❝ Time Flies and It Heals...
   The Scars are still there but the feelings, they fade away, but do they? ❞

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KUSH'S POV

PRESENT DAY

Auckland, New Zealand

" You resent it, don't you?" I asked as we moved out towards the parking lot.

My muscles were clenched beyond repair when Meera kissed Alan. The person I hate with all my life. How can she do that?

How in the world were they together? The mere thought of that makes me throw up in my mouth.

" What?" It wasn't an obvious question. She was buying time, time that flew away. Yet, a few more minutes to kill until she can leave my side as soon as his boyfriend brings the car.

Well, I wasn't in a hurry and I know I had done a fair job in bribing the valet. Alan was not gonna be around soon. Beautiful or glamorous would be an understatement for Meera tonight. She wasn't the same girl I fell in love with. Except for those innocent eyes, which were smokey tonight with the black liner and a subtle make up. I had never seen her so decked up. A slight of it makes her so beautiful. She was in a red strapless as well as backless knee length dress, perfectly showing all her curves. Her hair was flowing down through her shoulders and she was constantly averting my glaze, fidgeting with her fingers.

I knew it!

She loved me. She never stopped loving me. She could never do that. Her heart is still mine.

" Signing up the project without reading the name of the company or at least the person in charge." I said, moving closer.

I wanted to rip off all the lusty eyes of all the men around who were staring at Meera with my bare hands.

" Of course not. It was for the benefit of our firm. And I knew what I was getting into. " She justified.

" Well, One thing you have learnt for sure."

" Huh?" She looked at me.

" To Lie. But, honey your eyes just happen to be extremely innocent." I said,staring right into them.

God! I missed her.

" Can't help it. That's the only truth I live with. Anyways, Thanks to you. You've been a good tutor to teach me one of the most important things that I was missing in my life." The cold and callousness wasn't getting better.

" To Lie... I'm still an amateur because I've no honours in acting or coning people off their feelings. "

That was shroudand it did hurt.

We were actors not con men.

I felt furious for the first time. She wasn't my Meera. Had I lost her in a matter of few years.

" Was it upsetting? " She seemed satisfied with her words. She understood that she had hit her target.

I put for a fake smile. I'm well acquainted with that now.

" Nah! I don't think you are watching any movies nowadays. You've lost your touch with them. I'm not an actor."

" Meera... I'm sorry. That stupid valet misplaced the keys." Alan came swooping in his BMW. He really must be doing well for himself.

I smiled and that wasn't gone unnoticed by Meera.

" Kush! How you doing? " He extended his hand for a shake, I couldn't deny it for I'm still a gentleman.

" Great.... " I replied.

I saw that satisfying smile on his face. He knew I was pathetic and moreover jealous. I couldn't disagree either.

Meera sat in the car.

He was about to speed up when Meera called me.

" FYI, movies don't interest me anymore. They aren't worth the time, money and emotions. " She said and before I could answer they were gone.

I was confused, did it hurt more to see her like this or was it that adrenaline gush that I had to woo her, again.

I smiled.

" You smiling? "

It was the second one, definitely.
She still loves me.

" Huh?"

He's so annoying.

" Kush..."

" Shut up for once Paul..." I got in the car and pulled out a beer.

" Kush... Have gone nuts? Look at her."

" She's miserable. You didn't see her eyes."

" She was smiling and more or else laughing with him."

" You don't understand fake, do you? What are you, of course a married man now ? " I laughed.

" Kush... You've had enough for the night. Get over her. She's happy and don't mess more. "

" She's pathetic. It's been 5 years and she's still working on it. Never expected one bit for me to show up. " I took another huge sip.

" She thought you moved on. "

" Glad, I could prove her wrong, at least at one thing. Her hands were all sweaty when she first saw me. "

" She kissed Alan. "

" Paul... I hate you more than Alan. " I threw him a disgusted look.

" She was trying to show that she moved on, wasn't that obvious? " I said.

" She isn't that type. " He was defending her now.

" What will you do if you were stood up on a date? Well, that's not even there. What if the baby wasn't yours? " At once the car screeched and I had a punch on my face.

There was blood on my left side.

" You went too far, Kush... " He stopped, maybe he understands that I'm too drunk for his reactions.

" I don't regret it... " Well I didn't but I shouldn't have said that.

We were still like that for about 15 minutes.

" I'm sorry. I didn't mean it."

" You better be... I understand you are in love but you can't do this to me. Kush, I want you to be happy. And you haven't been so since 5 years."

I didn't say anything.

" Are you Okay?" He's definitely my best friend. I don't doubt him.

" Beer's nice and chilled. I never thought that even Mercedes have a cabinet for this. "

" I was talking about your lips. "

" Nah! They have never been Okay since Meera left them." He laughed as I said that. It was the truth after all.

Well, my humour has improved though.

" I heard Alan and Meera are together since a year and a half. He's planning to propose. "

" 7 months, officially. He's just a colleague and since they were acquainted before things were smooth for him, more over because of me. Meera moved to Auckland just on the day when I was stood up. She never returned. She's doing well financially. Alan was the only one beside her, she considered him a good friend until... " I stopped to grab another one.

