Aarushi could not bear to tear her eyes from the wooden table top in front of them. She could feel Juhi's horrified gaze on her as she twirled the contents of her drink.

'You mean you actually met him? Like one on one interaction?', her mind could hardly verify the authenticity of words she had heard just now. She was expecting hear something unusual but this was way out of ordinary. Aarushi gave a faint nod, tracing the wooden pattern with her eyes.

'And when were you planning to tell me all this?', she continued bewildered. Aarushi drew in a long breathe, composing herself to answer upcoming questions waiting to be bombarded upon her.

'I know I am wrong for not telling you until now, I just met him a couple of times. Our colleges seem to be organizing a joint competition for second year undergraduates. I was selected for the same. Running into him was quite a surprise for me on orientation day', Aarushi finished her explanation in one breathe. She sipped on her mocktail nervously waiting for Juhi's reaction. She took a short glance at her friend, who was sitting there blown away by the unforeseen revelations. Juhi pulled her befuddling thoughts together before continuing with her quiz.

'Ok, and what about second time?', she asked.

'Well... It was yesterday... I was struggling to interact with strangers, he appeared out of nowhere and helped me out', she muttered sheepishly.

'What did he say?'

'On orientation day, not much, just casual greeting; Yesterday, he was quite warm and amiable, very much like how he used to be in school, we didn't discuss things other than project; well not until he asked to walk me to the exit', Aarushi answered as she recalled the incidents of day before. Juhi was listening intently, she signaled her to continue.

'He asked me if I was fine... not once but twice. I felt an odd exasperation and anguish in that question, as though it meant much more than what it appeared on surface', Aarushi's voice was barely above murmur. Her words were followed by a long silence which was finally broken by Juhi.

'Aarushi... what have you thought?', Juhi asked her softly.

'I don't know Juhi, I really don't know; when I received the picture and after my selection for competition I was overjoyed. But-but that day after orientation, I really don't know if I am right', Aarushi could feel tears forming in her eyes as she remembered all her worries.

'You know, I want to try once again but I am scared; I am scared of harming him, I am scared of disrupting his tranquil life. It feels dreadful to lie to him that I am fine, that I am happy. But the look that I saw in his eyes, that grief and vexation are haunting me, he wants the answers which I can never give', her voice cracked as she spoke through her tears.

She felt Juhi's hand wrap around hers. Aarushi looked towards her friend; her vision had gone blurred under the effect of moisture in her eyes. She blinked back her overwhelming emotions.

'Aarushi, you know that I have always told you that you deserve better and I don't support your everlasting crush on him... I really don't know what you admire about him, but I think I know your care for him, and you both deserve answers for your questions', Juhi told her.

'But I really can't bear to pull him into this muddle, I don't know if I'll end up hurting him unintentionally besides we are like league spheres that do not collide with each other', Aarushi voiced out her frights. Juhi drew in a sharp breathe, this was one thing she hated about her best friend. Over-thinking the situation and being too altruistic.

'Listen here, you are not destroying anyone's life, whatever happened was not your fault, Aarushi. You literally gave up your own self for them, your aspirations, your life, you sacrificed everything. You had vanished four years ago without leaving us with an explanation, without seeking the answers to your questions. Don't you think you deserve those answers?', Juhi said to her sternly. Aarushi had not revealed much about what had happened to her and her family to Juhi but she had told her enough to deduce that it had left a terrible and unforgettable scar. Aarushi stared at her blankly, what Juhi said made sense.

'I don't know what the future has for you two, but you both deserve this chance to get your answers. So stop being stubborn and obstructive, and think about yourself and your happiness for once, please. You chose the career you despised just for them; you gave up your contentment and youth for their satisfaction. I really want to see you getting all the happiness you deserve. I don't care about the source as long as I can see that carefree smile once again', Juhi told her. She pressed her hand filling her insides with reassuring warmth.

She had the answers to her concerns. She knew what she was supposed to do. Aarushi gave her a weak smile as she made up her mind. Juhi smiled at her softly.

