grin threatened to split her face. "Aaha, we've got chocolates for you!" she exclaimed.
As they approached, I sensed a mix of relief and worry emanating from them. "You guys came early on purpose, didn't you?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.
Kavya disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Sidharth to hand me the bag and settle in beside me. "The meetup ended early," Kavya called out from the kitchen, "and how could we enjoy ourselves when you're in pain?" Her voice was tinged with empathy, and I felt grateful for their thoughtfulness.
As I rummaged through the bag, I found an assortment of chocolates and sanitary napkins. I looked up at Sidharth, confusion etched on my face. "She said the napkins at home were out of stock, so..." he trailed off, offering a gentle, reassuring smile.
"It's okay, we're here for you, though," he continued, his voice laced with innocence. "I can tell it's bad, but does it really hurt that much?" His genuine concern was almost endearing.
Before I could respond, Kavya emerged from the kitchen, a glass of water in hand. "You know, he was saying we should get diapers instead of sanitary napkins when we went to the shop," she said, a hint of amusement dancing in her voice.
I turned back to Sidharth, who sheepishly admitted, "Yeah, I thought it could help with leakage." The realization hit me - these two were indeed cut from the same cloth. I couldn't help but chuckle, shaking my head in wonder.
Kavya handed me the glass of hot water, which I gratefully accepted. "By the way, Aaha, I had ordered some napkins days ago to try them. They said they were harmless and new. Are they home?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with concern.
As I took a sip of the soothing hot water, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for these two friends, who always seemed to know exactly what I needed.
I told them everything~
I finished recounting my tale, and Sidharth burst into laughter. "Hahahah... diapers, seriously?" He choked out the words between guffaws.
Kavya shot him a skeptical look. "Didn't you also suggest that?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Sidharth's laughter subsided, and he grinned mischievously. "But I'm different, right? He's dated before; he must have known about this." He trailed off, still chuckling.
Just then, the sound of Sidharth's bike echoed outside. He straightened up, confusion etched on his face. "Meri Rolly baby?"
I glanced at the door, obvious in my implication. "Mujhe thodi pata hai teri bike hai ya nhi," I said, my tone dripping with sarcasm.
The sound of the bike grew louder, and we all knew who was arriving - Rihan.
The door creaked open, and Rihan's imposing figure filled the frame. He wore a helmet and clutched a bag in his hand, his movements deliberate as he walked in. Placing the helmet on the table, he approached me, his eyes cast downward.
As he set the bag on the table, I caught a glimpse of his face, and my heart skipped a beat. His expression was somber, his eyes welling up with unshed tears. He glanced at Sidharth, his voice low and even. "Uth yaha se".
Sidharth, sensing the tension, swiftly rose from his seat and relocated to the other end of the couch, sitting beside Kavya. Rihan took his place beside me, his presence radiating an aura of quiet distress.
I exchanged a perplexed glance with Kavya and Sidharth. Sidharth raised an eyebrow, his expression a silent query, urging me to ask Rihan what was wrong. I nodded, turning my attention back to Rihan.
I tilted my head, seeking a fuller view of his face. "Is something wrong, Rihan?" I asked, my voice gentle and sincere, hoping to coax him into sharing the burden that seemed to weigh him down.
Rihan's gaze met mine, and I witnessed his eyes welling up with tears. My heart sank, and concern etched itself on my skin. A flurry of questions swirled in my mind: What was wrong? Was it because I yelled at him earlier? Or had someone said something to hurt him?
I placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, attempting to ease the tension. Rihan's face contorted, and he leaned against my chest, his body shuddering as he sobbed. I enveloped him in a warm embrace, my arms wrapping around him as I gently rubbed his back.
"Bolo toh, hua kya hai?" I coaxed, my voice soft and soothing.
Rihan's sobs intensified, his face buried in my chest. "I'm sorry," he choked out, his words muffled. "I didn't know... your date... and those... fucking sanitary napkins." His body shook with each ragged breath, his tears soaking into my skin.
My heart sank as I listened to Rihan's tearful apology. I regretted my earlier outburst, realizing that his intentions were pure. He had only wanted to care for me, and I had repaid him with anger.
Just as I was about to speak, Kavya's firm, loud voice cut me off. "Rona toh usse chahiye, usski futi kismat par jise tum mile" Her words were like a spark to dry leaves, and Rihan's sobs intensified.
I shot Kavya a glare, but she simply shrugged, folding her arms across her chest. Her expression seemed to say, "What? I'm just stating the truth."
Meanwhile, Sidharth was holding back laughter, his phone discreetly capturing our little drama. He would occasionally glance at Kavya, a sly grin spreading across his face. I shook my head, chuckling softly at the absurdity of it all.
I refocused my attention on Rihan, gently continuing to rub his back. "Ssh, ssh, it's okay, it's fine." After a couple of minutes, he calmed down, pulling away from me with wet eyelashes and a puffed-up nose. I couldn't help but chuckle softly.
Rihan attempted to explain himself, but I cut him off with a nod. "I know," I said, locking eyes with him. "I get it." His face broke into a smile, and I felt a warmth spread through my chest.
As we sat there, Rihan suddenly asked, "Tell me, what do you want to eat?" He leaned back, a hopeful glint in his eye. I gave him a perplexed look. "Huh?"
Rihan's enthusiasm was undeterred. "Yeah... I mean, I want to make it for you." His eyes sparkled, and I felt a flutter in my chest.
"You sure?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. Rihan nodded vigorously. "More than sure. You haven't eaten anything, right? And I want to feed you." His words were laced with a tender sincerity that left me wondering that if he's caring or just day is wrong.
