[Rey’s POV]

“What… what are you doing here?” She questioned, blinking away.

I chose to refuse to answer her question and instead took a step closer to her. She could not fool me. What had just happened between us?  It was another one of the magical connection between us. My touch affected her just as much as hers affected me.

“Why can’t you just give me a chance?” I asked, reaching for her hand.

She pulled it away before I could hold it though. “Rey, please. There is nothing left to talk about.” She started to walk around me. I grabbed her wrist and pulled her back. Her back collided against my torso.

“There is everything left to talk about between us.” I whispered in her ear. I felt her shiver and move her shoulder up, as my breath fanned her shoulder. With my free hand, I trailed down her shoulder, to her arm and held her free hand before she would get around to pushing me away, again.

“Why do you deny our love?” I questioned, placing a peck on her shoulder.

I knew her defenses were falling, as I could hear her heart starting to beat faster. I had to fight to keep my own breathing normal. I had craved for her touch. It had been years. I had missed her so much!

I jerked her around, forcing her to face me. She continued to try and push me away, but I held my place. I blew her bangs off her face. “Why won’t you let me explain?” I questioned. If I wasn’t wrong, she wanted to me with me just as much as I. She was hurting just as much as I. And yet, she was forcing herself to stay away. I just wish I knew why.

My question seemed to strike something, as her eyes flew open and she used her strength to push me away. I was left confused with what she said next. “Because I already know.”

It took a few seconds before I recovered. Before I could ask her what she meant by that, she ran away. She already knew? What did she already know? Did she know everything? If she knew… why was she still running away from me? If she knew, why wasn’t she forgiving me? If she knew, she had to know it was all a big misunderstanding from my end.

Then why?

***

[Kriya’s POV]

I walked around the back yard of the place. I found Tara there, sitting on the bench, alone. I walked up to her. “Hey! Why are you sitting here?”

“Hi.” Tara replied back with no enthusiasm in her voice. I seemed to understand the reason why.

I advised, “You know, boys will be boys. They do silly things all the time. That is just their way of showing their love. You shouldn’t get affected much. If he truly loves you, you’re going to be the last person he’ll always come back to.”

“I know he loves me. I love him too… but I just can’t handle it anymore. He’s always playing around and never serious. How can I trust him?” She replied back stating her fears. And there it went again; another trust issue in another love story. I laughed out to myself. Tara looked back at me; half offended and half confused. “What? Why are you laughing?!”

“Sorry… couldn’t help it. Your questions reminded me of myself. Listen, you can never know when you can truly trust him. He’s a guy after all. Your heart will just know. There never is a particular moment for it. Just don’t give him a chance to not trust you. A slight gesture can ruin everything and at the same time, it could make everything. You have to be wise to know which one is right depending on the situation.”

Tara simply stared back at me, intently listening to the reply. She then blurted out. “You talk as if you have gone through this.”

I stayed mum looking at her. A few seconds later, I and smiled. “You seem smart. You know what to do.”

With that, I got up to go back inside. I had just taken a couple of steps when Tara called. “Kriya?” When I looked back, she continued, “Thank you.”

“Anytime.” I replied and turned around to leave.

As I walked back, I knew what I had to do next regarding my relationship with Rey. I had to give him the chance to explain. Even though I already knew what he wanted to say, I had to let him so he could be at peace. There was unfinished business between us, and until we got that out of the way, neither of us could be at peace. Somehow, talking to Tara had made my confidence come back. I wasn’t going to let the trust issue come in the way again. I opened the door to the room with a broad smile on my face.

With no thoughts troubling my mind now, I could easily fall asleep.

***

“Alright, ready?” Rey was showing the lifts to me and Christian. We watched, then looked at each other, same question in our eyes. Were we comfortable enough to be so close to each other? I was thinking about Rey while Christian had to be worrying about Tara.

“Ready?” His voice pulled us out of our thoughts. Consciously, we walked up. The song was turned on and we faced each other. It started out with a hug. That was alright with both of us, but as it continued, I kept on pulling back and even he kept on looking at me as if seeking my permission.

