Chapter 54
The next morning, Advait was in his home gym, he was running on the treadmill. His face was stoic and his body was sweating. His legs were moving on the machine effortlessly, his perfect body was flexing in his fitted sports T-shirt.
"Good morning, bhaiya." A soft voice made him stop.
He turned around and see Abhishek was standing at the entrance. Advait looked at him from head to toe as he was ready in the sports clothes.
"Looks like I have a guest." Advait commented stepping down from the treadmill.
Abhishek sheepishly grinned and came inside, he looked around in the gym in curiosity, it was not everyday when he or others two entered in the gym as Advait didn't allow them.
"I also want abs like you." Abhishek said excitedly.
Advait started to lift weights and rolled his eyes, "Kise impress karne ki taiyari ho rahi hai Abhi?" He asked.
Abhishek looked down shyly scratching the back of his neck.
"Kisi ko nahi bhaiya." He mumbled.
Advait looked at him skeptically before putting down the weights on the ground.
"Start with a headstand." He ordered.
Abhishek nodded eagerly excited for the gym session.
He went to the corner and tried doing headstand but fell on the floor, he continued trying for a couple of times but failed. Advait noticed him from the mirror and went to his side with a shake of his head.
He held his legs to support him and finally he got in the correct position, "Headstand to ho nahi raha sir se abs banayenge ye." He mumbled.
Abhishek glared at him from down.
Advait started doing the push ups, After ten minutes Abhishek's muscles started screaming in protest.
"Bhaiya aur kitni der rehna hai aise?" He groaned.
"Jab tak gir na jao." Advait said nonchalantly.
Abhishek fell down on the floor as soon as he said this earning himself a mocked glare from Advait. He showed his toothy smile to charm him while rubbing his sore arms.
"30 push ups." Advait said and resumed his work out.
Abhishek got down on the floor and started doing push ups but he barely managed to do thirteen. He slumped down on the floor with a heavy sigh.
Advait raised his brow at him.
"Ab nahi ho raha." He panted.
"Aur kuch bataiye na jo easily ho jaye." He said.
"Abs banane hai maggie nahi jo easily ban jayenge." Advait taunted.
Abhishek sat up on the floor, "Mujhe to wo bhi nahi aati." He grumbled.
"Decide kar le pehle kya karna hai cooking ya workout." Advait said tossing the water bottle at his direction, he caught it and gulped down the water. He sat there panting for a few minutes until his breathing got normal again.
"Go freshen up and get ready for school." Advait said tapping his shoulder.
"Bohot thak gaya aaj nahi jaun please." He requested showing his puppy eyes.
"Improve your stamina, you barely did 10 push ups." Advait chided.
Abhishek looked offended, "13 bhaiya, I did total 13."
"Great achievement." He replied in a sarcastic tone making Abhishek pout.
"Nahi jaun phir?" Abhishek asked innocently blinking his eyes.
Advait pinned him with a glare and that was all it took him to get up and moved to his room but with a sulking face.
~________________________________________~
Tia was smiling like a crazy person since the morning, she didn't blink her eyes even for a second last night. She was imagining his reaction and very excited to experience it in reality. She already invited him for lunch in a restaurant and he was quick to accept the invitation.
Tia was dressed in a cherry red floral dress, vibrant red color was looking beautiful on her milky skin.
Her dark browns curls were rested on her shoulders, she did a nude makeup and applied a glossy pink lipstick.
Her high heels were perfectly complimenting her outfit.
She was looking absolutely beautiful and dressed for her special day.
She was spraying fragrance on her wrist when Sia entered in her room.
"Itni hot ban kar kahan jaa rahi ho aap?" Sia asked looking at her from up and down.
"Date par." She replied casually fixing her dress in front of the mirror.
Sia's face immediately fell down and she quiet down.
Tia turned towards her smirking at her reaction, she stepped forward and rested her hands on her shoulders.
"Muh banana band kar, tere jiju ke saath hi jaa rahi hoon." She said making her eyes shone in happiness.
