'''' BOOK COVER ''''

I'm so honoured & pleased to introduce THE BRAND NEW COVER OF OUR BOOK ~~~~!!

*throws confetti in air*

It's made by my wonderful friend Pavi ^.^ Ilysm baby! This is absolutely PERFECT, GORGEOUS, AESTHETIC, TUMBLERISH, WATTPADISH & makes my book much more epic in every sense! 

She had actually made two FABULOUS book covers that I was so confused b/w the two! Then I had to make my mind & choose a more mature one for this book & thus we got #DWB cover, the other one will land up as the brand new book cover for #LoveRevisited (Sidlia Short Story book) 

23k and counting..  🌸😭

*Yay*

Hence it's gonna be a visual treat too """

 'DEDICATION'

To my recent Sidlia fellow friend from IG, who kept giving me constant boost with her Live Reviews on this book as she kept reading, this one's for you. Your dedication made me work my ass off ;-) @Dksidlia xoxo

^ IMPORTANT : READ THE NOTE AT THE END ^

 ~~~~~Here goes everything upside down!

Let THE DRAMA begin ....... 

................................................................................

Midnight had come along like a calm hero with all it's charm and dazzle. Celestial spots created milky specks across the vast black canvas. There he was behind a silver coated fluffy cloud, peeking at earth with a smirk it seemed. The crescent illuminated with a warm glow, hesitated at first to come out. It took serious effort from the stars sprinkled across the sky along with the occasional tease of cold breeze to make it come out of the hide, in open.

A strong air current swept through the spacious balcony. The flow had a harsh tint hidden beneath it's cool rush. 

Was it a premonition ?

Years of adherence, devotion and loyalty. Unconditional love was finally going to get it's due acknowledgement, it's true reward tonight. He tried everything in him to subdue this overwhelming emotion. Cause somewhere along the fear of losing out on an incredible friendship, creeped within his heart. But time and again, love conquered every other negative energy and insecurities. 

Love is a fool and true it is. It makes you fall so hard and so deep that perhaps it's the only time when you don't wanna get up after a fall. You just give up. To this surreal experience. But that never means your a failure. Falling in love is thousand times more powerful than conquest. 

He had to convey his feelings tonight. 

Now or Never

One thing was crystal clear. Whatever her answer be, it could either make or break him. 

She consumed every fibre within him. She had that effect on him and he let it be. It could be a mistake but he would never regret the way his heart sped everytime she was near, every laugh she burst into, every curve of her smile, her scent, her soul enticed him almost like a spell. He had surrendered himself to this bewitching sensation.  

He who had never bowed before anyone, when finally knelt in front of the one woman he loved with all his heart and soul, felt on top of the world. He wasn't weak but more strong. His love for her was both his weakness and strength. She alone has the power to break him. Without pondering over the consequence, he waited with a pounding heart. To hear atleast a sigh.

[Alia's POV]

Sudden change in the atmosphere had me gripped with slight fear. 

Wasn't it all well few minutes ago ?

Why did it changed at all ?

Rubbing my arms to keep myself warm, I turned on accord sensing something weird. 

Bawling my eyes at what I saw, I screamed within me to control my heightening emotions. 

No this shouldn't happen.

Seeing him knelt on ground before me with eyes almost pleading, broke my heart. I refused to go where my brain wanted me to come. To the obvious conclusion. No, that's not what it is. Maybe it's part of him bullying me like before, when it was all about teasing and leg pulling each other, worse than street kids. Those were the golden days. But then all that stopped, the mocks, rag, taunts, everything. He became almost like a different human. A stranger. Who became so conscious of my every move, every pat that it left me confused. 

I miss my old Arjun.

The one who taught me how to climb tall tress, protected me while crossing roads, fought for me against all odds, stood beside me like a genuine soulmate and held my hand like a guiding friend. He changed after all. 

"Fubu ? What are you doing ? Get up dumbo! It's getting cold, come" I tried to ease the situation and make him stand but he gently dodged my arm, refusing to listen. He threw a slight smile my way, the one he clearly knows I have no power against. 

"Nah, I'm fine here. You look gorgeous pagli" he smiles more making my heart churn. Hearing him with a tinge of tease made me heave a sigh. It's not what I think maybe. He's here to mend our relation perhaps. I'm more than ready to get back my old insane best friend. 

"Acha listen, this is for you" he took out a full bloomed white rose with a blush of red tainted on the edges, emerging from his pocket out of blue. My surprise gasp gave him a sense of satisfaction and he grinned, looking content. I was a bit moved by what he just presented hence I kept quiet for a minute or so. His face fell assuming I might not accept the pretty flower. My face instantly curved into a wide grin and I slightly slapped across his face for even thinking I'll reject his gift.

