|| "ol' friend" ||

-------_-------

Hello,

Hope you guys are happy and safe.
I am back after a long time and have given you a long update. Please do read it and let me know.

Thank you

Lots of varieties of dishes from all parts of India were prepared for welcoming the guests at Anand's Residence. Shravas has no idea about who is coming or what's happening. He just helped his mom with the arrangements and maids set up the dinner in their beautifully decorated backyard.

Just Set like a perfect family date!

At around 7, guests arrived and Shravas didn't see them as he was busy showering and getting ready for the dinner in his room.

His parents welcomed and made them comfortable in their living room. Maids offered them cool drinks and snacks as a part of refreshments.

Within a few seconds of their arrival, Shravas joined them in the living room.

He let out a loud gasp when he saw who the guests were. Hearing this, guests turned to look in the direction of the gasp!

One of them from the guests got up from the seat and squealed and ran as fast as one could can and hugged him wrapping legs around his waist.

"Mia, oh God! I can't believe it's you." He whispered in her ear holding her tightly. Others were looking at them and let out loud laughter seeing their antics together after so long time.

Being embarrassed he steadies her on the ground and looks at her flushed face.

"Oh my God, see for yourself, Mia. Your cheeks are like a ripened tomato. My little Mia has become a beautiful girl!" He placed a kiss on her forehead and continued to talk. "How much I have missed you, dear? Where were you these days? How is your life? Did you find your prince charming?" The last question was merely whispered in her ear just to make sure she only heard it.

She nodded her head shyly and averted her gaze toward others in the hall. He also turned to look at them and to their surprise, all others were looking at them with their jaw dropped on the ground.

"Why are you guys looking at us like this? What happened? We are meeting after so long years, I guess after 10 years. So yeah, we have lots to catch up on" Mia said nudging his elbows tilting her head to his side with one eyebrow raised giving her say-something-look to him.

"Yeah, I missed my childhood friend!" Shravas said looking lovingly at her.

They all then settled in the backyard chatting and playing games while having dinner at the same time.

Mia's parents have come back from London and seem to settle back here in India. That's why Shravas and Mia were once separated from their lives.

Mia mingled with his baby sister pretty much fast and they are now inseparable sisters.

She has also brought so many toys and chocolates for her from London.

Mia is 1 year younger than him and she is also planning to join the same college as him.

"Shravas, I have talked to your college principal and he has agreed to intake Mia into the computer science department as she wants to continue her studies here. So you will have to take care of her when we are away for a while." Her dad, Mr. Mithun Srinivas talked in a very professional way Even though he is his friend's son.

Shravas nods his head with understanding. "Yes uncle, you don't have to worry about anything. I will take care of her and I promise she will not get into any kind of trouble." He said sincerely.

Her dad smiled at him. "By the way son, do you have any girlfriend?" He asked with one eyebrow raised.

Hearing this Shravas had only one face appearing in his mind. It's Lasya's. Then he thought, he didn't check his mobile at all today not even for once.

'shit' he muttered under his breath.

"Hm..hm.. understood. Hope she is a good girl." He patted his shoulders with a chuckle.

"Uncle, it's not like what you are thinking." He nervously looks here and there and adds on to it. "Yes, I do love a girl but she doesn't know it. She is a very innocent and loving girl but yes, I will soon confess it to her." Shravas said, without any hesitation directly looking into his eyes and this made his uncle a little taken aback.

"I am happy for you Vasu. Because you just opened up to me. I request you to soon confess unless you don't want to lose her." He said as a matter of fact and hugged him once again.

"Does your parents know about it?" He asked out of nowhere after a minute of silence as they shared a drink.

"Not yet, but I hope they will like her. Anyway, I need to get her confirmation first then only I can decide something about it and share it with everyone" Shravas said sipping his cocktail and tand and akin at his uncle who is into some thinking.

He nudges his shoulders to bring him back from this thinking spree and it did work as he turned to look at Shravas.

"What Happened uncle? It's like you are zoning out frequently. Is everything alright?" Shravas asked with concern etching in his voice.

"Yeah, I am alright. I was just thinking about Mia. She is still childish and stubborn, so I am thinking when she will get her prince charming to tackle her?" He said with a chuckle at the end.

Shravas smiled at him and kept one hand on his shoulder. "She will get her love soon uncle don't worry. She is a person with a kind heart. There will be one who is special just like she made for her. And I am not telling this to you because you are her father nor because she is my childhood friend", He assured his uncle by tightly squeezing his palms.

Later, Shravas and Mia were seen around in the garden talking and laughing. They were in their world discussing their childhood life.

"Oh my God!" Shravas talked in between his laughter. "you remember that day when I took you to the pond near our school and we were watching the fisherman catching the fish. And we didn't know how the time passed and when we found out it was already dark, we had already missed our school bus"

Mia narrowed her eyes in confusion and went on thinking about which event he was talking about. When she finally remembered, she started hitting him on his shoulders.

