Something lighter on our two goofballs.
Bonne lecture!

02/05/2020

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"Thank you bhaisaab. Here you go!"

Seeing off the cab, she walked in the airport and looked up at the arrivals board intently.

"He told me he would be in the flight coming from Calcultta. Might be that one, which should land in fifteen minutes.", she smiled excited and went towards the staff room to surprise him.

•••

"Hey Zoya, long time no see! How have you been, dear?", she turned back to see Malini, a lady hostess and senior colleague of his, as the latter spotted her waiting by the office room.

"Hi Malini di! I am good thank you. I know, sorry. I just got quite busy with the semester exams, that I couldn't attend the annual party last month too, to meet you all.", she said smiling.

"Yeah that's okay. Adi told us about that. That poor boy had missed you a lot though.", Zoya smiled as a blush erupted on her face, looking down at her feet. Almost five years being together, yet every time she heard about him and his love, it made her heart beat faster.

The two young lovebirds knew each other from the age of ten and twelve respectively, Aditya being two years older. The Siddiquis moved from Mussoorie to Mumbai after Waseem, man of the family, got bankrupted failing at their business. Harshvardhan Hooda, his childhood friend, told him to start afresh in a new place, suggesting his help in exchange of partnership. Along with two young daughters under their responsibility, the couple decided to change of air and settled in the urban city. Soon both families came closer to each other, building friendship between their kids.

Friendship developed, but as time passed by, the elder children of both families realized their emotions were changing towards each other, giving place to some warmer feelings. They couldn't see each other the same way they used to, they just felt there was something more than mere friendship in their bonding. Something magical, something that made butterflies in the stomachs battle, and their heart race faster as they would cross. Yet they were two kids who loved to tease the other. If he would run to her and mess her golden brown open hair as she would get ready for school, she would throw the water balloons on him while he would be sunbathing by their common swimming pool. He loved to blow air on her strands while she would be seen studying or reading ; she would give it back sneaking a feather in his ear. He hated that, it tickled him so much. But he was no less.

Zoya was just fifteen-soon-sixteen and still an innocent teen, when the eighteen-years-old Aditya, taken over by his emotions looking at the dolled-up young girl at his grand birthday party, confessed his hidden romantic feelings for his long-time best friend, and stole her first kiss as a promise of togetherness, the shining stars and milky white crescent moon witnessing their special moment while they were standing on the terrace at the Hooda house. First kiss was his as well, and the teen's innocent desire made her knees go weak as she had to hold his coat collar not to fall, unaware what to do back. Sensing her struggle, he held her by the waist and pulled her closer to his chest, the tight grip making her gasp in between the intense lip lock.

"No one else could take you away from me. You were, are, and will always remain mine.", his possessive words sent butterflies in her stomach, and she looked down at her hands still hooked strongly on his coat adoring innocently the close positions. They were young, these words would have been out of teenage infatuation. Yet the warmth was soothing.

"Won't you say anything?", he asked grinning, excitement as he just kissed his precious girl for the first time making him smile wider.

"W—what should I say?", her voice got caught in her throat and slowly looked up at him.

"Anything. Maybe... those three words.", whispered he the last words huskily and released a chuckle looking at her shocked expression. She was cute and innocent.

"W—what three words?", she hated the sudden stammering. He was her best friend, then why was she so nervous? Was it what they called 'shyness when romancing' in the movies? Or just the after-effect of his unexpected confession, and even more unexpected kiss?

"Oh so you don't know?!", only He knew how much the young man heart had to control himself not to kiss that innocent face again as she shook her head in 'no' slowly all the while staring at him. "I see. The Waseem Siddiqui's daughter has grown up to be so innocent and cute.", even her soft fist hitting his arms just had him smiling wider only.

"Stop teasing me Adi!", she hit again making him chuckle. He rolled her curled strand around his finger. "Then let me tell you first... the three magical words... I... lo..."

