Dedicated to inzeffable for being such a babe! I lovee you my sautan, you're the best. Thank you for being an amazing reader and writer. Check out her book ULTERIOR ROYALTY. You'll fall in love with her writing, that's my promise.

-

"Tanvi, is that you?" I turned around to see my brother with a cricket bat in his hand while he had horrified expressions on his face.

"Why the hell are you holding that shit?" I gaped at him, to which he returned a glare.

"What the fuck are you doing here at four in the morning, and who the hell is he?" He eyed Rayhan as I saw anger rising in him and his protective brother emotions taking him over.

"Vaibhav, something happened at the party so I came back home and this is Rayhan, the guy who came with me that day along with his younger brother. He stayed here to make sure I'm alright." I told him, trying to stop his negative thoughts through my speech and I saw as he visibly relaxed, only for seconds though.

"Dude! Are you fucking kidding me? I thought someone broke into the house and I was probably going to die,I literally sent a goodbye message to Ananya right now." From the look, he kept throwing daggers at me the whole time but I couldn't but laugh at his misery.

"Drama queen." I said in between my giggles.

"Pst.. but, are you really okay? Your eyes are way too much swelled." He pointed out and almost immediately I stopped laughing.

"Yes, I'm fine." I gave out a small smile to him and he nodded.

"I don't appreciate you bringing guys home at such odd hours though." He pointed at, staring at Rayhan who looked amused with the whole situation.

"I'll just leave." He got up as he said that and then offered me a hand to stand as well that I gladly took.

"No, I'm not letting you go back and drive at this hour, you can stay the night here and can leave in the morning." I told him as Vaibhav threw curious glances at us.

"Are you two a thing?" He asked and my eyes immediately widened.

"What? No! I ain't dating this kid." I cringed at the thought and Rayhan chuckled.

"Kid? Oh well, sorry but Tanvi he's much taller than you." My brother gave me an amused smile and I huffed.

"She actually likes me, she's just in denial." Rayhan winked at me and I narrowed my eyes at him, Vaibhav following my actions which made Rayhan clear his throat to lessen the awkwardness. "A guy can joke, right?" He laughed lightly and my brother relaxed.

"Anyway, Tanvi is right, you can take the guest room and you can change into my clothes." Vaibhav offered and my eyes literally widened at that.

Since when did my brother become so cool to let my guy friends stay over?

Maybe since he realized that I'm finally an adult.

"Are you sure that you guys won't have a problem if I stay?" Rayhan asked us, sounding unsure of himself.

"Yes, it's okay with us, really. After all, what you did for me tonight was a lot, letting you stay the night is the least I can do." I beamed at him which he returned with a nod.

After that, three of us went downstairs where after giving Vaibhav's clothes to Rayhan and showing him to the guest room, I went straight to my bed.

The day was exhausting already but crying out every emotion that had been bottled up since an year just made it worse. I knew talking about everything made me weak again as my strong facade was long gone, but maybe this is what I needed after all.

I couldn't shake off the image of Varnika and Karan making out from my mind no matter how much I tried, and each time it brought along bitter feelings that I hadn't experienced before. I sighed as I tried to keep my mind at rest, sleep was definitely an escape to all this.

There was only one thought in my mind - maybe the reason Karan and I met again today was because somehow God wanted me to see his true colors, to truly realize he was a wrong person I chose for myself. I wasn't a firm believer of God, but I liked to believe that he existed and whatever happened in our lives, it had a reason.

*

When I woke up, I had the worst hangover ever and just sitting on bed made my headache worse. I couldn't complain about it to Vaibhav, who actually knew I sometimes got drunk but never appreciated it.

After brushing my teeth and taking a quick warm shower in hopes of feeling better, I made my way to the kitchen to make strong coffee for myself. I almost shrieked when I saw Rayhan in the kitchen, forgetting about him staying the night.

"Good Morning." He greeted with a smile and I nodded.

"Morning."

I took my time in observing him, Rayhan was tall annd all, but he was slimmer in comparison to Vaibhav which is why his clothes were hanging like that on his body. Vaibhav was lean, but Rayhan was okay. My eyes moved to his face as he was busy making something for himself. His brows were furrowed together in the most adorable manner, and his plump lips were slightly pouted as he concentrated on whatever he was doing. I saw as a smile slowly made it's way on his face and then he glanced at me.

