Simi and I made our way to the dinning area and Simi remained lost in her own world most of the time throughout the walk.

Approaching the table where our friends were seated ,we caught everyone's eyes,prompting a quick turn of heads from our friends.

"I saved a seat for you."Arhaan said smiling,pulling out the empty chair ,next to him.

"Aw,Thank you."I flashed him a smile and settled down in the dining table with lavish food being served much to my delight.

I took a glance at Simi and saw her settling beside Misha.

"Where have you been?"Arhaan asked and I shifted my attention to him.

"I caught up with something."I kept the answer short and simple.

"Something ,What?"Arhaan asked,curious.

"You don't need to know."I replied and Arhaan pouted slightly at that.

"Don't pout.You don't look cute."I said in a light and teasing tone."Only I do."I added,earning a soft chuckle from him.

"Yeah, that's how you always get me."Arhaan said with a hearty smile.

I just grinned at him.Arhaan laughed fondly,shaking his head.

It's been always like this.A simple pout and I would get what I want.No one could deny me anything when I pouted.

"Zara!"I got a nudge from Khusbu who was seating at my left side .

I turned to face her"Huh?"

"Is something wrong with Simi?"Khusbu whispered into my ear "Why does she look so down?"She inquired,her concern evident.

"I don't know."I shrugged my shoulders."She is tired, perhaps."I chose to feigning ignorance as It wasn't my story to tell or share.

Khusbu didn't look convince but thankfully she didn't ask me anything.

I sighed in relief and wandered my eyes around to grasp the surrounding.We youngsters were sitting in one big table while the adults were sitting together in another big one with the newly wed couple.I could see my father was sitting beside Aabir's father and they were talking and smiling over something while eating in between.It seemed they were getting along well.Unlike their children.

Well ..the blame is on Aabir,not on me,okay?I did try befriend him.But he didn't reciprocate and I was done with him.

Speaking of him,Aabir was sitting at the opposite end of the table and chattering with his buddies.

As if he sensed my gaze on him and looked in my direction .His eyes met mine and I immediately averted my gaze, focusing on the delicacies in front of me.

Foods are much better option to look at,comparing to that stoic yet annoyingly handsome face .

The dinner started and it was not silent at all.My friends and Aabir's siblings were noisy and we all had a fun time.We all talked about a lot of things but mostly about the wedding and the newly wed couple.

Umang was oddly silent throughout the dinner.He was just listening to his friends but I could tell his mind was districted.I could clearly see the waves of sadness and longing in his eyes whenever I caught him occassionally glancing at Simi .

........

"What?"I shot Arhaan an irritated look when I catched him staring at me and smiling stupidly.

"You want some?"I asked, displaying my half finished cup ice cream to Arhaan.

Arhaan just shook head in denial.

"Why are you ogling at my ice cream then?I'll get stomachache."I said,annoyed."If you want to eat,just get one for yourself."

"I wasn't oggling at your ice cream."Arhaan said,letting out a laugh.

I tilted my head in bewilderment"Then what are you staring at?"

A playful smirk appeared on his lips as he leaned his face a little closer to mine"Well...I was staring at-"

He couldn't finish whatever he was saying as his phone buzzed at the moment and he sighed before fishing his phone out of his pocket.

"It's mom."He said, standing up .

He excused himself to answer the call while I carried on with my ice cream.

When he came back, I noticed a deep frown painted on his face.

"Hey,all good?"I asked,a little worried.

"I've to go back to the hotel."Arhaan said,shoving the phone in his pocket.

"Why all of a sudden?"I asked, furrowed.

"Actually Mom and I have laptop of the exactly same model.Incidently our laptop got exchanged and now she needs some documents for a business purpose that's saved in her laptop.So,I need to go back to the hotel and send those documents to her."Arhaan explained.

"Oh!"I nodded,taking in the information."Will you come back?"

"I'll be back in an hour and I'll bring some ointment for your blisters on my way back."He said.

"That's not needed,Arhaan.I am fine."I waved off his concern.

"You're definitely not fine.You're limping throughout the evening."He said in a serious tone.

I began to regret telling him about my blisters when he'd asked, noticing me limping during the photo session.

"I'll get you a oinment."He said with finality and I didn't dare to refute.

"I think I should get a comfortable pair of shoe for you as well."I heard him considering and I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his exaggerated concern.

"Hey,No need for shoes."I objected, "Only ointment will do."

"You sure?"His voice was concerned.

"Yup."I gave him an reassuring smile."Just go now."

At that moment ,his phone ringing again and he said a quick goodbye before answering it , making his way out of the venue.

