Hello Everyone!✋😄

I'm back with another story and had tried a different approach this time which y'all can guess from the title. I don't wanna blabber a lot so without wasting time, let's just dive into the story.😋

I haven't done any proof reading so there might be some typos. Hopefully y'all will enjoy...

Happy Reading💚

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"The passengers of flight number 56023 have......" the electronic sound of the announcing lady is reverberating in the airport lobby. Finally! finally, I've landed in the Chatrapati Sivaji International Airport Of Mumbai after a long flight of nearly 12 hours. Phewwww!

Yipeeeee!!! I'm now in India. Wohouuuuu!!!! I'm so so so so happy. Eight years, eight years I was away from my land. My country which has given me loads and had conveniently taken away loads as well. Ahh, Anaya not again! Nevermind! Just chill and focus on good things Man. So finally, I'm here and is gonna have a gala time before heading back to Vienna. Oh, I haven't introduced myself yet okay so let's do that first. Hey! I'm Anaya Shekhawat, 30 years old working women settled in Vienna after studying there only. I'm a lively person who tries to live this gift to us humans by the almighty called, Life to the fullest. Like every other person, I've my share of baggage..... Ok, will talk about them later. Ooops I forgot to fetch my Luggage. Shit!! *facepalms* Guys gotta go byeee.

Hmm, at last, I'm in my cab. Ufffff it took nearly an hour to find my luggage at the airport and to find a cab for me as well. It had tired me up more now. Goddddd!!! How am I gonna attend the Wedding and its never-ending functions now? Oh, I hadn't told you yet about my purpose here so here we go: I'm here for the Wedding of my partner's cousin. In short, I'm here for a vacation full of fun for 2 days with my partner. And yeah I'm heading towards the venue now. We will rock!

I lowered down the glass of the window to let some fresh air inside when my cab entered the famous Sea-link road of Mumbai. I always love to do that because the air has some sort of belongingness and motherly love in it. Of course, it is natural to feel like this because I've been away for so long but still I don't intend to come back here ever. Umm maybe some occasions like this might compel me but to come back here for forever will be the most difficult thing to happen in future. Hmm, leave it, Anaya. Enjoy the breeze.

And suddenly my eyes diverted towards the magazines and newspapers tucked in the back pocket of the passenger seat and the most surprising thing which has caught my attention was the headline: 'RAINBOW NATION' on one of the crumpled newspapers. To say I'm shocked would be an understatement. I quickly checked the date and it is a one-year-old newspaper hence describing its crumpled appearance. Heck! It's already a one-year-old decision. How come I didn't notice this development? Ah yes, at that time I was tied to a hospital bed. Nevermind. But it's such a historical decision of the Apex Court to decriminalise Section 377, at least now Love will be free for everyone legally. Though the society will take a lot of years to understand this at least now there won't be any legal repercussions for this. Ummm talking about society and being here in my country that too in this windy atmosphere of the Sea link is hitting me with a wave of memories etched deep inside my being-

The first day of college and I'm here being a proper nervous wreck. I'm anxious about how my first day will be. Okay Buckle up Girl, Let's face it. With that determination, I entered my new campus. I tried to hide from every possible senior but how can God be happy without troubling me. *sighs*

Someone behind my back called me," Hey you! Freshie in Black Tee. Where are you going? Escaping your Seniors? Han?"  That's a girl's voice. I stopped immediately hearing it. That was an orotund voice yet it felt so alluring to me. I turned back slowly to face her, of course with fear and didn't respond anything. She first checked me out from top to button and asked me," Were you escaping from us, Seniors?" And I denied frantically nodding in a No. "Okay! It was pretty much evident by the way, no matter how much you deny... Why are you wearing that Old fashioned Watch on the first day? People generally wear new and branded items on their first day, so why?" she asked me by cocking an eyebrow. My eyes welled up on that question. It was a gift from my late father to my Dadi and she has given my mother to give it to me on a special occasion. It was a precious memory of my Father and I valued it very much. On noticing my glassy eyes she started," Hey! I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you in any way. I'm not a Senior as well, I'm also a Freshie like you. Look I'm sorry. I didn't know that you were already so scared. Lord! What I've done on the first day! I messed up again. Sorry, yaar!" 