'The final decision is all yours to make. I don't want you getting hurt, so just take care', Juhi smiled at her warmly. Aarushi nodded at her reassuringly, she won't repeat her past mistakes this time.

'And this all doesn't mean I am willing to accept that halfwit human, he is a blockhead who has got teaspoon range of realism and originality', Juhi added. She desired for friend's happiness but Ajay wasn't included in her definition of happiness. She had encouraged Aarushi to go for her answers which she knew she had waited for all these years, but still she couldn't help being concerned about her. Aarushi was more volatile than she shows, if that moron hurts her intentionally or unintentionally she would be devastated. Juhi didn't want her friend getting upset because of a guy that's why she had always disapproved of Ajay, who could sometimes be a bit too brutal with his words and arrogant attitude.

Aarushi laughed at her remark. She knew Juhi loved her and cared about her profoundly, though she may be straightforward with her words.

'By the way, did I tell you about this one boy bombarding my DMs', Juhi said casually. Aarushi raised her eyebrow urging her to continue.

'I rejected him, but he was hell-bent on pursuing me so I told him the truth, that I am a gay', Juhi completed her part coolly. Aarushi snickered as she imagined that guy's face.

'He must have received the shock of his lifetime. I doubt it whether he is going to pursue another girl or not', she said. Aarushi was one of the few people who knew about Juhi being a gay. Though it has been legalized by law now, but society was still somewhat reluctant to accept. Initially Juhi had been unwilling to accept her sexuality owing to the societal and community factors but she had soon come around her personal insecurities and embraced her own self. She had confided about it to Aarushi who had been quite benevolent and cool about the same.

'I think I have done a pretty good job', Juhi smirked contemptuously while Aarushi chortled at her statement.

'By the way why did you send me the image of Ajay?', Aarushi enquired, she had almost forgotten to ask her. After receiving the text she had been profoundly confused but recent days had been too tiring, the question had almost escaped her mind.

'That was because you both had a regard for each others' careers, I don't know about others but it was pretty obvious for me. I don't give a damn about that guy, but you are at least merited to know whether he made it to his dream or not. So I decided to share the news with you, I never thought I would be greeted with this surprise next', Juhi shrugged nonchalantly as she drank her shake. Aarushi was grinning widely at her friend.

'Don't give me that look, it wasn't for you', Juhi told her rolling her eyes at her expressions.

'You are the best bestie in world; I don't know what I'll be doing without you! Accept my sincere gratitude your highness, I am grateful I found you', Aarushi enunciated cutely. Juhi shuddered at the exaggerated display of feelings.

'For heaven's sake, if you do that again, next thing you know you'll be covered with this vanilla, trust me', Juhi told her seriously. Aarushi scowled at her as she muttered "Ungrateful" under her breathe. Judging from the glare Juhi gave her Aarushi was sure she had heard her; she quickly gave her a bright smile changing the topic.

[Flashback]

'Papa, what's that?', eight year old Aarushi's curiosity had been aroused by a car passing right before their eyes. It was an ordinary car except for the blinking red light it had on its roof. The traffic around them had been stabilized and cleared as the car made its way through the bustling market. Aarushi was amazed by the potential and authority of that this simple car with red light held.

'This car belongs to our city administrator', her father replied smiling down at her. Aarushi stared behind the car as the traffic officials at the other end saluted the person seated inside it.

'What's a city administrator?', she asked eagerly. Her interest was plainly visible in her innocent voice.

'He is a really important person, who looks after our city. He is an IAS officer who takes care of everything that happens here and in other countries as well and that car is exclusively designed by government for him', her father explained. Aarushi gazed after the car which was now nothing more than a small white spot at distance. She also wanted an exclusive car for herself, she also wanted that authority and power to take care of city and move across the roads unhindered by traffic with officials showing their respects.

'I will also become an IAS officer', she told her father with pure determination. Her father laughed at the resolution in her little voice.