" Until? " Paul asked.

" Until she asked him out, 7 months ago."

" She asked him out? Why? "

" There was a rumour of me getting married to that... What was her name? That Russian super model I did a photo shoot with... "

" Inessa Inavo?"

" Yes.. She was a beauty though..." I smirked.

" Kush... "

" Yeah! Where was I? "

" The rumours? "

" Of course.. The rumours were all over the newspapers. Meera thought I was never coming back. Hence she asked him out. And two day ago she signed something that she thinks she doesn't resents but I know she does. But, trust me I won't let her resent any more. "

" Kush? You are crazy. She's changed to such an extent. And all this... It's just some random theories. Okay! You don't know anything... "

" Paul, I know her. And I know this is the truth. If I can move on why can't she? But, now since I'm back everything changes. That dress she was wearing, it was gift from Alan. On her fist date. She waited, 6 months and she wore it today."

" Why? "

" Coz, she knew I was gonna meet her here. She came prepared. "

" That's bullshit. You didn't even meet until now, how did she now you'd be here? How the hell do you know that Alan gifted it to her and why would she like you to know that? "

" As soon as she came to know that the deal has been signed with me, I think this rendezvous was expected. " I answered or she might have got the hint from the ' Congratulations' note I send her in the afternoon along with a postscript ' See you soon.' I hide this from Paul. He doesn't need to know everything.

" Also, she desperately wants me to believe in their relationship and knows I don't. "

" The dress?"

" You were around, but you still didn't notice that fool. He was constantly complementing Meera about how she looks. She replied, ' Thanks to you. You have a nice taste.' "

" What are you, Sherlock Holmes? " I smiled.

No! I wasn't. Coz, There's only one Sherlock Holmes and unfortunately he's taken.

" Paul.... Honey... Where were you? " It was a faint voice coming towards us. We were home.

" I'm not. But you are a married man now with a baby coming. " I smiled.

" And unfortunately you are the godfather. I know there's more to the story but later." I nodded as we got off the car.

" Kush? How are you fairing?"

" HI! Tara... Not good coz I never thought that my best friend could marry so soon."

" Sweetie, ignore him. He's totally off his senses. He's forgotten that he was also my best man. "

" Paul, I'm OKAY..."

" Fine... Howz Meera?" She asked as she showed us in her 2 storey house. Tara and Paul living with her parents now as she's expecting their baby in a month. Tara's parents have been living on the outskirts of Auckland since a long time now.

" She's changed. You won't even recognize her. " Paul said. I could see the colour of Tara's face fade. She had high hopes for her friend.

After the thing happened with Meera and me, Tara and Paul were trying hard help me out, and actually it turned out to be a start of something for them. Meera had broken all the ties with the gang so it was just the us without her.

After a year and half they married. It was a beautiful spring wedding attended by all expect Meera. Well, she was definitely missed by all but not one mentioned her absence.

" Really?"

" Naah! Not really. Lost some weight, has dark circles obviously sleep deprived and rest is fine."

" Okay! When can I meet her?" I was sipping water now, for a change.

" Tomorrow, or else now... Let's go..."

" Hey! W-Wait... You boy.. Let's get you to your bed... " Paul stopped me.

" Tara.. See you in a bit after I put this baby to sleep. Love you... " He kissed her and took me away. She was laughing.

He pushed me on the bed.

" Kush! For God's sake..."

" I'm alright... "

" Then talk sense, will you?"

" I'm in my senses. Don't you forget that it's you and Tara who told me about her being here. "

" And You already knew about it, didn't you?" I didn't answer.

Tara's parents and her relatives have their exports business in almost 10 countries around the world. They have been living in New Zealand since 10 years now. Tara was visiting them after her wedding when she saw her. She followed her but then couldn't catch up with her. Paul told me about it. I acted well as if I was glad we finally found her but I was caught like before. Paul knew that I was aware of it.

" Yeah..."

" Why did you wait?" It was a valid question though.

" Reasons... There are reasons..."

" Fine... What's next?"

" I'm gonna do what I came here for..."

" And that is..."

" I'm here to work Paul... I'm here to work. Can't I sleep now?"

" Sure.. Bye..."

He left, switching off the lights, without asking any further questions. I know I was putting up well. At once I threw the pillow on wall. That was how furious I was.

First, I was stood up by her on the day when I planned a picture perfect apology and then she does this to me. She really isn't aware that I love her.

Aarghhhh....

I can't believe it. She lied to Dad that day. Well, Dad lied to her too, not exactly but he hide the truth.
That day came flooding back, the day when she said she would meet me at her house she just left me a note. I still have that in my pocket.

" How does it feel when someone lies? Great, isn't it? This wasn't just a pinch of what you did Kush. Nevertheless, Goodbye Forever..."

Hush!! It was pined at her door. That pain was immense and I felt so damn guilty. That day I realized that I truly love her. I wanted to give some time to gather myself. Now that I have regained my energy I'm all set to give us a go.

