Important: Don't forget to read the A/N at the end!

[Flashback]

Annual day was just around the corner and the school had been thrown in the frenzy of enthusiasm and creativity. Students were more out of the classes than inside, preparing models for annual exhibition, reciting their lines for play or practicing the perfectly synchronized dance routines.

Aarushi, just like any another duteous kid had landed in an utterly packed schedule with her mornings filled with orchestra practices, followed by fagging on physics project while making some generous contributions for biology and chemistry department's exhibitions and finally ending with play practices. Ajay on the other hand could be seen loitering around the campus with a new pair of friends every hour, successfully avoiding teachers' eye as he and his comrades leisurely scaled the campus throughout the day.

Like every other year, he had chosen to use physics exhibition as a cover to goof around without speculations. Aarushi could hardly recall anytime she had seen him seriously working on exhibition or even being present in lab. To disguise his indolence he had come up with an idea of designing a hydraulic lift but apparently the idea had no real intentions of leaving the boundary of imagination and excuses. Every time when he was asked about the progress of his work, he would conjecture a battered and haphazardly put together cardboard model along with multiple reasons to explain the slow or rather negligible progress of his work.

Aarushi was despiteful and equally amazed by his ability to come up with smooth tongued lies and shirk away from punishments and responsibilities in easiest manner. Undoubtedly, he enjoyed the unduly benefit of his spotless image in front of teachers while Aarushi stuck to accomplishing her job honestly, though she couldn't deny being slightly spiteful towards his outgoing and sunshine personality.

Unfortunately or maybe fortunately, they had ended up being selected for same play as well. Though that wasn't a really huge issue until now as Aarushi was still uninformed about her lines and role, she wasn't really rooting for an extravagant or central character; just a few lines which would contribute vitally to the layout of story would be more than enough for her. Auditions had been completed and final roles were to be announced that day.

She breathed a sigh of relief as the list for central roles with maximum lines lacked her name; Juhi on the other hand was brimming with excitement upon landing her desired part. Unlike her best friend Juhi was one of the greatest actresses one could find. Not only in dramas but also in real life had her near to perfect acting skills saved her good will in front of elders multiple times.

'So Miss Know-it-all couldn't land a lead role, how sad...', Ajay teasingly remarked.

'Sadder is the fact that even after fourteen solid years, your intelligence hasn't reached the level to tell you that one cannot land a role magically even without auditioning for it', Aarushi shot back with a sarcastic smile.

'It's good to be self aware you know, with your acting skills not auditioning was the best decision you have made in the whole year', he retaliated grinning wickedly. Aarushi scoffed at his insolence. 'Well, you too have a remarkable sense of self awareness, I can guess why your name was missing as well', she retorted with same sarcasm.

'Oh, I am too modest to flaunt my extraordinary skills and grab the opportunity from others. You see, if I would've auditioned I would've swooped away every role, how will it be a fair play then?', he said running a prideful hand through his immaculately styled hair.

'I am pretty sure teachers have a better taste than that', Aarushi snapped back satirically.

'Aarushi, Ajay, both of you here right now!', the drama coordinator's voice cut through Ajay's sentences. Ajay shot Aarushi a glare before following her to teacher's desk.

'You both will be playing duet role of news channel reporters, check out your lines', the teacher said handing them separate pieces of paper. Aarushi glanced back and forth between script and Ajay. There was no way Miss could mean what she thought she meant!

'Excuse me ma'am, you mean acting jointly with him?', Aarushi reconfirmed horrified. 'Of course, you both will be playing television anchors; it's the most important segment of whole play. Two of you have to instill life and sync in your characters with your impactful conversation skills. Your parts are interlinked, so it would be meaningless for only one person to practice actively, you both need to put in equal efforts together, therefore I would recommend practicing together', the teacher said shooting them meaningful looks.

Aarushi exchanged perturbed looks with Ajay who was mirroring her horrorstruck expressions. The teacher flashed them a smile before moving away to guide other students, completely unaware of ongoing mental battle between both of them.

'I am not going to sacrifice my freedom and work with you!', Ajay proclaimed horrifically as soon as teacher was out of earshot. Aarushi rolled her eyes, ignoring his stunned declarations.

'Joint acting with you is nothing less than a nightmare! Oh God! I can't imagine sacrificing my precious strolls to act with you! No, no, no; that's a drastic tragedy, no not a tragedy it's-'

'Will you shut up for a moment? I am trying to think a way out. Even I don't fantasize wasting my time with you!', Aarushi glowered making him clam up.

'Do you really don't fantasize this?', her mind crooned scornfully. Aarushi shook away her personal improper thoughts. She should feel frustrated and vexed up, but surprisingly, annoyance had become a subtle emotion in front of weird bubbling ecstasy. She lidded away her off track thoughts.