He was stopped when she held her hand in front of his mouth. Eyes locked into hers, he slowly pulled her arm down while she couldn't help rolling her lids down. "I... I am shy... please don't..."

"Fine...", he smiled at her before whispering the next, "but soon I will make you tell...", she rolled her eyes to look at him, his smirk making her shier.

Their lonely moment got interrupted when they heard someone calling out her name.

"Zoya beta, we need to go. Come soon!", it was her mother calling her.

"Ammi is calling me. Let me go...", she got cut off before she finished her words.

"No! First give me back what you took from me.", he blocked her as he pulled her back to him.

"I didn't take anything. Leave me please!", she tried to remove his hands, trying to hide her blushing red on her cheeks.

"Even Adi is nowhere to be seen Harsh.", Anjana's worried voice echoed as a reply to Roshnaq.

"Don't worry much Anjana, both might be in his room, talking for hours like always. Aditya, Zoya, bachhe come downstairs, both of you.", their parents never doubted their kids. They appreciated how Aditya had always been the caring and responsible one when it was about handling the sisters along with his own younger brother. Aditya and Zoya grew up to be thick friends, and would often be found in their room talking, or sometimes even arguing over silly things, but never were they separable.

Hearing his father's voice, his arms loosened around her giving the opportunity to escape. However, as she reached for the knob, she was stopped again by his husky voice.

"Tomorrow, at eight, like always.", he finished in a lower tone smirking.

She blushed smiling at the thought only. It was not new for them to reach school all together, along with their little siblings. However it sounded even more exciting and thrilling this time. Especially, when she knew they weren't going to be just best friends, but something more than that. Mere infatuation, that was slowly built to be strong and pure love within years.

•••

"Do you have any piece of news from his flight?", Zoya asked hesitant at first but then took up the courage in her hands as she looked at her wristwatch for the twentieth time.

"So impatient huh?", Malini teased as Zoya's cheeks turned red.

"N—nothing like that. It's just... abbu... called..."

"Yeah yeah, make some excuses.", she played with the edge of her white veil listening to the two senior colleagues of Aditya teasing her. "For your own relief, his plane is just—"

Malini was cut off in the middle of her sentence when the official announcement of the flight all straight from Calcutta that finally and safely landed, echoed throughout the airport hallways, bringing a smile on the young woman's face. And she didn't wait to hear anything from them as she ran out towards the receiving hall, to see her man walk out in glory after his much tiring journey.

•••

"Adi! Adi, wait!", as Aditya was stepping out pulling his luggage, he stopped hearing a female and familiar voice calling out his name, and smiled turning back at his colleague and good friend Pooja.

"Hey Pooja! What happened? Missing me already?", he asked amused. "I didn't know I made you feel so sad."

"Duffer, you forgot this.", said Pooja forwarding the wrapped gift box. "You asked to keep it in the stewardess' lounge before our flight."

"Oh shoot! I thought I have already taken it back from Stephen. Thank you so much mere dost.", he patted her shoulder grateful. "If only I would have missed it, I wouldn't have seen that smile of hers seeing what I have got her.", he sighed. (my friend)

"You know how much Zoya cares about everything related to you. You also should be as much caring, maybe even more.", she narrowed her brows and patted on his shoulder sarcastically.

"Ji naani mah. Now you also don't start giving me lectures na Pooja. Mah is already enough at home.", he childishly whined.

"Because even aunty knows how bechari Zoya is being stuck with you.", she smirked. (poor)

He was being scolded like always but just the mention of her name brought a bright feeling in his heart. She was so special to him, and he could never be grateful enough to God for sending him an angel like her.

"Hey, isn't that her there by the way?", she said getting him back out of his trance.

He looked up at Pooja before directing his sight where her forefinger pointed to smile widely at the surprise. "Zoya?"

•••

Seeing how close Aditya and Pooja were always made her senses go far from her wishes, heart sometimes losing against the mind. She never mistrusted him, nor she doubted Pooja. She was one of his closest batch mates during college time. However he was hers, and seeing him with any other female person, even though his friends that she knew all well, made her feel upset. Possessive? Quite a lot! Bold to open up? Absolutely not.