Once he left,I let out an exaggerating sigh and wondered why did I have such overcaring, overprotective friends? Khusbu and Misha were already enough in my life and now this Arhaan.

But you know what?I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world.I was blessed to have them in my life.

I chuckled insightfully and scanned the venue for my friends.The venue was full of people;known and mostly unknown.It took me a while to spot them.Much to my surprise I spotted Khusbu in lively conversation with Akash.Their laughter suggested Akash was sharing one of his jokes and my best friend very much enjoying it.

So,I opt to not disturb them.

I scanned more and saw Kabeer was bantering with Umang about something in a far distance.My eyes searched for another person beside them but he was nowhere to be seen.

Where is Mr.grumpy?

I wondered for a moment before dismissing that thought and continue wandering my eyes around.

Then I saw Misha who was standing with Simi and one of her cousins.I decided to join them .I walked up to them and tried to get interested into their conversation.That cousin of her did most of the talking while Misha,Simi and I stood there quiet.I got bored soon as that girl mostly talked about her beauty and how popular she was in her college.

"I am going out ."I whispered to Misha.

Misha furrowed her brows"Why?"

"To get some fresh air.I'll be back in a while."I said.

I'd already invested a lot of energy ,trying to navigate this socially demanding environments and eventually it led me to social exhaustion.I started feeling suffocated.I badly needed air... fresh air and some 'Me time' .

"Don't go far."She said and I rose one thumb ,then excusing myself ,made my way to the backside of the venue to re-energize myself.

When I reached at the backside of the venue,there were no people around and I kind of felt relieved .

I decided to take a stroll for while before going back in.It had been just 5 minutes when my phone started ringing and I was surprised when I saw Aabir's name screening .I'd saved his number from our chat group months ago .But we never really talked or exchanged messages.It was the first time.

But how did he get my number?

Maybe ,the same way I got his.

But why is he calling me?

My phone was still ringing in my hand.So,gulping down my nervousness and clearing my throat momentarily ,I picked up the call .

"Hello!"the sound of his voice made my heart race.

"Aabir!"

There was a brief pause before the man on the other side asked in his thick voice"Where are you?"

"Uhm!....I'm outside."

"Outside where exactly?"

"At the back side of venue,near the fountain.Why?"

"Stay there."

"But-"even before I could response,he cut the call,leaving me dumbfounded.

What was that!?

I was confused.I didn't understand why did he exactly call me?And Why did he ask me to stay here?

Since I'd no idea,I just followed his command and looked around for a proper place to sit.

I found myself a bench and settled on it while waiting-maybe for his next call or maybe for him,I didn't know.

I removed my shoes and breathed"Now that's what I call relief."

I looked at my feet and found one blister on the outside of my right ankle and one under the little toe on my left foot.One of the blister has burst .

I let out a deep sigh and leaned against the back of the bench and watching the sky that was twinkling with countless stars.

It was a pleasant night and the wind was gentle on my face.I was feeling so good.

"That doesn't look good."

I almost jumped when I heard this familiar voice.I looked up to see Aabir staring at my feet ,worry written all over his face.

"It's fine.These will heal in a day or two."I said as a matter of factly.

He shook his head,a clear look of disapproval on his face.

"Why did you ask me to wait here?"I asked, getting to the point.

Rather than answering to my question,he held out a shopping bag."Take this."

"What is that?"I asked as I slowly reached for it.

Taking the bag in my hand,I peeked inside it and my eyes widened in surprise.

I looked at him questioningly"Slippers?"

"Didn't you say your shoes giving you shoe bites?"He said and I just stared at him in bewilderment.

I wasn't sure what he was getting at.

"They are size 6.I guess it'll fit you.Try them on."He said."It's comfortable and classy too.Will go well with your attire as well." He added.

I was stunned.That was unexpected.I never thought he would be so thoughtful.

"It looks new."I said, eyeing those fancy slippers.

"Mehek'd these extra pair of slippers in the car.She didn't wear it that much I guess.... Probably that's why it looks new.I don't know."

Judging by the fine dust under the sole of the slippers,I could guess she wore it probably once or twice.Not more than that.

" I can't take it without her permission."I was hesitant.

"She's the one who asked me to give you this.She'd seen you limping."He said and the warm and fuzzy feeling I was getting a moment ago slowly faded.

I was actually elated when he offered me that shoes to wear .Thinking that he was worried about me,it made me happy.But after knowing that it was his sister's request that he was just following,I felt disappointment all of a sudden and then felt stupid for feeling that way.

