Chapter 10
Reyansh
Finally, the distance between Amyra and me is about to end. I never imagined a simple reply of “let’s meet tomorrow” could bring so much comfort to my restless mind.
I’m waiting in the indoor library of the Thakur Estate, our hangout spot since childhood, because of our shared love for books.
It has always been our haven for heartfelt conversations, playful fights, exam prep, and all the moments we spent just being together.
I asked if we could meet outside, but she insisted on our usual spot.
My anticipation is impossible to contain. I need to understand the reason behind her sudden indifference.
This is the longest we’ve ever gone, ten full days without seeing each other.
And even though I started dating Aditi, I couldn’t focus on our new relationship because my mind kept circling back to the distance with my best friend.
Every time Amyra ignored my messages, cut my calls, or avoided me in Bajaj Mansion, it stung like losing a piece of myself.
The anxiety and distress made me restless, almost obsessive, always exhorting me to try to close the gap between us.
My days turned melancholic without her, and that dulled whatever bond I was trying to build with Aditi. I felt disinterested in everything.
I even called Amyra’s other best friend, Sanchi, hoping for a clue. I couldn’t recall any clash, disagreement, or exchange of taunts between us, so I was clueless about what went wrong. The last time we spoke, she reassured me about Aditi approving my proposal… and then silence.
So when she texted yesterday asking to meet, it felt like I could finally breathe again with Amyra by my side. My phone rings, snapping me out of my thoughts. I quickly pull it out, expecting to see her name, but my smile fades when it’s my girlfriend.
You’re being crazy, Rey.
“Hey, Aditi! What’s up?” I try to sound casual.
“Did you meet my sister?” she asks, confusing me.
“Not yet. She must be on her way. Did you see her leave the mansion?”
“No.”
“It’s okay. I can wait.” I slump into the swivel chair near the row of books. She sighs on the other side.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
“Just realised how you’ve been unreachable since we started seeing each other.
It’s my vacation and your break period before joining the company, and so I thought we’d spend time exploring our bond.
But we met only once in the past ten days.
Even in that meeting, you were distant, lost in your own world, looking…
sad. It felt unfair, Reyansh. Didn’t you promise to give your best to make this relationship work? ”
Disappointment laces her voice. And honestly, I have no defence. I really was disturbed. I couldn’t be myself with her. I failed to keep my promise because no matter how hard I tried, my strained friendship with Amyra clouded everything. This one’s on me.
“I’m so sorry, my darling. You know things haven’t been okay between Amyra and me. It’s taken away my peace and made me lose my mind. I couldn’t focus on anything.”
“But why? You should have given her some space and waited. Instead, you were losing patience and even ignored your girlfriend. Didn’t I try to cheer you up so many times?
You never cared!” This is a new side of her, but I’m glad she cares about us.
And she’s right. She literally dragged me out of the Estate to get some fresh air, trying to distract me.
But I couldn’t escape the weight of Amyra’s silence.
“Of course, my darling. I remember how you tried. I just… didn’t pay attention. Amyra isn’t just my best friend, she’s family.” I pause, her face flashing in my mind.
“She’s been a constant presence since childhood.
Staying apart from her felt like a mini heartbreak.
This is our first time going silent on each other, and I didn’t cope well.
I’m sorry for failing your expectations.
I’ll try to be more present for you.” I explain gently.
I know things like this can feel sensitive.
But I want to do my best for her.
“I understand your bond with my sister. I’m only upset that I couldn’t pull you out of your dull mood despite being your girlfriend.”
Her worry is evident, and guilt pricks my chest. “I’m the one at fault, Aditi. Don’t overthink this. We’ll be fine.”
“Alright, Reyansh… but I personally think Amyra Di shouldn’t have shut you out without a partic—”
“She must have a strong reason, Aditi. I’ll call you later. She should be here anytime.”
I end the call after her soft “okay,” and I’m surprised at how quickly I defended Amyra without even letting Aditi finish her sentence.
