Maya

I am feeling all kinds of emotions right now.

I rushed down to find answers to all my questions but when I saw his sad eyes, my mind went blank.

" Are you... okay?" He asked with eyes that had a lot in them. Sadness, despair, discomfort. I was confused as to why he would ask that. As a result, I just nodded.

" I am… fine and you?" In response, he just hugged me after observing my face.

I was caught off guard by his sudden gesture yet I stood still when he whispered, " I am sorry."

His sad voice knocked on my soul and I had the urge to hug him back, to console him even though I was confused at everything he was saying.

I wrap my arms around him and pat his back. He must have gone through a lot. I remember him running away from the room, his tearful eyes glancing at me before blending into the crowd.

" I will be moving out of my house." I pulled away in a jerk with the words. I stared at his deep gaze to see his determination.

He can't be serious. I know how he wants to bind together his close ones and his family then why this sudden decision?

" Ishaan, are you—?" I halted when I felt a chill on my spine. I became conscious of someone watching over me. What if someone is trying to click us together?

A second later, I pulled his hands and took him to the park where we had earlier met. " What happened Maya?"

" What happened to you? Why would you think of that? And where were you all these days? Ishaan, this is making me crazy. This shifting and all. What the heck is this?" My voice rose as I poured out my queries.

He sighed and made me sit on the bench. He sat next to me and said, " This is right. I have to leave that house. And after that day, I don't want to even look at my mother," he gritted his teeth, "On top of that, I feel so guilty about leaving you behind. You had to hear so many things." His face fell and I recalled that day when I was helplessly crying on the streets.

" I am sorry, Maya. You wanted to help me out but what did you get in return? Insults. I am mad at myself. Only if I didn't run away and stayed with you, then you wouldn't have suffered this much. This is my fault. Can you forgive me this once?" He asked with pleading eyes.

" I am not even worthy of saying sorry. I should've come back soon. I was being such a coward." He didn't look up.

I smiled sadly. " You are not at fault. I was being weak that day. Usually, I am not like that. You know, I am strong." I make a pout, attempting to divert the sentimental topic.

" But still you are a human. You have feelings too. Now, I can't live in that house. I already bought myself a flat," he said and my playful smile faded off. Of course, I felt hurt. I still remember his mother's piercing words but can I grieve over them all the time? No.

About him moving out, my heart still doesn't want him to break ties with his family. After all, she is his family. And for me, this family was breaking up.

" And I am not moving out because of that one incident only, there are many reasons so don't just think the wrong way." He gave me an assuring smile and I smiled back. I sensed his sorrow behind the smiling masked face.

" Ishaan, You never know the miracles of life. Tomorrow can get better and you may have your wish fulfilled."

" Hmm… I am a hopeful boy always," he said, winking his eyes, switching the serious mood to a playful one.

" You know I have to thank Ajay for staying with you that day. I heard he voiced his opinion that you are nothing like that and you are a much better girl. It was so unlike him to raise his voice but I am glad he did that." 

My eyes went wide with the news. I am least aware of this whole thing. So, he seriously pointed out that she was wrong about me. But why?

My brain cells died once again and I went into numb mode. " Thanks to Ajay, you are safe and sound now," he said. 

I looked down at my hands, thinking about that day when he held his umbrella over my head getting completely drenched in the rain. He stayed silent as I kept crying and never uttered about the incident again, much to my relief. He even kept my belongings safely and dropped me off safely home the next day.

"And, don't care about what people say about you. Keep confidence in yourself. You know what you are, that is enough." 

I blinked rapidly at a sudden voice, "Maya? Are you listening? Would you like some ice cream if you have forgiven me?" I nod and give a half-smile, my mind still roaming about the puzzle pieces about me and Ajay.

What is this feeling right now? Am I feeling touched?

" I knew it," he said, pulling me near his car. He took out a packet of two cone ice cream. " Take your butterscotch ice cream. You like them?"

" You remembered? Thanks," I said, opening the wrapper and licking the extra ice cream off it. We talked about a few things but I halted every time he mentioned Ajay which reminded me of how good he acted toward me.

He was always good even if he was rude in words. The broken camera incident, the 'I-got-vulnerable' day and even today, he wanted to help me with the dance. But on the other hand, I never considered his help. I always came free with trouble for him.

I was always a bad omen for him. Now, I want to change that. I want to be in his good books. I want to thank him for everything. But how?

" Bye, my future wife. Let's meet another time. It's late today. Thank you for today." By now I was used to his term for me. It's strange but still, it manages to touch my heart anyway.

Today, it felt different as if it made me uneasy but I shrugged off the bizarre feeling and waved him goodnight.

I walked up and halted near Ajay's gate. My face grinned with a smile as an idea popped into my head. If I want to be on good terms with him, I should peel off this enmity and become friends.

Movies and dramas always show this step as the first step. So, why not try this? I give a last glance at his door before entering my house.

Let's do this. This won't be difficult.

★★★

This is driving me crazy. Why is it so difficult to act nice towards him? Oh, I know, because he is always the Mr. Grumpy in front of me.