She was staring at the ground debating if she should go to Aditya or not. She was disturbed, but too shy as well. And she didn't notice he was already standing behind her until his warm breath hit on her nape. "Hey sweetie! Missed me so much?", she heard.

She turned round and stumbled back at the unexpected closeness between the two. But before she could fall on the floor, he held her tiny waist and pulled her closer.

"Hey, careful jaan.", she held his shoulders reassuringly. "Seems like you are quite surprised to see me this close to you.", he tightened his grip around her waist, letting their chests get the closest they could. "It is not the first time though, is it?", he looked down at her lips as he leaned into her.

"Adi, please. Look around you! We are in an airport.", she tried to push him away, shyly whisper yelling him as her hands tried to loosen his grip up.

"So? I am supposed to be your future husband, and kissing your husband is not a sin.", he chuckled as he teasingly tried to kiss her again.

"You are going to be my husband, you are not already.", she managed to get off his grip as he smiled at her shyness. "Can't believe how shameless you've become.", she muttered.

"Blame yourself for that my dear. You just are so cute that I just can't help myself adore you, hug you, kiss you, bite yo—", he started before getting cut off.

"Tauba! Allah ke vaaste, bas bhi kariye!", she cupped his mouth turning all red remembering those hickeys he used to spread on her neck as he'd punish her for making him wait for hours while she'd be busy helping her classmates with lectures ; as he'd casually enjoy her natural talc fragrance disturbing her work ; as he'd just love teasing her. Coats of make up she would need to cover up his marks, though the thrill and fear of getting caught by anyone used to excite her a little deep inside. She would just never admit the fact to him. Too much pretentious he could be later on. (Oh my! For God sake, please stop!)

"Hey Zoya, how are you?"

Their moment got interrupted when Pooja stood next to them. She immediately removed her hand from his mouth and stepped back, while Aditya sighed at her. How could someone be this shy?

Pooja chuckled at Zoya's reaction, "Don't worry, there is no issue being this close to your own boyfriend. But yeah, just don't forget where you are.", she teased them, making the poor girl even more uncomfortable.

"It's not me, it's him—", Zoya stopped her cute complaints as she heard the two friends laughing at her.

"Seriously Zoya, you're so cute to handle, and so innocent. May the Lord save you from this mad guy.", she smiled looking at Zoya who blushed looking at the floor.

"Oye! You're my friend, you should be on my side.", he frowned.

"Yeah whatever. Anyways Aditya, see you on Thursday. And keep in mind what I've told you. No more teasing!", she warned him pointing her finger before the both friends laughed together.

"Hey, how are you going by the way? Shall we drop you at your place?"

As he said so, he felt someone throwing daggers at him making him scratch the back of his head. Noticing everything, the colleague of his chuckled in silence and reassured them.

"Don't worry Adi, Yash is there. I will go with him. See you lovebirds.", she waved at them and walked away shaking her head as Aditya mouthed him a 'sorry'.

"Who is Yash?", as Pooja walked farther, Zoya asked Aditya. "Pooja's fiancé.", he replied smiling at her.

"Oh... wait what? Is Pooja engaged?", he nodded in yes making her smile relieved, but her reaction didn't go unnoticed by her mate.

"Why are you smiling this big now? Happy your man is safe?", he curiously looked at her sudden smile.

"Shut up! N—nothing like that. Ghar chale?", he shook his head in no and she looked at him confused. "I don't want to take you home now.", he said. (Shall we go home?)

"Then where do you want to take me, Captain Hooda?", she asked crossing her arms against her chest. "Hmm, now you'd speak confidently without being shy, huh?"

He held her hand and took her out of the building towards the parking lot where his car waited for their drive. As they took their seats in the car, he threw his head back relaxing before looking at his woman.

"Listen, you seem to be tired. You need rest first. Let's go home. I will even make your favorite hot chocolate.", she suggested.

