Ruhana gets ready to meet Samrat in the hotel. She reaches the hotel around 8 PM and spots Samrat sitting at a corner table. She smiles and takes her seat opposite him. He greets her with a small smile and she asks him about the meeting. Samrat tells her he has bagged the deal and is very happy about it. She also gets happy and congratulates him.

“I’m so happy for you, Sam! I surely deserve a treat now.” Ruhana chuckles softly.

“Yes! That’s why I called you. What about your order?” Samrat asks, assuming that she has got the deal.

“Yeah, I feel, I’ll get it. The lady didn’t call yet.” Ruhana says softly.

“I know, you will grab it.” Samrat smiles.

“I wish the same, Sammie. By the way, I have a question for you.” Ruhana looks at Samrat.

“Yes, please go ahead! Tum formal kabse ho gayi?”Samrat smiles.

“Okay, so, this is quite personal. But I want to know it. Do you believe in love?” Ruhana asks him.

“Love? Why? You were never like this. Why this question?” Samrat asks her.

“I was thinking something, Sam. When you came in today, then I thought of it. It’s just that, I want to know your opinion. We’re best friends, after all.” Ruhana responds to his question.

“Yeah, but why suddenly?” Samrat asks, he’s amused at the moment.

“Everything has its first, Samrat. Things happen suddenly. I was just thinking about something and listening to your favourite song. Remember, you told me about it. But when I heard the lyrics, they were profoundly deep and for someone like you, it's hard to acknowledge that you’d like it. So, I was curious to know. After all, love is not just a thing between couples only, it’s the purest form of love that a mom and child hold and also friendship! So,  I am asking!” Ruhana says with a smile.

“I never thought so deeply about it. Ruu. And I am amused to have you asking this question, honestly.” Samrat smiles, being honest.

“I know, Sam. We know each other for 5 years, you’ve always been there for me, and I’ve also tried my level best. It’s only the love and care we hold for each other.” Ruhana says while looking at Samrat.

“Yeah, I agree. And it’s the truth that I care for you. You’re the only one who’s been with me during my thick and thin. But, honestly, I don’t know what love feels like. It’s not my thing, I suppose.” Samrat says and his eyes are fixated on Ruhana.

“Samrat, I respect your feelings. Though, I think that it’s the right time you begin to think about it. I mean, caring is one thing, but if you really care, you should think about it, because you won’t care for anybody just like that.” Ruhana says while looking at them.

“Ah! That’s why you’re so thoughtful about everything and a woman of substance. You always find reasons in one or the other thing.” Samrat says, flashing his cheeky smile.

“Nope! But yes! I put my heart first and mind second in everything I do. Ab chahe kaam ho ya pyaar, mann toh lagna chahiye na.” Ruhana says and winks at her best friend.

Samrta laughs hearing her and she smiles. Well, she’s amazed by his nature and she loves his smile. She can’t see him upset and she loves it when he keeps smiling and teasing. She’s staring at him for some good seconds until the waiter serves their dinner. She is astonished to find that he has ordered Indian and Italian cuisines. So, he remembers her choice.

“As usual, it’s your favourite!” Samrat smiles cheekily.

“Aww! I love it! I am glad, you remember my choices.” Ruhana chuckles softly.

“How can I forget, Ruu? You’re precious. Tumse judi har cheez yaad hain mujhe.” Samrat chuckles softly.

Ruhana stares at Samrat for a few seconds. If she’s precious to him, does he feel the same way for her as she feels for him? She’s not sure, so she looks at him.

“Really, Sammie? I mean am I really precious to you?” Ruhana asks her question.

“Oh yes, friendship is precious, Ruu. And so you are.” Samrat says nonchalantly.

“Aur vaise bhi, duniya mein koi rishta rahe ya na rahe, dosti toh hamesha rehti hai na. “ Samrat says.

‘You got a point, Mr Randhawa! I lose! And you know what, I don’t want to lose your friendship.” Ruhana says emotionally while looking at him.

“Ruu, what has happened to you, today? If you want to say something, you can. You know I am always here listening to you.” Samrat says.

“I know, Sammie. It’s something that got on my mind. But hey, you’re not given any lease today or any day. Your birthday is also coming in.” Ruhana says, actually chuckling at the moment.

“Yeah, and I …..” Samrat begins to speak but Ruhana chuckles at the moment.

“And we will celebrate. I’ll bake a cake for you and will prepare your favourite food.  At least, I can do this much for you, Sammie.” Ruhana says, the smile never leaving her face.

“You do more than that, Ruu.” Samrat says affectionately.

“I do, and I expect the same, Samrat.” Ruhana says.

Both friends finish their dinner with light chit-chat and aftermath, Samrat pays the bill and they leave for home. Samrat escorts Ruhana to her car. She gives him a tight hug and asks him to rest well. She knows that because of work pressure, Samrat doesn’t rest well. She instructs him to rest well and he replicates the instructions. They laugh and then part ways.

*****
Ruhana reaches home and after parking the car, she locks the door and moves into her room. She changes her dress and lies on the bed. She’s remembering the conversation she had with Samrat. Okay, everyone is clueless about their feelings, but your heart knows it. He did claim her as precious, but he didn’t say that he loves her.

Is it JUST LOVE from her side or does he think the same? Ruhana doesn’t know what to do or how to express her feelings towards Samrat. When he’s unsure of his feelings, how can she express her feelings? He might lose his trust in her. And she can’t afford to lose his friendship.

Ruhana sighs deeply, she decides to go with the flow. Maybe, Samrat will realise and JUST LOVE will prevail between the two.

To Be Continued.

Will Samrat realise his love?

Stay tuned.