Part 12 Friend Request

Khushi looked at the Nehru Stadium as if it was a heaven. She could not believe she was a member there.

"Let's start warm-up..." Arnav smiled.

Khushi started doing warm-ups. After finishing it, she ran slowly. Arnav followed her. They ran five laps.

Khushi stopped and looked at Arnav for his instructions. Arnav gave her a small bottle.

"Have it"

Khushi had it without a question. She didn't know what it was, but it tasted delicious. Though it was a minimal quantity, she felt it was filling.

"It's dry fruits and banana shake. It will give energy. At the same time, you won't feel hungry."

Khushi nodded. They waited for five minutes then started running again... this time faster. After an hour of practice, they warmed down. They did some exercise alone and some exercise together. Khushi didn't show her awkwardness.

They sat on the turf, relaxing. Arnav smiled at Khushi.

"You didn't expect me to become your sponsor, right?"

Khushi nodded yes.

"You were so hesitant to be casual with me. You were not even ready to accept my favour. That's why I directly approached your father."

"Why did you put this much effort to make me accept your favour?"

"It's because you are a talented Athlete. That's why... and more than that..." he stopped.

"What?"

"I wanted to be your friend."

Khushi raised her brows.

"Friends?" He forwarded his hand for a shake.

Khushi nodded no.

"But why?" Arnav fisted his fingers.

"Being my sponsor is different... you can be my friend."

"Whhhyyyy?"

"You are a Managing Director of a company. I'm a simple middle-class girl. Yours and our society are different. We can't travel in the same boat. It will bring many more problems. It will spoil your inner peace. So, please let me be within my limits."

Arnav smiled.

"What do you think of yourself? Do you think you will always be like this? If you win a medal at an international sports meet, your status will be higher than mine. The whole high-class guys will die for your friendship...! But I will proudly say she is my friend," he smiled.

Khushi was looking at him with a mild smile.

"What?"

"You are exaggerating my talent. Me and international medal?" she shook her head with disbelief.

"OK, we will break our friendship if you don't win the International medal. What say?"

Khushi looked at him, perplexed.

"Winning an International medal is not a simple thing. It will take many years..."

"So what? However, we will study for three years in the same college. I'm sure you will get to participate in the Commonwealth game that will be held after two years."

Khushi felt a shiver in her spine. Commonwealth Game? She heard her own heartbeat.

"I... I don't think I can do it."

"You just do what our coach says... he will take care of your participation."

Khushi looked at him, thunderstruck.

"Now tell me, will you accept my friend request?" he again extended his hand towards her.

"You already have many friends... then what's necessary for you to have my friendship?"

"What's friendship, Khushi?"

"Means?"

"Being together is not friendship... understanding each other is what friendship is. Of course, I have a gang. What do you think about them? Do you think they understand me? Except for Aman and NK, others are waste."

"What do you mean waste?"

"They expect something from me always. I'm their pride because I'm a rich guy."

"Then why are you seeking my friendship? I, too, could be the same as they are"

"If you are like them, you would not avoid my favour but accept my help. You would be a National Gold medallist by now, but you haven't done that. You avoided me by lying."

Khushi looked at him stunningly.

"I know what you said about National Meet is a lie. No one was ready to help you... right?"

Khushi looked down.

"I got to know you are not interested in me."

She looked at him frowning.

"I mean to get my favour. You seemed honest in my eyes. That's why I wanted to help you. That's why I'm seeking your friendship."

"what you are thinking is not true. I'm not so honest as you think."

"Well... let it be. I don't have any expectations of you. So, even though you are selfish, it won't affect me."

"Ok... I will become your friend if I win an international medal... what say?"

Arnav folded his hands, smiling.

"Till then?"

"Just a co-athlete..."

"You know what? You are a tough nut to crack."

"You are a nice guy. You help people genuinely. I like it very much. That's why I'm talking to you. Or else, I would not have..."

"Mmm... it seems I have scored good marks in your heart already..."

"Shall we go? Or else, we will be late to the college..."

"We have time... it's ok... let's go"

When Arnav dropped her in GH, he saw Omprakash providing Khushi's breakfast to Garima.

"Did you get everything?" Arnav asked.

"Yes, Arnav Baba. Hariprakash gave everything. Boiled eggs, whole milk, dry fruits," Omprakash said.

"Ok... You can go."

OP left the place.

"Your lunch will be sent to the college, and Omprakash will bring your dinner."

Khushi nodded.

"Buy...see you in the college."

"Bye"

Arnav left.

Garima opened the box and looked in it.

"My God, four boiled eggs... box full of dry fruits... and..." She tasted the milk.

"Wow, this milk is so thick."

Khushi was silent.

"Go and take a bath. You are getting late for college."

Khushi nodded okay and went to the washroom. Khushi ate only two eggs and a glass of milk.

"What about dry fruits?"

"I already had dry fruits shake in the morning, Amma."

"It seems we don't have to buy milk for our family", Garima chuckled. '

Khushi nodded her head from left to right, smilingly.

"You, too, eat them and become energetic," she said teasingly before leaving for college.

.........

Arnav came to the college and saw Lavanya waiting for her.

"Hi..." he smiled.

"I'm waiting for you..."

"Anything serious?"

"I would like to know something."

"Tell me"

"Why did you change the department at the last minute?"

"I became a managing director of my company... So, there is no need for me to study hard."

"But, you study well. BBA will not be tough for you."

"Of course, but B.com will be easier than BA. So, I chose that"

"Didn't you feel like being with us in the same department?"

"Lavanya, it's over... why are you digging something that's buried already?"

"Do you know how much I miss you?"

"I, too, miss you... but we should have to get separated one day. We can't be together forever... understand the reality."

"What do you mean, Arnav? Won't you be with me forever?"

"How could we be together forever? How it's possible?"

"Why won't it be possible? It will be possible if you want it."

"It's not only about me... it's about you and your husband..."

"Husband? What do you mean, husband?"

"You want us to be together forever. Then, your husband will play an important role in our friendship."

"I can't believe this"

"What?"

"Don't you know what's there in my heart?"

"What?'

"YOU..."

"Whaaaat?"

"Yes, Arnav. I love you."

"What the kkk..."

Arnav left the place, not wanting to stand because he might talk harshly.

To be continued...