It happened... and I am glad it did

A/N- This one fiction is pretty long to be called short story. I would recommend if you get a coffee mug and then sit to read, so that when you feel sleepy you can sip it along. Caffeine doesn’t lets you sleep no matter how boring the read be. ^_*
And further I would suggest readers to abide by the age discretion of 16+.

Glancing one last time in the mirror of my scooter, I headed upstairs to his apartment. Actually his apartment became 'his' this morning only. To be precise, he has just shifted to city again this morning only, that too after spending 3 years miles away in Bangalore.

Wait! Did I even tell you whom am I rambling about since the whole time? Oh! Introducing Mayank, my best friend, my worst friend and secret holder and blah blah blah! We had been together since the class 7th but then his father got transferred to Bangalore after our 12th grade. Until 12th we were just good friends like we all have some, its after 12th when he moved away and we started talking regularly on phones, through facebook or mails.


We became best of friends. By the way, it's scientifically proved that women are more extroverts in virtual world, maybe that's the reason I was able to open up more on this long distance relationship.

Ok, now I stand on the threshold of his apartment after knocking for the third time, waiting for him to open the door. Man! He is so lazy, no doubts. But I guess it wasn't his mistake when I decided to drop at his doorstep when I know he'll be busy unpacking and setting up his place. Just when I was about to knock again he opened the door, with his one and only trade-mark frown on 22-year-old-grumpy face of his.

"Wonder when I'll be invited with a smile instead of this" I said easing the frown lines on his forehead. 

He chuckled and pulled me into the world's warmest hug. "That's because I wasn't expecting anyone yet, but then you always have all the rights to be the exception."

"I missed you"

"Really? Sorry but feelings aren't mutual then because I had the best of my time in Bangalore without you hanging around my neck all the time" I hit him on his shoulder and pulled back from hug.

"When do I keep hanging on your neck?" I pushed him aside and walked past him into his 1 bedroom apartment, where all his stuff was still lay packed in brown boxes except few clothes that lie down here and there and some furniture like bed, couch, study and dressing. "Not bad. It's quite spacious. But just like you- very dull and lifeless type" I said checking out his place while he stood there near the door smiling at me.

"I still don't believe you are actually here in front of me after 3 years." he said somehow dreamily and I liked it too. "I had given up on hopes to ever see you again in near future... But then this is destiny"

I ran up to him and hugged him again, this time tighter than earlier. "I missed you too" he said in same dreamy voice I wonder if he has habit of talking in sleeps because he isn't this sweet always.

I broke the hug and started pacing the room helping him unpack and make the room look like actual room from a mess, as it was when I came. While emptying the box with his clothes I noticed most his clothes to be blue. I knew it was his favorite color but I didn't know he was so fond of it. After about 2-3 hours of cleaning, unpacking, setting, fighting, annoying and leg pulling we were done. The next glance around was a room with a bed in center, dressing and 

study at left and a small balcony at right. It was a tough task but then every nice thing takes something to happen at first!

I prepared coffee for us and he did the other setting in the small kitchen along with talking and remembering the older times together.

We went to balcony to have coffee in some peace standing by the railing, watching the kids play in the opposite park.

"So how did you manage to sneak out from your home for this long?" he asked as he went inside to place his cup after finishing off his coffee.

I giggled remembering what I did to reach here "I asked Ruchi to call me at my home and ask my mom for permission to come to her house for 5-6 hours. She told my mom she has to discuss some concepts regarding 'the induction motor' working." I chuckled "Like I know how it actually works."

"Oh so you fooled aunty again! You won't ever give up your tactics, will you?" he said while he stood next to me in balcony fixing the branches of his favorite touch-me-not plant.

"Well, I can't until they themselves allow me to go wherever I want. They have no problems with the fact that you are my best friend but they still don't allow me to go and meet you. That's called double standards. Or maybe they don't trust me enough" I said while placing my cup aside on the table in balcony.

"Or maybe they don't trust me with you" he winked.

"You pathetic jerk" with this he received a blow on the back of his head, while we had the laugh of our life times.

The next half hour was passed in absolute silence while both the souls were busy watching the hustle-bustle in the opposite park where a pair of lovers was busy arguing, maybe on some good for nothing issue, but still that scene was quite intriguing. It was when I actually realized that beauty of love relationship is in these small fights when we can openly accuse our partner even if there's no fault of them. This is such an interesting fact. 

Smiling wholeheartedly after a brief conversation with my heart I glanced sideways at my companion for the moment. He too was smiling maybe thinking about the same thing. After all we are best friends, frequency of our thinking matches too. 

"Cute! Isn't it?"

He turned his gaze towards me still smiling the same way. "It surely is. Very cute." He pinched my cheek and added "just like you"

"Am I a teddy... teddies are cute?" I pouted while he grinned.

"Yes you are. My sweet little cutie pie teddy, with cuppy cake cheeks" he bent down and pecked my cheek. 

I forced a smile until he disappeared in room to fix some work. I once again turned my attention towards the arguing couple; but this time I wasn't aware of what they were doing as all my brain machinery was coagulated with thoughts of my own apprehensions, my apprehensions towards a man's touch. 

I would never mind hugging or even cuddling with my bestie but it was the first time he ever kissed me and somehow, unknowingly I did felt some tingling sensation with that temperate touch.

It doesn't mean I haven't ever been touched by anyone ever. I did have a boyfriend, back in 9th class, Nisheet. Initially he was a good friend of Mayank as well as me but after a small courtship of 4 months and 27 days we moved apart because his family decided to shift to another state and he possibly didn't believe in long-distance relationship, unlike me.

