Third person

Maa! Papa! See I am home ...

A cheerful voice ringing into a mansion .... giving its beat to it again . It was decorated beautifully with flowers and lights . Fairy lights hung low at every wall , on the trees making it shine more under the glow of evening dipping low sun .

Flowers draped around each and every corner , the stones of chandleries flashing under the fairy lights .

The air inside was filled with the sweet and soft fragrance of flowers. Everyone rushing to make everyone perfect.

A beautiful lady came running from kitchen after listening the voice ... A beautiful smile dancing on her lips , her saree trailing behind her as she came running towards the girl who was standing in the hall , Her steps hurried to met the owner of melodious voice .

As Disha reached near her , she held her by her shoulder.. saying " Dheere maa".

( Slowly, maa) .

" Itne dino baad meri bacchi Ghar aayi hai aur tum bol rhi ho dheere maa ", disha replies with squinted eyes as she pulls her daughter in a warm hug . While Aarohi shakes her head in amusement.. responding back to her mother's hug .

( After do many days my daughter came home and you are saying to slow down ,)

She was wearing a black top with white pants ,her black hair cascading down till her waist ....standing there with a mischievous smile was none other than Aarohi .

Her black doe eyes shining under the lights Tangled around the house , leading them to shine more .

" Kaisi hai aap maa ", Aarohi asks her mother after sharing the hug .

( How are you maa ?)

" I am good. You tell , you returned after long time,not us ." Her mother said her voice filled with motherly concern and love .

"I am also good ", she replies walking towards the hall along with her mother. A maid came with a glass of water , she takes it with a small smile .

"How is your studies going," Her mother asks while caressing her hairs gently.

"Everything is going smoothly,maa ! Don't worry. Okk! ", Aarohi gives assurance to her mother about her studies . Her mother hums in response and she asks about her father and brother.

"Where is Papa and birthday boy ?"

"As always busy with work , honge apni filo ke beech ", Disha says making face . Her nose scrunched up in irritation with her husband as he is always busy with his files and work .

( Busy with his files .)

Aarohi laughs at her mother's words , how she is showing her displeasure with her husband always busy with his work .

Her laughter subside in a grin when she heard her brother. "I am here " , he says standing a feet away from the couch ..Aal dressed in his business attire. Aarohi turned on her heels and ran directly into her brother's arm .

Her hug making both of them stumble , her eagerness to meet her family glinting in her eyes .

"Easy Aaru . ", Vihaan says steadying both of them while his lips curved by seeing her actions.

"Happy birthday Bhai! "Aarohi chirps , her voice excited like it's only hers birthday.

"Thank you ", Vihaan says And he asked further ...

"When did you came here and why didn't you call me ? Hmm."... His eyes narrowing in fake anger .

"Just 5 minutes ago and I didn't tell you because I wanted to give surprise "..Aarohi tells pulling herself back .

"Ohh surprise but where it is ..why I can't see your surprise.", He teases her causing her beautiful smile takeover by a cute pout .

"Maa ...see he is teasing me ".. Aarohi complained to her mother with a pouting face , her cheeks puffed . Before her mother could say something, Just then her father (Manish Chauhan)came and smacked his brother on shoulder .

"Why are you teasing my daughter " , Aarohi ran to her father's arm , showing her tongue to her brother in a teasing manner , making him chuckle.

" Kaisi hai meri princess", he asks carresing her head.

( How is my princess ? )

" Good" , Aarohi replies and whole family now sitting in the hall .

Manish now shifts his attention towards his wife and asks " To aap kya khe rhi thi thodi der phele , Mrs. Chauhan". His eyes shining with teasing glint .

( A while ago , what were you saying,Mrs. Chauhan?)

"What ?", Disha asks with questioning gaze .

Vihaan asks Aarohi in actions . Aarohi shrugs her shoulders, unaware.. about what their parents are talking about.

" That I am always busy in between my files ", he retrieved her words with an arched brows with playfulness.

" Hnn , to kya galat bola ", Disha snaps back , her arms folded against her chest .

( Then , what wrong I said .)

The trios eyes widened, both brother and sister laughing at their parents banter .

"Agar mai filo ke beech busy hota to aaj aap apne suputra ka birthday kaise mana rhi hai , Mrs. Chauhan", an amusing smirk tugging at his lips .

( If I was busy in my files then , how are you celebrating your beloved son's birthday.)

