❝ When Love and Friendship crosses the way, the Result can either be a Disaster or an Experience worth remembering for a Lifetime.....

You can either say You Found Love In Your Friend... Or You Lost Your Friend in Love....

Memories, Everyone has them.
Bitter, Sweet or Bittersweet, the decision of lies with it's owner. ❞
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KUSH'S POV

She walked, I wasn't even worthy of her second look. It surely did hurt when she said it was a mistake. It didn't feel like one. Whatever is holding her back, I'm gonna free her and bring my her back. As a friend at least.
Because for me, life it too short to hold grudges and harbour regrets.

A week passed without any conversation with Meera. Today, we're setting out to Infinity Lands.
The week passed in prepping for the trip. Excitement and enthusiasm was the main ingredient of this plan. Ron was picking up Tara and Meera with Jenny. While, Joe, Adam, Paul and Addie were with me. The corner cafe was our decided rendezvous.

They were 15 minutes late. I already had two coffees and one bagel. Eagerness was getting better of me. At last, Ron's SUV pulled in. Tara got down first followed by Meera. She was in a gorgeous blue sleeveless sun dress. The colour matched perfectly with blue clear sky. Her hair was down and it was constantly swaying at the tunes of the breeze blowing.
Gosh! I was checking her out.

She averted my glaze, it felt as if she came prepared.

One Kiss, it surely manages to ruin everything damn thing.

" Hey!! You guys took a hell lot of time." Addie said. I was busy savoring my already finished coffee. Better to act than be ignored.

" Yea, If we're with Jenny, you can cut us some slack." Ron said waying his hands up.
Everyone smiling now.

" Ron, you suggested that I change. So, that's completely on you. " She snarled.

" Yes, Jen... Pink suits you." He winked. Baby.... But you look beautiful. "

They were definitely adorable and so into each other. Surrendered for good though.

" C'mon now... Let's get going. I don't wanna miss out anything. Meera do you wanna exchange places? " Joe asked and I didn't have a single clue why in the earth did he do that but now I was waiting for her to answer.

" No... I'm fine. I can keep Jenny company." She answered.

" But, I really don't think she needs one. I am the one who needs you between these boys." Finally Addie said something good.

" Am I not enough?" It was Adam.

Hell... What was going on here? I couldn't control my laugh.

" I will volunteer." Tara said.

So, Joe and Tara swapped places.

" Things got rough, huh? " Paul asked while I ignited the engine.

Paul and Joe knew it all.

I nodded and they sure as hell could get worst any time now.

3 hours continuous drive and we were at our destination. Calm, serene and a perfect getaway. It was indeed a beauty.
In 3 hours we reached our destination. The girls went to change and so did we. There was a DJ night so we decided to go for some adventure sports and then at the DJ party. Now my mood too was a bit cheered up.

The atmosphere of the resort was very calm and relaxed. There was greenery everywhere. It was peacefully tranquil. I hope this turns out to be good for everyone, especially for Meera and me.

After few adventure sports we all gathered in near the gazebo in the lush flowery garden around a bonfire. The nights were pretty much chilly in these areas. It wasn't crowded. Meera has been avoiding since we began our journey. I don't know when will it end and honesty I'm not enjoying the cold treatment either.
I was lost in my thoughts when I heard Ron.

" Hey! Guys... There's something I need to tell..." He announced grabbing our attention.
He looked profusely excited and I think it was a good guess when he called Jenny. I saw Meera smiling, looking the know all of the bunch.

As soon as Jenny was with him, he knelt down and held her hands in his. She beamed with happiness and joy. I think I saw her tears as well.

" Jenny.... Thanks for completing me and my life. I love you. I really do. Please will you marry me? I promise you to give you all the happiness in life." Jenny's tears were quite visible now. We gave a nice and loud cheer to them. I was elated for them.

" Jenny.... " Ron was really getting impatient.

" Of course you jerk.... I love you too. " He lifted her up and both kissed passionately. Just then I turned to Meera. I noticed her looking at me too. She turned her gaze away, in a seconds time.

" C'mon guys. Find a room. We're headed to the DJ. Join us if you wish. Let's go Tara. Meera, get up. " Addie called them.

