Riyaarth's face possessed a hesitant smile as he adjusted the seatbelt, sitting on the passenger seat of his bestfriend's car. His mind couldn't help but to wander around various thoughts, his insides churning with nervousness as the car's tyres kept moving, nearing the two to their ultimate destination.

His bestfriend, Aarnik kept rambling as he had so much to talk about since it was after 7 years that they were meeting.

Riyaarth had returned from UK a day ago, where he had went for university purpose and had found a job as well. But having enough of staying away from his family and friends, he'd decided to return and find a job here.

Aarnik and Riyaarth had met yesterday by chance at a supermarket where he was busy shopping for groceries while Aarnik for purchasing icecream in bulk.

The reason?

His wedding and the things that came with that. For example: Truckloads of cousins for a stay.

It was around 3 days left in his wedding and all his relatives, cousins and friends were staying at his house and that was why he immediately invited Riyaarth too as there was no way he would've left his former bestfriend.

"Come on. Let's go inside. Mom and everyone else is so excited to meet you." Aarnik grinned, as he gestured for Riyaarth to get down.

His home was a good 3 story structure, spread on a good amount of area, few plants and trees planted, giving a fresh vibe. It was like the usual Indian houses, with those things scattered here and there that would make someone reminisce their own.

The two bestfriends entered the house from the porch and as soon as his eyes wandered to the surroundings, a big smile formed on his face. It was the usual scenario of a wedding house, children giggling and playing around, servants working in every corner with the men correcting them while the ladies taking care of everyone's needs.

Now this was a time Riyaarth laughed genuinely as Aarnik's family members approached them, welcoming him with open arms and behaving like they've known each other since forever. No one acted like he's visiting after 7 long years. Instead they made him feel home, comfort and bonding at it's level best.

"It feels so good to see you beta. It has been so long." Aarnik's mother said happily, patting Riyaarth's head to shower him with the blessings.

"I know Aunty. But don't worry, you'll be getting regular visits from me now." He winked in response as she laughed.

Aarnik's other friends, some from his job while some from childhood which he recognized met him with excited faces.

Aarnik's relatives treated him as a own, teasing and joking with him that after this he too will have to invite all of them to his wedding which he happily agreed to.

Wedding with whom?

There was no girlfriend nor a proposal at his doorstep. Marriage might be least of his priority for now.

It was then his orbs landed on her who was standing at the corner of truckload of Aarnik's relatives and family members, not really showing any emotion nor paying any interest to whatever was happening. She just simply stood away from everyone, trying her best to not gain attention and politely declining to everyone who was asking to her regarding anything or even asking her to participate more.

He was a good observer since forever.

Erisha Gupta.

This girl, he could only shake his head faintly, yet remembering her very well.

She was Aarnik's couisn. His paternal aunt's daughter who he remembers from the times when she used to stay at her Uncle's house, Aarnik's father to spend her vacation like usual kids.

She always had a bubbly personality, a permanent grin on her chubby face, always running around with her small legs around the house and even begging Aarnik and Riyaarth to play with her since they and her had a six months age gap.

What exactly has happened to her?

He couldn't help but to wonder.

Goodness, at what such relation was he even interested in her and her life? But he had always been a man with intriguing nature and no matter how much he tried, he couldn't help but to look at her again and again, trying to find her in every corner of the house since she was trying hardest to not gain attention, more like hiding.

"I am sure you remember her Riyaarth. She annoyed us even more than Aarohi." Aarnik grinned as he pointed towards his cousin, Erisha who let out a wavered breath being the centre of attraction. Because this was the last thing she wanted.

Focus at her.

Riyaarth thought she would scowl at Aarnik since he was like a brother to her since she was a single child. But she didn't have any emotion over her face. She didn't bother reacting to his words.

The one thing she did was simply nodding her head, faintly and passing a forced smile to Riyaarth which he returned. With a genuine one though.

"H-Hey-" She finally said something.

"Hey Erisha. Feels good to meet you after so long." Riyaarth said with a small smile.

Erisha nodded in response, this time her lips twitching lightly.

Okay. Progress.

Not to lie, by now he was really intrigued in knowing about her life. It was like he wanted to know every single detail about her that happened or what she feels.

"Erisha, when will he come-"

Before Riyaarth could hear Erisha's mother asking her about something, Aarnik and his friends and cousins had dragged him to the lounge where the men were having their kind of conversation.

And as usual, everyone spread in the expanse sooner or later.

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"Come on yaar, Riyaarth. Now you won't even dance on your bestfriend's wedding? This won't work buddy." Aarnik shook his head with a deadpanned look as Riyaarth's pleads of not dancing fell deaf to his ears.