'Of course, my daughter will become the best IAS officer!', he laughed at her, hugging her affectionately. Aarushi beamed at her father.

In that moment she had found the goal of her life. Career and future were far out of her pure vision of childhood, but she somehow she knew what she desired for herself.

Four years had passed since the day Aarushi had declared to become an IAS officer in future. Her parents had always given their guidance and unwavering support towards her dream, making her familiar with post and related topics which Aarushi had retained by her heart. Her dad was driving her and her brother to school; they were seated in back while her mom occupied the front passenger seat.

'Maa, do you think I'll become an IAS in future?', she asked her mother. They had been discussing about her plans for future. She would be completing her middle school next year, it was still early but her parents insisted on being organized and planned.

'You can, but you need to work hard, especially on your emotions. Also you won't be giving UPSC exam directly, first you need to get admission at medical college and clear MBBS, for career security and respectable degree, then you can pursue your ambition', her mother's austere words pierced through her heart.

She had detested medical profession ever since she learnt the term career. Becoming a doctor was nothing less than a nightmare for her, she had no reason but she never felt the attachment or attraction towards the most sought after and reputable career option that most people craved for all their lives. This fact was very well known amongst her family members.

Her mother's words were nothing less than an abrupt blow on her. Why was she saying that? She knows how much I hate to become a doctor, this is not fair.

'Mumma you know I really loathe the profession, how can you say that I'll get admission in medical?!', she put a fair control on her voice. No matter how much damaged or anger she felt, she couldn't dare to raise her voice in front of her parents.

'I am not entertaining any arguments Aarushi, you are still a kid, what can you understand about stability and certainty. Becoming an IAS has a probability of less than 0.1%, you can't always live in your fantasy world. Sooner you face the reality better it is for your life. This topic won't be discussed any further, you have to ensure promising line before gambling with your life', her mother closed the topic with her "no more argumentation" tone.

Aarushi did not protest any further but she could feel her heart shattering. Her dreams had been trampled on so easily. She was a child, she doesn't understand the hardships out there but it was no reason to crumble her aspirations and make her prepare for a position she had always contemned.

'No, I'll never choose medical as my walk of life, I will not make my horror become reality!', she thought to herself, staring out of the window with burning anger and desolation, unaware of the vile bombshell waiting for her in future.

[Flashback ends]

Aarushi was walking past the entrance of NTI campus. Sarthak had texted her to meet him at campus, they had to work on their material for talk show. It was already past six when Aarushi reached the campus. Juhi was accompanying her superior advocate for some case based in Delhi; they would be staying over two days before returning back. Aarushi had arranged a lunch meeting with her for tomorrow. She hadn't got a suitable chance to introduce Anjali, Harshita and Sarthak in a person to person meeting with her best friend, this time it had been an upright opportunity to do so.

She hurried past the cobbled pathway with eyes hunting around for Sarthak while trying to avoid bumping into the swarm of people. She felt someone tugging at her hand as she was dragged right past the crowd to a clearing. She looked up at the amicable face of Sarthak standing before her grinning widely.

'What took you so long? I have been waiting for you since dawn', he told her with false mortification.

'I had a date with my childhood best friend', Aarushi told him.

'Juhi?', he enquired. Sarthak was familiar with Juhi through Aarushi. Aarushi hummed in agreement as she informed him about the lunch agreement for tomorrow, Sarthak was all up for it. Aarushi smiled at his welcoming attitude.

'You need any services, Ma'am?'

Aarushi jumped at the sound of Viraj's voice behind her. She frowned at the silly sardonic smile pasted upon his face.

'Ouch, you are intimidating me with that frightful scowl! I was just offering my assistance', he said, feigning to be hurt. Aarushi rolled her eyes at his waggish words. Sarthak was roaring with laughter beside, she gave him a "dare you laugh" glare causing him fall silent almost immediately.

'Ignore him Aarushi, you will be infected by his idiocy', Ajay stated joining Viraj on his right. He smirked puckishly at his friend's complaining look. Aarushi giggled at the boys.