Well, just two days ago Miss. Arrogance signed a document without reading the name of the person she'll be dealing with. The offer was so good and exquisite that no one could deny. I've drawn a contract between her firm and my production house. We'll be getting all the supplies regarding the filming from her firm, which although is a small scale company but has a good credit and  name on itself. She happens to be a CEO there and hence we begin the leading production house in the industry She'll have to personally work with me.

The scenario stands simple.
I'm the MD of our home production house, while she is the CEO of Unicorn Enterprises. Her company assists in smoothing functioning of Filming. Then another few paragraphs of legal things and we're bonded in a 4 year contract.

So, that's all where our story starts, again.

Tomorrow is our first official encounter in our Auckland Office. I'm sure she's not gonna be in her best spirits tonight, the anxious she.

Time surely flies, faster than we imagine it will but feelings, they fly when they want to. Right now, my feelings for Meera are stronger than they ever have been.

I smiled at that thought as sleep overpowered me.

🌟🌟🌟

MEERA'S POV

5 long years.

I sighed at that thought. Time surely flies faster than we imagine. I shifted to Auckland the very next day after Samar Kapoor crashed into my house. I hide that fact from him. Nevertheless, there wasn't a day when I didn't think about Kush.

I still don't know how I feel about him. It's kinda weird but my heart had sorted itself when I accepted Alan's proposal for a relationship. But, when I thought he was out of my system he showed up, with a pledge of not leaving anytime sooner. No doubt he looked jealous but then he will have to accept what it is.

Yes, the deal was extremely good for our company and I have to put it above me. I knew what I was getting into. Everyone knows that Samar Kapoor owns which production house. He didn't fool me as he he thinks he did. That's just typical ignorant Kush. And his creepy note was a perfect reminder that I'd be seeing him tonight itself.

The contract is a 4 year long one. We've to assist their production house in all those Films during that period. I thought we would never see each other ever but alas destiny has plans.

" Meera... Meera..." I was pulled out of my train of thoughts.

" Huh?"

" Are you alright?"

" Oh! Yes..." I regret that I'm not true to my feelings for Alan. He said he loves me but I don't feel the same. After what I felt for Kush, it's never been the same.

I feel guilty but he assured me that he's ready to wait for me.

" You didn't expect Kush, didn't you?"

" I don't love him, Alan..."

" I never mentioned you did."

Shit! What the hell is wrong with me.

" Nevermind, you look beautiful tonight. Thanks for wearing it."

" I had to..." I put up a smile.

Red wasn't my favorite colour. It never was. Red's always so much bolder and brighter, it never defines me but for Alan I had to, after all he's been there for me when Kush wasn't.

He dropped me at my house. It was given by my company. It was a huge one with a verandah and 3 bedrooms, but it was lonely as hell. Doesn't matter because I hardly spent time here.

The past five years weren't easy either. I had isolated myself again. I came to New Zealand. I rarely speak to Mom and Dad now. I don't want them to be worried.

I sat on the sofa. As soon as I closed my eyes, those brown orbs haunted me. I opened them on an impulse. That desire, that passion and that love.

Arrghhh...

But I have moved on.

Yes! I have. I used to love Kush in some long forgotten era but it's half a decade now.

And I have moved on, with Alan. As much as convincing I might be sounding now, a part of me want to believe that all this is a dream and tomorrow morning would be normal again.

🌟🌟🌟

The sun peicred in through my eyes. I rubbed then to realised that I fell asleep on sofa itself. I didn't even change. It was normal, a normal day as my cell beeped.

The clock ticked.

Man! It's 7 already. I have the meeting in about... 25 minutes.

Meeting with Kush Kapoor.
Alas, dream it wasn't and a nightmare I don't want it to be.

I sprang towards the bathroom. I looked miserable and of course, sleep deprived. Never mind, I skipped my breakfast, which wasn't new anyways and rushed to the office.

I was literally running through the parking lot. I looked at my watch, I still have 10 minutes. I sighed.

I pressed 25th as I entered in the lift. That's the conference room.

Yeah, the entire floor.

It was weird that the lobby was deserted. Normally, all the PAs should be gathered there. I turned the knob. The curtains were still drawn and as I entered they slowly let the sunlight in.

" Good Morning, Meera..."

I jumped.

" K-Kush..." He was already sitting on the chair.

" I knew you would come before time."

" Where's everyone?"

" The meeting's at 8."

" What?" I'm 36 minutes early.

" Why was I..."

" You're special Meera. You've always been. And we didn't meet properly so I thought why not introduce ourselves..." He interrupted me coming closer until I felt his strong cologne and heavy breathing near my neck.

"... Professionally." He completed himself as he sat on the chair near I was standing.

What?

Is he insane?

Or I could do one better, is he on drugs now?

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Hey!

5 long years and a lot of changes.

Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter with a pinch of newness in the two characters.

Keep Reading and Supporting me!

Next Chapter Soon 🔜

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Luv...❤️
Vruksha.