I thought I was scared when against Malini. Truth was, I was scared now. There seemed to be a strange fire in his eyes, daring me to pick one, but knowing that either way I would lose. I did not understand his hostile glance, for I should be the one mad at him for avoiding my question earlier.

I knew better than to pick truth and answer one of his questions. Who knows what he would ask? I didn't want to risk that. Even though I knew dare would be a problem as well, I picked it. "Dare."

Instead of leaning back on his elbow, he sat up at my choice, smirking. "I'll have to give it to you, didn't think you'd pick dare."

"Just tell me what you want me to do." I grumbled, wanting to get this over with as soon as possible.

"Rehan's closet for 10 minutes."

"Dude, it's a mess in there." Rehan pointed out.

Armaan didn't blink his eyes away from me, forcing me to get up. He wasn't changing his dare. He knew I was afraid of the dark. But, I wasn't backing off his challenge. I asked Rehaan, "Which way is your room?"

"Walk down the hallway. You'll know." He answered, looking embarrassed that perhaps I was going to find out how messy he kept his room.

Just as I started to walk, Angad piped in, "Wait, Armaan, I think it's time you pay up on the dare you owe me."

His eyes turned to him, "Now? We can wait till hers is done."

Muskaan shook her head, joining hands with the devil, "Nope, this is the perfect time. You're going in there with her."

Armaan stiffened, "I don't think so." The guy was petrified of being locked in small spaces.

"I think so!" Muskaan gritted, and walked over to him, forcing Armaan to get up by pulling him up. "If you want me to forgive you for the first time we met, you are going to shut up and get in the fucking closet."

Armaan was pushed by her. "Language, Muski." He scolded her, but she only pushed him further. She made sure to walk us to the closet and then waited till we walked inside against our will. I heard the latch click, and I knew she had locked it from outside, making sure we'd stay in here for 10 minutes.

Inside, it was very dark. Armaan pulled out his phone and turned on the dim light it offered. "Here," He handed the phone to me.

A minute had passed by since we stood in silence. I gave up and finally sat down, pulling my legs to my chest, giving him room to sit as well. There better not be anything dirty on the floor, because otherwise, Rehaan was going to be in for a treat. Knowing there was no better option, he slid down next to me, pushing as some clothes that came under his foot. The closet wasn't big enough for both of us.

I asked seconds later. "You okay?" I had the phone light so I wasn't afraid of the dark as much. But he was still trapped in a tiny place, which meant his phobia was still there.

"Yeah..." He tried to sound convincing but terribly failed at it.

I decided to divert his attention. "By the way... you need to record that song for me."

He replied with a teasing smile on his face. "Love it that much, huh?"

"Hmm, maybe. I think I could fall asleep listening to it. You wouldn't have to talk me to sleep."

He nudged his shoulder with mine, commented, "You know I don't mind it at all. I honestly feel we've been closest the last few months than ever."

I knew just what he meant. Emotionally, it was taking a huge toll on me. We talked about all the random topics, sometimes dreaming of the future, or gushing about the arguments we've had in the past and how stupid they were. The daily conversations we had at night were perhaps more valuable than the rough one's we had growing up.

The way he was looking into my eyes were getting butterflies in my stomach. The fluttering made me blush and I looked away, moving the phone off our faces. I looked up when his fingers brushed against my hand. They slowly slipped down to my palm and took the phone from my grasp with his other hand. He purposefully aimed the light at me.

I laughed and pulled his hand down. "Stop it," I whispered. 

He was simply gazing at me for some reason. Even though the light wasn't aimed at my face any longer, we could still see each other. I looked up to face him when his fingers squeezed mines. 

"Here," he handed the cell back. His now free hand forwarded towards my face. He gently tucked my bangs behind my ear; in the process, also tracing his finger down to my cheek. As he touched, I trembled and held my breath in. "What are you doing to me?" He whispered.

I opened my eyes, startled at his sudden question. Did that mean what I think it meant? Our arms brushed and his hand was still lingering on my chin. 

I cleared my throat and looked away, breaking the eye lock and forcing him to look away as well. Till that second, he hadn't remembered where we were. Suddenly, it came back to him. "Oh god," he let out a fearful mutter.

I instantly looked at him. "Armaan...look at me." I cupped his face when he didn't and forced him to look at me. "Just two more minutes."

