Rohan's POV

I woke up with so much pain. My head was hurting so bad. My body was aching. I have a weird taste in my mouth and my stomach was making grumbling sounds.

I felt like someone was pushing me continuously. I could hear some distant sounds of someone talking to me but I just couldn't figure out what it was.

With so much effort I opened my eyes to see Raghav standing right next to the bed.

"Go away..." I said turning into bed searching for some comforting spot when he snatched the covers from above me.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" I shouted and turned to look at him but in the attempt, my headache got worse.

I held my head and sat straight in my bed resting my head on bed rest.

"What do you think you are doing?" I asked. My eyes still closed.

"What did you do last night?" He asked with anger held in his voice. I opened my eyes to look at him.

I have never seen him with so much rage, not towards me at least. I sat straight in bed trying to give him my full attention but the headache was not helping. If Raghav was being dramatic then it's not just for anything, there will be some serious reason.

"What did I do?" I asked in a lazy voice holding my head again as I felt deep pain. What the hell did I take last night?!

"I am asking you about Arohi, you asshole!" Raghav said making his voice a little louder. I looked up at him again.

"Arohi?" I asked in a confused tone as the flashes from other night snapped in front of me.

Oh shit!!! What did I do?

"It's none of your business," I said calmly but I knew what I did last night and how wrong I was. How can I act like that? How could I even think of hurting Arohi like that? I was never like this! I can never hurt her physically... That was never my intention. What is wrong with me? Have I completely lost it? Why am I acting this crazy? Something is terribly wrong with me. I seriously need help!

I just sat there on the bed thinking about the events happened at night, trying to remember the details and as it became more clear I felt ashamed of myself. I felt guilty but more than that I felt anger towards myself.

I closed my eyes taking a deep breath as I held my head in both of my hands. The pain in my head increased with the thought of the events that took place last night. Flashes of Arohi's fear stricken face came to my mind, she was crying and she looked scared of me. My heart clenched at that thought. How can I hurt her like that? I never wanted to see the fear in her eyes for me. I felt defeated at that moment. I felt terrible!

"It is my business you jerk!" I heard Raghav shout at me. I looked up at him in surprise. He was throwing triggers at me. I could tell just looking at him that he was ready to kill me.

"Listen..." I said but he cut me off.

"No!!! You listen to me. I told you not to hurt her. She freaking loves you. I don't know what she saw in you that she fell in love with a jerk like you. But yes she loves a bastard like you knowing everything about you. She was willing to help you. To take you out of this mess and what did you do? Pushed her away? Broke her? Hurt her? What were you trying to prove?" Raghav shouted again... at me.

Something he has never done until now. No matter how much angry he was on me. No matter what I did. He has always been calm and understanding. But today I saw a different Raghav. And that made me realize how big I've screwed up.

"Raghav..." I said again trying to calm him down but he was out of it.

"No Rohan, I won't stop today. I thought you will at least listen to her. You will come out of this with her love but I was so wrong in thinking that a jerk like you would deserve her. You don't, Rohan. You don't deserve her. She is better off without you. I know it. I always have known it. We told her that. We asked her countless times to stop. To give up. But she is not ready to accept it. She still thinks that you would change. She still sees hope in you." He stopped in between trying to compose himself.

I stayed quiet not knowing what to say. I knew I crossed my limits yesterday. I was wrong. I was terribly wrong! I shouldn't have done that. I still cannot believe that I did that because I'll never hurt her. I might have hurt her emotionally, I might have broken her heart a thousand times but I can never hurt physically. That was never my intention... But I did, I did hurt her, I did disrespect her, I made her cry in pain and fear. What have I become? How can I stoop down to such a level that I misbehave with the woman I love. I shivered at that thought.

Raghav sat beside me on the bed. I heard him sigh.

"I know very well why are you doing this, Rohan and I know it too well that I am a mere secretary and no one to say anything to you." He said further. I couldn't utter a single word. Mere secretary? I shook my head a little.

