Rohan's POV

So yet again, I was successful in fucking things up. Yet again I was successful in hurting people around me. I guess I'm just getting better at it with each passing day. I just don't deserve any of these people around me.

Why? Just why I have to kiss her when I always knew she still loves Rahul with all her heart even when it's been years since he left her. Damn! She even joins his surname to hers. Still, I couldn't stop myself from kissing her.

I admit, I always have been attracted towards her, maybe more than just an attraction. I've always been attracted by her beauty but when have I not been physically attracted to women! But she was different its not just her body that attracted me, it was the way she made me feel around her, so calm and peaceful. I've never felt that since so long but she has it in her. Just her mere touch could set me free and I craved for it. I lost count of the times I desperately wanted her lips against mine and when I finally had it I feel like I've sinned her. But I don't regret kissing her, it felt so right and it still feels so right even when I know I ended up ruining our friendship.

I know she won't ever accept me in her life. Ever! Because she still is madly in love with Rahul and I respect that. I always have. Yet I couldn't stop myself from kissing her. I hurt her yet again. Hurt her? No, I just broke her completely.

I feel ashamed of myself. I feel guilty for betraying her. For breaking her into pieces. For breaking her trust. God! I hate myself to the core. I can't and won't ever forgive myself for hurting her.

But then again, I'm not surprised at all. I have been doing this since ages. First, my own parents left me. Then Abhi, Shanaya and Jeet. Then...

Then the person who gave me everything when I had nothing. The person who was always there when I had no one by my side. Who helped me in my worst times. Who gave me my first chance in music. Who is the reason I'm here today. Who gave me the friends I have today. The people I can call my friends.

And what did I do? I took everything away from him. EVERYTHING!!! That night changed everything. That night I lost everything. And since then I have been running away. I don't think still after eight years I'm able to face the reality.

A tear rolled down from my eyes involuntarily as my past flooded my mind. I don't know what to do anymore. I don't know how to handle these things anymore. I just want to go into past and change everything I can.

10 years back...

It was summer when I came to Mumbai with just one hope. To become one of the biggest and best musician of all time. I wanted to prove myself. I wanted to prove it to my father that I can be something, and I'm not a failure. I wanted to prove him wrong. I wanted to tell him that I can do much more without being his son.

The city was a complete stranger to me. I had been to Mumbai before but this was different. This was going to be my new home. This was my hope. This city is known as "the city of dreams". Many people come every day with so much hope. But just a few of them have the luck to live their dreams. I desperately wanted to be one of them. I had to work hard, so hard.

But the thing was I had no one. I was all by myself. I knew no one here. I had no place to go. I had limited money. And I had to survive with this much for God knows how much time. If I was lucky enough then everything will be fine but if not... Still, I'll find a way. I won't ever give up. I can't give up!

It was new me and a new beginning. I felt like the whole burden of being a rich father's rich son was lifted off my shoulders. I can be myself, true self. I no longer have to behave like others would expect of me, I no longer have to attend those boring business parties and I no longer have to hear that I'm useless. I'm far away from them now. Whatever money I had with me I earned it on my own. I was ready to do anything to survive and live my dreams. I was sick of hearing the amount of money my father had spend on me and how I was never worthy of it. I had it enough in that big mansion where I could not take a moment of peaceful breath. But here I felt free. I no longer have to please anyone, I can live my life by my own rules and make my dreams come true.

I didn't have a plan. So I thought I can just start by visiting the studios and musicians. Also I need to find some job and a place to stay. I can get an idea by then as what to do next.

*******

I visited the studios for a couple of weeks but I wasn't getting any job. My money was ending with the expense of living and food and I wanted some work more than anything else.

I was losing my hope with each passing day and I felt my dreams drift further away from me. The desire to prove myself was still strong enough to keep me holding on to whatever I had. At this point, I knew it was not at all easy, ofcourse I knew it was gonna be difficult but never thought it would feel this impossible. I didn't know about the future yet and I can't go back to where I came. So, even if I couldn't live my dream, I had to do something, anything, for the living.