I was left dumbstruck on her revelation. What the...? She isn't a Senior? Seriously!? She was fooling me. Shit Anaya! You have managed to make a great mockery on the first day itself. Now for sure, she will make fun of you till the end of your degree. Lord!!! Then I concentrated on what she was saying, "Actually it was a task given to me by the Seniors over there on the playground. Look I didn't know you were already stressed out. Sorry!" by pointing towards them. Oh, thank God it was a task. But soon those Seniors called the two of us and she said to me, "Don't worry! Let's face it together okay! We are in this together."  Although I was a little sad with what had happened, after hearing her I felt confidence creeping in my being and we both headed towards them. They first asked my intro and I tried saying it with confidence. I guess it worked but soon they all burst to a peal of laughter. But to my utter happiness, they ordered us to take a two full round of the playground with hands up as a punishment for her and I was tagged along as it was the so-called first task for me. Thank God! They didn't ask us to do something else. Being from an Army family I was used to some physical exercise which included running, so for me, it was not a big deal. BUT! For that girl, it was indeed a heavy task. Hehehehe. I completed it with much ease but put a facade of exhaustion on my face so that they won't trouble us anymore. The other girl was exhausted to the core that after the completion she just laid herself on the playground and of course the Seniors had a good amount of laugh seeing us yet again. Much to our relief, they let us go from there after that and yes praised us for our courage as well.  :)

Soon we two sped off towards our class without saying anything to each other because we were already late. After reaching there we saw that the class hasn't started yet. Huff! Thanks, Lord! I took a seat on the third bench and surprisingly she sat beside me. I was taken aback and looked upon her with a questioning look. She smiled at me awkwardly and said," Actually I don't know anyone here and you're my first friend here so I thought to sit with you only" by shrugging. I thought to tease her for a bit  after all she troubled me a lot, so I kept a straight face and asked her," Who said that we are friends?" Hearing my words her face fell and she ducked it down. Wait she got hurt? Oops, BLUNDER ALERT!!! I started," Hey! Hey! I didn't mean to hurt you. I was kidding yaar. Of course, we are Friends. I was just...."  but to my shock, she laughed out aloud. Hell!!! Not again!! She fooled me again. Lord!!!! Silly me. Soon I joined her too. 

After a good hearty laugh, we calmed ourselves down. She said," Oops! I haven't introduced myself yet. I know your name already, courtesy: Seniors. So I'll introduce myself. Hey Anaya Shekhawat! It's Ridhi here, Ridhima Kashyap. And nice to meet you, Sorry once again."  and forwarded her hands towards me for a shake. I gladly obliged and said," Nice to meet you too Ridhi. And yes please don't apologise to me after this because friends don't do that" by smiling heartily. But before we could chit chat for some more time the professor arrived and the class started. 

Soon the ended and we bid goodbye to each other, of course after exchanging phone numbers. Days passed and our Fresher's Party was coming closer, we all Freshies were excited about it. By that time I and Ridhi had gelled up well, we were getting close to each other than others though we interacted with others our closeness was exceptional that too in a short period. We both were opposite. She was an extrovert whereas I was an introvert then. She was a bubbly, fun-loving, full of life girl. And I was exactly the opposite then, full of apprehensions and shyness. But when I used to be with her I felt really well, I opened up to her in a short time then. She has become my Best Friend in college. 

The D-day came, the Fresher's Party. We were really excited about it. I was wearing a blue knee-length dress with a light subtle makeup and had already reached earlier. I was getting bored chatting with other classmates because the event hadn't started yet and also my Best Friend had not arrived yet. Lord!!! I thought to kill her right away when she will arrive. Huh! Then suddenly one of the classmate Ritu with whom I was talking exclaimed, "Gosh!!! Ridhi, you're looking damn gorgeous!!!!" and hugged her walking past me. I turned instantly and my breath hitched. She was looking heavenly gorgeous. Damn!!! She's so beautiful! Errrr... Wait why I'm getting so affected by her? Anaya you stupid girl stop thinking rubbish, I chided myself. Then I greeted her and at the same time, our Seniors called us for the event. So, we all headed towards it. 

We had a blast that day, enjoyed a lot and partied hard. Throughout the event, I couldn't resist myself from stealing glances of Ridhi. She was just looking..... Gosh!!! I don't have words. Soon everything ended and we departed. That whole night I couldn't sleep and kept thinking about Ridhi. She was there all the time in my thoughts. I chided myself for thinking rubbish and after sometime sleep engulfed me only to wake me up by my bloody Alarm at 7 AM. Huff!! Anaya new day is here. Let's get going.