Rey resumed the music and I took my posture. Christian lifted me up and around, behind his back and brought me to the front again. One step done, he set me back down. I excused myself.

[Rey’s POV]

I looked at Christian, confused. What had happened? As much as I wanted to go talk to her, I motioned Christian to, knowing that it was them performing and they had to talk it out to get comfortable and trust each other. Christian nodded when I gave him the look and went after Kriya.

It surprised me to know that Kriya still didn’t dance with anyone else. I would have thought this wouldn’t be bothering her anymore. I was mistaken. At the same time, it made me smile. It still meant that she was only comfortable around two people.

That, had to speak for something.

[Kriya’s POV]

 “Hey…” Christian said, marking his presence. I gave him a feeble smile. He sat down next to me.

It was silent for a while, before I finally broke the silence. “I know, it’s silly. It’s just a dance but still.”

“It’s not. Kriya. It’s just as awkward for me as it is for you. Tara has been my partner in all duets for as long as I can remember. So I didn’t have to face this problem before. But we have to understand… Not every time we will have the partners of our choice. There will be strangers whom we’ll have to trust.”

“Trust… I try so hard but I just can’t.” I told him.

He smiled, knowing just what I meant. His tone was evidence of that. “When it’s broken once by a loved one, one tends on shutting off from everyone. But life can’t go on like that. Can it?” I shook my head innocently, responding to his question. “Okay start with me. Trust me and I promise to not break your trust. Ever. Then you have to start trusting others as well,” He added quickly, “Once you know they’re worth your trust of course.”

I let out a short laugh. Thinking about it, I nodded. I had to start at some point.

“This is just a friendly dance that we have to do. Nothing more. Agreed?” Christian asked, putting his hand out.

I nodded, putting my hand in his and both got up to leave. Then suddenly, he stopped and I turned to look back. He questioned, “I know I’m conscious because Tara will be watching. Why are you? And don’t say just because. I know your concern isn’t just self-concern.”

I smiled, giving him a pleading look. He understood I had a reason but it wasn’t something I was willing to share.

“Maybe when you trust me enough to share?” He asked.

“Then, I’ll surely tell.” I replied, thankful for his understanding and not pressuring me into telling him.

Rey seemed to relax seeing us return. I passed by Rey, close enough for our hands to touch, an act to let him know everything was fine.

After that, during the rest of the rehearsals, there was no hesitation from either of them. And so, we got busy for the next three days. We’d get a new piece each day, and we’d spend the day perfecting it. At the end of the day, Rey would come around to watch each couple.

Rose came to us at the end of the day after the results had been announced. “Now, we all get ready for the New Year’s party! I’m so happy. We all get to stay a bit longer.”

“Yeah, well remember my friends? They want me to go with them. You guys want to join? We can go as one big group.” I asked them, and they were all quick to agree. So, it was decided. We were all to meet at the front by 8 pm and then we’d go over to the club where the party was held together.

“What are you wearing?” Hailey asked.

“I didn’t bring any party dresses with me. Sharon’s bringing me something. You?”

She showed a light blue, one shoulder dress that reached a little over her knees. I gaped at the color. “Aww that one will look really pretty on you! Matches your eyes.”

When Sharon showed me my dress, I complained and whined and refused to wear it. But, everyone knows no one can win an argument against her. She will always win. Thus, reluctantly, I wore what she had gotten.

[Rey’s POV]

God, she looked marvelous! Was she planning on killing me, or something? She seriously does not expect me to not stare at her after what she is wearing, right? In that one second itself, I knew. It was going to be really hard to keep my hands off her. If she came anywhere near me, there’s no telling just what I might end up doing.

And whatever my actions, she cannot blame me for that. She had to know what she was getting herself into when she put on that dress.

I swear, I feel like she is purposefully testing my patience.

When we reached the venue, Swayam was gaping at Sharon, and I couldn’t help but chuckle. These two were hopelessly in love with each other. There was no saving them from the love-fever. When I decided it was enough, I snapped by my fingers at Swayam and Vicky, who blinked away from looking at Sharon and Neha respectively.  If I couldn’t openly stare at Kriya, neither could they! They then went to the girls, and I just awkwardly stood there. I wish I could go up to Kriya too.

