COLLUSION: THE WEB OF COFFINED TRUTHS (PART1)

Three Days Later

Sarvodaya Apartments – 8:00 PM

"Here we are! We've reached your place," Rehansh sighed, feeling a bit sad. He knew this was the last day he would be picking her up and dropping her home. Still, he tried to maintain a bright smile on his face.

Arya stepped out of the car and then hesitated before asking, "Do you maybe want to come inside my house?" She smiled.

"Huh!?" Rehansh blinked, unsure if he had heard her right.

"I mean, we could watch movies and have some food?" she quickly added, worried that he might have misunderstood her words.

"Sure, why not!" he chuckled, getting out of the car and following her to her apartment.

Rehansh's POV

I was overjoyed when Arya invited me to her house—willingly. This was the first time I was going to visit my girl's place... and honestly, I was quite excited! What movie are we going to watch?

As we stepped inside, I was momentarily distracted by the decor. Everywhere I looked, I saw shades of pink and hints of reddish-purple. What do they call it? Magenta?

Living Room

Despite the overwhelming pink theme, the place was cute.

"So, Rehan... welcome to my humble abode! You can freshen up in the restroom first, and then I'll show you around," Arya said with a warm smile, guiding me to the restroom.

Restroom

I washed my face and looked at my reflection in the mirror. For the first time in years, I had a genuine smile on my face.

It wasn't like I was physically alone. My brothers and sisters—Shivin, Arav, and Daadi—were always there whenever I needed support. But still, there was always an emptiness inside me. I missed my mom—her glowing smile that always lifted my mood, her sweet voice that soothed my frustration, her cheerful attitude that brought me happiness, and her bright, expressive eyes that had always fascinated me.

I miss her.

And strangely, Arya reminds me of her. Her smile, her eyes, her voice, her attitude—they all have the same effect on me that my mother did years ago.

I would be so lucky if Arya became my life partner.

I silently prayed, something I had never done before.

"God, I've never prayed to you. Never even believed in your existence. But if you're really up there… please, grant me my love. My Arya. Make her mine. That's all I ask. I know I'm not a good guy, but for her… I'll try to be. I'll change. Anything for her."

"Rehan! Are you okay?" Arya's voice suddenly called out.

"Yeah, I'm fine..." I quickly composed myself and stepped out of the restroom.

"Come, let me show you around!" Arya beamed, grabbing my hand as she excitedly pulled me along.

Arya's Apartment Tour

"This is my bedroom!" she said, leading me inside.

Then she took me to another room, pointing out the large window. "And this is my study room! I can even watch the moon from here."

She suddenly scratched the back of her neck and chuckled. "Sorry, it's a little messy. I forgot to put my books away."

"Oh, it's fine! Even I procrastinate when it comes to cleaning," I admitted.

"Same!" she laughed, then took me to the kitchen.

"And finally, this is my kitchen! So… do you like my house?" she asked eagerly.

"Of course! This place is really cute, like—"

"You mean like yourself?" she giggled and, once again, pinched my cheek.

I sighed. "Arya, seriously?"

What was with this girl and her obsession with pinching my cheeks? She does this at least ten times a day!

As she laughed at my frustrated expression, I found myself smiling. If this made her happy, then I'd let her do it as much as she wanted.

"What?" she asked, snapping her fingers in front of my face.

"Oh, nothing—" I stuttered, caught off guard.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" she asked, her curious doe eyes searching mine for an answer.

"Nothing… just trying to figure you out," I replied. And honestly, it wasn't a lie. I wanted to know everything about her.

She smirked. "Let's see how far you can go with that!"

Before I could reply, the microwave beeped. "Popcorn's ready!" she exclaimed excitedly.

I blinked, realizing I had been so lost in my thoughts that I didn't even notice her putting it in the microwave.

Good job, Rehansh. Daydreaming at night now. Amazing progress.

Movie Time

I walked into the bedroom where we were going to watch the movie. The lights were off, and Arya had brought fluffy blankets and pillows, placing them behind my back and neck.

"It's important to have good posture while watching a movie!" she explained matter-of-factly.

Just doctor things, I guess.

But what really mattered to me was that she cared enough to do all this for me.

My doctor cutie is so caring… I swear, I'm keeping this care all for myself for the rest of my life.

The movie started. "The Nun" flashed on the screen.

"Are you sure you want to watch this?" I asked skeptically.

"Of course! Horror is my favorite genre, Rehan. Relax, I'm here for you if you get scared!" she teased with a smug smile.

I smirked. "Let's see who gets scared first."

Thirty Minutes Later…

Arya was now hiding under the blanket, only peeking out at the screen occasionally.

Then suddenly, the doorbell rang.

"AAHHH!" She jumped in fear—and landed right on my lap, nearly knocking the popcorn and pillows off the couch.

She clutched my shirt tightly, shivering. "Turn it off… turn the movie off…" she mumbled against my chest.

For a moment, I hesitated. Was it okay for me to hug her?

"Forget it."

I gently placed my hand on her back, rubbing it soothingly.

"Arya… Arya, it's okay. It's just the doorbell. The Nun isn't going to walk out of the TV. I'm here, you don't have to be scared," I whispered. "Are you expecting anyone?"

"Hmm… pizza," she mumbled, still hiding her face against my chest.

I looked down at her—her eyes barely peeking out from my shirt—and my heart melted.

She was so adorable.

I chuckled softly. "Alright, Arya. Let me go get the door, then we can enjoy the pizza, okay?"

She hesitated before finally letting go. I immediately missed the warmth of her in my arms.

Dinner & Dessert

After finishing our pizza (with Arya still snuggled into my side, flinching at every scary scene), she suddenly perked up.

"Dessert time!" she cheered, bringing out a small tray with two bowls.

I took a bite and my eyes widened. "Wow! This is delicious, Arya!"

She beamed. "Thanks! I made it myself. Want more?"

"Absolutely!" I grinned.

So, my baby can cook too?

Basundi is now officially my favorite dessert.

Rehansh's Thoughts

As the movie ended and we finished our food, my phone buzzed in my pocket.

43 missed calls from 'Aru'

13 missed calls from 'Daadi'

20 missed calls from 'Shiv'

Wow.

I quickly texted Ansh, Arav, and Shivin that I was at Arya's house.

As I looked at Arya, happily eating her dessert, I thought, This girl is weird… but cute.

I smiled.

And soon… I was going to make her mine.