Riyaarth was a chill type of guy. He wasn't too uptight or anything as a 28 year old. He was someone who would gel off anywhere quite early and be comfortable in whatever he does and acts around like.

But this time he just felt hesitant in dancing at his bestfriend's wedding. More like, he wasn't sure about it.

"You have to dance Riyaarth." It was Aarohi, Aarnik's younger sister by 4 years.

Riyaarth passed her a small smile, slowly nodding his head making everyone release a breath. Of course everyone wanted the Groom's bestfriend to do a special dance.

The choreographer was irritating, he sighed.

No matter how much everyone told him to begin with other dances, he was adamant on teaching them a group dance, that too in pairs.

Everyone eventually agreed, knowing he was right somewhere. Most of the people were present at the moment so this decision felt good.

It didn't take the choreographer to make pairs with the 9 people who had agreed to dance. 3 pairs were already made and now 3 individuals were left that were Aarohi, Riyaarth and Erisha. Erisha had to be persisted even more than Riyaarth.

That similarity!

"Umm, how are we going to make a pair now?" A cousin of Aarnik voiced out, gesturing towards the 3 left.

Riyaarth felt awkward. Standing between two females, he felt weird that in some moments one would be chosen for him. Comfortable or whatever, a pair dance is only based on closeness.

But somewhere, deep down he was hoping that person to be Erisha.

"There's no problem guys. It'll be Riyaarth and Aarohi for sure." Aarnik said with a known look, nudging Erisha teasingly who forced a smile, fiddling with her fingers.

Her dark brown tresses were falling carelessly in front of her face, those long lashes coming in contact with her prominent cheeks as soon as she blinked that was pretty constant. She looked a sight to behold for him in these countless of individuals, in the simple ethnic kurta and pants, a dupatta carelessly lying on her lean shoulders.

Riyaarth clicked his tongue as soon as he heard Aarohi's name being taken as his partner. But he still accepted, without much thoughts. He still doesn't know why.

Shouldn't his heart fight with his mind for the same?

"Erisha, now we won't wait anymore. Just call him and ask him to come. He'll be your partner for obvious reasons and we need to practice our choreography." Aarnik said in a tone that left no room for arguments.

But Erisha being Erisha shook her head and began reasoning, "There's no need for me to dance guys. You all continue and he will come soon."

"Yaar, what is this. This is something we've been listening since the morning. It's freaking 6 in the evening. When will he exactly home?" Aarohi pouted, a huff coming out from the back of her throat.

It wasn't hidden from anyone that Aarohi badly wanted to meet him.

In fact, everyone wanted to meet him.

"He might be busy." Erisha slightly shrugged, her hands playing with the end of her duppata.

"What level of busy then? I am calling him right now and he'll have to abide by the order of the groom." Aarnik said proudly, puffing air in his chest making everyone else laugh.

Taking out his cellphone from the back of his pocket, he quickly ringed to him, ignoring Erisha who kept saying he won't pick up.

And just as she'd said, he didn't pick up. He blatantly cut Aarnik's call making his eyes go wide, him being dramatic at level best.

"Oh my God! I swear I will beat his ass once he gets here." Aarnik shook his head, still his eyes widened.

Everyone else around him laughed at the Groom, him only making fun of himself and Erisha giving a 'I had told you' look to which he scowled at her.

"Okay, last chance. This time I am sure he'll pick up." Aarnik stated, raising his hands.

"You're only making a fool of yourself. Didn't you see how he cut the call. It's because he saw your name on the screen." Aarnik's couisn, Dev laughed making everyone nod in agreement.

"Shut up guys. I am the Groom. I will cancel all of your entries in my wedding if you'll continue mocking me." Aarnik let out, barely controlling himself.

He was the joker in this family yet everyone's favourite too. This guy was a good source of entertainment.

"But seriously Aarnik, he won't pick-"

As Erisha was busy reasoning with him, he cut her off.

"Yes, he will. And that's because this time I'll be calling from your phone." Aarnik grinned making Erisha release a breath of defeat.

Right now, she had no interest to argue. In fact, she didn't have the interest to since last night when she'd arrived at this house for Aarnik's wedding from her own. She couldn't even sleep, now the bags under her eyes as a result.

"Only for you all, I am keeping it on speaker." Aarnik stated as he quickly ringed him from Erisha's phone.

Five seconds.

It was merely five seconds that the phone rang and it was picked up with a ping by him.

"Eri? Are you okay?" His concerned voice reached everyone's ears.

And it was only a second later everyone bursted out laughing, embarrassing and mocking Aarnik because of this incident whose ears turned red.

