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Sleep finally came around at 2 in the morning after the big makeup session. With all the women of the family in the master bedroom and the men (which only consist of Aman and Shiv) in Shiv's room.
I had to admit, the Kapur family's bonding experience had to be the best experience in the world. No more fighting between Ma and Dadi. No more burning dislike for an innocent child. And no more weight of the world on my shoulders. Tonight I was a free woman who could finally focus on my life and not the lives of others.
I had taken in account of everyone's feelings except for one person. He was still behind the wall of glass, on a piece of paper, frozen in the same position with the same smile for years now. Dad. The man could be blamed for this entire situation but, he wasn't. He was just as hurt and confused as all of us but, chose to solve his problems in a state of permanent sleep. I think he would of been happy that all of this was over now. He would've loved his life right now, right?
Staying awake for so long could have made me tired but, instead made me hungry. I cautiously made my way around Gia and Dadi only to step on her hand. That made her turn but not awaken. I went down the stairs avoiding the squeaky 10th, 4th, and 2nd stair only to hear silverware being clanked against each other.
My first thought was "Robber?" and I conspired to turn back and hide under the bed. But, instead I reached for Shiv's basketball near my foot and took aim at the sillouette in the kitchen. It was hard to see the figure but I managed to nail it in the head with a satisfiying "bonk!"
A knife was pulled down to the floor along with the body. I would've been completely satisfied with what I did but, when I realized I had nailed Aman, I went into a panicked frenzy.
" Aman, I'm so sorry, are you ok? " I saw him comically twitch his fingers, signaling he was at least alive. I pulled him up along with the knife right next to him.
" What were you trying to do kill m...N-Naina, put the knife down and we can talk." I rolled my eyes at his accusation and put the knife down. I noticed his face was redder and a little sweaty. Which was strange because it was still winter.
" Aman are you ok?"
" Yeah I'm fine, why?"
" Nothing. But, why did you have a knife?"
" I thought I had a spoon for the ice cream."
" Oh..."
" Wanna join me?"
" Sure"
While polishing off a dish of ice cream we talked about everything under the sun. I thanked him countless times for the saving the family routine and he thanked me for not inadvertantly killing him. I kept trying to end the conversation not because it was boring but becasue I didn't want Aman to ask about Rohit. I had been hanging out with my ex and neglecting my fiance in the process. I wouldn't blame Aman if he hated me right now.
" So...Naina?"
" Yeah Aman?"
" What's going on between you and Rohit?"
" Nothing's going on. Why do you ask?"
He let out a couple of deep breaths before saying. " You've been spending a lot of time with him ever since we've gotten engaged. Now I'm usaully not one to let my feelings spill out but, I have to tell you, I feel threatened by Rohit."
You ever have your conscience tell you " I told you so!" multiple times? That's what happened when Aman told me the truth.
" Aman I promise, nothing is going on. He just needed some help with his love life."
" And does that love life include you? Somehow I always walk in on you giggling like school children, or hugging like long lost friends. Either something is going on or it just happens to be some great big coincidence."
" Aman it's just a coincide..."
"No. I think he still wants you Naina, and you're falling for his trap. ' Oh I'm so lonely, I need a friend! I know, why don't I call my ex! I knew it was too soon for Rohit to move on!" I saw Aman's face turn red and his breathing rate started to quicken by the second.
Soon came that eerie shrill from my cellphone and Rohit's skill of awkward timing was put to use.
" Naina, guess what? After hours of countless neverending talking, me and Camilla are finally going to get back together!"
" That's great..." I said in a half hearted voice before Aman motioned to me to give him the phone.
" Rohit, this isn't the right time, please call back later, bye" He said with a strange calmness in his voice and closed the phone with so much force it almost cracked the screen.
" Look Naina, I don't regret spending time with you, in fact I loved it but, I don't think you're ready to get married yet. I'll guess I should give you some time to think. I'm thinking of going back home tomorrow."
"Aman, no, I'm ready please don't leave."
What came next was the only moment my heart had sank so low, it couldn't get up. Aman had grabbed the counter, holding on to it for dear life. His knees soon met with the floor, making the silverware in the sink jump and put his hand over his heart.
I knew this couldn't be good.
Between the tears and the hyperventalating, I managed to get Aman to lie down while I called 9-1-1.
Screaming at everyone to get down I managed to think for a second that Aman shouldn't have thanked me after all.