Preeti POV

I saw Kiran coming out of restroom after washing his face. He looked so funny with all the cake on his face!! Oh goodness!!

For the first time I saw his parents. They are very sweet. When Kiran hugged his mom, she was a bit stunned. I know that he is not so good at expressing his feelings. In fact even I was shocked at the way he ran to his mom and dad. I understand that in all these years staying in hostel without his parents made him react so. I was very happy and excited as well to know his sentimental side.

Harish, knowing him from quite sometime, planned for this surprise meeting with his parents. I'm sure if it wasn't his parents' presence here, Kiran would have killed us for kidnapping him like this.

Finally, whatever we planned was a complete success. But what about my plan? I'm still scared. I know I love him with all my heart, but what about him? He was a playboy. I noticed it for the first time when he flirted with me openly on the very first day of our high school. I couldn't take his attitude. I started despising him. But little did I knew at that time I'll fall for the same playboy.

He's no more like that. He's staying away from girls. I can see he's not comfortable with girls around anymore. He just mingles with me and our group girls. I can see he's becoming serious and mature now but still, can I trust him?

What if he's acting? What if he's still the same playboy? What if he just ignores me and my feelings? What if he says that he considers me only as a friend?

I have had huge crushes earlier. But as time flew, they vanished. I don't know what this idiot did to me that I'm stuck with him and his thoughts since months. So I can't take his rejection. I'm sure it'll break me down. I don't even know whether I'll be able to recover from it or not! This idiot!! He managed to get attached to me so much when all he did was to annoy me. Sometimes I even regret feeling this way for him. But yea, I love him after all.

Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned back to find Ritu sighing, looking at my face. I'm sure I looked like I have seen a snake or some ghost. She, sensing my nervousness, came forward and gave me a gentle hug. Her hug was all I needed the most.

I wanted some assurance that someone is there for me. She soon released from the hug and turned to my left. There was Shweta standing with a bouquet on her hand. She looked at Ritu. I saw Ritu calling her through gestures from the corner of my eyes.

She came to us and gently squeezed my hand. I smiled weakly.

"Everything will be fine. We are here for you. Go and speak up your mind Preeti. It's now or never" Shweta said with a genuine smile on her lips.

I nodded weakly. We discussed about the arrangements and they assured me that everything is perfect. I sighed in relief.

I turned back to find Kiran. I have to do this now. Though he rejects me, atleast I'll have the satisfaction of confessing me feelings. I won't regret not telling him my feelings.

I searched the entire hall but didn't find him. Sighing, I went to Harish and asked him about Kiran. He said that he's in the disco ball which is opposite to the building.

I went there hurriedly. The ball was crowded. Seems like the whole town is here to party. I scanned around the room only to let my heart break.

I saw Kiran dancing with some random girl. Just the sight of him dancing with his hands around her waist made my blood boil.

I was a fool to think that he's changed.
I was a fool to think that he likes me. I was a fool to think that he will agree to my proposal. I was a fool to love him. I'm still a fool for not being able to hate him yet. I'm a fool!!

Kiran Pov

I love Preeti!

Yes, I love her with all my heart.

I may be a flirt....rather I was a flirt, but now I want to get into a serious relationship with my love, my Preeti.

I want to propose her. I think she too likes me. I hope I don't need it up again.

"Hey bro! Where are you zoned out?" Harish's voice brought me back to the world.

"Nothing much" I replied.

"And you think I'll believe you? I think your memory is weak. So let me remind you that we are best friends for like more that 5 years and I know you well in and out. So don't you dare lie to me" he gave a warning.

Indeed yes, I can't hide anything from him. He noticed my changes over the past few days since I started loving Preeti. He asked me a couple of times and even once he directly asked me whether I love Preeti. But me being the great Kiran, denied it of course.

"Yes bro, I have something to share with you." I said knowing there is no way to escape from him this time.

"I know what you are going to share. But let me listen it from you" Harish said. No wonder he's my best friend.

"I'm in love with....." I stumbled.