"But just know that... Pushing her away or hurting her won't solve anything. Aaryan is gone. Hurting yourself or living with regrets, not letting anyone come near you or sacrificing your own happiness won't bring him back. So instead just try to hold the hands which are eager to help you to take you out of this mess. Instead of running away for once face it and solve the problem. You might be able to solve it or you may fail again... but at least you'll know. At least you'll try. And who knows one day you'll be able to get over this. You'll be able to forgive yourself in this process. Just don't run away now, Rohan." Raghav said putting a hand on my shoulder. I still stayed silent.

What he was telling was right. It's now or never situation for me. I know if I let her go this time, if I don't hold her hand this time, I'll lose everything. I am not getting another chance. This was the last one. The final chance I was getting. But I'm not sure if I could try this one out. She deserves better. I'm not worthy of her love. I've proved that by what I did last night. Now I'm even scared of myself with her, what if I bring harm to her when I'm not in my senses. I couldn't even bear that thought.

"You should go and see his mom. That's where it all began and I'm sure it is where it will end. Talk it out, Rohan. For your sake. For Arohi's sake. For both of you. Don't give up yet. Try." He said again. I closed my eyes and rubbed my face with both of my hands.

Raghav didn't say anything further. Few moments went in silence. We just sat there.

All of his words suffocated me. He spoke the truth, he spoke out the thought I have had many times. It was the thought that I was trying to run away from because I'm scared to face Aryan's mom after what I did. I'm scared of her words and how deep they might effect me again. I don't know if it will be a wise decision on my side. I have avoided her for the past eight years. I don't know if it will be fine for me to go and see her all of sudden and I don't think I'm strong enough to do that.

But more than that, what was I even going to say to her after all these years? I have barely spoken to her when Aaryan was there. And now without him, I have to face her? No!! I can't do that! I felt my heart beat raise as fear washed over me. Just the mere thought of going back to India, facing his mom was making me anxious.

I realized how fucked up I was! I always knew what could cure me. I knew the solution to my problems but I choose to ignore it because that meant facing my fears. Now that he said it out loud, it scared me even more.

"I am not sure if she will forgive me, Raghav," I speak out my thought after a brief moment.

"She has to Rohan. It's not your fault. Even you know that then why are you doing this?" Raghav said desperately. I closed my eyes again and sighed.

"I know. I know that I couldn't have done anything to save him. Because he was long gone when I gained consciousness. But..." I stopped in between taking deep breaths. I don't know why I get scared, my hands start shaking with the bare mention of that night. I held my hands together.. tightly before continuing, "I could have prevented what happened."

"That's of no help now. You need to come out of that. It's high time, Rohan. Let's just go back to India and close this chapter, once and for all. For everyone." Raghav said still sitting beside me. I have never had these kinds of conversations with him at any point in time even though he has always been around me.

And I don't know how all of sudden he was the closest one I felt when I needed to open. Talking to him was always the easiest. But I never discussed anything with him, it was always with Arjun and Ahana. He knew things but we never really talked about it. I knew he is matured than his age and has a great perspective. He was always that little brother I get to bully and take advantage of, now and then. And I always liked to keep it like that, he knew it too. It was sort of an unspoken deal between us.

"Moving on doesn't mean to forget people who are gone. Just look at Arohi or Ahana. They have lost their loved one. One, her fiancee and another one, her brother. Are they still stuck there?" He asked and I stayed quiet.

The answer was I am a coward and those two women are far the strongest I have ever known. Raghav continued as I refused to speak further.

"And then look at you. They were strong enough to let go of things. To forgive, to accept the reality and to move on with their life but does that mean they just forgot about the people who they once loved and cared for? Who are no more by their side?" He said trying his best to make me understand but even I don't know how much of it was of any use.

"Definitely not... Just learn something from them, Rohan. Those are the two girls you love the most, right?" He said.

"I was wrong. I didn't mean to hurt her." I said tilting my head to look at him. Raghav gave me a small smile.

"I know and it's never late to say sorry."