"What are you thinking?Try them on."He prompted.

"Umm...Alright."I said ,a bit awkwardly and was about to put them on when Aabir interrupted.

"Wait a second."he said and I paused to look up at him.

"Apply this oinment on your bursted blister first and cover it with band aid .Otherwise it can cause a skin infection."He said,taking out a oinment and a band aid from his pant's pocket.

"Did Mehek ask you to give this ,too ?"I asked,eying him.

He shook his head."I'd these things in the glove box for emergencies.I thought it might help."

I nodded in acknowledgement and extended my hand in front of him for the oinment and band aid.I frowned when Aabir refused to give,shaking his head.

"Let me do it."He bend down on one knee.

I quickly shook my head"I can do it myself."

"But I can help."He said and I didn't find it in me to refuse him.So,I just clammed up.

After examining my blisters for a moment,Aabir began applying oinment on it.

Gentle caress of his fingertips sends goosebumps on every inch of my skin and my heart has gone utterly wild.I bit the inside of my cheeks to hide my nervousness.

As he continued applying oinment on my wounds,I smelled the smell of his shampoo .My heart cinched a notch.I wanted to stretched out my hand and touch the soft hair of his.

"Does it hurt?"He asked in a soft voice,glancing up at my face .

I just shook my head with a small curl on the corner of my lips.I tried to pretend nothing wrong but what to do with my red face.I was aware of the hot blush that clouded my skin.I was just hoping he wouldn't notice it or at least my makeup was hiding it well.

"I don't understand,Why did you wear it the entire day if it makes you feel uncomfortable?Why didn't you change it to a comfortable one?"Aabir said, clearly disappointed as he peeled off the backing of the adhesive strips.

"It went well with my attires and made my whole appearance look good. That's because."I said,nonchalantly.

"You don't need to try so hard to look good."He said in his classic low voice while applying the sterile cloth part on one of my wounds.

"Yeah,yeah I know I look average .You don't need to rub in on my face."I said, slightly offended.

I knew I wasn't beautiful like those girl in magazines.I was just a average looking girl.But ,he didn't need to be brutally honest about it.

"You know what your problem is?"Aabir asked,taking a pause at his work.

I shook my head,still sulking by his remark.

"Your problem is like the problem of a rose who doesn't smell its own fragrance or like the problem of the book that doesn't know how to read itself."He said.

I tilted my head in confusion"What did you mean?I didn't catch you."

"Only smart people could understand."

What is he implying?

"You mean I am dumb?"I snorted.

"I mean you're innocent and oblivious."

"What does my innocence and obliviousness has to do with roses and books?"

Aabir let out a sigh and looked directly into my eyes that made me anxious for some reason.

"You don't look average at all,Zara."He paused for a moment,his eyes became more intense as he continued"You're naturally beautiful.Whatever you wear ,it always looks good on you.That's what I meant earlier."the words he said made my heart thump in an uncharted way-too loud and too fast.

"Oh!"I stuttered,"T-Thanks."that's all I could utter.I didn't know what else to say.

I was flustered and shy by his unexpected compliment.

Throughout the day,I'd got so many compliments for my look from my father, friends ,even from unknown people .It was nice to be heard you're beautiful or gorgeous or whatever.But it made no difference to my emotions.No rush of emotions,no butterflies in stomach,no loud and definitely no fast heartbeat.

But when he said those words ,different feeling jolted through me.

"Here.It's done."his voice jolted me out of my reverie.

"Thank you."I uttered, gathering my jumbled thoughts.

Aabir simply nodded, maintaining his stoic demanor.

I was expecting him to walk away after that but I got surprised when he sat beside me, maintaining a safe distance.

"Won't you go back inside?"I asked , bewildered .

"You want me to go?"He asked,looking at me long and hard"Am I making you uncomfortable?"

"No."I said,instant."Rather I should be asking you that.Isn't that's why you always avoid me?"

"You can never make me uncomfortable,Zara."He said and I was flustered again.

"Then why do you ignore me?"I demanded.

Aabir exhaled sharply"Are we getting on this again?Can't you just let go of this topic?"

I closed my eyes in exasperation.

"Alright,fine!I can do it ."I said,withdrawing myself from the verbal jab.I didn't want to argue with him anymore.I had already done enough earlier and I didn't like it at all.

So,Let's just ignore the elephant in the room for now.

He hummed then we were engulfed by excruciating silence.I tried my best to ignore his presence and enjoy the stunning beauty of the tranquil night sky.But the more I tried to ignore his presence,the more I was aware of him.

"What were you doing here alone?"I wasn't expecting him to break the silence first .

