❝ Faith is a strong word. Just an ounce of it can do miracles to a deprived mind and soul.
Faith is something your heart craves when your mind has already given up.

Just a Reminder - Never Lose Faith In Something You've Always Believed. 😇 ❞

_______________________________________________

KUSH'S POV

" Meera... What are you doing here?" She was equally or perhaps more surprised than me.

" I usually come here for a walk... What about you?" She asked.

" I had a meeting with someone..."

" Here?"

" Yeah!"

" Why don't I see you in the office nowadays?" She asked.

For the first time I felt things were never so awkward between us.

" That's because I don't come nowadays..."

After a minute's silence she spoke again.

" I need your help in some pending projects... Will you... "

" Oh! Yes. I'll be there tomorrow."

" Kush... Kush..." I turned and saw Heather running towards us.

" Can we... Oh! Meera. Hi! "

" HI! I'll get going... " I nodded.

" What happened?" Heather asked.

" Nothing. Let's go hunting... " I said.

" See, I've shortlisted these... " She briefed me through the pictures of some condos.

Daniel is gonna be here soon and there's no chance that he'll live with me.

So, Heather and I are going house hunting for him.

But, after that rendezvous with Meera, my heart's not at rest. I'm sure she might have misunderstood what she saw, I know her.

Now, Daniel's gonna be in the office soon. I just hope he doesn't mess things up.

She doesn't know a hell lot of things and if she finds out it's not gonna do any good. Either to her nor to me.

I sat with a chilled Budweiser in my hand. The sky's isn't getting better either yet somewhere I know sleep's not gonna be my guest tonight neither is it Meera's.
Glad to know that at least in this arena we are on the same page.

I was thinking about dating someone else like what Katie said...
Maybe I should...
Maybe I'll not...

But I'm sure as hell that it's not gonna be so soon.
Not until I've spoken to Dad at least.

He's my superhero in a dazzling cape.
I was in a dilemma whether I should call him or not. He has helped me before and he'll sure as hell help me now.

🌟🌟🌟

" Kush, Can we talk?" As long as I remember Dad was in our house for a week now. Not until today he came to see me.

" Not really..."

" It wasn't a question though..." He closed the door behind him and sat on the bed where I was lying down.

It was a week after Dad spoke to Meera and she agreed to meet me but later I was stood up by her. I was pissed off.

" Dad..."

" You don't owe me any explanation, Kush. I'm just here to remind you one thing. Apart from being a stranded lover you're a responsible son and an elder brother too. We're giving you some time to gather your shit together. It's your call. I'm leaving tomorrow morning... " He was about to get up but I caught his hand.

" Dad... Did she love me, ever even for a second?"I couldn't look at him. I laid with my hand against his hand looking at the other side.

" She still does... Give her some time. And if you ask how much more, I'll say if you love her as much as you say you do... You'll wait till eternity.... You will have faith in your love. " I absorbed what he said.

He's correct like always. I can definitely do that.

" Can you stay a day more?" I asked.

" What if I make it two? " I stood up and hugged him tightly. Never knew that just hugging someone we love could do miracles to a dishevelled soul.

" Dad, I'm sorry..."

" You don't have to be...."

" I love you." I said.

He patted my back.

" I love you too. Kush, you're a little girl I'd never have..." He commented making me laugh.

" C'mon, let's go. Your mom and your brother are dying to see you alive... " I laughed more.

It was first time in weeks I felt at peace. I thought I'd made peace with my feelings but they are feelings after all.

I sat for hours, making peace with those memories. Memories that are hard to let go. Memories that promise to keep you company until you are no longer alone.

If you say you love her like you say you do then you need to let her go.

Katie said letting go is the best thing that I can do.
Dad said waiting, believing and having faith is...

But what do I believe?

My heart is maybe in the right place but my mind surely isn't...

🌟🌟🌟

MEERA'S POV

I don't know why I felt good after seeing Kush. I was so glad he was in a good health. When I asked Zoe about his absence in the office all she said that it was something personal and she wasn't aware of that. But I highly doubt that. Looking at her demeanour, I'm sure as hell that she knows a lot.

Today, in the park I saw her hugging a lady who kissed him in return. He also said he liked her. Then Heather shows up. He's so surrounded by girls.

I'm not jealous, there's no reason to be. I still have all our memories with me. Some as pictures and some just in my heart. I couldn't delete them, I just couldn't...

Doing that would be the sign of a weak person. And I'm not weak. I touched my cheeks and they were wet. Suddenly I was feeling so suffocated in the room. I put my cloak and went to the balcony. The sky was surprisingly pitch black. No stars and no moon, just dark blackness. Just like those nightmares which I had. They have stopped after I met with Kush.