He could embarrass anyone with zero efforts and flawlessly.

"Be ready to get a good beating by me." Aarnik gritted out.

A sigh came from the other end that was followed by his voice, "What is this Aarnik? I hadn't picked your phone for a reason."

"But you did pick Erisha's no matter it was all my doing." Aarnik deadpanned.

"Leave that. What's so important for which you're calling me?" He asked, coming straight to the point.

His voice sounded more like forced, not a natural kind of tone. It felt like he was forcing himself to talk with them.

"We're doing preparations for the pair dance. Erisha is the only one left dude so you have to cone here fast." Aarnik stated.

There was utter silence from the other end. Yet, Erisha could hear him breathing in between so many people around her.

"That is not happening. And neither will Erisha dance." Came his voice from the other end.

Aarnik gave Erisha a bewildered look at his order to which she just shrugged, unbothered with the words she'd just heard.

"Oh yes, she will. If you're not coming under an hour, I am going to pair her up with one of my friends. Tick, tock, time is running out." Aarnik proudly stated, passing a grin to Erisha who looked at him while shaking her head faintly.

No way she's dancing with any of his friend!

"I am coming." Were his last words before the line went dead, everyone releasing a breath of relief.

And Erisha?

She simply gave everyone one last look, now storming off from the place not even looking back at once, disappearing from everyone's eyes.

Yet Riyaarth kept looking at her retreating figure, till she wasn't out of the sight with a longing look in his eyes.

A lot to be said, still he didn't.

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Everyone was lounging, making a pause at the dance practice since they were waiting for him.

It took Riyaarth a lot of efforts to not inquire about him and know what exactly is going. He thought he'll eventually get to know since he would be arriving soon.

It was at most 5 minutes left for an hour to pass.

The others were busy having snacks, laughing and teasing around with each other, talking about different things. Riyaarth tried his best to indulge in those talks but it was so difficult for him to do so.

The reason?

His eyes kept wandering to his surroundings so he could have a look at her. But she was nowhere till he could see. There was no sight of her.

He knew most of the relatives and friends were sitting here only yet she wasn't. Why is she being alone?

Shouldn't she be happy that her cousin who she takes no less than a brother is getting married and should also participate to the fullest in the rituals?

And what exactly is the reason behind her distant behaviour because all Riyaarth remembers is the chirpy girl who would hop around the whole day, run without breaks and ramble nonsense continuously?

"Excuse me guys. I need some fresh air." Muttering this apologetically, he got up from the couch he was seated on and walked to a random direction in the house.

A couple of minutes had passed but he just couldn't find her. The only reason he thought of finally talking to her was that this was the best time.

A lot.

There was no doubt a lot that he wanted to tell her, ask her, talk with her about.

And it was then that his eyes landed on her who was sitting on the wooden swing in the threshold of house, on the backside that gave this beautiful view of mountains, few kilometers away.

A quiet sniffle reached his ears making him frown.

And then he noticed her posture.

Shoulders slumped down in defeat, her hands rubbing her nose or eyes, he couldn't find out since he had a back view of her.

This was the last thing he expected. Her to cry.

Fuck, he felt weird.

He somewhat didn't know how to react, what to do or how to process his thoughts.

His heart was telling him to pour out every single thing he feels or have been feeling since forever, his gut feeling telling that this could be your chance but then it was his mind that was basically screaming at him to either go away or go to her only to console as a good friend. Nothing else.

And this time he decided to listen to his brain. He should definitely console her.

Just as he was about to take further steps forward, a voice reached up his ears making him stop dead in his track.

"Riyaarth, come fast bro. I need you to meet someone." It was Aarnik's yell and he couldn't help but to abide by it.

Controlling his emotions and actions, he turned back on his heels and walked back to lounge in a good pace.

His eyes took in his surroundings.

Most of Aarnik's relatives were creating a ruckus near the entrance of his house. Loud greetings, jokes and laughter were heard amongst them.

And soon, a new face appeared.

Clad in a white polo shirt, paired with black slacks, it was a man of around 6 ft height, a significant smile on his face. He was pretty handsome, he had to accept. He looked well built and not to say, getting highlighted amongst everyone else with his personality.

"Here." Aarnik gestured for Riyaarth to come towards them.

By now, everyone had taken their previous seats, that new guy sitting in the place Riyaarth had been before he left.

That guy looked more or less like a family member.

Before making any assumptions, he just simply passed Aarnik a smile, walking towards the same couch that man was sitting on and sat himself on the place everyone created.

It wasn't hidden that this man had become centre of attraction. Aarnik's relatives, his parents and Erisha's parents kept treating him more then nicely, taking care of his needs as everyone conversed around.