In whole of this almost 5 months of relation all we shared that could be categorized as physical touch was occasionally holding hands, twice a kiss on hand and once a kiss on cheek-that too when we met for the last time. I know I m not supposed to memorize things like that but I can't help, I always had issues regarding a man's touch. I just go numb whenever it's something like an intimate touch but with Mayank, somehow it WASN'T the numbness but something else, something new. Okay, I know I shouldn't feel like this about my best friend, I shouldn't mutilate the beauty of this exquisite relation with my confused feelings and damned 'tingling sensation'.

"I guess they have sorted out their differences by now" his voice snapped me out my reverie of deep thoughts. I traced the direction of his sight and caught the initially 'arguing couple' kissing shamelessly sitting in a seclude corner of the park. "And you were probably enjoying the free show. Eh?" he nudged me teasingly.

While I was floating deep inside my inner issues, I had been caught shamelessly gawking at an equally shameless kissing couple.

I turned around hastily, finding excuses to justify my mistake. "I-I wasn't looking at them. I was just’ just'" I stammered while my cheeks felt hot due to blood rushing in them. God! This is so embarrassing.

"Ahh' you want me to believe that you were busy doing something else when you had censured scenes playing LIVE in front of you?" he raised his eye brows mischievously making me blush even harder. "Don't be embarrassed sweetheart, if we can watch them fight then we deserve all the rights to see them patching up too" his giggles sounded so teasing.

"Shut up you' I wasn't looking at them" I said all irritated by his continuous teasing eyes.

"And you think I'll believe?" he can be so annoying at times.

"Argh' I hate you! I hate you so much" I raised my fist to punch his chest but to my hard luck he caught my wrist in time.

"Awww' feeling is mutual sweetheart" he grinned and placed a quick kiss on my other cheek.

All my anger vanished at once as my apprehensions and insecurities came rushing again. This time yet again instead of numbness I felt different. Somewhat like butterflies in stomach, that fluttered every time he did this, twice so far. I felt color creeping over my neck towards my cheeks' yet again.

I looked up in his eyes but I couldn't see any of what I was feeling right now. He was still looking at me unperturbed by the turmoil I was feeling right now. Is it possible he felt nothing different about this gesture?

Watching him flash his genuine smile, I was reassured that there wasn't any need to worry. Suddenly everything seemed to fall in place, like a magic, it felt so natural and certain, like it was bound to happen at some point of time. It didn't felt as odd or inappropriate, just a bliss.

"Come on lets eat something, I am starving after moving so much of stuff. I don't know how mom manages all this!" he dragged me along with him towards the couch. There lay 2 bowls with steaming maggi in them.

"Wow! When did you cook this?" I rambled taking one bowl in my hands and sitting comfortably on couch with my legs pulled up.

"Well, when you were busy peeping into someone's private moments!" didn't I said he is super annoying at times.

"I. Was. Not" I said from clenched teeth.

"Don't tell me you missed out on such a golden opportunity!"

"Shut up! Will you? Let me enjoy my maggi in peace" and finally someone actually kept his mouth shut while I had my gala time with my mouth watering MAGGI! Yummy!

I was done polishing my bowl in 2 minutes. I don't care if maggi can be cooked in 2 minutes, as they claim in advertisement, or not; but I can always finish it off in 2 minutes or even less!

I placed my bowl back and looked at him who was unusually staring at me with lost expression. I hope he isn't sleeping with open eyes. I know my friend was a weirdo but if it's true it's going to be the limit! "What?" no response. I bet he is sleeping. I clicked my fingers in front of his eyes. God! He is smiling now. Crazy! "What are you looking at so intently?"

He took a deep breath, as if deciding something and then nodded. "Come here, I have to tell you something" I obediently obliged and sat next to him waiting for him to tell me 'something'. He placed his arm around me and leaned back on couch. The way he was taking time was frustrating and getting me more curious about that 'something'. "Okay, listen. First you have to promise that you won't ask any questions until I complete, I know it's quite difficult for a chatter box like you to stay quiet, but you can always try." He winked at me just to get a slap on his arm. "Ok sorry, serious now." I nodded in affirmation telling him to start.

"You remember the day back in 9th when you had told me that you and Nisheet were together now?" I nodded again, although I just remembered the bits of that day. "That day was a big milestone in my life and that all because of you." I raised my eye brows in confusion but he hushed me even before I could open my mouth to question. "No questions please. I am explaining. Since a long a time before that day I was going through a great confusion, a confusion regarding my feelings for you. Firstly I discarded it as attraction but then over the time instead of vanishing they grew; I started feeling strongly for you. It was definitely not just attraction, something else, something strong. After long discussions with my inner self I reached the conclusion of confessing it you, whatever it was. I was ready to face with honesty but then again I was worried about our friendship. What if you don't approve of my feeling? What if you walk away forever? Keeping all the doubts aside I finally gathered courage to tell u that I was falling for you, I was clueless of what was going on between you and Nisheet. That day, when you told me about you both being together, I had decided to confess it all to you the same day. It's fate. Even before I could approach you to tell you about all this I ran in into Nisheet and blurted out all of it in nervousness. If I had a bit clue about you both I would have never done that blunder, again my hard luck." He paused to take a deep breath while I gaped in space trying my best to let the huge amount of information sink in. It was damn difficult.

