A/N: This is the last chapter. I am planning for a sequel. Let's see how that works out. ;)

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AFREEN

My hand flew over the paper to fill in all the things that I had crammed in my head. It was a race against time. I had 15 minutes before the exam was over. I tried to write faster and threw an annoyed glance at Abhay,  who was happily recreating my answers on his paper. I scribbled some more, when the examiner snatched the paper from me. I looked up appalled.

"Time  up." He said.  

I didn't even hear the bell ring in my mad frenzy. I begged him with my eyes to atleast let me check my answers. 

"I want your paper as soon as I am done collecting from others." He said, sternly. 

I went over everything and finally rushed out of the cursed place like the hell hounds were on my heels. I looked around, searching for Ana and Diya. All around students were milling about, loitering as this was the last day of the exams. Last month was a complete blur with the start of the exams. I was relieved that the exams were over. But a new sickening feeling built up. What next? I got my Bachelor's degree. I wanted to pursue further for my Masters. I didn't know if I would be allowed to???

"Afreen!!!" I heard someone calling my name. I saw Diya , Ana and the rest of them monopolizing the center of the quads. 

I reached them and breathed out, "I can finally sleep. This time the exams were hell." 

Everyone nodded their agreement. They were all deciding where to go to grab some food. I tuned them out, knowing I'll have to head home. I sometimes felt envious of them. They didn't have the restrictions that I do. Not for silly things, like hanging out with  friends. They have problems too. After all they are human.  I thought, convincing myself. I shook my head and moved to where Diya was standing. 

Everyone was rejoicing the freedom, while she was the only one who looked like someone killed her puppy. I nudged her. She looked at me wide eyed , startled  . 

"Earth to Diya." I kidded. She smiled faintly and looked away. 

"What's wrong?" I asked, worried. 

"Dev is leaving today." Ana, answered for her, pocketing her cell as she had gone to attend to a call. 

"Today? Did you talk to him after the other day?" I asked. 

Diya shook her head,  close to tears and said, "I don't know what to think. He confesses his feelings for me. When I don't return them and while, I am at the point where I am considering it, he just leaves. He is running away." She clenched her fists. 

"Then stop him from running away." I said and Ana nodded.

"I can't do that either. It's his dream to work there. I don't want to hold him back." She said. 

Ana and I looked at each other, helpless. 

"Don't you want to see him one last time?" Ana asked, gently. 

"I do." Diya whined. 

"Let's go then." Ana said, looking determined. 

"What? Where?" Diya and I asked, confused. 

"I spoke to Abhi. His flight is at 9 tonight. Meaning, they will be leaving for the airport in about an hour. We have time to get there. You can talk to him and sort things out." Ana said. 

Both of us were dumbfounded. 

She looked at us and gestured wildly for us to get our legs moving. 

She booked a cab on her app which turned up within minutes. We left without saying goodbye to anyone. Oh Hell!! who cares about them. We piled into the back of the cab and took off. Ana gave the address to the driver and sat back. Diya was wringing her hands in nervousness. I was panting from all the rushing around. 

"Everything will be fine. You'll see." Ana said, brightly, while I got a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach and wisely chose to shut my mouth. 

"Stop! Stop!" Diya screamed. 

"The house's is a bit further." Ana  said, puzzled. 

"We'll get down here." Diya said, not giving us a choice as she scrambled out. 

Ana paid for the cab and looked at Diya questioningly. 

Diya ignored that and marched on towards his house. We followed her and stopped near a huge tree outside their home. 

"I think I need to be pushed or carried inside." Diya squeaked. 

Before either of us could reply, a car drove out of the gates and Diya pulled us behind the tree. 

It stopped just outside the gates and Dev got out of the passenger side. He looked around as if searching for something.  We ducked behind the tree as his eyes moved towards it. 

"He's right there. Go talk to him." Ana hissed at Diya, who shook her head.

"Why are we hiding again?" I asked confused and stifled a groan when Ana stomped on my feet. I glared at her.

" Get your ass in the car, man. We are going to be late."  Abhi's voice floated over. Ana blushed furiously hearing her boyfriend's voice. I rolled my eyes at her. Even after being together for months, she blushed with only hearing his voice. 

" I think I forgot something." Dev said.

" You have been doing that for the past hour. You have everything you need. Quit stalling."  Abhi said annoyed and added gently, " She's not coming, Dev."  

We heard two doors slamming and the car drive away. 

Diya leaned against the tree, her body  shaking with the effort to keep her sobs in, but a sob broke through. 

" Why didn't you go speak to him?"  I asked.

" I just wanted to see him....sob... before..sob...he ...left. If I had gone up to him,...sob.. I know he wouldn't go. I didn't want him.....hiccup.... to give up on his dream."  Diya gasped and completely broke down. 

We held her till she was done pouring her heart out. Silent tears flowed down her cheeks.

We hailed a cab to go back home. Diya was numb to everything. She didn't even realize that we were in a cab, going home. She was just gazing outside, dazed. It was scaring me and I could see that it was creeping Ana out, too. 

" Stop! Stop!!"  Diya screamed again and hopped out.  Ana and I looked at each other, shocked. We paid for the cab and hurried after her. 

We looked up to  see her in polar bear and rushed in. She was seated and was ordering a death by chocolate for herself. She looked at us and motioned for us to sit, grinning.

She had gone crazy,officially. Poor girl. 

"You okay?" Ana asked, taking a seat, gingerly. I sat down, studying her, carefully. 

She sighed and said, " I'll get there. I feel like I should have told him I love him. But, if I had things would have been different. We both need to go after our dreams. If we are meant to be, we will be, no matter what happens."  

Ana patted her hand soothingly, while I smiled at her. She's strong and will move on from here. 

We lunged  for the ice cream as soon as it was set before us, famished. We had a tiresome day, going through a lot of emotions. I was excited to begin a new phase of my life. I was scared too. I didn't know what tomorrow would bring, but I was sure that I will have the both of them with me. 

Wherever life takes us, always, together. 

THE END 

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A/N: Diya, Ana and Afreen thank all of you who have read the story ;);)

This was my first story and I feel so proud that I was able to complete it. I know it might not be up to a standard, but the sense of achievement you feel once you complete a story , is amazing. 

If you want to read know more about the lives of the three of them, stay tuned for the sequel. 

In reality, Ana, Diya and Afreen have already completed the next phase of life and done with their studies. The sequel will  consist of their roller-coaster journey, which either will bring them closer or  threaten to tear them apart. 

  Once again, thannnkkk youu everyone for reading my story.!!!:*:*:*  

xoxo :*

keevai

P.S : still thinking a name for the sequel? any suggestions?? :)