"I don't know," I said and I meant that. I don't know how to face her after what I did. She might be probably packing her bags ready to leave.

"Well, the decision is yours. I just wanted to tell a few things. I'll always be here whether you need me or not. But just choose wisely." He said patting my back. He got up and turned towards the door ready to leave.

"Raghav..." What was I thinking when I called him? I couldn't utter a word later. I moved my gaze away from him.

"Yeah?" He asked turning back looking at me.

"Umm... You know... I mean..." I said nervously, rubbing the back of my neck. Raghav chuckled looking at me.

"Don't even try to say sorry to me. It will be kind of awkward... For both of us..." He said and turned around walking towards the door.

"I'll send something for your headache though. Just drink that without making any fuss. It will be more than enough for me." He said and left the room leaving a small smile on my face.

************

I drank whatever Raghav sent to me no matter how bitter it was. It sure made me feel better. At least the feeling of throwing up went away.

I washed till the smell of alcohol was gone.

When I got out of the room, it was already past lunchtime. I was greeted by Ahana in the dining area but she didn't even look at me. In fact, when I started a conversation she just took her stuff and vanished upstairs without sparing another glance at me.

I guess I have upset more than just one person. And if this is any hint then I need to avoid Arjun at any cost. He might be out there somewhere ready to murder me at the moment he spotted me.

I looked around like a scared kid as I made my way to my room again.

I stopped right outside the door holding the knob debating myself if I should go and talk to Arohi.

If she is going back then it is a good thing, right? I always wanted her to hate me and go back to her own life, forgetting all about me but then was it really what I wanted?

I didn't know when I started walking towards the one door which I have avoided the whole time since the past couple of weeks.

I knocked on the door and stood there. There was brief silence on the other side before I heard her voice.

"Come in..."

I took a deep breath and pushed the door gently as I made my way inside.

Arohi was busy looking down at her iPad that she didn't even notice who entered her room. There were an open bag and clothes dispersed everywhere on her bed. I was right, she was getting ready to leave. Just thinking about it made that thing inside my chest pain deeply.

I cleared my throat to get her attention. She looked up from her iPad at me and her expressions suddenly changed to what I expected, surprise then shock and finally anger. I know I would be the last person she would ever imagine to be here. I don't blame her. Even I was surprised and shocked to see myself standing in her room, right in front of her.

"What are you doing here? Have anything left to say?" She asked standing up with anger visible in her voice and face.

I didn't say anything and moved my gaze away looking around the room. I still didn't apologize. I am still unsure if I should.

"It's my house. I can go wherever I want to." I said moving around the room looking at one particular painting as if it was the most interesting thing on the planet. I didn't even pay this much attention while studying.

"Sure. Like you did whatever you want last night?" She said with a stern voice yet there was some sadness attached to it. I didn't dare to look at her.

"I was drunk," I said in a low voice as if giving that lame excuse will make up for every shit I did. Being drunk didn't give me the right to misbehave with her. I knew that very well and I was guilty of that. But it was too late now as there was no turning back.

I heard Arohi let out a sarcastic laugh, "Drunk... Right."

She didn't say anything further for some time and I kept to my silence waiting for her to say something. I actually wanted her to vent out her anger on me. That would have made me feel less guilty but I guess she knew that. Her silence and calmness towards me is the biggest punishment she could give me.

I kept staring at the picture without paying attention to it as I heard her let out a sigh. A sad one. As if she was tired of everything, of me. I turned around to look at her gathering all the courage left in me.

"I know this is your house but right now this room belongs to me and I need to do the packing so that I can leave like you always wanted." She said as she moved away and started to pick her clothes and put them into the bag. I didn't move from my place and kept staring at her.

My heart was banging onto my chest loudly. I couldn't make out anything to say to her. No words came out of my mouth at that moment. I was confused and still trying to figure out what to do. Should I let her go or stay? This is the moment, this is the last chance. I stood there staring blankly at her packing as my heart and mind fought a fierce war. She turned around again to look at me.

