Shadows of Elegance [MeenBabe]

Chapter 14: Uncharted Territory

"I'm not leaving you," Aoom declared as Meena attempted to intensify the kiss. "I mean, physically, I'll be leaving, but this," she gestured between them, "our connection, our friendship, or whatever label you want to give it, that's not going anywhere." Aoom rambled on, noticing Meena's silence.

"Say something," Aoom pressed, a tinge of worry creeping in. Meena, however, responded with a big, smile.

"Come here," Meena finally spoke, motioning for Aoom to join in a hug. They embraced, their skins blending into each other, a moment of much-needed sincerity. Ten minutes passed in this warm shell before the jarring ring of one of their phones snapped them back to reality. With a quick glance at the time, they scrambled to their feet, realizing they had a shoot in less than three hours.

"We'll talk more calmly later, alright?" Meena whispered, punctuating her words with a tender peck. Aoom blushed, and Meena couldn't help but tease, "You're shy now?" she said, laughter dancing in her eyes.

Aoom playfully rolled her eyes, a grin tugging at the corners of her lips. "Maybe just a little," she admitted, her cheeks still tinged with a pale shade of pink.

Deciding to change the topic, Meena announced, "I'm going for a quick shower," and raised her eyebrows, adding, "No, you can't join me; we might end up jobless," she quickly added, her eyes fixed on Aoom's face as a chuckle escaped her.

Arching an eyebrow, Aoom adopted a mock-innocent expression. "I was just considering water conservation," she replied, a playful twinkle in her eyes, fully aware of what she was doing.

Meena laughed, the sound filling the room. "Quite the environmentalist, aren't you? Maybe I should start showering with an audience for the sake of the planet."

Alone in the room, Aoom couldn't help but smile to herself, the sound of running water from the bathroom served as a backdrop to her thoughts, and she couldn't help but look forward to the continuation of their day once Meena returned.

When Meena emerged from the bathroom, her hair slightly damp and a playful twinkle in her eyes, Aoom couldn't help but admire her effortless charm. "All yours now," Meena announced with a grin, a hint of invitation in her voice.

Aoom returned the grin, a playful spark in her eyes. "Thanks for the heads up," she replied, her tone teasing yet appreciative.

Both woman quickly got ready and decided to take Meena's car since the studio was a little far away, inside the car they started joking, and planning the rest of the day, it felt like in the beginning, until Aoom spoke.

"So, Meena," Aoom began, her voice soft as she glanced briefly at Meena before returning her focus to the road. "About today... I'm sorry, but then again, I'm not sorry. Everything happened so suddenly, and I should've talked to you beforehand," Aoom confessed, a faint smile playing on her lips.

"Aoom is not like I didn't want for it to happen," Meena started to respond, but Aoom gently interrupted, "I know, honey. That's not what I meant. Let me try to explain." She settled back into her seat, making herself comfortable before continuing.

"You're my best friend. I've never felt more at ease with anyone else, and that terrifies me," Aoom admitted, her words tinged with vulnerability. "I don't want to jeopardize our friendship. I want you here, always, by my side. And the safest way for that to happen is for us to remain friends. I know we've already crossed that line long ago, and I'd say I regret it, but that would be a lie." Aoom's voice softened, her gaze locked with Meena's, silently pleading for understanding.

Meena listened attentively, nodding in encouragement, inviting Aoom to continue.

"What I'm trying to say is, you're still my best friend. You bring me joy, and if you're comfortable with where we stand, then so am I," Aoom confessed, her words filled with sincerity. "I know I'll be leaving for six months. I know it'll be hard. But we've been apart before, and we've survived. We'll be okay," she reassured, meeting Meena's gaze with tear-filled eyes.