"Getting some fresh air."I replied.

"Where's that friend of yours ? Didn't he come with you?"

I glanced at him with a brow quirked in amusement."I've so many friends.I don't know which one are you talking about."

"The one who always follows you around like a puppy."He said and I felt a trace of bitterness in his voice.

Lost puppy!?

"Do you mean Arhaan?"I was somewhat sure my guess was correct.Among my friends,he was the only one who'd fit in that category.

Aabir opt to just nod in reply,his eyes fixed somewhere in the distance.

"He went back to the hotel for some urgent work.He'll be back soon."I said. "But hey...you can't call him puppy."I reprimanded him.

"But that's how he act."his tone was incredulous."He always follow you around like a lost puppy.Doesn't he have better things to do?"He emitted a scoff.

"He doesn't know anyone here except us.Umang and Kabeer mostly staying with you.And among the girls ,he feels more comfortable with me than with Misha ,Simi and Khusbu."I explained, defending my friend.

"What about you?You feel comfortable enough to let him do that?"Aabir asked and the turn of the aimless conversation really caught me off guarded.

"Arhaan can be annoying sometimes but he never makes me uncomfortable."This was an honest answer.

"Good for you."He said almost in a whisper.Maybe I saw this wrong but I could actually see some disappointment in his eyes before he teared his gaze away.

Suddenly I could feel the atmosphere turned heavy around us and I felt the urge to make it light.

"Do you want to know how I actually feel?"I said and he met my gaze again.

He didn't ask but I could see the burning curiousity in his eyes .

"You know ducklings always follows the mother duck wherever she goes."I said,in an exaggerated and almost comical gesture."I feel like that mother duck with the way he lugs behind me."I let out an embarrassing laugh.

I always knew my sense of humor sucks and I'd just proved it again.It was a lame joke and honestly I wasn't expecting a little bit reaction from Aabir.But, much to my astonishment Aabir burst out laughing and all I could do was staring at him.It was intoxicating.He was laughing so beautifully that something burst inside of me and in that fleeting moment ,I realized something.

That I was interested in this man in a different way.That I'd catch Romantic feeling for this man.And it wasn't just a crush but rather a full blown head over heels attraction and admiration.

I really had no intention of falling in love with him.But do we have a choice in loving someone?

How little a choice we have over such things when our heart picks who we love and our soul seals the deal.

**********

Back story:

"How can I help you,Sir?"Aabir was greeted by a beautiful sales girl when he walked into a shoe store in a shopping mall.

"I want to buy a pair of shoes.Ladies shoes.Do you have any recommendations?"Aabir said.

"We have a great collection of ladies shoes.Please come with me."The sales girl led the way and Aabir followed her.

"Please have a look at this shoe cases.You can see all kind of ladies shoes."The sales girl said."Are you looking for a specific brand or any preferences?"

"I don't have any specific band in mind.I just want something classy and comfortable.Any suggestions?"

"What about this one?"The sales girl showed him a kitten heel.

"They're nice but it's not what I am looking for."Aabir said.

"What about this one?"

"Too high."

"This one?"

"Not soft enough."

Aabir spent half an hour ,trying to find the perfect pair and finally saw a nice pair of slippers .They were black with elegant sheen and classy.

"Please show me that one."Aabir pointed and the sales girl who was attending him obliged instantly.

The slippers were soft and comfortable for the feet and Aabir liked the versality of it because one could wear them with different style of clothings.

"I like this pair of slippers.Pack this one."Aabir said in delight .

"What size do you want,Sir?"

"Size 6."

"Alright,Sir.We'll pack the slippers then."

Aabir nodded and went to the counter and paid for the shoes.

"Thanks for coming here,Sir."The sales girl smiled, handing him the shopping bag.

Aabir nodded in response and walked out of the shop smiling , carrying the shopping bag in his hand.

He was about to get into his car when a thought crossed his mind.

"I can't take it like this."He whispered to himself.

Aabir unbox the slippers ,took it in his hands and contacted the bottom of the slippers with the ground until the soles got dirty a little .A passer-by(a woman in her early thirties) witnessed the scene and watched him in bewilderment .The woman couldn't comprehend the reason as to why a person would dirty a new pair of shoes intentionally.It didn't make sense to her.

It wouldn't make sense to anyone.

"Now it doesn't look new anymore."a satisfied smile stretched Aabir's lips.

He put the slippers back in the shopping bag and hopped in the car and drove off to the wedding venue.

On the way,he spotted a pharmacy and bought some band aids and an oinment for blisters from there.