The Strangers - Across the Silent Heartbeat-Chapter 7: Strength in the Storm

More or less, the days that followed Ayesha's revelation changed Arjun's attitude. Where the first shock turned into a firm resolution to stand by her in this fight, his head was engrossed with thoughts of her and kept thinking about her—incessant with apprehensions and solaces.

These were now punctuated with messages and video calls exchanged between him and Ayesha. Of course, there would be spurts of light flirting, a bit of banter, and then the headlong jump into really deep and intense conversations. He appointed himself tasks, trying to fill her life with as much fun and laughter as he was capable of doing, trying to elevate her mood despite the distance.

Arjun sat there with his back towards the window of the setting sun, with rays mixing into colors of orange and pink, at his desk, preparing for their video call. All day, he had been thinking about how he would plan something special for them on their virtual dates, so he set up a small surprise for her. He initiated a virtual hunt.

She stood at his face; not with smiling, but looking very hollow; tiredness was creeping in. That moment the heart of Arjun started paining, and worry changed instantly into perfervid enthusiasm.

"Hey, Ayesha! Ready for fun time tonight?"

She angled her head, raising a brow. "What did you plan?"

Arjun could see his eyes shine. "Well, yes, I've arranged or planned a kind of virtual treasure hunt for you. I have put up the clues in our chat and you have to find them in order—that way, you can solve the riddle. How about that?"

Brightening at the very thought, Ayesha replied, "That does sound like fun!"

Each word of the hunt began with peals of Asha's laughter ringing in the virtual space. Indeed, to Arjun, it felt like the heart warmed up at the sound. Clues were all articulated to be hard but fun, keeping her really well off her cares.

So this was the kind of creative clue that Arjun unraveled, and from the very beginning of this treasure hunt, Ayesha had a strong wish to unlock it; hence, the whole day was spent pulling the other's leg. Nevertheless, these acts were what made the treasure hunt completed with a lot of fun and camaraderie. Thus came the sweet surprise: a digital collage of their moments together, with a very emotive note by Arjun.

"Congratulations, Ayesha! You cracked the scavenger hunt, and this final clue is what you had been looking for. Here's a collage of those awesome times we had. Hope it brings a smile to your face."

Ayesha's eyes had moistened; that collage evoked emotions. "This is so amazing, Arjun. Thanks for putting up a smile on my face."

Ayesha thanked him as the call was about to get cut. "I needed this so badly. You have been my most powerful supporter and a source of great happiness in my life."

Arjun's voice was soft but resolute. "I'm always here for you, Ayesha. No matter what, we'll get through this together."

Every second Saturday, there was a new invention in bringing a smile onto Ayesha's face. They used to discuss dreams and favourite memories for hours, and things they looked forward to. He used to celebrate even the smallest of wins and kept motivating Ayesha to be a positive-at-all-time person.

It was afternoon of that same day when Ayesha was just freaking out with full fledge of care about the appointment with the doctor that an entirely out-of-hand package was brought from Arjun. It had seriously nice, utterly comforting tea blends and pairs of cozy socks—one in purple and another in pink stripes—along with a handwritten letter.

This one letter initiated the well of appreciation from Ayesha's heart: "Dear Ayesha, Things at this moment are hard, but you are not alone. I just wanted to remind you through this parcel that I keep thinking of you and am concerned for you. Be strong, for remember, we will face it together."

She held the letter close to her heart, and the tears welled up and swam in her eyes. Moments like these reaffirmed that their bond was very strong and deep.

The support Arjun extended added as much balm to the bruised heart of Ayesha. Physical distance increased, but emotionally every day was making them feel nearer to each other. Their companionship was balm to each other; love became a lighthouse amidst adversity.

It was brought in by weeks coming together and Arjun with Ayesha fighting it out. And so virtual dates became an almost sacrosanct ritual, and with every living moment, assurance would come that the commitment toward each other was still strong.

He said one of those times was when he elaborated on plans that lay ahead—-aspirations—and let Ayesha in on his dreams: "I want to make something meaningful, something which can make a difference to the world. And I want you beside me in that, no matter where life takes us."

And the words, "I am absolutely grateful for your presence in my life, Arjun, and I need your support and love. They all mean a lot to me," was music to Ayesha's ears, as her face bloomed.

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They shifted to different places, way more into the future, and at a much farther time with Arjun and Ayesha, with love and support, shining more eternally over any kind of challenge that might come up. Their hope is incalculably brighter as they face each new day filled with more light.

In the hush of two worlds, far too dissimilar, they had found in common that much: the light for one another in the darkening skies. The tempest, then, whatever it be, they would meet together, comforted by the mere existence of each other till time eternal.