"Yeah, I do very well remember. Oh God, that day was my worst day and we got detention for more than 3 days from the school" She wiped the tears that appeared on her face due to heavy laughing. "Later our parents grounded us from everyone for a week - no tv, no games, no outing. It was one hell out of punishment"

Both of them burst out laughing reminiscing their old memories.

"It was fun by the way" she scoffed hearing him.

"Hahahaha. You still look cute Mia whenever you get angry" Shravas said lovingly staring at her.

She blushed crimson red and adjusted her hair strands behind her ear and looked around but him.

Shravas feared her reaction. She was always sweet to him since childhood and he is scared because he doesn't want to hurt her in any way.

Feelings are something that's not in one's control.

'Hope she is not in love with me', Shravas prayed silently.

"Um...uh..." Mia cleared her throat.

"Hey, why are you stuttering Mia? Do you have anything to ask?" Shravas asked with hesitation rubbing his nape.

"Well, I know this is too personal but I wanna know it so just asking don't be offended. Do you have a girlfriend?" She asked him out of the blue which left him speechless.

He wondered why she is asking all of this sudden. He feared and crossed his fingers on his side chanting Mia shouldn't have any kind of feelings for him.

"Well, since you have directly asked me I will tell you." He observed her cautiously to see her expressions. And she didn't give any.

Then he continued "No, I don't have any girlfriend, yet", he replied sadly but with a wish in his voice and sighed heavily closing his eyes.

He observed that something flickered in her eyes for a moment. But, couldn't understand what it was since it was there for a second.

"Oh" was all she could reply.

Mia broke the silence after a minute, "that means are you in love with someone? Cause as far as the way you were speaking about it, I feel you are a little stressed out" She looked at him with her forehead creased with frown lines.

"It's complicated actually. Yeah, you are right. I am in love with someone. Frankly speaking, I fell for her at the very first sight. And most importantly, she doesn't know that I love her. It's like I am just loving and admiring her from afar. That's it", He replied sincerely with a genuine smile.

"Aww. Someone is in real love. By the way, what's her name? Is she from your college or any neighbor?" Mia continued to pester him with lots of questions.

Shravas let out a chuckle and replied to her.

"She is a special one. But hoping for her to fall me as she is too precious for me. And yes, I will make you meet her one day"

"It's okay. She will love you one day back when she comes to know about the whole you. I wish to meet her. I want to know this girl who knocked out my Vasu" Mia said dreamily with much excitement in her voice.

Shravas giggled seeing her enthusiasm.

"Mia, do you love someone?" He asked out of nowhere

She gasped and looked here and there not knowing how to answer. She felt a little shy to tell that she doesn't have anyone yet.

"Um ... No..." She put on a fake smile on her face. But sadness can be seen in her eyes.

"Don't worry, you will soon get your prince charming since you are this cute and lovely." He pulled her cheeks and asked her to smile. "Also, yes I will soon introduce her to you. You will like her", Shravas said removing his hands from her face.

After their chit-chat, they retired to their respective rooms.

Shravas soon got freshen up and started spending time with his mobile. He saw Lasya's message which was sent 22 hrs back.

He felt a sudden pang in his chest, one because he didn't reply to her and made her wait this long for the read or to reply and on another note, she - Lasya rejected his love or given a chance to meet him. Now, what will he do? Is it all over just before it is to start?

'what's this? She rejected me with a simple goodbye. Oh No... I can't bear this in my life. I need her. I wanna embrace her throughout my life. She belongs to me. My heart belongs to her. Oh God, I think I have to make a move, soon. I guess it's time to come out of this admirer thing!' Shravas thought.

--

Lasya as today was Sunday, cleaned the house and did laundry. She changed the bedsheets and stocked them in the wardrobe once it's dried. She later went on for grocery shopping.

She went to the same supermarket where she was working before. She remembered the instant face-to-face talk with her old man aka her boss in the supermarket in his cabin.

It brought the feeling of love.

--

A few days back,

As Lasya was picking up the needed items, she bumped into something hard, it was not any wall but a chest.

She rubbed her forehead and winced a little.

"Aww who we have here?", Someone asked her with a hint of a glint in his voice.

Lasya heard the voice and instantly she knew who he was.

Smilingly she looked above to see the old man lovingly looking at her.

"Hey old man. How have you been?", Lasya asked happily.

"Oh, what is there about me? I am the old good. Tell me how are you? And heard you quit the job", the old man said with sadness lingering in his voice.

/ This old man is the owner of the supermarket where Lasya worked for more than 3 years /

"I am good, old man. It has been a while since I have seen you. So you wouldn't know that I joined the college back. And two days back, I quit working here as I couldn't concentrate or find time for myself and my studies", Lasya said softly.

"Wow, that's great news. I must say, very good news indeed", the old man replied excitedly. He paused and asked, "Do you mind talking to me in my cabin?"

"No, I don't",

"Come then, follow me. Keep the basket here", saying so, the old man went ahead with a trailing Lasya behind.