A low, teasing voice drifted from the other side of the couch. "Feed her what?" Sidharth asked, his words trailing off as Rihan and I turned to give him a disapproving look. Sidharth's eyes sparkled with mirth, and he barely contained his laughter. "I mean, feed her what? Burned food?" He flashed a playful smile.
Rihan shook his head, his attention refocusing on me. "You tell me what you want," he said, his eyes eager.
I knew Rihan's culinary skills were limited, but his insistence was endearing. I opted for a simple dish, anticipating the kitchen chaos that would ensue. "Pasta would be great," I said, searching his face for any signs of discomfort. Finding none, I smiled, intrigued by his determination.
Rihan's confident declaration was cut short by Kavya's call from across the room. "Aaha!" she exclaimed, capturing my attention.
"I'm going upstairs to change," she announced, standing up and walking towards the stairs. However, she paused mid-step, her gaze locking onto mine before shifting to Rihan. Her expression transformed, her eyes flashing with a cold intensity.
"If you need something, I'm just a knock away, okay?" she said, her voice measured. Her gaze softened as she looked back at me, and I nodded in appreciation.
As Kavya ascended the stairs, Rihan's glare followed her, his eyes flashing with annoyance. He rolled his eyes, a sarcastic smile twisting his lips. However, as he turned back to me, his expression softened, his eyes filled with warmth.
Just then, Sidharth sprang up from the couch, jogging towards the stairs. "Can I come?" he asked, already taking the steps two at a time. "I'm coming anyway!" he exclaimed, disappearing into the room upstairs, Kavya's laughter echoing in response.
Rihan rose up from the couch, stepping back Before he turned around "okay then wait here" and went into kitchen.
It's been pretty half hour waiting for something to eat my stomach is making noises now, aching for food more than the cramps but my back's hurting way more than just my belly
I don't think someone on the earth would take would take freaking 20 mins to boil a simple pasta, all while waiting done nothing but stare at the wall trying to calm down my nerves of cramps but and be a little excited for what roha is making for me.
Rihan rose from the couch, his movements economical as he stepped back before turning to face me. "Okay, then wait here," he said, his voice low and reassuring, before disappearing into the kitchen.
The minutes ticked by at a glacial pace. My stomach growled, protesting the delay, as the cramps and backache continued to torment me. I couldn't fathom why something as simple as boiling pasta was taking so long. Twenty minutes had already passed, and I was starting to lose hope.
As I waited, I found myself staring blankly at the wall, trying to calm my frazzled nerves. The anticipation of Rihan's culinary efforts was the only thing keeping me going. I couldn't help but wonder what he was creating in the kitchen, and whether it would be edible.
I was lost in thought, staring blankly at the wall, when a loud crash echoed from the kitchen. My heart skipped a beat as I wondered what had happened. The noise was so loud that I could almost picture the destruction.
Did he just-
My curiosity got the better of me, and I slowly rose from the couch, clutching my stomach as I tried to ignore the discomfort. I made my way to the kitchen, my eyes scanning the room for signs of chaos.
As I entered, I was met with a scene of utter disarray. A fine layer of white powder covered every surface, and a broken jar lay in the corner, its contents spilled everywhere. My gaze shifted to Rihan, who stood amidst the mess, a weak smile plastered on his face. His clothes were stained with flour, making him look like a ghostly apparition.
"What the-.." I trailed off, my eyes widening in horror as I took in the chaotic scene before me. The counter was a disaster zone, with burned vegetables congealing in a pan, a dirty stove, and a general air of mayhem. And then, my gaze fell upon the final insult: milk dripping from the counter to the floor, spoiling everything in its path.
My anger simmered, threatening to boil over. I was already in agony, and now I had to deal with this catastrophe? I took a step forward, my voice rising. "What the hell, Rihan? What is this?" I shouted, struggling to keep my emotions in check.
Rihan mumbled something under his breath, his eyes fixed on the floor. "It's gram flour," he muttered.
I felt my anger spike. "Gram flour for what?" I demanded, my voice trembling.
Rihan hesitated before answering. "For white sauce."
"Are you insane?" I yelled, my patience snapping. "We need all-purpose flour for that!"
I stormed into the kitchen, my anger boiling over. I snatched the rolling pin (belan) from the counter and charged at Rihan, intent on giving him a good scolding. I swung the belan, trying to tap him on the arm, but he was too quick. He grasped my wrists, twisting them around, and in a swift move, he switched positions, pinning me against the counter.
As soon as he released my hands, he took off, dashing out of the kitchen. "I'm sorry!" he yelled, his voice carrying a hint of apology and teasing, which only fueled my frustration.
I chased after him, still clutching the belan, determined to catch him. We tore through the living room, weaving between couches, his laughter and my shouts filling the air. "Ek jagah rukh ja, varna aur pitega!" I yelled, my eyes fixed on Rihan's fleeing form.
He darted between the pillars, his voice echoing through the room. "Bola na sorry, maaf karde!" he pleaded, still running for cover.
Just as we were careening around the living room, Sidharth appeared at the bottom of the stairs, his hurried pace slowing to a stop. His gaze followed us, a mixture of amusement and exasperation on his face.
"Mai keh rhi hu, rukh ja!" I yelled, still in hot pursuit of Rihan.
But in my enthusiasm, the belan slipped from my grasp, flying through the air towards Rihan. His eyes widened as he leaned down, dodging the attack with impressive agility.
Sidharth, still leaning against the wall, shook his head, his voice loud and laced with annoyance. "Can't believe you guys are going to date soon-" But before he could finish, the belan came crashing down, hitting him squarely on the face.
He stumbled backward, collapsing onto the stairs. Rihan and I gasped in unison, our hands flying to our mouths. "Isske belan ka!" we exclaimed in unison our voices laced with shock and laughter.