The next day, everyone got ready and left for work. Sid greeted Avu in the office. She was in a cheerful mood today which even made Sid happy. They went to their respective cabins and started their work.

During lunchtime, Sid went into Avu's cabin who was ready to leave to pick Hazel up.

Avu: Ohh Sid. I am free today. I will pick up Hazel. You can go have lunch

She said with a smile.

Sid: Okk. Dhyaan se jaana

Avu hmmed while taking her scooty keys and left bidding him bye. Sid went into the cabin and took out his lunch box. As soon as he settled to have lunch, there was a doorknock.

Sid: Come in

The door opened and Sid looked up to see who it was.

Sid: Oh heyy Akshit. Come come. I was just gonna start eating. Aa jaoo ek saath khaate hai

Akshit: Of course. I am here for that

Akshit sat in front of Sid and opened up his lunch. They started eating and sharing their food.

Akshit: Sid

Sid: Hmm?

Akshit: Can I ask you something?

Sid: Obvio yrr. You don't have to be formal. We are friends after all. Go ahead

He said focusing on his food.

Akshit: If you don't mind telling me, kal tum Avni se rakhi kyu nhi bandwa rahe the? I mean what is the problem? Tum to hamesha se hi usse khush dekhna chahte the to?

Sid started coughing listening to him. Akshit offered him water.

Akshit: You ook

Sid nodded. He calmed down but he sensed Akshit was still staring at him waiting for his answer. Sid sighed.

Sid: I just....didn't. I mean she is my best friend

Akshit: So? She can tie you rakhi na? Fir tumne mana kyu kar dia

Sid: Bass mein nhi bandwana chahte tha. Aese hi

He said stuttering by which Akshit caught him lying straightaway.

Akshit: Aese hi matlab? You can't make her sister? Ya kuch aur hai tere mind mein?

Sid: Aesa kuch nhi hai yrr. She is my good friend

He was short of words. Akshit kept looking at him with a questioning look which made Sid give up.

Sid: Okk fine. You want to know so listen. I can't make her my sister yrr. I never saw her like that. She has been my best friend since long. I even had a crush on her for a long time. Like a normal crush. But since these few months. Jabse uski life mein itna sab hua. She didn't break from all that but came out stronger. It has just started to increase my respect for her. I felt I never knew that girl. Aur jis Avni ko maine ab dekha hai uske lie my feelings are just increasing. I am falling for her. I was not acknowledging my feelings for her but jab you guys broke up I just couldn't stop myself. So rakhi bandwana to was never an option. I can't make her my sister yrr. Dekh I know wo teri ex hai and sharing my feelings won't impact our friendship

Akshit took a moment to process everything and then smiled.

He kept a hand on Sid's.

Akshit: Akshit and Avni were history Siddharth. We have no present or future. We can't be together although I won't deny I still have feelings for her but still, there is nothing possible between the two of us beyond friendship and of course Avni deserves to move on and find her happiness. Aur agar tere jausa life partner usse mile to mujhse khush koi nhi hoga. But make sure of one thing. She has already seen a lot and I won't be able to see another tear in her eyes. I have sacrificed my happiness for Hazel to uski life mein bhi koi problem ho to I won't be quiet. So make sure of one thing you can keep them happy and they won't have to sacrifice anything more tabhi koi step lena. Nhi to I won't leave you I swear

Sid nodded.

Sid: I promise. You don't have to worry

They completed their lunch and Akshit left. They got back to their work and left for their homes. Sid reached home and got fresh. They had dinner and were sitting together after that when Vibha came and handed a packet to Sid.

Sid: Ye kya hai?

Vibha: Khol kar to dekh

Sid opened it curiously and there were pics of girls in it.

Sid: Mom ye?

Vibha: Arre kuch ladkio ki pics hai. Peeche biodata bhi hai. Tu dekhle. Tujhe jo bhi achhi lage uske ghar walo se milne ki baat kar lenge. Waise to mein khud hi call kar deti but zindagi to teri hai na to maine kaha tu khud hi select karle

To be continued

Stay tuned for next chapter