I took the flower from him and smelled in bliss. It was full of fragrance and I feel I'll have to save myself from the other girls lest they pounce on me for the same. He was still kneeling down, shaking a bit uncomfortably and I realized I haven't yet made him stand up. Mentally scolding myself I held his arm again in a desperate attempt "Offo, get up rey. I toh forgot you're still in this position. Kis baat ki maafi le raha hai ? Chal I forgive you" His eyes crinkled and he laughed out loud. Then all of a sudden he knelt firm, eyes strong, face devoid of any hint. 

"Acha listen, there's something I've been wanting to tell you since long. Let me first pour out my thoughts at a stretch. Just be patient and listen to me, okay ?" Unknowingly I gave him a meek nod while I got a bad tinge about the same. It was as if a faint whisper warning me to stop him. 

"You know what ? All my life everything I did was to see my mother look at me with pride, eyes brimmed with unfailing love. She was, is and always will be the epitome of love to me. Taught selfless love to us kids. I remember her defining love to me as something that cannot be distinctly verbalized but needs to be felt. A feeling that can make you the most powerful human but at the same time give you it's own moments of silent weakness which again never breaks you but exudes more passion. Then she left and nothing remained same. 

After her if there's anyone I've looked up to, its you! 

You've been that friend who gave me a shoulder to rest, suffered my illogical moods, bared my tantrums, laughed at all my lame jokes, seen me at my lowest, in my most vulnerable state yet never have you for even once judged me, or complained of the inconvenience I've always caused. Alia, you stood with me through all my highs and lows and no amount of gratitude will ever be able to verbalize what I feel for you. 

I ha- .... "

My throat parched and my voice went lost. He need not thank her for all that she did as a friend. I stood there speechless. I had to tell him it was fine and that I would always be his 'Rock of Gibraltar.' 

"Fubu! You idiot, you scared me. Oh lord, that's completely fine baba. I did all that I could because you are my closest friend and I would time and again do everything in my might to see you smile. Now c'mon let's go and have something. Get up" Sternly I tried again to make him listen, only to be swatted by him gently with a creak of smile. 

"Teri aankhon ki namkeen mastiyaan, teri hansi ki beparwah gustaakhiyaan,

teri zulfon ki lehraati angdaaiyaan, nahin bhoolunga main,

jab tak hai jaan, jab tak hai jaan "

He stood up, facing me with a faint grin and my heart thumped so fast that I could almost hear my blood rushing. My heart and brain being a mess went completely numb. I started breathing erratically. Involuntarily my legs moved back a bit, not able to bear the honesty his eyes held. No, alia you need to calm down. I kept chanting within. This is just a prank. 

Sensing my distance, he caught my wrist and gently pulled me to himself. Enabling me to see his tall figure, hovering above me, his eyes more visible with a swirl of something I'm afraid to recognise. 

"Tera haath se haath chodhna, tera saayon ka rukh modna,

tera palat ke phir na dekhna, nahin bhoolunga main,

jab tak hai jaan, jab tak hai jaan"

If this is a prank, then it's the worst I've ever seen.

He is lying.

But his eyes .... 

This cannot happen!

He had never been so deep and firm in his voice. 

Escaping my wrist from his gentle yet firm grip, I put one arm on his shoulder. My eyes started burning. I couldn't think straight. Heart beats sped more faster, more accurate. He couldn't do this to me. No, it's definitely not going that way. 

Before I could speak, he hushed me by keeping finger on his lips. Swiftly he took hold of both my hands and engulfed me with his warmth. Tilting his head to look at me with one of his innocent look's, he continued for what I prayed with all my might, to be nothing but lie. 

"Baarishon mein bedhadak tere naachne se, 

Baat baat pe bewajah tere roothne se,

Choti choti teri bachkaani badmaashiyon se,

Mohabbat karunga main,

Jab tak hai jaan, jab tak hai jaan .... !"

" Kya karoon ..... HO GAYA PYAAR, HO GAYI MOHABBAT ! "  A lone tear escaped his eyes and touched the ground. So did mine. 

The world around me spinned. I could not breathe. It was as if someone was trying to strangle me. My chest began constricting and it hurt like a bitch. 

I began backing off slowly ... my upper half of the body went numb. I stared at Arjun, trying to find the slightest speck of humour. But none could be found. His eyes screamed pain and sincerity. 

"Fubu, no- !" I tried finding my voice.

"Alia, I know it's not easy for you to gulp in this fact but I love you, I really do, with all my heart and soul. And I know it's kind of wrong at this point of time since you've moved in with someone else but trust me I tried my all to keep this flame for you hidden under the farthest corner of my heart but it couldn't just stay still! It had to erupt, and find a way out, to be confessed. I don't fear the consequence but I also can't stay alive without letting you know how mad I am for you. I'll go crazy. I- ...... "

His voice broke and a flood of tears escaped.