"What do you want now, Rohan?" Arohi asked with a lot of irritation in her voice.

I took a deep breath telling my heart not to be nervous. Trying to calm me down.

"Look, Arohi..." I started nervously looking everywhere but her. She was glaring at me with no emotions in her eyes. Her eyes on me made my heart beat raise and made me more anxious than I was already at that moment.

"You listen to me." She said gritting her teeth. "I have had enough of your shit. Do you think just because I love you, you can treat me however you want? That you gain the right to insult me?" She finished with rage in her eyes. I closed my eyes for a brief moment.

"Just..." I was trying to say but she didn't let me finish it.

"WHAT?" Arohi shouted but she stopped as she tried calming down her nerves. She took deep breaths to manage her anger and closed her eyes for some time before continuing further, "You can't always do that, Rohan Nanda. I know you are going through a lot. You have so much pain hidden inside you. But still, that is no excuse for what you did yesterday. I can't always defend you. I won't..." She said in a more calm tone now but her voice was stern and her eyes held anger as they looked at me.

"I know..." That's all I could say to her. I stayed quiet after that because, to be honest, I don't have any excuse for what I did. What I did was wrong and I can't make any excuse for that.

"You know?" She said and let out a sarcastic laugh, "Strange. How are you so calm? Don't you want to hurt me? Push me or misbehave with me or maybe yell at me for staying at your house?" Her words manage to create the damage that she wanted. It stung my heart as I felt more guilty and ashamed of my doings.

"I was wrong. I'm sorry." I said looking at the ground. Arohi let out a small laugh.

"You're sorry. Why?" She asked in a calm tone, "You never said that before. Why all of sudden you feel sorry? Are you afraid that your friends will blame you for something?" She finished raising her eyebrows and folding her arms over her chest.

"It's not that... Just listen to me at least?" I moved towards her but she backed off.

"Don't..." She said and continued further, "I don't think there is anything left to say between us. So, you can leave. I am booking a flight for tomorrow but don't worry I will leave your house today itself."

"Arohi, please don't. I am sorry." The words just left my mouth in reflex. I was surprised at myself, all the battle my mind fought with heart went to waste but I was glad that my mind lost this time.

"I am not going to get deceived this time, Rohan." She said as her voice broke a little at the end but she recovered it immediately.

"I..." I couldn't get past that so I stayed quiet instead.

"And why would I listen to you? Have you ever?" She asked as her eyes started to cloud but she blinked it off moving her hard gaze away from me.

"I know I have hurt you countless times. And I know all this time you just wanted to help me." I said still not looking at her. I just don't have the courage. She didn't say anything at all. So I continued before she gets mad or doesn't let me finish. "But I just crossed all the limits yesterday. I don't know why and how... But I'm just sorry. For everything."

"Why now?" Arohi asked in a low voice after some time.

"Because what I did was wrong. Fine, I wanted you to go back but not like this." I said genuinely without hesitating. She didn't say anything and kept looking at me. Maybe wanting me to say something more. I gained courage and looked into her hazel eyes which were looking at me with some hope.

"I respect your feelings for me... Trust me, I do. Thank you for loving an asshole like me with all your heart. Thank you for seeing the good in me. Thank you for taking all my shit and still being there every time. But you deserve better, Arohi." I said moving away from her as I took my eyes away from hers.

"I already told you that I don't trust anything you do or say. And I don't want your advice. I can love whoever I want. And it's fine if you don't feel the same way towards me. I can't force you to love me. But you can't stop me from loving you. It's my life. It's my heart. So the decision is mine as to what I have to do with it." She said and I could feel her gaze on me.

I let out a sigh and shook my head a little. I don't know what to do with this girl anymore. How should I make her understand that she deserves much better? I've done everything I can to keep her away, to make her see she deserves someone far better than me. But all in vain.

"Why are you so calm? Don't you want to murder me? I guess that's the best punishment for how I behaved yesterday..." I asked turning to look at her. She smiled at me... for the first time since I entered her room. How can she forgive me so easily? Why does this girl have to fall for a jerk like me?

