#arpiya

‘This is the only time I can show you this move, and if you’re not somewhat decent at it by the end of training, Esha will give us that look.’ Bhandu grimaced. ‘I hate that look.’ ‘It makes my insides churn and feel like jam,’ Arpiya said, her hair bouncing as she shivered visibly.’

‘Moon Lord, Arpiya. I have so much to tell you.’ She hesitated then. Trusting Arpiya was second nature, but Esha had to be careful. Betrayal often came in the least expected packages.  Arpiya rolled her eyes. ‘I can literally see you thinking, Esha. Is this how you became the Viper? If so, it’s a wonder you haven’t killed yet.’ Esha scrunched her nose up at Arpiya. ‘Only you can read me that well. Anyway, I don’t want to burden you…’ She didn’t see the flat pillow before it hit her, smacking her square in the face. Esha sputtered. ‘Don’t ever say that again,’ Arpiya scolded. Esha began to protest but Arpyia waved her words away. ‘Our bond is deeper than mindless gossip and meaningless gestures. You’ve killed for me, Esha. I’ll keep your secrets. It’s just a drop in the bucket of what you’ve given me.’ Esha swallowed hard. They didn’t speak of that night often, but Esha had never forgotten it, and apparently, neither had Arpiya. Arpyia’s expression lightened. ‘And you’re my friend. Stop looking like you swallowed a prickly jackfruit and tell me everything.’

Missing Arpiya was constant, in a way that differed form the way she missed the others back at the base. She loved Bhandu's humor and loyalty. Aahal's wit, Farhan's quiet strength. And she and Harun had grown up together, finding purpose in their mutual loss. But Arpiya had been there during Esha’s worst moments and knew her every thought--and cared for her still. It was her friendship that kept the broken fragments of her soul together during her nightmares, her longing for a normal life.