~~~

They forgot that they weren't alone, fighting with their inner demons, trying to figure out their true feelings. They bare testimony to their own friend circle, who had seen all, heard everything. The rest kept mum because what was there to say anyway ? It shook their soul in the worst possible way. Never had they seen a storm so big coming.

Ranveer and Abhishek were the only two souls who saw this coming. They knew the passion, their friend carried for Alia. They knew it will some day find it's flow, reach it's owner. They were also pretty much aware of the bitter reality that by then Sidharth would have reached her heart and found a place therein, leaving the other one with his unrequited love. It would shatter his heart in the most brutal manner but what good it would do if he keeps the heavy laden of one way love, deep inside his soul ? Both of them crushed at what they saw but consoled themselves knowing he had bared his heart out. 

Sidharth's head spinned crazy. He was left utterly speechless. He had decoded all possible hints of Arjun having a big time crush at his Alia but never did he assumed it to be fledged into unabashed love. Anger coursed into his veins like a venom spreading. He wanted to punch the bastard for making Alia feel so vulnerable and week. She was supposed to choose between her best friend and her lover. He had put her into a maze! All he wished was to bruise the daylight out off him but that would't contribute in making the situation resolve.

Tranquility persisted upon them like a hush. 

Without a second thought, Sid moved himself towards both of them. Alia was in tears and Arjun was a shattered mess. What annoyed him the most was the way in which he kept staring at her, the look of pure love, admiration and want. His heart flinched for a flicker of second. 

He quickly went to her side and held her shoulder gently. 

"Aloo, you're okay ? Shh... " She spun around to see him with bewildered eyes, shot with red, brimming with tears. She looked at Sid with an apologetic face, with a foreign thought that she was the cause behind all of this. Her chest felt heavy, as if a boulder has been dropped over it. 

"Haan ?... Sid, look na, he- he lov-!" She was a stuttering mess. He quickly wiped away her tears and made her look at him. His own eyes reflecting her pain. He couldn't bare to see her so fragmented.

