❝  When In Dilemma, Listen to Your Heart.
What if the Heart is Stuck, Still Listen To It.
For Brain gives Logic But Heart Creates Magic!

Love Needs Magic Not Logic... ❞

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KUSH'S POV

Excitement knew no bounds for Meera. She was in the seventh heaven. The bright ear to ear smile said enough.

But, I was nervous.

Things were okay between us and I didn't want to mess them.

" Kush? You okay?" I was driving us to the hotel where he was staying.

" Yeah... Absolutely..." I lied. Honestly, I was profusely sweating.

" Well, you don't look like..." She joked with a smile.

She didn't bother whether I replied or not because it was one of her best day in life.

And, today I will admit that I never thought that I could like someone as I liked the girl sitting next to me.
Meera was simple yet exquisite in her own way. I felt responsible for keeping that smile intact on her face.

If last year someone said I'd love for a girl like Meera, I'd have kicked him hard but tonight I will accept that she's the one.

I like her, I really do.

Somewhere I know she's messed up with her past and may not even like me. But I wanna try. I wanna make her believe that's there is a lot of love in this world and she deserves all of it.

" Kush? Are you listening?" She pushed my hand.

" Oh.. Yes... I'm. " 

" I was saying that we should take roses for him." 

" Not roses? He doesn't like them..." I promptly replied.

" What? How do you know that?"

" Well.. I read that in an interview."

" Actually, I follow him closely. I don't recall reading anything as such."

" Meera, he's a star. He doesn't need his fans to give him flowers. He's happy with their love. "

" Hmm... You are correct. " She agreed.

We reached the hotel in 10 minutes. We got in the lobby. Meera walked to the reception giving the details of herself.

" You must be Miss. Meera. Mr. Kapoor is waiting for you. And, I'm his PA, Nelly. "

" Nice to meet you... " Meera replied.

" Kush... C'mon no..." Meera called me.

And unfortunately, Nelly saw me.

" Aah! Mr. Kush..."

" Thanks Nelly... See you soon... " I didn't let her complete.

I waved her.

" She knows you? "

" Not exactly. I work in this industry. I coordinated with her once." Meera seemed satisfied.

" Kush... You know what, I'm really doing all this for Mayra. I just hope that she rests in peace..." Meera muttered a silent prayer.

Perhaps, her sister really was a huge fan.

Amazing at how things work.

We were right outside his suite. Three bodyguards were standing there.

As soon as we got out of the elevator they moved away, making way for us.

" Kush, why are they bowing?" She whispered.

" Meera...." I paused.

Maybe, I knew the real reason.

"... I don't know." She nodded.

" I think I will wait outside for you." I said.

" No..." She pulled me in, holding my hand.

She was nervous.

She had to be. Samar Kapoor is a big star after all. Not every one gets such golden opportunities in life.

As we got in, the living room was deserted. We were looking around aimlessly when he entered.

He was in a casual white t-shirt and back denims.

" Hi! Meera... And..." I'm so glad he paused.

" He's my friend Kush. Actually he didn't get invited but we worked together on that project. I-I hope you didn't mind bringing him along." She said it so quickly. And more over she didn't let go of my hand once.

" Oh! Yeah... Of course. I don't mind. Nice to meet you. C'mon in... " We followed him to another living room.

" Well, It's a pleasure to meet you in person sir. " Meera said as all of us sat down.

" The pleasure is all mine, trust me." He said with a huge smile.

We were served with refreshments.

" So, are you two couple? Is he your boyfriend?"

" No!" She said promptly while I choked on my water.

" Da..." I stopped.

He looked at me and so did Meera.

" Dat's not the case. We are just good friends. " I said glaring at the person right in front of me who happens to be my Dad.

Yeah! Samar Kapoor happens to be my father and I don't know why in the world I didn't tell Meera the truth. I should have told her long back.

He winked looking at me and I think he understood that she isn't aware of that fact.
I hate myself more now. It's wrong.

" Well, Sir, Actually my sister happens to be your fan. If you could sign this for us." Meera removed a frame from her bag.

I guess she was Mayra. She was holding a sketch of Dad in that picture. She had a smile similar to that of Meera's. Anyone could easily say that they were sisters.

Meera removed another frame which was a really beautiful sketch of Dad.

" Wow! This is so good." He took that frame.

