The ball at once soared high only to fall exactly into the hoop and bounce back to her. Years of practice and zeal is the reason behind the precision.

3'O clock at noon, when the campus is absorbed in lectures, she dribbled the ball again moving from one end of the long court to the other, sweat dripping her forehead and neck yet there's not an ounce of exhaustion or drop in the force.

Basket ball is her fervour. She learned it from her dad then went on to take coaching from the best coaches. Her deep interest and hardwork made her a national player. But, it is just one of her feathers in the hat, a stress burster.

Her long hair tied up in a net, a cargo jacket tied against her waist, the luxe sports wear of tee and leggings made her look like a pro.

And the ball fell into the hoop again. She didn't remember the number of times it did but whenever she scored she felt like a flicker of confusion leaving her.

Well..looks like she won't stop soon.

-

A while later, her dribbling abruptly stopped by someone who took away the ball. Seriously, she looked up to see who disturbed her focus, who could it be? None other than her bestfriend.

Nandana fake smiles.

"Hello. Are you planning to sleep here tonight?"

Teja let's out a breath, "Two more."

Her friend nods in No, "You are time passing here since morning. So, throw your extra throws in that hoop and come with me. It's time we go"

She sighs, the tiredness, hunger and the heat getting into her skin. She reached the court as the lunch break began, skipping the food as she could not concentrate on the sessions. The last night episode running in her mind, zoning her out.

Giving her a nod, she went to the sports centre for a dress change and came back with her sling bag across the shoulders.

Teja and Nandana walk out of the centre, the former rubbing her temples. She's famished and tired.

"Nandu, .."

Teja stopped as her gaze fell on Adhvik, standing near his sturdy and classy XUV, in conversation with the Chairman. He doesn't like to bring luxury vehicles inside the University to maintain a low profile and also decorum. Their talk seemed to be at the end as the Chairman  shook his hand and took his leave.

Before anything, Nandu sprinted to her brother, noticing him.

Teja leaves a vexed breath.

She didn't understand whether to feel happy for her bestfriend or sad for herself or just sleep shutting the world. She wanted to tell her that today she would stay in their dorm but clearly that went down the drain.
She should have come out of the court quickly or she should have just messaged her, she should have....ugh, he saw her!

Adhvik hugged his sister with utmost care, reserved only for his dear ones. Instantly, he gazed ahead, confident that she would be there around. And how right he is!

Even through the pitch black aviators, she could feel his hazels complying her.

Whining & stomping her leg, she strides to them with a visibly irritated face.

An angry, young, starved girl is dangerous.

She is greeted by a gentle nod from Adhvik & Nandu, well she's lightening like a lamp.

They settled in the XUV, his sister on the passenger seat, Teja at backside.

As soon as he got inside, the first thing he did is to adjust the automated rare view mirror. It's an involuntary action from his part, which he noticed just now.

He looks straight into the mirror which reflects her on the backseat.

His lips curve out fondly as realization seeps in.

From childhood, he always adjusted  the rearview mirror whenever she's in the car to keep an eye on her, not because of her mischievous acts but for her comfort and safety. First, because she used to stand upon the seats and lean on the mirror, for which he made sure the vehicle they used for the girls had double lock system & the doors are heavy. Later, she would fall asleep so he instructed the vehicle designers to just keep 2 seats on the front, & put a play area in the back with a bed, mini fridge & etc.

As they grew up, all the vehicles had the convertible beds, food stacks.

They reached the Villa with Nandu chattering about the day and her looking out the window.

Nandu thanks her brother before going towards her room but halts by Adhvik.

Without hesitation, he looks at Teja in the eye & softly tells, " Freshen up and meet me in the drawing room."

Nandana frowns, where are they going without her.

"Kaha ja rahe ho Bhai?", she queries generally. Of course, they can go but Teja didn't tell her anything like that.

While, Teja here is dreaded. Not even in her dreams did she think about this possibility, Adhvik revealing to his sister.

"I am taking her out for the evening", his answer is simple and laidback. He wanted his sister to know about them.