It felt as though he was my soulmate, a soulmate that I was never searching for.
A soulmate I never imagined I'll ever have.

5 summers
5 winters
5 What not...

Things weren't easy for me as well. And I'm sure they must've been terrible for Kush too. But this is our destiny.

Coz once you're there, moving back is never an option. Thinking about working with Kush tomorrow isn't gonna make things easier though. Denying the fact that his absence was killing me will be deceitful to me while I'll make sure whatever he's trying to pull, to make things better is a Hail Mary.

But, at this this moment my heart wants that Hail Mary thing to work but my mind says things are better on this way. We are better this way. Just have faith and let the it roll.

One thing's sure, I wasn't gonna be able to sleep.

🌟 🌟 🌟

I reached the office at 8:30. Fresh and a bit sleep deprived. The sky was clear and azure with patches of clouds. As I entered I saw Heather at her usual place, smiling. If her smile were a weapon I'm sure many people would die just at one glance. I smiled back. But today it seemed more cheerful than usual.

Perhaps, Kush was already in his cabin. Rest of my team was already at work. As I entered my cabin, Zoe came just in time.

" Zoe, Can you give these papers to Kush?"

" I came to inform you that Kush wants to see you in his cabin. Some matters need your urgent attention."

" I'll be there in 5." She nodded and left. I desperately needed a black dark coffee. My head was spinning already.

Just then my cell rang.

Alan...

" Hey! Sweetie... "

" Morning Alan. "

" I'll be picking you up at 7 in the evening for dinner. And I'm not taking 'No' for an answer."

" I'll be beautiful then..." I replied.

A distraction is what I needed the most.
But, I wasn't using Alan as a distraction. He's... He's...

" Meera? You there? "

" Oh! Yes! See you then. " I hung up.

He didn't forget to say 'I Love You' and as usual I couldn't reply.

I couldn't even answer what he is to me. But one thing's for sure. I surely care for him. I may not be able to revert back him with love but I'm not ditching him.

I'll try hard to make all of this work.
Getting my head straight I headed to Kush's office. Black coffee will have to stay put for a while.

After what felt like a mile I finally reached his corner office. The one with most amazing view in the whole of Auckland. Glorious and mesmerising indeed.

Eavesdropping wasn't intended but criminals also give the same excuse after committing a felony.

"...Dead. Tonight. I really mean it..." I heard him through the door.

What the hell? Kush was standing with his back towards me, facing his gigantic balconies. He was in a crisp white shirt and I couldn't help but notice the vest he was wearing through the morning sunlight. His muscular back wasn't anything that his clothes could hide though.

" Okay! Kill him and you'll be handsomely rewarded. Catch up soon, Dan... " He was laughing, which felt like an evil one. Devilish.

What did he just say? Who's Dan? Or was it a code word? Is Kush really colluding a murder? Is he a master mind or something?
Or am I the one getting wrong messages?

Aarghhhhh....

It's 9 in the morning and I'm so frustrated. I turned around.

" Meera..." I stopped dead.

He realised I was lingering around his office. I turned and smiled.

" Are you okay? Why this weird smile?" He asked sitting on his chair while typing on his laptop. Not once his eyes met mine.

" N-Nothing... Not a thing..." I said quickly, putting up a smile.

" Are you sure? I'm good at..."

"... Detecting lies? Huh?" I snapped.

" I'm good at noticing your anxiety." He said getting up and coming closer.

I wasn't having the right vides and my heart beats were accelerated 10 times.

" Kush, review this before 7." I moved 2 steps away from him, extending my hand towards him.

He took the files.

" Why before 7? Is it inauspicious after 7?"

" I don't work for you, Kush. We work in an alliance. I'm not unanswerable to you. Either you send me those before 7 or they'll be cleared tomorrow." It was firm, with an authority.

" I really think I should stop this review thing. It doesn't make sense. You and your team designs these equipments and they require my expertise which I'm not even expert at. " He tossed the file on his desk.

" These are the final set designs which we've to make for the fourth session for shooting. They need your expertise, Kush... "

" Before, 7 it is... " He had such a warm smile on his face.

Kill him and you'll be handsomely rewarded.

I heard those words coming from his mouth. And my ears don't make peace with that.

" Meera? Is everything OK? " He asked me.

" Yeah! " I left abruptly.

🌟🌟🌟

It's 8:40 now. There's no word from Alan. He's as punctual as a clock and this is making me restless. I called the office and they haven't heard from him since 5. I didn't receive those files from Kush either which didn't come as a surprise as he's always late.

I was in a light blue off shoulder dress, waiting for Alan. The clock's ticking was irritating me now. I wasn't able to concentrate on my work as well.

Such a waste of time...

