❝ Sometimes Surrendering, whether in War or in Love may depict the Weakness of that person, but believe me it's the most Toughest thing to do.
It requires courage and gallantry.

A BOND, it's more than just a word. It's a mutual feeling of trust and a connection.
Difficult to detect and arduous to maintain. ❞

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KUSH'S POV

We've bonded well, pretty much that going out for Hi-Teas together is what I look forward these days. It just makes my days less lonier. I turned back to check on Meera when I saw her talking on her phone. Her expressions made it clear that she wasn't agreeing with someone yet she gave in.

I can be a really good detective in finding things out. But, my charms weren't needed. I got the answer quicker than those chemical reactions that screwed me back in high school.

" Kush... I really don't think..." Will she ever stop?

There is no way I'm letting her go alone. At least not after what happened yesterday, and also on the grounds of that I don't personally like Alan.

" Meera.. I'm coming with you. You agree or not."

She made a face. But, I knew I had convinced her. Meera went to fetch my things while I was still thinking about how the events unfolded.

" Kush, where the hell have you been lost?" Paul shook me.

" Stop behaving like Ron. He seemed so lost the entire day. Who are you lost in?" Joe is always ready to support Paul.

" Nothing serious..." Actually I wasn't sure whether Meera would let me come with her or not, she did and it was surprising.

He bought in what I said.

" Where did Meera go? " Paul asked.

" We've to go to Alan's place to submit the sheets. She went to fetch them." I don't think they should be given the exact specifics.

Everyone else was busy chatting. No one heard us.

I was still hogging on my sandwiches. I was famished but satisfied for I was gonna keep Meera company. I don't know why but the smile was not ready to leave my face. If I could convince Meera I could convince anyone. It was a victory.

I was full after sipping the coffee. Meera was taking a long time now. It's been 10 minutes since she went to fetch the things. I hope she didn't change her mind or did Alan call her. I'm the uninvited person so if Alan knows I'm with her he'll call it off.

I don't know whether I'm being paranoid but I don't like Alan and I don't want Meera to be with him all by herself.

Just then, all started cheering and hooting. I saw Jenny along with Yuan coming towards us. Everyone was engrossed in teasing them. Meera too came back behind them.
Yuan waved us, kissed Jenny on her cheek and left.

" So, Jenny... I think you had a gala time today. "Meera asked.

" Yup... Mee... Yuan is such a jolly good fellow. Anyone will enjoy his company."

" But Jenny... Soneone missed you terribly today." Addie said signalling towards Ron who was busy gulping down his burger as if he didn't care while the truth was his heart wasn't at peace.

It was surprising that he hadn't touched it a few minutes ago and now suddenly was hogging like he hadn't eaten from days.

I felt miserable watching him like that. I think he felt something strongly for Jenny but was denying that fact.

It is difficult to express or surrender ourself. Maybe considered as a sign of weakness.

" Jenny tell us what did you both do. " Paul was in mood to irritate Ron. Maybe he was just curious.

" We went for a romantic movie..."

Just then Ron, who was seating quietly besides me stood up in a jerk, shaking the entire table. Everyone looked at him.

" Kush... Thanks for the treat. Meera see you tomorrow. Everyone else... Byeee... " He felt.

Everyone exchanged glances and then again continued talking. But Jenny seemed a bit upset. Ron's weirdly expected behavior was disturbing. I was so busy doing the analysis when I saw Meera's cell vibrating.
It was Alan's. He is such a pest. Impatient pest.

"Yes.. Alan...... Hmmm I'm on my way."

She hung up and signalled towards me. Thank God. I thought she changed her mind. I was not gonna leave her alone with that jerk.

" Bye guys... We're leaving. Have some work. " Meera informed others.

" So... Finally You two getting along with one other. Going out, huh? " Jenny gave that typical girly look. She was teasing her, and her expressions made it obvious.

All others continued laughing. Meera too gave a wicked smile. Jenny should know by now that Meera doesn't like such jokes even if it was a joke after all.

" You wish but we're not. We are off to Alan's for some work. And BTW Jenny I think it's you who need to stop going out with people for fun. Stop troubling Ron. Everyone knows the truth."

Pin drop silence surrounded us in a moment.

" What truth Mee... What are you talking about ?"

" Talk to you tomorrow Jen. Gotta go. Anyways Bye everyone. Also, someone needs to check on Ron. " She said and I saw Paul nodding.

No one dare to lift their lip after what she said.
Meera is an epitome of spontaneity.

Wow...

The more I get to know her the more she reveals herself. It's definitely a slow process where the veil is taking its own sweet time to reveal itself but I'm enjoying every bit of it.

I stood speechless as Meera didn't forget to give stunned Jenny a hug before leaving. She cared for her.

We both got into my car. Not a word was spoken, so I thought to break the awkward silence trying to be me.

