Rey's time seemed to be flying by with Sharmishtha. Before he knew it, the long dates were over. He yearned for more time with her. Talk to her more, laugh more, and hold her hand for a little longer. But he made no attempt to inform Sharmishtha of this. They'd agreed to take things slowly, as Sharmishtha had requested.
"Umm...Rey?" Shyra called.
"Ye-es?"
"Although I don't mind you holding my hand, I would appreciate it if we could take things slowly," she said hesitantly. "Umm... It's all new to me. I don't understand the rules. I mean, people do sleep with each other in the West, and Rajiv stated that you prefer more physical relationships. So-"
"That's perfectly fine. Don't worry about his words. I'm content with the way things are going. You don't need to be concerned about the sleeping thing," he said, abruptly cutting her off in the middle. He didn't want her to have the wrong impression. He wasn't interested in her just for the sake of a physical relationship. He was looking for more, so he was also willing to be patient. He wanted to get to know her better and see where things could go between them. He hoped she felt the same way and wasn't put off by Rajiv's comments.
He was crazy about someone for the first time in his life. For the first time, he was able to respect a woman beyond the physicality of love. For the first time, he truly felt as if he had ripped off that cursed legacy of his dirty blood, with whom he did not wish to make any further acquaintance! Rey was determined to show this woman that he was different from his past and that he could be a trustworthy partner. He knew it would take time and effort, but he was willing to do whatever it took to win her heart.
So he couldn't tell her how much he missed her every second she was gone. He didn't want to scare her away. He didn't want to choke her. He wanted her to be as happy as he was with her, if not happier. Her smile was endearing, and Rey never wanted to lose it. He wanted to make her laugh and smile more. He frequently wondered if she felt the same way.
Rey knew that building a strong foundation of trust and communication was crucial for their relationship to flourish. He made sure to always listen to her and respect her opinions, even if they differed from his own. He hoped that with time, their bond would only grow stronger and they could build a future together.
Regardless, his emotions were killing him. He caught all the other symptoms that came with it..with love. By the day, he was becoming more jealous, possessive, clingy, anxious, insecure, stressed, and afraid. He even got into a fight with Rajiv because he got to spend more time with her at work! More importantly, he had known her for a long time and was closer to her than Rey was. She trusted him completely, but not Rey. Rey knew he needed to address his emotions before they ruined his relationship with her. He decided to seek help to work through his jealousy and insecurity, hoping it would bring him closer to her and strengthen their bond.
"I hate you, you know," Rey scoffed.
"What? Why?" Rajiv was baffled. "What happened all of a sudden?"
"Nothing," he scoffed again as he averted his gaze from him. "You are not a good person."
"Well, not that I was claiming to be, but your conversation isn't making any sense," Rajiv replied, sipping his coffee.
"You are not making any sense," he grumped.
"Ooooi, what happened? What is this mood swing? Left your braincell at your girlfriend's?"
"You always get to spend so much time with her at work! You guys are so close," he murmured.
"Ahh, I also live right across her! She even hugs me every day," Rajiv teased. "Also? Do you know once we went stargazing at Morden Hall Park just a few weekends ago? I spent all night with her."
"Why are you egging me on?" Rey cried.
"Because you are getting mad and it's amusing," Rajiv chuckled.
"It's not fair, you know," he exclaimed again.
"Aww, look at you fussing over little things," he teased again in a baby voice.
"I am not fussing over it. I am just a little upset," he pouted.
Rajiv was almost holding back his laughter. He never imagined that Rey, his old school friend who was practically famous for being a playboy, but he preferred to call him leech, would be so upset about not being able to spend enough time with his newfound love. He was a smitten little bug to a source of light at this point. Rajiv hoped that this light would stay with him and nurture him rather than consuming his life. He knew Rey had been through a lot, and he trusted Sharmishtha to bring him joy. Rajiv had always been the more level-headed of the two, and he couldn't help but worry about Rey's tendency to get carried away. He made a mental note to check in on him from time to time and offer his support if needed.
"Alright, jokes aside, would you like to go on a weekend date with her?" he asked considerably.
"I already asked. She is not free this weekend," he stated in a voice of despair.
"I can manage it for her, you know! Just don't tell her. Ok?"
"What are you? Our personal date manager?"
"Do you want to go on a long weekend date or not?" Rajiv asked with a poker face.
"Yes please." Rey's eyes were shining as bright as the night sky filled with stars.
Rajiv almost choked on his food while trying to suppress his chuckle. Sharmishtha finally agreed to let someone else take over her work while she went on a date with Rey to Queen's Wood after two rounds of the staring challenge, two rounds of the roast competition, and three rounds of "I swear I will cut you up with a knife."
Even though he had asked Rey not to tell her, yet he could not convince her without telling her the truth.
"Alright, I have arranged a date to Queen's Wood. It's a nice, lavish, green flora and fauna place. She loves that stuff—just for future reference." Rajiv informed Rey enthusiastically over the phone.
Rey appeared ecstatic. He was getting excited about spending more and more time with her. It was truly heaven on earth for him. He would always stay by her side and never let her go if he could. Rey's gleeful chuckles appeared to have pleased Rajiv. But he had to ask one more question, probably the most important one.
"Are you planning on confessing properly?" he asked.
Rey felt struck by lightning. Confessing properly? What was that supposed to mean? What was he going to confess?
"I don't understand what you are talking about." Rey's throat went dry.
"I am talking about your feelings, like you love her and you want to spend more time with her and all that," Rajiv explained without being condescending. He knew it was hard for Rey to confess properly. It was his first time as well.
"I am not sure... I am not sure how to say that."
"Well, do you want to stay by her side or not?"
"I do," he said nervously.
"Then tell her that. Before it's too late, ensure that she understands your feelings exactly as they are," he stated sincerely.
"Don't hurry me; I get nervous around her!"
"As does she. Listen, I should have told you this earlier, but she also has her issues. The more you delay this, the more problems you'll have to deal with in the future."
"What issues?" Rey sounded concerned immediately.
"Many, many issues. She has had a tragic life. Rey, with one wrong step, you will end up hurting her. She is quite a strong person, but I am not sure if she will be able to endure anymore of it." His voice was grim.
"What? I don't understand."
"Well, then we need to sit down and talk about it. Are you free tomorrow?"
"Yes." His words perplexed and worried Rey. What exactly did he mean by "tragic life"? She had such a lovely smile that no one could ever tell she was upset, not even for a second. Furthermore, she exuded such strength that Rey couldn't imagine her being broken or anything. He was the only one who became flustered during this time, while she had remained unfazed.
Was she concealing something? Anyway, he needed to know whatever it was. He realised one thing for certain: no one should hurt her just because she was strong. Even if she could stand it, Rey would never do anything that would displease her. She meant a lot to him. Her smile was priceless. He couldn't help but feel a sense of protectiveness towards her. Rey knew that he would do anything to keep her safe and happy. After all, she was the one who had shown him what true strength really meant.
Rajiv's conversation made him anxious. But he couldn't undo what had occurred. He let out a sigh. On the other hand, he could always plan for the future. He promised himself that he would always be by her side to protect her from harm. He'd never forgive anyone who even tried to graze her! After all, she was his beloved, whom he cherished more than life itself! He would always be there by her side, no matter what!