Reshu,

My dreamy weekend slumber was broken by the continuous ringing of my phone . Cursing, I rolled over on to the other side, disconnecting it. I have hand't slept since Yash left, not because I miss him. I do miss him, but we keep talking all night , leaving me exhausted. Shikha had been reprimanding me for past 2 days because I couldn't attend a single meeting. 

Stretching my body like a cat, I stared at the morning sky through the open window. Few years back had  someone would mentioned that I would be talking to a guy all night, I would declared that person foolish. I smiled shyly to myself, I still remember during are college years a huge telecom giant had given the option of free calls through its network, and the one who had the sim of the same service provider had to beg or search for their phone through different hostel rooms. I would openly laugh on such love birds, and now here I am as crazy as them or even more. 'Never say never' the proverb fits so well in my current situation. I had vowed never to fall in love, but never realised that I have always been in love with just one man, my best friend Yash.

Ringing of my phone broke my stance, I was super mad at the caller for breaking my dream sequence. I decided to that person a piece of my head, picking the phone I glared at the number flashing on the screen, a US number. That brought a frown of confusion to my face. I decided to answer and the voice on the other side made me lose all my sleep, ''Reshu, why the hell you weren't answering my phone. This Is Sheetal, I was your senior in college. Do you recognize me.''

I froze, too shocked to react. Why is she calling after so many years? What could be the reason? Questions doubts, fear clouded my mind. Scared, I disconnected the call. I was disturbed annoyed, worried. Racking my fingers  through my shoulder length hair, I leaned back rubbing my chest. Is she back to snatch Yash? I won't let her. Jumping of the bed, I made my way to the bathroom, but my phone started again. I disconnected and then switched it off when she wouldn't stop calling me. After freshening up I moved out and found my house shaking because of Shikha's singing. ''Yeah, I can feel you are happy about our new assignment.'' I said ruffling her hair. 

''I am not happy about the assignment, I am happy to see you happy. '' She said affectionately caressing my cheek. I lost my smiled, debating if I should tell her about Sheetal. ''What's wrong Resh?'' She asked concerned, noticing my silence.

''What should we do if past comes back knocking?'' I asked

''Listen to it, question it and face it. Show  it , that you are no longer the person living in past. You have changed and past had no chance to repeat itself ever again.''

I thought of her words, she was right. Why should I fear her? She had and lost her chance to be with him. She was the past, I was his present and  future. With determination, I decided to take her call. 

As soon as I switched on by phone it started ringing again, taking a deep breath I answered, this time with a question, ''How did you get my number.'' She turned silent and then replied calm, ''Did lot of hard work for past 2 months. ''

''Why did you cal?''

''I want to see Yash, or if I could speak to him once.'' She begged

''Why now?'' I asked. Though, all I wanted was to snap at her bad for asking about Yash, he was mine and I was in no mood of sharing him. 

There was a silence, I heard a deep sigh and then spoke in a calm voice, ''I know Resh I was wrong then. A guy like Yash never deserved such a mean behaviour. Resh I am suffering for what I did to him, I can't go back and correct what I did in past. I am just asking for one chance to apologise and repent.''

''Rather than searching for my number , why didn't you try to get in touch with Yash directly.''

''I tried mailing him, it bounced back. I spoke to Vivek and his other friends but they refused to help me. Resh, you are my last hope. Please, I beg you.''

''Sheetal, Yash has moved on. He is in a happy space, I don't know hoe he might react to you suddenly wanting to speak to him'' I tried dissuading her, I somehow wanted to push her to drop the idea of talking to him. I was scared to lose him now.

''I just want his forgiveness, what I did to him came back to me in full swing. I won't be able to sleep untill I apologise. Please!.''

I could sense the desperation in her voice, she was begging. Thinking for a while I made my decision, ''Fine , I am not promising anything. I will try but final decision depends on Yash.'' Disconnecting, I pulled my hair. What was I thinking committing on Yash's behalf, who gave me the right? What if Yash gets mad at me for this ? In confusion I kicked the table , well it didn't move a inch but my toe hurt bad. Limping,  jumping  and cursing myself I sat on the edge of the bed rubbing my sore toe. Staring at my phone I started chewing my nails, nervous to call Yash. But was had to be done, should be done without delay. Making a small prayer I picked my cell and dialed Yash 

''Hey love!'' Came his voice melting all my tension away. I could hear the violins, and feel the wind caressing my face blowing my hair in all directions. I forgot all, ''Resh, are you there.''  His voice bought me back from the dreamland. ''Will you be mad if I committed something on your behalf?''

''You have all the rights Resh, and if you have committed on my behalf it must be something important. Now, out with it.'' Taking a deep breath , I vomited all about my discussion with Sheetal. He was quite for a minute, I was scared, ''yash, say something. Even if you are mad.''

''What do you want me to do Resh and please be honest.'' His voice came calm

''Forgive her, close the chapter.''   

''As you say, pass my number on to her.'' He said.He was about to disconnect and my fear made me confess, ''I love you Yash.'' Silence again, I knew he could hear my laboured breathing. Then came his soothing voice, ''Remind me to thank Sheetal for the most awaited confession. I love you too Resh.'' I giggled like a child and danced after ending our call. 

