BELA

"Did you love anyone in the past or do you love anyone now"?asked Mahir.

That's it. I jerked my hand from his hold and looked at him with tears. I don't know when my eyes started pooling.

He was waiting for my answer. I immediately ran to my room and locked the door. I leaned against the door and slumped down crying. I can feel him standing outside the room. I closed my mouth with my hand to control my sobbing, so that he can't hear me.

What is he asking me? Why is he asking? I don't want to go through that memory lane again.

Finally the day has come. The graduation day of my seniors, means Bani di, Mahir and Vyom are going to get graduated today. Dad's dream will become fulfilled. Bani di will take over dad's bussiness. Sehgals and Sharmas group of industries will get merged.

Mahir and Bani di will achieve their goals. I was so excited. Bani di left early today as she was nervous. I was getting ready to leave for collage and dad entered my room.

"Bela"?dad called.

"Dad", I gave him a warm hug and he kissed me on my temple.

"I hope your dream becomes true today", said my dad.

"But it's Bani di's graduation day", I said feeling confused.

"It's the graduation day for your love also dear", said my dad and I was shocked.

"Dad, how do you know"? I asked.

"Bela..you are my baby, I will know everything about you", he said.

"What do you think about Mahir dad"? I asked feeling nervous.

"You choosed the right person Bela. I'm sure you both will be happy together", said dad.

"I love him dad, but I don't know whether he loves me or not" I said feeling sad.

"You are an angel, who will not love my baby", said dad kissing on my temple.

"Thank you dad, I wanted to surprise Bani di so I din't tell her", I said.

"Ohh..she will love your surprise and Mahir will also love it", said my dad.

"Ok dad, now I'm leaving. You be on time today. Ok"? I said narrowing my eyes.

"Ok mom", said my dad while chuckling.

Yes. Today I'm going to tell Mahir about my love. I was waiting for this day from past one year. The day has come finally. I hope he understand my feelings. Dad told me once that Sumi aunty was intrested in making me as her daughter in law for Mahir. But I din't pay attention that time. I hope all will accept my love for Mahir. And Mahir, my heart rates are beating faster than ever. I hope he too feels the same as I feel for him.

Bani di will be shocked first. But I guess she will be happy knowing that her sister and friend are together.

"God, please give me good vibes to propose my love", telling that I prayed and started for collage.

Today I was wearing knee length cold shoulder red dress. Mahir gifted this dress for me on my birthday. He likes red on me. I was waiting to wear this dress for today.

I reached my collage and got to know that the graduation function will start in an hour. I was waiting for Mahir to come.

"Belaaa..you are looking red hot today", said Vish winking.

"Thanks Vish", I said blushing.

"I'm sure Mahir bhai will fall flat after looking at you today. And by the way Mahir bhai gifted you this dress right"?asked Yuvi.

"Umm..yes", I said.

"Bela..your face and dress are matching matching", said Vish while smirking.

"Shut up Vish, I'm so nervous today", I said fidgetting my fingers.

"Bela, everything will be fine. Just be positive", said Yuvi assuring me.

"Ok come let's go to auditorium, the function may start", Vish said.

"You guys go. I will meet Mahir and Bani di. Then I will come", I said.

"Ok, come soon", telling that both left.

I was waiting for Mahir and I saw him coming towards me. He was dressed in black completely. Oh I love this colour on him. But he din't shave his beard.

"My..my..finally I got to see you in this dress", Mahir said giving me a hug.

"How is it"? I asked.

"Gorgeous", he said winking.

"I have a surprise for you Bela", he said.

"What is it"? I asked.

"Patients baby, you will get to know today", he said.

Baby.

He called me baby. Now I was trying hard to hide my blush.

"I too have a surprise for you", I said.

"What is it"?he asked.

"Patients Mahir, you will get to know today", I said repeating his words.

"Ok meri maa", he said and we both laughed.

"All the very best for today Mahir", I said forwarding my hand for a hand shake.

"Thank you so much Bela", telling that he took me in a hug. I'm officially dead I guess. Only he can give me butterflies everywhere in my body. My body responds to his touch betraying my mind and heart.

"Ok, I get to go. Come soon", telling that he left me.

I saw Bani di coming all nervous.

"Di", I called her and she came running to me and took me in a bone crushing hug.

"Di, what happened? Are you alright"? I asked with fear.

"I'm...I'm nervous Bela", she said with tears in her eyes.

