"I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love"
~ Make You Feel My Love – Adele
"Absolutely not."
"Come on, Kashvi!" Aadya was practically bouncing in her seat at our usual coffee shop table. "It's just a movie night. At our place. With people you already know."
"I don't do movie nights."
"You didn't do coffee mornings either, and yet here you are," Vihaan pointed out, gesturing at my latte. "Character growth."
I glared at him, but there was no heat in it. Over the past week, I'd somehow become a regular at these morning coffee sessions. It had stopped feeling like a choice and started feeling like... routine. A good routine.
"It's Friday night," Ritika added. "What else are you going to do? Homework?"
"Yes, actually. I have that fashion history essay—"
"That's not due until Wednesday," Aashika interrupted. "I checked. We're in the same class, remember?"
Damn it.
"I just don't think—"
"Kashvi." Aadyant's voice was quiet beside me. He'd been silent this whole time, just watching. "You don't have to come if you don't want to. But we'd really like it if you did."
The way he said it—simple, genuine, no pressure—made my resistance crumble.
"What movie?" I asked reluctantly.
Aadya's face lit up like I'd just agreed to donate a kidney. "We're voting! But probably something fun. No horror—Vihaan's a baby about jump scares."
"I'm not a baby, I just don't see the point in paying to be scared—"
"You screamed during a trailer last week," Shivansh said mildly.
"That was a strategically loud gasp—"
"You grabbed my arm and left nail marks."
The table dissolved into laughter, and I found myself smiling despite my anxiety.
"Fine," I heard myself say. "I'll come. But I'm leaving if it gets weird."
"Define weird," Vihaan asked.
"I'll know it when I see it."
~
She said yes.
Kashvi actually said yes to coming over.
I tried to play it cool, but Aadya caught my eye and smirked. She knew exactly how much this meant to me.
"Great!" Aadya clapped her hands together. "Everyone come around seven? We'll order pizza, set up the living room, it'll be fun."
As everyone started discussing food preferences and movie options, I felt Kashvi tense beside me.
"Hey," I said quietly, just for her. "You okay?"
"Yeah, just... what if I want to leave early?"
"Then you leave early. No one's going to be weird about it." I caught her eye. "I promise. The second you're uncomfortable, you can go. Or just find a quiet corner. The balcony will be empty if you need space."
Something in her expression softened. "You always do that."
"Do what?"
"Give me an escape route. Like you're always thinking about what I might need."
"Is that bad?"
"No, it's just... no one's ever done that before." She looked down at her coffee. "It's nice. Overwhelming, but nice."
I wanted to ask what she meant by that. Wanted to know why the idea of someone caring about her comfort seemed so foreign. But I'd learned that pushing Kashvi only made her retreat.
"Well, get used to it," I said instead, keeping my tone light. "Because I'm not stopping."
She almost smiled. Almost.
~
~That evening~
I changed my outfit four times.
It was just a movie night. With people I knew. In a place I'd already been.
So why was I freaking out?
"You look fine, beta," Bua said from my doorway, startling me. "Very pretty."
I looked down at my current choice—black jeans and a simple olive-green sweater. Casual. Not trying too hard. Comfortable enough to bail if needed.
"I look okay?"
"You look beautiful." She came into the room, studying me with that knowing expression she got sometimes. "These friends of yours... they're good people?"
"Yeah. They're... really good, actually."
"And this boy? The one whose hoodie you've been wearing?"
My face burned. "Bua—"
"I'm not interrogating you. I'm just... happy. You seem happier lately. Lighter." She touched my cheek gently. "It's good to see."
My throat felt tight. "I'm trying."
"I know you are. And I'm proud of you." She kissed my forehead. "Have fun tonight. Text me if you need anything."
After she left, I sat on my bed for a moment, trying to calm my racing heart.
I could do this. It was just a few hours. With people who'd been nothing but kind to me.
And if it got too overwhelming, I could leave.
I grabbed my bag, checked that my inhaler was inside (twice), and headed out before I could change my mind.
~
"Aadyant, you've rearranged those pillows three times," Aadya said, watching me from the kitchen. "They're not going to get more comfortable."
"I'm just making sure there's enough seating—"
"You're making sure Kashvi will be comfortable. Which is sweet, but also you need to relax before you have a breakdown."
I forced myself to stop adjusting the living room setup. The couch was positioned to face the TV. Extra pillows and blankets were available. The lighting was soft but not too dim. The balcony door was slightly open for fresh air.
Everything was perfect.
So why was I so nervous?
"She might not even come," I said, checking my phone. 6:47. "She could change her mind."
"She won't. She said she'd come, and Kashvi doesn't strike me as someone who breaks promises."
"But she might panic—"
"Then we'll deal with it. Stop catastrophizing." Aadya threw a chip at me. "You're supposed to be the calm twin, remember?"
The doorbell rang, and my heart jumped.
"I'll get it!" Aadya sang, practically skipping to the door.