"Ismein aisa kya hain jo mujhmein nahi hain, haan ? Alia ... what's so special in him ? Tell me, I can do anything to earn your love!" Arjun spoke in a defeated tone. But the bitterness was audible. 

"ARJUN !!" 

She had referred to his original name. All this while she endured all the blows that his words gave to her soul. If only there was slight hint of being unsure, she could have solaced herself. But, no! He was being dead serious. Any blind could see the flames of love igniting within his orbs. But something within her snapped when Arjun compared his value in her life to that of Sid. 

How was she ever going to make him understand that they both have their respective place in her life ? That she couldn't choose between both men if given a situation like this.

She was torn between love and friendship.

 And fate wanted her to choose.

She couldn't. It would break everything they build, their dreams, hopes, all of their memories would crash. 

But she has already given her heart and love to Sidharth and it would be absolute injustice to him if she overlooked their relation. 

But then Arjun is her oldest close friend. He had always been like a brother and nothing else. How is she going to persuade him ? 

Will they ever be back to normal ?

"Enough! You've said what you wanted to, so please stop. Can't you see what she's going through ? Stop making her choose between us" spoke Sid in a controlled tone, giving him a deathly glare. For a moment, it became a duel battle between their hollowing glares. Anger seething through both. 

"Stop it you both" said aloud a feminine voice other than Alia's. Within a second they saw Parineeti, standing between both men, looking equally disturbed by them, telepathing to back off. While others found it sensible enough to not approach and add fuel. 

Arjun realised that things were slipping out of his hand, going out of proportion. He didn't want Pari to be involved in their mess too. "Pari, this is between us. You stay out of this." He gave her a stern look to which she complained with an unbelievable look. Alia at once wiped her tear struck face and placed few unruly strands of her hair behind her earlobe. She took a long breath and inched closer to the group. She tenderly pushed back Sid so that she could look eye to eye with Arjun. 

"Fubu, suno meri baat. I love you, I really do but not as you want me to. Your my closest friend, in fact the oldest. What we have is sacred and precious. I don't want anyone to taint that bond, not even us. I won't let you do that. Please understand that I love Sidharth. I can't even think about anyone else taking his place in my life. You are very important to me. Don't make me choose between you both because you know the answer would torture you more. Don't do this to me, to yourself. It's okay you confessed what you hid for all these years but please don't expect me to make a decision. I want us to stay friends forever." Alia spoke with a sad smile, hoping that he gets her side of story. 

Arjun gives away a mock laugh, tears rolling down his cheek. Parineeti held his arm and was emotional herself. She gave a piercing look to Alia since she believed it was all her fault. 

"Pyaar karta hoon tumse, Alia. Yeh pyaar meri taakat hai. It has fucking kept me alive all these years, do you have any idea ?! I'm alive because of you and anshula. How can I move on ?" He asked in remorse. Rannu breathed hard at the way things were forming. Others were trying to find a way to stop this from getting nastier. 

"Toh yeh dosti meri taakat hai fubu!  Why can't you understand that ? Your a strong human and mujhse better koi nahi jaanta yeh. Yeh  -" Alia pointed her finger at him and back at herself.

"Yeh jo hamare beech mein hai na... yeh dosti, this is my biggest strength. Pyaar meri kamzori hai, arjun. And I've found my weak spot in Sidharth. I cannot afford to see that in you. I want both my strength and weakness to stable me. You get that ? I want both of you in my life! I don't want anything between us to change. Please ...!"

"Aaasan hai kya aisi mohabbat karna , jiske badle mohabbat na mile ?" He was almost close to a pleading voice. Everyone by now were surrounding them. Each trying to search for a suitable word to console, but find none. Alia by now had moved back a bit robotically, making Sidharth and Varun rush & hold her. Karan and shraddha patted Arjun's back with a gloomy face. 