I nodded at him to encourage him. He had survived it this long. Thankfully, the closet still allowed fresh air to come in. Else, eight minutes? I think we'd be gasping for air otherwise. I wiped the sweat beads from his forehead with the back of my hand. "Don't think about it..." I tried to tell him but the playful charm we had going before had already broken as soon as we had looked away.

He pleaded, "Distract me... please."

I didn't know what to do. Suddenly, I got the courage and leaned my face towards his. I pressed my lips on his cheek and stayed close a second longer before pulling back to look at him.

Yes, it did work. He was frozen and struck. When he asked me to distract him, he probably thought I would get him to talk about something. I almost did want to ask him about the question again, but it didn't seem to be the right moment. He was panicking. I didn't need to ask that question and disturb him further.

I didn't say anything or ask him if he was fine. Even if he wasn't speaking or moving at all, I took that as a good sign compared to when he was freaking out due to his fear. I held on to his hand and squeezed it. "Done," I replied with a smile. I let go of his hand and proceeded to turn the lights off when I noticed a mark on his cheek. With a flushed face, I forwarded my arm towards his cheek and wiped the gloss mark away using the inside of the long sleeves of the hoodie I was currently wearing.

He blinked when Muskaan opened the door. She looked at both of us, amused. "Wow, I underestimated you two." She replied as she forwarded her hand towards me. She helped me get back up and out.

After me, he followed, getting out of his trance. Muskaan started to walk out of the room. I was about to follow when Armaan grabbed my hand and tugged me back, "What was that?" he questioned in a dangerous tone, whispering in my ear as he leaned forward.

I tilted my head sideways just enough to see his face. "I could ask you the same question."

I didn't mean for it to seem as I was getting back at him for the kiss he had placed by my ear during the performance. But, when he asked the question, the statement just poured out before I had the time to think. Perhaps, because I didn't want to admit the real reason.

I tugged at my hand and left the room, all the while, my heart thudded in my chest. That was too close.

I might have kissed his cheek, but I had almost missed and kissed the corner of his lips. If he had moved even the slightest...

I didn't know whether to be disappointed, or scared.

===

Soon, the visiting hours ended but no one was ready to go home. Armaan finally managed to convince Garima and Khushi to go home with Padma. Riddhima informed her mother, "I'll come home with dad." Padma allowed that and left with Garima and Khushi.

Shashank looked up to see who was at his office door when there was a knock. "Riddhima?" He motioned for her to come in. "What are you still doing here?"

"I thought I'd wait and go home with you." Riddhima replied.

"Oh... I might be late. There are some important cases I need to look into."

Riddhima nodded. "Yeah, sure. No problem. It's okay, I'll just wait."

When he asked her if she was sure, she nodded and told him she didn't mind waiting. She went back towards Sashi's room. He was shifted from ICU to a private room. She walked in to see Armaan on the stool next to the bed once again holding Sashi's hand.

He asked, "I thought you were going home?"

"It's gonna take Dad some time."

Armaan nodded. The conversation ended. Riddhima went and sat down on the couch. There really wasn't anything to do when he wasn't up for talking. Minutes later, Armaan sighed, got up and went to sit next to her. "It's all just been a big mess." He finally said the obvious.

"I know," Riddhima sympathized. Then she said something she remembered him telling her once, "It'll a new day tomorrow."

A smile spread on his lips. He too remembered it was none other than him who had spoken those words to her once in an attempt to comfort her. "Yes... I hope it is."

"It will be. I know you hate change and all... but it's inevitable. It happens little by little, day-by-day. If you'll just open up your heart and try to accept it instead of fighting it, constantly wishing things would be different or they'd go back to the way it used to be, you'll only cause yourself more pain."

He looked at her, a bit surprised. He didn't know why. He had forgotten how comforting she made him feel. He could tell her anything and show his fears to her and she wouldn't judge him. She'd be there to help him through it. "I guess I can't argue with you on that." He admitted, for he recalled the times when he initially realized his feelings and he had tried to fight them in desperate attempts to keep their friendship as it was. They both were aware of the end results.

Perhaps, it was time to take different approach. "Oh, and I'm sorry. For not calling earlier. I didn't want to bother you when you had your finals going on."

She crossed her arms, "Yeah, about that. I'm right to call you idiot, you know that?"

"Excuse me?"

"What 'excuse me'? How stupid can you be? Your dad was in the hospital with a heart attack! You choose that moment to think about my exams? Armaan, they're exams! Schools always make exceptions for medical emergencies. That was not as important for me as it was to be there for you... for you and Khushi." She quickly added the later so he wouldn't read into it much. "Weren't you the one you claimed last time that we were friends and all? These are the kinds of things you tell your friends right away."

