The crowd was in a frenzy and the air crackled with energy. 

Deepani and I stood near the stage cheering our boys on. Yug gave us a little wave, Shreyas smiled at us and Angad sent me a flying kiss. I pretended to catch it and laughed. 

That's just the kind of goofy stuff you do together as a couple. 

We were at the Grand Battle of the Bands in Mumbai. This was a countrywide competition where the best rock bands would battle it out in a series of rounds to determine one winner that would go and represent India in the International competition. 

I was in my final semester and Red Wagon had become pretty popular in the last year and their celebrity status had increased manifold.

The boys were now doing music full time and were enjoying success at every level. We were all very happy for them. In fact, we were stoked by these developments. Deepani and I had travelled with them to Mumbai to show our support. 

"Next we have Red Wagon performing for us," the emcee yelled into the microphone, "Please welcome them with a huge round of applause."

The audience cheered and clapped. I spotted some dedicated fans in the crowd and smiled. 

They were amazing as per usual. The crowd went crazy for them. 

Siddharth switched places with Angad and the tempo of the music slowed. His soulful voice filled the air as he sang a ballad. I swear I saw some girls swoon. 

Then Angad came back in and stirred the crowd back into the frenzied rhythm of AC/DC. 

The performance ended on a high note and they came back down. 

Angad grabbed me and pulled me in for a hug. I struggled to get away in vain,

"Eww, you're sweaty!" 

"Come on, you love it," he hugged me tighter. 

I scrunched my nose up but couldn't help breaking into a smile. 

Angad and I had stayed together while he pursued music and I completed my bachelor's despite the many predictions that we would break up after he graduated. 

I would be lying if I said things had been smooth sailing because we had had a couple of rough patches. But what couple doesn't? And we came out the other side stronger and even more in love.

I gave a hug to all the members so did Deepani. 

***

We were waiting for the results to be announced. This was a crucial milestone for them. They had practised like crazy for this competition. They really needed this win. 

Deepani had her eyes closed in prayer while the others held their breaths.

"And now, what you all have been waiting for," the emcee announced, "The winner of the Grand Battle of the Bands, this cheque for Rs 5,00,000 and a chance to compete internationally is..." 

He trailed off to build anticipation and I felt Angad squeeze my hand tighter.

"RED WAGON!" he yelled and a deafening roar overtook the room. 

Angad picked me up and spun me around. We were screaming so loudly that my throat must have sustained permanent damage from it all.

They ran on stage and received the trophy and the giant cheque. The media people clicked their photos and the celebration went on. 

Once the formalities were done we drove to the restaurant where Yug had already arranged champagne and cake in celebration. I noted slyly that Jai, Angad's cousin was already there ready with all the party paraphernalia. 

It wasn't for Angad he was making all this effort. 

Yug was trying hard to remain nonchalant. I sidled up to him and nudged him lightly.

"I see Jai is here too," I said. 

"Yeah, and?" he said feigning the same ignorance he did whenever I brought up Jai.

"Yug you might as well admit it." I laughed. 

"Admit what?" 

"Oh god, we all know you two are secretly seeing each other. You aren't that slick!" I said a little louder than intended because everyone around the table turned to look at us. 

Jai smiled cockily and said,

"Yes, we are."

"Jai!" Yug scowled at him. 

"What?" he raised his arms, "It's about time we came out."

"Ugh, fine. We are together," he admitted begrudgingly.

"Aww!" I hugged him, "I am so happy for you. And to think you hated him only until a few years ago."

"He didn't hate me," Jai said smirking.

"Shut up you!" Yug gave him a scary look.

That shut Jai up and the rest of the evening was spent celebrating Red Wagon's win and the new couple. Well, okay they weren't really new but whatever. 

"Siddharth it's your turn now," Deepani said.

"Yes!" I clapped my hands excitedly. 

Siddharth had long since moved past his feelings for me and we had become even better friends after that. He had been seeing a couple of girls but none that really captured his fancy. I had been privy to all the details. 

I knew what a gem of a person he was and he deserved the world. Where I did want him to find love I also wouldn't be satisfied till it was someone who truly deserved him. 

"Oh hush you two. I am happy this way. Do not try to send me down this path." he said. 

Deepani winked at me and I laughed. 

Angad pulled me closer and whispered,

"This is all so perfect. I don't want this moment to ever end."

"Me neither." I whispered back, "I love you."

"I love you too," he said and kissed me. 

It would have been perfect if Yug hadn't chucked a napkin at us and yelled,

"Get a room, Lovebirds!" 

We looked at each other and laughed before leaning in and kissing again. 

I didn't know what the future held for us. I just knew that we would fight to be with each other no matter what. We had spent the most trying times together and had derived strength from the bond we had. 

So this is it. This was my story. If you take something away from here then let it be the lesson that you deserve happiness. Do not let heartbreak turn you into a cynic. Allow yourself to be free and do not sabotage what makes you happy. Thank you for coming along for the journey and I hope everyone has the fortune of finding someone that understands and loves them deeply.

The end.