*Rashmi Pov*

After paying for the taxi, I walked towards the house where Mehrin stays hoping that she didn't go to her Aunt's or grandparents' houses which are just beside her house, but I don't want to act polite right now when I am this angry.

"Please be here." I chanted ringing the bell and sighed in relief when she opened the door.

"Rashmi? Why are you here?" she asked in a shocked tone.

"Is that what you ask your friend when she visits you?" I saw her Mom approaching us and I immediately smiled at her.

"Aunty!" I greeted her smiling and she smiled back.

"I reacted like that because she is supposed to be nearly five hundred kilometers away from us, but she is standing right before me." She explained to her Mom before staring at me.

"Take your friend to your room. I will go to the function by myself." Aunty offered and I know I should say it's fine, I will meet her later but I couldn't get those words out.

"Sorry!" I mumbled, looking down.

"Anyway, I was dragging her to that place and would have to hear her whining. It is good that you both will stay here." Saying that Aunty waved off my apology before leaving.

"Let's go!" we both walked to her room and she finally started throwing her questions.

"Is everything fine? Why are you here?" she asked, frowning and immediately gasped.

"Don't tell me you rushed from your home after knowing about Karthik." She said looking at me and sighed when I looked down.

"Why? After all these years and that too after so many things that already happened in your life, you are still this concerned?" she asked sitting beside me.

"I can't act like I am not concerned." I replied shaking my head.

"That is not important. Do you know what actually happened with me since yesterday?" I asked before explaining her everything.

She listenedd calmly, not saying a single word and finally patted my back smiling. Why is she smiling when I just explained to her everything?

"You finally lashed at him? This is an epic moment." She said still smiling.

"Why are you concentrating on that? Didn't you hear the blackmail I am facing right now and that too from my friends?" I asked to which she shook her head.

"You are only using the word friends. Then what blackmail? What trip? And why do you need to go?" she pointed out.

I stared at her for a few seconds before finally smiling along with her. Exactly! Why was I feeling that scared of all this? They will definitely not go along with all this.

"You are right! Why did I get trapped in their scheme? I even talked about it with Karthik. I should have called you immediately about all this before doing that." I mumbled slapping my forehead.

"You are the one who cut the call and even switched off your phone." She pointed out, making me remember her earlier words in the car.

"That's because it was on speaker mode and they all were present listening our conversation. And you started talking about Aryan right then." I explained.

"Oh! But why are they taking this much effort for one person. I don't understand why you all pamper him this much." She said shaking her head.

"But what happened to him is very bad." I mumbled sighing.

"Not worse than what happened to you. He will leave this place soon for another college and will not get struck with the people like you did for nearly four years." Her support and the way she treats me special always make me wonder how did I get that lucky to have a friend like that.

"But just like I have you beside me all that time, he needs us until this settles. You were equal to all those people during that time for me." I said making her laugh.

In this room at present we both are laughing together, but those four years ago, I was crying, sitting at the same place and she was lending her shoulder to me. I know everything was going wrong at that time, but those moments made our friendship stronger.

#PAST – FOUR YEARS AGO# (AFTER CONFESSION)

"Don't cry!" Mehrin tried to console me while patting my back.

"How can I not? I just went to my hostel room like you said, but before I can even think of the reality that I lost my first love, I found out all that desperation, I used to make him at least consider me is out for anyone to see." I said between my silent tears.

"It's a good thing that you came here." She mumbled and I shook my head.

"I am leaving for my hometown tonight. I already booked a bus ticket, but didn't know where to wait. So, I have come here for some time." I explained brushing my tears.

"You will go there and stay for how long? No need for all of that and you can just stay here." She said frowning at me.

"But..." she cut me off asking, "All you need is to stay away from all this headache for a few days, right? Then it is better if you stay here instead of going home. Because if you go there, it will be very difficult for you to come back soon feeling all kinds of stupid things. If you stay here then I can drag you back to college when it will be fine, but I can't do the same if you go there."

"How can I stay here?" I asked her frowning.

"Why can't you? My parents will not mind and will actually be happy. I will tell them something and no need to add more worries to your list." She replied taking out her phone.

"Call your Dad from my mobile and explain to him as much as you can." She added forwarding her mobile.

"I can use mine." I mumbled, taking out my phone, but she took it away from my hands.

"You did a good thing by switching it off. Until I tell you, you will not get it back." Saying that she put that phone into her bag.

"I will go and talk to my parents and you call your Dad." She added before leaving the room.

I took a deep breath and called my Dad, but just hearing my voice he asked, "What happened?"

"Dad! I want to stay at my friend's place and not go to college for a few days." I mumbled, not saying anything else.

"Why don't you come home?" he asked not asking the reason.

"Mehrin said if I come home, then I will not return to college soon, but if I stay here she will drag me when she thinks I can return to college." He must be confused hearing my explanation.

"Okay! Just take care of your health and call me every day." Saying that he accepted this and we both hung up.

I am glad that he is not asking me any details. If he had asked then I would have started crying again. I shook my head still remembering each and everything that happened today.