"After that when I reached unto you, before I could place my heart out you shot the news of you being with Nisheet. I felt nothing, not even pain, not even happiness for you. I was shattered; my first love had gone unreciprocated. That's it. After that I preferred being far from you, tried to indulge myself in studies and move on. I was successful in that too. But when in 10th I got to know that Nisheet has left the school I again felt all the feelings rushing back but yet again I suppressed it knowing you two must be together still, since distances don't affect love, that's what I believed and still do. Maybe it was my insecurities that kept me from coming to you and talk like earlier times." He sighed and continued. "After that I had to move to Bangalore; I used to have an urge to contact you once, that's when I searched you on face-book and luckily had a way out. All that followed is known to you. That's it"

I was too stunned to even react. It felt like whole world came crashing down on me. I continued gaping in space until he broke the silence again. "Are you going to run away or what?"

"I want to' but I am unable to move" I whispered back, that was all I could manage at the moment. How come I never questioned his sudden disappearance from my life? How come I never got to know he felt so strongly about me, maybe strongly then what I ever felt for Nisheet? He slid his arm on my waist and pulled me back towards him. I rested my head on his shoulder and lay back on couch still deep in my thoughts world. "Why did you decide tell me now?" 

"I always wanted to tell you all this because deep in my heart I knew it was unfair on your part to not know about how someone feels for you. I felt like a thief to keep it to me but then I wanted to tell you all this face to face not through an electronic media."

Again maintaining my silence for about 2-3 minutes I asked what had been bothering me since I got to know the whole thing. "You said 'loved', 'felt'' is it all about the past or is there' anything yet?"

He took few seconds to answer "I don't know. After getting you back after so long time I was happy the way it was. I didn't give it thought. I was scared to lose the existing friendship we had. I was again insecure' I don't know." He shrugged and concluded the answer to the question that mattered most to me in confusion. I nodded to acknowledge his answer but turmoil inside only increased. "Forget it now. Let's talk about something else." He rubbed my arm but it wasn't able to soothe my confusion.

"Things could have been so different only if that day I would have let you talk first. Today I really repent on my excessive speaking habit."

"I don't think so. It's not like you would have accepted me the way you accepted Nisheet at that time."

"It is. It wasn't like I had some deep secret crush on him. It all just happened in the sequences of occurrences' a coincidence. All I wanted then was to feel loved cared' desired. I trusted you, why wouldn't I approve of it. I would have, surely and happily"

"I would just say, what ever happens, happens for the good. Maybe it was meant to be this way only"

"Hmmm' maybe" now things seemed much in place and right form. It somehow felt relaxed.

After a long stretched silence he spoke "What would be your answer if I tell you that I still feel the same way about you?" I raised my gaze and met his. Looking deep into his eyes I could feel the depths of honesty, purity and deep seated love. How could I have failed to see all that earlier? I have been such a loser, a big fool. "My feelings for you never changed, I was just afraid to tell you earlier but now I want to know. Will you accept me now the way I am'. And my feelings?" he whispered. All his words felt no less than a caress. 'Yes, I would' I wanted to say but my throat went dry leaving me helpless. I gulped the lump of final confusion and nodded meekly, answering the most important question of my life without any words.

His lips twitched into a small smile that was enough to fill my heart with warmth. For a few seconds we kept gazing into each other's eyes until his face started descending on me. I knew it was the moment; all of a sudden panic struck me. My breathing became uneven knowing what might follow now. I had my eyes shut holding his collar tightly in my fist. My apprehensions were still coming in the way but I knew it was the time to get over them. I felt his lingering breath on my face micro seconds before his lips brushed on mine. Giving me enough time to calm down, he ultimately covered my mouth with his, filling me with warm sensations in my stomach.

His kiss wasn't rushed or passionate or demanding but calm and promising; A promise to be there forever, a perfect way to seal the blissful moment. Freeing his collar from my hand he entwined his fingers with mine. The kiss lasted for about 15-20 seconds, which was enough to get me in daze. I hid my face in the curve of his neck, breathing heavily; then I realized I involuntarily have held my breath all along the beautiful moment. I couldn't look up at him, one, because I was suddenly too shy too face him, two, I knew my face was red by now because of the lack of breathe and shyness; and I certainly not wanted him to see me like this. I just had had the most beautiful moment of my life, my FIRST KISS; I almost felt flying in high raised sky. I parted from him but kept my eyes lowered. How was I supposed to face him after sharing an intimate moment with him just moments ago?

"Do I still need to say the words?" he asked in a mere whisper. To which I could only reply by shaking my head, while my heart was beating with the speed of a jet. "But I want to hear something from you" his grip on my waist tightened some more.

"I' I need to leave"

"Wow! How romantic! 'I need to leave' huh!" I smiled at his annoyed face and pinched his cheek affectionately. He looked so cute pouting.

"I really need to leave now. Mom must have been waiting, it's already 9." I tried to get out of his hold but in vain. He was no where near to be ready to leave me.

"No, you are staying here"

"What? No, I am not"

"Oh yes! You are. Don't you trust me enough or are you having doubts on my intentions?" he asked mischievously. I smacked him on his arm feeling embarrassed on his playful remarks. I knew him well enough to know his intentions; I couldn't ever imagine him disgracing me in any way ever, not even in my worst nightmare.

"I trust you, but how can I stay here? No, I can't"

"You can. Don't you go on sleepovers at your friend's places?"

"I did only once, at Ruchi's place. I am not allowed much"

"Okay. Call up your mom and tell her that you are staying at Ruchi's place tonight. You told her that you are there right now. So just tell her you going to stay."

"No. I won't lie again. And besides I don't have my night wear here. No, no way." I tried again only to try my luck.

