'Would you please are we climbing the Gilbert Hill?' Hardik asked as I lead him to the best place the city had shown me.

'Stop asking and just follow me.' I said enthusiastically as the fresh air hit me. Everything seemed so green and coupled with the breezy weather, it fekt so amazing!

'As you say....' Hardik obeyed. 'But, guess you should stop here...

I got to the edge of the cliff, the place where me and Kavya set on the first day.

I smiled. 'You know, it seems like yesterday that me and Kavya came to this place for the first time and I immediately fell in love with the ambience. In fact, I visited it alone the morning I left for the hospital after a fight with Rahul. It seems like the place takes all my stress away, it's like the place is here to show how beautiful the world is and why we should value everything we have in our lives.' I said enthusiastically....moving my eyes around and exploring the beauty of the place. But, then my eyes fell on Hardik, who was looking at me with a frozen expression.

'What?' I asked, confused.

He smiled softly and shook his head. 'Nothing. It's just that I've never seen you this happy before...' he said.

Huh? I frowned.

'Well, that's the magic of the place, I guess...' I giggled and took a seat at the edge. 'If you don't have Kavya syndrome, you may actually try sitting here. The view is amazing!' I offered Hardik.

I'm sure the therapy of this place would relieve him of his stress too...if he feels it rightly.

'Well...' I felt Hardik occupy the space beside me. 'What is this Kavya syndrome you're talking about?'

I smirked looking at him. 'Nothing much...but, I guess you don't have it.' I said pointing out the fact that he actually sat there without fear.

Hardik frowned for a while and then looked away.

My eyes explored the beautiful green-laced houses beneath. There's a belt of hilly flowers too. The intoxicating smell reached me and seemed to rejuvenate my entire system.

'You know, Hardik, sometimes I really want to escape from the hullabaloo of the crowded city and settle somewhere here...No phones, no network..in the nature's lap, may be built a cottage...' I smiled imagining.

'...you mean, a bamboo cottage?' Hardik asked, quite interested.

'Yes. That'd be great. I'd love to feel how it feels when the chilly winter winds trespass the bamboo walls, or may be how the rain drops hit the roof...'

'...and what about, food? You won't have the option of Uber eats or Zomato...remember?'

'Who needs those?' I said rather annoyed. 'You see that tree, there's a natural orchard behind that. Besides, I'm sure, there'd be carrots, beans and peas at least. May be, I'll make an old school oven and set them to boil or bake. That'll be so much fun..!'

'Wow! Healthy and exotic food! That'll work for me. Not a bad idea!' Hardik scoffed. And the best part is we would away from all responsibilities that te society imposes on us and the duties the society expects from us.' Hardik added.

'True.' I sighed, feeling the statement. 'You know, when I settle here..I'll make sure...nobody knows about it or else, you know my family...!' I said rather hopelessly.

'...yeah, you're brother would be speaking straight to the President in two hours.' Hardik said sarcastically.

I looked at him offended. 'You know, I would have just pushed you off the cliff but then, I realized you are right..' I chuckled. 'Rahul is crazy, sometimes.'

'Sometimes would be an understatement, Tweety!' Hardik argued. 'By the way, are you gonna bring Durjoy Datta here too?' he chuckled.

'Is that even a question? Of course, I will. My books are definitely going to be there.' I said in amusement. And yeah, my ludo board too.'

'Thank God!' Hardik sighed. 'Now, at least, I know how we are gonna spend some time. Or else...'

'What did you just say?' I asked, not quite understanding his arrangement of words.

Hardik stopped and it seemed he froze for a second, almost forgetting what he was speaking about.

'What?' he asked.

'You just said you now know how we are gonna spend some time. We as in plural!' I emphasized. 'Listen, I'm not gonna allow you or anyone else to visit me in here. It's my escape from the buzz, remember?' I clarified.

'Visit..uh..oh!..Hardik scoffed scratched the back of his neck. 'My bad!' he said.

'Hmm...also, don't tell Rahul about my plans.' I said placing my childish demand bosssily.

Hardik chuckled. 'As you say, Tweety...Talking about Rahul...he must've lodged a missing diary at the local police station already. We must hurry..' He laughed.

I threw him a dirty look and punched his shoulder lightly. 'My brother is a little protective about me, Pandya. Nothing to make fun of.'

'A little? You're sure?' Hardik laughed. 'The guy seriously suspects an affair between you and Kavya, you can imagine how...'

