Zoya sat at the lunch table lost in her thoughts. It was the day after their Karva Chaut celebration and Zoya could not seem to focus on any school work. She tried...believe her...she tried....but Aditya kept randomly popping up in her thoughts throughout the day. What was wrong with him!? Zoya thought, he not only teased her last night...he flirted with her!

And what was wrong with her!? She couldn't stop thinking about Aditya. She couldn't deny that Aditya has become someone she considered a good friend. They came a long way from being childhood enemies. He was there for her when she needed someone the most...and Zoya will always be indebted to Aditya for that.

But there was a shift...something has been changing between them. The way Aditya wrapped the sari pallu over her last night...the look in his eyes...it mesmerized her. And what he said to her in their bedroom...'Agar qtil karna ho...toh zara dheere se...' Zoya closed her eyes as goose bumps scattered over her arms.

"Zoya appi?" Zoya opened her eyes as Noor's voice brought her back to the present. Noor stared at her, a concerned look on her face.

Zoya, Noor, Arjun, and Aditya were seated at their usual lunch table. Aditya and Arjun left for college early this morning since they had basketball practice and lunch was the first time Zoya was seeing Aditya since their little moment last night.

Zoya pretended that nothing happened between them...but she did catch Aditya looking at her a few times. The looks were subtle...but they were there. Did he always steal glances at her when people weren't looking? No matter how much Zoya tried to ignore it...she couldn't help but feel butterflies in her stomach.

"Sorry Noor...what where you asking?" Zoya asked, trying to act normal.

"I was asking if you are going to the game tonight." Noor asked, wondering what Zoya was thinking about before she interrupted her.

Zoya looked down, not sure how to respond. The St. Xavier Tigers were playing a basketball game tonight. It wasn't as important as the state championship game...but a friendly tournament between prestigious schools.

But basketball only brought back painful memories. Memories of Yash...watching him play...rooting for him from the bleachers...and the fact that Yash chose basketball over her. Yash...She hasn't thought about him a while...Her heart ached a little at his memory...but it wasn't unbearable.

Aditya held his breath, waiting for Zoya to answer. He wanted her there tonight...he wanted to see her sitting at the bleachers cheering for him.

"I don't think I will Noor...it's just..." Zoya tried to explain, but Noor placed a comforting hand on Zoya's shoulder, completely understanding.

Aditya looked down, disappointed. And this didn't go unnoticed by Arjun and Noor. "Arjun...it's almost time for the team to meet...we should go." Aditya said casually, standing up to leave. Aditya walked away without looking back and Arjun obediently followed, giving Noor a helpless look.

Noor watched Aditya's retreating back and turned to look at Zoya. It was clear that Zoya didn't see the effect her words had on Aditya. Zoya was so lost in her own painful memories that she didn't realize, in doing so, she hurt Aditya.

Noor decided to take matters into her own hands. It was terrible enough to see her older sister go through heart break...she wasn't going to see her older brother suffer from heart break too.

Noor placed a soft hand on Zoya's shoulder. "Appi...come..." Noor encouraged softly.

Before Zoya could protest, Noor continued, "Zoya appi...I know it will bring back painful memories...but you can't let that control your decisions. We just recently got you back and we don't want to lose you...but moving on doesn't mean you avoid what reminds you of Yash." Noor took Zoya's hand and squeezed it, "People who care about you will be there tonight...Pooja...me...Arjun...and Aditya bhaiya..."

Zoya made eye contact with Noor at the mention of Aditya's name. Knowing that her arrow hit the target, Noor continued, "Appi...Aditya bhaiya has been there for you through this whole time...supporting you. He has become the one person that you can rely on the most...especially when Yash fell short..."

Zoya blinked, trying to hold in her tears...it was true...so true. The man she loved with her whole heart fell short. And the man who she despised since childhood...has completely taken her by surprise.

"We all know that Yash isn't a bad person...but he lacked strength when it mattered most. And then there is Aditya bhaiya..." Noor voiced, the thought of her Aditya bhaiya bringing a smile to her youthful face. "Appi...Aditya bhaiya stepped in when you needed someone the most. He knew that you loved another...and that you never liked him, but he looked passed all that and just protected you. He didn't care about what people thought. It didn't matter that you guys always bickered...all he saw was that YOU were hurting. And he didn't hesitate to stand next to you."