I tried to look casual. Leaned against the counter. Checked my phone like I had somewhere else to be.
"Kashvi! You're the first one here!" Aadya's voice carried from the entryway.
And then Kashvi walked into view, and my brain short-circuited.
She looked beautiful. Simple, understated, but beautiful. Her hair was down in soft waves. She was wearing this olive-green sweater that made her eyes stand out. She looked nervous but determined.
"Hey," she said, spotting me. "I'm not too early, am I?"
"No, perfect timing." I pushed off the counter, trying to sound normal. "You want something to drink? We have pretty much everything."
"Just water's fine."
As I got her water, the doorbell rang again. Vihaan, Shivansh, and Ritika arrived together, carrying bags of snacks that looked like they'd raided an entire convenience store.
"We weren't sure what everyone liked so we bought everything," Ritika announced, dumping the bags on the counter.
Aashika arrived a few minutes later with her laptop. "In case we want to change movies. I have subscriptions to like six streaming services."
Soon the living room was full of chatter and laughter. Pizza had been ordered. The great movie debate had begun (comedy versus action versus "something with substance" according to Ritika).
I kept one eye on Kashvi the whole time. She'd claimed a spot on the couch, tucked into the corner with a pillow hugged to her chest. She wasn't talking much, but she was smiling. Listening. Present.
~
It was actually... nice.
The penthouse was warm and comfortable. Everyone was relaxed, sprawled across couches and floor cushions. The conversation flowed easily, with no awkward silences or forced interactions.
I felt myself starting to relax.
"Okay, democracy time," Aadya announced. "Comedy, action, or thriller?"
"Comedy," Vihaan and Aashika said immediately.
"Action," Shivansh voted.
"Thriller," Ritika countered.
"Kashvi?" Aadya looked at me. "You're the tie-breaker between comedy and thriller."
Everyone turned to look at me.
"Um. Comedy? I guess?"
"Yes!" Vihaan fist-pumped. "Kashvi, you're my new favorite person."
"I'm deeply hurt," Aadyant said dryly, but he was smiling.
"What about you?" I asked him. "You didn't vote."
"I'm good with whatever." His eyes met mine. "As long as everyone's happy."
The pizza arrived, and chaos ensued as everyone grabbed slices and settled in. Somehow—I wasn't sure how it happened—I ended up on the main couch next to Aadyant. Close enough that our shoulders almost touched.
The movie started. Some comedy about a heist gone wrong. It was actually funny, and I found myself laughing at the ridiculous situations.
About halfway through, I realized I'd unconsciously leaned closer to Aadyant. Our arms were touching. At some point, he'd stretched his arm across the back of the couch, not quite around my shoulders but close enough that I could feel the warmth.
I should move. Should maintain some distance.
I didn't.
~
Kashvi was leaning against me.
Just slightly, like she didn't even realize she was doing it. But she was there, warm and solid and real.
I barely watched the movie. Too aware of her presence. The way she laughed at the funny parts. The way she'd pulled the blanket up to her chin. The way she'd absently started playing with the edge of her sweater sleeve.
"This is the worst heist plan I've ever seen," Ritika commented during a particularly ridiculous scene.
"That's what makes it funny," Vihaan argued.
"It makes it unrealistic—"
"It's a comedy, Ritika. It's supposed to be unrealistic."
Kashvi's shoulder shook with silent laughter beside me.
"You good?" I murmured, quiet enough that the others wouldn't hear over their debate.
She looked up at me, and we were closer than I'd realized. Close enough that I could see the flecks of gold in her brown eyes.
"Yeah," she whispered. "I'm good."
And she smiled. A real, genuine smile that made my chest ache.
I was so far gone for this girl.
~
By the time the movie ended, it was past ten. I should leave. Should head home before I got too comfortable.
But when everyone started debating a second movie, I found myself staying.
"I vote horror this time," Shivansh said.
"Absolutely not," Vihaan protested immediately.
"You literally have veto power over one genre and you're using it on horror?" Aashika laughed.
"Horror is not entertainment, it's torture—"
"It's cathartic—"
"It's traumatizing—"
I felt my phone buzz. Bua checking in.
Bua: How's it going, beta? Do you need me to call with an excuse to come home?
The fact that she'd offered made me smile.
Me: I'm okay. Actually, having fun. I'll be home by midnight.
Bua: Take your time. I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. ❤️
"Everything okay?" Aadyant asked, noticing my smile.
"Yeah. Just Bua checking in."
"That's sweet. She seems like a good person."
"She is. She's been... really patient with me." I hesitated. "I know I'm not the easiest person to live with."
"I doubt that's true."
"It is. I'm quiet and closed off and I have weird routines—"
"That doesn't make you difficult. That makes you human." His voice was gentle. "Everyone has their things, Kashvi. Yours just look different."
Why did he always know the right thing to say?
"Second movie decision!" Aadya announced. "We're going with a compromise—action-comedy. Best of both worlds."