"Take a picture babe, it lasts longer." He winked and I stood there like a dumb, without a comeback. Well, you can't blame a girl, I didn't know he was aware of me looking at him.

"Huh? I wasn't checking you out." I tried to busy myself as I stepped further in the kitchen to make coffee for myself.

He gave me an amused smile, "Did I even for once mention about you checking me out?" He wiggled his eyebrows and I mentally slapped myself.

"Whatever, don't please yourself." I rolled my eyes at which he chuckled. "Where is Vaibhav?" I asked him,since I knew he was awake before I was, well half of the world was awake before me since I decided to rise and shine at two in the afternoon.

"He left for his date with Ananya, he told me to inform you he'll back late. Oh, and I also got back your car as I asked your brother to drop me in the way so I could drive back." He said and I nodded at the information. "Do you want me to make one for you?" He looked down at my hands.

"Umm, no! I'll manage. Thank you for bringing my car though." I gave him a thankful smile. "Did you go in those clothes?"

"Yes! I felt too lazy in the morning to change." He shrugged and I beamed at him.

He slowly took coffee powder from my hands as he made me face him completely, "Tell me very honestly, how're you feeling?"

I sighed as I looked into his dark eyes, "I am okay, just a bit of hangover shit."

"And emotionally?" He raised an eyebrow and I gave in.

"Exhausted. I hate the flashbacks of everything that happened ever since the dickhead entered my life and I really wish I can go back and make my life simpler and better than this. I am sick of being 'okay' Rayhan, I want to be happy for once, I want to smile without realizing how much it hurts when I cry, I want to forget the past and live happily in the present."

This was the most honest answer I'd given to anyone and damn, it felt good to speak my heart without thinking it over. Rayhan maybe younger than me, but I understood something about age last night. Age is just a number after all and it truly does not define who you are and why you are, your experiences does and for someone like Rayhan who was 'almost' my age, he sure as hell was mature enough.

"Shh, it's okay, it's all going to be okay. Remember that I'm here for you Tanvi, yes I know you have trust issues especially since whatever happened yesterday but trust me, I wouldn't disappoint you ever. If you need someone to talk to, just remember I'll always be there no matter what time or what situation it is." He assured me as he wiped my spilled tears and I wrapped my arms around him, to feel the comfort he so gracefully provided me last night.

"Thank you, for everything." I breathed and he kissed my hair.

"Let me make you coffee now, you go and watch tv or do some shit like read books." He grinned at me as I took a step back.

"Promise you'll not burn down my kitchen?" I asked, trying to smile and he laughed.

"Promise, go now."

I stepped out of the kitchen and went to living room. As if on cue the door bell rang and I went to see whoever it was. Nishant stood on the other side with bored expression and as soon as I saw him I engulfed him in a hug, without giving him a chance to even properly step in.

"I missed you too." He chuckled as he returned the hug and I smiled.

"Come in." I literally dragged him to the couch and he laughed at my childishness.

"What did I miss at party yesterday?" He gave me a curious look and almost immediately I changed the topic.

"Forget that, tell me how was your date with Zara?" I asked him with a curious smile.

"It was good." He beamed at me but stopped before he spoke, "Why did you change the topic? What happened at the party yesterday?" His tone went from happy to worried in seconds.

Before I could reply to him, Rayhan stepped in the living room and handed me my coffee along with omelette.

"Thank you so much, a coffee would've been enough." I said with a grateful smile.

"Hangover with empty stomach isn't a good idea." He returned the smile which made Nishant clear his throat as he looked bewildered.

I turned to Nishant who waited for me to say something but even I didn't know where to start from, "Um.. I am sorry?" I felt guilty even explaining anything to him.

"Why?" He looked baffled.

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat and taking the hint, Rayhan left us alone and I closed my eyes before opening them again and looking into Nishant's light brown ones.

"Something happened at the party and I broke the promise because I didn't call you, I'm sorry about that but before you get mad I want you to know that the reason I didn't call you was because I didn't want you to spoil your date with Zara and I am truly sorry but -"

I stopped rambling when Nishant covered my mouth with his hands as he gave me a deadly look and I gulped nervously, trying to make an innocent face.

"What happened?" He asked, not wanting any other bullshit so I glanced at his hand which made him withdraw it to himself and I sighed.