"Sacchiii??" She asked unbelievably.
Tia nodded her head with a grin.
Sia held her hands spinning her in excitement, Tia looked at her in amusement.
"Ye kab hua aur kaise hua aapne mujhe bataya kyun nahi?" She bombarded her questions.
"Bas bas bullet train mujhe bolne ka chance to de." Tia replied.
She eagerly nodded her head indicating her to spill the tea.
"Well maine socha ab bechara itne time se piche pada hai to us par daya kha hi leti hoon." Tia replied playfully but Sia glared at her.
"Accha accha sorry." Tia said laughing, "Mujhe realise ho gaya ki mai usse bohot jyada pyar karti hoon aur aaj mai ye baat usse bhi confess karne wali hoon." She said.
"To aapne proposal ke liye kuch preparations ki hai ya nahi? Flowers? Chocolates? Or ring? Kuch arrange kiya bhi hai?" Sia asked being hyperventilating.
Tia lightly flicked her head, "Mujhe mat seekha badi behen hoon teri, maine sab arrange kar liya bas ab Reyansh ka reaction dekhna hai." She replied looking at somewhere in the distance.
"Wo to khushi se pagal hi ho jayenge unhone to kabhi imagine bhi nahi kiya hoga ki aap unhe khud se propose karoge." Sia said smiling.
Tia genuinely smiled at that.
Sia hugged her shaking her side to side, "I'm veryyyyy happy for you." She sang.
Tia playfully pinched her cheeks.
"Mai to set ho jaungi tu kab Abhi ko propose kar rahi hai?" Tia teased bumping her on the shoulder.
Sia flustered, gasping horrified, "Shuttttt uppp Di!" She said and ran away from there making Tia laughed loudly.
~________________________________________~
Tia was sitting in the restaurant waiting for Reyansh to show up but he was late.
She was happy but with the passing minutes she started getting irritated.
After what felt like an eternity, she spotted Reyansh casually walking in the restaurant with a bouquet of flowers in his hand.
He was dressed in a dusty brown shirt paired up with the beige pants.
He was effortlessly looking smart in his casual outfit.
He spotted Tia's table and waved his hand from the distance.
She gritted out her teeth but forced a smile as she didn't want to spoil her mood.
He kneeled down in front of her forwarding the bouquet towards her.
She looked at the flowers and immediately a big smile crept on her lips looking at her favorite flowers.
"Sorry late ho gaya but ye white tulips kahi mil hi nahi rahe the." He said apologetically.
"These are your favorites right?" He was not asking but saying.
She looked up from the flowers in her hand and slowly nodded, "Yes, but how do you know?" She asked.
He stood up smirking, "Well I know you more than you know about yourself."
Tia raised her brow amusingly with a chuckle. Reyansh settled down in front of him with a happy grin glued to his face like a child who got his favorite candy.
"You're looking so beautiful." Reyansh complimented making her blush.
He pointed his finger at her, "Wait, did you just blush because of me?" He asked with an unbelievable look.
Tia rolled her eyes giving him a look.
"That seems like a progress." Reyansh commented.
"Keep dreaming." Tia retorted, biting her cheeks from inside to stop herself from smiling.
The waiter came up asking for their order, Tia ordered her favorite and Reyansh also ordered her favorite.
"Tumhe mere favorite flowers pata hain food pata hai, kab se chal rahi hai ye stalking?" She asked playfully.
"I don't have to stalk you Tia. You're just like an open book." He replied making her frowned.
"Bahar se rude and arrogant lady ka mask laga kar ghoomti ho lekin ek puppy ko chot lagne par khud rone lag jati ho." He added.
She widened her eyes, "Tum mujhe sach me stalk karte ho, Khurana?" She raised her voice.
"I was crossing the same road coincidentally, Kapoor." Reyansh shrugged.
"You are lying." She accused glaring at him.
"I'm not." He replied innocently.
She took a deep breath fixing her composure, "Fine." She breathed out.
They talked about random things and also bickered in between just out of their habit. The waiter arrived with the food and they digged up in their favorites.
