There's no motivation, 
Until you motivate yourself. 

-Kashish Thanki (@ sassy_cub)

Dedicated to busy_babe_22 (Throughout the whole story, the only mature and regular reader! Thank you so much Di! Even though now-a-days you are not reading AnuPre books but still reading mine, is a big compliment for me!)

******

3 years later. (means 5 years later when they met). 

Anurag's POV 

"Baba, as the company has given a week's leave for grabbing first position in the whole Kolkata, can I take a small trip to Mussoorie?" I asked Baba. 

"Of course you can go Onu, don't ask me, it's your life and your choice," he smiled. 

"I'm calling Sid!!" I jumped in excitement, as finally I'll be able to go to Mussoorie. The place which helped me to move on. 

"Heya Sid--" 

I was cut off as he said, "Anu, I'm busy in a meeting, drop a message I'll check later." 

"Okay-" 

Anurag : Idiot, I'm finally going to Mussoorie!!! Wanna join me? 

I slided the mobile on the bed swiftly and began packing. This time I'll make sure it will be one whole week! No one can stop me. 

We met two years ago, she might be dating someone, while I'm just way too busy in making portraits, business that I'm not getting time. But yes I have become a flirtatious person, which was surprising for me too! 

Mountains callin'! Ugh I mean Sid is calling now. 

I picked up the call and prepared myself to hear his energetic voice. 

"You moron, can't you decide that a week earlier!! I have a meeting in Austria! I can't come and your Nivi Di's husband is busy romancing with her. You have to go alone. Don't be sad-" 

"OMG!!! Wow finally I can go alone!" 

"Anu I thought you will be-" 

"Go to hell you idiot, may your meetings never end!!" 

"Wow, someone is way too excited to hit on Prerna," I could feel him smirking. 

"I- what nonsense! I just want to meet her!" 

"But by seeing the previous excitement, I can clearly notice you have all plans to make Prerna fall in love with you!" 

"Nuisance-" 

"'Enjoy' your trip with Prerna," he teased at last and hung up the call. 

"Stupid--" I had began with my curses but no use. 

I decided to message Prerna, yes I have her Instagram id. 

Anu_the_flirt : 
Mussoorie!! Finally!!! 

Pre_the_sarcastic : 
What really!!

I'm eagerly waiting!

Anu_the_flirt : 
You got someone? 

Pre_the_sarcastic : 
Why are you 
asking Mr Basu?

Anu_the_flirt : 
Why can't I? 

Pre_the_sarcastic : 
¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Just go and do your packing!

Anu_the_flirt : 
Okay madam ;) 

*** 

She must be wondering what's wrong with me. I chuckled thinking about her reaction and added a few items in it. I had already asked my PA to arrange a flight. Poor soul, but what can I do - I'm helpless! My laptop is gone for repair, so I had to ask her for a booking on her laptop. 

My phone chimed as a notification hit up. 

PA : 
Sir I have booked a flight. 
It's in morning at 7. 
I'll email you more details by 4 pm. 

*******

I sent her "Thank You" and continued doing my packing. 

"Looks like my bro is all set for a trip, what's it?" 

"Mussoorie it is." 

"Wow, enjoy your trip Onu, Anupam and I also planned a short trip for Darjeeling." 

"That's great but baba will be alone-" 

"Who said I'm alone? I'm going to Kerala!" Baba came inside answering. 

"What- and you didn't even inform us!" 

"Sorry baccha, and yes have fun on your trip, all you do is just work, work and work." 

I just chuckled and they both left saying, "I'm going to pack." 

******

Next day. 

I had just reached my hotel when I got Prerna's call. 

"Yes, say Prerna." 

"Don't go to some hotels, come to my place, Anjali is in Kolkata and Kirti is in her own home now. So I'm all alone." 

"Eww Prerna what are you thinking of me-" I began with my 'innocent' acts. 

"Why are you always taking things in other ways now-a-days?" she was clearly annoyed. 

"Hehe, can't help with that. Anyways I'm coming after cancelling the booking from the hotel." 

*******

As I rang the doorbell, Prerna opened the door widely and let me in. Her house was well managed. There was a mild fragrance of Jasmine. And books arranged on every shelf.

Prerna has become a famous writer by now. Her first book, 'Stranger In Mussoorie' was a big hit, which surprised me a lot! As to why people are interested in me?

"You can rest in the guest room, I'll bring something to eat and drink. Walk straight and take the left room. Dare you step into mine." 

"Yes ma'am, I won't." 

I entered the room and kept my luggage on the floor. It was quite a big room to be called a guest room. 

She knocked and came inside. 