"Sit Lasya", the old man said.

"Okay and thank you, old man", Lasya chuckled and sat in front of him in his office.

"Do you remember our old days?", the old man asked.

"Yes of course. How can I forget such beautiful days?", Lasya said dreamily?

"So, you were behind me asking for the job and I was hesitating to keep you as my employee because I just started my business, and back then I didn't have this much income, not this much customer base", the old man reminisced.

"Yeah, I agree", Lasya giggled traveling through the same lane as the old man.

"After seeing your sincerity, and determination in your voice I did keep you in my business. And guess what, the business grew and income started flowing like a river. I was glad and I know you brought the luck for me", the old man said emotionally.

Lasya gasped after hearing his words, "Nothing like that. I just did what you asked me. Marketing and helping with promotional ideas. It was all your support"

"I know, I know. I don't mind if you don't believe this when I am telling you and it's you, the reason my business became this hit. So, I would always owe you throughout my life. I don't have any kids, no relatives to help but you. So please remember when you need something in your life, you shall directly come over and order me, instead of requesting me. I shall do anything for you. Do you get me?", the old man asked lovingly.

Lasya was in tears, after hearing out his words. It made her cry, feeling all valued and loved.

"Sure my old man. I will. Don't worry you just take care of your health", Lasya said and reached out stretching her palms.

The old man nodded his head and took something like an envelope from the drawer. He then put something into it and forwarded it to her.

"What is this?", Lasya took it and opened the envelope to be shocked at the year.

There it had a free coupon-like thing.

"As you see, it's like a credit card. But you have to use this in my counters only for grant access. With this, you shall purchase anything available here. It will cost you nothing, meaning you don't have to pay for anything whenever you use this card. And this is for you"

Lasya had tears in her eyes. "I am so thankful old man. But it's not needed. I have enough to pay for my things", Lasya said crying.

"No please don't cry Lasya. You are like my daughter who I never had. So think like it's my gift to you for serving me during the tough times that we had together and helping me out", the old man said.

The supermarket was just started up when Lasya joined as the sales girl. She quickly learned the ways to handle everything and it just took two months for the supermarket to flourish.

They made good business together and are still running as the best supermarket in the area. The old man knew it was all because of Lasya's charm. He could never deny it.

"I insist Lasya. Please take this as a token of gratitude and this card is for a lifetime, especially for you, designed for you", the man said again looking lovingly at her.

Lasya was a crying mess, but then she eventually has to agree and took the card.

"Thank you so much, old man. I will never forget this", Lasya said.

"Sure thing Lasya. Today you can use the card and get all the things you need. If you want something which is not here you shall ask anyone of the employee to get it for you the next time", the man said.

"Sure my old man. I am so grateful to you. Now it's getting late as I have college work to do at home", Lasya said getting up from the chair.

"Do come and visit me always and all the best for the bright future", the old man said.

"Of course. I will. Stay healthy and see you again next time"

They bid goodbyes and Lasya used the card at the counter and the cashier was surprised to see the card.

--

After coming back from the supermarket, Lasya was happy.

At the night,

Before falling into slumber, Shravas quickly sent one message and waited for her reply.

"My little hearts,
I will miss you then. But don't worry, I will never disturb you. Hope you have a happy life wherever you are and in whatever you do.
Your admirer."

On the other side,

"Ritchie, we have people who want us to be loved", Lasya murmured against his skin who was cuddling her on her bed.

When she was about to sleep, she heard her phone beeping with a message.

She unwillingly took the phone from the nightstand, and she hesitated to open it as she knew it was from her admirer.

She rubbed her forehead soothing her muscles, relaxing a bit with a building tension.

She opened the message, and her eyes widened reading it.

Half of her was happy as this is going to end but a part of her felt a pain in her chest thinking someone very close to her heart is leaving her all alone again.

But then she thought all the things happening around is for good. She heaved a sigh and replied to it.

"Thank you for understanding me. But I will always remember you as my secret admirer. I didn't have any idea that I will be having an admirer. Anyway, thank you for being one, and let's stop all this. You enjoy your life and I am sure you will find your love once again very soon. Please forgive me. Thank you for the cute nickname you have given me though. I love it. Bye."

She sent the message without thinking and cuddled her Ritchie to fall asleep.

Shravas soon read the message when he heard the ping. He felt disappointed but still didn't leave his hope.

'someday I will make you mine. I will make you fall in love with me. That day, I am not going to leave you ever. I belong to you and you to me only. I love you so much that I will never do anything to lose you. Lasya, you are my life.' he thought and covered his face with the duvet.

Lasya also felt bad for sending such a negative message but she thought he needed to stop this falling thing.

Cause she is not that lucky enough to get someone who can love her this soon without facing each other even for once. She silently prays to God wishing her admirer to get someone very special soon who shall love him to the moon and back.

Both of them thought about each other and went to sleep to welcome a new day tomorrow.

---

Thank you guys,

Come back with an update soon.