Tia offered him to go to the beach and he happily agreed, excited to spend some more time with the love of his life.
They both came with their cars so Tia parked her car outside the restaurant and they continued their journey together with Reyansh's car.
They both went to the beach and Tia excitedly jumped out of the car followed by Reyansh. He was looking at her with the admiring eyes with a small smile playing on his lips.
They settled down on the sand next to each other watching the sunset, the view was worth seeing. They both watched the sky transforms into vibrant canvas of colors as the sun dips below the horizon. They both seated there in the calmness, draping the peaceful blanket of the nature over them.
When the sun disappeared in the sky and the faint light of moons started shimmering in the sky. Tia stood up, Reyansh followed her actions also stood up beside her.
"Chalein?" He asked.
She looked at him in the eyes before bending down on her one knee. Reyansh froze on his place anticipating the outcome. She drowned in his eyes, her heart was pounding but she let out her feelings from her heart.
"Hum dono bachpan se hi humesha ladte rehte hain, ek dusre ka mazak udana, pareshan karna.
Maine humesha tumhe taken for granted liya and I'm really sorry for that but jab tumne mujhse baat karna band kar diya, ignore kiya tab mujhe realise hua ki mujhe tumhari kitni aadat hai.
Tumhe dekh kar jo mujhe feel hota hai wo aaj tak kisi ko dekh kar nahi hua.
Tumhari cheesy flirting, mere baar baar mana karne ka baad bhi mere piche ghoomna, mere nakhre uthana agar koi aur ladka hota to kab ka chala jata magar tum nahi gaye kyunki tum kisi aur jaise nahi ho, special ho.
Tumhe dekh kar mujhe jo feel hota hai us feeling ko kya kehte hain mujhe nahi pata magar itna pata hai jo tumhe dekh kar feel hota hai wo kisi aur ke saath nahi hota. Tum khaas ho mere liye."
Silence.
Dreading Silence.
And then a thud, Reyansh fainted down on the sand, his hands were on his sides and he fell down on his back. Tia gasped horrified, she panicked and patted his cheeks in concern and fear.
"Reyansh, Reyansh." She patted his cheeks.
But no response.
"Reyansh kya hua, utho... Oh god..." She looked here and there for help panicking in fear.
She went to the car and came back with a water bottle, crouched down and sprinkled a few drops on his face. He slowly opened his eyes and a relief washed over her face.
He slowly sat up looking at his surroundings. His gaze met with Tia and that's when he remembered everything. He hesitantly forwarded his hand and touched her arm, she was looking at him in confusion.
"Ye sapna nahi hai." He whispered under his breath and she narrowed her eyes trying to hear him.
"Ye sapna nahi hai." He yelled loudly making her flinched back dramatically.
"Ye sapna nahi hai.... ye sapna nahi hai." He stood up raking his hands through his hair and started running here and there while mumbling and laughing.
Tia was looking at him like she had seen a ghost.
"Ye sapna nahi hai." He squealed grabbing her by shoulders and twirling her around.
"Haan I know sapna nahi hai." She replied still in confusion.
He grinned widely, "Tu-Tum mujhse pyar karti ho like... You love me." He said not believing the reality.
Her lips broke into a smile and she shyly nodded her head.
He jumped in the air and squeezed her in a hug, "I love you too, I love you so much Tia." He mumbled caressing her hair and tightening his grip around her as if afraid she would disappear.
She smiled wrapping her arms around him. She got scared when he fainted but now she was happy knowing it was her proposal that made him crazy.
He pulled back cupping her face, "I love you Tia.
Thank you.... Thank you so much for giving me a chance.
I'll never make you regret choosing me. Tumhe nahi pata tumne mujhe kitni badi khushi di hai.
.. you're so precious to me." He whispered looking straight in her eyes, his eyes were shimmering with unshed tears.
Tia felt overwhelmed by the love he had for her, a lump formed in her throat and she again hugged him tightly. He hugged her to his chest pressing his lips on her hair. The moon was casting it's glow on their standing forms on the sand, the nature was the witness of the new journey of their life.