"Di, I'm sure you will top today", I said wiping her tears.

"I'm nervous about..", she din't complete and was looking tensed.

"What happened di"? I asked.

"Nothing..let's go", she said and we entered the auditorium.

I saw Mahir and Vyom sitting with tension. I told my di to go and sit with them. I saw my dad and Mahir's parents too. All were excited for today. I went and sat beside Yuvi and Vish as we were juniors.

"And the topper of the year goes to Bani Sharma from bussiness department ", we heard and started hooting for her.

I looked at my dad. He was feeling proud. My di was still in shock and went to collect her trophy.

Mahir banged the second place and we were shouting at the top of our voice. The whole collage is a fan of him. The shoutings and hootings were not stopping at all. He went and collected his trophy.

It was time to take their degree. Everyone received their degrees and took a group picture. Bani di came running to me and gave me a hug.

"Congratulations di, I know you are the best", telling that I gave a long kiss on her cheeks.

"Thanks Bela, I din't expect this", she said.

We both were talking and I saw our dad talking to Mahir's parents. And suddenly I hear Mahir's voice.

"Guys..can I have your attention please"?said Mahir gaining everyone's attention.

"I know many were intrested to know about my personal life, so I'm going to make an announcement in front of you all", he said and was coming towards us.

My heart was running like a marathon. Is he going to propose me? Does he have the same feelings as I have? Oh my god he is coming close to us.

He forwarded his hand. I was looking at him surprised. But now he forwarded his hand towards Bani di.

Wait. What's going on.

I turned towards my right and saw Bani di putting her hand hesitantly in Mahir's hand.

My heart dropped in my stomach looking at them. I was waiting for his next actions.

Mahir went on his knees and said
"Bani, will you accept me as your life partner"?

That's it. Tears started flowing like a waterfall from my eyes. I could hear everyone's gasps. No one expected Mahir and Bani di. Not even our parents.

I could bearly hear anything from the surroundings. My vision was still on them.

"I love you Mahir", said Bani di and I covered my mouth from sobbing.

He made her wear a ring and took her in a hug which she reciprocated.

Vish, Yuvi and Vyom were calling me and tapping on my shoulders continuesly. I was not feeling any touch on me. I was still focused on them.

I looked at my dad and he too was shocked. Mahir's parents were shocked too. I saw Mahir and Bani di coming towards me hand in hand.

I wiped my tears immediately and looked at them with a smile.

"Bela, I'm so sorry I din't tell you this before. But, did you like our surprise", asked Mahir with a broad smile.

"I'm sorry Bela, I myself was confused about this and that's why I din't tell you", Bani di said with apologetic look.

"Bela, how are we looking together"?asked Mahir while putting his arm on di's shoulder.

"You..you..both look great", I said.

"You wanted to tell me something right"?asked Mahir narrowing his eyes.

"Actually Mahir..", Vish was saying but I caught her hand and stopped her.

"Ya.. Mahir..actually I applied for my dream university and I got my admission there", I said trying to talk without breaking down.

"You din't tell us"?they both asked in unison.

"I.. I got to..know about it yesterday only", I said and all were looking at me shocked.

I applied for it long ago and got my admission too. But I stayed back for Mahir and I din't even tell my dad about it.

I could hear sounds of thunder indicating its going to rain.

"Bela..I...", Bani di was about tell and I cut her off in middle.

"Ah..di actually I have a call to attend, I will talk to you later", telling that I rushed out running.

I saw Vish, Vyom and Yuvi coming behind me running. I came out of the hall and looked around. It started raining lightly.

"Bela..just listen to us..", Vyom was telling something .

"Guys don't worry I'm fine...I ..I will call you later...I need to go now and please don't follow me", I said and started running.

Now it was raining cats and dogs. I came far from my collage and collapsed on the road crying hard.

"Why did you do this Mahir? You and Bani di, both betrayed me", I was talking to myself and started crying loudly on the road.

The road was empty. My left sleeve was torn and my shoulder was bleeding lightly due to a cut which I got because of a tree branch.

But I couldn't sense any pain. My heart is broken into million peices. It's deep, no one can join it again. My world shattered today.

They were behind my back and I couldn't sense it also. I made a fool out of myself. In collage everyone were expecting me and Mahir, now I'm a fool to them also.

"I asked you both many times, but none answered me, you both were too hideous", I said.

It's been an hour since I'm sitting here in the road and crying. It's still raining cats and dogs.