"With Preeti!" He completed. I nodded my head.

"You dumb!! Finally you agreed. I was trying so hard to bring this out of your mouth. Thank god you didn't have to face my wrath on your birthday because if you wouldn't have confessed to me now, I wouldn't have hesitated to beat the pulp out of you" he laughed.

"Ok bro, I'm sorry to hide this. But please now don't take revenge on me, particularly at this time when I need your help" I pleaded him.

"Ohooo!! The great! The one and only Mr. Kiran Dixit wants my help?" He taunted me. Urghhh!! How much I wish I could slap him now? But unfortunately I can't, since I'm seriously in need of his help.

"Yes, the one and only Kiran needs your help. Now cut your drama and help me." He nodded his head in agreement.

"I'll arrange everything for your proposal. Don't worry" he said.

"No Harish, I don't want to propose her now." I said and he looked at me with a disgust.

"What Yaar? I thought you'll propose her today!" He said.

"I want to but I need my parents approval for it. I don't want to just flirt with her or make her just my temporary girlfriend just like those other cheap girls who threw themselves on me for the sake of money. I really love her and want her to be my partner throughout my life. It may sound weird but I want to get into a serious relationship with her. I want to marry her Harish. Not just that, but I also want to make sure that my parents are okay with it. I don't want to hurt anyone. I'll surely propose her in my style but only after my mom and dad are okay with it" I said it all in one go.

He looked at me with a smile. Wait, he should be shocked to hear from me that I want to marry her. But he's smiling?

"I knew it long back that Preeti was the one for you. But you idiot! It took you so long to realise it!" He smacked me arm.

"Ouchhh" I faked my pain.

"What's going on here boys?" My dad emerged out of nowhere.

"Nothing dad" I tried to cover up.

"There's something which he's hiding from us dad" Harish replied within a second. I glared at him and as usual he ignored it.

"What is it son?" Dad asked him eagerly.

"Dad, he wants to marry someone" he replied and dad's jaw dropped down the floor.
It was so obvious!

"Anjali! Come here soon. Your son is giving me a hear attack" dad called mom.

"Now what's the matter?" Mom asked us making her way out of the room.

"Yes my dear son! Answer your mother." Dad teased me.

"Mom, I....I love...love someone" I shivered. I know dad is very cool with these stuff. But mom, I don't know. We'll, I'll figure it out now.

"Whatttttt?" Mom asked me again.

"Yes mom. I truly love someone and I want to get married to her" I told her honestly. I want to give Preeti a whole family who loves her just they way they love me. I don't want any rift between my parents and her. They both are equally important to me.

"Oh my dear son! I thought you'll never settle down. But now... I'm so happy for you. But I want to know who's that girl who managed to tear my son's COOL attitude!" Mom asked me.
I thank you God!

"Mom, are you okay with it? I mean my love?" I asked her with hesitation.

"Of course. I agree" mom said with a smile.

I couldn't ask for more on my birthday. What else do I want now? Everything is just going to fall in place. I feels so good to know that everything we wished was going to happen in real. But Preeti? Does she love me? I know she likes me, but love?

Harish, sensing my feelings, answered mom instead of me.
"Mom, it's none other than Preeti. I know you wouldn't have expected it, but that's the truth." Harish replied.
"They love eachother so much" he added.

What? They? Does he mean Preeti too loves me? Oh god! Thank you so much. This is the best birthday of mine so far.

I looked at Harish confused. He nodded his head. And I'm the most happiest person on this earth.

"Mom, though they don't know about each other's feelings, I think they both are perfect for eachother" Harish said.

My mom and dad was shocked.
"Preeti?" Dad asked and I nodded my head.
"I'm so happy to get a beautiful and intelligent girl like Preeti as my daughter in law" mom said and kissed my forehead.

"Go and confess your love Kiran. The more you delay, the more you are losing her." Dad adviced me and went off with mom.

"Dad is right Kiran. Go and tell her now" Harish said.