"Come on. Please." He pleaded with cutest ever puppy face "please with a cheery on top. I swear I won't do anything and you can wear my t-shirt and pajamas for the night, I won't mind it"

I thought for a while before answering "okay, but what if my mom doesn't even allow me to stay at Ruchi's as per her information." I still tried for the last time.

"Tell Ruchi to ask for permission from your mom too, I am sure she'll agree" I called up Ruchi to do what he suggested and to his wish my mom agreed to let me stay at Ruchi, only if she knew where I was going to stay. Even Ruchi told me to think twice before staying with him, no matter she trusted him too but still she had her doubts, after all she too cared for me, pretty too much. But I cleared her doubts with my reassurance, or at least I tried to. Finally after half and a quarter hour we were done with convincing my mom and Ruchi.

"Finally!" he let out a long sigh slumping on the bed after putting the phone aside.

"Now, what I am supposed to do after all this?"

"What do you want to do?" he winked mischievously. God! He knows well how to embarrass me to peaks.

"Just shut up! Will you? Now give me some t-shirt of yours I want to change" nodding he got up and pulled out a t-shirt and a pajama from his cupboard. I took them from him and went into the bathroom.

After freshening up, when I re-entered the room I found him lying on the edge of bed reading a book, with his head resting on the head board. He looked up from the book, his eyes scanning me from toe to head; his eyes held the same mischief that I knew were used to make me self-conscious. "I must say, you look great in borrowed clothes!" I gave him a deathly stare, which he ignored and continued "come here, I have to show you something" shaking my head I obliged and went up to him.

"What?"

"How rude? Give me your hand. I won't show it until you behave fine with me" sighing I gave in into his childish tactics, but I loved it too, to say honestly. Once holding my hand his simple smile turned into a mysterious smirk and with a one pull by him I was lying flat on him. In another second he rolled on his side pulling me beneath him. I was so shocked on the sudden turn of events and' scared too. 

"What are you doing?"

"What does it looks like?" still smirking he raised his eye brows teasingly. I knew him too well to fall for his tricks. I decided to play along, one, because I trusted him, two, even I wanted to know how it felt to be loved by the person I am used to fight with almost everyday. "I am trying to take advantage of a alone girl whom I have captured in my room for the whole night"

"Really! What if the poor girl shouts?"

"I can take care of that too" 

"Okay and how will you 'take care' of it?"

"Just like this" saying so he pressed his lips on mine not even giving me time to breathe once. My hands gripped his shoulders tightly before moving towards his back, while his hands were busy caressing my waist giving me tickling sensations. He was pulling me in him with all his might. His one hand reached the back of my head pushing it into him, deepening the kiss even more. Unlike our first kiss this one was much much passionate and demanding. I pushed him a little to let him know that I was breathless! Even the most passionate kissers need air and it was my second experience only!

He parted his lips from mine breathing equally heavily as me. "Like'. This'" he said in between his gasps. I pushed on his chest trying to get him off me but he was quite heavy for me to move and besides I wasn't trying much. Finally, he voluntarily rolled off to other side still his breathe coming in loud gasps.

"I guess you were going to take advantage of some opportunity!" this time I thought of getting naughty, because I was well aware of his so-called 'evil intentions'.

"I bless you with my mercy for the night" he said in a boastful voice and then started laughing and I joined him too. We laughed hard on the romantic cum humorous moment we shared. "You sleep on right side and I'll sleep on left" he smiled before spreading the covers on me. "And don't worry, I won't cross my limits" he placed a kiss on my forehead and shifted to his side. I respect him for respecting the beauty for this new found relation. We kept a distance of 2 and half feet between us when we slept, but it wasn't same in the morning when I was awakened by the piercing sun rays through the balcony side.

Waking up with his arms wrapped around my stomach, his chest pressed on my back and his breathe fanning my neck and shoulder was the most eternal thing I ever felt; A perfect start of a perfect day. Just the way it should have been.

He is the most wonderful thing ever happened to me and I am so glad that it happened. For me love couldn't have happened more perfectly. And the best thing is it's just the start to the wonderful phase of life, full of love.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NOTE- I know many of you will think it’s inappropriate to lie to our mothers for any reasons. Believe me, I am too in the same category, I oppose the idea of lying to parents but its a fiction and I am taking some liberties being the author. Hope you understand. I owed this explanation to all of you.

Image courtesy: Google

..and I always will

I sat at the shore of the lake thinking about the past events. How did it all happen? How did my life changed? Which was the milestone that marked this day to ever happen?

My mind wheel churned back to the time from where it all started. Exactly 5 years 4 months and 3 days ago he called me; to ask for the notes of the god-damned chemistry practical's class. He was gone with his family for a vacation and had missed out on 3 practical classes and 5 theory lectures. Mr. Smarty-pants had already covered up the theory part but needed some help in practical thingy. 


How I wish I could have been any of his help but alas! I was never able to keep awake in chemistry class. Either I was drooling over Hritik's new look in kites or Shahid's new hair cut! Oh man! He looked'. Delicious! Ahh' where was I' ya chemistry's freaking salt analysis.


How can a teacher ever think that from all the same looking white powder stuff I can tell that is it ammonium carbonate or sodium zincates' or god-knows-what-carbon/sulph/zinc ate? I can't ever remember those tongue-twister names and they expect me to identify one from those creepy things. Jesus!


