CHAPTER XXI
I started knocking on the bathroom door, my voice firm and urgent. "Aarvi, Mahi, open the door and come out right now. Come out, or I'll shout loudly and bring the warden here. Think about it, and open the door peacefully." But neither of them responded to my words. I began to shout, my voice growing louder. "Aarvi, come out! Mahi, come out!" Seeing me get agitated, Mahi and Aarvi started whispering to each other.
"Should we open the door?" Aarvi asked, her voice barely audible.
"No," Mahi replied, her tone firm.
"But if she calls the warden, you'll understand...," Aarvi trailed off.
"I understand, Aarvi," Mahi said, her voice rising slightly. "Aarvi, I'm opening the door."
I stood outside, listening to their conversation with great interest. Mahi opened the door, and before I could react, both of them grabbed me and threw me onto the bed. Mahi lay down on my right side, and Aarvi lay down on my left side. They looked at me with serious expressions.
"Listen, Sam. We know you want to know what's going on, so we'll tell you everything. Just listen to us carefully," they said in unison, their voices calm and reassuring.
Mahi grasped my face, her eyes locked onto mine. "Listen, Sam, Mon came to me and said she doesn't think you truly care about her." Aarvi chimed in, "Yeah, Sam, and then I asked her why she felt that way." Mahi continued, "You know what she said?" I asked, my curiosity piqued, "What did she say?" Aarvi spoke up, "She said she saw you with Malvika, and Malvika was really close to you." Mahi's voice was laced with emotion. "Sam, tell me, what were you doing? In Mon's eyes, I saw how much she truly feels about you. It's like how Aarvi and I feel about each other."
I felt irritated, my frustration boiling over. "Why do you both always start talking about your love story? When I listen to you two, it feels like I'm so far from being in a relationship." Aarvi's voice was gentle. "Sam, don't just focus on the words; understand the emotions. Mon is obsessed with you. She loves you so much that she'd even tolerate you being with someone else for your happiness."
I shook my head, unconvinced. "I don't think so." Mahi's voice turned serious. "Sam, will you really break Mon's heart for Malvika? Will you hurt her that much?" The atmosphere suddenly became tense, the weight of their words hanging in the air.
I thought for a moment before sharing with my friends, "Today, I saw Malvika with a guy." Mahi's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? Where did you see her, and who was the guy?" I explained, "I saw her in her room, and she was hugging him." Aarvi's curiosity was piqued. "Tell us, who was the guy? Is he from our college?" I shook my head. "I don't know. But one thing's for sure – I'm not feeling jealous or hurt. I just feel regretful for even thinking about betraying Mon for someone like Malvika."
Mahi's expression turned serious. "Sam, I think you should end this drama by telling Mon the truth. You've been pretending for so long, and it's time to be honest." Aarvi nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Sam, how long will you keep Mon tied to this lie when your heart isn't even connected to hers?"
I felt a mix of emotions as I looked at my friends. "Who told you this about me?" Mahi's voice was gentle. "We've seen the way you've been trying to calm Mon down, and you've even cut your hair for her. Doesn't that mean you have feelings for her?" Aarvi chimed in, "Tell us, Sam, do you have feelings for Mon?"
I took a deep breath, my voice barely above a whisper. "I think I love Mon. Yes, I love Mon." Aarvi's eyes widened in surprise. "Seriously?" Mahi placed her hand over Aarvi's mouth and turned to me, her voice filled with excitement. "Sam, I don't think my ears can believe what I'm hearing."
I smiled, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. "Yes, I love Mon. And I always will. She's my first and last." Aarvi and Mahi squealed with delight, grabbing each other's hands and starting to dance. I couldn't help but join them, getting off the bed and dancing with my friends, feeling a sense of joy and freedom.
We all lay back down on the bed, and Mahi turned to me with a mischievous grin. "So, Sam, have you thought about it? Will you propose to Mon again? Should we come up with a plan?" Aarvi chimed in, her voice playful. "Sam, you can tell us anything. We're experts in this matter, after all."
I raised an eyebrow, curious. "What matter?" Mahi winked. "Night parties." I didn't even bother asking what that meant, just rolled my eyes instead. "I didn't ask anything, did I?" Aarvi and Mahi exchanged a knowing look.
Aarvi turned to me, her voice curious. "By the way, Sam, you don't need to play the football match anymore?" I smiled, feeling a sense of relief. "No, I don't think I need to. I'm not even sure why I was doing it in the first place." Mahi's eyes lit up. "Why were you?"
I shrugged. "I thought Mon was upset with me, but it seems it was all just a prank. I don't want to waste my time on something that's not important." Aarvi playfully hit me on the head. "Ow, why did you do that?" I asked, rubbing my head.
Mahi's voice was laced with amusement. "Mon wants you to be in the play with her, and you're giving up just because you found out about our prank?" I sighed, feeling a bit frustrated. "What am I supposed to do?"
Aarvi's expression turned serious. "Sam, try your best to be a part of the drama. Put in the effort." I groaned, feeling a bit overwhelmed. "So, you're saying I need to work hard now?"
After a moment of contemplation, Aarvi spoke up, her voice laced with concern. "But, Sam, Ranav is a state champion, and you've only just started learning a few months ago. Do you really think you can win against him?" Mahi quickly intervened, her tone reassuring. "Aaru, why are you scaring her? Sam, don't think about that. You're going to win for sure."
Mahi's confidence was infectious, and I felt a surge of determination. "You know what? I think I shouldn't practice tomorrow. We don't have much time left, so let's just play the match straight away." Aarvi's expression turned thoughtful. "Sam, Mon will probably come to watch the football match. She told us not to tell you, but we think you should know."
I let out a deep sigh, feeling a mix of emotions. "Good night," I said, trying to sound calm. Mahi and Aarvi whispered to each other, their voices barely audible. "Sam, you can't sleep in here with us. This is a couple's room. You should go back to your own room." I teased them, a smile playing on my lips. "Which couple? Huh? You two are my friends first. If you want me to sleep peacefully next to you, then go ahead and sleep. Otherwise, you can sleep on the floor."
Aarvi's voice was stern, but I could hear the hint of amusement in it. "Saaaam!" I pretended not to hear her, enjoying the playful banter between us. Mahi chuckled and playfully pushed me. "Go to your room, Sam. We'll talk to you tomorrow." I grinned, knowing I was being a bit stubborn. "Fine, I'll go. But just remember, I'm only leaving because I'm tired, not because I'm listening to you two."
As I got up to leave, Aarvi and Mahi exchanged a knowing look. I could sense their affection and concern for me, and it warmed my heart. I smiled to myself, feeling grateful for their friendship. As I walked out of the room, I heard their soft whispers and giggles, and I couldn't help but smile. I knew that with friends like Aarvi and Mahi by my side, I could face anything that came my way.
To be continue...