" Miss Arrogance is wild but caring." She glanced sideways and then finally a smile appeared on her serious face like the first sun ray after dark showers.

" Well... I'm caring always." She said proudly, she's a gloater something we have in common. "And I only spoke the truth. "

" What truth? " I asked the curious cat.

" Common on Kush. Everybody knows that Jenny too likes Ron. She's just pushing her feelings away. Her reluctance to not surrender is quite clear as a matter of fact." Meera sounded like a professor, stating the facts and all we students can do is to accept them. All this what she is doing is too hide those feelings.

But I'm a weak student from kindergarten." Meera, I don't think... Ron and Jenny... "

" Definitely, there's no doubt about it. Haven't you noticed them Kush. I thought you got me. "
She had that puzzled look on.

" Uh-huh... I don't believe so. Maybe Jenny did. I don't know either. Anyways what's with this 'Surrender' thing? "

" It's basically surrendering in Love. Ron has already surrendered, which is clear as a crystal to all. His actions convey the same staunchly.
Jenny is just messing around with him, perhaps for fun. I've seen them before, they definitely like each other's company. And after that Yuan episode things are a bit complicated. "

She made absolute sense. Because of the facts she was stating I was able to visualize them together. They shared a vibe of more than being good friends.

" Oh!... Meera.. I didn't know you were so good at observing people. I really thought that there's only one thing you're excellent at..." I took a deliberate pause to arose her curiosity.

" What's that?" She asked.

" FIGHTING." I mocked laughing.

" Really, huh? Kush. You will regret this... " For a moment she had moved closer to punch me but then realizing it she retreated away, breaking a second's moment.

" But, I really enjoy this new Meera. It's like you're the most experienced of all. Also, one who has mastered philosophy at its best. " I continued after that awkward moment.

She smiled. Through the corner of my eyes I noticed them twinkle in the dim lights. It felt as if she wasn't complimented enough.

" Well... I'm flattered. I maybe observant. But, I'm a no philosopher. I said what I felt. I was just telling you facts." She made a smug face.

" True. No one listens to amateur philosophers. They are a work in progress. Trying hard..." I said casually.

" Are you calling me amateur? " I knew that was coming.

" Do you consider yourself as a philosopher? I assume you don't..." I got her. She couldn't argue further.

And then I was pulled in a long maybe annoying laughter, which she gladly joined in. I don't really remember when was the last I had such a good time laughing while all I did was talk with a person I crashed into.

It's hard to believe that but being judgement isn't a good trait to have.

" Trust me, I'm glad you said what you felt. Coz, as a person I'm man of my feelings and I appreciate what you did. Jenny deserves someone to show her a mirror."

" Thank you, Kush. But I am really not used to such praises from you. "
I smiled and kept driving.

The sun was already way hidden behind the mountains and it was getting dark and cold. Alan's place was almost an hour away but with Meera, the ride turned out pretty much interesting.

" I think someone should do something for both of them." I wanted us to talk.
I realize that Meera such a person with whom one can talk for hours on any damn topic.

" Hmmm... I agree. We should talk them out. I will speak to Jenny. Then let's see what unfolds. But I think they really like each other but are too arrogant to admit. Kush will you help and speak to Ron. He really looked helpless and somewhat disturbed."

" If you're so sure about it then... Yeahhh.... I'd like to see how correct you and your observations are. " I winked.

" It's like a game. Who surrenders first?" She seemed so obsessed with the idea of surrending. It was unsettling.

" Meera! Tell me why do you use this word so often? You can say they're in love. What's to Surrend? "

" A person who is weak mentally, naturally surrenders first. And basically Love makes you Weak, Helpless and Meak- mentally and emotionally and physically to some extent. Whoever gives up first is obviously surrendering to these circumstances. It's that simple. We are just facilitating the process. Making it sound less creepy won't change the fact nor the reality. " It wasn't easy to absorb.

" Good God! You're no less than a robot. Too much technicalities. No doubt you are an engineer. #AntiLover. " I said.

" Kush! It's not that simple like movies, where the audience are given a fake reality. The endings are never happy. It's an illusion which is not easy to escape."

" Wohhh! I think I had too much of your dose. Look Alan's already waiting for you. I swear he is gonna freak out seeing an unexpected guest."

" Common on...." She got down, forgetting the sheets.

Meera went through the iron gate. No wonder why he is waiting eagerly for her. I'm gonna be a big unwanted surprise for him. I parked my BMW. It wasn't technically a friend's. Dad and I had exchanged our's for fun. He was riding my JEEP for a change.
Meera can't know everything, she has a lot of questions and wants answers too.

Oh! I was so lost that I forgot that Meera might want the sheets too. I picked them up and went towards them, walking hastily.
I saw Meera greeting Alan with a half hug.