"What can I do. Trust me... that was my intention when I first saw you but then I love you too much to kill you. And that's my biggest weakness I guess. Or maybe strength. Who knows." She said shrugging her shoulders and giving me her sweetest smile. I felt weak in my knees every fucking time she confesses to me. I couldn't take my eyes off from her face. How did I get so lucky to be loved by this beautiful woman standing right before me, unaware of her effect on me?

I've always kept my true emotions hidden from everyone for all these years that it comes easy to me. But it was different with her, it was hard to look at her with rage in my eyes when my heart was melting at everything she did for me. It was hard to scowl at her when all I wanted to do was smile at her brave remarks. There have been times when she left me speechless but I had to fight back for the sake of pushing her away. She always takes my breath away just being her beautiful self and I hate her for that because that makes it hard for me to look away. I'm proud of how strong she has become and I'm blessed to be loved by her. But I'm not worthy of her love or to be called as her man.

"Arohi..." I fell short of words once her name left my mouth. As much as her confession made me happy, it made me sad as well. It hurts to see her confess only to receive my silence as an answer. If only I had the strength to confess like her, if only I was brave like her, I could have told her how much I love her.

"I am not asking you to love me back, Rohan. But can't I express my feelings? Your fans do that. That slut does too. Then why not me?" She complained, pouting at me. I let out a sigh.

"Are you seriously comparing yourself to her?" I asked in an irritated tone.

"Please..." She said rolling her eyes, "But she is no good for you. Find someone else."

"Here I can't handle one and you're telling me to find another?" I said again with an annoyed expression. She let out a laugh at that.

"If you want me to go back then yup! You need to find someone who could stay by your side forever." She said sitting on the bed smiling widely. I smiled back at her.

"Well... I have Raghav." I said sitting on the chair in front of her.

"Oh, so my doubt was indeed valid. You are rejecting me for Raghav?" She asked raising her eyebrow at me. I let out a laugh.

"You have lost your mind," I said shaking my head a bit still smiling. She didn't say anything so I looked at her only to find her smiling back at me silently.

My smile vanished a bit as I got up, ready to leave.

"But remember Rohan? You said that we are friends." She said again looking at me curiously.

"I did?" I asked shoving my hands into my jeans pocket.

"You definitely did. When I was going back to India last time." She said.

"I guess... But what about that?" I asked cocking my eyebrows not knowing where this was going. She smiled again.

"So like your other friends won't you let me help you? I promise my feelings won't come in between. Ever!!!" She said with so much hope.

"I don't need any help. Why is it so hard to understand for all of you?" I said with great irritation, "I'm completely fine. And you need to go back."

"Yes I was planning to go back but now I am having a second thoughts." She said giving me a smirk. I rolled my eyes. There she goes again.

Damn you, Rohan. Just decide what you want. You are confusing as hell and then blame her for taking you wrong.

"Look if you want to stay here then stay but don't expect anything from me in return. I don't think I can love you back, Arohi." I lied as I don't want her to hope high again. "Alright, I might have if it was still a year back but time has changed... I can't anymore. And I definitely don't think of you anything more than a friend." I finished looking directly into those hazel brown eyes gathering a lot of courage. Her eyes held some kind of sadness in them which she replaced immediately with a cheerfulness.

"That's fine with me too." She said with a bright smile, "As long as you are fine, everything is fine."

I let out a sigh again, shaking my head. Surrendering to this stubborn girl because I have nothing more to say to her. So... I thought of taking leave before I do anymore damn thing which I would regret later on. Good or bad doesn't matter. I will regret both I know that for sure.

I gave her a gentle smile and turned as I made my way towards the door. I stop after opening the door and turned back to looked at her again.

"Are you... hurt? ... Anywhere?" I asked searching for some marks or anything but I couldn't as she was wearing sweatshirt and jeans. Fully covered that it was impossible for me to notice anything.