Nandana frowns, her uncertain gaze shifting from Adhvik to Teja, "Huh? Par..aap kyun leke ja rahe ho?"

"Mein hi leke jaunga", he fondly tells, his eyes on her, "Because I am her Man", he declares it in a beat making Teja's heartbeat stop.

Smiling at Nandu, he leaves them to get ready for their outing.

First, Nandana was baffled at his firm tone and his tender gaze, next, what stunned her was his statement, finally, that was all meant for her bestfriend hit her like a tons of bricks.

Teja's position was no better. She was  electrocuted.

She peeked at Nandana, her bewildered form made her tremble.

"Na...nan...Nandu", even her voice couldn't come out of the shock.

Her friend didn't respond, gulping she nudged her making her look at her.

There's sweat on her face, just like her.

"Nan..Nandu tha..that's not true. Wo aisa nai hein" though she started off brave but her voice turned meek and fragile. What is she supposed to do?

All of this is abrupt and unwanted. She didn't expect him to reveal to his sister. Why did he even tell his sister? Before that, she needs to clarify with Nandu and when she looked at her again, she was rooted to her spot like a stone.

"Is..is it true?", Nandu asked her very slowly.

Teja replied in the same way, desperate to tell her what has been happening from the beginning, "No"

And all of a sudden, Nandana shouted loudly that she had to shut her ears & then she fell down with a weight on her.

When she opened her eyes, it's Nandana who's on her, actually hugging her tightly.

On top of it, she is shouting and laughing too right in her ears.

"Oh my god..oh my god ..ahh .. I can't..i can't..woahh.. I can't believe...yay"

10 minutes later, she managed to get her off and sit down on the floor, panting. She checked her ears for any bleeding.. thankfully her eardrums are strong.

Even Nandana was panting except for the big smile. Minutes ago, the girl who looked like a rusty nail is now glowing like a Rainbow.

Nandana again went to hug her but stopped with her look.

"Oh god!", seems like her happiness knew no bounds.

"Why didn't you tell me?", Nandu threw her bag at her still smiling & breathing heavily.

"There's nothing like that Nandu. He just told me yesterday to go with him."

Her bestfriend eyes widened, " This is your first outing then?"

Before she even responded, Nandu hurriedly stood up and made her stand up too.

"Chal. Hamara pass time nai hein. Bhai abhi aayega. Chal thu..we have lot of things to do. This is your first dinner. Aur hamne kuch nai kiya. Chal yahi baithoge kya? You should look so pretty. I will make you look like one. Chal ..."

She dragged her to their room and pushed her inside washroom all the way blabbering and hurrying about the dress, colors, places etc etc.

Teja was on the fence.

She have to clear her mind first so quickly took a fresh bath and as soon as she came out, something struck her face which is a dress.

An amethyst velvety top with mild stone work on the borders, straight pants and duppatta. It is delicate and intricate just like her.

Ok, Nandana has a good choice, ofcourse she has. That's why she made her as bestfriend, Teja sighed not minding the throw on her face.

She changed, her friend made her sit on the tefted bench in the walk in closet not even before mirror and started doing her hair.

Teja just sat like a pretty doll, letting her do whatever she liked. Because her friend  would not listen even to the prime minister at this point of time.

15 minutes later, she was made to stand before the wall long vanity mirror.

Her face has a moisturizer and rose powder, kajal to her eyes, and sparkling lip gloss to her lips, her hair in a half French braid. She looked like a freshly blossomed orchid.

"Itna mat dekho. Achi hi lag rahi ho. Come..Bhai wait kar rahe honge and after coming back you have to tell me everything. Matlab sab kuch. Chupa rustam nikli thu.."

Nandu couldn't stop gushing as her brain slowly came out of the shock and started absorbing the facts. She rushed to take her out but Teja stopped holding her arms,

"Nandu, wait! Take a breath."

The enthusiasm Nandana felt calmed down at her friend's firmness.