"Avyan, meet Riyaarth. He's my bestfriend I'd told you about. And Riyaarth, this is Avyan. Erisha's bestfriend and-"

Before Aarnik could complete, soft padding of feet were heard and soon Erisha's frame appeared as she stood by the corner most couch, her eyes set on one person.

Avyan.

And Avyan too didn't waste any chance to look at her, now basically forgetting about his surroundings.

There eyes were connected the whole time as Erisha took two steps forward, coming near towards their couch on which Aarnik, Avyan, Riyaarth and another cousin of his were sitting. And she didn't have to come any closer as Avyan himself got up and decreased the distance between the two of them in mere seconds.

Their eyes still connected.

Bestfriends, huh?

Riyaarth thought in his mind as he glanced at the two. Avyan looked around their age only so he assumed he must be her bestfriend since long, because of which they invited him as well.

And then she took his hand in hers and they simply walked away.

No relative or family member opposed their actions. They simply smiled at the duo who walked off, without paying heed to the others.

Riyaarth forced a smile on his face, just to gel off with everyone else who started talking about a new topic as if this was common for them.

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Feelings.

This is something that you don't have control over.

You can feel anything at any point of time.

It was the same with Riyaarth.

This man literally cherished the times when Erisha used to visit Aarnik's house. Because it was then he was able to see her.

First it was a simple crush who he used to watch secretly, trying his best to not make anything obvious and making himself appear as a gentleman and a perfect man whenever she was in his proximity.

But eventually, it formed into love. He didn't have any control over himself. He couldn't control while falling in love with her.

His 18 year olf self thought it was true love and when he was about to confess, gaining as much courage as he could, her visit days were over. She'd went back to her own house and some days later he was showered with the news of his parents sending him abroad for further studies.

Seeing that same girl again after so many years, the one he fell in love with, the one because of whom he wasn't able to divert his mind while being in UK or to have a girlfriend, all those memories came crashing down.

And this was why he was super intrigued with her behaviour.

It pains in the heart whenever the person you love is dealing with issues, crying day and night, behaving distantly, not like the one they usually are.

But for Riyaarth, the only thing he felt after noticing Erisha's behaviour was weird. And for some reason, he doesn't really know why.

Truth to be told, he himself wasn't able to realize or believe what actually in his heart or what his feelings are.

He believed that if he wasn't supposed to get her off his mind, she was probably supposed to be there.

He tried to hide his feelings, but by now he was sure that his eyes spoke a lot more. Who wouldn't notice him gazing her with longing again and again, for such long time?

It takes two person to build a relationship. Not one person chasing after the other like the way he'd been doing.

Long lost love or whatever, he still had feelings for her, for sure.

The more he tries to hide, the more he wants to go and just confess to her everything.

And he'd decided.

There was no way he would leave this chance now.

By now, it doesn't matter to him if she too loves him or does not. It doesn't matter if she will make fun of his feelings or would reply with the same.

Because all he wanted to do was remove the burden of his feelings that he'd pent up since years. That was some sort of over burden for him since neither they were benefiting him nor they were any of the use.

But not anymore.

It was the time he had to confess.

Gaining as much courage as he could, he again excused himself from the large number of people here and walked towards the staircase he remembers Erisha had taken, with Avyan.

There were around 7-8 bedrooms, excluding the small personal kitchen, store rooms and another that appeared to be home theater. The lounge here was empty with the couple of couches completely vacant.

Seven out of eight bedroom doors were closed which he observed and then his eyes landed on the eighth one, whose door was left ajar and was dimly lit.

He walked closer to that room, trying his best not to make any sort of noises that would indicate his presence here.

Peeking from the door that was left ajar, it was then his eyes landed on her and him.

Avyan was sitting on the front of her bend with Erisha completely in his arms, more like on his lap who was clinging onto him like a Koala. It felt like she had no intention of leaving him.

A frown formed on his face as he noticed their closeness.

Are a girl and boy bestfriend this close?

He had no idea since he never had a close female friend.

And then he noticed that was crying hysterically in his arms, who was soothing her down, rubbing her back, caressing her hair, murmuring soothing words to her and even kissing her forehead.

She was saying something to him which Riyaarth wasn't able to understand clearly that Avyan did to which in return he saw him apologizing to her again and again, rocking Erisha in his arms who shook her head, a pout on her lips like a baby.

Her arms were entangled around his neck, legs on either side of his waist as her head was placed on his shoulder, giving Avyan the access to look at her sideways.

Avyan's hands took the report that was laying on the bed and careful as ever, he opened it, now taking out the ultrasound out.