Her immediate response to my question was to hold on of her wrist with the other hand. I felt like she was hiding something from me so I looked at her curiously. She gave me a wide smile.

"No. I am fine. Thanks for being so considerate, Mr. Nanda." She said in a teasing tone as she continued, "And by the way, I have changed my mind already but... If you repeat what you did..."

"I won't. Trust me... for this one last time." I said with a guilty face. She smiled again as I continued, "Alright then. Have to go somewhere. Bye." I said and left her room with the doubt still clouding in my mind.

***************

"What do you want to know now?!" Ahana asked or should I say shouted at me as soon as I entered her room. She was on her bed, working on her laptop.

"Alright. I am sorry." I said trying to defend myself. She gritted her teeth.

"You need to say that to Arohi." She said folding her arms.

"I already did," I said in a low voice looking at the ground.

"You did?" She asked confused. I can tell by the look in her eyes that she was curious. I rolled my eyes and sat on her bed.

"Yes, I did," I said sighing and looking at her.

"And?" She asked curiously as she sat beside me.

"And what? Nothing." I said shrugging my shoulders playing along a bit.

"What did she say you, idiot?" She said slapping my arm. I let out a small laugh.

"She forgave me. And she is not leaving." I said and her expressions changed to angry and annoyed one.

"God! That girl." She said getting up from the bed and moving in the room, "I would have kicked your ass and left by now if it was me." She stopped walking and looked right at me, "I need to talk to her."

"About what?" I asked getting up from bed, confused as hell.

"About forgiving an asshole like you so easily." She said making a 'duh' face looking at me.

"Why?" I asked with irritation walking towards her.

"What do you mean by why? This is the reason you always take her for granted, Rohan." Ahana said with anger visible in her voice. I don't agree with her. I have never taken her for granted... Ever!! I may have hurt her in the process of pushing her away from me but never did anything taking her for granted.

"No, I don't," I said arguing.

"Yes, you do!" She shouted back at me.

"No, Ahana, I don't! You know that. And what happened yesterday, I won't do that again." I said looking at her as she stared back at me with anger in her eyes.

"You think I would let that happen again? I would kick your ass before she does, trust me." She said and paused for a moment before continuing, "Why are you here again?"

"I just needed to check," I said in a low voice looking everywhere but her.

"Check what?" She asked with confusion, her voice loud.

"That I... You know... Didn't..." I said scratching the back of my neck still not looking at her.

"Didn't what?" She barked at me with irritation.

"Didn't hurt her anywhere... physically." I finally said it.

"Don't bother about her. We are here." She said, her voice calm yet stern, clearly being angry with me. I kept silent looking down at my feet. I felt her eyes on me before she let out a sigh. There was a short silence, the uncomfortable one. Ahana sat on her bed as I remained standing.

"I don't know, Rohan.." She broke the silence between us and I looked at her. "I don't really know anything anymore. You know... I feel more guilty now. I feel like I am responsible for what you are going through. I feel like I am the reason Arohi is suffering right now." She said with a low voice. I looked at her being confused. She looked sad, the anger was long gone. It broke my heart to see her sad. I always wanted a smile on her face, I could do anything to put a smile on her face. And hearing her say that I made her feel guilty or responsible for something that's not even her fault made my heartache.

"What... made you think that?" I asked with concern for her sudden change of mood as I kneeled down before her, giving her all the attention.

"What else then? If my brother is responsible for something then as a family in his absence I should take responsibility for it. Don't you think?" She said looking right back at me.

"What is wrong with you?" I asked holding her arms, not knowing what to do.

"She is right." I looked over my shoulder to see Arjun standing at the door.

"If you are in this mess because of Aryan then it's her fault, right?" Arjun asked as he walked in towards us. He stood right beside us, near the bed.

"You guys have gone insane!" I said with irritation looking at both of them.

"Yeah, right." Ahana said sighing and continued, "Anyway, we will be leaving in a couple of days. I won't bother you again, Ro. If staying away is going to help you in any way then we should try that too." Her eyes showed sadness in them and that made me weak.