With the shattered hope I thought of giving my luck one last try when I heard that Isha Bhardwaj and Vihaan Shetty the biggest music and movie producers are in search of a new singer for his next movie. As the movie was based on music, they wanted to give some fresh voice to the actor. The one which wasn't used before. They wanted to try something fresh for it.

But my luck was so bad that after coming to the studio I got to know that they had already chosen someone and audition was already ended. I lost my final hope. I didn't know what to do next. Everything was over for me. How am I going to live here? How am I going to pay for my expenses? What am I supposed to do? Was my decision wrong? Was dad right all along?

I started to doubt my decision. I started to regret it more than anything.

"Came here for the audition?" A guy came and sat beside me. I was still seated in the studio not knowing what to do next. I looked at him absent-minded. I blinked looking at him few times as it took time for me to register what he just said. He just smiled at me, maybe knowing my state.

"I came for it too. But it seems to be over already." He said again with a smile playing on his lips. I just nodded at him still in my own thoughts. I was not in a mood to talk to anyone.

"Well, I don't really wanna disturb you. But you have been sitting here looking really depressed for so long now. So thought of talking to you." He said with a concerned face. I still didn't say anything. So he went ahead. "Don't worry. There might be a few other chances."

"I don't really think so. It's over for me." I said in a plain tone. I didn't want to be rude or anything but I really didn't want to talk to anyone at the moment. I already have so many things going inside my head.

"Hey buddy, don't give up just yet. I'm sure there will be other chances. I have been very often here. I'll call you if anything is there. Yeah?" He said with a faint smile.

"Why would you do that?" I asked cocking my eyebrows at him. I honestly don't understand. He is here for audition himself and still, he wanted to help me out. Is he okay? Is something wrong with him? Is there still humanity left in this world or is this something else?

"Well, I guess you need this more than me." He said casually, shrugging his shoulders. I kept looking at him being confused. He let out a laugh at that.

"Don't get me for anything wrong, bro. I just wanted to help. I know how it feels to get rejected. Besides I have a stable job. It's just that music is my passion and even if there is 1% chance I still want to give it a try."

He went a bit serious as the smile on his face faded a little. "So that's why I'm saying this. Don't ever give up on your dreams. Just keep on trying until they become reality. Don't let yourself regret anything. Just work hard without expecting much. And they say right, that every failure is one step closer to your goal. So think it that way. Who knows what tomorrow holds." He said cheering up again and giving me a genuine smile.

To be honest that really made me cheer up to some extent. I felt better. And for once in all those days I didn't feel alone here. I smiled a little.

"Well, thanks for that. And I'm really sorry. I didn't want to be rude. It's just..."

"I know. That's fine." He said with that smile never leaving his face as he went ahead extending his hand at me. "By the way, I'm Aaryan."

"Rohan." I shook his hand with a genuine smile.

"Nice to meet you. Well, sorry buddy but I gotta go now. I got a job to handle. I won't risk them throwing me out. Hope to see you around often." He said getting up. I let out a laugh.

"Yeah definitely." We exchanged our numbers and he promised to call me if anything comes up.

Aaryan came into my life like an angel send from heaven for me. It felt like that at that moment and I was more than glad that he decided to talk to me that day otherwise I would have given up.

I met him few more times in those following days. We got along really well and it didn't seem like we have known each other just for a few days. He was the first ever person in Mumbai I can rely on and call my friend.

When I was getting out of money and it was getting harder to survive for me, he didn't hesitate to help me out. He suggested that I should live in his music room cum guest room until I find some work and get some money to pay the rent. I was hesitant because no matter how close he became but still, living in his house was a little awkward. I didn't know his family. I didn't know if they will like the idea of a stranger living in their house but he was stubborn than me so he successfully made his way and manipulated me to live with them for a few days.