In an hour after changing we all met at the small dance floor. The lights weren't bright yet I could see clearly. I saw Meera sitting on the sofa, can't say she was relaxed. She never is in such an atmosphere.

She looked so amazing. Apparently, I found her dress quite short and bold. It was a dark blue skater dress. She looked irresistible. She sipped her drink in slow sips and looked around. She didn't notice me staring right at here for minutes. I was hidden in dark corner of the bar.

Tara straddled towards her, forcing her to dance. I hoped that she disagrees but after multiple attempts Meera gave in. Tara and Paul were dancing very closely and so were Adam and Addie along with Jenny and Ron, who were back by now. Joe was with some random girl and Meera was trying to adjust to the pop jazzy beats.

Just then a tall fair guy came closer towards her and whispered something in her ears to which she laughed. I gripped the beer can tight in my palms, squeezing until I felt chilled beer flowing on my palms. No one can make her laugh except it's me. Wow, now they're swaying together on a jazz.

Who even dances on Jazz? This 21st century for God's sake.

Enough! I've had enough.

" Hey!! Get lost... " I ordered or perhaps threat is a wrong word. He stumbled and fumbled. He looked at Meera. And she looked at me. Equally surprised, in not a pleasant way.

" Didn't you hear me or you wanna taste blood." I gritted my teeth. I don't have tightest idea why I said that. And I definitely wasn't drunk.

" Kush... What is wrong with... ?" Meera held my hand.

" You keep your mouth shut. Are you drunk? He's a stranger. Are you nuts? " I said with angry look in my eyes.

" Buddy, I think it's you who is acting like a crackhead. " He pushed me a little.

" Ha!" I chortled.

" You can't spike her drink, not when I'm here. Show yourself out. She has me to dance with. "

" If you had a boyfriend you could have denied, lady. This is insane... " He left. I smiled.

" He's not... "

" He's long gone, Meera..." I chuckled.

" Kush... You're an ass. Why did you do that?"

" C'mon now, Meera. Didn't you notice, he was jerk. And who has such straight up hair? Your taste... Well... "

" Shut Up... " I had pissed her off, definitely.

" Meera, I was just protecting you. Did you drink for the first time? " The background noise wasn't making our conversations easier but we were audible to each other at least.

" I am not drunk. Okay!! And I can very well protect myself. I don't need anyone, especially you. " Saying so she turned to leave but I couldn't let her go. Not now after I worked so hard to get close to her. I held her hand.

That furious raging eyes meant death to me.

At an quick impulse, the lights soothed and the music changed its course.

' To all the couples on the dance floor...'

The crowd cheered as everyone took their positions. A romantic track engaged the dancing couples and their eyes to each other. We just faded in the ambiance.

I grabbed Meera from her waist and then I held her hand in mine. She tried to free herself but I proved to be stronger.

We were dancing so close to each other. The warmth from her body radiating to me. I looked at her and then she looked me. Our eyes meet for a brief time. I stop and lowered my head to her face. We were only inches apart when the song ended and the nights were turned on.

Meera, being herself and good at fleeing away at once freed herself and left.

Phew! That was really really close. I wanted to kiss her again so badly but then good things really happen at wrong time. Can't agree that I'm glad she left but I can't shoulder the pain of her regret again.

Regaing my lost confidence, I left. The room was empty as everyone else was still out.

I changed into tracks. Meera still had my thoughts.

Why was she how she was?

Maybe I of the main reasons why I'm attracted to her.

Awkwardness was created and the bridge to cross it was still a work in progress. But, I think I can manage.

It was until midnight, I couldn't sleep. The full moon was calling me to take a closer look. Joe and Paul were still out somewhere. Ron was probably with Jenny and Adam was snoring. I saw the still water of the lake a few meters away.

It was beckoning.

As I walked closer, I realised I had a familiar company. Wrapped in a scarf, I knew it has to be her.

" Hmmm... Sleep is a rare luxury. Don't you agree?" She jumped, startled.

Maybe, it's the stars in the heaven. They want us to talk. This rendezvous was orchestrated by them.

" Huh... Kush... You scared me." She replied.

" I thought no one could scare you." I replied standing beside her, just staring at the vast nothingness of the dark moonlit sky and the reflecting lake.

" What are you doing here?" She asked calmly.

" The same thing as you. " I replied not looking at her but her eyes were searching for the answers.