Why did I mistook his hesitation as something which can overcome if I try more and not give up on convincing him? I should have let it go after expressing the first time itself.

If I had known that he already asked her to be his girlfriend, I wouldn't have said anything. But who would have thought he would do it by sending her a message.

At present I don't know what should I think about to express my grief. Should I think about how he doesn't have any feelings for me or that he got a girlfriend or that everyone is laughing at me?

"He didn't say anything?" Mehrin asked when she returned to her room.

"No! He already knows what I was going to do today and must have realized something happened." I replied rubbing my eyes feeling tired.

"He knows?" she asked in a shocked tone.

"I tell him everything." I replied and before she can say anything her phone started ringing in my hands.

I glanced at it and immediately paused, seeing Karthik's number. Seeing my expression she took it and immediately cut the call.

"You should talk to him or anyone who calls." I mumbled after she got calls from Rohan and Kalyan and even Preetha.

"Okay! I will just call one of them and inform them you are fine. They don't know my address so I will tell them you are staying with me." Saying that she called someone.

"Kalyan! She is fine and is staying with me." She said that the moment he lifted the call.

"Let her be for some time. She needs time after everything that is happening at present, right?" she asked hearing his response.

"Fine! I will tell her." With that she cut the call and glanced at me.

"Rohan is sorry about everything it seems." She said looking at me.

"Sorry about what?" I asked in a whisper.

"What are you angry about in his matter?" she asked back.

"Not about today. It is not his fault." I replied sighing.

"Go to sleep. Our exams will start soon and no one will have any time to think about any of this within a few days." She assured me continuously.

For one week I stayed with her and prepared for exams. I became close with her family during those days and felt something good happened out of all this.

With such a boost from her family, I returned to the hostel even when she said I can stay with her for a few more days and start going to college from her place itself. But I know I have to face the people from the hostel which will be a practice for me to return to college.

A few kind of acted like they are still thinking about that, but many were just like nothing happened. I sighed in relief and settled back in my hostel before returning to the college.

I felt confident even when I walked into the college along with Mehrin, who waited outside, but the moment I entered the class Rohan and Kalyan rushed to me making everyone glance at me.

"I think I need to leave." I whispered to Mehrin.

"Rashmi! How are you?" Kalyan asked in a concerned tone.

"I am so sorry." Rohan said, holding my hand.

"Talk to her later." Mehrin said pulling me to my seat and they both frowned at us but I stared away from everyone.

"They turned their attention back to whatever they were doing." she assured me and I sighed in relief.

"If not for you, I would have run away from here right now." I mumbled making her smile.

"If not for you, I wouldn't have got a great friend and many friends like now too. So, let's say we are even." She said smiling and I smiled back.

After that I kind of stayed away from others in my own way like even when I am sitting with them during lunch or meeting them anytime, I kept my space not being completely comfortable except with Mehrin.

I don't what I was feeling at that time. It could be awkwardness or anger or just something else. But I really missed the time I spent with them and mainly Karthik.

Karthik too stayed away from us most of the time and I didn't ask them for the reason thinking it must be because of his girlfriend. I am at least relieved that another sin is not hanging over my head where I made a couple break-up.

Mehrin commented many times that she felt I was completely present before everyone but not at the same time. I tried my best to overcome and before I can think to do something else our exams started and everyone got busy with their studies.

Even during holidays I log out of Facebook and Whatsapp before concentrating on myself. I spent more time with Dad and tried to talk with Mehrin when she is not busy with her own family and cousins.

This time I couldn't meet Kalyan and even he didn't ask me and I don't blame him considering my behavior before the holidays.

We didn't travel together to our place together, but the day I was booking my tickets to return, I called him before I changed my mind.

"Rashmi?" his voice sound so surprised that I couldn't help but smile.

"Did you book your ticket?" I asked normally.

"No!" he replied, still in the same tone.

"Okay! I am booking for both of us. You are fine with returning before the first day of college, right?" I asked and booked the tickets when he said he is fine with it.

It has been just like before and we talked about what we were doing during our holidays but never touched the topic which shouldn't be.

"Hey guys!" I greeted Rohan, Preetha, and Kalyan after entering the classroom along with Mehrin, who waited for me near the entrance when I called her.

"See? You guys didn't believe me that she traveled with me and was back to her old self." Kalyan commented hitting Rohan's head on the back.

"Is it because she already knew what happened?" Rohan asked making me frown.

"Don't talk too much again. Just apologize to her right now and finish everything." Preetha warned him and he glared at her before walking towards me.

"I am sorry!" he mumbled, looking at me.

"Buy lunch for me during this whole semester." I said and he immediately glared at me but sighed nodding.

"Where is Karthik?" I asked, looking around.

"Must be with his girlfriend." Mehrin replied and Rohan frowned at her.

"No! He is as usual in the library. He is suddenly studying some authors' books from that... anyway, he will be here soon." Rohan explained and we all returned to our seats when professor entered the classroom and Karthik entered after a few minutes.

He sat beside Kalyan and immediately glanced at my place when he said something. I smiled at him and he smiled back before we both turned our attention to the lecture.