Well, he was one of those who THOUGHT that I can ever get out alive of those pungent smelling powders. He was wrong. But I could never let him know that I was so dumb. I studied all the practical stuff from all those books which lie in my book shelf since a whole year but never were lucky enough to have my mercy of being picked and ever opened' till yesterday. But now, for him I read all the mind eating terms and freaking definitions.


He came to my house at 6 in evening. I was more than anticipated for him to come over and study with me. It wasn't like he was coming for first time but it was first time I was going to teach HIM. It is going to be fun' at least that's what I think.


He came. We studied together for about 2 hours discussing all the yucky chemical names that ever existed on periodic table. It wasn't hard for me to catch up with his questions and his doubts since I had studied real HARD, that too for first time in years.


I don't know if he noticed or not but we were coincidently wearing same colors' ^_^ white. I knew it was his favorite color, maybe that's why I chose it of all the colors from my wardrobe. After half hour of heated discussion about which of the element from nitrogen and bromine gives brown ring test we negotiated on letting the answer on our chemistry teacher. I didn’t cared which actually did; but was more fascinated about the lines of irritation that formed on his forehead when he was busy arguing with me. I just hope I wasn't caught staring.


After another half hour we were FINALLY done with it. He packed his stuff, ready to leave but as he approached the door he turned back.


"Are you coming for the prom night, next week?" I was taken by surprise, for 3 reasons:- 
1) Mayank ‘studious’ sharma actually knows that our school is holding a party 

2) He was actually asking about MY plans.

3) He was interested in DANCE-yuck; the only thought of swinging in the beats for no sane reason annoys the core of me!


I stared at him concluding my personal analyzing session and replied in the dumbest voice "err.. I don't know how to'. Dance". Not to mention that it meant ballroom typo dance- oh please, spare me the horror of making a fool of myself in front of everyone.


"You can always learn" and here comes the scholar advice, "rather' if you want I can teach you. I owe you for helping me with this" he pointed at the chemistry lab book.


"Umm' no its fine" of course my heart was doing all the maniac dances that I ever saw in movies.


"Hey no need to be formal, see you at 4 after school, in rehearsal room. Bye" he smiled and left. I was on cloud nine just imagining that he will be teaching me dance. Sigh.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Next day in school passed so much in haste, I was only waiting for clock to stuck 4. And when it did I found myself waiting for him in rehearsal room from past 15 minutes. He won't be late. He can't, he is too punctual to be late, and I was right. There he was, as expected, exact on time.

We started with some simple steps like balancing in the ballroom type dance, and then he was teaching me to twirl around, only if I manage it without falling off. But to make things worse my double cotton layered long skirt was coming in my steps every now and then. Besides I was a tough nut to crack and he had a really hard job to do. 

After a while when he was teaching me to match steps I just discovered he had deep green eyes. Now when I stand inches close to him I can clearly see the depth and mystery that his eyes held inside. All I could feel was my heart beating madly against my chest and his hands doing havoc as they lay on my waist swaying on the beats of music in smooth rhythm.

It came as a shock when he suddenly turned me around and locked me in his embrace. I went stiff under the warmth of his touch.

"Just let yourself loose" he mouthed near my ear, as if getting the cue, I felt myself melting right there, right then. His arms curled around me in a perfect manner, holding me with all the tenderness and care. It was bliss; to stand in arms of the one I have adored since ages. I was clueless about his feelings for me, if any ever existed, I wasn't sure about anything. At the instance all I wanted was to inhale as much of this moment as I could. Nothing else really mattered. As if reading my thoughts, I heard him'

"So were you going to skip the ball night cause you thought you can't dance?" he said near my ear, for once scaring the hell out of me. The mischief in his voice was noticeable and rare thing to happen. I turned a little bit to see him. It was one amongst the many moments when the only faces in the whole rehearsal room had contrasting facial expressions, mine with confusion written all over and his full of something I couldn't comprehend at that time. I straightened my face again.

"Yes, I didn't want to make a fool of myself by tripping over on dance floor on the ball night, besides and I didn't had a date too" Liar! Liar! Pants on fire! 'I didn't had a date' whom I kidding with? Of course, those Rahul, Sachin, Rajat and Sumit were asking me to accompany them to grain market, Right? 

"Oh! I wanted to go as its going to be our last school-time party but' same problem with me too, no date" wow! Another liar. Just day before yesterday I saw him rejecting the proposal of school diva-cum-head girl Akansha. Well, I am not blaming, because if he had said yes to her then I swear I must have died of jealously right there. Long-live Akansha's date, whoever-he-is!

"Oh'" that's what all I could say when his arms were still around me, holding me possessively, and I loved the feeling of being possessed by him.

The remaining dance teaching class was taken over by silence from both the sides. The music ended and reluctantly I moved out of his grip, only I knew how much it pained me.

"So? Now what?" now what' now I'll go on my way and you on yours, Isn't it?

"Nothing' will just leave for home. By the way thanks for your time" hurriedly I packed my bag, throwing everything messily, once done I hung it on back and moved to the door.

"So' will you be my date for the ball night?" I stopped in my steps and waited for him to repeat it, in case I was hallucinating again. I turned around when I received neither repetition nor confirmation. He was fidgeting with his cell phone. "You said you too don't have a date, alike me. So I thought that we can go together, only if you want." Man! I need a hard pinch to stop myself from fainting. Hell yes! I was dying to hear this. Yes! Yes! Yes! 

"Umm... Yeah' okay" I just ran from there after that. Obviously I didn't want him to see me jumping and drooling just on the thought that he asked me to be his date.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The ball night came so soon that I was still not out of the trance that HE was going to be my date. 