~________________________________________~
Everyone was settled down in the TV room, Kalyani was glaring at the Television as if it had personally offended her.
Amrinder's face was filled with confusion while Advait was unfazed, he was just casually sitting on the couch reading the headlines as if they were showing usual boring news but it wasn't.
Advait was sipping his coffee while reading the headlines. Abhishek and Aditya exchanged a glance before shifting their attention back on the television while Arush... his eyes were teary and chin was quivering, the dam was ready to break anytime.
Before Kalyani could burst out her anger, Arush started crying loudly gaining Advait's attention. He was quick to his side, he crouched down in front of him.
"Hey hey, what happened?" He cooed.
Arush glared at him through his tears.
"Baat nahi karo aap." He sobbed.
Advait tried to cup his cheeks, "Kya hua baccha batao to." He said but Arush jerked away his hands.
"Arush." Abhishek pointed him a look at his action.
Arush looked down, his body was shaking with sobs. Advait picked him up in his arms ignoring his protest.
"Choro mujhe nahi baat karunga aapse." He said stubbornly struggling to get out of his hold.
"Par maine kiya kya ye to batao." Advait asked patiently.
"Aapne mana kiya tha aap shaadi nahi karoge phir bhi aapne chupke se kar li." He hiccupped.
Aditya rolled his eyes and Abhishek palmed his head. Amrinder smiled at him while Advait gently wiped off his tears.
"Maine shaadi nahi ki baccha." He replied.
"Jhooth bol rahe ho aap." He yelled choking on his tears.
"Tone down, Arush." Aditya said firmly, glaring at him.
Arush cried more on the rebuke, Advait exhaled in irritation and left the room with the Arush in his arms gently rocking him to calm him down.
"Shh chup ho jao." Advait whispered brushing off his tears with the pad of his thumb.
"Aapne shaadi kyun ki mujhe bulaya bhi nahi." He sniffled rubbing his nose with his hand.
Advait bite the inside of his cheeks to not to smile, he took out the handkerchief from his pocket and wiped off Arush's nose. Arush sniffled pouting at him.
"Bhaiya jhooth nahi bol rahe baccha maine shaadi nahi ki aapko bhaiya par trust nahi hai?" Advait asked softly.
Arush slowly nodded his head still looking at him suspiciously. He snaked his arms around his neck mumbling, "Mujhe bina bataye shaadi mat karna."
Advait chuckled rubbing his back, "Nahi karunga."
"Advait mujhe baat karni hai tumse." Kalyani's voice boomed from behind, the anger was clearly evident in her tone.
Advait turned around to look at her, he sighed and gently put Arush down on the floor.
"Aap jaa kar khelo bhaiya abhi aa rahe hain hm." He said genty patting his cheek.
He nodded and left from there, Advait stood up straight, his eyes replaced with the cold ones and face returned to his usual stoic one.
"News wale kya bol rahe hain ye?" Kalyani hissed.
"Am I your personal hearing aid?" He asked nonchalantly.
She fumed in anger, Amrinder emerged in the living room and stepped in the conversation.
"Advait ye aisi news kyun dikha rahe hain?" He asked calmly.
Advait exhaled sharply before replying, "Wo media hai dadu, It's their favorite hobby to spread rumors. Let them be. I have more other important things to be concerned about."
Amrinder sighed knowing he was hiding something but didn't press it, he simply gave him a nod.
"Tumhe farak nahi padta?" Kalyani asked incredulously.
Advait pressed his temple, "I just said dadi, these things doesn't affect me."
Kalyani fisted her hands in anger and stormed away from there knowing arguing with Advait wouldn't end up good.
Advait took a few deep breaths and poured himself a glass of water before gulping it down.
"Ye sab mil kar pagal kar denge mujhe ek din." He mumbled sighing heavily.
His phone vibrated in his pocket and he took it out, a small smile played on his lips reading the name of the caller.
