---
He wrapped me in his arms, and I melted into his embrace like a child in a mother’s hug.
My eyes were swollen, puffy, and filled with tears, while my cheeks turned red from crying. He ran his fingers gently through my hair, comforting me in silence.
After a few moments, he finally spoke. "Don’t jump to conclusions just yet. I think you need to clear the air with him in person."
He paused, then continued, "Sometimes, what we see or hear might not always be true. If you truly love someone, you need to trust them. Without trust, love means nothing. You trust your love, right?"
I nodded weakly.
"Then, why are you crying?" he asked with a soft smile. "When he comes to the meeting, go straight to him and ask him directly."
"And if he rejects me? What should I do then? I can’t bear it anymore," I replied in a low, sad voice, rubbing my eyes.
He smiled warmly. "If he rejects you, then give him a slap and tell him he doesn’t deserve your love. I’ll handle the rest, I promise."
Finally, I smiled faintly.
"Promise?" I asked with an innocent face.
"Pinky promise." He intertwined our little fingers and grinned brightly. "I’ll always stand by you. If he rejects you, I’ll lend you my shoulder. If he loves you back, I’ll give you a bouquet."
“This is a deal between friends,” he declared. We both smiled at each other.
He cupped my cheeks and added, "But don’t do this again, okay?" mimicking his usual teasing tone.
We both chuckled as he wiped my tears.
"Come, let’s eat something," he suggested.
"I’m not hungry," I replied, cutting him off.
"How can you not eat? You need energy for tomorrow’s confrontation. Don’t blame me for not warning you!" he said playfully.
"Okay, fine."
We ate together, and later, he accompanied me to my room door. He waved and said, "Good night. Don’t overthink."
I smiled back, assuring him I’d be okay, and asked him not to worry. But he insisted on waiting until I went inside.
After I lay down in bed, I got a message from him: *Good night.* I smiled at his care and drifted to sleep with a heavy heart.
I prayed silently to God that my fears and imaginations wouldn’t come true. Clutching my chain tightly, I closed my eyes as tears soaked my pillow.
---
"Mona... Mona! Wake up fast! We’re getting late for the event!" Raya shook me awake.
"Khabir is waiting for you at the door," she yelled loudly.
I groggily picked up my phone to find several missed calls from Khabir. I quickly dialed him back.
"I’ll give you 15 minutes," he said in a stern voice before hanging up.
I rushed to get ready in exactly 15 minutes and went downstairs with Raya.
Khabir stood near the bus, busy with his phone. One by one, people boarded the bus and settled in.
As I approached the bus, Khabir asked me to wait. He didn’t even lift his head to look at me. It felt odd—since we became close friends, he’d never ignored me like this.
A strange uneasiness crept over me.
Pruthvi, the event organizer, called out for everyone to check their belongings as the bus was about to leave. Raya peeked out of the window and urged me to get on.
I hesitated but decided to board. Just as I stepped onto the bus, Khabir grabbed my hand and pulled me back.
"I asked you to wait, not leave," he said, finally looking up. His cold expression reminded me of the first time I met him in college.
He turned to the bus, now in motion, and said, "I’ll bring her to the event. You guys can go ahead."
Confused, I stared at him, trying to make sense of his behavior.
After the bus left, a man handed him a bike. Khabir gestured for me to hop on. I nodded silently and climbed on, though his dismissive attitude stung a little.
The ride was silent, almost awkward, like we were strangers.
When we arrived, he led me to a separate entrance for guests. Handing me a token, he said, "Go straight, scan the token, and someone will guide you to the person you’ve been longing to meet."
He gave me a soft smile. I hugged him tightly and thanked him.
"Hurry up, or he might leave," he said, tapping my forehead playfully.
We chuckled, but as I turned to go, tears welled up in my eyes again.
He wiped them away, pressed his forehead against mine, and cupped my cheeks. "Remember, I’m always here for you. You’re not alone. But please, don’t make me bring a tanker to drain your tears every time."
We laughed, and he urged me to go.
"Oye... Friend!" he called out as I walked away.
I turned back with a bright smile.
"Will you forget me after meeting him?" he teased, raising his brows.
"Definitely," I replied with a laugh.
We both smiled, and I disappeared into the venue.
---
The crowd was thick, buzzing with excitement. I heard murmurs about an interview with Vikram and Maithili. Pushing through the crowd, I finally saw them—Vikram kneeling before Maithili, holding her hand with a bouquet behind his back.
My heart shattered. Tears streamed uncontrollably as I watched the scene. The crowd cheered, and Maithili gasped in surprise. I couldn’t bear it anymore and turned to leave.
Just then, the cameraman asked Vikram to pose, and he glanced in my direction. His expression shifted to one of shock when he saw me.
I shook my head in disbelief and walked away. Vikram tried to follow but was stuck in the crowd.
I bumped into someone—it was Khabir.
"Oye, I forgot to give you this bouquet as promised," he said, picking it up from the ground. But his smile faded when he saw my tears.
I hugged him tightly holding his neck. He wrapped me into his arms.
What happened?why are you crying tell me?he asked with a worrying tone.
i was felling soffocting,I want to breath.take me away from here.i burst into tears.
Started panting and opened my mouth a wide and started inhaling.
Okay okay...I will he said . We both reached the bike. He grabbed a water bottle from his bike and handed me.
My hands are shivering even to turn the cap.he helped me to drink.
I asked him to take me away from here.
He stared the bike.
Me and khabir went to a cafe.i explained everything I saw over there.
He said with out knowing the truth how can you run away like that.be cool first and think briefly he suggested me.
And opened the telecast which held there.
Interviewers asked him several questions about his love life .he said there was a girl he likes.
Someone asked what is meant by "M"is it maithili?
Vikram:-No ,not at all .it was someone I was longing for.
Reporter:-Can we know who she was?
Vikram:-Sorry, you may not.
Reporter:-how long you have been in relationship with her?
Vikram:-from the moment I met her for the first time.
Reporter:-so,does she loves you the same way?
Vikram just gave a smile .
Reporter:-so,that means she is not?
Vikram:-she used to love me.
Reporter:-what about present?
Vikram:-i was still in longing for her.
Reporter:-does she has someone or she....
Vikram:-i don't know
Reporter:-what? you don't know about her?
Vikram:-hmmm,yes.i was waiting for her responce.if she moved one step towards me I was going to kill the distance between us.only one step. He smiled.
Reporter:-everyone here can see the love your holding for her ,through your eyes.i have a request that what are you going to say after meeting her for the first.pls.
Everyone pleaded and requesting him.
Vikram:-But she was not here?
Maithili:-Hmmm,then just imagine me as her.i was curious too.
Okay fine....
And the rest was what I saw.
Khabir tapped my head. You might have slapped him instead.
Awwwhhh.....this is too tiring.your making it more complicated now.
I want to see him.right now take me to him.
I started crying again.
He called to someone and enquired his whereabouts.
He was at the event now.come let's go .
Directly meet him at the stage .
Let's see what will happen in the next chapter until then stay tuned.......
See you bye bye bye....
Feel free to mention your comments...