Chapter 21 – When Healing Looks Like Laughter
Healing doesn't always arrive in solemn moments.
Sometimes, it slips in through a laugh.
A stupid joke. An unexpected text. A look that says, "I'm okay now. Are you?"
That was what it felt like between Aarav and Mehar lately—less weight, more ease.
Less fixing, more being.
—
It started with a meme.
Aarav sent it at 11:03 p.m.—a ridiculous one about overthinkers dating each other.
Mehar saw it. Snorted. Then replied, "So basically, us?"
He texted back: "Definitely. You're the anxious planner, I'm the dramatic reactor. Classic chaos."
She grinned.
And typed: "Should've come with warning labels."
Then:
"Mine would say: 'Cares too much. Will overthink your breathing.'"
His came seconds later:
"'Will disappear emotionally and blame it on the moon.'"
They laughed.
And somehow, the 3-hour-long texting session that followed felt more healing than any serious talk ever had.
—
Three days later, they met again. At the campus library this time—an unplanned meeting.
Mehar was there finishing a paper. Aarav had just dropped by to print something.
They ended up sitting side by side. Sharing earbuds. Watching stupid videos in whispers and muffled giggles.
"I forgot how easy this felt," she whispered at one point, head tilted toward his.
He turned. "Maybe we're remembering it now."
No confessions.
No tension.
Just Mehar resting her head on his shoulder for five seconds longer than she had to.
And him smiling like he'd been given something sacred.
—
Because healing doesn't always come with closure.
Sometimes, it shows up quietly—through joy. Through familiarity. Through the kind of laughter that feels like home.
—
Aarav didn't ask if they were back together.
Mehar didn't ask what this meant.
They just... let it be.
And in that stillness, something bloomed.
—