'Anyways what are you up to?', Ajay asked her, turning deaf to Viraj's garbled muttering. He looked fairly more affable and blithe without that cold mask drawn upon his face. Aarushi could feel her heart tingling as epinephrine flooded through her bloodstream. The intrusive scent of woody cologne had made her mind go numb as her thoughts became unsettled by those black eyes staring right into hers.

'Umm... well... we...', she mumbled incoherently, flustered by the sudden ruffling of her senses. Ajay eyed her confusedly waiting for a comprehensible well phrased reply.

'We were looking for you only', Sarthak interjected before she could reply. Ajay looked at him; his face reflected the obvious question.

'We were planning to organize some talk shows for the project, but we aren't familiar with priority figures of your college, it would be a great if you help us out with it', he smiled cordially at Ajay, who was looking at him with a witty cryptic expression. Aarushi looked at him incredulously, he wasn't behaving like his yesterday's insolent haughty self; this Ajay was quite congenial and sunny.

Ajay looked at her abruptly as he felt the quizzical stare on him. Aarushi turned away as she realized she had been ogling at his face, color stained her cheeks and ears as she mentally chided herself.

'What do you say Aarushi?', Sarthak asked her. She snapped out of her trance. All three boys were looking at her; she noticed a slight smirk pass across Ajay's face as he eyed her mockingly. She considered it to be a fragment of her vivid imagination as she grasped the end of ongoing conversation.

'Yeah that would be great', she spoke up.

'Nice! So what do you say?', Sarthak questioned the other two.

'I'm already in for it, I told you I am signing up as your teammate', Viraj winked at Sarthak. Ajay nodded in agreement.

'Great! So let's split up, how about Viraj pairing up with Aarushi, you two are pretty friendly with each other, work would be done in no time?', Sarthak asked. Ajay's lips curved into menacingly sweet smile, as he turned his head at Viraj.

'Yeah Viraj, what do you say?', he asked him. Aarushi wondered if she imagined the challenging snide in his voice. Viraj chortled warily.

'I have to stop reading those romances', she thought to herself. She had been too vivacious about Ajay's words probably.

'I don't think it is a good idea Sarthak, I am still terrified by that glower; I would rather accompany you', he told him with a timid edge in his voice. Sarthak looked from Aarushi to Ajay hesitantly. He pulled Aarushi out of the boys' earshot.

'What?!', she hissed at him, as he let go of her wrist.

'Would you be at ease with him?', he asked jerking his head in Ajay's direction.

'What makes you think I won't be?', she retaliated taken aback by his question.

'I saw you two chatting with each other the day and it didn't look like a friendly one; I don't want you to be unhappy because of some unresolved feud', his voice was lined with concern as he explained.

'Don't worry about that, I'll sort it out. Besides I have no issues teaming up with him', Aarushi tried to comfort his concern. Sarthak looked at her momentarily deliberating over something. He sighed and gave her an approving nod.

'Ok, I agree', Sarthak spoke as they walked back to the boys. Aarushi saw Ajay's eyes linger a moment longer at Sarthak before he turned towards her.

'Are you willing to join me?', he asked her, smiling amusedly.

'Yup, no problem', she answered. Viraj reached over to Sarthak putting an arm around his neck.

'Come on brother, let me take you around our beautiful campus', he said to him. Sarthak's weak smile was returned by a boisterous grin from Viraj. He dragged him along as he launched into his unlimited chatter. Aarushi couldn't help laughing at his friend's helpless state. Viraj was a great friend, but he can be tremendously talkative occasionally.

'Your friend would be getting nightmares today', Ajay whispered to her. Aarushi was flustered by the sound of his voice from behind, she had been too busy laughing that she hadn't heard him moving behind her.

'Viraj would feed him gossip for a lifetime', Aarushi giggled as her cheeks turned crimson. Corner of his lips curved into a crafty smile.

'So, let's go, I hope Miss Know-it-all would enjoy my company', he raised an eyebrow at her contemptuously. Aarushi squinted dangerously, daring him to continue. Ajay's hands flew up in surrender but the impish grin was still there.