Aaryan didn't have a big house but it was comforting enough unlike mine. His mom wasn't quite happy about his idea of me living with them but she was helpless in front of her stubborn son. So, for the sake of him, she agreed. I tried to convince that guy infinite times but all in vain.

Thankfully, his music room was on the upper part of the house and it didn't have any connection with the lower part of the house. The stairs to the room was outside the house. I felt a little relieved as I didn't have to face his mom that much. It was not like I didn't want to but it's just I felt like I was being a burden on them. But as I had no other option mainly because I was getting out of money and Aaryan was stubborn so I thought of staying there for some days until I find some work. Actually any work. I was that distressed.

And in that stay, I met my other best friend, Ahana. Even when she came into my life as Aaryan's sister or more precisely his twin sister, we got close in no time as we shared the same interests. She was just like me more than Aaryan was. She was carefree, sweet and full of life. Aaryan and Ahana were my biggest supports in my worst times when there was no hope left in me.

"So hero, what are your plans now?" Ahana asked settling beside me on the stairs.

"I'm just thinking of packing my stuff and run somewhere far in the mountains." I said sighing. Ahana rolled her eyes at me shaking her head a bit.

"And do what?"

"I don't know. Haven't thought that far yet." I said tilting my head to look at her. She gave me a glare to which I just chuckled.

"Are you being serious right now?" She asked with little irritation in her voice.

"I guess." I said looking down at my hands. Because to be honest, I was tired of everything already. It was feeling like decades have passed and still, nothing meaningful happened in my life. I couldn't find a job to fulfil my basic needs nor was I able to get selected in audition. I was out of money and I was depending on Aaryan much to my dislike. I felt like I was a burden on him, no he has never said or did anything to make me feel that way. But that was the truth and I know it. Ahana didn't say anything. She has always been a good listener. Always listening to all of my rants patiently without complaining and without uttering a single word.

I went ahead. "I don't know what to do anymore, Ahana. I have given dozens of auditions and still nothing. I guess I'm not that good after all. I guess my dad was right all along." I was just too much frustrated to think anything at the moment.

"Just stop thinking that way, Ro. Just have faith in yourself. You haven't seen many struggles in your life I guess. Just work harder. You will achieve what you want. And trust me you are one of the best singers. Those people don't know your worth just yet." Ahana said poking me in arm with her elbow with a smile. I looked at her smiling genuinely and thankfully.

"You are just saying those things to make me feel better." I said raising my eyebrows at her with a smile still on my face.

"OK fine. Think whatever you want. You wanna leave? Then just leave. I'm not going to say anything more." She said rolling her eyes and shifting in her seat looking clearly irritated. I couldn't hold my smile. I loved irritating her.

"Your mom hates me." I said like a complaining child. She looked at me again with some anger and irritation.

"Are you here to marry me?"

"What?" I asked in surprise and horror. She rolled her eyes further.

"Then stop worrying about her." Ahana said sighing.

"Yeah but still I'm living in her house." I said further.

"God!! Stop being so difficult, Ro. For this moment, just think about yourself than anyone else." She said with so much frustration.

"But..." I was trying to say but before I could, she managed to cut me off in middle.

"No buts. Let's go and eat something. I'm starving." Ahana said standing up and pulling me by a hand.

"Where?" I asked being confused.

"There is one restaurant not too far. We can go there." Ahana said pointing in the air with her smile ever so wide and pulling me further to get up. I sighed and got up from my position.

"Are you serious? There are tons of people here who already think that we are dating." I said in an attempt to change her mind because I don't want to make her parents any angrier and worried because of me. I'm already doing enough.

"Are we?" She asked with a plain face, folding her arms over her chest and raising her eyebrow.

"What?" I asked being confused again.

"Are we really dating?" Ahana asked with irritation.

"What? No..."

"Do you want to?" She asked again with the same tone.

"No ways." I said making a face.

Ahana and me? Dating? Wow!! Never in a million years. I mean, of course, she is a great girl. I love hanging out with her. I can talk to her about anything for hours. I share my all worries with her without getting judged. And she sure is the closest person to me. Of course, I love her and care for her but just like a little sister. And I'm thousand percent sure that she has the exact same thoughts about me.