Teja closed her eyes, she needs to tell her. She opened her beautiful lids, a besought gaze in them,

"This is not what you think it is Nandu. It is not mutual. I don't even know what is he upto or what he has in his mind. Actually, I don't want to know and I don't want any of this Cadbury. Mujhe nai chahiye. Don't keep any hopes."

Though her voice is pleasing and gentle but the weight it held is strong and the assertion s are even stronger.She doesn't want her bestfriend to be disappointed nor she want to get involved. It's a tangle and she will clear it today.

Nandana knows her like the back of her hand. If Teja doesn't like something  , she doesn't like it. That's all. There will be no confusion or no second thoughts. It's either black or white. No grey.

Just like her brother. He is a man of virtues and morals. Clarity on what he wants and courage to achieve them, he has it all. If he likes something, he likes it. Period. Nothing or none can change it.

And that gave her the positivity as she smiles at Teja, enjoining their palms, "I don't have to tell you about Bhai. Wo aise hi kuch bhi nai boltha. Right now, you might be overwhelmed, but don't be."

Before Teja could respond, she tightens her hold, "I am happy only when you are happy Bunny. If you are not, then I will make you happy. Just be you are and see how it turns out to be. Hm?"

Teja felt relieved at her friend's assurances. They are born besties and are there for each other through thick and thin. She tightly hugged her in relief.

Nandana lightens the situation, keeping her hand on Teja's head,

"Balika mein apni sari shaktiyan thumhe de rahi hu. Jao mere bhai ko jeethke aao"

Teja narrow her eyes at her, coming out of the hug, "Ji bilkul nai. Apni Karn ko apni pass rakho. Hame nai chahiye"

Nandana retorts, "Arey Tejasswi ke bina Karn kaise roshan karega?"

"Waise hi jaise ab tak Roshan karthe the"

"Ab tak tho thu bhi hein unke saath"

That earns a smack and a glare from her bestfriend.

Laughing, Nandana takes her out to the drawing lounge. Just then even Adhvik comes out rolling his sleeves, when his eyes fell on her, a small appreciative smile steals his lips.

He's is in a sugary pink shirt half tucked inside blue jeans, prada shows and a Richard Mille watch to his left and a red sacred thread on his right wrist.

Nandu jogs to her brother, "So good Bhai!"

She hugs him overjoyed. When he glances at Teja, she doesn't even spare him a sight.

"Chalo aapko late hojayega."

Nodding, Teja leaves first, Adhvik kisses his sister's hair before walking out. Ben received his single glance while passing him that has all the instructions and measures.

_

When Teja is at the foyer, what she saw was a vehicle proudly sitting like a Lion. Majestic and Imperial. It did not have to roar, just a mere sight of it sends tremors.

Her eyes widened in pure surprise instantly recognising the ownership. It is Adhvik's car. Precisely, his self designed personal vehicle, no one in the world possess or could even do. An exclusive edition just for him.

The Rolls Royce Admirari!

Just then, a click is heard and the front door is raised like a wing.

She turned back to see Adhvik having the key in his hand, staring at her.

Sending him a stern look, she ambles to the car and perches in with sheer elegance but does not close the door. Well, the one who opens the door must close it, right?

His gaze smiled at the sight.

He, with unmatched fineness and ease, walked to her side, put the end of her duppatta on her lap and closed the door. Veering around he got onto his seat across the steering. It is a self drive vehicle but he chose to maneuver the wheels.

"Why did you tell her about this?", she couldn't stop her annoyance for another minute, though her voice is low.

He turned to her, his face oozing honesty,

"She must know it"

"There's nothing to know", she asserted in a whisper, her gaze away from him.

Moment later, he spoke, "Then let's make something"

That made her turn to him only to get a wink in addition.

Her eyes widened as he so coolly brought the engine to life, maneuvering the wheels in style.

Ah! Her head is aching.

There's a lot she's annoyed at which weighed her mind.She wanted to finish this once for all. She did not want any of it, she's gonna clear it today.

_

His hazel eyes gleamed.

The journey with her is virtuous.

He peeked to see her napping across the window. She looked tired. Maybe she didn't have enough sleep at night. Exams and him might have drained her energy.

