Nisha climbed the stairs to the terrace. She had recently shifted to her new home and was finally free to explore her terrace.

The entire week, she had been busy with unpacking and settling into her house. As she put her foot on the terrace, she took in a deep breath and spread her arms wide.

She leaned against the concrete wall and a small, content smile formed across her lips. She stared at the citylights and clicked a picture. 

Content with the outcome, she turned around to take a stroll for some time only to freeze at her spot.

Directly opposite her, standing on the concrete wall was a man. From his body posture and stance, it was clear what he wanted to do.

NO! She couldn’t let a man die in front of her. But she couldn’t act rash and yell or he’ll get startled and lose his footing or might even jump.

She took off her slippers to avoid any sound and very carefully tiptoed towards the man.

Her heart raced wildly all the while. She mentally prayed that he doesn’t hear her and held her breaths.

When she reached within an arm distance from her, she darted her hand out and swiftly pulled the man back. He was startled and both of them fell back on the terrace floor.

Both of them groaned with the impact. Nisha fell on her back, which hurt like a bitch. But thankfully the man’s arm saved her head. He fell directly over her, their heads bumped together.

Nisha hissed and rubbed her head and her aching body. The man did the same and groaned while sitting up straight.

“What the hell was that?”

He yelled and Nisha looked at her. Her eyes felt blurry due to the collision. 

“I should be the one asking that. What the hell was that? Kya krne wale the tum haan?”

(What were you about to do?)

“None of your fucking business.”

The throb subsided a little and her vision got better. She got a better look at the man’s face and her eyes widened. She knew him. They were in the same class in school. They were good friends but she lost contact with everyone once school finished.

“Yash?”

She whispered in surprise, making the man turn to look at her and frowned. He looked at her for a moment before realisation settled in.

“Nisha.”

Her heart started thudding wildly again thinking about what he was about to do.

“Tum yaha kya kr rhi ho?”

(What are you doing here?)

“That’s not what’s important, Yash. Tum kya krne wale the? You were about to-Oh God!”

(What were you about to do?)

She was shivering due to the emotions she felt. But she didn’t cry. She couldn’t cry. He looked away and muttered harshly.

“You don’t have to worry about me. Just pretend you never saw me. And leave me alone.”

“Leave you alone? Sure! Jisse tum phirse wahi krne ki koshish kro.”

(So that you try to do it again.)

She glared at him and he glared back.

“You don’t know any fucking thing about me or my life, Nisha. Just because you know me from school, doesn’t mean you interfere in my life. Just go away!”

She shook her head and stayed firm.

“No! I know and understand that you’re vulnerable. Sab kuch bhut against lag raha hoga tumhe but I am not leaving. Not until I’m sure you’re not going to do that again.”

(Everything would seem against but I am not leaving.)

“Puri raat yahi baithi rahogi kya?”

(Will you sit here all night?)

He yelled in exasperation and got up. Nisha too got up from the floor and looked at him. He looked very disoriented. His eyes had dark circles and his face was pale. 

“Zarurat padi toh.”

(If required.)

She answered while observing him more deeply.

“Yash? Kya baat hai?”

(What happened?)

Her voice trembled a little and he met her eyes. He looked away, his fists clenched tightly and jaw set. She saw his shoulders trembling and then saw him wipe his face.

Was he crying? What could it be that made a grown man cry and make him do something like this? 

He kept crying silently and she kept giving him support through her presence. Making sure that he doesn’t feel alone.

“Yash? You know I’m not leaving until you talk to me. Or anyone.”

“I don’t want to talk to you! Or anyone! Just leave me alone Nisha!”

He yelled and turned to face her with a tear streaked face. She carefully held his hand and caressed it. He looked into her eyes and she spoke softly. Her own eyes filled with unshed tears.

“I will not leave you alone, Yash. Do you understand? I’m not going anywhere. I’m right here. With you.”

She had handled her cousin, who too had suicidal thoughts. She knew what he needed. 

Yash kept looking at her. She squeezed his hand and repeated her words.

“Do you understand, Yash? Mai yahi hu. You’re not alone. Please talk to me.”

(I am here.)

He sniffed and wiped his face. But as soon as he did that, he broke down and fell to his knees, sobbing. Like a child. As someone who has lost the purpose of his life. 

She let him. She knew he had to let his suppressed feelings out. She held him, letting him cry into her shoulder. Both of their bodies shuddered.

His due to all the emotions he felt and hers because of the fear she felt. Had she not been here tonight, at the right time, she couldn’t even imagine what could have happened.

It took him some time to calm down. Nisha didn’t waste any time and took him to her apartment.

She wrapped him in a blanket and gave him some hot water. He slipped slowly and let the warmth wash over him. 

Nisha sat in front of him on the table. She carefully observed him and bit her lip in concern seeing his condition.

When he was visibly calm, she asked.

“Yash? Kya hua tha?”

(What has happened?)

He looked at her for a moment and then sighed.

“You’re going to call me stupid.”

“I’m not. I promise. I’ll not judge you. Please tell me.”

She promised. And he knew she meant it. That he could trust her. He’d always felt that with her. Even in school, she was very trustworthy.