Disha's hand immediately fell at her sides , reverting through the shock of his statment. Her eyes wide with anticipation....scanning the hall .

Manish shifts back in his place ..now more relaxed . His one hand lazily resting on his leg whole another one on armrest , tugged under his chin . Admiring his wife's flushed face .

Disha's face complete red with her husband's playful words, and the cherry on top was their children . Aarohi trying hard not to laugh , her hands immediately moving towards her mouth to muffle her voice when Disha shots her a sharp glare .

Both of them stood up and moved towards their respective rooms.

After spending family time ,Aarohi headed into her room for getting ready for party .

After almost a year , I came back to my house . My heart finally at ease after meeting my family . I was missing all this ...our teasing , playful banters , laughter .

After spending sometime with my family , I came back to my room . No place is better than home .

I came to bed and lay there with a thud , the mattress dipping low with my weight. My eyes scanning my room ... everything on the place ...aa it is that I left before going to college. I exhaled sharply, exhausted from travelling. My eyes becoming heavy from tiredness but before I close them a voice echoes in my ear ... it was none another then Isha my best friend . We are childhood friend , but she is 4 years older than me .

She ran towards me and hugged me tightly. "I am so happy to see you here".

I also wrapped my hand around her , she is more than a best friend to me , who knows each and every thing about me .

" I know and I also missed you , but let me breath ", I said pulling back . All exhaustion long gone after seeing her here .

"Kya hua , Aaj to Tera chera bada chamak rha hai ", I asked my eyes narrowing with mocking tone .

( What happened? Today your face is shining then rest of days .)

Her hands immediately moved to her face , rubbing like erasing something about what I asked .

"Uhh... Kuch bhi to nhi . What are you talking about", she said being whole confident but shuttering in first .

" Did you kissed someone", I asked leaning towards her . My one hand resting under my chin and eyes noting down her every expression.

How her eyes became wide and then those sharp , intimidating aura back .

" Leave about me . You tell , you are the one who should be excited. As your ....", before she can complete her sentence, my maa called her down .

"Thank God ", she was definitely going to tease me . I sighed... I know what she was going to say . I should be excited but no I am hella nervous and more than that I am scared .

"What if the stars will not be on my side ...Then !!" My overthinking mind starting it's work but no I shouldn't think about this . Everything will be fine , if not ...... " God !!"

Shutting down my not so friendly thoughts .. I headed towards bathroom .I was tired as hell already so I turned on the shower hot water cascading on my body ,relaxing every muscle along with my messed up thoughts.

After 20 minutes I turned off the shower and wrapped myself in a towel as my muscles were not that much sore but my heart was pounding in my chest ...like trying to escape......beating faster than necessary like it raced a marathon, ignoring my thoughts I headed towards wardrobe and started getting ready for party .

I put on a little bit of makeup and wore a green emerald coloured gown with little bit work on it with golden threads .It was simple but elegantly graceful , hugging every curve of my body .

Just as I was about to pick the hair straightener ..there was a sudden knock on the door ..I headed towards the door and clicked it open and Isha sprinted inside like air and I closed the door behind .

"What was that ",I asked .

"What "..instead of replying she questioned me back.

Ignoring her I came to dressing table and picked up the straightener but Isha came and took it from my hands ... I gave her a" What Is this" look.... without answering she turned my face toward mirror . A uncomfortable silence fell Inside the room .

After few minutes , she said. "He is here " .

So ,this was the reason behind my racing heart .My breath stopped just by listening " he is here " ..

His mere mention had that much of effect on me that my breath hitched at his mention without even meeting him .

I know about whom she is talking ..I didn't say anything or we can say nothing came out from my mouth , I don't know I was happy or nervous maybe both .

After a while ,she further added ."So ,you are not changing your decision". I looked into her eyes through mirror and said

" I don't know ...what if he ..."

I really don't know... If I can do this or not . The fear of losing last hope of "being His ", will shatter if he denies.

She didn't let me complete my sentence when she further added ..."Aaru tell me how long will things go like this .It's being 4 years ..Just confront it or leave it behind... Nothing can work like this ."

"No" , I wishpered in almost low voice but enough for her to listen .

"What , No aaru ", she asked confused by my words.

"No ,it's not 4 years .

It's 4 years 3 month and 21 days ".I replied with a smile . My heart fluttering.. remembering the first time when I saw him .