I didn't know how to react to that. I didn't want them to leave. I know I wanted them gone from here when they came. That was only because I didn't want to ruin their life anymore because I was tired of being a burden to them. I thought distancing them from me is the only way I could stop burdening their lives. And I tried everything I can to do that. I knew they would still fight for me, but I never thought they would involve Arohi in it. I thought I ended that chapter a year back when I left India. Bringing her back to my life made it worse for me, especially when I was still trying hard to get over her. All these situations only made it hard for me to keep up my act and made me resist more aggressively towards their all attempts. In order to keep up the act, I said and did things I regret. I broke hearts, I disrespected people, I said things I never meant, got into a fight with my best friend, I drugged myself hoping to die. And finally, I turned into a beast and misbehaved with the woman I love. I guess I did a good job, after all as they are leaving me.

I should be happy right? All my attempts didn't go to waste, after all. But all I could feel was pain, helplessness, and fear.

Funny, I never thought about how it might feel when they actually leave. All these while I was only bothered about executing my mission that I never thought what happens after that. How it will feel to be actually alone with everyone gone from my life, forever. That thought shook me to the core. It scared the hell out of me. The truth was they are all I have. They are the only people on this entire planet whom I can call as my family. They are the people who showed me the meaning of family and friendship. How could I even think of losing them? I'll go completely crazy without them. They are my only strength in this world. I can't lose them. Ever!

"What is wrong with you Ahana? Why all of sudden?" I asked looking at her. She wasn't looking at me anymore.

"As our presence hurt you so much then what is the need for us to stay?" She said looking blankly at me.

"When did I say that?" I asked being clueless. I can never say that to her. Not her out of all!

"You have been saying that all the time." She said in a complaining voice.

"I said that to Arohi. And you know better." I said in an attempt to make them understand as I moved my gaze to Arjun, who was now sitting on the edge of the bed, beside Ahana. He rolled his eyes at me while Ahana just shook her head.

"Don't give those shitty excuses you jerk. You are a coward. So blame yourself. Don't you dare put everything on Aaryan." Arjun said with so much irritation. I stayed quiet as I didn't have anything to fight back. He was right, I am a coward. I never fought back instead I ran away from my problems, never finding the courage to fight them, to face them.

"He would have never let you suffer, Rohan. Do you think this is what he wanted for you? He thought of you as a brother." Ahana said taking my hand in hers as they rested on her lap. I was still on my knees, in front of her. I stayed quiet looking at our hands as she continued further.

"If possible... please think about it all over again and please I hope this time you will make a wise decision. I can't say anything more than that. The decision is all yours whether you want to live with the regret of something that is not even your fault or you want to finally move on." I heard her let out a sigh. She moved her hand from mine.

"Arohi will be staying here for a few more days. But I promise you, I won't let her stay for more than a couple of weeks if you are not going to change that behavior of yours." Arjun said in a threatening tone.

"Don't worry about that, Arjun. She will come back by herself before that. I have already talked to her about it." Ahana said. I was still sitting in the same position without saying anything. I felt helpless and defeated. I can't blame anyone for it, it was all my doings that resulted in this day.

"That's good then. You can live by yourself Rockstar. No one is going to bother you anymore. Because no matter what we do or say you won't be changing anyway. And as we are least important to you, you think it is fine to treat us like shit." Arjun said looking down at me. His voice was stern and cold yet it still held concern for me. I've only experienced that in Arjun's voice every time we fight or have an argument or when he's trying to knock sense into my head.

"But just once think about it all over again," Ahana said looking at me holding my hand once again. "Maybe you will find your answers this time." She gave a light press to my hand before getting up from the bed and moving to the side. Arjun stood up as well, both ready to leave me alone in that room.