***

''I don't know a thing Resh. You are coming , I am your best friend and its my wedding.'' Neha whined on the other side of the phone. I didn't know what to tell her, we had two big assignments coming up and attending wedding meant no work for 5 days. But it was my best friend's wedding. Come what may , I can't miss that. That means I have to plan all starting now. I decided to inform Shikha about the same.

''We are going to Delhi for 5 days.'' I said

''Its your friend's wedding and I am a stranger.'' She looked hesitant

''I know you, Yash knows you. Neha has also met you few times. So you are not a stranger and I not leaving without you.'' I turned stubborn.  

She watched me for a second and then chuckled, ''Now I get it, in Delhi you are going to stay at Yash's place. You don't want his parents to doubt on you guys being naughty so you are dragging me a security. '' My lips streched into a big smile as I nodded vigorously agreeing to her theory. She threw her arms in air but said nothing,  I hugged her squealing talking her silence to be the acceptance.

Next two weeks, we worked like maniacs. Shikha had hired a team of 6 as permanent employees, that came as a backup. After being done with all our preparations we packed, ready to leave for Delhi. Though, I am excited about Neha-Vikram's wedding but the feeling of having Yash around was making my heart flutter. We reached the airport 4 hrs before the scheduled time, actually I dragged Shikha. My over excitement tired her and she dozed off as soon as we boarded. Like an enthusiastic child , I kept staring out of the window waiting for Delhi to arrive.

''Resh!!'' Yash's soothing voice greeted me. He opened his arms and jumped in them dumping my bag on Shikha. He twirled me around happily. ''Love you.''

''me too''

''Think of me also.'' Came Shikha's worn out voice. Yash gave her an arm hug and grabbed our bags walking us to his parked vehicle. My heart started beating mad as he drove towards his house, what would his parents think? Will they think me to be a shameless creature who came to their house uninvited.  I cursed myself for turning down Neha's invitation to stay with her, ''Yash it would better if you drop us where Neha is staying.''

''No way, if we are not staying with him I am going back.'' Shikha warned even before Yash could reply. He just gave me a knowing teasing smile. I decided to turn mute, keeping my fingers crossed I sat nervously waiting for the encounter with his family, my future family. 

"And we are here.'' Yash informed as he drove into the parking of  a big house. 

''Yash you are rich, why didn't I find you first.'' Shikha teased and I punched her. She mellowed dramatically, following Yash in. We were being greeted by a middle age lady , dressed in elegant light blue saree. I guessed she was Yash's mother, they had same endless eyes. She hugged me instantly , easing my tensed nerves. ''Thanks Reshu, for bringing my son back.'' All I could so was  just smile

''How did you recognise her mom?'' Yash asked

''You have been painting her picture since you landed and she looked like a nervous bride , while the other one is already at home.'' Our eyes turned to Shikha who had already made herself comfortable enjoying the cookies which cook brought in. 

''Judge's wife, she has sharp eyes.'' Yash complimented his mother. She informed that his dad was out and will see us in the evening.

We were being directed to the guest room and asked to rest till the lunch. I suddenly felt shy around Yash. Neha's wedding functions were scheduled to start from other day and Yash wanted to spend some time alone. I too wanted it, but was too nervous with his parents around. Shikha taunted me all day about my diminishing machoism. Some day  am going to extract revenge on her for all these teasing word.

We had a beautiful dinner, his family made me feel at home. After interacting with his parents I realised where Yash got his down to earth attitude from. His parents have retired from very high posts , but have no air about it. Aunty fed me as if i haven't eaten for ages and Uncle appreciated , applauded me for my business idea giving his own suggestions.

After dinner , we retired to our rooms. Around midnight,  when the house turned dark and silent, there was a knock and I felt my heart racing again. ''Don't come back before dawn.'' Shikha teased. I ran and opened the door, Yash pulled me to him that instant . Giving Shikha a mock salute, he dragged me up the stairs. As we stepped on the terrace, Yash's arm went around my middle scooping me  up the floor. ''Yash!!!'' My voice came bothered. Even in that moon light, I could read the longing for me in his eyes. He gave a lingering kiss on my cheek, ''I missed you Resh, so much.'' My arms went around his neck, holding him close. This was the best moment of my life. Removing my shoes, I stepped on his feet moving my body closer to his. His arms held me closer, we stared at each other and then his head dipped, placing his lips on to mine. I smiled , teased and then gave in. The October wind calmed our sizzling nerves as we explored each other in that night moving are faces to have better access of each other. My fingers dug his scalp and then moved slowly to his face cupping it gently. I moved back to take some air and then pecked his lips, ''That made up for all lost days.'' I said throwing my hands around his neck. He chuckled , we heard a banging sound and turned. A women of my age or may be a year or 2 older than me stood on the adjacent terrace , glaring at us. I tried moving away , but Yash pulled me closer , ''Stay, it doesn't matter.'' The woman stomped and left leaving me confused, before I could ask a thing, Yash cupped my cheek sealing our lips together again. I was home.

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Next- Yash and Sheetal's conversation . Please ignore my mistakes and do leave your comments and votes.