****

"What? She practiced cooking?" Rohan asked in a shocked tone.

"Yes! She told me when I asked her what she did during the holidays." Kalyan replied laughing.

"I still remember the snacks she brought last year, which she prepared." Rohan mumbled shaking his head.

"My Dad said they were fine." I grumbled while glaring at him.

"So, did she succeed?" Preetha asked Kalyan.

"No! This time, even her Dad gave her a proper opinion." He replied and everyone burst out laughing.

"You guys don't know the whole story." Mehrin commented and no matter how much I stopped her she started telling the whole story.

"He nearly went to hospital?" Karthik asked in a shocked tone.

"He was fine. He exaggerated near her and it was my mistake to leave my phone near him and let him lift the call." I mumbled covering my eyes.

"Our table seems to be back to normal. Even Karthik is joining us today." Rohan commented while coughing and I removed my hands to see everyone is looking awkward.

"She finally achieved what she wants and is now laughing." I turned to see someone standing behind me while glaring at me.

"Get lost!" Karthik and Rohan scolded her and she walked away, but not before glaring at me again.

"What happened?" I asked them frowning.

"You don't know?" Rohan asked, frowning back at me.

"Should I? Is she still talking about that day?" I asked in a shocked tone.

"It's nothing! I just broke up with her friend and it was mutual but they all acting like it is something else." Karthik waved me off and I stared at him in shock.

And at that moment I realized that I am completely fine with everything that happened from his rejection to other things. Even now I was feeling a slight pinch, but after hearing his words that is definitely no longer the case.

#PRESENT#

"So, I need to tell you something." Mehrin brought the topic when we both were busy watching a movie.

"If it is about Aryan, I don't want to hear anything." I said covering my ears.

"It's not about him." She said, rolling her eyes.

"Then? Wait! Is it about him?" I asked, bumping her shoulder teasing her and she blushed.

"Yes! He is going to meet my parents." She replied and I sat stunned.

"What? Parents? You guys have been dating just for the past one year and he was busy with work during that year too." I said frowning.

"But we both are sure about this and I felt lost at first, but now after thinking a lot I am fine with this." She said smiling at me.

"Okay! If you are that sure, but talk to me whatever doubts you have and we both will clear them together. Don't do any of this due to force or anything." I said and she nodded.

"My parents are already searching for marriage proposals and they already found so many. I didn't tell him the latter, but he wants to marry me now as he is settled now because Aryan..." she trailed off realizing she shouldn't talk about him.

"When will he visit?" I asked and she shrugged.

"Mostly during holidays. I am really nervous. Will you stay here as you are not going to trip?" she asked staring at me.

"Sure! I just need to get my luggage from Chitra's house." I replied and she immediately hugged me.

****

"Are you waiting for long?" Chitra asked, climbing out of Rohan's car.

"No! I just need my luggage. I will stay at Mehrin's place for a few days." I replied when Rohan too climbed out of his car.

"See? That's why I said I will drop you instead of Kalyan." He said looking at Chitra before glancing at me.

"Are you backing out?" he asked frowning.

"Rohan! You are my friend and you will never do something that will hurt me." I said, smiling and gestured Chitra to unlock the door which she did when Rohan stood in silence.

"Will your parents return late? I wanted to greet them before leaving." I said following Chitra.

"They will be here soon." She said and I said I will wait until they return before leaving.

"Rashmi! Why don't you come with us? Everything is planned and you are backing out now." She said, frowning when I packed my stuff.

"They even booked flight tickets after you left." She added and I stared at her in shock.

"What? After I left in that mood?" I asked and she nodded.

"Yes! They even managed Karthik to come for this trip." She added.

"And he accepted?" I asked in a shocked tone.

"Of course! And you are wrong about something, Rashmi." I turned to see Rohan is standing near her room door.

"What am I wrong about?" I asked him frowning.

"Karthik is closer to me than you. Now, if you back out, he will not come and he will be left alone here to deal with everything here. So..." he trailed off, staring at me.

"He still has that video." Chitra commented and I stared at him more closely to see he is actually worried more than anything.

"Fine! I will come to the airport, but if Karthik is against all this then I am out." I said after thinking for a few minutes.

"What?" Mehrin said when I explained her what happened.

"What if he comes?" she asked and I sighed, walking in Chitra's garden.

"He will not. I know him, Mehrin. He will not do anything like this just to escape the things he has to face." I replied in a confident tone.

"Let's hope so." She mumbled and I cut her call.

I turned to see Chitra waiting and called me for dinner. When I walked towards her, she is smiling at me, to which I frowned at her.

"You really know him very clearly. But will he do something like this for someone close to him?" she asked raising her eyebrow.

"What?" I asked her in a confused tone.

"Who else is there? All this is for his sake and no one else, right?" I asked to which she just shrugged.

Is there something else that is going on other than what I know? I shook my head to clear these new thoughts. I am completely confident in the things I told Mehrin and I will be returning to her house from the airport when Karthik says he will not go along with their plan.