I didn't share my thoughts with her and kept them to myself. I didn't want to make things awkward between us. But to my utter disappointment, those things escalated from my being from time to time. I couldn't help it. Ridhi and I had become BFF with passing time. We always spent our whole day with each other gossiping, eating, sharing, caring, laughing, hanging out, etc. We never left each other's side unless it's needed. Our other friends called us ' Do Jism Ek Jaan'( Two bodies, One soul) and we always laughed at it. But deep down I liked it. 

The two and half years of our graduation passed by in a blur and I didn't realise it. Everything was so awesome and by now I knew that I was damn attracted towards Ridhi. Yeah! I like a girl, but to accept this thing in our society is like pushing oneself and your family to hell. I knew this fact but how come I can control my feelings? I was always in a dilemma. I didn't know why it happened to me but one thing that is certain that I don't like boys, yeap I like girls. I didn't know it was love or infatuation but one thing is certain that I'm attracted towards her and I like Ridhima. That's it. But I didn't dare to tell this thing to her or my only family, my Mom. Ridhi and Mom both have noticed the change in my behaviour for sure. At first, they ignored it but after some time they started asking me directly. And I was clueless about what to answer them. They both knew me inside out and also they both gelled up well with each other so they might have discussed with each other before interrogating me one fine day. When they bombarded me with their questions I was taken aback. I didn't want them to know about me so I shut them up by screaming on them," There is nothing to worry about me. It's just the stress of upcoming last year exams and the ongoing Internships. That's it. Please don't interfere in my life. I'm not a Kid whom you two are trying to babysit. I know what's good and bad for me. And yeah I have already told you two individually that there's nothing that is bothering me. For God's sake, I'm an adult. I do know myself more than you two do. So, please leave me alone!!!"  and stormed out of the room leaving them aghast and myself in tears as well. I quickly went to my room and banged closed my door and slumped down on the floor. I cried a lot that day. They kept banging on my door while apologizing as well but neither I opened it nor I answered them back. After sometime Ridhi got a call from her home and left immediately after assuring Mom. Mom tried hard but the stubborn me didn't move a bit.

Next morning, I went to college without meeting Mom and had also decided that I will not face or talk to Ridhi. Both of them tried to make things good by apologizing frequently but I didn't pay any heed to them. A part of me was regretting my actions for hurting my two precious loved ones but the other part which feared their rejection if at all I reveal my truth held me back from facing and answering them. The same routine continued for a few days but on the 7th day, something happened which left me surprised and hurt.

I was heading towards the College canteen that day and as usual, Ridhi was following me apologizing. It was a daily scenario so everyone was aware of the tiff between us though they didn't know the reason, still, it didn't affect anyone. Suddenly, a classmate-cum-friend of ours, Akshay stopped me and Ridhi by asking Ridhi," Why are you wasting your time Ridhi by apologizing to such a heartless person? She calls herself your BFF right and isn't even able to forgive you. Seriously!?" and gave me a disgusting glare. Before I could say anything Ridhi resorted back," Stay out of it Akshay! It's none of your business" and grabbed my shoulder to go away from there. But again Akshay growled back at her," It is my business. Damn it! This girl is making you apologize to her for freaking 6 days. For God's sake, don't you have any Self-respect left, Ridhi? Anaya is being childish here and you're even babysitting her. I can't see you like this. I admire you for your sense of self-respect. Damn!! I Love You, Ridhi. And I can't see you suffering because of this stupid girl."

This thing hit both us as if someone has splashed Coldwater onto our faces. At that instant, I didn't felt anything. I was numb. I glanced at Ridhi and found that she was also equally perplexed by this. And before anyone could react I sprinted off from the scene as fast as I could without glancing back. I ran out of the College campus and unlocked my Scooty hurriedly. Soon drove away from there. All this while the only thing that was ringing around my ear was the words of Akshay and tears started rolling down my cheeks. 'I was being such a Selfish person by dragging both Ridhi and Mom in my tribulations. I was making them suffer for nearly a week whereas the whole problem is with me only. First Papa left me and now my two most two important persons Mom and Ridhi will also leave me. I was making them suffer a lot. For me Ridhi has to put down her self-respect', I thought. 

