Chapter – 8
(Sulking, Realization, and Some Unspoken Words…)
It's the middle of the week. Along with the pressure of classes in college, the buzz of new gossip among friends is also constant. Aishi is unusually quiet today. There's no particular expression on her face, but her eyes carry a distant, distracted look. Her friend Rimi comes over and asks, "Are you okay? Why are you so quiet?"
Aishi smiles faintly and replies, "I'm fine. Just a bit tired."
But deep inside, it's not tiredness—rather an unknown emotional turmoil. Over the past few days, Ayush's presence has become such a big part of her life that his absence now feels like something is missing. Yet, whenever she stands in front of him, she feels irritated, almost like pushing him away. Why does this happen? It was never supposed to be like this!
On the other hand, Ayush arrives late to college today. The usual excitement on his face is missing. Something is bothering him deeply. Aishi's avoidance, her unexplained anger, and the weight of all her unspoken words have started affecting him too. An uneasiness, an empty void, seems to linger in his chest. Still, outwardly he talks and laughs with everyone as if nothing is wrong. But deep down, he knows—things are not okay.
It's lunch break. Everyone is busy in the canteen. Ayush sits in a corner, scrolling through his phone. Aishi notices him from the corner of her eye but doesn't go near. Suddenly Rimi says, "What happened between you and Ayush? You two couldn't go a day without talking before!"
Aishi replies, "Nothing happened. And he's no one of mine that I have to talk to him every day."
But as soon as she says it, she realizes—there was no anger in her voice, only hurt. She looks away so no one notices her eyes. Her emotions quietly settle somewhere deep within.
That evening, an announcement comes from the college literary club. Six selected students will perform in a stage play where conversations between a boy and a girl will reflect life's philosophy. Both Ayush and Aishi are on that list. As soon as they hear the news, an odd discomfort grows inside both of them. Being on stage together again! Standing face to face and delivering dialogues with someone who doesn't even talk to you anymore!
The next day at the rehearsal room. Ayush arrives early. As soon as Aishi enters, their eyes meet. Neither says a word. For a moment, it feels like all surrounding sounds have stopped. As if there's an invisible curtain between them—something pulling, something holding back.
Ayush finally says, "If you don't want to do this, I'll tell the organizers to remove me."
Aishi looks at him and replies, "Why do you always talk like everything is my fault? If I wanted, I could've removed you instead!"
After a pause, Ayush says softly, "You never removed me… and you never wanted me to leave either. You just never said that you wanted me to stay."
Aishi remains silent for a moment. Then she says, "You don't know, Ayush… what my world is like. I don't even understand myself properly—how can I understand you?"
Ayush says nothing this time. His eyes grow deeper, carrying an invisible exhaustion—like he's been waiting for answers to questions buried for a long time.
First day of rehearsal. Standing with scripts, delivering dialogues, looking at each other—none of it is easy. At first, both speak with trembling voices, avoiding eye contact. But slowly, each dialogue starts to feel like their own unspoken truths. Amidst stage lights and sound systems, the distance between them begins to shrink little by little.
One day after rehearsal, Ayush softly says, "You know, Aishi… when I say the dialogues of the play, it feels like I'm speaking my own life. And you're that real character I say everything to. Yet… in real life, I don't find a place to say anything."
Aishi pauses for a moment, then lowers her head and says, "Not everything gets its moment to be said, Ayush. In some lives, certain words remain unspoken forever."
That night, Aishi stands alone on the balcony. Stars twinkle in the sky. A song plays on her phone—"Is love only about getting? Isn't not getting also a form of love?"
A faint shimmer appears in her eyes. She knows—she cannot give a name to what she feels for Ayush. But in his absence, she realizes—he was there, he is there, and he will always be…
To be continued…