Keeping her uncanny feelings aside, she really wasn't in favor of working with him. He was as lazy as a sloth, as careless as a goose, as bratty as a toddler and as cunning as a wolf. Except having a handsome face and magnetic personality, there were no positives she can list that would compel her to work with him.

'Let me go and talk with ma'am, she'll probably give up on this terrific idea', Aarushi mused. 'Right, I'll accompany you', Ajay said. Aarushi signaled him to stop.

'No need, I am going there to mend the things, not to blow them off completely', Aarushi rigidly refused. He looked like he wanted to contradict but wisely decided against it.

'Miss, can you please reconsider our roles? There are supposed to be four television anchors in drama, it would be really helpful if you can swap one of our roles with them', Aarushi pleaded in her best possible pitiful voice.

'I had already informed you, that characters decided by me would be non negotiable; I had put in a lot of thought before distributing your roles. Both of you have naturally flowing communication skills, apart from it your stage appearance complement each others. It's exactly what we need for this drama to be successful. There are no alternatives, sorry', the refusal made by coordinator was stern and decisive.

'But Ma'am-'

'There are no ifs and buts Aarushi, what's decided is decided. You both are acting as a pair and failure to do so will definitely result into a major drop in your yearly co curricular performance report. Hopefully I am clear with my words.'

Aarushi nodded reluctantly, there was no room for reasoning, and she had to play her character as it had been designed.

'What! You mean we are stuck with each other for next fifteen days or so!', Ajay cried with no effort to disguise his horrified face as soon as she broke the news of inalienability of roles. 'Oh my poor carefree heart... I am sorry, your doomsday is around the corner', he whined. In response, Aarushi rolled her eyes at his overdramatic show.

'Do you want me to get you some tissues or you are going to stop whining yourself now?', she said briefly. He glared at her but ended his pitiful act. 'That's better; now see, undoubtedly we are stuck in this together. And even more certainly, I want to maintain my score in every subject, be it curricular or extra- curricular. If this act is ruined because of your lack of diligence, believe me, I'll make sure you get the taste of your deeds', the deterrent in her voice was formidable enough to make him gulp in agreement.

Cold winds grew more vicious as excitement for approaching annual day climbed towards its peak. Evening practices for big event had commenced shortly after all roles had been confirmed by respective authorities. The chilly winds of December made these evening practices nothing less than an adventurous festive occasion.

Amongst all the high running excitement, Aarushi was caught up in her own tumultuous world. Her day at school started with running circles between projects and prize giving day rehearsals and ended with extra hours of tiring stay back and drama recitals in evening. It would be pitch black by the time she saw the face of her house again. The only relieving thing she had encountered so far was that her menacing words had actually shown their effect on her partner's actions. If we leave out his occasional pestilent jabs and forever prattling ability, he had been quite sincere with his practices.

'It's not "Communik", it's communiqué... Spelled as "que" not "ik"', Aarushi corrected his imperfect pronunciation for thousandth time. He had appreciable speaking skills but they all seemed to wash down to negligible when practicing on stage.

'Copied, commander', he said. 'By the way, did you learn my lines along with yours?', the question or rather curiosity was completely sudden for Aarushi. 'Why do you ask?', she said; although it was a completely unintentional, but she had truly ended up learning lines of both the characters. After hearing same dialogues repeatedly, it was no herculean task for her to learn those lines.

'Oh, it was pretty obvious when you recited my dialogue better than me that too without script', he pointed out, referring to her solo revision of dialogues before performing them onstage. Aarushi chuckled at his observation and nodded in positive.

'I can't recall my own lines at times and you have memorized both of ours, amazing!', he said with tone of astonishment and admiration. 'Well, one of us has to be competent enough you know', Aarushi retaliated mischievously.

'Right, how about you perform the act alone then? It would much more interesting you know', Ajay shot back with same humorous temper proceeding to mimic her accent in both roles. His outstanding act was followed by a cold glare from Aarushi, which was more than enough to carry him back to rehearsing his own lines in his own accent.

Days passed rather quickly and the most awaited evening was finally there. Aarushi was dressed in dazzling red princess gown with flowy skirt and sparkling golden border. Her hair was done in a classic bun with two strands purposely left to flutter with wind. Her appearance resembled with her character, elegant and smart.

'Aarushi', Ajay's voice called out from somewhere behind her; she turned around to find him standing right behind looking more riveting and handsome than ever in that deep royal blue three piece suit. He ran a quick eye over her, seeming lost at words.

'Yes?'

'Uh... it-it would be our turn soon, we should head for backstage', he dazedly uttered and quickly stormed out without second glance. Aarushi blinked after him, baffled by his uneven behavior. She hated to admit it, but her heart had fluttered rapturously at the sight of him.

She followed him backstage. The loud cheers from audience didn't affect the serenity of pitch black night, and waiting there with him allowed Aarushi to appreciate the clear winter sky.