He opened his glass, the cool air gushed in.

When he glanced at the rearview mirror, his gaze smiled at himself. Now, he didn't have to look back, she's there just beside him, laying down peacefully. Beside her, is his safe heaven.

Back seat is just a door away from front but
it took 20 years to make her cross the barrier and claim her place beside him. Then or now, this is just hers. Her's alone.

As the sun begins to set casting an orange glow on the valley, a small smile steals his lips looking at the country side.

-

She woke up slowly, her peacock eyes taking their time to open. It was a much needed reinvigorating nap.

When she is completely awake, she noticed that she's still in the car and it was halted. Also, Adhvik is not with her.

Refreshed, she comes out looking around. Adhvik stood a few feet away from the car, on a platform, his sight afront, his hands in the pockets as if he's taking it in all. He heard the door close but did not turn back.

With a curious frown, she trodded to him. The place was joyously calm but she could hear a profound flowing sound. It was more and more clear as she neared him.

And when stood beside, she saw water flowing down, precisely a magnanimous river gushing along with no intention of being calm.

Where were they?

She questioned him with her frown and his reply was guess it yourself with a shrug.

Faint profound bells began ringing, as her eyes wandered, she caught sight of people on the opposite shore holding huge lamps, lightening them.

That instance, it clicked.

She quickly assessed her surroundings coming to a conclusion...they are at Rishikesh Ganga Ghat and Ganga Arti is going to happen.

A huge smile steals her lips.

But she also noticed they are only two of them unlike on the opposite shore. This place was like hidden, clean and private.

A look at him and she understood it was just for them. And she liked it. A lot, to be honest.

At this point of time, a peaceful moment is what she needed and Adhvik is all set to give her that.

She looked at him with a spark in her eyes,  he didn't look at her but his lips surely curled a bit.

Savoring the sight ahead, she quickly descended the stairs, when she was at the last step she saw an Arthi thali with diyas, flowers and incense sticks.

She smiled.

Adhvik liked the scene a little too much. Her confusion, her surprised eyes, her beautiful smile, her eagerness and her happiness. He stared at her with utmost interest.

She veered to him, he was on the platform staring at her. She wanted him to come down so that they could clean themselves and he heard her silent wish.

On the banks of the mighty Ganga, she stood there in delicate colors, her fairy face with the stone bindi dazzled, the wind made few hairs dance on her cheeks, even the setting Sun helped in accentuating her glow, his hazel eyes clicked the picture storing it in his heart.

He began descending the stairs locking his eyes with her.

As soon as he came down, she bends down and puts her palms in the sacred river, tranquility touched her. The headache, tiredness leaving her in a second. With a pretty smile, she took her time cleaning her legs, arms and face.

This sacred waters has something in it, an indescribable calmness and insurgeble fury , a reminder that they are mere humans and there is a sovereign power above everyone.

He did it all with her.

Just then another bell rang followed by prayers.

Resting on the stairs, both of them heard the chants and the prayers with utmost faith, the World left behind.

At the end, Teja took the silver plate, lightened the Diya and did the Arthi. She was happy.

She offered the Arthi to Adhvik, he took the wishful air and stood like that. She frowned because he is not putting the Tilak then it striked her, in his household, women puts the Tilak on men, wishing their safety and victory.

With a narrowed eyes, she puts the Vibhuti on his forehead but she wished all the best things for him.

Completing, she again settled on the step breathing in the holy air with Adhvik settling on a lower step when she heard a buzzing sound followed by a drone flying towards them.

It brought a basket taken by Adhvik.

"Have a cloudy evening sir", the AI said in a kiddy robotic voice making her chuckle.

"Greet her", Adhvik told checking the insides of the basket.

It then flew before her, "Good Evening Mam"

Teja laughed, "Good evening kiddo"

"You are mistaken mam. I am not a kiddo but a drone"

She chuckled. She did not know why but this seemed so funny to her.

"Ok kiddo drone. What did you bring for us?"

"I only deliver. I do not peek" , it stated the rule number one of its instructions. And Teja was impressed,

"Even, we humans, don't have such ethics"

"That's why we were made", it countered with pride.