Dressed in my favorite ankle length rust color gown I rushed to main gate of my house where he stood waiting for me in is ooooh-aaaah worthy black suit. I just hope I don't get caught gawking' as always.

Together we reached the venue and entered the ballroom. All the heads that turned towards us made me uncomfortable and conscious. Seeking attention has never been my agenda.

'Oh please guys look at your respective partners!' I wanted to scream on top of my lungs but yet again' me and my wild wishes. I looked over my shoulder just to find the same expression of frustration and consciousness on his face too. He slightly nodded at me and placed his arm around my waist. From the corner of my eyes I could see Akansha throwing a jealous look towards us. And guess what she was here with Sumit' long-live Sumit! 

We walked straight to the dance floor; I guess that's why we were here, isn't it? After all it's the ball night! He held out his hand and I accepted it with a bigger smile and smaller grin. With one pull I was in his arms' again. His one arm draped on m waist and other hand holding mine; my hand rested on his shoulder and both pairs of eyes locked together. I didn't had to recall the lessons he had taught me about being on the dance floor, I just had to let me loose in his arms, he took over the charge of swaying me as well. All that seemed mesmerizing until a spot light fell on us, breaking the trance. We didn't know that there was a something like a best-dressed couple award too. Well, that spot light was to declare the winners. After the whole half an hour scene of awards, claps, hooting and one special dance by the winning couple, we finally got some time to ourselves. I felt so bored in the crowd when he was away with his friends, discussing the project report that we had to submit next week, HELL YES! Even in the middle of a party he was bothered about a damned project report.

After which seemed an eternity he returned and caught me yawning, I was bored, BORED like hell!

"Sorry I had to leave u alone. So'" I stared at him with expression of'. How would I know, I was bored at that time and had no mirror to check out my expression. Well it must be something what he understood as what he said next, got me all cheered up again. "So shall we go and resume at the dance floor... the award thing interrupted earlier" I can't believe it a person can be so rude and sweet at the same time. I nodded and followed him to dance floor, now I m not scared of dancing or tripping cause I had the best dancing teacher ever. Even if something went wrong, I m sure he'll take care.

He led us to the part of dance floor where there was less rush and less of those disturbing lights. Its was soothing to again have the same feeling fill my senses, but this time there was something different too, yes his eyes now were more piercing than earlier and spoke volumes.

"I know that 'no date' excuse was a lie" he softly said looking into my eyes. At first I was startled but then I decided to play along. I smiled at him and he continued, "Because Sumit had told everyone that he is going to ask you and was sure that you won't say no. But just a day before I came to your home for chemistry discussion, my friend told me that you turned down his offer." I smiled again and so did he.

"I know Akansha had asked you for this ball. So, its equal, you too had lied" it was his turn to smile.

"I knew you rarely give attention to what's going in class but still I needed a excuse to spend some time with you" oh my god! Now this confession session is making me blush. Did he just say what I heard? I smiled again but this time lowered my eyes with certain embarrassment. It's not everyday that the person I like since forever comes and tell me that he wanted to spend time with me.

It was my turn to confess, so I did. "I had read all the chemistry practical stuff just a day before you had come." I heard him giggling, though it was my time to get more embarrassed I found myself smiling again. His laughter is contagious.

Yet again, he turned me around suddenly and caught me at my waist, in an impulse my hands found there way on his arms. He pulled me back towards him and rested his chin on my shoulder. "You didn't have to read all that stuff, I was asking those doubts just to pass as much time as I could, by the way, brown ring test is nitrozen's test. We don't have to go to teacher and clarify it" I am actually liking this confession-session. "You look stunning in this attire." This came as a shock; Mr. Nerd-and-Geek not just noticed a girl but also complimented her.

"Thank you" that's it. I am not going to confess anything now. It's not like it's compulsory to keep on going with this game, though I was loving this. I kept mum and continued matching steps with him on the slow beats.

The famous silence prevailed again. I was adamant about opening my mouth now, scared if I spilled the beans like- 'oh I love you so much' OR 'I just love this thing about you' OR 'this is the reason I went 'fida' over you'. Certainly not, there is no way I'll confess my feelings, not yet.

Between all this conversations with myself I failed to pay attention at what he was doing. Instead of his chin, now his lips rested on my bare shoulder; which slowly, on the speed of snail were moving towards my neck. I shivered at this intimate touch, his grip on my waist tightened some more. My breathing quickened as his lips brushed against my neck. I was losing myself. I wanted him to stop and continue at the same time. I clutched his arms tightly and' the spell broke. He parted from me and stood at the distant of 2 feet's, guilt written all over his face. This is not what I was expecting moments ago.

"I am sorry' I' it was a mistake, I didn't mean to offend you in any way." He said with guilt. "I didn't intend to cross my limits" his lowered face and shameful eyes, made me say what I was swearing never to confess.

I stepped forward and said looking straight into his eyes, "You don't need to be sorry' I wasn't offended' it's ok' until its' you" I smiled at him. For the first time, I wasn't afraid of letting out my feelings, rather I was glad that I was able to say this.

"I love you" the words made the earth beneath me spin. I looked at him with disbelief. And I know he understood my condition again, because he repeated the ultimate words. "I love you; I always had, since you used sleep in calculus classes next to me, since you used to stare at me with the dreamy look on your face, since the time we have met in childhood in class 3rd. I loved you then and I love you now and I always will" I threw myself on him, hugging him with all my power and passion.