Is she sick or something?

He couldn't help but to wonder.

Avyan's eyes were looking at the report with a longing look, almost tears appearing in his eyes. His gaze moved towards Erisha who was already looking at the scene, scared of Avyan's reaction.

And then he kissed her forehead.

A sob escaped past her lips, the tears of happiness flowing out and Avyan captured everything with his kisses.

Kissing those tears away and kissing those sobs away.

Riyaarth almost felt like he was intruding their privacy. And he jerked back as soon as Avyan's and Erisha's lips met for a kiss.

"Avyan. Erisha di's bestfriend and husband." A third voice reached his ears and his eyes snapped towards the source of it.

Aarohi.

She was the one who'd come her and now said this.

Riyaarth was embarrassed at what he just did, pretty sure that Aarohi had seen him the whole time. A pink tint appeared on his ears due to the same.

He staggered back as soon as his mind processed Aarohi's words.

Erisha's husband?

Erisha's husband Avyan!?

"Shocked right? But don't worry, you'll get used to this fact." Aarohi continued, gesturing for him to step away from the door which he did.

"I- I-"

Riyaarth just stammered in response, no words coming out of his mouth. This might be the time when he's too shocked to be embarrassed.

"He's literally the best life partner she could get. They were bestfriends for more than 10 years who decided to tie their knot of marriage, their wedding being a love one. Too intrigued to get married to their bestfriends. It has actually been a year to their marriage."

His mind, or more than that his heart took a huge amount of efforts to process her words.

Husband.

Bestfriend.

Marriage.

Best life partner.

Dammit, he was so late.

"To be honest, every couple has problems between them. A lot actually. And it's the same with these two. They are open. They don't hesitate in expressing their emotions and whatever is going on with them from each other and sometimes even the family. And the same happened with them in past couple of days."

She kept saying while he kept looking distantly, yet listening to her words.

"I know yet I don't know why I am telling you this. She shared with me as a sister and yet I am telling you this. She's pregnant. And this news was shocking for him. They had different reactions to it and they didn't communicate properly since she arrived here. Now is the time they're having a proper conversation." She continued.

"They love each other a lot. It wasn't a marriage for which they tried to adjust or thought it'll work out since they're bestfriends. They are in love. Truly, madly, deeply." Aarohi said, a faint smile on her face.

No doubt Avyan was her favourite brother in-law, husband of her favourite cousin, Erisha.

"And now that they're getting over everything, working it out like they always do, I am the happiest. These two are goals." Aarohi said, a chuckle escaping her lips.

Goodness, she too wanted that type of marriage.

Which marriage doesn't have problems? It's the way that matter how the couple deals with it.

And who wouldn't want a man for her who is goofy and comfortable only around her? Avyan Khurana was a man who had his eyes only for his wife, his bestfriend, Erisha Gupta. He basically lived for her and now, also for their little creation growing inside her stomach.

He was only worried about her and that's why he didn't wanted her to dance, Riyaarth realized.

These small things, everything made sense now.

Her distant look was only because of her argument with Avyan. She wanted to be near him who would console her, tell her that everything will be fine who himself was trying his best to understand the situation, process his mind and heart.

Because for her, Avyan would do anything.

But what about Riyaarth? What about his feelings? What was left now?

His first crush was her.

His childhood love was her.

His heart stealer was her.

His love, or so he thought was her.

But he just simply was late.

Or should he say that he wasn't the one for her? That they weren't really meant to be, he knew he had to accept.

No matter he'd decided to confess, it was wrong of him because now there's no way he wants her to get weird around him with the new revelation.

She's happy in his life and it's all that matters.

Because she isn't the one for him. For sure she's his first love and all, but that was the past. His future was different and it surely didn't include her as his life partner.

He had in his mind to confess to her. He wanted to take the chance. But he didn't know in what situation she was. She's happy and contented while he isn't.

But he won't be someone who would destroy that happiness.

Because what he believed now was, some things are better left unsaid; some matters to be passed over silence.

"I guess she wasn't the one for me." He muttereds, scratching the back of his head as he gave Aarohi a look.

"You've tried enough Riyaarth. It's time for you to let go."

She simply passed him a distant look with a faint smile before saying.

"I have so much that I want to say to you, but I just can't. Maybe it's the timing or fear of rejection."

And with that, she walked off the place, down the stairs not even looking back for once leaving Riyaarth in a pool of thoughts who just couldn't understand the meaning behind her words or maybe was just being too oblivious towards them and her feelings.

Old love, unrequited love or whatever, it definitely felt like a heartbreak.

T H E E N D

or is it?

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How was it guys?