"Preeta, what's the secret behind that smile and why you want my car so suddenly?"

Preeta's friend, Raamya teased her as today Preeta was looking extremely happy and beautiful. She had wore a pink coloured top and skinny jeans. Preeta never leaves her hair untied but today she had not tied them as her childhood best friend, Arjun was coming Delhi to visit her. When Arjun was brutally attacked by Karan that day, Arjun's father was terrified. But after paying Luthras their loan, he was relieved. Arjun had a great interest in Engineering as he won the scholarship and was selected to take admission in a great college in Australia. He had took education loans and worked hard to fulfill his dreams because he didn't wanted to trouble his parents again.

Arjun and Preeta used to talk weekly. They were being great friends just like always. Even being far away, he still used to treat Preeta as her best friend. He used to share everything with her. Preeta was somewhat having a crush on his childhood friend and the encouragement was that she was sure that her parents already like Arjun.

So she will wait for the right time and share this with her parents. She herself wasn't sure if she loves him. She wanted to see if Arjun was the same person or not, then she can push her feelings forward.

Preeta blushed when her friend teased her. She playfully slapped Raamya's arm and started walking towards the parking of the college. Preeta was bunking her two lectures to meet Arjun as she was looking for Raamya's car. When she found it, she quickly reached it and sat inside for leaving while Raamya and Raashi were asking her about this childhood friend.

"Stop it guys, he is just my best friend. He is returning after whole six months. I am going to the Airport to receive him. He is going to stay at my home only."

"Did she said, her home?"

Preeta fake glared at Raashi while the girls started teasing her more making Preeta beetroot red.

"Raamya, I will bring your car tomorrow at college till then, you take my scooty. Is that okay?"

"Now, can I be the spoil sport when you are going to meet your prince charming?"

Preeta blushed and shook her head. She said bye to her friends and finally left the parking lot.

I am so excited to meet him.

_____________

Preeta was standing for fifteen minutes waiting for Arjun to come. When people started coming outside the way, she tried to observe every single boy but didn't find him. She scrunched up her nose in frustration and sighed. She finally looked again at the people when her eyes caught a very handsome face walking towards her.

Her eyes lit up when she saw light brown eyes looking at her only. The tall boy gave her a broad smile and walked enthusiastically towards her. Preeta laughed when Arjun hugged her tightly and whispered.

"I missed you, best friend."

Preeta blushed when she realized, Arjun was hugging her. They pulled away and Preeta replied cheerfully.

"I missed you too, Arjun."

Arjun took a whole minute to take the appearance of Preeta. She was looking so innocent and cool in the pink top and tight jeans. Her hair were brightening the attraction towards her face. Her brown eyes were so lightened up. He smiled unknowingly when he concluded that She is the most beautiful girl.

Preeta raised her eyebrow at him as he cleared his throat and scratched the back of his head.

"Let's go."

Arjun wasn't aware of the things between Karan and Preeta but he knew Preeta was living with her brother to study in Delhi University to complete her education which was a great change for her.

Arjun looked at the car and started putting the suitcases inside while Preeta was looking at him shyly. Arjun must have sensed her gaze but didn't looked at her so she won't get embarrassed.

Both of them were talking just like old days as Preeta was driving the car. After ten minutes of their drive, they got stuck in Delhi's massive traffic. Preeta was really angry as she was worried that Arjun must be very tired.

Great help, God.

She said sarcastically in her mind while Arjun was calling his father to tell him that he had reached Delhi and will stay at Preeta's brother, Naveen's home. Arjun had not told Preeta about his downfall in his disease as his inhaling requirement had increased than before. He knew that Preeta will be upset if she ever find out about this but right now all he wanted was to spend his time peacefully with her.

While two best friends were happy meeting each other after a long time, there was another pair of best friends caught up in another car, at a mere distance from Preeta's car.

_____________

"What the hell? How will we reach Malhotra's office on time?"

Kabir said angrily to the driver while Karan only shook his head and kept on using his phone. He was busying himself in checking his company updates while Kabir was frustrated in anger.

"Who wanted to come Delhi?"

Karan taunted Kabir while Kabir glared at him. Karan was again in his phone so Kabir ignored him and leant back on his seat. He was looking outside the car when his eyes stopped at a familiar face. The side look of the girl sitting in the driver seat was similar to Preeta.

Kabir controlled his guts to tell Karan about this as he again looked at the girl to confirm if it was really her.

And she was.

The traffic light turned green, making all the cars move ahead as Preeta frustratedly drove her car. Kabir was looking here and there thinking if he should take her photo or call Karan's Dad but nothing was suitable to do at that time so he did what he could do less. He learned the car's number and saved it in his phone away from Karan's eyes.

____________

"Welcome back to India, Arjun."

Preeta chirped cheerfully as they both entered the home. Preeta's bhabhi, Shikha welcomed Arjun while her brother, Naveen shook hands. Arjun smiled and greeted little Vivaan while Preeta only smiled dreamily.

During the dinner, Arjun had impressed Naveen by his words and manners. He was really feeling delighted having him home. He thought calmly.

This boy is perfect as a groom for my sister. I should talk about this to Papa.

Being his wife, Shikha had understood what was going in her husband's mind and also she had observed how much friendly Preeta and Arjun were with each other. When Shikha's eyes met with Naveen's, she gently nodded in agreement.

___________

"Thank you, Mr. Malhotra. We are honoured that you have finally agreed to our terms for this deal." Karan said to Mr. Malhotra, confidently.

"Its my pleasure to work with your company, Mr. Luthra. Your father is a very respected and hardworking man and I am really glad to see you working on his footsteps."

Karan smiled at the man and shook hands with him. Both him and Kabir left the office and was returning to their hotel rooms in the car assigned by Mr. Malhotra for their convenience.

When both entered their joined rooms, Kabir said while loosening his tie.

"Well... That old man's secretary was hot. Agree?"

Karan rolled his eyes and started taking out loose clothes from his suitcase.

"You know, Kabir. I am not into girls these days."

"What!!"

Karan immediately realized what he had said as he shook his head and said worriedly.

"I meant I am not interested in that Secretary. Girls these days are not trustworthy."

Kabir stiffened at Karan's words as he knew whom he was referring. He felt himself getting angry at his best friend's craziness.

"From when, do you start trusting girls? Where is the Karan who used to enjoy girls without any tension, without any feeling?"

Karan felt his anger rising at Kabir's words as he glared up at him.

"Don't start it again, Kabir. You already know what's in my mind and what's in my heart?"

Karan whispered the last part which made Kabir more irritated.

"God, I hate that girl. She had not only made you crazy but brainless too. You have changed Karan. Where is my old buddy who never cared for stupid, selfish girls? You know that she had proved herself selfish. She doesn't deserve your love, then why are you mourning over her and stupidly ignoring all other enjoyments in your life."

Karan saw red as Kabir kept on saying those harsh words for Preeta. Karan can merely hear his own insults then how could he tolerate anybody speaking bad about his love, even if its his best friend.

"One more word, and I will make you regret coming with me to Delhi."

Karan growled at Kabir by grabbing his collar. Kabir understood that it was impossible to get that old-player-boy Karan back, so he freed himself from Karan's grip silently and left for his room without any word.

Karan threw away the clothes in anger that he was holding to change into. He sat on the bed holding his head between his hands as he thought deeply.

You have spoiled me, Preeta.

____________