'Well... you look pretty', he suddenly said with his usual air of nonchalance. Aarushi smiled at him, returning an honest compliment in reply. Her heart seemed to be affected by his infectious radiance. She liked his company, his words, and his dimpled smile more than she should. The flutter her heart experienced even at his slightest compliment, the secret wish of never losing her time with him were way more special and endearing than she wanted it to be.

She had always admired him for his outgoing personality and vibrant attitude probably because she saw her deep buried yearnings personate in him. He had always been something she wished to become. She had always wished to share a small fragment of his never ending warmth. But right now, her feelings were betraying her.

They wanted him to stay in her life, forever. She not only wish to share his warmth, but she wanted to grow brighter enough to be worthy for his admiration and love. Unexpectedly, she probably did catch a few feelings for him. She cannot be certain to define her notable feelings as a crush yet, but one thing was certain, that he meant special to her, special than just a simple classmate or friend and she wanted to hold onto this outlandish person and these special feelings forever.

Her eyes caught a trace of lightening streak across the sky and disappear in a few seconds.

'Shooting star', she exclaimed. Ajay followed her mesmerized gaze. 'Wishes said to a shooting star come true', Aarushi recounted the legend.

'You can't be immature enough to believe in that', Ajay said, laughing an astonished laugh under his breath. 'Maybe I want to be immature and believe in this legend for once', she told him with an engaging gentle smile. She clenched her palms together and closed her eyes and mind, allowing herself to go under enchantment of her heart for a single moment.

'I don't know what makes me say this wish, or why do I feel that arcane bond attracting me to him... But I hope he will be the integral part of my life until the very end and one day, I become worthy enough to deserve him and his beguiling charm'

The wish made in that moment, did write the beginning of her new life's story. She didn't know why she wished for him, but all her aspirations and dreams had found their new companion. It wasn't rational or explainable; it was just that Aarushi Sharma was being honest with her own self regardless of everything, and she didn't regret it.

[Flashback ends]

Aarushi switched open her laptop and clicked on the file she had closed a long time back with desolation of never returning back. There was a secret; a secret that had never been disclosed to outer world; a secret that had dissolved in the same way it had begun.

'They say... life never returns what it leaves in the faded pages of past... I disagree. Today, when I sit here, awaiting my life to spell out the fate of miraculous destiny in fresh new pages of story... I cannot help but wish to strive and recapture the stranded documents of my past story and bind them together, to rejuvenate the beginning of this tale. This is the story of broken hearts, blemished desires and... eternal love. The shards of bleeding incidences that were once filled with warmth and joy of youthful love are slowly healing themselves back. Let me aid their regeneration and share this tale of two fated souls, as they wait for their story to turn back. Let me tell you, this long forgotten love story of mine, directly from the rusted pages of my memory diary. Let me tell you this enchanting tale of two broken souls, as it was written in the life diary of an Author.'

'From the Diary of an Author'

A smile filled with hope and glimmer of revival in eyes, shone on her face as she once again typed in the words of her first ever romance novel. A story which recounts and commemorates her anguishing yet beautiful love in ink of immortal words, which will stay intact, even when its people have faded away, immortalizing their fated love and life just like their souls.

People around her had always appreciated her writing skills to be above ordinary. She had always neglected her own talent until Juhi had persuaded her to try writing once. Gradually, writing along with reading became a peaceful solace for her. Whenever she had wished to escape the harsh reality of life, she had turned to her words and stories, reading them, writing them and living them in their own world.

Starting with short stories, she had magnified her perspective and wrote her first ever mystery novel during fifteenth year of her life. Upon Juhi's encouragement, she had posted it online. The novel had acquired a tremendous applause from netizens and readers, making it an instant hit. Her real talent though was yet to be discovered.

Her interest had always lain in writing romance stories. After receiving a positive response on her first novel, she had plucked up courage to write her first ever romance story, a story which was not only an unique cup of tea for readers but also a method to memorialize her own love. The first few chapters had received a robust response encouraging her to write further. But her life had taken an unexpected wrenching turn, leading her to delete all those memories forever.

After that, she had been too frightened to reopen her doors to romance or that agonizing love story, afraid to face the unanswered demons lurking inside her all these years.

The past two months, had been unimaginably miraculous that they revived the desire to write and live that story once again. Over these years, she had written small pieces of novella and stories in order to keep herself alive and kicking, but this would be her second full length work and first romance novel in past four years or so. A story which she had always wanted to share with the world was finally becoming a reality.

When she had resolved to chase all her dreams, how can she leave behind this precious dream?