I banged my fist on the desk.

" Looks like we have a date tonight." At once I whirled behind, startled.

There he was.

Kush...

File in one hand with a bowl of I don't know what but it was definitely something hot as I could see the steam coming out. His crisp shirt had creases all over. I saw his messy self right in front of me. Right hand's sleeves way up his arms while the left ones loose, the shirt was party tucked in with the top most button off its place.

God! What the hell was I noticing?

" W-what are you doing here?" I asked.

" Don't steal my questions. I thought you had a dinner date with Alan?" He was still in his original position.

" How did you know?"

" C'mon, you really thought I wasn't aware? You think so lowly of me." He smirked. He looked around the already deserted corridors as if searching for anyone.

" I sure as shit do. Coz you're a lowly person. And... Moreover... You're... " I stopped with a long pause, thinking whether I should speak or not.

" I'm what? " He asked, still standing at the door with the steaming bowl of something I don't know and a couple of files.

" I'm what Meera? A liar? "

" Worst! You're a... Murderer..." He pushed me to say that now and I don't regret saying that point blank on his face.

His expression was of being flustered, obviously and then 10 seconds of absorbing what I said.

" A-A murdered? Really? What did I do to owe you such a designation? Did I kill a fly now or possibly your romantic mood?" How innocently a criminal can act, seriously.

" Don't act like that. You've hired a contract killer to murder Alan." I said moving towards him. I so wished to hit him hard.

" Anderson? Why in The Good God's name would I do that Meera? I know, he's dumped you for the night and now I'm here to take all the blame, right? C'mon, Meera. Chill. You just got stood up. Have some ramen..." He extended his hand with the bowl towards me and in a gist of second I jerked it away.

It was a mess. The bowl slided off his hand, the contents making way through his white shirt. The files fell down and the entire soup fell on them.

" W-What the hell? Meera..." It was a shout.

" Ouch... Goddamn it's burning hot." He shouted as he started unbuttoning his soggy shirt.

" You're insane. You crazy woman..."

" You deserve all of that..." His shirt was pretty much off now and he was in his vest looking at himself.

" W-What's wrong... "

"... With me? What's wrong with you? You're... You're a goddamn murderer..." I moved closer towards him. Until I said that he's shirt was completely off his body and he looked straight at me.

" What did you do to Alan? Tell me, Kush... What the hell did you do? " I pushed him harder.

He jerked off my hand angrily.

" I didn't do shit to him Meera... I didn't do shit..." In a go he threw the soggy shirt on the couch and left without even glancing back.

My entire beige carpet had noddles on it, and between them were the files and the papers. Completely ruined.
4 days of work all in soup, literally.

Aaarghhhhhh....

Was it a wrong accusation?
Kush, he can't be a murderer...
Shit.. What did I do? How can I...

I was so damn frustrated now. I removed my high heels and banged the table with my fist. If it wasn't true then where the hell was Alan and with whom was Kush talking in the morning.

Just then my cell beeped. It was a video from an unknown number.

" Hey, Meera. I'm so sorry. I had a meeting in Wellington. Stuck there. Can't make it tonight. My cell's down too. Will make it up tomorrow. Bye. Take care."

Why the hell didn't you show up 19 minutes earlier?

Well, he's not at fault too. I'm equally responsible.

And now I need to apologize. Kush's redden skin flashed in front of my eyes and he'll surely have blisters if he doesn't apply burnol. I picked his shirt and wrapped in my bag. Pulling my first aid kit from the drawer I went to his cabin.

The Kush I know, I'm sure he won't have one. My heart beat wasn't normal anymore and I don't know why. There's no reason though I know he's gonna act in the weirdest possible way anyway.

In small steps I reached his gigantic office. Through the glass walls I saw he wasn't at his chair and he probably wouldn't have left either. There a sofa set in the right side which isn't visible so he must be sitting there.

I walked in and as expected he was sitting on his creamish white sofa set which would easily make place for two people to sleep in, not comfortably though.

Don't get wrong ideas. I'm not thinking anything inappropriate. It's just my imagination playing stupid.

" Are you in your senses now? Or should I call a mechanic?" He said bringing me back.

He realised I was there but I was just staring blanking at him, a correction, at his sofa which I happened to notice elaborately tonight itself.

" Huh? A mechanic?" He was shirtless with red blisters on his chest and right shoulder with a couple of files and again a bowl of ramen noddle on the centre glass table.

I never knew that his favorite food, after chocolate pudding was ramen.

" To tighten your loosen screws. But, I think Alan's message is enough." It should surprise me that He knows everything.

" Look, I know you've come to apologise..."

" What if I haven't?" I snapped in.

" There wouldn't be a first aid in your hand, Meera..."