As we reached the gate, one of the men informed, “Tonight is couple’s entry only.”

“Excuse me? I booked this place. You can’t stop me from entering.” This was not my doing!

The guy nodded, “Yes, sir. We’re aware. But we were asked to make this a couple entry.”

“By who?”

“Ms. Vaibhavi.”

Vaibhavi? Whatever would she do that for?! Then, my eyes travelled to Kriya. Well, well. Why didn’t I think of it myself? I hid back a smirk, and nodded. Remind me to thanks Vaibhavi, also to figure out just how much she knows about Kriya and mines relationship from the past. I’m sure she knows more than she is letting on.

I could see it in Kriya’s eyes. She was hesitant, but I knew she also didn’t want to ruin Swayam and Sharon’s night. We both knew. If Kriya said no, Sharon wouldn’t enter either, and there is no way Kriya would let them happen. After moments of speculation, she finally gave in.

She walked up to me and pulled me away from the guard like she often did when she was my girl-friend. I was surprised at this action but couldn’t say I didn’t like it. I was enjoying this.

She spoke in hushed volume even though we were far away from the rest of them, “The minute we get in there, you’ll be on your way and I’ll be on mines. I’m only doing it so that Sharon and Swayam and Vicky and Neha can enjoy the night. Got it?”

I grinned, and replied diligently, “You didn’t have to explain it all.”

She took that as a yes and rolled her eyes briefly. She then hugged my arm like a couple would and I put my hand around her waist. She widened her eyes and looked at me. I shot back, “You want them to suspect?” She shook her head negatively. Thought so. “Then go along.”

She threw an angry look, but walked towards the rest nonetheless. She hated it when someone told her to do something. Even if it was right. She knew then that this time I was right. But still, she didn’t want to accept it.

With her, can things ever be simple? Just for once? Yes?

My eyes travelled to Sharon, who was grinning. I narrowed my eyes at her. Why was my mind telling me that even she had something to do with this? I got my answer when she winked at me. If Kriya wasn’t next to me, I would have chuckled. If she wasn’t my best friend’s girlfriend, or the sister of the girl I love, I would have kissed her.

She, my friends, is the best friend one can ask for. What would there be left for me to do when I have such good friends playing cupid’s assistant for me? Sharon had to know what Kriya would do:  act like a couple to get in and then go her own way. But, now, I knew that wasn’t going to happen. Sharon wouldn’t let it. I would bet anything that Sharon had more plans in her mind that Kriya wouldn’t be able to escape from. At least not today. She was fully prepared to take her sister’s guard down slowly by slowly. And her sweet boyfriend Swayam was all in to helping her.

Me? I can die a happy soul – but, not just yet. I have to first get her back. Can’t let my friend’s hardwork go to waste now, can I?

We made our way to the couch by the corner. Most of the participants went straight to the dance floor. As I looked around, I could see Christian trying to dance with Tara, but Kat purposefully annoying them by getting in the middle. The three of them – they reminded me so much of our group. When during college times I would try to spend some time alone with Kriya, Sharon or Swayam would purposefully pop up and ruin all our plans. The extent to which we had to go to get some time alone!

I turned to look at Kriya, remembering those times, to see her looking at the trio as well. She had to have been thinking the same, since she looked at me as well. Just then, Sharon complained, “Come on guys. We didn’t come to just sit here. It’s a club and it’s New Year’s Eve! Get in party mood for God’s sake!”

She pulled Swayam up and asked us when they didn’t get up, “You both aren’t coming?”

Kriya replied, “I’ll come in a while.”

“Okay.” Saying so, they left.

Even I moved and sat on the high chair by the bar. I wasn’t drinking. Yet. I looked at Kriya from a distance as she played around in her phone, looked at the far end of the club where our friends were enjoying and then looked around at the random people.