If I had ever doubted the last words "I always will" then I won't have been sitting here at lake shore with his head in my laps and eyes closed. I smiled looking at him, remembering the ball night that occurred 5 years 4 months ago. Never in my wildest dream had I thought that we'll ever share this day.

"What is this smile for sweetheart?" I looked back at him, his eyes wide open and looking at me with same amount of love which my eyes must have been showing at the moment.

"Was just going through the memories which turned my nerd friend into most romantic and passionate lover!" the smile on his face widened and turned into a smirk.

The next moment is little hard to explain as I don't remember how, but in matter of micro-seconds I was lying on the shore and he was on top of me doing what he does the best.

Unfair or Fairytale?

I entered my new coaching institute, clutching my books near my body. Class was full with boys and girls, more boys and fewer girls. Not everyone was as scared as me. Of course why would they be? They are not ME.

I went to an empty seat and settled down placing my belongings in desk. Soon a girl occupied the seat next to me. She was no where near to being scared or even nervous of the new class and new mates. Is nervousness my only my genetic trait? Am I sure to be normal?

"Nice class' hi, I m gunjan. You can call me gunj. And you?" the confidant girl beside me asked.

"Hi, I m Deepika, Deepika Vasudeva"

"You sound like 007 guy. Bond, James bond. Hahahaha"

I was too nervous to laugh on her jokes. James bond, if James bond started being even 1% scared as me than he'll lose the title of being called James bond 007.

To my relief the professor entered with his wrinkled face, 5 dioptre convex glasses and unusual smug. How I wish I could simply get up and walk out of this dreading physics coaching class. Muttering hundreds of curses for this not-so-friendly looking teacher I opened my new notebook and started it with writing DEEPIKA in most curly way using all my calligraphy skills.

Class was as usual boring me; teacher's looks weren't helping in any way. My eyes roamed around the whole class of at least 120 students.

This was when I saw something or rather someone for whom I don't regret coming over to this boring, dull physics class. A boy, who sat at diagonally 2 benches ahead to me. He was penning down something on his notebook, of course unlike me not the Mickey Mouse and Donald duck pictures. He was sincerely taking down the notes. Suddenly he turned, maybe he sensed someone staring at him. His eyes met mine. Terrified as never before, I hastily downed my face and started penning down anything, anything that could make me look like I was taking notes. I felt his gaze on me for fractions of seconds before he turned back to his holy-physics-notes.

Rest of the time I passed looking at my notebook and sketching DORA, THE EXPLORER. I didn't want to be caught again while gawking at an unknown.

Next day, I again sat with gunjan. We were bit early as there were still 15 minutes for class to start. My eyes, even after being scold my by mind several times, wandered to the door, waiting for that Mr. enchanting-eyes. And there he comes, walking elegantly and straight to his previous seat. Once settled on his seat, I don't know why but he turned and looked in our directions. Scared of being caught staring again I turned to gunjan and started discussing last lecture.

Several days passed like this only. I would get impatient if he ever gets late, my heart will jump whenever he glanced at me, whole time in class I'll admire him from 8 fts distance.

During the whole class my eyes were fixed more on his back then on blackboard. Maybe I was hallucinating or I found him turning a bit after every five minutes and glancing in our directions. Of course I was hallucinating, why would he?

"He is Samrat shergill' cute na?" gunjan whispered in my ear, "he is my classmate in chemistry coaching and next to him is Mayank sharma another classmate at chemistry coaching".

"You know those guys?" I asked her ignoring the fact that I was caught checking out some guy.

"Very well, and you know what' I and samrat are dating since last year. That's why we both took admission in same coaching's" even in the loud voice of our ugly looking teacher I could clearly listen the breaking sound of heart. So that's why he was steeling glances. He wasn't looking at me but at gunjan. I am feeling extremely jealous of this girl next to me. If possible, I would like to exchange places with gunjan.

"Oh!" that was all my shattered throat could manage. I can't even cry for my remorse. Poor me. At least I should have right to cry. Why? Oh why I have this freaking fate? I am not even allowed to have happiness of being in doubt that samrat was looking for me. I want to dig a hole here and bury myself.

"you know he is sooooooo romantic! A perfect lover" grrrrr' her dreamy eyed look is getting into my nerves. One more thing about their mutual romance and I bet I'll rip off this smile off her face. I turned my face to hide the pain and regret. Its not gunjan's mistake if you fell for her love. Its his mistake. Yes! Its his mistake. How can someone look so cute, awww.. Those dimples! Sob sob! I had already accepted them as my private property. 

All the while she was blabbering about how-romantic-he-can-be!!

I know you have right to speech, so better keep your mouth SHUT! I wanted to yell on her but the goody-goody me can never ever hurt someone who is innocent. Yes, I have to accept that we were never meant to be. Ouch! Heart broke again. 

After that incident, I had somehow convinced myself not to look at him ever' ok I admit I glanced at him whenever I was sure no one will notice. I had to accept that he was someone else's. Sometimes I did find him looking longingly in our direction. Of course, his lady love was unfortunately my partner, though we were allowed to sit as we wanted but she preferred sitting with me then with samrat, reason being that he won't like to become a gossip topic.

She told me that they spend their weekends together at random places. I never probed her for details as I know it will only make it worse for me to imagine them romancing' urghhh!!

Even though I knew that samrat was dating gunjan but still, I caught him looking at me several times. No doubts I got goose bumps every time but it made me uncomfortable as I would never like to be reason of failing of my friend's relationship, if it happens.

I tried to ignore the jealous feelings and tried my best to accept the cruel reality. Time passed, days became weeks and weeks became months.