(Yeap, I was such a person then who questioned herself and always thought that every problem in this earth is happening due to me. I was a super DUMB back then. But I'm not that anymore)

The whole day I locked myself up in my room. I didn't dare to face anyone at that time. I contemplated on being the way I'm. I regretted having an attraction towards her. But at that time I realised it was just my attraction and nothing more else. Yeap I didn't know what made me realise this but it was a fact. Those hours in my room made me realise this. Then I regretted hurting such sweet angels of my life. I was mentally scolding myself in the evening when suddenly something landed on my balcony. I got shocked at first then went to the balcony only to find a note wrapped around a stone. I opened it and read:

" Oye Budhuram! Come to the park now I'm waiting for you. No! I'm not taking any negative answer from you. Just come or else I'll do something...         You know who I'm"

Yeah! I know who it is. Who else other than Ridhi. I sighed and made myself ready to leave. Yes, I was ready to meet her because when she writes something to me and that too in this threatening manner that means only one thing i.e. DANGER! And messing with a Sherni Ridhi is the last thing I wanted to do at that time. I've already messed up a lot due to my stupid feelings but it was the time to set everything right. I don't know from where the courage of facing her came in my being but I was ready to let go all of my apprehension and tension in front of my BFF. So, without thinking much I stormed out of home leaving my Mom screaming behind me and headed towards the nearby park.

It was late in the evening so there were very fewer people in the park. I entered the park and immediately spotted her. She was sitting there on a bench probably fuming with anger. I knew that I'm gonna get an earful. Lord!!! Save me, please! I quickly reached her and silently sat beside her but kept an ample amount of distance between us. We sat there silently for nearly 10 mins. The courage in me vanished in thin air when I saw her fuming with anger. She is fully justified in being angry with me. Then suddenly she dropped the bomb by pushing a thing towards me. She rendered me speechless with that action. Because the thing that she pushed towards me was 'MY DIARY' where I've mentioned all my secrets, yeah of course about her as well. The most dreaded moment is here. I was NUMB and that too for the second time on the same day. 

Ridhi turned towards me when she didn't get any response from me. She asked only a single word, "WHY???" with some much sadness that it brought me out of my trance. But I was still too numb to react let alone to answer anything. When she didn't get any answer yet again, she moved her face away from me and started, "That day when we asked about your behaviour in your home and you shouted on both of us, I found this diary on the side table of the Sofa. At first, I ignored it, perfectly knowing that it will not be good to read that. But when you refused to answer me and aunty, I couldn't resist myself from taking it with me. I know how stubborn you're.... " she chuckled and continued,".....Once you decide something then you'll not back out from it. And that's why I took it from there without aunty's notice."

I had forgotten about it in being angry with them. And didn't notice its absence as well. I then remembered that I had kept it there mistakenly. Wait... Does she know about...? I immediately glanced at her with a questioning look. She replied," YES! I have read that too." And that was the final nail in the coffin. She continued," I have read the whole diary" and sighed then composed herself. I had a mixed feeling about this then: embarrassment, the guilt of hiding so many things, fears about her and Mom's reaction and happiness on the fact that now at least I'll be open to them irrespective of their reaction to it. I felt lighter to some extent but wasn't sure that will they be able to accept me? Will they disown me? If ever the situation will come back to what it used to be? There was a lot of uncertainty and questions in my mind. I couldn't help but ponder upon these sitting there. A long deadpan silence was prevailing around us, and I didn't have any courage to break it. I was lost at that time.