"I am tired, but I don't need hot chocolate. I just need my energy booster."

Saying so, he encircled her petite waist and pulled her closer. He tucked her hair strands behind her ear and she smiled shyly as he cupped her cheek. He then leaned into her and sealed her rosy lips with his after their couple-of-days separation. Him missing her was an understatement. She had become his daily need, and he couldn't sleep in peace without kissing her good night jumping out of nowhere, all by sudden in her bedroom. Although her window was used to being left open for him. Day or night, she just happened to be his only memory. And how much he loved sleeping on her lap, hugging her by the waist, with her long fingers running through his soft and dense hair, just melting him to slumber. She was his everything.

"I so missed you ghalib. Next time, make sure you come with me. So that I won't miss your presence at nights.", as they broke the kiss, his forehead was glued to hers, taking into the moment.

"Oh really? Then who will go to college and get my degree? Who will do my assignments?", she looked at him tilting her head. "Don't say you will. Last time you helped me with my homework because of my fractured arm, in eighth grade, you made the teacher embarrass me in front of the entire class."

"That teacher is dumb. She doesn't know to appreciate art. I drew such beautiful planets.", he irked.

"Aahaan? And what was that Sun? You drew your face and made a speech bubble, flirting with the teacher, mixing your name and the real Sun.", she crossed her arms teasing him.

"Yeah... well... you know I had a crush on your eighth standard Sheela miss during those days. So I just used your assignment.", he looked at her as she giggled. "But chill! That was childhood fun. Now that I have you—"

"Let's go home! Aunty has called me twice already asking for you.", she pushed his face as he tried to near her. Pouting, he ignited the car and they drove away, out of the parking lot.

•••

It was evening time and the Hoodas and Siddiquis were having dinner at Zoya's place. Both families used to have dinner together quite often, either at her place or his, changing the location at each turn. Their parents were aware of their children's love affair and were not enough grateful for destiny to make their old wish come true : moving from family friends to relatives.

They decided to get them engaged once Zoya would have cleared her studies, which meant one more year. Though, the two excited mothers already discussed about the preparations.

"Zoya, beta go and serve tea and snacks to everyone.", her mother forwarded the tray and the young lady did as asked to. She kneeled down on the floor by the small table and poured the hot drink in the cups.

"Here for you abbu. And this, for you uncle.", she gave the men their respective cups. As he drank, Harshvardhan grimaced at the taste. "Oh Zoya, you forgot to add sugar in my cup baccha."

"Because there is no sugar for both of you, uncle. Have this biscuit in compensation.", she held up the plate of snacks for him.

"Is this how you are going to make tea for your future father-in-law?", he whined making her laugh.

"My daughter knows what everyone needs and should have in her in-laws. Be proud of her Harsh!", Anjana said caressing her head making her look down smiling, before the woman sat next to her husband.

"Already made her your daughter? No wonder you'll support her more than me once she comes home.", Aditya joined them sitting next to his lady, and discretely hit his shoulder against hers.

"I don't know about mom and dad, but yes I'd support Zoya bhabhi more than you, bhai.", Arjun took a seat on the other side of his friend-cum-sister and held her by her shoulder.

"Oh! So bad of you Arjun. But don't worry Adi bhaiyaa, I will always be there for you.", Noor sat at last by Aditya and tucked her tongue out to Chashmish holding her brother's arm. "That's like my Noorie.", he replied and they shared a high five.

"Two crazy kids versus two mature ones. It doesn't sound so balanced, right Arjun?", Zoya continued making Aditya smile lopsided. "Agree with you, begum.", his wink made her blush.

The younger siblings started their usual bickering in front of everyone, the adults trying to stop their kids while the two young lovers were lost into each other. He slowly held her hand and entwined his fingers with hers, her soft ones fitting in his hand. She admired the joined hands and enjoyed his thumb softly caressing her outer palm, before she felt his breath nearing her face.

"Come with me!", and without their families noticing, both sneaked out of there.