His beautiful almond shaped - brown eyes were fixed in front , shinning under the spilling sunlight accross the room through the curtains. Then he turned around just a slight turn of his neck and our eyes meet . Just for a fraction of second and he immediately shifted his attention back . This mere second was the best moment, and only thing which came in my mind was " How can be someone that much beautiful!!" .

I don't even know from where these words came but they were utterly raw ...real and for him .... Always for him .

The first ever person for whom these words came from nowhere .

My whole stomach was filled with jittery feeling. His towering height, sharp jawline, chiseled muscles of arms , black hairs .... everything was perfect.

His aura was intimidating all alone by his sharp eyes and dark voice .

"You are crazy aaru " the chain of my thoughts broke after listening her words , a smile came on my lips because I know I am crazy for "him".

"But, what if he will ..." before I can say further she cut me in mid sentence again and continued ...."that he will refuse ..haina! "

I nodded at her words .She took my hands and led me to bed and sits beside me , "listen aaru how long will this go ..just tell me... You don't want to confess your feelings but still you want him . Sometime we have to step forward for our future . And why are you thinking negatively..just think what if he say yes ,then ."

By listening her words a different energy came but it vanished just as fast as it came .

But today I have to do this ,I can't live like this anymore. I was thinking all this when door of my room opened and my mother came inside , draped in a beautiful pink saree , her hair tied in a bun .

"Aaru ,Isha are you ready ? " She asks walking to the bed .

" Yes, maa we are ready", I said but without opening mouth Isha's food doesn't seem to digest .

"Aunty I am ready from last half hour but your daughter is sticking to mirror ask her for whom she is getting ready that it's taking much time " , I narrowed my eyes towards her and threw pillow towards her and in mean time she catches it and hides behind my mother .

"Okk ..okk now let's go everyone it's already waiting , it's half past eight ", Maa intruppted my glaring session With that we headed downstairs.

.

.

When my steps reached last stair my legs freezed their ,I don't know why ..but "he is here "I am nervous with this mere thought .

"Aaru chal" ( let's go aaru)! Isha's voice came "everyone is waiting."

She tugged at my hand , moving towards my family and I stood beside my father .He introduced me to some of his business partners and it was boring I am not interested is all these things ..After a while I came to Isha she was talking with someone, I stood beside her but my eyes were somewhere else .. searching for him , but he didn't seemed anywhere. Just then my father's voice came ....

"Hello ladies and gentlemen present here for celebrating birthday of my son ,but there is another thing which I like to share to with you all , that my son Vihaan is replacing me from my designation." There was a huge sound of applause and houting .

I was happy for my brother he really worked hard for this and today he achieved it by his hard work . He didn't get served in sliver plates because of our father , he earned this by his hardwork.

But a thought that stuck in mind was why he is not here ,when suddenly someone placed hand on my shoulder..I turned my face and saw my brother standing there with a smile and asked ..." What happened?"

"Nothing...By the way ... Congratulations Bhai and Happy Birthday once again" . I wished him and he responded with ."Thank you" and kissed me on forehead and lead me to stage where cake was placed .

My brother cut the cake ..beside him standing me and my parents.He fed us slice from cake and with that my father headed towards his colleagues,my mother headed towards her friends and I walked to Isha .

"What with this suckling face !"I turned my face towards her ...with a smile I replied "nothing" .

"Thinking about him ", she loves mocking me ...listening to this I turned my face towards her with a jerk ..."No ,No ... I am not thinking about someone."

She laughed at my words .."see your face it turned red with his mention only and I think he is gone don't worry "..with that she give me a glass filled with juice .

Listening her words... My face fell, Ohhh! Seriously, he is gone ..like atleast he can show his face .With that I turned my face to other side when she suddenly said ..." let's go" .

"Where ?", I asked confused.

"Dance ," she asked .

"No you can go ,I don't want to dance" ,But Isha is Isha .. before I complete my sentence she dragged me to dance floor ...why even she asked if she had to drag me . Lights were flashing everywhere and loud music was banging ...our legs moving with beats . Isha twirled me around and in between,I saw him . Those same honey brown eyes , he was wearing a black tuxedo, with sliver strap metal watch ,a glass in hand and my heart forget ,how to beat . My mind was frozend , I held Isha's hand and dragged her with me .

"What is this aaru ?" She questioned as soon as we walked out.

"He is here ......I saw him !! "I said in one breath .