"Come tonight Zoya appi...come for Aditya bhaiya.. He deserves that much from you." Noor said, hoping she was pushing Zoya in the right direction.

Zoya's eyes were glossy. Noor's words were ringing in her ears and Zoya felt a tight squeeze in her heart. It wasn't a painful feeling...it was something else. Zoya couldn't understand what that feeling exactly was...but she knew what she had to do. It was true...Aditya did deserve that much. When Noor felt Zoya squeeze her hand back...Noor knew she got through to Zoya.

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

The St. Xavier Tigers made their way to the basketball court as they were announced, one by one. When Aditya was announced, he jogged to the court and high fived a few of his fellow team mates. Aditya ignored the stinging in his chest and tried to place his whole focus on the game. Once the two teams were introduced, the players took their positions for the tip off. Aditya reached his position and focused at the center of the court.

But right that moment, he felt a flutter in his heart. Aditya turned to the audience and his eyes zeroed in on Zoya. She was sitting in the bleachers with Noor and Pooja. Their eyes connected and Zoya gave him a sweet smile. She came...

Aditya's heart swelled and he felt himself falling a little deeper for her. Was he falling in love with Zoya? He didn't know...but what he felt in that moment was far deeper than any crush or simple attraction.

The buzzer sounded as the game kicked off. A St. Xavier Tiger stole the ball and passed it to Aditya. Aditya effortlessly caught it and shot the ball, seeing it swish through the net earning the Tigers their first point of the night. The crowd cheered and Aditya saw Zoya, Noor, and Pooja stand up as well, clapping.

Aditya grinned and pointed at Zoya as he ran back, letting the whole crowd know that this point was dedicated to Zoya Hooda. Zoya's jaw dropped a little at Aditya's gesture and she felt herself blush. The crowd cheered even harder and some people even whistled. Noor and Pooja grinned as Zoya placed a hand over her burning face, but she couldn't help but smile at the charming gesture.

The game continued with the Tigers leading for the most part. It was clear that they were state champions for a reason. There was a moment were the opposing team took the lead. The game was nearing the end of its fourth quarter and they were trying their best to prevent the Tigers from scoring again.

Arjun stole the ball and passed it to Aditya. Zoya and the rest of the crowd cheered as Aditya neared the basket. Completely focused on the game, Zoya cheered for Aditya and encouraged him to score. As if on cue, Aditya jumped and was about to shoot the ball when a member of the opposing team deliberately slammed his shoulder into Aditya, causing Aditya to come down crashing on the hard wooden floor.

"Aditya!" Zoya yelled as the crowd gasped and the referee called a foul. Aditya's face contorted in pain as he held onto his aching shoulder, which took most of the hit. Zoya's heart stopped and everything faded around her. She watched as the referee and a paramedic inspected Aditya's injury. She didn't take her eyes off Aditya. 'Common Aditya...get up...' Zoya prayed. She felt a tight grip in her stomach as Aditya struggled. He rolled his arm, testing his shoulder, and nodded at the paramedic, letting him know that it was ok.

The crowd cheered as Aditya stood up. Zoya didn't realize she was holding her breath. She let it out and felt the grip in her stomach loosen as relief overtook the fear she felt. The intensity of her feelings surprised her. Zoya never thought that seeing Aditya in pain would affect her so. It's like...she stopped breathing for a moment and felt nothing but cold fear. What was happening to her?

Zoya didn't have time to ponder because Aditya stood at the free throw line and scored 2 points, putting the Tigers back in the lead. Aditya covered it well, but Zoya saw that he was in pain. His right shoulder was more stiff that usual. He should sit down...he shouldn't be playing injured. But knowing Aditya Hooda, he always put others first. And true enough, he played till the end of the game ensuring that the Tigers won.

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

When Aditya, Zoya, and Arjun entered Hooda mansion Anjana was the first to greet them, followed by Harshvardhan. She went straight to Aditya, concern on her face. Arjun told her over the phone of Aditya's fall and she has been worried ever since.

"Adi...are you all right? Should I call the doctor?" Anjana asked, placing a caring hand on Aditya's shoulder.

"No maa, I'm ok...really...it was nothing." Aditya replied, playing it off causally.

"Arre what it was nothing? Bhai we can all still hear the ringing from your fall." Arjun said, knowing full well that the fall wasn't as little as Aditya was making it out to be.