Meera had a huge smile plastered on her face the entire time.

" I wish I could meet her too." He said.

" Well... She's..." Meera held my hand tightly, stopping me.

Dad didn't notice that. He was busy admiring his picture. Actually, he's used to me talking and then stopping mid-way.

" Kush... You were saying something..."

Man! Why?

" Nothing... It's not important. I'm hungry. Let's eat. " I said moving towards the dining.

I stopped suddenly. I shouldn't have said that. Dad usually stays in the same hotel, in the same suite, so technically I know the rooms.

Meera was confused.

" Are you a Jedi? I was gonna say the same thing. Meera, C'mon..." He requested.

Meera followed me.

The dinner was good and Meera looked comfortable now. Dad and his chivalry, he can make anyone comfortable with his presence. She smiled more while Dad talked about his public life.

I didn't say much, I was only looking at Meera. She had her own charm and tenderness.

Meera looked around the dining table. She was definitely surprised with a variety of flowers.

" They are so beautiful, with such a lovely fragrance." She said.

" I know. The red touch of Roses is missing. I like them but alas I'm allergic to the most pretty flowers." As he said that Meera looked at me, impressed. I had that child like expression on when teacher says you passed well in your exams.

With the progressing talk we came know that her parents ran a small NGO for helping out girls with depression and anxiety. They conducted free sessions and took various activities. Along with that they collected funds for giving them employment opportunities to ensure a stable life. They taught them skills like the Home sciences in order to boost their confidence and help them stand equal with others.

" They're doing a great job. I will surely like to help them out with this." Dad said.

" Thank you. That would be great. Coz, not many people feel that they are depressed and end their lives. Occasionally, even I go there and conduct some practical classes which helps the girls to have a better insight in science. "

We definitely had a great time.

" So, what's the plan after the term get over? " Dad asked.

" I will be going back to Mumbai. I like it there with them. "

I looked at her. I wasn't aware that she would be going back soon. We haven't seen started yet. It's surely been more than 8 months of us knowing each other but I still wasn't sure of her feelings.

" Hmmm... That's a good plan. Sometimes, children are so engrossed in setting their careers that they go far away from their family, not realising that they need to stand with them at times. Hence, parents sacrifice a hell lot of things and then all they get is a phone call from abroad once in a month or perhaps once in a year, on their B'days... " Dad sighed.

On departuring, Dad handed both of us a small token of present. I was surprised that he had one for me too.

The thing about Meera returning was pestering me a lot now. Obviously, it wasn't a great feeling.

Meera walked further. She didn't realise I wasn't beside her. I think she was engrossed looking at her sister's picture signed with Dad's autograph. I wonder why she didn't tell him about Mayra.

Dad pulled my hand and stopped me.

" Dad!" It was a whisper, but sounded like a shout.

" I like her." He winked and it brought a wide smile on my face.

" Kush?" I heard a call me.

Dad couldn't complete himself as I rushed out.

" I forgot my cell phone." I lied.

" It was a pleasure meeting you, Sir. Thanks for having us here." She shook hands.

" The pleasure was all mine, dear. 'Sir' is so formal. Hopefully, we can find a better word next time." Dad said looking at me, winking.

I glared at him. Thankfully, the confused Meera didn't notice.

We left the hotel.

" Kush, thanks for coming with me. " I smiled.

" Okay! So, return me the favor. Tell me what D... " I stopped.

".... Tell me what Samar Kapoor gave you."

" That's my present. I won't open it in front of you. I think we both might have the same thing. He doesn't have time to buy presents, Kush." I don't agree with her.

I stopped by the garden. The breeze was nice and cool. We got down with our bags and sat on the grass itself. It was soft yet pricky. Actually, Meera sat first. I followed her. With her all those things which I didn't like doing initially, I had started enjoying them.

She opened her present. It had a note along with it. I peeped over her shoulder.

Dear Meera,
You are indeed a beautiful and sweet girl. Hope you receive all the happiness in the world.
Lots of Good Wishes and Health To You And Your Family.

Regards,
Samar.

There was a small sparkling dome shaped thing with some positive glittering message.

I quickly opened mine before she could ask me.

Kush,
You Liar. I never taught you how to lie. She's a wonderful girl. I really like her and if she's the same one, Ms. Arrogance then you are so wrong.