" Hmm.... And what am I doing here? "

" Meera, I wonder why you not a investigator. C'mon, let's sit..." I pulled her down on the soft wet grass. She didn't protest.

" Kush..."

" At times, it's so much easier to just let go. Just let your feelings out. To lighten up and not be ashamed of one's life. " Sometimes I wonder how I end up saying things like this.

We weren't looking at each other. Just the two of us, staring at the nothingness of the wild serene sky with limitless boundaries.
Only the shallow breathes could be heard along with some night insects crackling.

" Why you?" I think she wanted to ask herself that question.

" Why not me, Meera? That's what friends are for." When I said that she left heaved a long sigh. Maybe, friends was a strong word for us now.

" Friends, I never really some best buddies. But us.. Kush..." She stopped, lost at words and still in a confusion about our relationship.

" I'll start... Maybe we started on wrong foot. Not once but a couple of times and like I said I don't regret it. Whatever happened, happened for a reason which maybe be oblivious right now. All I want to say is that I don't wanna lose you as a friend." I paused, waiting for to reply.

She didn't.

" Kush, I don't know.... "

" You don't have to if you don't want to. Your secrets are safe with you unless you want me to be a part of them. I'm cool. All I want is for you to be genuinely relieved of something that's bothering you." She let out a laugh after I completed.

That wasn't expected.

" You really seem like a Jedi to me sometime. Perhaps, I'm not good at concealing... "

" Perhaps, you just don't want to hide anymore. " All of sudden a nice yet chilling swish of breeze blew past us.

" Ah-uh... I'm sleepy. I must go." She stood up. I don't intend to push her more. She's had enough already.

" You not leaving? " She asked after I slept down on the grass.

" It's not like everyday I get to sleep under the starry clear sky. Tonight, I'd like to nap under the blanket of these sparkling glitters. I think even they want me to stay." We both let out a chuckle.

" That's true..." She walked a two more steps, still thinking about her decision to leave.

" Meera.. "

" Yes? " She looked at me as soon as I called her.

" Although it's chilly, it's worth it. Also, I'd appreciate some company."

" Hmmm... It's not a bad idea after all." I concealed my grin as deep down I realized she wanted to stay.

Maybe for the stars, maybe for the sky or maybe... For me, she stayed.

🌟🌟🌟

" Noooo.... Please.... STOP! "

" Meera... Meera... Wake up..." I said trying to sooth the trembling Meera.

" Huh!!"

She woke up with a start. She was literally sweating now. Her hazel orbs reflecting pain and fright.

" What happened? Are you Okay?"

" Ya.... Just a nightmare."

" Water? " I asked passing her the bottle.

She took a sip.

" Thanks...."

" Was it that bad? Do you want to share?" I asked. She was still shaking.

" I think I will go back. Tara must be worried." She got up and I followed.

I turned to look at the lake and then back at her. She was already few meters away. There's some deep shit going on with her. Her aura shouts out loud that she is not what she pretends to be.

If she's not ready, I'm no one to judge. I folded my arms to give myself a tight hug.

Staring at the cloudless sky, I shouted,
"Life maybe be Good, but I wanna make it Beautiful For Someone..."

" Kush..." I heard a voice.

" I thought You Left..." I turned.

" I thought You didn't want me to leave..." She said.

" I thought You didn't like My company..." I continued.

" I thought You Don't Like... " I didn't let her complete herself and put my index finger on her lips.

" Sshhh.... "

I held her hand and we sat down at our places again.

" Kush... "

" Hmmm... " I hummed. We both were staring at the the still waters.

" I had an elder sister. She was 5 years elder to me. She commited suicide 3 years ago. " Meera started.

I looked at her. Her tears were glistening in the moonlight. She didn't look back. I held her hand and she didn't resist it. Instead, she held it tighter.

" Meera... It's... "

" No... Please.... I wanna talk about it. I have to. " She sniffed but her speech meant what she said.

I wrapped my hand around her shoulder.

" I am listening..." I whispered.