"You nerd are so boring, you can't even say one sentence without correcting your glasses on your duck face.", Noor frowned as she fought with her frenemy, failing to hear her mother's scolding.

"And what about you, shortie? You can't even walk a hundred meters without falling down, clumsy that you are.", he replied.

"Noor, Arjun, stop it both of you!", his father asked his children and they stopped hearing the strict man's voice. "Do you always have to fight each time you guys meet?"

"But dad, she started.", Arjun complained while her mouth was shaped in a big 'O'. "And who called me clumsy? And shortie?", she frowned.

"Noor, we asked you to stop, didn't we?", Waseem retorted.

Suddenly, Anjana noticed the space between their younger kids and looked at everyone in confusion. "When did the two elder kiddos even escape from here?"

As she said so, the others finally realized the empty seats between Arjun and Noor and smiled internally. "It's going to be hard to take him back home now.", they all laughed shyly and carried their talks on, forgetting the earlier argument.

•••

Sitting on the bench by the window, she was comfortably engulfed in his embrace and seated in between his legs, they rocked each other lovingly while admiring the starry night. Their pairs of hands entwined with each other, his right arm hugging her by the waist and his left one her shoulders. They were taking into the moment talking about random things when he started nuzzling his nose in the crook of her neck and leaving butterfly kisses on her skin, tickling her.

"A—Adi... Adi please... you know I am ticklish... stop...", she couldn't stop her giggles and tried to move from him but his grip tightened each time she shook her face.

Nothing stopping him, she jerked harder and finally escaped from him, calming her chuckles as she saw him standing.

"Oh oh, my ticklish baby trying to run away from her boyfriend? Come here that I tease you a little more, milady!", and the chase and escape game started, Aditya following her each step as she managed to miss his grip. They ran round the huge bed, the child-like Zoya throwing her pillows on his face but he dodged them. He even tried to cross over the bed but she escaped from that trick too. He pushed his arms on the bed and looked at his naughty kitten tucking her tongue out.

He suddenly screamed in pain before falling on the bed, his cries muffled in the duvet. She got worried and ran to the man, sitting next to him before shaking his arm as he held his back.

"Adi... Adi what happened?", she bent down and asked him but he turned his face to the other side. "Adi tell me! What happened?"

She was about to hold his sprained back when his arm suddenly held her waist and pushed her back side on the bed, making her scream in surprise. The lady was pinned on the bed beneath him while his hands were on each side of hers.

"Oh oh! What are you going to do now?", he whispered and, a smirk on his face, he neared closer to hers, holding intensely her eyes in his, she feeling her faster heartbeats as his breath warmed her skin. "You can't escape from me so easily, baby girl. I own you for a lifetime, with a seven births contract."

"Aditya, koi aa jaaega!", she tried to convince him but he just got closer. "Toh aane do, aur dekhne do. But I won't leave you.", his voice getting lower and lower as he approached her. (Someone will come... Then let them come, let them see)

Saying so, he connected his lips with hers gently, before moving in sync passionately. Holding his shirt collar, she pulled him closer and deepened the kiss as he wrapped her waist soft. He smoothly moved to her jawline, then her neck, leaving wet kisses on her shoulders making her sigh shyly. Her hands fisted his hair while his roamed over her back and waist. Their families downstairs were no more in their minds, but them both together. They cherished each of the moments spent together, especially when both became busier with their respective schedules.

He pulled away before losing all his self-control and adored her shy face in glow. She smiled at him as he tucked her strands behind her ear, before kissing on her forehead. He then helped her and both comfortably sat down on the mattress, her head leaning on his shoulder. She was playing with the undone button of his shirt when he called her breaking her peaceful moment. "Hey, I completely forgot."

She looked up at him when he shifted his face down. "What happened Adi?"

"First close your eyes, and come with me.", he said holding her hand excited.

"What...", she was about to ask, all confused when he stopped her. "Don't ask anything and do as I say."

She frowned doubtfully as he sighed, "It's a surprise for you, please?"