"Then who gives a fuck about what they think? Just learn ignoring them, hero. They don't matter anyway. You just care too much about everyone. How will you manage the stardom later?" Ahana said shaking her head a little.

"Stardom?" I asked her raising my eyebrow trying to suppress a smile.

"Of course! I already see the rock star here. I hope you won't forget your first and biggest fan ever." She said dramatically. I let out a laugh shaking my head at her drama.

"Is that even possible?" I said as I gave her a tight side hug. Ahana chuckled as I went ahead. "You know there is just one thing common between you and your brother. You both know how to play with your words and make someone feel better."

"I'm glad that it made you feel better. But please I'm not boring as Aaryan." Ahana said making a face. I laughed at her words.

"That I have to agree." We both looked at each other and started laughing.

"Come on let's go now." Ahana said as she pulled me with her holding my hand.

********

As the days went on I got closer with Aaryan and Ahana more than I would have ever imagined in the start. To be honest, I was afraid of that. I was in fact afraid of having friends or trust on anyone for that matter now. I was afraid that something might happen again that will take them away from me forever. I don't want the history to repeat again this time. I can't afford to lose them.

But I was more worried about my future. No matter what Aaryan and Ahana say, the truth was that I was no good. So, I decided to start working part-time to earn some money as I can't keep relying on Aaryan for long. I didn't want to take advantage of him as his mom says. I truly considered him as my friend and wasn't with him just for my own good.

In no time, I started playing guitar for a band in one of the famous pubs in Mumbai. At least they thought I was of some worth. They weren't paying me much but I still had some income for my needs. I also wrote a few songs for them in the coming days, which by the way the audience loved. It's just they didn't know it was me who wrote them. But still, that gave me some confidence as I got to know at least they love my work even if they didn't know it was me who wrote that. I got to learn a lot of new things staying with those artists. I can safely say that it was one of the best experience for me which has a huge part in my life.

But the road wasn't that easy. I still had to wait for that one opportunity to come my way so that I can get started as a solo artist which have always been my dream. I wanted to reach a wide audience. I thought of going on my own many times but I wasn't really sure of that idea. I shared that with Aaryan to which he just said "Do it if you want to but I will suggest you to not rush with the things. Everything will happen when it has to." And I thought he was right too.

So, I let go of that thought and continued with whatever I had in my hands right now. I gave tons of auditions, wrote songs, composed them, learned different instruments when I got spare time from the band. In short, I was polishing my skills to become a better version of myself.

"Are you sure of that, Aaryan?" I asked settling in my seat. Aaryan was sitting opposite to me on the couch with his eyes piercing the laptop screen.

He got a call from some music director today that he wanted to audition him. Though the director wasn't really a big one still it was one opportunity to get into the industry. Besides, Aaryan said he is really talented and loves to try on new things.

"Of course I'm sure. Why would I have told you otherwise?" He said typing something on the laptop not giving me any of his attention. I rolled my eyes at him.

"But don't you think you should go and give the audition instead of me? I mean he has asked you to come." I said and he finally thought of giving me some of his attention though I still felt he was in some thought.

"Don't be stupid, Ro. It doesn't really matter who between us go there. Anyways, you are much more deserving amongst us." He said giving me a smile. I rolled my eyes again at him.

"That's bullshit. And yes, of course, it does matter to me." I said getting irritated. He already is doing so much for me than I could have asked for. He has given shelter and food for me when I had nowhere to go. He gave half of his audition calls for me and now this too. None of my so-called close friends could have ever done that for me and I can't just keep on taking advantage of him.

"No, It's not bullshit and besides, I have got some work to do. Having a job in one of the top IT companies is no joke." He said gesturing at his laptop.

"Don't you dare to lie to me." I said with a bit loud voice. He just gave me a sheepish smile.