Aditya brushed off Arjun. "Maa aap Arjun ke batho ko seriously mat lena...woh over react kar raha hai...mein bikul teek hoon." Aditya reassured.

Anjana looked unconvinced but Harshvardhan stepped in, "Ok...why don't you kids go on up. It's getting late. Aditya...I'll call the doctor tomorrow." Harshvardhan concluded.

"Papa I'm fine...really." Aditya said again. Giving his parents another convincing smile, he made his way to his bedroom with Zoya in tow.

When inside, Aditya dropped his gym bag and pulled on his t-shirt to take it off. He got one side of the t-shirt off, but he struggled to lift his right shoulder. When Aditya tried to remove the t-shirt, a sharp pain shot through and he winced.

Zoya watched Aditya's struggle and debated what she should do. It's not like this would be the first time she would see Aditya shirtless...and he clearly needed help. Seeing Aditya wince in pain again, Zoya lost her inner battle and went to Aditya.

"Let me help." Zoya murmured. Not waiting for Aditya's permission, Zoya reached for his t-shirt and starting maneuvering it over his head. Aditya stilled as he felt Zoya's fingers brush his bare skin. Their eyes met and Zoya tried to focus on the task at hand, trying not to hurt Aditya further.

Despite the pain Aditya was in, neither could deny that the moment was very intimate. Zoya removing Aditya's shirt...though the intent behind it was innocent. Feeling her face turning red, Zoya looked away.

"Ummm...we should put something on that shoulder...I'll be right back...why don't you sit down?" Zoya said, trying to keep her tone casual.

With that said, Zoya entered the bathroom for the first aid kit in search of an ointment for sore muscles. Wearing just his sweat pants, Aditya took a seat on the bed and waited.

When Zoya reentered the bedroom holding an ointment, she stopped when she saw Aditya sitting on the bed. He was leaned forward, elbows resting on his thighs, and his fingers intertwined with each other. Ok...she's seen him shirtless before...she's being ridiculous for feeling so nervous! What was wrong with her!? Zoya mentally kicked herself.

Seeing Zoya hesitate, Aditya got a playful glint in his eye. "Kya hua? Mujhe shirtless dekh kar neeyat karab ho rahi hai kya?" He joked playfully, knowing full well that his comment would make Zoya roll her eyes. But also knowing, that his comment would break the uncomfortable silence between them.

Zoya shook her head at Aditya and sat next to him on the bed. "How is your ego so big?" Zoya asked Aditya the rhetorical question, the playful banter returning between them. Aditya simply chuckled and let Zoya apply the balm on his injured shoulder. When Zoya touched a certain area, she saw Aditya flinch and her heart squeezed in reaction.

"Aditya...neeche jhoot kyun bola? You need to see a doctor..." Zoya said, her hand gently rubbing his shoulder.

Aditya looked at Zoya and smiled, "I will...mein bas...maa aur papa ko pareshaan nahin karna chaata tha..." he replied, honestly.

Zoya's hand stilled on Aditya's shoulder. She stared at him...wondering how a man can be so devilish and so sweet at the same time. "You never cease to amaze me..." Zoya said, more to herself than to Aditya.

Aditya held Zoya's gaze. It would be so easy to kiss her in this moment. He just had to lean in a little bit...and he knew their lips would touch. He didn't, however. Now was not the right time. If Aditya kissed Zoya now, she may regret it later. He had to make sure that Zoya reciprocated his feelings...and only then...he would take their relationship to the next level.

"We...we should go to sleep." Aditya said, breaking the moment and standing up to walk to the couch.

Zoya hesitated for a moment before stopping Aditya, "Aditya..." When she had his attention, the words that left her lips surprised both of them, "Aap bed par soh sakte hai...I don't mind..."

The look that passed between them was electricity. A lot of words could have been said...but the look was enough. Aditya knew that this was a big step for Zoya. Without really saying it, Zoya declared that she trusted him enough to share the bed with him.

Not saying anything, Aditya walked to the bedroom light, switching it off and ushering the room into darkness. Zoya got under the blanket and so did Aditya. The moment should have been very awkward...but it wasn't, much to Zoya's surprise. There was an odd comfort that surrounded them...and it wasn't long before both fell into a peaceful sleep. Late at night, when Aditya unconsciously placed an arm over Zoya's waist and pulled her close, she didn't pull away.