" Her name was Mayra. She was so bubbly and cheerful, the most fun loving of the two of us. We were inseparable. Our bond always left people in awe.
Then, she fell in love, madly and foolishly with her classmate in college. They dated almost for 2 years until we came to know about them.
Later, they joined the same company. He seemed a nice decent guy. Dad was furious, so was I coz I never thought she could hide such a thing from me. I was upset. But, meeting him changed my perspective. He was a gentleman. They got married in 6 months and then even I started dating one of my colleagues...." She paused and wiped her tears.

" Everything was seemingly perfect but, after all it wasn't. Ken turned out to be a jerk. Initially, he wanted to have a casual fling but when things started escalating he deviced a plan to make the most of it. Dad's firm developed softwares for Mayra's. Mayra cracked a huge deal for their collaboration and hence she was promoted. I don't know how he brainwashed her and she stepped back, giving him her position and perks. It was her hardwork but his success, just in 8 months. Ken's parent's were against this alliance and we were enlighted about this almost a year after. He lied that he was an orphan. Everything was a scam. Bullshit and cretinous.

His behaviour, his attitude and his personality, everything took a u-turn. Mayra was devasted, pathetic and miserably broken. In a month's time, he even started insulting and abusing her. Then, he filed an divorce. She still wanted him back. But, he was never coming back. A fairy tale, nightmare for all of us. He said he never loved her... " She stopped. I wiped her incessant falling tears.

".... S-She was four months pregnant..." Meera cried louder clutching my shirt.
She was miserable.

" Ken said that he will press for the entire custody of the baby. Since, Mayra's mental health was deteriorating. Mayra seeped into depression. She refused to come home. She didn't even thought of contacting us. Until one day she had some sleeping pills, not some actually, many of them. She even tried cutting her wrist.

That night, we got a call from the cops. She was gone... All that was left was a note. " She sniffed in my shirt as I rubbed her back.

After few minutes, she was calm.

" She wasn't willing to give up her baby. This was her last resort. She has always been a fighter but love broke her into million pieces. She never blamed Ken. Dad pressed charges against him but he was a free man. He was doing the best for himself and we were left distraught. We've... We've had a hard time... " She took another pause.

" They brought her home... S-she was beyond repair. Swollen cheeks, dark patches and cuts... We lost innocent two souls that night... " The tears still flowed like a river as the pain didn't lessen.

" I-I was lost. My relationship suffered and I couldn't do it anymore. Mayra's love saw a brutal end. It crushed my faith... " She paused.

" Meera.... Not everyone you meet is a bad person... And not everyone who appears a gentleman is truly one. She just fell for the wrong guy... "

" Was that in her hand, Kush? Falling in love? It never is, isn't it? Initially looking at them made me think that even I can fall in love with someone. But, now it makes me puke. The nightmares haunts me when I see myself begging forgiveness from a devil. I see my sister being mistreated while I can't help her... I see how miserable she was. I see her repenting over the death of her unborn baby... I see... " She cried again with her face in her palms.

I hugged her tight. She didn't stop until she fell asleep in my arms. She has been through a difficult phase.
The worst part stands that she can't move on.
The Meera who would win any damn battle was afraid to Love.

She didn't wanna fall for someone. That scared the shit out of her.

I can't blame her for that though.

Then, I really hate guys like Ken who spoil the image of a real gentlemen who are actually capable of cherishing and respecting a Girl.

Well, I will make Meera realise that not everyone is an ass. And not all those who appear as asses are one, instead they are the one's with Golden Heart.

Meera's trapped in a past that hinders her present as well her future. I looked at her innocent and pretty face. Small cute nose, pink round cheeks and perfect red lips could make anyone fall for her.

She deserved to be loved.

It was around 4 now and definitely cold. I picked my jacket lying on the ground with my free hand and wrapped it around Meera as I carried her to my room. I knew that everyone else would be sleeping already. Paul was snoring on the bed. I woke him up. He looked shocked.

" I will explain later..." I whispered. He smirked.

He moved out of the way.

" I'm going to Joe's room..." He said taking his blanket while handing me a fresh one.

I covered Meera up and as I was about to leave she grabbed my hand that was adjusting her blanket. She moved for a while but didn't let it go. I kneeled beside the bed and watched her sleep until I felt my eyes closing.

A long, long night finally came to an end.

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Hey! Guys...

Longest chapter by far.

Keep Reading and Supporting me.

It helps me going.

Lots more to come for Kush & Meera.

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Luv... ❤️
Vruksha.