"I'm not lying." Aaryan said shrugging his shoulders.

"Look, I'll go only if you're gonna join me else forget that audition. I don't care. I can manage something else." I said in a determined tone. He can't always have his ways. I need to show him my skills of stubbornness too. I'm way too good at it anyway.

"Fine if you want me to then meet me directly at the studio." He said still looking at the screen.

"No no no. No ways I'm doing that. I'm going to pick you up from your office and then we are going there. Don't play those games with me." I said in a stern tone.

"Whatever you say." Aaryan said with his eyes glued to the laptop. I was so used to this behavior now that I don't even get irritated anymore.

"What? You are being too easy today." I said in a dramatic tone.

"Yeah! I guess that's the only way to stop you from talking. God Ro, you talk even more than Ahana. And here I was thinking no one can ever compete with her. My head is hurting hearing your voice now." He said with a plain tone looking at laptop and I wonder if it really works that he is engrossed in or something else.

"You are being so mean." I said in a complaining tone, making a puppy face.

"And look who is talking. The most arrogant jerk I have met till now." He said finally looking at me with a smirk. And for once I thought I have achieved everything. Aaryan Sharma giving me his attention doesn't happen all the time.

"What's gotten into you? Are you OK? Is anything bothering you? Tell me what it is? I'm here for you, bro." I said being dramatic and getting near him.

"Yes and It's you. And stop acting like some clingy girls." Aaryan said looking at me. I gave him a glare to which he chuckled wholeheartedly. He's not my girlfriend but sometimes we do act like that. The bromance is always on with us and we can't help it. Sometimes it's me and sometimes it's him, either way we both are quite possessive about each other. Ahana keeps teasing us about the same, saying we should probably get married.

Aaryan has become a big part of my life, he was not just a friend but he was my brother, my family. He adopted a homeless wreck like me and gave me everything that he can which I don't even deserve. I didn't know how to thank him or repay him. I always felt bad for not being able to do something for him, that feeling always reside in me everytime he does something for me. But I know for a fact that I can go to any extent for him and his happiness. When I came to Mumbai, I was alone, I was my own priority, my dreams were my priority but now, him and Ahana have topped my priority list.

"Anyways, have you thought about what are you gonna sing tomorrow?" He asked looking up at me.

"Yes, and I was so excited to make you hear that. But I guess you are already tired of hearing my voice so I'm not gonna trouble you further." I said smirking at him. Aaryan rolled his eyes at me.

"Asshole." He said glaring at me and I grinned at him in return.

"That I am." I said getting up from my position to get my guitar. No matter what I say, we both knew I won't be going anywhere without him listening to my song.

"Stop being dramatic. I can bear your loud voice for few more minutes." He said putting the laptop aside and settling into the couch comfortably. I chuckled at him before going ahead and sing the song.

Well not to say Aaryan loved the song and gave me a nod to go ahead with it. I didn't get time to sing that to my first and biggest fan as she was busy with work and I couldn't get to meet her but she made me promise her that I should sing that exclusively for her when I come back home. I had no other option but to agree to that.

******

"Don't tell me this audition was exclusively for you." I asked Aaryan as I didn't see any people in the studio. It was not the typical studio, it was a small place.

"Nah! Don't worry. I already have told Arjun that we both are coming. And he isn't any famous artist yet to have queues in front of his studio." Aaryan said giving me a smile. I sighed looking around us.

"Are you nervous?" He asked again smirking at me. I rolled my eyes.

"Why would I? I'm used to being rejected." I said giving him a small smile. Aaryan's easy gesture went serious as the smile on his face vanished and anger took over his eyes.

"There you go again. Will you seriously stop being so negative for once Rohan?" Aaryan said in an irritated and angry tone.

"I'm just telling the fact." I said shrugging my shoulders.

"Well, then let me tell you, it's all nonsense, alright? Just stop talking that crap. Will you?" He said making his voice a little louder with anger filled in it. The person sitting in the studio gave me a puzzled look. I gave him an apologetic smile and looked at Aaryan again.

