The Strangers - Across the Silent Heartbeat-Chapter 11: Plan to meet

Both Arjun and Ayesha were feeling that the days following her revelation of illness were showing a new equation in the relationship. It was deeper now, but the very thought of Ayesha's condition hampered the brightness of their otherwise bright future.

So, he wanted to help; probably in everything he could. He plunged headfirst into coding projects and studies for the same, focusing all his emotional energy on doing productive work. Every line of code he writes seems a bit related to the love and concern for Ayesha. On the contrary, his mind started to wander towards her, and time and again he lost himself in thoughts of worry.

Ayesha was trying to put up a brave front all the time. She went on with her treatment and managing the symptoms alone, trying to cope with her routine too. It was very tiring; the toll of her illness could be seen, but she had to be strong for Arjun.

The most evening, while Arjun was glued to the toughest problem in coding, he received a text message from Ayesha, asking whether they could video call. He immediately stashed away whatever spoilsport he had been doing and rushed home to hear from her. The ringtone of that incoming message call seemed to be a relief amid growing anxiety in his mind.

The video call connected, and Arjun's heart lifted as, after all, there was Ayesha, smiling on the screen in front of him. She did look tired, but that smile was a beam of light. "Hey, Arjun, wanted to talk to you about something important."

Arjun became serious. "Of course, Ayesha; what's it you have on your mind?

Ayesha inhaled deeply as she glanced at Arjun's face, seemingly to draw some kind of reassurance. "I have been deeply thinking over our future. I know things have been very rough lately, and I want us to have a plan. I don't want us to leave things uncertain."

Arjun nodded. His heart ached for her. "I understand, Ayesha. What do you have in mind?

Ayesha paused before she spoke. "The truth is, at least I want to have a clear agenda; things to discuss when we meet up. This is something we have all talked about, but I really feel it is time to set things in motion."

Arjun's glance softened. "Understandably. I shall start making arrangements for our first meet. I want to be with you and I want to make the best of the time spent together.

As they spoke of their plans, Arjun and Ayesha were both high on hope and resolve. They talked about dates and places to meet, with care, given the health condition of Ayesha and travel-associated hassles. The pace was a little overeager, and perhaps a trifle nervous at the same time, which said much about the chaotic ways in which they were entwined.

Later that week, Arjun received a weird message from his best friend, Vikram. Vikram had listened to him about the relationship with Ayesha and was worried about him, so he just wanted to call up and check on him in person for support.

Arjun thanked Vikram for his concern and agreed on a meeting for coffee. When they glanced at each other, it was visible in the strain that showed in Arjun's eyes. "Hey, Arjun. I've been worried about you. How are things going with Ayesha?"

Arjun sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "It's been tough. She's dealing with a lot, and I'm trying to support her as best I can. But it's hard not to feel overwhelmed."

Vikram put one hand reassuringly to Arjun's shoulder. "You are really doing great, Arjun. It's all right to be overwhelmed. But remember to take care of yourself too. You can't pour from an empty cup."

Arjun nodded appreciatively for the comforting words. "Thanks, Vikram; I appreciate it.".

And she had come to find support in the person of her own best friend, Saira. They used to spend time together now, more and more, and Saira was acting as a constant source of comfort and encouragement for her. One afternoon, as they were sitting in a park together, breathing in the fresh air, Saira looked at Ayesha with a very reflective expression.

"You have been so strong through this all, Ayesha, but don't forget to take care of yourself too. It's okay to hold on to other people for support sometimes."

Ayesha smiled. Her friend's words weighed deep inside her. "I know, Saira. It is just difficult at times. I do not want burden any person with my problems."

Saira shook her head slowly. "You're not a burden. You have people out here who care, and that includes Arjun. He really wants to be there for you, and you should let him."

Ayesha's heart swelled up with gratitude. "You're right. I forget that I'm not in this alone."

So it was that the days had been rolling parallel, one after the other, as constantly as Arjun and Ayesha had been hanging out, days settling their maiden meet. They had indulged in long conversations detailing anticipation and excitement, both of which were so necessary for a distraction at such times.

One evening, as she prepared for the finalization and ironing out of the programs on a whole, a message popped up on her phone from Arjun, starting her heart thumping at an impossible speed. All the best moments with him he sent her, messages of love, and crushful quotes.

The video was playing, and Ayesha's tears couldn't stop flowing, although her heart really empathized with how very sweetly Arjun did all this for her. She was rejuvenated again with enhanced hope and bonding—the realization that even when everything was going against them with distances and problems, their love remained strong for each other.

Updat𝓮d from frёewebnoѵēl.com.

The episode ended with Arjun and Ayesha feeling more committed and in love with each other. The plans for the future had just begun to fit in, and obviously there were impending problems; but they take them head-on with new hope and determination. This leaves one expecting the audience to look forward to the continuation of their journey.