Tell her the truth about who you are and about your feelings. Don't let her go. I will be waiting to hear from you.

Yours
Dad.

I quickly folded and kept it in my pocket. There were chocolates in it. They are surely made by my mom.

" Meera... I have chocolates. Have them."

She took one.

" You didn't get a letter?"

" No..." I lied.

" Meera... I wasn't invited, remember." I said.

She nodded.

" Why didn't you tell him about Mayra?" I asked. I was curious.

" Kush, he doesn't need to know. We are never gonna meet again. So, why to lament? " She explained.

" Hmmm... " I saw a set of fresh tears down her cheeks.

" Meera, you need to get over that thing. It's past, don't let it ruin your future or your present... Open your heart... " I said.

The tears fell faster.

" I-I want to. But it's not easy. Everytime I think I'm over it I get those nightmares. I see her face, I see that unborn baby... " She held her face in her palms and cried more.

Although it happened with her sister, she seemed deeply affected. She was her family after all. She was still stuck in the past.

" Meera, Past is like that college back logs which everyone has. No matter how hard you try to work you can never get over it and defeat it. At last, you just need to forget about it and focus on the things that you can do and succeed..." I paused.

She sniffed looking at the frame.

" Why not remember the happy times and wonderful memories you created? Why not cherish the times you were laughing together? Give yourself a chance. Open your heart. Not everyone you find is a cheat. " I said, holding her hand.

" Kush... You know what. People say cheating and lying are same thing. But instead they happen to be the two sides of same coin. You only see one side at a time, but the other one is still hidden underneath. Mayra was cheated. Moverover, I hated him for lying. I hate liars. He lied he loved, he lied to be with him forever, he lied... Everything. Their relationship was a lie. " She completed herself with many pauses.

I was filled with guilt. Initially, I had hidden my identity but today I had became a liar. Not only in her eyes but in mine too.

I really like her.

No, I have fallen in love with Miss. Arrogance.

Now, it aches to tell her the truth, which I have hidden for a long time.

" Kush... You're a good man. Thanks for being here. It was a night well spent. Mayra's dream came true. I wish she were with us. You know she was a fan, right? " She said, with faint tears in her eyes. I smiled weakly with a nod.

" That's her part in me which wanted all this to happen and a part of you made it possible." She laughed, cleaning her face.

" Well, alls well that ends well. Good memories to take back home."

Oh! Shit.

She's going back in I don't know 3 months?

I have to tell her that I really like her.

" Meera, are you really gonna go back soon?"

" Hmmm... Mom and dad are by themselves. They need me. " I nodded.

I never imagined that it would pain so much. Its clear that she doesn't like me, more than a friend.

Should I confess?

" C'mon... Let's get going. " She pulled my hand.

My legs didn't wanna move. I pulled her back.

Should I confess my love?
Or Should I tell her the truth?

" Meera..."

" Huh?" I stopped, again.

I was still confused, not about my feelings but about my decision.

Then I remembered what Dad once said.

If You Like Someone, Of You Really Do Then Don't waste Time In Telling Them About Your Feelings.

What Worst Will Happen?

You Will Be Rejected, But, atleast You've Tried, You Won't Regret It Ever.

It Will Give You Strength To Move On and Try Again, Harder.

" Kush?"

" Yeah! I was saying that..." Her cell phone rang.

She freed herself from my hold.

" Yeah Tara. We are on our way.
Yes, Kush is with me. He will drop me."

I looked at her innocent face.

" Can we go?" She asked.

I nodded.

We drove in silence. I felt so miserable.

I always thought myself as the coolest person. I could easily woo girls but this time it was harder than I expected.

We stopped at Meera's place.
She got down and I followed.

" Meera... " We turned.

" Alan? What you doing, here?" Meera asked.

It was Alan. I don't know why but I hate this person. He just doesn't give me good vibes.

" I wanted to give you these notes. They would help you in the finals."

" Wow! Thanks a lot. That's really a blessing." Meera smiled.

" Nah! It's nothing... Oh! Hi, Kush..."

" You noticed me, that's great... Hi! Alan." I snapped.

He realized that I didn't like him.  Nevertheless he ignored the fact.

" Thank you again."

" Thank you ain't helping... "

Huh? How cheesy is this guy. What does he want more?

" Then? "

" A coffee, might? " He said in a voice I don't know how to describe but it made Meera laugh. Cringy!

