|PRIYANKA|

He helped me and casually walked away. Aarav waved at us and followed him. I blinked my eyes several times still trying to digest what had just happened. What is he doing in this Apartment's gym? Oh god! He lives in this apartment. Probably in one of the other blocks. That could explain why I hadn't seen him here before. Anurag directly spoke to me and helped me.

I frowned, why couldn't he talk a bit more? He didn't even react when he looked at me. I mentally slapped my face. I'm so embarrassed right now. He was so nonchalant while I was gaping at him like a fish taken out of water. I even blabbered the shit that was going on in my head. What is wrong with me?

My heart is beating so fast. It was practically humming. "Hello, Priyanka!" Someone shouted and I snapped out of my trance. It was Nyra. She waved her hands in front of me.

"What?" I asked Nyra who was smirking at me. I was still seated at the edge of the treadmill. I stood up and dusted my pants.

Nyra bit her lips trying to control her laughter but the next second she burst out laughing. "You should have seen your face. You were star-struck."

I shoved her and decided to cycle instead of walking on the treadmill. I guess the treadmill and I aren't going to be getting along today. "That's bullshit! I wasn't star-struck or anything. I was just a bit surprised to see him here that's all." I shrugged my shoulders casually and began cycling.

Nyra chuckled and cycled on the machine next to mine. "Okay! If that's the case then look me in the eye and tell me that you don't have a crush on Anurag."

Crush? Huh? Do I have a crush on Anurag? No! Of course not! Sure I'm kind of intrigued by him. I kind of want to know more about him. But a crush? That's ridiculous! I only saw him for the first time today. I know you can crush on someone the first time you see them but no I don't have a crush on him.

"Ohh, the usual chatterbox Priyanka isn't answering. That means drumroll, please! Priyanka has a crush on Anurag!" Nyra imitated playing the drum and laughed.

"Oh shut up Nyra! I do not have a crush on Anurag. Okay? Just because I stuttered a bit when I saw him doesn't imply that I have a crush on him. I was startled that's all." I rolled my eyes and cycled faster.

"Did you have any clue that they lived in the same apartment as we did? That's so weird! And why do you think we never ran into them before today?" I asked and Nyra chuckled her eyes glittering with mischief.

Oh no! I shouldn't have asked her these questions. I just gave her ammunition to tease me more now. "It's fate Priyu! Fate! Ohh and destiny as well." I rolled my eyes and threw my towel at her.

"Yuck!" She made a disgusted face and threw the towel back at me. "Just shhh Nyra! Don't talk!" I put my finger on my lips stressing my point.

"Ohh I have to tell this to Jatin!" My eyes widened and I shook my head vigorously. Jatin was Nyra's younger brother. He was only a couple of years younger than us, but he got along well with me. We were a riot together. He was in his final year of engineering.

Jatin is amazing. But when Jatin and Nyra teamed up together especially to tease me it wasn't nice at all. It annoyed and irritated me which entertained them more. These two have been waiting to tease me with someone.

She picked up her phone and got down from the cycle. I got down from the cycle as she ran towards the other side of the gym. Thankfully no one was here today. She laughed as I ran and chased her. "Shut up Nyra! Don't call him right now. Ughh."

I was about to grab her phone when it rang loudly. Nyra laughed and looked at the caller ID. She laughed loudly. "Oh my god! The stars are especially aligned for you today Priyu! It's Jatin! He's calling me."

"Ughh! Give me that." I tried to snatch it again but she dodged me again. She answered the video call. "Hey, sis! How are you and Priyu?" I heard Jatin's voice." I sighed and leaned against a machine.

"I'm fine little bro. As for Priyu, she is more than fine," Nyra replied and wiggled her brows at me. Before Jatin could question her further about the stupid statement she made, I snatched her phone and waved at Jatin.

"Hey, cutie! How are you? I'm amazing." Jatin laughed and shook his head.

"Wow, Bangalore has surely done some good to you Priyu. Otherwise, you wouldn't be calling me cutie as soon as we start conversing."

I gasped and pressed my hand against my chest. "You wound me, Jatin! I'm not rude. That's how I show my love." Jatin rolled his eyes.

"Yeah right. Anyway, I heard about your amazing blind date. I have to say I'm proud of you and Nyra for teaching that guy a lesson."

Nyra stood next to me and threw her hands across my shoulders. We laughed and nodded. "Priyu! I loved your recent blog, you have to take me to this science museum when I come to visit you guys in a couple of months. You know how much I love technology."

"Of course! We'll be your designated tour guides. Anyway, how is Disha?" Nyra asked.

"She's good. She misses you both." Disha and Jatin were childhood sweethearts. I truly admired their love and commitment to each other. I envied them to have found love at such a young age. They stood strong together against every obstacle that came their way. That's what I loved the most about those two.