He groaned for he couldn't seem to be doing anything right these days. He did realize now that he should have called her. Ofcourse, she'd want to know right away when something this drastic had happened in his life. "We need to stop meeting in hospitals all the time."

She sighed, dropping her anger in a heartbeat. "I'll survive if I never have to see another hospital again."

He chuckled, "That'll be hard when we're studying to be doctors."

"Well, I mean seeing a loved one in a hospital bed."

"That can be arranged."

His cheekiness rubbed off on her as well and despite the tensed days, both of them found comfort in each other to smile. To relieve some stress and leave the rest of the problems for tomorrow.

Exhaling, he put his arm around her shoulder to nudge her a bit closer. "Thank you for coming, Basket."

She smiled, leaning back to catch his eyes. "How could I not?"

He had only said three words to her. I need you. And yet, the intensity of it was enough to fight her fear of flying, get in a plane, and come by his side.

"Yeah, I know it means a lot to Khushi." He said, trying to bait her in hopes that she will accept something. Earlier, he hadn't missed her attempt to quickly add Khushi's name and even go far as to reiterate their 'friendship' as a reason for coming.

Riddhima wasn't as naïve as she would have been a year ago. And so, she did see what she was trying to do. She had played it safe till now. Even though she recalled Abhi's words, she reached for his hand on her shoulder. "Armaan, we don't have to play these games, okay? You and Khushi are family for me, you already know that. But yes... Khushi and you do hold a place in my heart and her place is different than yours."

===

"What did you mean?"

I found myself at sitting by the pool. I turned around hearing Armaan's voice. I resumed moving my legs about in the warm water and he came up to sit next to me.

"Riddhima." He said my name, indicating he wanted an answer.

"If you recall, I asked you a question too. Not that you answered." I point out, staring at the ripples in the water.

"It's been a long day, basket. I am not in the mood for riddles."

I scoff. Riddles? He was the one playing that game.

"If anything, the things you do leave me confused. You write these songs for me. You give me stupid yet meaningful charms. You get worried when I skip school once, enough that you climb up the pipe of my balcony without considering how dangerous it is just to make sure I am okay. You wait for me to fall asleep every night. You got all weird about Angad. You can't ignore that we've been having these moments that I have no idea what to take as. The moment in the closet, the stunt you pulled in the classroom, and what was that during the performance? It was not a part of the choreography. So, Armaan, I should be the one asking you what it all means."

"What do you want me to say?" He questioned, making me want to punch him.

I say all this, and he has simply that question to ask instead of giving me a straight answer?! "I want you to tell me what it means, Armaan! What do you feel? We talk about everything, but never really about the two of us, what we think of each other."

"I don't know, basket. Does it have to mean anything? I look out for you because you're like my family, the only friend I share anything with and I'm protective about you. It's why I wasn't okay with you going out with Angad."

I shook my head, "Not good enough, Armaan."

He exclaimed, "Okay, maybe you're more than just a friend for me."

"Maybe?" I let out a hurt laugh, "You've had a lifetime to figure it out, Armaan, but you're still saying maybe?"

"As if you are telling me what I mean to you."

I get up to yell at him, "Armaan, are you really blind? Everyone can see it, including my own parents, but you can't?"

He took my hand and pulled me down, "See what?"

I shake my head, "Forget it, it's pointless trying to talk to you when you want to pretend as if all of this means nothing. You know, Armaan, you can flirt with all other girls and they may be okay with the things you do, but I'm not. Stop hugging me a second longer than normal. Stop touching me. Stop singing songs for me, and whatnot as if I am your girlfriend because I am not. Seeing that I'm only going to be around for 2-3 months anyway, it shouldn't be hard for you to do."

He stiffened at my comment, narrowing his eyes. "What are you talking about?"

"I got accepted to the university in Australia. I got the mail a couple days ago, but I was going to wait to tell you after our performance was over with."

"Wait, so you're going? Why? I thought you changed your mind about that?"

"No, Armaan. I just didn't talk about it with you." I answer. Mom was right. I made the decision to go because it is an opportunity for me and it'll open doors for my future. Getting away from Armaan? That just was an added bonus.

"And what? You think you'll be able to survive there? Everything and everyone you know is here! You think you'll be able to live without us?"

"Armaan, please grow up. I'm not a kid. Sure, I'll miss home now and then, but no one learnt to be an adult in the womb. I'll learn."