"Must be wondering why it's so big, actually my parents made this room for them to stay in, but because of work they rarely get time to come here, so I converted it into a guest room. Anyways, here are your snacks and some beverages. Sleep for sometime." 

She was going out, when again came inside and informed, "I got a party invitation for two, Kirti and me, but Rohan planned a date for them so she's not coming now. Want to come?" 

"Where's the party?" 

"Rohan's friend, Manav is hosting a party in his house, you know that clingy guy from whom you were totally annoyed." 

"Wha-- I'm coming for sure and why is he in Mussoorie!?" 

"It's his choice, Anurag. Get some sleep, party starts at nine." 

*******

It was now 8 pm. 

I decided to wear a black t-shirt and a dark turquoise jacket on it. Prerna was all ready in a black little-backless top and skirt. Her hair was let down and was curled. I just couldn't help but flirt with her. 

Why is she so sassy!! With every flirty comment, she could just give a witty or sassy reply and ignore me. 

I just sighed and we finally reached that Manav's party. Prerna ran inside and embraced that guy into a hug. She didn't hug me like that ever! Like that close and tightly- 

Manav had his hands wrapped around her bare back! This guy will be dead by tonight! 

I walked to them and very slowly pulled out Prerna from the hug. She was going to reply when that idiot greeted, "Hi, I'm Manav Deshmukh." 

"Anurag Basu," I gave a straight look and was about to pull her into a corner, when he again interrupted and said, "Pre, come here I want you to meet my friends." 

I felt a little weird as to why he wanted her to meet his friends. Prerna looked at me and moved ahead with him, I couldn't resist myself to follow them. 

"He's Akash and Yash." As the monkey Deshmukh - err- Manav Deshmukh introduced them, both came forward to hug her. Like really!? I can understand the monkey hugging her- but why friends!? 

She gave a slight smile and forwarded her hand for a handshake. That's like my girl! 

"Anurag, you wanted to talk? Let's go." 

I guess she understood their intentions, and it's good. She's good at understanding people by their actions and talks. 

"Prerna, if you don't feel comfortable around them, it's alright, may I have the pleasure to dance with you." 

He asked and Prerna just pondered for a minute. Dude the party is way too boring now...! 

She sighed and was about to keep her hand in his, when I gladly held hers and pulled her to the dance floor. She was startled at first, but then understood my action. 

"It was not needed, I said yes because I wanted to kick him hard..." 

I just kept my finger on her lips and she gave a thin pursed line. 

"Let's not create any scene and go for some peaceful place, okay?" 

Her eyes glimmered with shine, she nodded in a yes quickly and we both left the party, after she informed an acquaintance about our calling off. 

"You know a place?" I asked. 

"Of course I know, come behind- No run behind me." 

"Prerna, you are wearing heels at least walk with caution!!" I shouted but no avail, she tripped over a stone, medium one, and sprained her ankle. 

Wow! And what was I shouting about since so long!? 

I rushed to her and picked her up in my arms. 

"Tell me the direction." 

She signalled towards straight and I kept walking, side by side, checking if she was okay and comfortable. 

"I know I'm handsome, Prerna, but that doesn't mean you'll keep checking me out." 

I smirked, to which she stammered and replied, "No- I... I'm not checking you out, actually your face is looking extra serene by the moonlight, so I was admiring nature." 

"What a lame excuse!" 

I kept her down very carefully on the grass and sat beside her. The moon was doing magic to the atmosphere, it was so serene! 

I glanced at Prerna, who was busy admiring the place with a bright smile. 

I recalled everything that happened at that party, why I was so irritated when that Monkey hugged her- like I didn't know his intentions already. Then why? 

"Anurag!!" I heard her shouting.

"What-?" 

"We have to go home also, are we planning to spend the whole night here only?" 

"I don't have any problem, we can sleep here-" 

She gave me an irritated look and stood up. Wait she had sprained her ankle--! And that's when she realised, in a split second I held her and we together fell down on the grass. Me, beneath her. The moonlight falling on our faces and an eyelock.

I'm going to make a portrait of this scenery for sure! 

POV ends.

********

Finally the short story ended today! These 7 chapters (prologue & epilogues included) are my 1 month's hardwork and efforts!

Can I know which was your favourite chapter? And with whom you connected more, Anurag Or Prerna? Or both?

I hope the epilogue was not that bad, as still I didn't have a clear note of them being in love, but Anu was jealous so maybe they will later be in love, maybe?

And by falling in love I didn't said they are going to be soulmates, so let's just change that old terms!

I just hope this short story was a good read to all of you!

Do vote + comments please! Inlines are always welcomed!

Kriya.