"Why are you getting so aggressive?" I asked him in a little low voice.

"Because you are pissing me off." He said again not sparing me another look.

"Aaryan Sharma and this aggressiveness. Well, that's new." A tall man came towards us with a smile looking at Aaryan. Aaryan looked at him and greeted him giving his full smile.

"This is Rohan. I talked to you about him." Aaryan said gesturing to me.

"Oh yes, of course. He was all praises for you that I thought I should give you at least one chance." The guy I'm guessing Arjun said to me extending his hand for a handshake.

"Thank you." I said shaking his hand.

"No problem. By the way, I'm Arjun Singhania."

"Glad to meet you, sir." I said in a professional tone. Arjun, Aaryan and one more guy who was present there let out a laugh at that. I threw a questioning look to Aaryan.

"Sir? Well, I'm not that big yet. Call me Arjun." Arjun said reading my confused look. I just managed to give him a small smile.

"Sure."

"So should we start, Rohan?" Arjun said rubbing his hands and raising his eyebrow at me.

"Umm... We can go with Aaryan first?" I asked being unsure.

"Aaryan? I don't think he is here for the audition?" Arjun said getting confused and looking at Aaryan. WTH? This guy tricked me again? I was even more confused than Arjun. We both looked at him for some explanation. That jackass chuckled looking at me.

"No, I'm not. He was being pain in ass. So, I had to come here for his sake. Leaving my job in the middle." Aaryan said looking at Arjun and then at me.

"What? Aren't you gonna sing?" I asked him immediately being furious.

"I called him for asking to come for the audition but he said he can't for some personal reasons and recommended you instead." Arjun explained the rest to me. So yet again he doomed my plan. He was yet again one step ahead of me.

"You..." I was trying to say when Aaryan didn't let me finish.

"You are most welcome." Aaryan said smiling playfully but then the smile on his face faded a little. "I know what it means to you, Ro. Now go and give your best." He said holding my shoulder and giving me his confident smile. I felt guilty. I can't do that to him. I know we share the same dream and he is sacrificing his, to complete mine.

"I'll be back guys." Arjun said looking in the phone as he went away to talk to the other guy.

"But..." I was saying when that asshole again cut me in between.

"No buts. Just go already. I have talked so big of you. Arjun is already having kind of high hopes from you right now. So, don't let me down. I have known Arjun for some years now. He agreed on my insistence. Don't lose this chance, Rohan. It's not the biggest but it's the best I can get for you." Aaryan said and gave me a smile again.

I don't know how to reject that. I honestly don't know if I ever will be able to repay him or not. But one thing for sure I'm going to do anything and everything I can for this guy in front of me. He has done what my family couldn't do it for me. Family? I never had that. But I have that now and I am not letting them go. EVER!

"It might not be the biggest but it means a lot more to me, Aaryan. I promise I won't let you down, not in front of them." I said as I went ahead and hugged him.

"All the best." He said pulling back.

********

Arjun loved my voice and surprising enough I got selected. I don't know yet what the next plans are but I was happy will be an understatement. I was on cloud nine. I was going to use this opportunity to the fullest.

But even if so, I was feeling guilty deep down. Something was eating me up. It could have been Aaryan instead of me. But thinking those things were of no use now. It's already done. So I promised myself to help him complete his dreams in every way I can.

I left the band in following days and thought of concentrating on my solo career now. I had to give my one thousand percent. I started working with Arjun. He was friendly and supportive and encouraging. And Aaryan was right when he said that Arjun is skilled and likes to try new thing. He was damn awesome and dedicated to his work. He knew what he was doing and what he wants and that's what I liked about him. I was really glad that I got to start off with him instead of anyone else. I learned many things from him.

Arjun and I got close instantly as we shared many things in common. And two of us were dedication towards music and the loved experimenting new things. He offered me to share his flat as the rent in Mumbai was sky high. I gladly accepted the offer and got shifted in his flat.