"Hello." He said answering the call.
"Hi." A sweet voice came from the other side.
"Aapne news dekhi?" Shreya hesitantly asked.
Advait rolled his eyes, "Ji dekhi." He replied sweetly.
She looked down sadly, "Uh-I am really sorry mujhe nahi pata tha aisa ho jayega." Her voice was filled with guilt.
"Relax Shreya, don't bother yourself. It's not a big deal." Advait said his voice was smooth.
"Phir bhi mujhe pehle sochna chahiye tha sorry..." She said but Advait cut her off in between.
"I said it's okay, Shreya. Aap order deti huyi acchi lagti hain sorry kehti huyi nahi." He replied making her smile.
"Aapko sach me..." She was about to say when she looked at her phone and said, "Mai aapko baad me call karti hoon Tia ka call aa raha hai."
Advait grumbled under his breath, "Ye Tia ki timing humesha wrong hoti hai."
"Ji?" She said.
"Nothing, bye." He replied.
"Bye." She mumbled and disconnected the call.
He was about to pocketed his phone when it vibrated again, he answered the call without looking at the caller name thinking it would be Shreya again.
"Haan Shreya?" He asked as soon as he picked up the call.
"Shreya huh?" Reyansh said from the other side.
Advait cursed himself in the mind as he earned himself a lifetime teasing.
"Sorry darling, tere armaano par paani pherne ke liye par tu bole to mai abhi Shreya ko call kar ke kehta hoon ki tu uski yaad me mara jaa raha hai." Reyansh teased.
"Shut up, Rey." Advait grumbled.
"Haan ab dost ki baatein to chubhengi hi kisi aur ki baatein jo acchi lagne lagi hain magar yaad rakhna jitna pyar mai tujhse karta hoon utna koi ladki nahi karne wali." He said dramatically.
"Ho gaya?" Advait asked rolling his eyes.
Reyansh wiped off the corner of his eyes dramatically, "Itna chubne laga hoon sabko chura to nahi hoon, tum log jitna bura batate ho utna bura to nahi hoon."
"Agar ye bakwas band nahi ki na to tere ghar aa kar tere chure se hi murder kar dunga tera." Advait threatened.
Reyansh rolled his eyes at his non harmful threat.
"Chal ye sab chord ek good news hai guess kar." Reyansh said grinning.
"Tu maa banne wala hai?" Advait asked in sarcasm, he knew what he was talking about but he wanted him to share it.
"Haan tere bacchon ki, congratulations to you too." Reyansh retorted.
"Ho gaya?" Advait asked dumbfounded.
"Abhi nahi, 9 mahine baad." Reyansh replied making Advait groaned.
"Accha theek hai dhyan se sun." Reyansh said creating a suspense.
"Tia ne mujhe... mujhe propose kiya. She loves meeeee." He yelled in happiness.
Advait smiled and distanced his phone from his ear to prevent them from hearing loss.
"Tu sach keh raha hai? Tia ne propose kiya? Wo bhi tujhe? Khud?" Advait asked feigning shocked and bewilderment.
"You're a terrible actor, Advi." Reyansh said dryly.
Advait composed himself asking, "What?"
"Don't tell me that you didn't know it before, wo tujhe bina bataye koi kaam kare I don't believe it." Reyansh said.
Advait was the only best friend Tia had since their childhood and she really had the horrible habit of sharing everything with him.
"Tu khush hai na, Rey?" Advait asked seriously, no matter how much they fight with each other, they care for each other a lot. He was not only his best friend, he was his family. They were not related with blood but he was his brother.
"I really love her yaar, maine kabhi sapne me bhi nahi socha tha ki wo bhi mujhse kabhi pyar karegi. Sab kuch ek dream jaisa lag raha hai meri life ki sabse badi khushi mere haathon me hai mai bohot khush hoon." He replied drowning in thoughts of Tia.
"Always keep her happy otherwise I'll break your nose." Advait threatened playfully.
"You won't get the chance." Reyansh chuckled.
~________________________________________~