"Ek tarfa pyaar ki taqat hi kuch aur hoti hai. Auron ke rishton ki tarah yeh do logon mein nahi bat'thi .... ispe sirf mera haq hai, sirf mera !" 

He spoke with a final resolute. All this while he never for once divided his attention from her face. He wanted to be able to remember every little detail of her face, the way she'd respond, little creases and spots, with all her flaws and highlights, he wanted to etch her face forever in his memory. He knew she would never reciprocate. But the love within him wouldn't settle for anything less than letting her know everything he had to say.

He had lost this particular battle, he knew. 

"I am so- sor -sorry!" 

She folded her hands and apologized to him, stuttering and sobbing. There was nothing left to be said now. Every secret had been bared, out in the open. Nothing left to hide. Realities were crashing upon like the waves of sea that hit the shores.

Alia started moving back like a mechanical robot, with folded hands, tear streaming her face, eyes focused at Arjun. She tried all she could to get back her old friend, her fubu back. But alas, he was all gone. There was noting she could do to make him feel better. If he had asked for her life, she would have given without a second thought.

But love ?

How was she ever going to give him that ?

He wanted more than friendship and it wasn't possible.

She hated herself at that very moment. 

She cannot torment him more than what he's going through.

With a final step, she gave him a meek smile amidst tears dripping and then she ran outside.

"Aliaaaa" They called for her and most of them ran behind her with Sid in the lead. Arjun and Pari stood back. Arjun because he had no right to stop her and Pari because she couldn't see her friend in distress, falling into pieces before her eyes. She mocked her and fubu's destiny. How insane it was. The two people they loved the most were going far from them. 

Nothing would ever be same again.

The rose laid crushed with it's petals scattered around, greased with dirt. Probably stomped by those who just rushed. 

"Mom used to say that someday everything will make perfect sense. So for now, laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears and keep reminding yourself that everything happens for a reason. Bas koi iss dil ko samjhao"

Breeze filled in the place almost like a melancholy. This time, more warmer and calm. Tried to soothe away their hurt. Their the two of them stood alone, with one holding the other, both their hearts aching at their loss of love. Pitying their own fate.

Some stories are better left incomplete, they have its own charm and beauty to sustain forever.

.....

........

.............

NOTE : This is the most important chapter, a biggest turning point in their life. Therefore it took me months to get done with this. Trust me, I had a massive Writer's Block & college wasn't helping either. I had deliberately made the earlier chapter more lighter and fun since this one I knew would be heavy and emotional. I hope it's upto mark even though I'm a bit apprehensive. 8 More Chapter To go before we call it A WRAP ! I was enjoying a busy sem break, so it took me two days of continuous hard work to spun this chapter.

Every 'Quote-Worthy' lines used here is entirely my creation :) Only stuff I've copied is few dialogues of ADHM film & the JTHJ poetry. ADHM was such a fkin mess! That film portrays the real pain and frustration of one sided love! It hurts like a badass bitch ;( If I'm able to make you feel even half of that, then that's my success !

Shaheen recently replied to me on her IG story almost as a friend! Inching closer to Alia ...! My RanbirAliaFc on Instagram nearing 3k followers :) Those who all are supporting me there, tysm. Can't believe that within 1 year, my posts have gotten a total 15 BIG MEDIA FEATURES! Gratitude ! 

Also, our #Sidvalia complete 6 years in this industry! Today marks #6YearsOfStudentOfTheYear ~~~~ ! They've made us proud and how.

So, after this y'all need to have a bit more patience than before. I'll most probably do monthly updates since it's close to impossible for me to sit down & draft anything as of now. But wattpad writing is rubbing off on me badly, like y'all should see my assignments, I write it like a wp story! Lol 

I need all your comments and reviews on this chapter to be a boost for me to start planning the next which again might be a bit confusing yet will give you quite a good shock. This one was still an easy guess, right ? Vote and share with all your friends. Other books have to wait too :)

Love, forever

Jemi :)