Eight days had already gone by with no progress. Every time I tried to be good, he would grimace and walk away.

Yesterday, I tried to invite him to dinner but he declared me sick and was on the way to take me to a psychiatrist. I wish to knock down the sense inside his big head.

Why the hell can't he get my good motives? That bastard. I am a good girl, for God's and Satan's sake!

I bit off my nails as I kept memorising the lines of the script. Tomorrow we will leave for Lucknow for the shooting.

All these days we have been playing along with the dating rumours. Not that we agreed but didn't even deny raising all kinds of assumptions and suspicions about us.

The hot topic headlines and the news channels are all featuring us. It feels like millions of eyes are just scanning me and that is surely… intimidating. Anyway, this media can truly work miracles for creating the hype for a movie.

But somehow he would always keep a distance from me and I don't know why. "Hey, you look worried. You should be excited!" Ayushi squealed and I rolled my eyes, pushing away the script.

" Oh come on, don't be so sluggish. You are already a celebrity. Just smile and dance. People are gushing over you both except a few of Ajay's fangirls. Jealous buddies."

This had been going on for many days now but I can't think of a change now. We need to play along.

" I am just worried about my shooting. How will I manage them? And this Ajay, he won't listen to anything." I frustratingly hit my pillow. My anger was boiling under my skin. I can't act rude when I want to be good and that is why I was being silent in front of him throwing tantrums.

" Hey, tell me honestly, you are having feelings for him, right?"

" Maybe," I muttered unconsciously and snapped my mouth shut, realizing my words. Shit, what am I saying?

I think I need a psychiatrist for real now.

" I mean better than enemies... like—What was that? friends. Yes." I quickly add the words and heave a sigh. I noticed the amused look on her face.

" Better than friends?" She sneakily asked.

" God, no! Be serious sometimes, Ayushi."

" Well fine. I will not pull your leg. But if you want to be friends with him, #1 Keep your originality. You were smiling too much and that is obviously creeping him out. He is not used to that so stop that. #2 Do something that he likes. #3 Control your anger. Okay?"

I pursed my lips and half-agreed to the points. "Well, where is Pranav? I have been calling him but he is not responding." I changed the topic, pressing on the call button a third time when it abruptly ended with the caller tune and the recorded message.

" Oh, he must be meeting his client. He said it is very important. He can even get late today." I looked at her frowning face and sensed something.

How is she so well aware of his schedule?

" Don't tell me you are having something with Pranav." I made a light joke but it instantly caught her mind and tongue, making her go stumbling for words. "N...No. It's not… t...that. Umm...I need...to complete some documents and submit them to our dragon boss….Good night." She quickly made her way into the washroom. I squinted my eyes at her suspicious attitude.

Why did she react that way?

I shrug and decide to ask her tomorrow. Is she hiding something from me? I plop down on the bed with several thoughts but still try to mug up the lines. Well, tomorrow is crucial.

 ★★★ 

" Done here. Remember to call me after you reach," Pranav said, picking up the suitcase. I nod as I hug my big brother. He smiled back and gave me a caring hug. " Quit if it is hard. Don't overdo it." I shook my head and smiled.

I turned to see Ayushi giving me her signature pout as she pulled me into a bone-crushing hug.

" Call me every day and—" she lowered her voice into a whisper," You need to update me on Ajay and you." I hit her playfully and said, "I will miss you."

" Me too."

" You ready?" I turn to the familiar voice to see Ajay standing in his shirt and overcoat. His dark orbs kind of affected me. 

He kept his indifferent face as I nodded at him. He smiled at Pranav and Ayushi but kept his long face only for me. I didn't want this type of premium treatment.

I rolled my eyes and pulled my suitcase when it stumbled upon my legs and he quickly held it before it could land on my feet. I avoided meeting his eyes as I heard him sigh, pulling my suitcase along with him.

I debated and tried to take it back but as our hands brushed, I moved back while he blinked and took away the luggage. 

I picked up the tiffin box with poha. I heard from Lina that he loves to eat poha a lot. I did not mention anything but strangely enough, the topic randomly came out and I, being an ex-reporter, didn't miss a chance to get a hold of the information. 

" Bhai, the keys to the flat. You can use this one," Ajay said, handing over a bunch of keys.

" Thank you. But you should think about the rent stuff at least." I stared at them confused at their talk.

" Never. You promised that you will not repeat that. You are like my own brother. Don't be so formal, okay?" He gave off his charming kind smile as Pranav sighed, defeated.

Pranav noticed my confusion and explained how he would shift into the next house to give the right space to Ayushi for it can make her uncomfortable to live alone with a guy. He was also making the last arrangements to shift in his newly rented flat. He had already paid his advance rent and will soon shift there.

I smiled and nodded as I realized his gentleman-like motives as always.

Ayushi and Pranav looked at each other. They didn't speak anything but their eyes said it all.

I understood that something as definitely going on between them but I decided to wait for the time being and didn't say anything.

" Maya, let's go," Ajay said when I hugged them for the last time.

This is where a new journey in my life starts— the film shoot. I just hope everything sails smoothly and I can win a badge of being his good friend if not best.

~•~

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