It was tough as I wouldn't be able to see Ahana and Aryaan that often now but I had to do this someday so I was well prepared. Besides, we were in the same city so I can go and talk to them anytime I feel.

I got some more offers once my song with Arjun got released. Arjun got his much-needed break too. But all those things implied one thing that I had to work harder than ever. I won't be getting another chance after this. So I had to just work, work and work!

Soon Aaryan joined me and Arjun too as he became regular at our flat, sometimes to help me with things, other time when he would fight with his mom. Arjun, Aaryan and I became closer than ever. We would go for bike rides, we would party hard, play games, write and compose songs, sing them, watch movies, go hiking and what not.

I met Jenny as Arjun's girlfriend by that time. She would come to flat much often and talk about anything for hours. At first, it got me irritated, to be honest, it was hard to concentrate on anything with her loud voice echoing in the entire house. I agree Ahana was the same but still Jenny was much much more than that. But once we got comfortable with each other, it was Arjun who would get pissed off by us.

As for Ahana, that girl could befriend anyone so quickly. She was that friendly, which was good and bad too. That was the main reason I felt most protective about her. She got along with Arjun and Jenny as quickly too. And once she and Jenny start, it was nearly impossible to stop those two talkative girls from talking.

As the days went on, I got many offers from big music directors. I was singing some songs which went on to become hits. Arjun was doing well too, his songs were being loved and appreciated. We stuck together as a team and worked our way through. Our names were being recognized by people and we couldn't be happier. But, we got our big break when we were offered Bollywood's one of the big projects. That album went on to become the biggest hit of the year and broke records. We won several awards too and from then, there was no turning back.

Me and Arjun bought a big new flat for us and continued to be roommates. That flat soon became our new home. We had our own home, car, Arjun soon owned his music studio, we had every luxury that we dreamed of.

That time Arjun introduced me to Raghav as he thought I needed a manager to handle my stuff. He soon became a part of our little group. He became our Joker, our entertainer. He was an orphan and we became his family.

Life was good, in fact, it felt great after a long time. I was surrounded by people who loved me and whom I can call my family. I was living my dream but I refused to slow down. I was constantly at work and learning new things. I continued to write songs and tune them myself. I learned more musical instruments, always pushing myself and polishing my skills. I was passionate about my music, that was my only love.

I never forgot about the one person because of whom I was living my dream, my best friend Aaryan. I always had it in the back of my mind to fulfill his dreams and see him happy. He wanted to be a musician too but he held back only because of his mother and continued to do something he didn't like. That's why Arjun and I decided to record his song and launch him. I wanted to tell the world that he made me and he was the reason I was here. But the decision was just between us, we didn't break it to Aaryan yet. We were planning to share the thought with rest of our gang but that's when problems arise in Arjun's love life.

Jenny, who was a model got her first break in a Bollywood movie back then. That's when their relationship came into light and became hot gossip. Their relationship was a secret to their own families, as well as they, were waiting to get a break and to achieve something before breaking the news to them. As expected their families were against their relationship because of the difference in their religion. Like in Bollywood movies, Arjun and Jenny decided to run away and get married and we, as friends helped them do the same. That caused a lot of buzz and gossip at that time. Paparazzi were behind them everywhere.

Arjun and Jenny shifted to their new house after their marriage and that house soon became our new hang out spot.

It took some time for the gossips and news to die down. Arjun and Jenny kept trying to convince their parents and eventually succeeded in that.

Things again went back to normal after sometime.

As things were getting better with Arjun and Jenny's marriage and relationship controversy dying down, Arjun and I decided to tell them about our plan to launch Aaryan. We broke that news to them one fine evening when we were at our hang out spot. Everyone seemed excited except for Aaryan. He was hesitant and was unhappy about the whole thing. He refused us because he thought we were returning the favor and he didn't want to take us for granted and get his way. Also, he thought that his mother won't be that happy about it.

