Third Person POV,
The doctors allowed Ruzhaan to see Taha shortly. Seeing Taha in that condition made his heart ache and he couldn’t stop his tears. He sat beside his dear friend holding onto his motionless hand. Memories of his past haunted him. It wasn’t the first time someone was like this because of his own brother… he didn’t know if he could resent him anymore. No matter how much he comforted Rahina saying  that Taha would be back, but deep inside he was scared too that he might never be able to see his friend  who was more dear to him than his own blood.

“Itne jaldi jayega kya saale. Pehle toh bade bade wade kar raha tha. Saath jaayenge..saath marenge..apna sapna pura karenge. Apna sapna toh abhi bhi intezaar kar raha hai yaar. Uthja mere Bhai…Apne jaisa nahi hone dena hai unhe. Wo bacche intezar kar rahe hai apna unka future sudharne. Rahina bhi  ro rahi thi tere liye. Teri behen aur maa ko ab tak kuch pata nahi hai. Apne baap ko bina gale lagaaye aur maafi mange kaise jaa sakta hai tu?” He broke down crying.
(Will you leave soo soon you jerk? You made such big promises before. We'll live together...die together... fullfill our dreams together. We won't let them end up like us. Those kids are waiting for us to create a better future for them. Even Rahina was crying for you. Even your sister and mother are unaware of your condition. How can you leave without hugging your father and apologizing.)
####

Three days passed by. Taha hadn’t woken up and even Uzair was nowhere to be found. I went to visit Taha everyday atleast 2-3 times. I talked and joked to him even about how that sexy nurse was waiting for him too. I would even tell him about how his mom called and was asking about our baby at which Ruzhaan might get jealous and we would eventually end up laughing like idiots. But most importantly I would say how much we all missed him and promised to make a big feast for him with all his favourite food when he wakes up. But I didn't even know if he was listening or not.

We stopped at the signal while we were coming back from the hospital. I saw a group of girls crossing the road from the bus stop going to college. A smile came on my lips. This was ME a while ago. Struggling to wake up early, going through pile of clothes and selecting one, getting ready as if I have all the time in the world, waiting for the bus, coming to the class late. Taking ample notes, then a month before exam rushing to the Xerox shops for notes, laughing and enjoying with my friends, having a dream of getting a job and earning for my family. The signal ended and we moved again.

If only I could go back to all that normal life.

“You’re too quite today.”

“Huh?” I came out of my thoughts.

“Are you still thinking about Taha?” Ruzhaan asked.

I shook my head.
"Just reminiscing my good old days. I always thought when I would be done with my Masters! I was so bored of waking up early in the morning and sitting for hour long tedious lectures. But now... I kinda miss those days"
I smiled to myself.

He said nothing for a while.

“Wanna come with me at our land. The construction is starting from today." he asked.

“Ofcourse!!! Yeh bhi koi puchne ki baat hai?”
(Is this something to ask about?)
I said excitedly.
∆∆∆∆

We reached there and he was right. The preparations had already begun. People were unloading the materials for the construction. I waited near the car till Ruzhaan talked with the engineer and the architect.

  “It’s finally happening.” I said as Ruzhaan came and stood beside me.

“Yeah. Taha should have been here.” He said followed by a sigh.

“It was our dream to build a school here. The juvenile that we were in was first near this area. We used to see kids from these villages working their asses off to earn just a few coins of money. Yet when they saw us starving and beaten up outside the juvenile, they used to sneak in and give us some food and blankets. That’s when we decided we’ll repay them somehow. If not them, then we’ll try to make things better for their children atleast.” He said looking towards the village.

It was  the first time Ruzhaan had ever opened up to me like that. Or else it’s always Taha who would tell me stuff.

“Tell me more.” I said excitedly.

“What?” He asked confused.

“About your old times, your life. It’s more interesting than any movie or TV serial.”

He chuckled.
”Why are you going to write a book on it?”

“No. My friend is a writer. I might ask her to do so.” I said

“Not a bad idea. I bet it would be a best seller." 
We both laughed.

We talked for quite a while. About his old life, his friendhip with Taha and some funny incidences too. I really liked this side of him. He seemed so…….. Normal.

Suddenly, the stupid and curious me, had the urge to prick the topic ruining the mood.
“Ruzhaan, What actually happened between you and Uzair? Why do you hate each other so much?”

His smile disappeared and he became serious again.

“Let’s go back. It’s getting late.”

“But…..”

“It’s getting late.” He said sternly and I had no choice but to oblige. 
Maybe I shouldn’t have asked.

‘You think!??’
My inner voice mocked.
∆∆∆∆

The next day he called me to his study. Before I could knock, he called me in.

"Here."
He said handing me a booklet. It was the prospective and temporary id of our college. I looked at it confused. It was of second year of Masters.

“Your college is starting from Tuesday. Get your stuff ready.”  

“Huh!” I gaped at him.

“What? I wouldn’t want my wife to be an under educated blockhead. Although, I can’t do anything about the blockhead part.” he smirked.

I ignored the sarcastic remark.

“Does that mean… I can continue college… I can get my PG degree?”  I still couldn’t believe.

“Hmm” He nodded.

I squealed and just jumped on him wrapping my arms around his neck. He almost lost his balance.
“Whoa!”

“Thank you…. Thank you … Thank you so much OMG OMG I just lo- "

I froze up and backed off immediate as I realised what malarchy I was about to spur. We both looked embarrassed. But as if he’s gonna leave a chance to tease me.

“You just lo-  what?” he asked amusingly leaning towards me.

“I just lo- lo- London!” I quickly said and nonsense spurred out from my mouth.
"I just realised London and England are the same country.” I laughed awkwardly.

He raised an eyebrow smirking at my stupidity.
"I gave you your prospectus and you remembered London and not something else. So what should I assume....you saying I London you or...." He was getting even closer. I gulped. He neared my ear.
"I Love you."
He whispered.

I gasped jumping a little. My heart pounding like crazy.

It's not like he confessed to me or something. Why am I soo hyper? He's just teasing me. And even if he does confess.... I won't actually....be happy....right?

“St...stationary! I should go and buy some stationery now. Yes! Bye, Thanks again.” I quickly said and turned to run away.

“Wait!” he ordered

Shit! I closed my eyes and took a deep breath turning to him slowly. He walked towards me.

“Aren’t you forgetting something ?” he  cooed.

“What?”

He smirked
“My payment” he said leaning towards me. My heart began racing even more as the distance between our lips were reducing. My eyes closed invoulantarily as I felt his warm soft breath on my lips. I found myself moving forward to him.

“Boss-“

We both backed off as if someone put a firecracker between us and looked around awkwardly. Ruzhaan cleared his throat.

“What is it?” He tried to act cool.

Sami eyed us both suspiciously.

“Uh.. Did I interrupt something?” He asked awkwardly

“Just tell me why are you here before I kill you.”Ruzhaan gritted his teeth and I could clearly see poor Sami’s face going pale.

“St-Stationery yeah. Gotta be ready for college next week.” I laughed and ran from there.     

Oh God this man!                                                                                                                                  
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