"What about me?"

"What about you?" I questioned back. "You'll go to MU like you've always wanted to. You live your dreams. I'll live mine."

He placed a gentle hand over my cheek, "You might learn to live without me, Riddhima, but I can't. You. Are. My dream."

His words hit the pit of my stomach. I fight the feelings and gulp, "You don't know what you are saying." I tell him, pulling away from his touch. I needed to think clearly and I couldn't do that if he was touching me. "You're just afraid of losing me."

"Aren't you?"

"No, I can't be afraid of losing you, Armaan, because you were never mine."

"You were never mine." I mumble, and whine in annoyance as I find myself being shaken. "Mmm." I complain, wanting the person to stop shaking me. They were ruining this. There were so many things yet left that I needed to tell Armaan.

"Basket, wake up."

My face scrunched. Why was I hearing Armaan's voice that close to me? I open my eyes and looked around to see I'm in my bed, not by the pool. Pool? Where did the pool even come from? I couldn't swim. I never went close to the pool because of fear of drowning.

That's when it dawns on me.

It was all a dream.

And in the dream, it was everything I was afraid of – the fear of drowning, the fear of rejection if Armaan didn't like me back, the fear of having this confrontation, the fear of not being able to breathe properly without him being around, the fear that he may no longer be my lifeline.

Armaan was leaning over me, his eyes concerned. "Are you okay?"

"Huh? Yeah?" I answer, not too sure as to what could have happened that he woke me up.

He forwarded his hand. With the pad of his thumb, he wiped my cheeks, "You kept turning in your sleep, mumbling something and crying."

My fingers touch my cheek, and I feel it wet – confirming his words. "Just a dream." I answer. "Sorry for waking you up."

"Do you want to talk about it?" He offers, still looking concerned.

"No, I'm fine. Go back to sleep." I suggest, dimming the lights once again. He looked reluctantly, but he leaned away and rested his head on the pillow.

"Do you want me to talk you to sleep again?" He asked, covering a yawn.

I shake my head, "No, it's okay."

I needed a few minutes in silence to clear my head. What the heck was that dream about? I recalled the earlier happenings of the night. After learning Khushi and Angad came home, we had left too. We dropped Muskaan home before walking over to my house. Given it was close to 10 at that time, we had went straight to bed.

This meant I never had the conversation with Armaan. Well... it may be more of a confrontation.

I could just feel pity for me. How could I think Armaan would actually say he couldn't live without me, or that I was his dream. Ofcourse it all had to be a dream. He seemed to be living under a rock. He had no idea about my feelings, even if I was an open book about it – impossible for me to mask.

The more I was around him, the harder it got. It was only making me more depressed. Sometimes, I really did want to just yell it at him, just what I thought about him.

Usually, my logical side would win out.

I inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly to relieve the anxiousness in the pit of my stomach. I felt Armaan shift closer and then his arm slipped around my waist. "Stop overthinking, basket. You'll get wrinkles on that pretty forehead of yours, and plus, it's one of your worst habits." He mumbled, his voice sleepy.

His warm breath falls on my nape. It caused me to stiffen and shiver all at once. He was hinting towards the dream I had, but if he knew exactly what the dream was, he wouldn't be telling me this.

How could I not overthink about it?

When I shivered, he rubbed my arm as if it was the cold night making me shiver. This boy really needed to grow some brain neurons and realize it wasn't the weather but him affecting me.

I forced my way to turn around and lay on my back so I wasn't flush against him. He allowed enough leeway for me to shift, but he made no effort of moving his arm away. He didn't get the hint, and if he did, he chose to not pay attention to it. It resulted in his hand resting on my stomach. It moved up and down along with my abdomen as I breathed.

"Armaan?" I called him, hoping he was awake enough so I could ask him to move his hand.

He didn't answer. Based on his rhythmic breath, he was fast asleep again. I blew out air through my mouth and closed my eyes hoping to get some shut-eye and forget about her fears of losing him if she confessed.

===

authors note:

guys... 2 more chapters! :o Okay, to be specific, 2 more, a bonus and an epilogue.... 

And with so close to ending, things are heating up..! Ridzi's fears of confession in the past haunting her dreams... but do you see her starting to confess in the present? ;) You will definitely love the next chapter then! And good thing: you won't have to wait too long to read it. I plan on posting it tomorrow !! 

Appreciate me through votes & comments ;) 

Next Chapter 24. Not an Option.