I watched as a group of troublemakers made their way towards her. My sixth sense kicked in. I was up on his feet in no time, but then the next thing I saw stopped me. The person looked like he was asking for a dance, when Kriya got up and was fuming in anger. She kept her calm and took a couple of steps to come close to them. For a second, I thought that she would agree.  Then sighed seeing the rest. I couldn’t hear what she was saying, but whatever she said pissed them off.

Nevertheless, she glared right into their eyes and just that expression made an emotion brew up inside of them. Fear. They backed up and I sat back down on the chair shaking my head for thinking that she wouldn’t be able to handle them on her own. As always, she had proved me wrong.

Next thing, she was walking towards the bar. She hadn’t seen me just yet, but I had seen her coming. She ordered refreshment, non-alcoholic, and sat on the chair. I spoke with a hidden smirk, “What could you have possibly said?”

She whispered in a low voice, “Rey,” then turned her head to look at me and replied, “Just something. Shouldn’t matter to you, right?”

I just glared at her. The words were simple, yet deep. Only I would know the meaning of it. The way she said it, I knew. She picked up her drink and left, leaving me mad, in despair, hurt. Over all, hard to explain. My emotions were all over the place. And now, I sound like a girl.

I had had enough for the night. I ordered a shot of tequila and drank it up without second thought. I did that about 4 more times in less than a minute, before I lost count of just how many shots I had. The bartender didn’t want to give me another one seeing the way I was gulping it down, but it was his duty to give whatever was ordered.

I don’t know how long I was here, but after some time, Swayam pulled the glass away from me and scolded, “Rey! What do you think you are doing?”

The bartender said, “I’ve been trying to stop him. But after he had a talk with someone, he’s been drinking. Had 15 till now.”

Swayam’s eyes popped out. “Ten!!!!” He looked back at me. “You’re so dead! Just you wait till you sober up!” He gave a stern look but Rey looked back cutely in drunk state. Swayam melted. How can someone be mad at me after such a cute face? He asked, “Did you see this girl? How does she look like?”

The bartender looked around and pointed to a corner. “There she is.” Swayam followed the finger and ended up at Kriya. “Kriya?” He asked surprised.

I opened my eyes hearing her name. “Kriya. Where is she? I – I w-want to tal-talk to herrrr.”

Swayam hit the back of my head. “Shut it.”

“Haww! What’d you do that for?” I whined. He just rolled his eyes and glared at me. Knowing that look too well, I slumped in the chair and put finger on my lips like I was a little kid put in time-out.

The man nodded. “If that’s her name. You seem surprised?”

“Yea!” Swayam let out a scoff. Clearly, the bartender didn’t want to intrude in our personal matter and thus he got back to his job. Swayam took out his cell and  I could tell it was to text Sharon.

“You loveee her.” I sang.

“Rey, shut up before I knock you out.”

“Mean. Rude. Stupid. Horrible friend.” I started and he carried out his friend. He punched me in the stomach. I laughed. “Hah. Missed!”

“Reyansh Singhania, if you don’t shut the hell up right this second, I swear to God I am calling your father and going to let him deal with you.”

“WHAT?” I exclaimed. “YOU CAN’T DO THAT! I’M A BIG BOY.”

“What’d I say?” He asked.

Shut up. Right. I instantly sat back down.

Minutes later, Sharon, Neha and Vicky walked up. Sharon hit my arm, and it hurt! Maybe I was drunk and my senses were just too pitched. Normally her hits left no impact on me. “Ouch!” I winced. “Why is everything hurting me tonight?”

She sighed. “Let’s get you home.”

“But I don’t want to go home.” I pouted. “I want to talk to Kriya. Why won’t she talk to me? I just want her to talk to me. I’m not asking her to forgive me. I know what I did… I just want her to…”

I was cut off from my rambling as she hugged me and then pulled me up from the chair. My feet wobbled, but I stood on my own eventually. “Rey, let’s go…”

[Sharon’s POV]

God, how do I get these two idiots to see reason? One is drowning in alcohol, and another is drowning in anger, holding on to past. These two just need to accept things and move on! After these many years, I thought it would be easy. They were grown-ups. Mature. I thought they’d know how to handle it.

