Between Us, Always
The fight & Goodbye
ononna and Arjun have been together four years. But lately each of the small things becomes a fight.
Let see, Today it finally breaks open or not?
right in the middle of the busy Unversity canteen.
arjun roy (fl- ex)
*slams his tray* I saw you walking with Akash agaIn. Laughing. Shoulder to shoulder. in front of everyone.
ononna neg (FL)
*keep her voice low* We are coming back from same department. Same building, Arjun. Same direction.
arjun roy (fl- ex)
You always have an explanation. Every single time. Library. Assignment. Department. For 4 years this has been going on.
ononna neg (FL)
Because he is my best friend since childhood. You knew this before we even started. I never hid it.
arjun roy (fl- ex)
Then choose. Him or me. Final answer. Right now.
The table next to them goes quiet. Someone's chair scrapes. Ononna looks at Arjun — really looks — and feels something settle inside her. Not anger. Just clarity.
ononna neg (FL)
*stands up slowly* You don't get to make me choose between a person who loves me and a person who controls me. I deserve better than ultimatums, Arjun. I gave you four years. But I can't give you the rest of myself. I'm sorry. We're done.
arjun roy (fl- ex)
You'll regret this.
ononna neg (FL)
*quietly* I really don't think I will. *picks up her bag and walks out*
Canteen exists at 4.30 pm
someone
someone had watched from two tables away. He'd seen Arjun's face. He'd seen Ononna's. Furthermore, he quietly packed his bag, bought two Kit Kats from the counter, and followed her out.
someone
*falls into step beside her without a word, holds out a Kit Kat*
ononna neg (FL)
*stares at it* You carry chocolate for emergencies?
someone
I carry chocolate for you. Since class 4. Old protocol. *keeps walking with her*
ononna neg (FL)
*tears finally fall* I'm not sad that it's over. I think that's the worst part. I expected to be more sad.
someone
Maybe your heart was already done before your head caught up. *gently* That's okay.
ononna neg (FL)
*unwraps chocolate slowly* Akash... thank you. For always being here.
akash dey (ml)
Always. That's not going to change. *smiles softly*
Thr one who stays
Hostel Room — Wednesday Night, 10:48 PM
akash dey (ml)
Did you eat dinner?
ononna neg (FL)
...define eat.
ononna neg (FL)
Two biscuits and crying a little. Not about Arjun! Just in general. Life is a lot.
akash dey (ml)
*already ordering food* Khichuri incoming. Don't argue. ETA 25 minutes.
ononna neg (FL)
Akash you're across the city—
akash dey (ml)
Delivery apps exist for exactly this reason. With extra ghee. *sends screenshot*
ononna neg (FL)
*stares at screen for a long moment* Why are you like this.
ononna neg (FL)
Old habit. Eat properly. Call me when it arrives.
The next morning Ononna finds a sticky note tucked into her textbook she'd left in the common room. It says: "You're going to be okay. — A" She doesn't tell him she kept it.
ononna neg (FL)
Did you put a note in my Organic Chemistry book.
akash dey (ml)
I have no idea what you're talking about.
akash dey (ml)
..Did it help?
ononna neg (FL)
Yes. *soft smile* Idiot.
akash dey (ml)
*knocks on hostel door with iced coffee* Library run. Non-negotiable.
ononna neg (FL)
I look like a mess.
akash dey (ml)
You look like you need fresh air and this iced coffee. Come on.
ononna neg (FL)
*grabs coffee and steps out* You're impossible.
akash dey (ml)
*falls into step beside her* Impossibly punctual. Very different thing.
The Healing Begins
Two Weeks After Breakup — Late Night
ononna neg (FL)
Akash. Can I say something weird?
akash dey (ml)
You once asked me if clouds feel lonely. Nothing is weird anymore. Go ahead.
ononna neg (FL)
I thought I'd be sadder. About Arjun. But I feel... lighter? And I feel guilty for feeling lighter.
akash dey (ml)
Relief isn't guilt. It means you were carrying something heavy for too long. Your heart already knew before your head did.
ononna neg (FL)
*quiet* When did you become this wise about feelings?
akash dey (ml)
*pause before saying * I've been paying very close attention. For a very long time.
ononna neg (FL)
What does that mean?
akash dey (ml)
Sleep, Ononna. I'll explain someday. Goodnight. 🌙
Best Friend Sees Everything
Next Day — University Corridor
Meghna (Best friend)
Ononna. I need to say something important.
ononna neg (FL)
Your tone is making me nervous. What.
Meghna (Best friend)
You look at Akash the way you used to look at the first rain of monsoon. Like it's the most beautiful thing you've ever seen.
ononna neg (FL)
That is so overdramatic.
Meghna (Best friend)
You didn't deny it though. 😌
ononna neg (FL)
*long silence*
Meghna (Best friend)
Exactly. Figure it out before someone else does it for you. 💜
Friday Evening — University Rooftop, 5:30 PM
It starts accidentally — both ending up on the rooftop after a long week. Then it happens the next Friday. And the next. Chai in hand. City below. No plan. Just presence.
ononna neg (FL)
*looking at the city lights flicker on* I forgot how good it feels to just... exist. Without explaining yourself to anyone.
akash dey (ml)
You never have to explain yourself to me. You know that.
ononna neg (FL)
Why this is my favourite place right now.
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