I stayed there, still processing their words. I remembered the talk I had with Raghav, he had the same thing to tell me, to take a chance and try. I know this might be my last chance and should I let it go to waste? I don't want to, maybe I should listen to them. I should at least try. I should confront my fears, I should stop running, I should stop being a coward. I've spent all these years in regrets, fears, and pain. I don't want to anymore. I want to try fighting back at least once without fearing failure or the after-effects. I just want to try and see what it's like to fight back and face my fears. I want to try, at least for the sake of the people who love me. I need to fight this for them. This was probably the only way for me to stop being a burden on them and still not lose them from my life. I need my family, I need my friends! I need them with me. I made up my mind. And for them, I've nothing left to do but to fight my past and be the old Rohan they always wanted me to be.

"I am sorry," I said finally, turning around to look at them. Ahana and Arjun stopped in their tracks and looked back at me.

I got up from the floor. "I really am. I promise to all of you. I will definitely try to make things right and better this time... For everyone." I looked at them, meaning every word I said. Ahana smiled at me while Arjun just looked back with a blank face.

"Just... If possible... Give me some time. A little more." I said sighing a bit.

"You have all of it." Ahana said coming closer to me with the smile still on her face, "And I really hope we get the old Rohan back this time." I smiled back at her and pulled her in for a tight hug. My heart fell at peace at that moment, everything seemed fine like life was good again. Like those old days has come back again in my life. I wish I could have got this courage a long time ago so we wouldn't be here like this. I wouldn't have made them worry like this, I wouldn't have made Arohi wait like this, I would have confessed way back in India. But I was happy that it at least happened now. Now I can try and make things better. We pulled back smiling at each other.

"I missed this hug," Ahana said, still smiling, a bright one.

"So did I..." I smiled looking at her, it felt good to see that bright smile back on my Lil sister.

"I am sorry too for acting like an ass," Arjun said as he came and hugged me. I smiled hugging him, patting on his back. I really missed this. We all have been acting like kids for the past few months but I see finally things getting better now.

"I am sorry too," I said and I can feel Arjun smile. We pulled away after some time.

"See... It's not that tough, Ro. You can do this." Ahana said holding my arm. I held her hand placed on my arm and smiled at her.

"But before starting with new... I have to correct a few mistakes and repair some old relations. Then only I will be able to start fresh." I said looking at Arjun and then Ahana. They knew exactly where I was going and what I was talking about. Arjun nodded in understanding.

All the things started in India, it needs to end there. I need to meet Aryan's mom, I need to face her that's the only way things are getting better or worse. Either way, I need to try and see for myself.

"Don't worry about that, hero. Just help yourself first. Till then I will prepare things for you in India." Ahana said giving me her sweetest smile. I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. So did Arjun.

She is right, I need to help myself before I meet her mom. I need to clean the mess I've made myself here, I need to get off my addiction, free myself from drugs and alcohol, meet my doctor, get back on medication, go meet Ben. There was a huge list of things that need to be taken care of here and I'm sure Raghav might already have the list prepared without a single thing missing.

"Sounds like a plan. Just don't run away after all of this. Else I will beat you to death." Arjun threatened me again as I let out a laugh at that.

"Don't worry. I won't this time." I said giving him assurance, "Even though I said those things. I can't imagine losing any of you." I finished looking at both of them. Ahana smiled at me taking hold of my hand, squeezing it a bit, showing her support.

"Asshole!" Arjun said shaking his head as he gave me a side hug.

For the first time since past a year, I smiled widely with all my heart without feeling guilty, without feeling any fear. I know it's a long way till everything gets settled for good, till everything falls into place.

But at least now I am not alone. I was never alone. I have got these bunch of stubborn assholes who won't ever leave me, who love me and who care for me. And I'm not letting them go. I will change myself, I will try to get past these fears, I will overcome every obstacle, I will try every mean to cure the damage I have done all these years. For them, for me and for that girl... who has always loved me fearlessly.

------------------------------

Nobody
can go back and start
a new beginning.
But anyone can start
today
and make a
new ending.

-----------------------------

So that was it. Let us know in comments what you think about Rohan.

VOTE if you like this.

We will see you next week with another chapter.

Till then, Bye.

Loads of Love. ❤️