I got up and sat near a pole still crying.
I saw a group of boys in bike coming towards me. They stopped their bikes in front of me.

"Oh baby..you are looking red hot", said a guy coming closer to me.

I scooped myself and sat without lifting my gaze.

"See babe we are four in number, we will give you extra amount also if you satisfy us for today night", they said and made me stand.

"Please leave me", I said still crying.

"Shh..don't cry babes, it will not hurt", a guy said and started dragging me.

My heel was hurting and so was my shoulder.

"Please...leave me for today", I said joining my hands.

"Can we have you tomorrow then"?they said and were laughing at me.

"Please I'm vulnerable today...please leave me", I said pleading them.

"Babe don't make it hard for us and come", telling that they started dragging me.

"Please..can you drop me at my home"? I said joining my hands.

"Please let me go to my home", I said weakly.

I don't have the energy to protest also. My legs are feeling numb.

"Please mujhe ghar chod do", I said still sobbing.

"Man I guess she is abnormal. Let's go", telling that they left me on the middle of the road.

I went back and sat near the pole still crying my heart out. I was searching for my phone and I saw it was on the road. I took my phone and came back sitting against the pole hugging my legs to my chest.

I was trying to call Yuvi but my phone was not getting on. I was trying and finally it got opened.

I dialed Yuvi's number and he picked it up at the first ring.

"Bela..where the fuck are you"?he shouted.

"I..I don't know where I am...please take...take me to my home", I sobbed.

"Ok..ok.. Bela just relax ok. Calm down. Just look at the surroundings and tell me any landmark", he said.

"There is a post box and I'm...I'm sitting opposite to it", I said sniffing.

"Ok sit near any safe place, I'm coming", telling that he cut my call.

I was feeling cold. My dress was a mess. My heels are broken. My phone was partially working. Dogs are barking in this street. It's still raining. I was waiting for Yuvi and he still din't come.

I saw a drunkard man coming towards me. I need to call Yuvi. I can borrow his phone.

"Excuse me..please..please can I have your phone once"? I said sobbing continuesly.

"What will..I..get in return baby"?he asked and my fear raised back.

"Please..", I was pleading him.

"Ok come I will please you", telling that he started dragging me.

"Please leave me..", I was begging him.

And suddenly that man was awarded with deadly punches by Yuvi.

Vish, Vyom came and took me in their embrace.

"Get the fuck out of here you bastard", Yuvi punched him.

Vyom wrapped his jacket around me and Vish was rubbing my palms to make them warm. My body was ice cold for sitting in this rain from so long.

"Have you gone mad Bela? What the fuck would happen if we were not here on time"? Yuvi shouted on me.

I was still sobbing like a kid.

"Yuvi not now, let's take her to home", said Vish.

"I want to go home", I whined like a child.

"Relax Bela. We are going to home only", telling that Vyom made me sit in the car.

"They both loved each other", I said and everyone were looking at me.

"They both loved each other and made me a fool. I.. I would not...not grow feelings..for him..if..if..they would have told...told me before....", saying so I started crying.

"Shh..Bela please don't cry", Vish said.

"My...my...my own sister betrayed me..my love..my Mahir also..." I was sobbing.

"Bela please be calm. Your dad cannot see you in this condition. Don't become low. You have to face your sister and dad now", said Vyom.

"No", I said realizing.

"I don't want to go home", I said and started crying again.

"Bela..your dad is worried. We were searching for you since that time", said Yuvi.

"What happened there after I left"? I asked.

"It was a big shock for everyone Bela. Even my parents were shocked about his decision but accepted it. My mom was not so happy but she agreed for Mahir bhai", said Yuvi.

"Did Mahir or Bani di asked about me"? I asked.

"Mahir asked for you but we told that we don't know anything. Bani was trying your call since that time", said Vyom.

"Now where are they"? I asked.

"They both went out after that fasico", said Vish and I started feeling betrayed.

I gave my heart to those two and they both were playing with it. I know I can't blame them. But that's the truth.

"I want to go home", I said making myself presentable.

"Come Bela, we reached", telling that Vish took hold of me.

I wiped my face with a tissue. I don't want my dad to see me like this. I entered my home and saw dad sitting with his hand resting on his head.

"Dad", I called him hiding my broken voice.

"Bela..my baby. Where were you"?telling that he took me in a hug and started sobbing.

"Dad..dad what happened. Why are you crying"? I said breaking the hug.