After a long silence, she broke it. "You know Anaya, everyone has there own set of secrets buried deep down in there hearts in this world. Like you. And I have too." she sighed and composed herself as if she's gonna drop some bomb on me and exactly that happened when she started again," I was sexually abused when I was 13 years old".  Hearing that I felt as if the earth beneath my leg vanished. I was left aghast by this revelation. I couldn't think anything else other than to comfort my friend and reached towards her to hug her but.... she said," No! Don't". And I  hesitated but obeyed her. She had a steely and determined expression on her face.  She continued again," It was....it was.....myTeacher. He abused me in school and as well as in my own home as he was also my tutor. After doing those he always threatened me saying if I will tell my parents then he won't give me marks and many more shitty things. It used to pain a lot. I even started avoiding everyone. I felt disgusted on my self. I used to find excuses to not attend school and tuitions but he always managed to have what he wanted. One day I don't know how but my Mom found out about it. Immediately she told this to Papa and he stopped my stations. Still, I used to feel depressed. But my parents became my strength they said to me it wasn't my fault, I wasn't responsible for it and they don't hate me for this. Still, I used to feel worthless. My parents taught me that many things happen in life, some things are good and some are bad, still happens. We just need to identify if it has done any good or bad thing to us. Good things make us happy but bad things make us strong. It gives us the strength to fight back no matter what happens. No one is worthless. Everyone has their own set of challenges. The most important thing is how the individual takes it if he is willing to fight for any wrong meted on him or just get himself surrendered to his fears. And I chose to fight back. I decided to get out of my insecurities and fears. After some time I got to know that he was arrested on charges of sexual harassment. The police asked my parents for their permission to record my statement as a witness, my mother hesitated at first but my father glanced towards me and asked me if I wanted to do it. I made myself strong and assured them that I wanted to do it. By seeing my determination, my parents permitted. I gave my statement and even testified against him in the court. He got convicted. I fought back and made my parents proud. I had not only fought with him but also fought back my fear and insecurities" she completed with glassy eyes but pride was there in her eyes on herself. I couldn't help but admired her for her strength and determination. 

She glanced at me and said," I know you are also in a somewhat similar situation, you have succumbed yourself to your fears and insecurities. But remember you have just discovered that you're different from us. And being different isn't a sin that you are hiding from us. Unlike my case, where things were bad yours are pretty good. You're just different from others but still as human as others. And yes, getting attracted to the same gender isn't wrong. It is as okay as the opposite genders get attracted to each other. I'm not angry on you for being attracted towards me, yes it's awkward for me but I don't despise you for this. But you know its just infatuation and I'm sure there will be someone made for you by God. And I'm definitely not the one. And about Aunty, she will understand you for sure because as much as I have got to know about her she will always be there for her princess. Maybe it will be surprising for her but at last, she will understand you. We are not gonna leave you yaar". Hearing her I just embraced her immediately and all the dams of my feeling broke out in form of tears. She accepted me wholeheartedly yes, she accepted. I felt so happy that I couldn't control my tears. She gently patted my head and comforted me.

 After some time when my tears died down, she pulled away and wiped my tear stricken face and started," I'm with you and Aunty always. And about society, saying who cares is easy but dealing with them is difficult and I know that. Even the law of this country isn't with the community yet, thanks to Section 377 of IPC. And making the society understand us without the support of the law in this country is difficult. Waiting for the change will also curb your freedom. So I have thought a lot about how to cope with this and had got a solution as well. I don't want to decide on your behalf, it will be your call only. But just consider my words. You wanted to go abroad for studies na but aunty was against it. I'll convince her, don't worry. I have even applied to some universities and I think some of them will surely call you up. Just think about it, I'll take care of everything else. Being here will not give you the freedom of being yourself. And I don't want to see you succumb into your fears. Please think about it". I know she is telling this to help me out but I have a lot of apprehension about it. Still, I have faith in her for she knows me inside out. I just nodded and joined my hands in front of her saying," I'm sorry Ridhi! I caused you and Mom a lot of pain and trouble. I behaved so badly with you. Please forgive me. Please!" she stopped me by nodding her head in a no, pulling away from my joined hands and engulfed me in a hug. I again started," I will do as you say. After exams, if at all any university calls me then I'll go but please convince my Mom. I know how toxic it will be for me if I will remain here. Thank you yaar! Thank you so much for forgiving me and understanding as well. I don't know what I have done to get you. I know we will part our ways if at all things go by as we have planned. But still, you will always be my BFF. I'll miss you yaar". She responded," I'll miss you too Pagal!" and we both cried harder.

After that day everything went by as we have planned. Ridhi got successful in making Mom understand and she accepted me similarly like Ridhi without any condition. My fears got proved wrong, they accepted me wholeheartedly. I was over the moon on those days. And as expected I got a call from the University of Vienna, Austria right after our exams were over. All of us were so happy. But still parting away from my BFF was difficult. Immediately within two days of our convocation ceremony, I flew away to Vienna with Mom to join the university. While bidding goodbye to Ridhi we all were so emotional. Still, there was a smile on both of our faces. That face still lingers in my mind...