Taking a deep breath, I went on to explain the events of the evening to my best friend as he just nodded or blinked at the information provided to him. From his clenched jaw I could tell he was mad, but I was hoping he would relax by the end knowing that I wasn't alone during my miserable hours.

After finishing, I waited patiently for Nishant to speak up as I observed him collecting his thoughts before saying anything.

"Give me his number." He said, his tone demanding as hell and I gaped at him.

"What?" I blinked.

"Tanvi, give me his god damn number, I'm honestly done with that guy trying to break you further, he needs to get his shit together and leave you alone for once and for all." His tone was cold and this was the most furious side of Nishant I'd ever witnessed.

"Nish, it's alright. Whatever happened had to take place for a reason, let's not just waste our times on morons and concentrate on the future." I gave him a small smile and he looked at me for the first time, his angry glare sliding away with each look.

"I never knew what it's like to hate someone before this."

I chuckled at that, "Me neither."

He gave out a small smile as he wrapped his arms around me and I hugged him back, "You should've called me Tannu, at least informed me but I'm glad Rayhan was there, I owe him for being there for you when your best friends weren't." He spoke and I nodded.

"I don't think you owe him anything, we consider each other friends now so I guess he thought I needed one in that situation so he stayed." I smiled, trying to blink away the tears.

God, I hope tomorrow I wouldn't be such a mess.

"How did Vaibhav let him stay though?" Nishant sounded curious and I laughed.

My brother always teased Nishant from my name ever since we were kids and it annoyed the shit out of him, which is why he was so keen on knowing how did Rayhan survived through that.

"I don't know, he's probably realizing that his sister is growing up."

"Yes, that should be it." Nishant grinned at me and Rayhan entered the living room after five minutes.

He changed back into his own clothes and I frowned, "You're leaving, already?"

"Why, you don't want me to?" He smirked.

"Get out, really." I rolled my eyes and he chuckled.

"Arush is throwing a tantrum at home about how I'm out without him." He explained and I nodded.

"What did you tell your parents, where did you stay last night?" I asked, curiosity getting the best of me.

"I told them I stayed at a friend's place but well, Arush knows I'm here."

"Really? You sure as hell trust your brother a lot when you expect him to keep his mouth shut."

Nishant nodded, agreeing with me but all Rayhan concentrated was on food in front of me and how it was getting cold with each passing second.

"I expected you to eat that." He said, sounding mad and I rolled my eyes.

"Sorry dad, I forgot." I replied as I picked up the plate to finish it.

Before I could even take a sip of my coffee he grabbed it from my hand, "I'll make another one for you, don't have cold food, it's bad for health." He scolded, again.

"It's fine, I can have it. You don't have to make it again." I tried to reason with him but he was already out of my sight and into the kitchen.

"Oh well, looks like someone cares about you." Nishant wiggled his eyebrows suggestively and I swatted his arm.

"You can't just let it go, can you?" I tried to hide my smile but I couldn't.

Rayhan and I might be annoying friends to each other, but since yesterday he had been taking care of me like I was sick while I was just going through an emotional rollercoaster. It surprised me to witness this side of him and I would be lying to myself if I say I didn't like or appreciated it.

"How can I? You barely know the guy and he stays at your place, not to mention wearing your possessive brother's clothes." Nishant had a smirk on his face and I just wanted to slap him.

"Ha-ha. Funny!" I sticked out my tongue at him and he just chuckled.

"Does Shanaya know?" He asked all of a sudden and I gave him a nervous glance.

"No? But hey, here's a plan, how about you call her up and explain her everything? I am sick of repeating it, speaking it out everytime just makes the pain worse." I told him, and it was true.

Yes, I knew I had to confront my emotions but speaking it loud to someone just made me wince in pain each time.

"Okay, I'll go call her up while you have fun time getting treated like princess by your future boyfriend." He teased and this time I literally punched him in the stomach which made him hold it while he continued to laugh.

"I hate you." I said as he recomposed himself.

"Love you too." He kissed my forehead before leaving and going to make the call to Shanaya.

While Rayhan was busy making food for me, I took it upon myself to switch on the television and watch some movie. Surprisingly, I found a nice one and a smile took place on my face.

"Don't tell me you love that movie." I heard Rayhan say as he placed my food in front of me along with my coffee and I grinned at him like an idiot.