Everyone settled back in. This time, Aadyant's arm definitely moved from the back of the couch to actually around my shoulders. Light. Casual. Easy to shrug off if I wanted to.
I didn't want to.
I let myself lean into him, just a little more. Let myself have this moment of feeling safe and comfortable and maybe even belonging.
His thumb brushed against my shoulder. Once. Twice. A gentle, absent-minded gesture that made my heart race.
This was dangerous territory.
But for tonight, I didn't care.
~
The second movie was better than the first. By the time the credits rolled, Vihaan had fallen asleep on the floor cushion, Aashika was sketching something in her notebook instead of watching, and Ritika was checking her phone.
Kashvi had fully relaxed into Aadyant's side, her head resting against his shoulder. She wasn't asleep, but she was close—that comfortable space between waking and dreaming where everything felt soft and safe.
Aadyant didn't move. Barely breathed. Didn't want to do anything that might break this moment.
"Okay, I'm calling it," Shivansh said, standing and stretching. "I've got an early morning tomorrow."
"Same," Ritika agreed. "This was fun though. We should do it again."
Everyone started gathering their things. Kashvi sat up quickly, and Aadyant immediately missed her warmth.
"I should go too," she said, checking her phone. "It's almost midnight."
"I'll walk you down," Aadyant said.
"You don't have to—"
"Kashvi." He gave her a look.
"Right. You want to. I know."
They said goodbye to everyone, Aadya giving Aadyant a very obvious wink that he pretended not to see.
~
The elevator ride down was quiet. Comfortable silence, the kind that didn't need filling.
"Thanks for coming tonight," Aadyant said as we walked toward the parking garage. "I know it wasn't easy for you."
"It was actually... really nice. Your friends are great."
"They're your friends too now."
Were they? Could I actually call them that?
"Maybe," I said carefully.
We reached my bike. I pulled out my helmet, then hesitated.
"Aadyant?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks for... for making tonight easy. For the escape routes and the blankets and just... everything."
He smiled that soft smile that made my stomach flip. "Anytime, Kashvi. Literally anytime."
I should go. Should leave before I did something stupid like hug him or tell him how much this all meant to me.
Instead, I stood there like an idiot, trying to figure out what to say.
He stepped closer. Not crowding me, just... closer.
"Can I tell you something?" he asked.
"Okay."
"Tonight, when you were laughing during the movie? That sound is my new favorite sound in the entire world."
My breath caught.
"And seeing you relaxed and comfortable and just... here. With us. With me." His eyes searched mine. "That's all I've wanted since the day I met you."
"Aadyant—"
"I'm not asking for anything," he said quickly. "I just wanted you to know. That you being here matters. To all of us. To me."
My heart was hammering so hard I was sure he could hear it.
"I'm scared," I whispered.
"I know."
"I don't know how to do this. Any of this."
"That's okay. We'll figure it out together." He reached out slowly, giving me time to pull away. When I didn't, his hand touched my cheek. Gentle. Warm. "No rush. No pressure. Just... don't give up on us, okay? On this friendship or whatever it becomes."
I couldn't speak. Could barely breathe.
So instead, I did something that surprised both of us.
I hugged him.
Just stepped forward and wrapped my arms around his waist and buried my face in his chest.
He went still for half a second, then his arms came around me. Held me like I was something precious. Something that mattered.
"Thank you," I mumbled into his shirt. "For being patient. For being you."
His arms tightened. "Always."
We stood there for a moment that felt like forever and not long enough.
Then I pulled back, grabbed my helmet, and tried to pretend my hands weren't shaking.
"Text me when you get home?" he asked.
"Yeah. I will."
"Drive safe."
I rode home with tears streaming down my face. Not sad tears. Not panic tears.
Just... feeling tears. Overwhelming, complicated, terrifying feelings that I didn't know what to do with.
But for once, they didn't feel like they'd destroy me.
~
I stood in the parking garage long after her taillight disappeared, touching the place on my chest where her head had rested.
She'd hugged me.
Kashvi, who flinched from casual touch, who kept everyone at arm's length, who'd built walls so high I wasn't sure anyone could ever reach her.
She'd hugged me.
My phone buzzed.
Kashvi: Made it home safe. Thank you for tonight. For everything.
Me: Thank YOU for coming. For trying. It meant everything.
Kashvi: Goodnight, Aadyant.
Me: Goodnight, Kashvi. Sweet dreams.
When I got back upstairs, Aadya was waiting on the couch with a knowing grin.
"Don't," I warned.
"Don't what? I wasn't going to say anything."
"You have that look."
"What look?"
"The 'I told you so' look."
"I mean..." She grinned wider. "I did tell you so."
I couldn't even be annoyed.
Because tonight, Kashvi had chosen to stay. Had chosen to let her guard down. Had chosen to hug me in a parking garage at midnight.
And that felt like everything.
FOLLOW ME!! 😄
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