The car came to a screeching halt and the driver said," Madam, We have reached your destination" bringing me back out of my memories. Oh, how I wish to meet Ridhi as I'm back in town but I don't even know where's she now because after my departure we lost contact and I have no idea about her whereabouts. I sighed and looked out of the window to find the wedding venue i.e. a five-star hotel for the wedding. I quickly got out of the cab, paid the driver and got into the hotel with my luggage. I saw the signboard signifying I'm at the right place but couldn't find my partner there. 

Suddenly someone back hugged me and a sweet lavender perfume hit me, I instantly knew who it was. I cleared my voice and said in a stern voice," I expected you here but you were busy somewhere else I guess". The person behind me giggled while saying," Anu!!! Now stop pretending yaar, I know you more than you know yourself. Okay! So don't act at least in front of me" and flipped me back only to show me the face which I was yearning to see from last 15 days. Yes, she is my partner, MY LIFE PARTNER, MY SAMANTHA. And then we engulfed each other in a bone-crushing hug full of love. " I missed you so much" "I missed you so much", we both said it at the same time while hugging each other then laughed out aloud and pulled away. She instantly ordered the hotel staff to bring my luggage to my room and we both headed towards that. Yes, I found my home in Samantha, she is the love of my life. We met each other at Vienna while studying, fell in love and are now together. My Mom used to love her more than me, yes 'used to' because two years back she left me and joined Papa in the peaceful abode. *sighs* She loved Samantha and accepted us wholeheartedly. About Samantha's family, they are open-minded as they were settled in Vienna long ago. They accepted us and also treat me as a family member. Hence, I'm here to attend their family function with them. Back there in Vienna, I and Samantha live separately after the demise of my mother. She has supported me through all the ups and downs of life. We have been together for nearly seven years now and are very much happy with each other. We cherish what we have between us and will continue to do that. I guess this is what Ridhi had told me back then about the One made for me. I'm sure that it's Samantha. I was brought back from my thoughts by her when she said," I have a surprise for but will give that to you before or in the wedding" and kissed my cheeks. I gave her a questioning look and she just blinked and left the room by saying, " I have lots of stuff to do, get some rest for now and be there on time for the functions. Bubye!" She is a silly girl but I love her these antics yaar.

After that, I freshened up and rested a bit. Later in the evening, I joined the function. I was in a lavender coloured Lehenga selected by Sam as it was the Sangeet night. And my Sam was looking heavenly gorgeous in a pastel green lehenga that I couldn't take my eyes off her. Yup, she also complimented me... Ummm I won't say that to you readers ;) We all danced a lot and enjoyed the fullest. After so many days I was so happy because of various reasons: about India being a Rainbow nation now, meeting Sam after 15days, being back in my country and of course the Wedding vibe. But still, in a corner of my heart, I want to meet Ridhi to thank her. Alas! It is not possible. The next day went away in a hurry because of the wedding preparations, I and Sam got to breathe when we retired to our rooms to get dressed. I didn't take much time and dressed me up in a blue-golden sequined Saree with elegant makeup. I'm very excited about the surprise and went to the lawn where the wedding is going to be held. 

The big fat Indian wedding is being held in its full vigour, the bars are already opened, aunties are busy gossiping, uncles are busy gulping down drinks, children were playing, youngsters are either busy flirting or running errands and the hosts were busy attending everyone. I reached out to Mumma, of course, Sam's Mom to ask about Sam's whereabouts and she told me she doesn't know about it. I'm disappointed now, where the hell is this girl and where's my so-called surprise. Urghhhhhh...

Just then someone said that the Baraat has arrived. And everyone started to go towards the gate to welcome the Baraat leaving few people like me. Mumma called me but I declined. I'm pissed off right now and I will not go there. Huff... Sam where are you are? Urghhh...

Suddenly I felt someone's presence behind me and instantly turned around to find a pretty sight in front of me. My Sam is here at last in a stunning shimmery pink Saree which I have chosen for her and it suited her pretty awesome. And that is a sight to behold. She is equally impressed by seeing me in her selected outfit. She came towards me, hugged me while whispering in my ear," You're looking gorgeous babe" and I replied," But not more than you". We pulled away and she winked at me saying," So, ready for the surprise?" with a joyous tone as if she is gonna give me the most fabulous surprise of my life. Hahaha, I laughed mentally on her cuteness and replied, " Yeap I'm super excited but you are the one who is taking forever to give me that surprise. Now come on!" She laughed at my cribbing and just simply gestured me to look towards my left using her hand in a Clown's style. Immediately I turned to that side only to witness the biggest shock and indeed the fabulous surprise of my life. Unknowingly, tears started rolling down my cheeks. 