'Got it, now don't scare me!', he said to her. Aarushi could hardly believe that someone so astonishingly good looking with talents could be as much annoying and childish at times.

'Let's get started', she said rolling her eyes as she started walking. Ajay hurried over to her catching up in no time.

'Right so I'll take you some of the council members who happen to be my good friends, we can discuss the project with them', he told her guiding her through the crowd of students into one of the buildings. They stopped in front of the door labeled 'Student Council Members'. Ajay opened the door leading her into the office of NTI's student council.

It was a well designed cabin with white walls and ceilings and polished and tiled floor. Placards with designations had been placed on the circular conference table. Aarushi could see placard of chairman posted at the head of the conference table. A cupboard with files and documents was placed at the back of the room. The office was occupied by three more people other than Aarushi and Ajay who were huddled at the other end of the room going through some discussion.

'Good evening sirs and ma'am!', he greeted the two boys and the girl at the other end of the room.

'Oh! It's you, what brings you here on this beautiful evening?', one of two boys asked passing him a friendly smile.

'Yeah I don't think it's a good place for date', other one added, throwing him a teasing look. Aarushi turned pink at the remark while Ajay chuckled.

'It's not like that Dev sir. She just happened to be an acquaintance from medical school; she needs some help regarding the project for joint programme, it would be great if we can get some guidance', he smiled flatteringly. Aarushi could not help admiring the miraculous charmer before her; he was capable of captivating people just by that honeyed smile.

'Of course, we would be pleased to help you out', the girl spoke. She had thick black curls and the warmest texture of brown eyes Aarushi had seen.

'Hello, I'm Ragini, from computer science branch third year', she smiled amicably at Aarushi.

'This is Dev sir, mechanical engineering fourth year and this is Anuj, from chemical engineering branch', she introduced the boys beside her both of whom smiled cordially at Aarushi.

'Hello everyone, myself Aarushi, a sophomore at National University of Medical Sciences', she introduced herself smiling at the three people in front of her.

'What do you need us for Aarushi?', Anuj enquired.

'My friends and I had been working on AI smart band for cardio and neurological patients, we were planning to arrange a talk show regarding the same, I wonder if you would be willing to grace the event', she spoke.

'It looks like something promising and unique, shall we discuss the details?', Dev said settling down in one of the chairs. Aarushi beamed at him as she sat in one of the seats explaining about her idea.

'Your seniors are pretty easy going', Aarushi said as they left the building of student council's office. Aarushi had briefed them about project; they had been avid to extend their contribution. Aarushi had been contented to learn about their interest and enthusiasm; she had fixed the meeting with them for tomorrow.

'Yeah most of them are', Ajay shrugged as he dimpled down at her.

The sun had already disappeared and sprawling campus of NTI had been submerged in the darkness. Lamps were lightening their path. Both of them were walking silently. Aarushi dared not to interrupt the bewitching silence that lingered around them; somehow it was pacifying and ravishing. She breathed the scent of early winter blooms that were sprouting in the magnificent garden beside them. The air held the sweet and refreshing coldness of early winter evening.

'Who thought that even the end can be so beautiful', she whispered as an icy gush of wind passed them.

'It's us who write the ending, whether beautiful or melancholic, it's our choice', Ajay said. Aarushi looked at him; he was looking up at the sky. His face was hidden in the partial shadows falling upon it. After their last encounter he had been careful about not mentioning the past with her.

Aarushi smiled lovingly at the winsome boy before her. Who would've thought she would be standing here admiring the sound beauty of night with the person she had lost the hope of ever seeing again?

'Sis!!!', someone yelled. Aarushi snapped out of her ardent gaze.

'Uh-Oh', she groaned. She knew that sound, she had heard it ever since her childhood, she could recognize it unmistakably even in her sleep and running into that sound at this very moment was the least she was expecting.

A/N: 

What do you think about the chapter and bonding between two friends? 

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