"Of course, it is. Who doesn't love Love Actually?" I set my eyes on the flat screen in front of me again while having my food as I felt the couch sinking beside me with Rayhan's weight.

"I guess everyone does. Oh, by the way, I'm going to leave now. Arush must be troubling my grandparents." He gave me a hug which I returned before he stood up to leave.

Before any of us could speak anything, Nishant entered the living room and spoke up, "Shanaya said she's coming over."

"Geez, is she mad about me hiding things from her?"

Nishant nodded his head slightly, "Sort of, but she's more worried about you."

"I guessed that." I gave out a smile which Nishant returned before gazing at Rayhan.

"Are you leaving?" He questioned him and he nodded.

"Yes, my brother does not appreciate me spending time with Tanvi while he's stuck at home." He informed with a smile and an idea popped up in my head.

I turned to Nishant, "Did Shanaya leave already?"

He gave me a baffled look before responding, "No,she said she'll leave in fifteen minutes."

I grinned, "Good." After that I turned ro Rayhan who himself looked in dilemma about my sudden excitement.

"What's going on in your head?"

"Just call up Arush and ask him to get ready, I'll ask Shanaya to pick him up on the way."

Rayhan narrowed his eyes at me at that, "She doesn't even know where I live."

"But she knows where Varnika lives, and you just happen to be her neighbour." I winked at him but he still didn't look pleased with my idea.

"She doesn't know Arush."

"Rayhan, stop being a crybaby, just call my baby up and ask him to be ready." I pouted like a child which made both the guys laugh.

My headache was almost minimal now, the coffee and painkiller I took along definitely worked fast.

"Your baby,huh?"

"Whatever, have you looked at your brother? I think I'm going to ask him to be my boyfriend." I said with dreamy eyes, meaning every word.

For a fact, I knew Arush will grow up to be one of the most charming man and I secretly wished I was his age so I could date him.

"You do realize that Rayhan and Arush have almost same facial features, right?" Nishant spoke beside me and I nudged my elbow in his stomach.

"But, unlike Rayhan, Arush is a total sweetheart."

"She's a drama queen." Nishant chuckled and Rayhan rolled his eyes as he left us alone to go and call his grandparents to get Arush ready.

Meanwhile, I called up Shanaya to inform her to pick Arush and she gladly agreed. Shanaya was a diehard kids lover and I was her total opposite but Arush just didn't annoy the shit out of me like other kids, his brother did that part of his job though.

"I think I just heard my brother shed tears of happiness on phone when I told him you invited him over." Rayhan sounded amused and I laughed.

"I'll ask him to date me."

"Oh no, he'll have to take my approval first." Nishant pinched my sides and I yelped.

"Yeah, I remember that my next boyfriend needs to take your approval first."

Three of us talked for another hour after which I literally ran to the door when the bell rang.

"Shanny." I shrieked her name as I hugged her and she laughed at that.

"I thought I'll find you sobbing, but I appreciate this." She remarked and I smiled.

Yes, I thought I would be sulking the whole day too, but talking about problems really do help feel lighter.

I knelt down in front of Arush as I engulfed him in a hug.

"Hi baby, how're you?" I grinned at him and he gave me a cheeky smile.

"I'm good, you?"

"Ditto."

We made our way to the living room where Arush immediately went to hug Rayhan and I almost melted at the sight of two of them getting together so well. I was aware of the fact that Rayhan cared about Arush a lot, more than he let on and they shared a great bond between them.

"Let's get the movie marathon started." I announced and my best friends rolled their eyes.

"We brought butterscotch ice cream and three pizzas along with some chinese." Shanaya informed and I already felt my mouth watering.

"Let's get this started then." I grinned at them before setting up the DVD player and deciding on a movie with everyone.

Well, considering everyone's choices we agreed on Iron Man and I loved that movie from the core of my heart.

We all gathered around as we started devouring the food while we watched the movie. After we were done with the eating, no one bothered to clean up as we stayed glued to our seats and watched the movie.

It was almost the end of the movie when Arush got up from Rayhan's lap and came to sit in mine. I stroked his hair as he made himself comfortable.

"I want to be an Iron Man." Arush announced from my lap and everyone chuckled.

"You said the same for spider man when you watched that." Rayhan leaned forward to ruffle his hair and he pouted.