But, I stand corrected. These two are still kids!

I asked Swayam as we supported Rey out of the club, “Why’d he drink so much?”

“Bartender said he started drinking after Kriya said something.”

“God, these two!” I frowned.

“Well, I’m just going to say that this idiot is going to regret drinking so much in the morning. Anyways, for now, we need to keep him away from Kriya. Or else things will get even worse between them.”

I, had different opinions. “No… we need to do the exact opposite.”

“Excuse me?”

“No, think about it. He’s drunk. Yes, he’ll be persistent, but we all know. He starts rambling how he feels when he’s drunk. He’ll accept his feelings. Kriya needs to hear this.”

I wanted for him to understand the picture. I was taken aback when he hugged me. “You’re a genius!” I blushed as he pulled apart. We looked back at Rey who was murmuring sweet nothings to himself, scowling at us.

Swayam started having a hard time as we walked out towards the parking spot. I give up on helping them. And Rey was creating more problems for us by singing horribly in the parking lot where it was dead silent. I teased, “See, this is why you should think of making some muscles.”

Swayam stopped in his tracks and feigned offense. He mocked back, “Oh, so now it’s my problem our best friend is drunk out of his mind? Last thing I checked, you liked how I was different.”

Uh-oh! I thought. She didn’t mean it that way. I fumbled and replied, “Well, I know. I still like that. But you see, in situations like these, I think otherwise.”

He chuckled. “You’re cute when you fumble.”

My jaw dropped as I realized he wasn’t actually offended, but teasing me too. With my clutch, I hit his arm. “Ouch, that actually hurts! Do you keep rocks in them or something?”

I glared at him one more time. “Shut up.” Though I faked annoyance, it was melting my heart. This guy was the sweetest being, and I can proudly say that he’s mine. Sure, I haven’t confessed me love to him, but I know his feelings. Since years now. And I was glad to have him in my life.

As we reached the car, we were glad to see that the rest hadn’t reached there yet. We made Rey sit in the front and moved his head in a way where it looked like he was sleeping. No one needed to know he was drunk. Especially not Kriya. Though we knew it’d be hard to cover up since if someone went close enough, they’d be able to smell alcohol on him.

Just then, the rest came and I asked, “What took you guys so long?”

Neha replied, “I had to go use the restroom.”

Vicky continued, “Right. And you know how girls are. They have to go together. So…”

We girls gave him a glare. He shut up realizing that he had just insulted the rules. They all piled up in the back and no one looked up front as they were all tired. First, Swayam dropped Vicky and Neha at their individual places and them to Kriya’s place. I had already informed Kriya before the party that we were staying at our place, and like old times, have a girls’ night.

Swayam wasn’t interested in driving all the way up to his house, or that’s what he faked. We had to make sure our plan worked, after all. With drunk Rey, I was going to need his help.

Swayam said, “You all go. We’ll be right in.”

I took Kriya in before she was questioned anything. Once inside, I said, “Uh, I’ll go change. My bag’s in the other room so good night. I might just go to bed then. I don’t feel like staying up after all. It’s late anyways.”

Kriya nodded and walked up the stairs to her room. I watched her disappear inside her room, before I rushed out to help Swayam.

***

 A/N: Okay... this might seem filler, but I just had to add SwaRon part. ^_^ So, this is specially for those who love them! I can't just ignore my cutie-pie's now, can I? Don't you guys love SS & V? And... well, get ready for major things from next update. Things are going to start changing between KR dramatically. 

My favorite parts of the books are coming!! I'm so eager to rewrite those scenes and post them :D 

AND a special shout out to Arpita @ArpiLovesKhushiDi. This kid is one sweet girl. Love you hun! I can't say it enough, how much you reading this means to me. :* Just for you, I'm going to bring in Sonia & Nathan back in the picture, haha. 

Oh, and Kriya's outfit to the side. (To those who don't know Shakti, she's the one on the right in skin color dress). (I went through so many pictures before I finally ended up with these. I hate making decisions, FYI. -___-   )