butterfly.

If your past confronted you with an opportunity to change things for a better outcome, would you go back and attempt to fix them? for a better and different story?

But if your past confronts you in your present, offering an opportunity for a better future, would you confront your fears and try to make amends, or would you choose to run away once more?

I once chose to avoid facing the truth and ran away, letting my fears triumph over me. But will I allow them to win again? Can he convince me to stay and help dispel my fears?

∆∆∆∆

Finally, the day of the picnic arrived after two days spent planning and shopping for it. Fortunately, I hadn't encountered him during this time. Deenah managed to convince my mom, who surprisingly agreed, while I cursed my luck silently.

I woke up at 5 am, knowing we had to leave by 6:30. It seemed too early, but for just a one day trip, it made sense. Getting out of bed, I freshened up in the dim morning light. I picked out the outfit we had bought yesterday—Zoya, Deenah, and I had decided to match. It was a floral dress with a ribbon detail at the back. I chose my butterfly earrings and gave myself a final look in the mirror before applying some gloss. Grabbing my bag, which I had packed the night before, I headed out.

Zoya was supposed to pick me up, but she had overslept, so now I had to go get her and then head to Deenah's. I tossed my bag onto the backseat of the car and started the engine.

I arrived at her house and honked a few times. Zoya came out with her bag, and just as I was about to get out to help her, I saw Aarav behind her, taking both bags and heading towards my car. Giving Zoya a look that said 'you're so done', I waited as she approached the passenger seat. But Aarav stopped her, saying, "Don't you have any shame? Your big brother is here, and you're sitting in the front? Tsk tsk."

Zoya rolled her eyes, mouthing a sorry to me, and reluctantly moved to the backseat while Aarav settled in the front. He was wearing a plain white shirt with beige straight wide leg jeans. He glanced at me for a good two minutes before whispering, "Butterfly." I froze, almost on the verge of tears at his words. He quickly clarified, "I meant the earrings. They look good."

Awkwardly, I managed a smile and mumbled, "Oh, yeah, that... uh, thank you." I wanted to disappear but instead started the car and drove towards Deenah's house in silence. Zoya tried to make small talk, but my replies were curt, expressing my frustration at this less-than-ideal start to the picnic.

After 20 minutes, we arrived at Deenah's house, and Zoya rushed out, clearly trying to avoid me. Aarav and I were left alone, staring at each other in the silence. Finally, he broke it, asking, "How have you been?" I met his gaze and replied evenly, "I've been quite alright."

He nodded, about to leave the car when I gathered the courage to ask, "And, uhm, how have you been?" He turned to me before saying, "How do you think I've been, after you left me?" My heart sank, and I whispered, "I'm sorry, but you don't know the truth and..."

He cut me off sharply. "Cut it off. You ran away when you needed to explain, and in doing so, you've only proved everyone's assumptions right," he said, then got out of the car. I rested my head on the steering wheel, letting the tears flow, trying to calm myself before heading inside, determined not to dwell on the past.

Entering her house, I was warmly greeted by Deenah's mom, who had always been kind to me, almost like a mother figure. I asked about her health before making my way to the hall where everyone was bustling around. I looked at the man's outfit and they were matching as well wearing a plain white shirt. I raised my voice and shouted, "Quiet!" to grab everyone's attention, bringing the chaos to a halt. When there was silence, I continued, "It's already 6:20. If you all don't come outside and get settled in the car in 5 minutes, I... I..."

Taking a deep breath, I walked over to Alwaaz and said firmly, "I'll leave with Alwaaz bhai and leave the rest of you here." Alwaaz looked proud, and I linked my arm with his, playfully teasing Deenah. Soon, they all gathered outside the house and began preparing to leave.

Taha, Zoya, Aarav, and I got into one car, leaving the soon-to-be-engaged couple in another for privacy. The drive to the farmhouse was an hour long. I sighed, preparing myself for the journey ahead, when Aarav interrupted me by reaching for the car keys. I looked at him skeptically, saying, "I don't trust anyone with my car," and attempted to open the car door.

Once again, he interrupted me, warning, "Quietly go and sit in the front seat. Don't make me pick you up to put you there." Reluctantly, I handed him the keys and started to move towards the backseat, but he insisted loudly, "I said front seat!"

Mentally cursing myself, I complied and sat in the front seat while Taha and Zoya settled in the back.

The entire ride was quiet, with only Taha and Zoya chatting occasionally until Zoya eventually fell asleep on Taha's shoulder. I glanced at them and smiled, happy that they were enjoying each other's company.

Turning to Aarav, I noticed his eyes fixed on the road. He was about to glance at me when I quickly looked away towards the front. Then, I heard him say, "You can look at me, you still have that right." I remained silent, focusing on the road ahead. Soon enough, we arrived at our destination.

××××

CHAPTER AESTHETICS!