There she was my BFF Ridhima, oh how much I missed her. At last, she is in front of me now. Yes, Sam knew everything about Ridhi and had planned such a beautiful surprise for me. I'm the luckiest one to have such wonderful people in my life like Mom, Ridhi and now Samantha. I ran towards Ridhi and engulfed him in a warm embrace. Tears started rolling down her cheeks as well, we are meeting each other after so long. I pulled away just to take a full view of her and got awestruck by the glow on her face because she is PREGNANT! I exclaimed," RIDHI!!!" while placing my hands on her stomach and she nodded her head vigorously and smiled through her tear stricken face. I again hugged her but this time carefully owing to her condition. By that time Sam has come by our side with a man, we pulled away and I started to introduce Sam to Ridhi when she beat me by saying," I know her Anaya! I know her. We have already met each other. Thanks to this wedding and most importantly Samantha that I again got back my BFF. Anyways, meet Rishabh, my husband." by indicating to the man beside Sam. We exchanged pleasantries and we all got settled down at a place. I and Ridhi started talking a lot and by seeing us our partners are in all smiles. Sam soon left because she was required at the Mandap, I also got up to accompany her but she denied me and said through her eyes to be with Ridhi. She is a gem and I love her. Soon Rishabh also left to get some refreshment for Ridhi and we again started talking. I got to know that it was Rishabh's cousin's marriage and they reached here first owing to Ridhi's condition. She is working in a MNC now as a legal advisor and is currently on a leave. Her husband is a reputed High Court Advocate who has been involved in the historical decision of SC to decriminalise Section 377 as well. I know from where he must have got the inspiration , of course from my super women Ridhima. Its a love marriage with abundant love. Ridhi have recently completed her 2nd trimester and the couple is pretty much excited about it. I can see there is so much love between them, and she had moved on from her past, also Rishabh was taking so much care of her. They look great together. She asked me about Mom and I told her that she is no more, she got sad but I immediately changed the topic. She also asked me about Sam and I told her all about us while constantly admiring Sam from far. She must have felt so happy by seeing me settled down because she said," The things about which I have told you back then is this thing Anaya. And I can see those steps of yours have been so much fruitful for you. I'm glad to see you so happy". I immediately stopped her and said," Hey! It wasn't me who have made things this way, It was you who gave me the courage to fight back my fears and insecurities. It was you who helped me and I owe you a lot." by holding her hands in gratitude. She said," Okay now enough of this senti things. We have met after so long,  won't you share anything with me... hmm?" while eyeing towards Sam and then winking at me. I blushed really hard and said," Stop yaar! I can also ask you that as you are pretty much fast na" while eyeing towards her stomach; and we both burst into a peal of laughter. We enjoyed talking with each other after so long as we used to do in old times. Thanks to Sam for giving me my BFF back and thanks to Ridhi to help me discover myself. WOMEN ROCKS!!!!

It was an infatuation which paved the pathway for me to discover myself. And as India is a Rainbow nation now, I guess I may return to my land with Sam by my side. Lets's see what is kept there in the future for me...

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6914  Words. Phewwwww!!!!😅

So, how's it?😲🤔

It took me a lot of thinking and time to churn out this story from my brain as it's a different approach. Writing is really tough yaar. Huff! Hats off to all the writers who do this so flawlessly. If I have made some mistakes then please pardon me. I intended to just normalise the things related to this. I have written something like this for the first time. And as y'all know I'm a beginner. So...

I hope you all will like it. If yes, then please don't forget to vote and comment as well. I will love to read your thoughts and views on this. Inline comments are most welcome! I'm a beginner so any kind of advice from seniors and juniors is also most welcome. 🤗

For more stories like this, please add this book to your reading list. And if possible please promote this on your announcement section, only if you liked this. No compulsion but please at least vote. I'll be very much grateful to you all for this. I'll try to come up with a new story of INFATUATION soon...😊

Till then bubyeee...

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~Signing off: Akankshya~
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