She smiled widely and eyes closed, let him guide her around the room. He then stopped her at a particular spot and reached his work bag on the couch along with his coat. He fished a velvet black box out of its pocket and smiling at it, walked back standing in front of her. He stretched his arm hiding the gift in his fist but then cringed at the position. He then kneeled down holding the box in glory but still felt stupid.

"Aditya, what are you doing? I am waiting.", she sighed while he was looking around in confusion. "Yeah... yeah... wait...", he muttered loud enough for her to hear although and she huffed impatient. He had brought her a gift and the sweet gesture made her heart flutter in excitement, that she was hardly keeping patience.

He then looked at her and then back at the box when an idea in his head made him smile widely. He rushed and stood behind her as she heard his steps moving. "Aditya, where are..."

"Shhh... just a moment, darling.", she turned her head straight and waited when she suddenly felt some cold material around her neck. She was about to touch it when he stopped her, "Don't move, I will tell you when to open your eyes."

He finally clasped the chain and holding her shoulders, stared at her sight in the mirror. "You can open your eyes."

She immediately released her lids and gasped at the pretty silver neck piece completing her look. Nearing the mirror, she got a clearer glimpse of the chain, a thin box one with a beautiful infinity pendant with white stones over it, except for the little space where was engraved something next to a heart shape.

"Adiya? Hey, that's our couple name on the infinity shape. Aditya and Zoya, Adiya. Right?", she exclaimed in surprise.

"Obviously, because we are a couple, duh.", she elbowed him playfully as he mocked her innocent talks. "But mostly, because we will always be together, in love, to infinity and beyond.", he said hugging her from behind by the waist, his chin on her shoulder as she observed the chain keenly, before adoring their reflections being so close to each other.

"Adi... this is... this is just beautiful.", she smiled emotionally.

"I know we are soon to get engaged, and this is my promise to you. No matter how many hurdles, challenges, fights we may have to face, I will never let you down, and alone. All the happiness and pain, all your love and anger, all your smiles and cries, mujhe tera sab kuch qubool hai, qubool hai, qubool hai.", he confessed and kissed on her temple. (I accept your everything)

She pulled away and turned back to stare at him. "You are all mine to be and cherish, as much as I am yours to bare your complaints, anger, sadness, mood swings, with a smile."

"Because I only complaint and get angry?", her adorable frown made him smile. "You know what? That's actually why I love you, the most. You look way more beautiful with that angry-young-lady expression.", she chuckled and hit his arm playfully. "You're crazy, you know right?"

"Anything for my lady.", he softly pinched her cheek. "Anyways, you like the chain?", he asked looking at her innocently.

"Like? I love this Aditya, so much. It's just so thoughtful of you.", she said holding the pendant in her hands. "You know what? I am never going to take it off. This is actually our premarital mangalsutra. The one that my one and only bought for his wife, with love."

"Aahaan? So... since our pre marriage is actually done, we may proceed to the next, important ritual. What say, shall we?", he asked smiling mischievously as he pulled her closer, while she looked at him confused. His hands sliding up her arms to cup her cheeks, she understood his hidden meaning and gasped hitting on his chest. "Shameless, you are."

He laughed and pulled her into a warm hug, hiding his baby girl in his protective embrace as she held him back. "Awww I love you so much, soon to be Mrs Aditya Hooda."

"Aur hum bhi aapse bepannah mohabbat karte hain, Aditya.", she whispered against his chest, tightening her grip like a child. (And I love you endlessly as well, Aditya)

~•~•~•~

End of Childhood Love

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© a shrucreationsx' pen work

~•~•~•~

Hola people!

Hope you're doing well, and staying safe at home.

Can't believe I took more than a year to finish this one-shot. One of my oldest ideas, that I lost inspiration, before I decided to complete it. Because I wanted a young love story of AdiYa quite badly. *wide smile*

Thank you for your lovely response to my precious works. Hope you liked this one as well.

Until next time,

With love,
Shruthy.