"Don't do that, I don't like it." His brother pouted as he tried to comb his hair through his fingers and I helped him out by doing it for him.

"I don't like when you complain to Mom about me either, do you listen to me? No! So why should I listen to you?" I saw as Rayhan messed his hair again.

"Rayy! Stop it, please." Arush whined as he swatted his brother's hand away before placing a mischievous smile on his face, "I may have accidently spilled to Mom that you stayed at Tanvi's place."

My eyes widened but were filled with humor none the less as I saw Rayhan's jaw dropping at his brother's words. Nishant and Shanaya had amused smiles on their faces as well.

"You did not do that, you little monster." Rayhan tried to grab Arush's arm but I quickly settled him on my other side which made Rayhan throw daggers at me through those glares.

"Arush, you shouldn't have done that." I tried scolding him, but failed miserably as I giggled.

"Tanvi, you find this funny?" Rayhan gaped at me and I shrugged which made him look at Arush again, "What did you tell her when she asked who is Tanvi?"

All of us waited for Arush to open his mouth and speak and I saw Rayhan growing anxious with each second that ticked off.

"Whoever you told me she is." He asnwered in a flat tone.

"What did I tell you?" Rayhan tried to recall as he inquired his brother.

"Your girlfriend."

He did not just say that.

"Arush, I'm going to kill you." Rayhan shook his head in disbelief and for once, my smile dropped as well.

"Hey, you informed me that day itself that a girl who is your friend is your girlfriend, so Tanvi is your girlfriend, right? I didn't lie to Mom." Arush tried to defend himself and I swear I choked on my own breath at his response.

Rayhan eyed me as he passed me a glass of water from his side before speaking, "What happened? Why did you stop laughing, now laugh. Ha-ha-ha." He said, so innocently.

I might have find this taking a serious turn but Nishant and Shanaya were taking the full fun of the situation as I saw them laughing like maniacs.

"I love you brother, dude." Nishant said in between his laughs.

"Me too." Shanaya agreed, still laughing while Rayhan and I shared awkward glances.

I huffed as I got up to clean the mess we made, Rayhan offered to help but I refused. He already did enough for me since yesterday. Meanwhile, I asked them to put on Iron Man 2 while I made my way to throw the waste. Also, I was asked to bring back ice creem with myself.

Before I could move I felt Arush tugging at my shirt. He had an innocent look plastered on his face, "Are you mad at me?" He asked and I smiled.

"No Arush, I ain't mad at you." I told him honestly.

"Okay. I need to pee, can you show me where is the washroom?"

I giggled, "Sure, come."

After showing Arush the way to washroom I went to throw the waste and while passing the living room, I heard hushed voices of my friends which made me eavesdrop.

Tanvi this is wrong, but hey, these are your friends, so I guess it's okay.

"Rayhan? Can we ask you a question?" I heard Shanaya speak.

"Yes, go on?" Rayhan responded.

"Why do you care so much for Tanvi?" Nishant asked and I already knew where this conversation was headed, making me more curious.

"Because she's my friend and I care for my friends?" Rayhan answered, his tone too casual.

Shanaya cleared her throat, "Only friends? You sure about that?"

"What do you mean?" Rayhan was definitely trying to play dumb.

"Dude, let us be straight forward, do you feel for Tanvi?" Nishant spoke in between and I found myself waiting patiently for Rayhan's answer.

"Maybe, maybe not." Rayhan replied.

What?

I frowned at his response, a slight disappointment taking over. Have I gone crazy or something?

"Rayhan, we are her best friends, you can tell us and we promise not to spill, we just want to make sure she doesn't end up hurt again." Shanaya tried to explain him and I found myself smiling at her caring tone.

"Okay! I do like Tanvi, but you guys wouldn't tell her that, please. I'm fine if she doesn't reciprocate the feelings because honestly, she thinks I'm younger than her and all that shit. And, most of all, she has been hurt enough so let's just keep her out this boy drama for a while." Rayhan explained in his calm tone and I was literally hit with a truck by reality as I found myself processing the new information.

Rayhan Roy, the person who annoys the shit out of me yet knows how to care the most, has feelings for me.

X-x

can you please also check out "CHAT MARRIAGE" by AmericaTris_fave She recently started writing it and I already love the plot and everything.

Please support her. x.

Vote and Comment, please? :)