"Yes. I will, but before that I have some game to play." I smirked.

"And I have a bad feeling about it already. But never mind, go ahead" Harish said.

"Wait and watch buddy. It's time for some action now" I said. After all she's going to become my wife soon and that time, I can't play with her. So why not now? I smirked and went to the bar, opposite the road.

As soon as I entered the bar, I saw few girls gasping looking at my physique.
I didn't react as usual. It's common for me now. I started searching for a perfect girl to work on my plan. I finally found one. Preeti, I hope you'll enjoy the game just like me.

I went to that girl and told her my plan in her ears. She looked scared at first. I can see that she isn't of those flirty girls. And I'm glad she isn't so.

She didn't agree at first but on my constant nagging, she eventually gave in.

I took her to the dance floor and started dancing with her, snaking my arms around her waist. It's my time Preeti. Let's see what will you do! I smirked.

Preeti Pov

I glared at him. My only love! Do I even have the right to call him my love?

I stroamed out of the bar.

Mr. Kiran Dixit, I'm not going to give in so easily.

Flashback ends

Shweta Pov

I smiled at my thought. Those lovebirds, Preeti and Kiran! It was so fun looking at them teasing one another.

But now, where are they? I miss those days very badly. I wish I could relive those days.

After one year....

One year passed away so quickly. And I know nothing about Priya or Harish. I couldn't even find my other friends. I wish I can tell them how much I miss them now.

Kavya calls me now and then.
I can say we bonded very well. She's become my another best friend. I asked her many times about Priya and Harish. But all she said was Priya went on a tour for couple of months and she had no idea about Harish.

She was really worried about him. I understand, as a wife, she misses him a lot. Atleast he could have told her where he was going.

Coming back to Priya, she should be here now. As far as what Kavya told me, she should have been here three month ago. But there's no sign of her anywhere. I hope she isn't in any problem.

My phone started ringing, bringing me back from my thoughts.

I looked at the caller ID and it showed Kavya. I smiled and answered the call.

"Hey Kavya" I said.

"Hey Shweta. I know it's your duty time but I'm sorry to call you now. I hope I'm not disturbing you" she said.

"Obviously you aren't disturbing me and stop being so formal. If I was busy, I wouldn't have attended your call. Anyways, how are you doing? All good? How's my cutie pie?" I asked her.

"We all are doing good Shweta. But I miss you. I think it's time to catch up." She said making me smile.

"Yea, of course. My cutie pie's first birthday is coming up" I said. It's Pranav's first birthday next week.

"Yes, it's his birthday. So I think you'll help me in arranging for a party" she asked me.

"Yea sure" I replied.

"Wait, someone wants to speak to you eagerly" Kavya said and I heard the phone being passed on to someone.

"Hey Shweta!" I heard her saying.

"Priya?" I was shocked. I have a lot to speak with her and especially scold her for her reckless behaviour. She got me worried so much.

"Yea. How are you?" She asked me as if nothing had happened. Oh god! This girl! What can I do with her?

"Where were you Priya?" I came to the point directly ignoring her question.

"I'll tell you everything when we meet up, which is probably very soon" she answered me. I got to know that she doesn't want Kavya to know about it.

"Ok, as you say" I said. She immediately handed over the phone to Kavya without telling me a bye.

I heard Kavya screaming her name. I think situations aren't going well. I have to find out what's up with her. And hopefully she'll open up everything to me.

I spoke to Kavya about Pranav's birthday preparations.
We spoke for another twenty minutes before hanging up.

I hope everything falls in place.

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Hi readers!
First of all, thanks a lot for still hooking up with this book. I love you all so much.

Secondly, I'm very sorry for keeping the book on hold without any prior notice. The plot which I thought of, was used in another story. So if I write according to that plot, many people won't like it. So I had to think about the plot. I made up almost 5-6 plots but I wasn't pleased with any. Finally I got an amazing plot. I hope you all will like it.
I'll update regularly from now on.

Once again, thanks a lot my dear readers.

Love,
Menaka❤