WICKETS AND WIDGETS

End Things

We lay there, wrapped in each other's presence, the tranquil rhythm of our breaths and heartbeats creating a serene backdrop. Kabir found comfort in resting his head on my chest, treating it like his own personal haven amidst our shared intimacy.

Lost in the moment, a sudden realization jolted me back to reality. "Hey, what's today's date?" I asked softly, my gaze drifting to the slow rotation of the ceiling fan above us.

After a brief pause, he replied, "It's the 26th of June. Why do you ask?" His voice carried a hint of curiosity.

My eyes widened slightly as a sense of urgency crept in. Sitting up a bit too quickly, I accidentally nudged him to the side. "Oh no, I need to get back home," I said with a tinge of concern, the weight of responsibilities tugging at me.

"Why the sudden rush?" His question mirrored the slight worry in his expression, adding a layer of understanding to the moment.

I nervously nibbled on my fingertips, a flurry of emotions making me pace around the room with restless energy. "Today marks the anniversary of my dad's passing. I need to be with my mom; she must feel so alone right now," I explained, my voice tinged with concern for her well-being.

He nodded understandingly, his eyes reflecting empathy. "I'll drive you there," he offered without hesitation.

Surprised by his immediate support, I asked, "But what about your practice?"

He shrugged, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "It's not until later. Let's go," he said, grabbing his shirt from the floor and slipping it on before heading out of the room.

I chuckled softly, touched by his consideration. "Well, I guess that's one of the perks of having a caring boyfriend," I remarked, following suit and slipping back into my shirt, not keen on wandering around half-naked.

After we both got ready to leave, He looked at me with genuine concern. "Are you feeling alright? Do you need any medical attention?"

I shook my head, a bittersweet smile touching my lips. "No, I'm fine," I whispered, my gaze drifting to my scarred hand. "Except for this, which can't be undone."

He closed the distance between us, pressing a tender kiss on my forehead. "You're beautiful," he murmured, his words carrying a warmth that eased the ache of old wounds.

I playfully jabbed him in the chest, a smile softening my words. "You shouldn't catch me off guard with sweet talk like that."

He chuckled, his eyes sparkling with affection as he grabbed his car keys. We made our way out, with me following closely behind him. As we passed through the living room, I noticed that Yashasvi and Siraj weren't around.

"Where are your dorm mates?" I inquired, curious about their absence.

He glanced back at me, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I asked them to give us some space. I wanted to talk to you alone."

I couldn't help but quip sarcastically, "And what a talk it's been."

His demeanor shifted slightly, a hint of concern in his eyes. "You're not still upset, are you?" he asked tentatively.

I shook my head, a small smile playing on my lips. "No, not anymore," I reassured him, intertwining my fingers with his. "Let's go, we have somewhere important to be."

I stood by the main road, the quiet anticipation mingling with memories of my father. As Kabir maneuvered his car out of the parking lot, I settled into the passenger seat with a soft thud, the familiar comfort of the car enveloping me as we embarked on our journey.