"I'm sorry Bela", he said with a guilty face.

"No dad don't tell me sorry. Why are you crying"? I asked wiping his tears.

"I love you both a lot Bela. Don't think that I'm partial to anyone of you", he said.

What's happening? Why is my dad talking like this?

"Dad I know you love us..but please tell me what happened"? I asked with fear.

"Mahir and Bani are getting married next month", said my dad.

I lost the reason to live today. They are going to get married. I was standing like a statue there.

"I know that you love him beta, but I couldn't do anything today", said my dad sobbing.

"You love him. But he loves your sister and so does she", he said.

"As a father I cannot break your hearts, but I broke your heart by agreeing to their marriage", saying that my dad slumped on the couch.

I rushed to him immediately.

"Dad..please don't cry", I was wiping his tears.

"Dad, Bani di did a lot for me since childhood. She took care of me as I'm her child. She sacrificed a lot for me since childhood. I don't want her to sacrifice her love for me now", telling that I broke down again.

"At this situation I can make only one happy Bela", said my dad.

"And that's Bani di dad. Mahir loves her. She loves Mahir. I can't force Mahir to love me", I said still sobbing.

"I'm sorry Bela", my dad said and took me in a hug.

"You don't be sorry dad. It's fate. We can't do anything", I said hugging him back.

"Dad don't tell Bani di about my love for Mahir. I know about her. She won't even think twice to sacrifice her love for me", I said.

"I won't tell her Bela. But what if she get to know somehow"?asked my dad.

"Don't worry dad. She won't get to know", I said.

"Dad I'm sorry, I din't tell you about my collage admission. But now I want to go", I said wiping my tears.

"Bela.. I can't stay away from you beta ", said my dad.

"You will have Bani di with you", I said.

"I cannot see the world with single eye Bela", my dad said choking.

I ran into his arms crying my heart out.

"Bela..my baby. Please don't cry dear", my dad said wiping my tears.

"When is your flight Bela"?asked Yuvi.

Those three were here only listening to our conversation.

"Next month", I said.

"Date"?my dad asked.

"27 November", I said.

"They are getting married on that day", said my dad.

It's good for me. But I have to wait for more ten days . My heart is aching. I can't see them in front of me like that.

It hurts.

"Guys..listen no one will tell anything about me leaving to Mahir or Bani di", I said.

"But why"?they asked.

"No one will tell them where I'm going or when I'm going", I said.

"But Bani di..", Vish was saying something and I cut her in between.

"You all will see me dead", I said and heard their gasps.

"Bela don't be stupid child. Stop talking like this.", my dad said kissing me on my temple.

"But Bani di will get to know either way", said Yuvi.

"No one will tell her. I myself will tell her while leaving", I said.

"Bela don't take fast steps. You may loose a lot", said Vyom.

"There is nothing more left to loose", I said.

Vish took me in a hug and started sniffing.

"Bela..", I heard Mahir calling me.

"Mahir..please..please leave me alone for some time", I said sobbing.

"Bela.. I'm sorry to ask that stupid question. I'm sorry. But please come out", telling that he was banging on the door.

"Please Mahir..leave me alone..for some..sometime", I said controlling my sobs.

"Ok..ok..I..I will but please don't cry", he said and I can feel that he is also sitting against the door outside.

I turned towards the door and started sobbing. I was caressing the door. I was feeling like I was caressing him.

I went to my closet and took out mine and Bani di's picture.

"I miss you di", I started crying again.

"Why did you call me back? Why did you left? You are making it hard for me di. I can't stay with him controlling my feelings for him. I'm becoming insane", I said looking at her picture.

I took out Mahir's photo from my bag.

"Why did you hide it from me Mahir? I would not allow myself to develop feelings for you", I said looking at his picture.

"I lost my sanity after that Mahir. My life is like a living hell", I sobbed.

I went back and sat near the door caressing it.

"Bela..I know you can hear me. Please open the door", Mahir said.

___________

I really had tears in my eyes while writing this. A heartbreak from our trusted ones is really painful. I poured my heart out and wrote this chapter. It was really a big task for me to write this chapter.

I gave a target of 160 votes for last chapter but you people surprised me with 170+ votes. Thank you so much guys. I really had tears while reading all your comments showing me your love.

Can I expect 180+ votes for this lovely chapter?

Vote, comment and share.

Stay home stay safe.

I love you all loads.

Happy Birthday to our lovely surbhijyoti 😍.