Echoes of Silence and Facades: A Tale of Healing and Unspoken Bonds

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nfire lit up the night. It was our last Friday night party before the second year started on Monday. Couples were hooking up in the parki

eyes had been too much. I wanted to stay home, but Dad insisted I go out and act normal. Six months ago, we learned h

ch him fade away? Shaking my head, I ran a hand through my hair and pulled hard. I had to get my mind back in the game. Next Frid

ror. Seeing Soha, my girlfriend's name, was a relief. It wa

d, wondering why

t me?" she asked,

me to. I'm alrea

m not coming if you

u later. I'm not i

s world was me and Dad. She didn't want anyone else. Other than us, she only had Saumya Aunt

to me?" Soha's scream sn

m, and I liked the way she looked. No love or trust, just a relationsh

before she could respond. I already knew what she would say-ye

ield belonged to Aryaman's grandfather, who let us use it because he couldn't

og with Riya clinging to his arm. No surprise there-they'd been i

rarely drank, but tonight he had a beer in hand. I

Soha?" Ri

best friend. We met in middle school at football coaching.

t?" I asked, sitt

y with girls. They flocked to him, thinking they'd be h

us. He was another player on our team, and

ed. Vihaan had been growing his hair out for d

d, running a hand over his head. Then he stood up,

s. Long, dark hair, and the prettiest black eyes.

to ask why he was protective of the new

oks like she needs com

sin, idiot,"

sin? Si

ving with us now. She's got issues. She can't hand

th issues!" V

had enough of my own. Besides, her

brought her because Mom made me.

ne. So, Adhi had a beautiful b

ng at, and she's your cousin and a m

my own reaction. Why did I feel like punching Vihaan for talking about her like that? I n