*Based on the backdrop of "Sapnon Se Bhare Naina" by Preetx *

He is approaching the stage to receive his first award. He is awarded as Entrepreneur of the year. He opened a hotel and owns a cafe as well. It's unbelievable that in just one year, he has become the best entrepreneur in the hotel industry. He's Naman Kapoor. As he reaches on the stage, he waves his hand to the people applauding for him.

There he finds one pretty girl, smiling widely and clapping for him. The face is familiar, because she's a lookalike of the girl he loved. He smiles, then approaches to receive his award. He's elated at the achievement. Naman takes hold of the mike and then smiles to himself. His speech began with thanking God and everyone who helped him. He then clears his throat and his eyes land on the girl, who's still clapping for him.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, my speech doesn't end only by thanking god, my parents and my friends. There's one more person who's to be thanked yet. I didn't know, I'll do it here on the stage, but I really want to do that."

"Starting a business and then taking it to such a height is not an easy task. But there is someone, who always pushed me to do better. She not only helped me set up my business, moreover, she was also there when I was at my lowest point. That's my best friend, Ishika Saxena. "

The girl in the audience, who was clapping for him, is now conscious. He's taking her name, though what she does is minimal. She didn't think that he will take her name on such a large platform. She downs her gaze. But his eyes are still on her. His voice breaks her trance and she looks at him.

" I want to thank Ishika, she has been my savior in the last year and due to her, I am standing here. Thank you, Ishika. I owe you a lot." He says.

Ishika is touched. Ever since that bad incident happened, Naman hated her. She joined him in the cafe, and tried to befriend him. But it seems like he's no more angry now. He thanked her, and that's special for her. Does it mean, she holds a special place in his heart? It would be early to say that.

Naman steps down the stairs finishing his speech. He makes his way towards her and sits beside her. She congratulates him and smiles. The event entered in an hour. They made their way out of the hall towards the parking lot.

"Congrats Naman. I'm really happy for you." she speaks.

" It won't have been possible without you." Naman says softly.

"I did what every well-wisher would have done. I didn't know that you'll say it aloud. I'm glad to know that I was of some help. " Ishika says.

Naman stops on his track and holds her hands. She looks at him with surprise.

"I'll tell you something, but you need to come with me. Do you trust me? " he asks.

"I do. Only, I'm not good to be trusted." she says with a sad smile.

Naman looks at her briefly and holds her hand, and takes her to his car. Ishika doesn't question, she follows him silently. They set off for a drive. The drive is silent yet Ishika has a smile on her lips. Naman glances at her, maybe he knows the reason of her smile.

He stops the car and Ishika looks around. He brought her to the beach, her favorite place. She didn't tell him, but he got her here.

"Why are we here?" she asks.

"Just like that." he says and they walk inside the beach.

Ishika smiles as the cold wind touches her face. She twirls around.

" I love beaches. I used to go on beaches or say river shores with Baba." She says.

"Ruhana ko bhi beaches bahut pasand hai." he says timidly.

Ishika looks at him. She knows she hurt him, playing his best friend. He had almost expressed his feelings, but then the truth came out. He hated her since then. As she was staring at him, he takes her hands in his.

" Ishika, i know, I have hurt you a lot. But you have always helped me." he says.

"I've hurt you more, Naman. And I know it. But I was helpless. Whatever I am today, is because of Baba. I couldn't afford to lose him." She says.

She feels his gaze on herself. She looks away and continued to speak.

"I didn't know you have feelings for Ruhanaji. And I didn't want to do it. But I had to. I'm sorry for that." she apologizes again.

Though she had already apologized, but she had to do it now as well. She has helped him a lot, and Naman knows it.

"Don't apologize Ishika. The situation was wrong, not you or Ruhana." he says.

She looks at him and he smiles affectionately at her. That's a smile to die for. He's flashed it for her and the moment is special.

"I know, I was rude. I was hurt as well. But you were always there for me. You were there to help me. And I realised it lately." Naman says.

"you've tried a lot, Ishu. But I couldn't move on. But this award wasn't possible without you. Thank you." he says while looking at her.

Her eyes brimmed with happy tears. He is considering her the reason for his win.

"I'm glad if you think so, Naman. I was just trying to make you feel better. Bhale hi haalat galat they, par mujhe aapko hurt nahi karna chahiye tha. Infact, main hurt karna nahi chahti thi." she says.

"Aur baad mein bas aapki dosti chahti thi, jo mujhe aaj mil gayi." Ishika says, smile never leaving her face.

Ishika loved him. She had a guilt of hurting Naman. And all that she did, is for rectifying her mistake. She wants Naman to be happy. But she is unsure of he loves her or not.

Naman smiles. He knows what she has gone through. She was by her side, every time. He had seen immense love and care for himself in her eyes. The hotel chain was also her idea. Naman has also realised what she means to him. That is why, he thanked her on the stage. He held her hands.

"I know Ishika. You've got me. In this whole year, I realise what you mean to me. You are really special. Forget whatever happened in past. Let's begin afresh." he says with a smile.

Ishika is surprised. It takes a minute for her to understand what Naman is saying.

" You heard me right. Even friends leave us alone, but you didn't. All the while I was escaping the reality, you were there, Ishika. I've seen care, pain and love for me in your eyes." he says.

Ishika is staring at him. Did he really understand her feelings? Does he hold the same feelings for her, like she does for him? Such questions bubble in her mind. She felt a tug on her hand. She looks and finds Naman sitting on his knees.

" I have refused you a lot, Ishika. I know, I've hurt you every time I asked for some space. I've never let you come closer to me. And I know you've tried hard. But, now I know what you mean to me." he says.

Ishika bends down to make him stand.

"I did because I cared for you, Naman. I wanted to erase that bad incident from your life. And wanted your friendship, the Naman, who was always smiling. Bas wahi chahiye mujhe." she says, her eyes teary.

He cups her face.

"You did it. You won over me, and my heart too. Jo insaan itne lambe samay tak sath de, wo special hota hai Ishika. And I mean my words. I know, you're here for me. And I won't let you go, now. I love you Ishika, I really do." he says

Ishika smiles. She was longing to hear the magical words from him. She wanted him to accept her whole- heartedly. And he did. Her wish is granted. She hugs him in an impulse reciprocating her feelings.

" I love you too, Naman. Shayad pehle din se hi. But I wanted you to forgive me. And I am so happy today." she looks at him.

He touches her forehead with hers, as the happy tears flow down their eyes, their hands clasping with each other. He kisses her forehead lovingly and promises her to be by her side, like she did. A new story had just begun.

****THE END****

The friendship is the strongest bond in the world.

Love always finds its way to and it never leaves you in between the way.

A/n : i hope the readers will like this. Please leaves votes and comments. 💞Thankyou❤️