"Okk ..okk.. relax ,you want to talk to him" .....I didn't answer at first but today , I will not change my decision ....I gulped water in one go and said" Yes ,I will".

"Okk ,then all the best ",I gave her a forced smile and turned on my heels.

But I stopped in my track ," why are standing here go now?", she grunted from behind .

"How can I go there, see he is with his partners",She turned towards me and said , "just a minute".before I can ask her what she meant ..she was gone and I made my way towards my mother and stood beside her .

After 5 minutes, a dark voice came ..."Hello aunty".

I know who is he .

He is here and I can't even lift my lashes to see him but still I managed..

And he is here , standing in front of me,watching him after long time , listening his voice .I was thinking all this when my mother shook my shoulder lightly ...." Where are you lost aaru ,I am calling you ."

"Nothing maa, yes tell me what is it" ,I blurted out because I was not able to talk in front of him ...it was like I forgot how to speak but still I managed .

"See someone has spilled juice on his Blazer ..take him to vihaan 's room ,I think he is not here ." She said .

I shifted my gaze towards him ,but he was looking somewhere but at me ..then my eyes fell on Isha standing beside him with a smirk tugging at her lips and show me her thumb , gesturing "All the best ."

Ohh , so she has done this..

"Okk maa ."

You go with her , maa said to him without waiting for his response I started walking ahead and he was following me ...I know without even turning back and I forgot how to walk even , my legs stumbling. After two minutes we headed towards my brother's room and I said only these 3 words,

"Here you go "!!

"Hmm !!" , he hummed With that he headed towards washroom. I was pacing inside the room . I was happy to saw him after years but scared to confess .

I want to run away from his sight but still want to be with him .

To hold his hand .

To embrace in his warmth.

I don't know what I was feeling but today I have to take a risk and confess him. Running or hiding will not work everytime.

After a while , He came outside after cleaning and said, "It's done" . And moved towards door , he was about to open it but stopped after listening my words.

"I want to say something". I know my voice barely reached there but was enough for him to stop .

He didn't turn at first but after a while he turned and walked towards me with small strides, standing in front of me.

His eyes were on me ,I know without even looking . A unseen weight of feelings wrapped around me but I lifted my lashes and it was 2 nd time when I made a eye contact with him and just by watching him standing in front of me... his eyes fixed on me ...I forgot how to breath or how to speak .. His eyes fixed on me , butterflies dancing in my stomach .

"Yes", he called out ... snapping me back .

I blinked my eyes , and took long breath to steady myself. I blurted out in one go after gathering myself...

Actually," I have feelings for you..I love you."

I said in one go . He didn't said anything so I opened my eyes and he was just staring me but I immediately looked down my eyes were fixed on floor like it is most beautiful thing here ,

Then his voice came ,

"But I never thought about you. I am your brother' s bestfriend."

That was it ,my last hope break .

Silence...

A heavy and stretched silence enveloped the air .

Before he can say something else I said , " It's okk " .

"It's not like I am here to ask you to feel same for me or love me ..I wanted to tell you about my feelings..That's it ." I hurriedly reasoned him up not to feel same or feel guilty.

My throat became dry ..and my eyes became wet but still I managed to utter my thoughts. My fear of rejection came true. Our conversation was interrupted by a knock on door once . I pushed the tears back by blinking my lashes rapidly...forcing a fake smile. The door opened and a girl came inside she was wearing a peach colored dress , her shoulder length,brown and polished hair placed neatly.

Her eyes shooting daggers in my direction . Then she turned towards him immediately changing her expressions .

She came inside and grabbed his hand and but the main shock was her words .

" Baby , I was waiting for you . Why did this take so much time ."

Am I hearing right or it is the reality. I was not able to listen this , so I turned on my heels and sprinted outside and ran from there as fast as I can in these fucking heels..

I came to my room and sat on my bed .

I wanted to cry but not a single tear came and it was hurting more .

I was ready to listen this but still it is hurting me. He loves someone else.

"Why !! Why!! Why!! , I loved you ...I can't even stop loving you ." I wanted to shout these words but nothing came .

After a while Isha came and asked ,"You talked to him , he said yes" I didn't speak , then she further added

" I told you but you didn't listen to me ..see I told you many times confess ..."

Before she could complete here sentence I speak ....

"No, he didn't."

" He never loved me !!" .

.

.

.

.

.

To be continued.........