God, why am I acting like this?
Just then, the library door creaks, and my spirit lifts instantly. I rush toward the entrance, and there I see Amyra walking inside. A broad, emotional smile stretches across my lips. After days of not seeing her, I can’t stop myself. I hurry forward and immediately pull her into my arms.
“Rey…” Her whisper sends a wave of relief crashing through me.
I tighten my arms around her shoulders as one of her hands wraps around my torso, tapping my back lightly.
For a full minute, I just breathe her in, soaking in the serenity her presence brings.
When we pull away, we’re both smiling. But my smile fades the moment I take a proper look at her.
The dullness in her eyes, the withered expression, the exhaustion; even her usual glow is gone. Concern stabs through my chest.
“Ames… what have you done to yourself? You look sick. Where’s your spark?” I lift my hand to touch her face, but she steps back. My hand freezes mid-air before I slowly retreat.
Something is wrong.
“First of all,” she begins softly, “I’m sorry for ghosting you for the last ten days, Rey.
I know it was wrong to shut you out without a proper reason.
I was dealing with my own problems and needed solitude.
But everything is normal now, so I wanted to clear things between us.
I hope you understand and forgive me.” Her explanation knocks the breath out of me.
This doesn’t sound like Amyra. It feels distant, unfamiliar, and oddly formal.
She always ran to me when something bothered her.
Why did she hide this time? Why didn’t she trust me with it even now?
It’s hard to digest. What changed between us?
“Is this real or am I imagining it?” I whisper, my voice unsteady. “You’re hiding something from me, Ames. I can feel it. What happened between us? Aren’t we each other’s refuge?” A hollow ache sits heavy in my chest. I hate admitting it, but I feel heartbroken… like I’m losing my best friend.
“Oh, Rey, you’re overreacting.” She sighs.
“Everyone has things they don’t want to share, not even with their closest allies.
Please understand that. And if I hurt you, I’ll wait until you forgive me.
I’m sorry again.” She turns to leave, but I react fast, grabbing her wrist and spinning her back toward me.
“No.” The word escapes like a plea. A few days without her felt like torture, robbing me of my sanity. I can’t let her walk away just because I expect more from her. Yes, she might have things she can’t say yet, but that doesn’t mean I’ll let our friendship crumble.
She’s here. That’s enough for now. Maybe one day, she’ll tell me what she’s hiding.
“Please don’t leave, Ames. There’s nothing to forgive. I wasn’t even mad, and I respect your privacy, truly. Just… don’t disappear like that again.”
“Don’t worry. Those circumstances won’t repeat.” Her voice dips with a sadness I can’t decipher.
“But Ames… didn’t you miss me? Even a little?” I blurt. “I lost my mind. I couldn’t even focus on Aditi. She felt hurt because I wasn’t myself.” Her expression shifts into confusion.
“But why, Rey? She’s your girlfriend. She deserves your full attention when she’s with you. You shouldn’t carry your bitterness to her.” Panic flickers across her face. “I can’t imagine my sister being uncomfortable because of me.” She begins pacing, her eyes darting around.
“I thought you two were doing fine…”
“Ames, take a breath.” I place my hands on her shoulders. She nods and inhales deeply.
“We’re going to be fine. And don’t blame yourself for anything. I’m the one who needs to learn how to balance things. I’ve been so invested in our friendship that I—”
“Rey, stop.” Her voice sharpens, frustrated and disappointed.
“A relationship comes first as it involves two lives. You shouldn’t lose focus because of a rough patch in our friendship.
You need to do better. Prioritise her so that you won't hurt her.” Her words twist painfully in my chest as she turns and walks out of the library.
The silence she leaves behind feels heavy.
Her words repeat in my mind, and I know she’s right.
I should prioritise my relationship. I should give my best to Aditi. But why didn’t I feel like myself when I was away from Amyra? Why does her presence feel essential to lead a normal life?
My head throbs with confusion, but one thing is clear: I need to figure out the answer very soon.