Chapter 9-The After Effect

Amrita reached the café earlier. She ordered her favourite hot chocolate. She knows she really need that as comfort after a big fight with Suresh. Amrita always looks for sweet and chocolate stuffs when she is stressed or sad. It is her own drugs to happiness. Even though she is glad that her relationship is over, she still is sad to know the truth. Never did she thought Suresh would have other plans for being with her. A part of her felt stupid to ever trusting and liking him in the first place.

Shivanesh rushed to the café after getting Amrita’s favourite dessert at her favourite shop. He remembered a few day before their trial where they were both studying in her favourite shop as it was her choice. He was surprised that she finished two portion of the dessert. That is when he realized how crazy she is towards Secret Recipe’s Chocolate Indulgence. When he arrived at the café, he saw Amrita sitting alone. He felt bad for making her wait. Inside of him was tingling seeing Amrita waiting for him. He wanted to just surprise her with a kiss on her cheeks. But he clearly knows that it was not the right time.

“Hi, Girl,” Shiva said tapping on Amrita’s shoulder, “Sorry I am late. I went to get this,” Shivanesh said while putting the dessert box on the table in front of her.

Amrita’s eyes lit up when she saw what was placed in front of her. She was nervous to see if Shivanesh got the right flavour. She opened the box and saw a slice of her favourite Chocolate Indulgence cake in front of her. “Thank you so much. I have no idea you guessed but you definitely made me feel better after a really shitty day,” Amrita said.  

“Care to share?” Shivanesh asked taking the seat next to Amrita.

“First and foremost, it’s over. My relationship with Suresh. I am done. I broke up with him. Ended things with him,” Amrita said digging into her cake.

“That’s good news. Buy, why are you so gloomy? Was it something he said?” Shivanesh asked. Amrita stopped eating and looked down. Shivanesh looked down at her and saw tears flowing down her cheeks. He really felt bad for ever asking. He moved and sat closer to her. He held her hands to let her know that he will always be there for her. Amrita looked at Shivanesh with  tearful eyes doubting if she should tell him about it. Shivensh gave her a reassuring look which gave Amrita confidence to tell him.

Amrita told Shivanesh everything Suresh told her. She was crying so badly that Shivanesh felt like confronting Suresh and beating the crap out of him. His right hand was stroking Amrita’s hand softly to calm her down, but his left hand was in a fist under the table, ready to attack Suresh if he ever comes in front of Amrita. He wanted to walk out of there and straight to Suresh. But he realised that right now, Amrita needs him more. Before he realised, Amrita was already leaning on his shoulder crying. Shivanesh realized how weak and vulnerable she was at that time. He held Amrita close and hugged her to make her feel safe and protected.

At that position, Shivanesh could feel himself losing control of himself. He wanted to make Amrita his cause he knows he can protect her and make her happy. He knows he can make her smile and will never do anything to hurt her. Shivanesh kept on debating with himself. He fought hard the urge to kiss Amrita even on her forehead. She was already hurt, he did not want to make things worse for her.

“Don’t worry. It’s all over now. Cry your heart out. I am going to be here until you are feeling okay,” Shivanesh said pulling her closer and stroking her arm to make her feel better.

“Thanks, Shiva. You are the only one I can rely on now,” Amrita said. “I am sorry that you have to see me like this.” Shivanesh looked at her with a small smile to let her know that it was okay.

After 2 hours of spending time at the café, Shivanesh walked Amrita home. When they reached her house, Amrita hugged Shivanesh tight.

“How glad and thankful am I to have met you. How grateful I am to have a friend like you,” Amrita said.

Shivanesh was a bit shocked when Amrita hugged him but he woke up and held her. Having her in his arms, Shivanesh was afraid that he cannot control himself and hide his feelings for her. To have her so close to him and to be able to smell her scent so close to him. He felt like he wants to keep this moment deep in his memory.

“I am certainly glad I met you. I wish I can be with you forever,” Shivanesh thought in his mind. “I wish I can continue holding you like this and always be the person you come to when you are at your worse state.”

“Ok, then. Thank you, Shiva. For making me feel better, for the cake and for walking me home,” Amrita said and walked away.

Shivanesh quickly held Amrita’s hands and pulled her to him again. He placed his right palm on her left cheek and left hand around her waist. “Glad I could help. Are you sure you are okay?” Shivanesh asked her softly, looking straight into her eyes.

Amrita smiled and placed her palm on Shivanesh’s palm and gave a reassuring squeeze. “I am fine. Definitely feeling better from earlier.”

“Well then. Have a good rest. You deserve it. You just came back from a war,” Shivanesh said.

Amrita giggled and said,” Sure. I will. Bye, Shiva. Thanks,” Amrita said walking away from Shivanesh.

“Bye,” Shivanesh said. “I love you,” he thought in his heart.