We spoke for a few more minutes about the good old days, reminisced about it, and even joked about a few things. I didn't want to jinx anything but for now, Nyra had forgotten about Anurag and I was more than happy to not remind her about him. I just crossed my fingers hoping that this call would end soon or at least before she remembered about that.

"Okay, ladies! Bye! Take care. I shall call you both soon." Jatin waved his hands. He glanced at Nyra and smirked. Ohh this should be good.

"Nyra! Have you had the chance to read Priyanka's new blog today?" I gasped and grabbed the phone towards me.

"You traitor! I thought you had finally matured, but apparently not." I screeched and Jatin laughed. Meanwhile, Nyra was frowning.

"No, I haven't read it yet," Nyra answered and narrowed her eyes at me. I gave her a sweet smile and fluttered my eyes. This wasn't the first time I had teased Nyra in my blog. It annoyed her and that's why I did it.

"Go read it! You'll know what I'm talking about. Bye, Priyu! Good luck handling her tantrum." He laughed and cut the call.

Nyra snatched her phone from my hands. I went back to cycling. She gasped and I laughed. I guess she read the blog. " I'm not the one who's a gube! You are!" I stuck my tongue out at her.

"You are a solle!" Nyra said and continued her workout. "What does that mean?" I asked her and went on to do some stretches.

"Mosquito, you are exactly that. You keep buzzing around town with that camera." Nyra laughed satisfied with her explanation.

I slapped her hand again and called her gube. We laughed together and continued our workout. "Let me go get some weights from the other room." Nyra nodded. I walked towards the room where some of the weights were arranged.

I entered the room and grabbed some weights. I was about to leave but then I remembered that the next door is where the boxing practice happens or at least where Anurag went to practice. I could hear Aarav's voice.

I frowned and glanced through the door. It was open so there was no problem there. I sucked in a breath when I saw Anurag sparring with Aarav.

Anurag looked lethal. I could see the fire burning in his eyes. He looked angry and ready to take on anyone who came in his way. His body moments were perfect, the muscles of his arm rippled as he moved flawlessly. My breath hitched. 

My hands were itching to take a photo but unfortunately, I don't have my camera with me right now and this wasn't something to be captured in a phone camera. They circled each other and threw punches at one another. I placed the weights back on the floor. I don't know how long I stood there and watched. My phone began buzzing. I pulled it out to find Nyra calling me.

I glanced at Anurag one last time. There was something more behind that determination and anger. I feel like he was covering up a huge emotion behind that anger. Maybe he needed a friend besides his brother. Maybe he needed to talk to someone. Anurag whipped his head suddenly. Our eyes clashed and I forgot how to breathe.

I shook my head breaking snapping out of my trance and walked away without looking back. But I could feel his gaze piercing through my back until I left the room.

Nyra and I finished our workout. The entire time I was distracted and couldn't stop wondering why Anurag was angry. I couldn't get him out of my head. We left the gym but Aarav and Anurag continued to train.

***

The next couple of weeks passed in a jiffy. Nyra and I barely got the time to go out. We were busy with our work but I made sure not to miss my morning walks. Nyra joined me sometimes.

I do not want to admit this but whenever I was out walking around the blocks in the apartment or sometimes in the gym I always looked for Anurag but no luck there. It was as if he had disappeared into thin air.

I wanted to redo our first conversation which was very dumb. Over the past week, my stupid stumbling fiasco kept flashing in my head and I hated every minute of that memory. Nyra always imitates me and I imitate how she blushed the first time she met Aarav. That usually does the trick to shut her up. Good times indeed.

I quickly put on my shoes and grabbed my phone and my camera. It was only 6:30 in the morning so there shouldn't be much crowd. Since it's a Sunday and most people would be sleeping in. Nyra had a late-night meeting so she wasn't going to get up anytime soon.

I drank a glass of water and locked the door behind me. The walking path was so peaceful. During the weekdays the noises of horns and honks were usually loud, especially in the evening but since it was a Sunday morning it was relatively peaceful.

I took a few pictures. A few old ladies passed by and waved their hands. I waved back and smiled at them. They continued power walking and gossiping. I couldn't help but capture their smiles.

"Good morning Priyanka." Mr. John Lopez and his wife Carrie Lopez greeted me. He was the secretary of the apartment. A retired army officer. He valued discipline above everything.

"Good morning Uncle and Aunty." He walked past me and continued to chat with his wife. I glanced and smiled at them. Mr. Lopez got agitated about something, and Carrie Aunty stood in front of him and patted his chest. She whispered something in his ear and he smiled leaning his forehead against hers. 

I let out a soft laugh. Love truly is beautiful, it has the power to change anyone. I have never seen John Uncle's smile in all these months. He usually had an angry face or a stoic face much like Anurag. No nope! Not going to think about him today. 

I captured the moment between them. This would be a perfect picture for their Christmas gift. I sighed contently when they held hands and began walking again. They're so lucky to have found love like that.