It took us days to convince him that we were not returning any favor, we were just helping him to fulfill his dreams as his friends, as his family. We knew how much he wanted it, it was his passion but he gave that up for his mother because she was against him in choosing it as a career. 

I've seen his sad, painful smile as he look at his guitar and I can't bear to see it anymore.

We tried to make him understand the same. After several attempts, we succeeded in making him agree to our decision. My happiness had no bounds. He was going to live his dream. He was going to get everything he deserved. I was sure that people will love his songs, he was that amazing! His voice was soulful and the songs he wrote were just simply amazing!

Arjun and I were just putting in the financial support that his album needed. Everything else was just him and his music. It took us a few months to record all the songs. The album contained 8 songs and we named the album as "Into the Storm".

Everything was set, everything was planned. We were able to create some buzz amongst the people about this album and its new singer. As the day of the launch came closer, our excitement was sky high. I have never been this excited for anything in my life not even for my own work. I was just too happy for him. I was happy seeing him smile from his heart. I had never seen him that energized before. It gave me a strange satisfaction in helping him in his journey. I knew I haven't done much,  I haven't done even half of what he has done for me but whatever little I did in this, I felt contented.

That's when we decided to celebrate Aaryan's beginning as a musician. A small celebration, just us, our little family. That night, I had the best time, no, not just me, every one of us had the best time. That was the last time, my family was complete. That was the last time I remember myself feeling happy and peaceful. I didn't know that beautiful night could turn into an ugly one. I didn't know a night could change our lives upside down forever...

********

I tightened my grip on my guitar as the memories of that horrible night flooded my mind. I let out a deep breathe hoping the memories will be thrown out just like my breath. But it was not helping at all. I struck the guitar strings, I hoped to find peace in them. After all, that's all I had.

My thoughts again drifted back to that certain light eyed girl who brought me here, the girl in whom I found my peace again that I can never have.

I put aside my guitar and walked out to the balcony. I stood there feeling the cold breeze against my bare chest.

I should have gone behind her...

I regretted not going after her when all I wanted to do was that. I wanted to show up at her door and makes things fine again. I wanted to talk to her, wipe her tears and hold her in my arms. But I didn't. I just stood there watching her leave, I was letting go yet another person from my life. I'm just a coward,  I never fought for anything or anyone, I ran away when it got harder for me to face my fears...I was good at that. Running away and hiding behind a mask. I've been doing that since that night.

Instead of going behind her, I drove home and here I was, ruining myself in my loneliness.

I closed my eyes as a tear fell down my eye. I wiped it as I promised myself to not ruin Arohi's life further. I promised myself that I'll stay away from her in every possible way no matter how much it hurts me. I don't want her anywhere near me for her own sake. Not even for that album.

I guess sometimes it's just better to leave things incomplete than to ruin them furthermore. Just like that, Arohi and her album will stay in my life forever, like all those things that I didn't have the courage to complete.

I stared out at the moon from my balcony. I can't do this, I can't stay here... I felt restless again. The guilt, the anger, the regret, the fear....all of these were eating me up and I was the culprit of each one of them.

It's time for me to run again, away from India, away from the ones I love... And most importantly away from her...

**************

There is  nothing more toxic than
yourself guarding your secrets
hiding your tears, silencing
your screams and
destroying your soul.

*************

So that's it for now. Sorry we know it's too much late but as promised we published the chapter before the first week of Feb.

Hope you liked it. Comment down your thoughts on this one as it was toughest to write. Of course, every chapter is but Rohan's part is especially tougher. So hope you all like this one.

So the cast for Aaryan and Ahana is given in the picture. It's Kartik Aaryan and Diana Penty. We were too confused but yeah we think they look good as twins.

Also, Thank you so much for 7.5K reads. Means a lot.

Finally, Keep voting and reading. 

We will try to post next chapter soonest as we got the boost with VarShra comeback. Hah. But before that, we might publish a one-shot which we have on mind for some time now. 

So yeah. That's all for now. See you all really soon.

Love, Kritika and Ammu ❤