Teja heartily laughed.

"You should not speak much with the customers.", Adhvik reminded. They are planning to launch drone deliveries soon in India, hence, he tested it himself, though it spoke a bit much, the delivery is right at the time.

"Point noted, Sir"

"You may go"

"Bye Sir, Bye Mam. Have a great evening"

And it flew away. Teja waved her hand as she saw it flying freely in the vast sky.

Adhvik had put the basket beside her.

Casting a curious look to him, she opened the lid, 3 boxes and cutlery greeted her. Taking out the boxes, she opened the lid and she's a goner.

A low excited shriek left her.

It's her favourite favourite Pav Bhaji and just by the smell of it, she could say it is made by Brinda. It surprised her that the food is fresh and hot like it was just took out from the pan.

Why not? Adhvik had a special drone come to doon just for this low shriek of her.

She quickly served them, salivating and anticipating the flavor and when she took the first bite, she is right.

Delicious is a small word.

It was just just...she doesn't know what to say.

The second bite intensified her hunger.

She savored every bite licking her fingers, not even wasting a single crumbs of bread.

Her heart and stomach content.

_

Darkness fell over as a blanket, faint sounds of horns & chatters came with it, the World is busy as they enjoy the quietude in the chaos.

That moment, she felt like herself not burdened or upset. Just a cheerful and content girl.

And what made her cheer up?

She looked at him.

It is joyful because she stopped thinking and focused on the peace and the food. She lived in the present moment not distressing about the future.

If she's herself, will everyday would be like today? With him? Living life as it is..is it possible?

The answer to it laid right before her eyes. Gazing at her. Vowing through his silence.

But is it possible? Is this momentary? Would everyday would be like this few hours? Is this even right?

The questions didn't bother her much but the uneasiness they brought could not be overlooked.

As she turned her head, there were the noble waters carving their path from the skies to the sphere.

Standing up, she treaded to the ferocious stream, herself echoing with the chaos of the stream, her eyes closed.

She puts her hands inside the sacred river feeling the holiness to the bones when she caught hold of something. She pulled it to see it's the...Rudraksha chain.

"Kiska hein yeh?", she thought clueless. There was noone on their shore then whose it? She again looked at the chain carefully to see it was a plain one without a locket or anything.

Why did she find it now? Is it any sign?

More than the idolatry, Teja believes in nature. She sees the divine force in natural psyche. It is her immense belief that God communicates with you through nature. Her surroundings tells her about the choices. He tells you in the beginning itself if you are making a right choice or not. If it was meant for you or not. One has to look into it clearly. It's the nature which gives you, your answers.

Now, she's at the crossroads and her finding the Shiva's beloved seal made her think, Is the nature telling her something?

When she heard his voice, "Come back. We are leaving."

She noticed that the water level has been increased as her feet are soaked.

Giving him a slight nod, she got out of the waters thanking for one last time to the sacred river and returned to the car, their journey began to the Doon.

All the way she is quiet, the Rudraksha tight in her hold.

The car halted but no one moved,

"What if it is not right?", she asked quietly, lost in a daze.

He took his time, toning his rugged voice  to a pleasant one.

"Right or wrong, everything is with you",  his assertive gaze met her, tone smooth & certain like a honey coated sword, " Because the fate is already written", she heard the next words his eyes are screaming, "To you"

He completes, his Rudraksha chain peeking through his shirt.

In the bare light, with his divine chain and those self possessed hazel eyes, his aura seemed seraphic and fierce.

Teja was speechless. He was head on, unswerving, not trying to conceal his intentions like he knew what he was getting into and there is no going back.

How can he be certain?

She couldn't stay a minute more and immediately got down from the roaring vehicle. He dropped her near the dorms as she looked like she could use some space  and if he took her to the villa, his sister would be curious, given her state, she would not be able to handle it.

The cold air didn't flinch her as she treaded on the asphalt reminiscing the evening and the person behind it.

_

Picture abhi baki hein Mera dosth...

Hello again.

A long chapter!