I continued walking, I zipped my jacket when a sudden cool breeze swept past me. I clicked a few pictures of the rose bushes. They looked beautiful. I sniffed the scent and felt peaceful. I walked on the bricks that covered the garden. I balanced myself and jumped when the path ended. It's always fun to do that.

Just then a girl in a bicycle breezed past me. I chuckled when she laughed and cycled harder. I frowned and looked at her. She looked kind of familiar. I shrugged my shoulders. I probably would have seen her here before.

I continued walking. An hour had already passed. I stumbled and yelped when a pair of arms hugged my torso. "Priyanka Di! It's you! You are here!" I glanced down to find Sana grinning at me. Sana is here!

"Hey, beautiful!" I hugged her and ruffled her hair. She had parked her cycle a few feet behind me.

"How are you Sana bug? Did you like the pictures I sent you?" Sana pulled back and nodded her head vigorously.

"They were so good! Mommy even printed it. She framed the picture and hung it on the wall. They look so nice. I printed an extra copy for my table too." I chuckled as she chattered continuously.

"That's great! I'm so happy that you liked it!" She hugged me again and continued to tell me about her week in school. I couldn't help but laugh when she told me about all the ways she loved to trouble her brothers.

"Oh god! Cupcake! Why do you have to cycle so fast?" Aarav arrived with a huff and ruffled her hair. I glanced behind to see if Anurag was there but unfortunately, he wasn't anywhere.

"You are slow Bhai! Look I found Priyanka Di! She lives here!" Aarav had already seen me, he waved his hand at me and I waved back. I glanced around again to see if Anurag would come but no. I wanted to stomp my feet and pout. No! Not again! Why do I care? I don't want to see him.

I snapped out of my thoughts when Aarav spoke. "He's not here. He's still sleeping. This week it's my turn to take Sana cycling. We take her cycling on alternate weekends." I raised my brows and shrugged my shoulders. I tried to show no emotions on my face.

"Uhh okay! That's great!" I exclaimed and cleared my throat. Trying to act normal. He smirked and nodded.

"By the way your friend's name is Nyra right?" I raised my brows and nodded. We began walking as Sana started cycling in front of us, but this time she was cycling slowly.

"Yes. That's her name." I replied. 

"I heard that she takes painting classes for kids. Can Sana join ?" I smiled and nodded.

"Sure! She can join. It's twice a week. It's mostly during the weekdays but once in a while if Nyra is unable to take classes during the weekdays she'll compensate for them during the weekends."

"That's great! Which block do you guys live in and what's your flat number? I'll come this evening and discuss everything with her. Or should I come some other time?"

"Ohh evening works. We live in the C block, flat number 306. There's a flyer pinned on all the notice boards, you check out the details there."

Sana stopped and looked at me. "Oh, I love painting. I'm excited about these classes! Ohh Priyanka do you know that Aarav and Anurag Bhai live on the A block." I chuckled and shook my head

That explains why I haven't run into Anurag after seeing him in the gym. I kind of explored the C block and the B block more. I visited the gym a lot of times too but I am guessing we went to the gym at different times. It was a pure coincidence that we landed in the gym at the same time that day.

"Okay then see you!" He waved his hand and followed Sana who began cycling fast again. 

"Bye Priyanka Di!" She shouted and cycled away. I laughed and shouted back. "Bye Sana bug."

I clicked a few more pictures of the surroundings and then began walking back to my block. I am going to order some yummy idlis and sambar from The Udupi Garden. It was an amazing South Indian joint that served delicious food. 

I was dreaming about the food and assimilating my thoughts to write in my blog when I stumbled over a brick that I had previously jumped over. I yelped and was about to kiss the ground. I shielded the camera from touching the ground when two strong arms gripped my shoulders. I felt shivers run down my body. It was Anurag. I just knew it. I slowly looked up to see him frowning and gazing at me a bit angrily with those hypnotic black eyes.

"Why do you keep falling whenever we meet?" My lips parted as I gazed at him. His musky scent filled my senses. I was in a daze, he cleared his throat. I shook my head and walked backward putting a few steps between us. His hands slipped to his sides. 

"Uhh I don't know," I murmured. "Watch where you are going." He muttered and jogged away even before I could say anything. I took deep breaths and gazed at him until he disappeared taking a turn.

Aarav came in the evening as promised and got Sana enrolled in the painting classes. For some reason, I was relieved that Anurag hadn't tagged along with his siblings. I was starting to realize that he made me nervous and I didn't like being nervous around people.

The morning encounter kept playing in my mind for the entire day. Why is Anurag affecting me so much? I should not be this drawn to him. I took deep breaths and tried to get him out of my head, only if that happened my weekend would have been relaxing. 

************************************
A/N: They meet again! Ahh! I think I'm already in love with Anurag lol. Sana is such a cutie you guys!!!

She's unknowingly playing the role of a cupid haha.

Hope you liked this chapter! If you did please do vote and comment! I would love to know what you guys think!

P.S. I had kind of a hard day so please please make it better by commenting! Pwese!