The Strangers - Across the Silent Heartbeat-Chapter 6: Unveiling

That tender golden hue, ever seen to pour in at no other hour of morning, bathed the world outside the window totally opposite to the storm brewing inside Arjun. Sitting in front of his computer desk with fingers on the keyboard, he was lost in his whirring mind full of thoughts of Ayesha. Obviously, these conversations had become the high point of his days and the source of warmth in this otherwise lonely life that he had been living, so now this added fuel to the feelings with the recent confession; thus, he was awaiting eagerly their next chat more than anything.

Hours ticked by, but Ayesha was nowhere to be found. All of a sudden, his phone jerked to life with a message from her. He felt his heartbeats suddenly jolt. He opened it, and sure enough, his face spread into a smile. "Good morning, Arjun!."

He knocked out a reply, trying to express himself with excitement. "Good morning, Ayesha!. How's your day looking?"

The response came back in almost as quick. "Busy, but I'm looking forward to it. There is something important I want to talk with you about later."

Her message faltered Arjun's smile a bit. Like the serious word when spoken casual—undertoned. He couldn't shake off the feeling that something big was to happen. As the day progressed, he kept revisiting her message in his mind with a mix of concern and eagerness.

In the evening, Arjun was sitting in front of the computer and waiting for Ayesha's message. After some minutes, it finally reached 12:00, and his phone buzzed to life with a new notification. He opened it fast, with his heart pounding in his chest.

"Hey, Arjun. Can we talk?" Ayesha's message was simple, yet solemnity in its core weighed its presence.

"Of course. I'm here," replied Arjun, with quivering fingers as he sat waiting for her to respond.

After a little while, Ayesha replied, "I need to tell you something important. Can we switch to a video call?"

He nodded reflexively at the mention of a second chance. His heart was racing as he started the video call in haste. In a few seconds, Ayesha beamed onto his screen again—this time very different from all those times that she hadn't flashed that bright smile of hers, and those brimming eyes reached an added depth that Arjun had not seen before.

"Hi, Arjun," Ayesha said softly; her voice carried a note of sadness.

"Hi, Ayesha. You had said you wanted to talk. What's happening?" There was concern etched in his voice for her.

Ayesha took a deep breath as she began fiddling with her fingers nervously at the edge of her sleeve. "Arjun, there is something I haven't told you. Something important."

Arjun bent forward; his heart thumped. "What is it?"

Ayesha's eyes welled up as she spoke, "I have been fighting a serious illness. I am suffering from blood cancer."

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Now these words hung in the air, and then a moment later, Arjun went silent. It was as if a moment after those words, all of a sudden, the impact of the words Ayesha spoke slapped him with full force, and he was deluged by a million feelings shock, sorrow, the overwhelming feeling of helplessness.

"Why did you not tell me sooner?" Arjun's voice barely reached a whisper as he felt his heart press with the thought of Ayesha going through this alone.

Ayesha looked down at her quivering voice. "I did not want to burden you with my problems. I was scared that it would push you further away from me."

It was then that Arjun's heart went out to her, and he reached out—his distance far. "Ayesha, you must never have this feeling that you are a burden upon me. I care so much for you, and I want to be there for you, no matter what."

Ayesha looked up at him with tears running down her face. "I am so sorry not to have told you earlier. I've been so scared and all alone all the time."

Arjun's expression became loving and full of concern. "You don't have to apologize. We're going to go through it together. I promise that to you, every step."

Ayesha could manage a weak smile through her tears. "Thank you, Arjun. Your support means the world for me."

Moreover, the conversation went ahead, and he told her that in every up and down he is there to support and to be with her and to cherish those moments which they spent together. He reassured his love in very warm and pure words.

The date was virtual, soaked in tender moments and affection, and yet, in that too, one wouldn't be doing anything wrong if he sensed the foreboding danger in Ayesha's illness. Arjun made absolutely every possible effort to keep the conversation light and loving, replete with stories and memories, trying to etch laughter on Ayesha's face through his light teasing.

There was this really sweet moment when Arjun decided to send Ayesha a digital bouquet with her favorite flowers, along with a sweet message: "For the strongest person I know. Your strength and courage inspire me. I feel so lucky to have you in my life."

Ayesha's eyes brightened at the message, and she smiled again. "Thank you, Arjun. You always know how to make me feel special."

They continued sharing their dreams, fears, and hopes through the night. Moments like these further glued the bond built by them. Love will help one get through the journey and derive strength, hoping for a better future ahead.

As the call ended, Arjun sat back into his chair and bent forward; in his heart, he felt a heavy but new determination. He was ready to face everything with Ayesha, be there for her, and relish the time they spent together.

His eyes looked out into the night as he felt in the depth of his heart that he was so grateful for their bonding. It was their love, shining and beckoning like a lighthouse, powerful enough to carry through the dark and stormy weather.

In the stillness of his room, it was Arjun whispering, "We will get through this, Ayesha—through it all, together."

It is in this promise of their future that he finds a reassurance, that what he does know only too well is indeed they do love each other, and that it is through this love that they will find a strength which will see them through the rough times ahead.