CHAPTER 2: SHADOWS OF DOUBT

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by awesome_dreamer_2228

by awesome_dreamer_2228

Chapter 2: Shadows of Doubt

The sun rose over Mysore, casting its golden rays upon the sleepy streets as Ruhi made her way to college, her heart heavy with worry. Arjun had been growing more distant with each passing day, his once constant presence now replaced by fleeting glances and hurried excuses.

As they walked to college together, Ruhi couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of her stomach. Arjun seemed lost in his own thoughts, his steps quick and purposeful, as if he were trying to outrun the demons that haunted him.

"Arjun, wait," Ruhi called out, her voice tinged with desperation as she reached out to grab his arm.

Arjun stopped in his tracks, his eyes clouded with confusion as he turned to face her. "What is it, Ruhi? I'm running late for class."

Ruhi swallowed the lump in her throat, her hands trembling with nervous energy. This was it, the moment she had been dreading and longing for in equal measure.

"Arjun, we need to talk," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Arjun's brow furrowed in concern, his gaze searching hers for answers. "What's wrong, Ruhi? You seem... different lately."

Ruhi took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. "It's you, Arjun. You've been distant, avoiding me. I can't shake the feeling that something's wrong, that you're hiding something from me."

Arjun's expression softened, a flicker of guilt passing through his eyes before he looked away. "I'm sorry, Ruhi. I didn't mean to shut you out. It's just... there are things going on in my life and I am scared it will effect our friendship"

Ruhi reached out, gently grasping his hand in hers. "You don't have to face them alone, Arjun. Whatever it is, we'll figure it out together. You can trust me."

Arjun's shoulders sagged with relief, the weight of his burdens lifting ever so slightly as he leaned into her touch. "Thank you, Ruhi. I needed to hear that, we will meet in the evening I have to tell you something".

As the day wore on, Ruhi found herself counting down the minutes until her evening rendezvous with Arjun. She had agreed to meet him at their usual spot, a secluded corner of the park where they often shared their deepest thoughts and dreams.

But as the afternoon turned into evening, Arjun was nowhere to be found. Each passing minute felt like an eternity, and the knot of anxiety in Ruhi's stomach tightened with each tick of the clock.

She paced back and forth, her heart pounding in her chest as she scanned the horizon for any sign of him. Was he okay? Had something happened to him? The questions swirled in her mind, but there were no answers to be found.

Finally, just as the sun began to dip below the horizon, Ruhi spotted a familiar figure making his way towards her. Relief flooded her veins, washing away the tension that had gripped her all day.

Arjun's smile was like a beacon of light in the gathering darkness, and Ruhi couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth spread through her chest at the sight of him.

"Hey, Ruhi," Arjun said, his voice soft and gentle as he approached her.

"Hey, Arjun," Ruhi replied, her voice barely above a whisper as she struggled to contain the torrent of emotions threatening to spill over.

Arjun's brow furrowed in concern as he took in her troubled expression. "Is everything okay, Ruhi? You seem... tense."

Ruhi took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. Tonight was the night she would finally lay bare her heart and soul, consequences be damned.

"Arjun, there's something I need to tell you," she began, her voice steady despite the tremble in her hands.

Arjun's eyes widened in surprise, his gaze locked with hers in silent anticipation. "What is it, Ruhi? You can tell me anything."

And then, in a rush of courage and determination, Ruhi spoke the words she had been holding inside for so long.

"I... I love you, Arjun," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've loved you for as long as I can remember, and I can't keep it inside any longer."

For a moment, there was silence between them, the air heavy with the weight of Ruhi's confession.