" It's a human courtesy if at all you knew those words. " I said putting the box next to the bowl.

" Okay. Unless there's anything more. Stay away from my second bowl of ramen and if there aren't any more accusations in my name I'd say you can leave." He did roll his eyes.

Aarghhhh...

Why he's so....

I don't know what.

I turned around and walked a step and stopped again. There's no way he's gonna apply those meds. And he's not acting cold or callous. He's just upset and I've to apologise.

I turned back.

" Looks like I don't have peace tonight. God..."

" Shut up, Kush... Okay. I'm bearing with your shit because I'm sorry."

" Can I hear it again. With a 'please'." He put his files down and I think I did have all his attention now.

" Meera..." He smirked when I didn't speak for a while.

" Okay! Don't push it now. I'm sorry Kush. Please forgive me. " I said in the calmest possible way.

" Fine! You're forgiven. Go home and rest." He said engrossing himself with work.

" Hey! I'm not leaving without you. You need to rest. Those blisters aren't looking good either. "

" So, you think this 3 days' work is gonna help itself by tomorrow. We need to present it, Meera. I can't sleep without it." He said.

" That's my job. I'll do it. " I said firmly sitting next to him. He looked at me and then his eyes fell on my bare feet. I tried to cover them.

" Why are these beauties compromised?" He pointed at my feet.

" I'm not a high heeled person. You know that. " He nodded, smiling.

And he was well aware I wasn't gonna leave now.

" Okay! So let's finish these designs. We can divide the work. Wanna eat?" He offered the bowl.

" I never knew you were a ramen fan." I took his bowl and had a bite. It was delicious.

" And I wasn't even aware you'd have a backup." I had two more bites.

" You aren't aware of many things, Meera. Moreover, I thought Heather and I could have dinner together but she couldn't stay back. Glad she didn't. Or else I'd starve." I can't deny that the idea of Heather being always around Kush was making me suspicious about them but I pushed the topic away.

" You're starving anyways. " I smiled.

" Who says I'm? I know this amazing Thai Restaurant which delivers food past midnight too."

" Wow! First Japan then Thailand. You have a diverse taste." I commented.

" I always did. It's just that the time we shared wasn't enough for exploring all of that. " He looked at me. His eyes had that pain. And my heart was aching too.

He was still without a shirt when he ordered and we went back to those designs. His blisters weren't tended either.

" Kush, let me help you. "

" I'm alright... "

" No! You're not." I pulled the files from his hand. Taking a cotton and the burnol I sat next to him. We were just inches apart as I applied the medicine on his chest and shoulders.

" Ouch! It's burning... " He complained as a kid. I blew some air on his burns to relive the pain.

After I was done, I was about to leave his side when he pulled my hand towards him and I fell on him. He caught me midway and my hand held his bare back for support. My hair was all over my face when Kush removed it with his free hand. I couldn't resist his pull neither could I say anything. My heart was beating faster than it ever had.

" Meera...." He said looking in my eyes and moved closer and my eyes closed on an instant. It was involuntarily as I felt his swallow breathing get closer.

" Thank you for staying." He said softly and kissed my left cheek.

And as he was gonna go further the intercom rang. I opened my eyes and at once pulled away from him. He looked pissed off as he answered the call. It was the delivery from the Thai Restaurant.

I tied my hair up and sat at the farthest end from him. Whatever happened can't happen again.
It's... It's like I'm cheating on Alan. Although I don't love him like he does still we are in a relationship and this is insane.

Kush means nothing to me and I'm so over him. Yet, all this...

" Meera..."

" Kush, Please, whatever you did, don't do it again."

" I promise. I won't." His answer surprised me more. I didn't ask for a promise though.

Aarghhh... What's wrong with me? I'm getting flustered so soon.

Perhaps I know he'll be true to his promise.

" Thank you..."

🌟 🌟 🌟

" Meera... " I heard my name as I opened my eyes adjusting to the sunlight piercing right through the humongous glasses.

Alan was standing right in front of me. I tried to get up but I couldn't. I was held back. Just then I realised that Kush was sleeping soundly and I was trapped in his hold. We were on his sofa in his cabin and he was still sans a shirt but with a vest while I was sleeping right next to him tightly in his arms. There were files with designs and empty food packages on the table.

" Meera... What's..."

" I can explain..." Just have faith. I spoke before Alan could complete.

Shit!

_______________________________________________

Hey Guys...

Sorry for a late update.
I just hope it was worth the wait.

The sparks are still there, all they need is a tinkle of light.

Keep Reading and Enjoying!

Next Chapter - Sooner!! 💯

VOTE
COMMENT
SHARE

Luv... ❤️
Vruksha.