Once when I was accompanying my family to a movie theatre I saw gunjan there. She was sitting or rather cuddling with a guy. Instantly I turned my back towards them as I won't be able to see them doing coo-chi-coo with my own eyes. I concentrated on everything else other than them. And I was sure they didn't notice me, better would be they didn't notice anyone who was gawking at them. My mother who had met gunjan several times saw her too. I felt so embarrassed in the situation; my only friend was romancing with my only love. Is there anything worse? Probably not. My mom asked me to see and confirm that it was gunjan only. Reluctantly I turned around' only to get the shock of my life time. She was there with mayank! And not with my love and her boyfriend samrat!!

It was a laugh and cry situation all together. Should I be happy that I didn't have to see my love with anyone else? Or should I be sad that he was being two-timed by his girlfriend? I nodded at my mom and confirmed that it was gunjan only. We went from there quietly without letting them know that we had caught them red-handed doing nonsense in public.

Next day when I reached our physics institute, I waited for samrat in the parking area. I was determined to let him know about his girlfriend's ruse. Not because I was jealous but because it was morally incorrect too. I had passed him a chit in class today asking him to meet me in parking after the class and he had nodded in affirmation too.

PLEASE MEET ME IN PARKING AREA AFTER CLASS. IT'S URGENT.

-DEEPIKA

I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder. I knew it was him; I turned around to face him and reveal the truth.

"Hi" oh god! First time, first time since I have met him it's his first ever addressing to me! Cut it Deepika, come to the point. Yes, tell him about his betrayal.

"Hi" mere a whisper. Damned my struck throat and shut up you butterflies in my abdomen. 

"You said something urgent, what is it?" curiosity in his voice didn't go unnoticed. And his worry wasn't uncalled for. The matter was worth worrying.

"Umm' yes, I wanted to tell you something'. That you must know'"

"And that is'" he probed me to continue but I was again confused that should I tell him. Maybe I was mistaken. I guess I should have cleared it with gunjan first. But now what? I have already called him. Stupid me! Wait... But he has all the rights to know that his girl is only his. Right?

"Gunjan' it's about gunjan" I added softly and looked at him in the eyes as trying to convey the message through eyes.

"What about gunjan?" the confused look on his face was making the lump in my throat bigger and bigger. Awww... He doesn't deserve to be betrayed. 

"She' she is two-timing you" I added in a whisper and lowered my eyes, feeling guilty of don't know what! I can't see him with anyone else but also I can't see him hurt. Its terrible!

"WHAT?" his reaction wasn't that of a shock but confusion. Can't he understand simple English?

"Yes, yesterday I saw her with your friend in a movie theatre' they were' not in decent state" I kept my eyes low watching his adidas shoes and my physics' resnick and hallidey book.

"What are you talking about? I am not getting you" what are you a dumbass? It's so simple your-girlfriend-is cheating-on-you. Idiot!

"Samrat, she is cheating on you" I said looking in his deep eyes again.

"Cheating on me? How can she... wait you said samrat?" he said confused to the peak and confusing me too.

"Yes, you are samrat'. Or not?"

"NO! I am mayank' wait, you thought that I am samrat and gunjan is my girlfriend. You saw them together and thought she was cheating on me?"

Holy crap! That means whom I loved since day one is mayank not samrat and gunjan is samrat's girlfriend not mayank's! That means that I don't need to be jealous of gunjan now. That means that gunjan ISN'T betraying her boyfriend. Then whom did mayank used to look at, if not gunjan? Wait' he isn't gunjan's boyfriend that doesn't mean he is single. 

"You are not samrat?" I confirmed, I can hallucinate things in my hearts favor.

He smiled and chuckled. Of course he was enjoying my guilty plus embarrassed plus confused look.

"Okay, let me clear your facts. I am mayank and NOT samrat; I am NOT gunjan's boyfriend. Hi, nice to meet you" he forwarded his hand for hand shake. Hand shake his two lines of facts has shaken me to the core. If happiness could be measured on scale then right now all the limits of happiness are too small to measure. I shook my hand with him.

"Nice to meet you' mayank" I bet I am red by now, out of embarrassment.

He smiled and turned to go. How can I be so clumsy? All this confusion is because of gunjan. She thought I was eyeing her boyfriend when I was admiring my cutie, dimpled cheeks mayank. I will never forgive her for creating such a big confusion and for my heartbreak since she told she was dating mayank! "Damn!"

"Oh! I forgot to clear the most important fact" I looked up. He was standing offensively near to me. His face inches away from mine; I could clearly see the mischief in his deep brown eyes. My heart skipped bunch of beats together.

"What is it?" I asked unsure of what was in his mind. 

"That'" he stepped closer and my heartbeat stopped. "That' I m still single and still waiting for someone special" he winked and kissed me on my cheek. Before I could make out what just happened he was no where to be seen. I touched my cheek where just moments back his lips were. Oh god! I reached the zenith of ecstasy and happiness with in few minutes. Now I know that those longing glances were not for gunjan but for me! 

What an irony! When we think life is un[fair] it can suddenly turn to be [fair]y tale!!

"I love you mayank" I found myself giving voice to my feelings.

"And I love a little more than you do" a whisper in my ear, his breath on my neck and chest rubbing against my back was enough to justify my next action.

In a swift motion I turned around and placed my lips on his, claiming my private property forever. It took him a couple of seconds to comprehend what I was doing but then he too held me tightly in his grip and pulled me into him. My arms encircling his strong neck and heels raised to meet his height.

Whoever said that fairy tales don't exist anymore needs to meet us!