Huh!! Was that necessary? I don't think so. Personally, I don't have good vibes from him.

I went closer. I heard Meera laughing. Her hair swaying sideways while she laughed on a I'm sure stupid joke.
Alan saw me and his face was a 90° dropped.

" Meera, wasn't aware you had a company along." I wanted to smack him.

" Damn straight you weren't. Here the sheets." I handed them to Meera. Alan eyed looked at me displeased.

Before I could add fuel to the fire, Meera held my hand, stopping me. Alan didn't notice.

" Actually Alan, he was coming this way so offered to drop me."

" Hmm... But Kush I think Meera would have been a bit more careful after that incident. Incidents experienced are lessons well learnt. Now that she's here, I'll drop her home."

He knows every damn thing. I'm glad I came. I couldn't allow him to drop her, after all they've just been acquaintances.

" Alan... You're such a busy man. Why bother? I'm a free man. I'll drop her home. Meera... ?" Meera was sheepishly looking at us all the time,confused with what was going on.

" Yup... Alan take a look and inform me. I think Kush's are also there. If can check them too. " I was already half way away from them. Alan was still having a smug face on.

I heard him saying, " Why didn't you tell me he was coming with you. I thought we might have a coffee. "

" Oh! How does it change anything, we can still have. I'll call Kush... " I had that smile on as I was leaning against the adjoint wall.

" No... It's alright. Bye then. I will call you tomorrow. "

" Coffee remains pending. " He shouted.
Jerk...

Meera is definitely never having coffee with him. For the last time I looked at him, Alan Anderson. He's all A's. Alan-Anderson-American-Astute-Accentuate and maybe ambivalent. He had looks, a handsome jawline, blonde hair, greyish eyes according to me. He must be as the same height as mine but he's definitely not as charming as me.

Satisfied with my deduction I moved towards the car.

" Sure.." Saying so Meera walked away.

Not wanting her to know that I was eavesdropping. Which I sure as hell was.
I got into the car. Meera too came in.

" Meera, Why didn't you inform him that I was coming? " She made a face.

" Really? I know something is on between you two. Why were you so cold with each other? Feels like a cold war. "

" Then freeze... " I smirked which wasn't liked by her.

" Don't change the topic Kush. What happened? " She sounded worried than curious.

" It's nothing, trust me. Just stay away from him. " I don't know why I don't like that guy. We didn't share any bitter history but the likes of him made me feel worried.

" Why so... If I didn't... " She folded her hands in defense while I kept on driving.

" If it's not appealing, then remember you are My Girl!" I winked.

" Shut Up... It's too late now. I want to be home soon. Tara must be waiting." She agrees or not I'm pretty sure she liked that.

I think we're now on the right foot.

" Are you hungry? " I asked her.

She hadn't had enough food today, I knew that.
Just then her cell was ringing.

" Hey! Tara... Ssupp?" She paused, hearing which concentration.

" Okay... Anything else Sweetie...
Bye..."

"So what's on the menu?" I enquired to keep the convo on after she hung up.

" Actually, Nothing. Tara came late from work and is tired. She asked to get a take away. Maybe Pizza or Chinese."

" Well, I thought I'd be able to savour your pudding." I really meant it but she gave me a grim look as I didn't appreciate her before. I deserved it.
God knows when will I be able to have it again.

" I'm in a zero mood to cook. And I don't want to serve any pudding to you, specially. If know any good restaurants nearby in the vicinity please suggest or else drop me downtown. I can hunt something myself."

" Meera, Be gracious. At least invite for the supper."

" I've been enough gracious once. I don't like repeating my mistakes. Anyways I've allowed you to accompany me is more than enough, I suppose. "

I shrugged which she ignored. We went to the nearby Chinese restaurant and she ordered for take away. I wasn't hungry. The sandwiches were going good.
We drove to her home.

" Thanks Kush." She smiled as she said it.

" Oh!! I am obliged." I bowed down as I got down as well. I quickly squeezed in my jacket and pulled it closer as the air got chilly.

" Kush! Pleasure to see you, again. " Just then Tara came, breaking the abrupt amalgan of silence and the stare we shared.

" It's all mine..." I said as she had nearly startled both of us.

" Why don't you hop in? Have super with us. " She offered.

" I'd like to but your sweet friend has specifically asked me not to accompany you guys. So, I won't bomb your happy time. Also, I'm not hungry or else I'm not the shy types." We shared a light laugh As Meera stood out, watching us.

" I'll get going. Bye. Meera, see you tomorrow. "

She just waved with a persistent smile.

We've bonded for good.

I know it.

She knows it as well.

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Hi! Guys....

It's been a while since the last update.

Kush & Meera have began their journey on a right foot, finally.

A beginning for a better good.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all.
Lots of good health and happiness to all.

Next Update 🔜

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Luv... ❤️
Vruksha.