Her parents and family had never been supportive of her writing ability labeling it as a distracting and delusional force; as a result she had successfully hidden her real identity all these years continuing to write under a pseudo pen name. In past one year, her works had gained some economic support from online publications as well. Owing to her frugal financial conditions she had been too glad to accept some paid writing jobs and submitted various articles online, accumulating a small yet respectable sum of money. This money, she had never used to pay off her debts, but kept it as an emergency reserve.

She didn't realize how long she sat there as the words flowed on screen; it was the muffled sound of footsteps in the corridor that finally made her glance up. She swiftly closed the device and stowed it away arranging the room to look like she had been studying for past hours. It wasn't that her friends would give negative reaction, but she didn't wish to disclose this to anyone as of now.

'How long have you been in here?', Harshita's cheery voice rang through the room as soon as the doorknob turned. 'I don't know, maybe an hour or two', Aarushi replied. After their visit to science laboratory, Aarushi, not feeling like going back to party, had straight away headed for hostel.

'What are you up to this late Aarushi?', Anjali sounded worn out as she kicked off her footwear and slumped at the edge of Harshita's bed in a comfortable cross legged position.

'That doesn't matter; anyways I need your help in something fairly important?', Aarushi purposefully sounded mysterious as she said those words. She covered up her amusement rather difficultly, enjoying her friends' confused yet curious expressions.

'What?'

'Well...Help me pursue Ajay', Aarushi said as casually as she can. Anjali's eyes widened and a huge smile appeared on her face while Harshita beamed a knowing grin. As she had expected, these two were all ready to lend her some advice and plans.

'You came around finally?', Anjali asked, grinning ear to ear. 'I never said I didn't wish to court him, it was just that I was flinching away from facing him after what happened four years back, now that it seems he has let go of past, I think I can try renewing my story', Aarushi said with a suggestive smile.

'You did the right thing you know', Harshita said. 'Right, you both can't dwell upon those incidents forever; besides you share a more pacific relationship with him now, so it's definitely wise to strike while the iron is hot', Anjali agreed right away.

'What makes you all smile this happily?', Suhani's head poked in from behind the door. Anjali exchanged a meaningful look with other two.

'It's the news that you won't hear in a million years', Anjali said. 'Million would be an underrated adjective', Harshita added to the exaggeration. Suhani quickly closed the door and joined the girls wearing similar looks of excitement and incredulity.

'Spill it before curiosity kills me', she said giving three of them eager look.

'Nothing much... It's just that...I want to court Ajay', Aarushi finally said cooling her curiosity. When she had confirmed her decision there was no point in backing out from telling her friends. Suhani clapped her hand over her mouth. 'Are you really the Aarushi Sharma I had known for past year?'

'I told you, this was the breaking news of century', Anjali mouthed mischievously while Harshita shook with laughter on her side. Aarushi bit back an eye roll as she gave them bored stares.

'And for that I need all of yours help with a promise to keep this objective confided among four of us', Aarushi told them with an air of seriousness. Anjali and Harshita gave a hearty nod.

'Can't even tell his roommates?', Suhani enquired. Anjali shot her a horrified look before answering in plain refusal. Aarushi was planning to pursue Ajay, of course he couldn't know about that! It would be a dicey situation otherwise if her attempts never work out. And letting his friends know about her crush, was nothing less than revealing it to him in person.

Suhani looked around them dubiously. She was dating Garvit, it wouldn't be justifiable to lie to him neither can she betray her own friends.

'Suhani, I know you don't want to lie to Garvit, but it's for your friend's happiness', Harshita sounded perfectly sentimental. 'Correct, it's a noble cause, besides, are you really going to put date before mate?', Anjali joined in dramatically batting her lashes. Aarushi bit back a laughter at their pretense.

Suhani was one of those innocent girls who can be overwhelmed with sentimental words; and Anjali and Harshita was an expert at brushing her soft spot.

'You are right, I won't tell anyone, not even Garvit, what do you want me to do?', she said with resolve.

'That's the spirit girl! Now listen...', Anjali said launching in the explanation of her master plan. 

A/N:

Thank you for 1K reads!!! It's still tough to believe that my story has hit the milestone. A really big and warm thank you to all my pretty readers!!!

Honestly, I had written this story on a verge of emotion and posted it online on persuasion from a close friend. Never thought it would receive such a positive response! Thank you to all my readers!

Actually this piece isn't entirely a fictional work. It has much deeper story hidden behind its veil of words. Previously, I had never talked about the background of story or what inspired me to write it. But this is a story which is really close to my heart and seeing it receive such a great response is truly a blessing for me! 

I'm an amateur writer, who writes to escape into my own world of stories whenever the real world becomes too weary. This tale, is something inspired and originated from my own life's incidences. Sometimes life leaves us with experiences great enough to turn into saga and words and stories allows us to mold our own endings to these experiences.

There are many more achievements to strive for in the future! Hopefully you all will continue to shower your love on this story and be a companion in Aarushi and Ajay's future journey!