Hey! She can't laugh with him. She laughs only with me. She cries only with me.

Aarghhhhh.... Frustrating.

" Sure.... When?"

Wait? What?

Did he ask her out? And She said YES.

What the hell? I never did that and I was about to tell her I love her.
Okay! That was happening, apparently.

" Tomorrow, evening. I'll pick you up at 7." He said.

" Who has coffee at 7? " I snapped.

" Yeah! You're so correct, Kush. Meera, it's dinner then. You met Samar Kapoor. I deserve it anyways..."

What the hell is wrong with this guy? Why does Meera have to go out with him for a dinner because she met Samar Kapoor?
And Thanks to me coffee gets upgraded to a dinner date.

" Not a good reason, Alan... " Meera said. Finally, she has some brains.

"... But fine. You helped me with lot of things. I'll treat you." She said after a pause.

No! What the...

" Okay. I will get going. See you tomorrow. Bye, Kush..." I just waved him.

" So... Are you not leaving?"

" Duh? Oh... Yes.. I'm. Good night." I know that I looked lost.

" Good night. Drive safe. " I nodded and turned my back.

From when was I so shy? I should just tell her and also forbid her from going for a dinner date.

Should I do that or should I not?

Or should I just kiss her, reinvent the moment we had few weeks ago?

Will I ruin everything?

So much confusions and sugar stuck in a dilemma.

" Kush... " She called me.

It's a sign.

" Yeah..." I turned and she ran and hugged me.

Was I in a middle of a movie or something?

I wrapped her up.

" Thank you..." She whispered as she loosen her hold.

She smiled and walked back inside. I stood still. I should have held her strong, not letting her go.

But, it was late now.

My cell rang bringing me back to reality.

" Dad..." I didn't sound good.

" Kush, When did I teach you to lie?"

" Dad.. I'm..."

" Don't apologize. She'll know the truth one day. And it won't sound apt from someone else other than you. You like her?"

" I love her..." I confessed. I'm glad it was to my dad. I really did.

" What now? Are you sure? Or it's some kind of teenage crush? "

" NO! I haven't been so sure ever. "

" Great. That makes it more worst now. You have to decide whether you will tell the truth first or you will confess."

" She's going on a dinner date tomorrow, that too because of my stupidity. " He laughed.

" It's all on you now. I'm going to Dubai tomorrow for promotions. Catch up soon. Bye. "

" Dad... "

" There's nothing I can do son. You messed up and you'll have to clean it up. See you soon. Call you mom someday. She misses you. "

" Yes... Bye." I hung up.

I got in the car, with no idea what my next step would be.

Suddenly, it clicked me.

I dialled a number.

" Kush... Long time... " A chirpy voice greeted me just within 2 rings.

" Olivia... It's good to hear your voice." I said.

" What do you need, Kush?" She always knows when I call her.

She's a childhood friend, a very good friend indeed.

" Olivia... You know me so well. You are in NYC now?"

" Nope. I came to Pittsburgh today only. What happened? "

" Great. Can you come to Cleveland, of possible tonight itself or by tomorrow morning. It's only about 2 hour drive." I said.

" Kush? What happended? I have Drake with me. He's only 2 and I can't leave him alone. "

" Where's David? "

" He's back home, NYC. "

I didn't speak for a while. I don't know anyone expect her who can do that for me.

" What happened? "

" I want you to accompany for a dinner date. Tomorrow night. "

" That's awesome. But why on such a short notice? " She asked.

" I'll explain everything to you. Can you come? It's kinda urgent."

" Kush?"

" Fine... It's like you can pretend that we are extremely close and we are in a relationship or some kind. " I said with awkward pauses.

" What the... " She was laughing.

" Olivia... You are my only close friend. C'mon. "

" You love her? Who's the lucky one? " She asked.

" She's not the lucky one. Instead I'm the one... "

" Wow. I would love to meet her. The one who stole my Kush's heart away. "

" So?"

" See you at midnight. I'll have to pack and bring Drake with me. I'll ask David to join us in Cleveland."

A wide ear to ear smile plastered on my face.

" Stop smiling, you idiot... " She snapped.

" I love you... " I said.

" Tell that to her... "

Dilemma well sorta!

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Thank you for Reading!

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Luv... ❤️
Vruksha.