'Urrghh...!' I threw him an angry glare. 'There's nothing like that. But, I agree. Let's go. Rahul must be bored alone.'

'Yeah...yeah...whatever...' Hardik said standing up and laughing.

I really felt like laughing on the 'Kavya affair' thing but I suppressed it. 'Let's go.' I scoffed standing up.

^^^^^

Hardik did feel a little better after all these. His worries were definitely not over but they felt a little lighter than before. Reaching home, Hardik had a little meal with Rahul and Eshaanvi, where the discussion mostly surrounded on how Eshaanvi should be more punctual about returning home and how she should not be tricked by bad company. Rahul, being the speaker of 80% of the conversation, barely let any argument against his views flourish. Hardik would often give Eshaanvi a teasing smile reminding her of the jokes he earlier made on Rahul's protectiveness with Eshaanvi only rolling her eyes at him.

Hardik laid on the bed, thinking of the incidents that took place in his life in the last 24 hours. It was so dramatic! His career! His life! His sustenance! Everything seemed to take a new direction from here.

IPL was beginning in three days and he has to join the MI team day after tomorrow.

As he introspected and planned on the upcoming moments of his life, his phone rang.

It was Natasha. What does she want now?
Much against his own will, Hardik received the call.

H: Hello!
N: Hello, Harry! Where are you right now? (in a demanding tone)

H: (surprised by the tone) Uh...I'm home. I mean, at Rahul's place.

N: Oh! And where were you around noon? I thought, you said you needed some lone time today but, my feed just blasted with news of you getting tangled in a road accident and yeah...the video showed a girl with you too. (annoyed at the last part)

H: (sitting up suddenly) What? Who recorded that? Ugh! The fucking people! Such a...(talking more with himself)

N: Oh! So, the footage is from today. Yiu did go out, eh? And, when I said, I wanted to go out shopping today, you said you wanted to rest. Wow! (mad on Hardik)

H: Wait! Nattie, first of all, I didn't go out today for no reason. It was an urgency and a kid just ran before my car while I was returning. I can't believe the guys recorded...

N: Are you deviating from the point. Harry, are you ignoring me? You must be happy that I couldn't go out with you last night, right? You sure had some fun with Julie..

H: Nattie, why are you acting this way? I thought we cleared what we want from this relationship and that was mutual freedom. Why are you acting like...

N: Because I can't take this anymore, Harry. I'm not like any of those other girls you spend time with. I have a reputation and my ex Ali, too, is keen on getting back with me. I just can't stand this mutual freedom shit anymore. (being stubborn)

H: Nattie, you are overreacting. Listen, we can talk about all this in person, when you cool down. Right now, I've got many things to get off my chest.

N: Like...hanging out with new chicks? Harry, I allowed you to mess with other girl only because I knew 'what is mine would remain mine' but, you are taking advantage of my trust. You know, I'm not Ellie. If you even think of cheating, I'll just come out in the media and create a fucking scene.

H: (in frustration) You're drunk, Nattie? Because you aren't making any sense. You are my top priority and I have cleared this to you time and again. I can't believe why you feel so insecure. Julie was there with me and I won't lie that it was all pure between us last night. But, you knew that'd be a one time thing, like the other girls I told you about. We agreed that both of us have needs and we can't just wait for each other every other while.

N: Fine! I understand that but guess, we need to make some changes to the rules. I'm becoming too possessive about you, Hardik (pining).
Also, who is this new girl in your car? I thought you told me about all your flings!

H: Ugh! Nattie...for God's sake, she's Eshaanvi! Rahul's sister. And she rode with me only because there was an urgency!

N: Rahul's sister?

H: Yeah...I'll tell you everything when we meet. Now, please...cool down and let me have some rest. It has been a herculean day!

N: (thinking it deep) Okay, I'll hear. But, promise me we'll go out tomorrow. I want to meet you before you start for the IPL.

H: (sighing) Okay...shall do.

N: Yayyy (chuckling) I love you, Harry! Can't wait for tomorrow.

H: Me too (almost dozing off) ..See ya

N: (smiles) Okay...bye.

H: Bye, babe.

Hardik switched off his phone in despair. He definitely needs some rest because tomorrow's gonna be a long day.

^^^^^

I kept looking at the name on the phone.

Shreyas Iyer, it was. And he requested to follow me!

Am I dreaming?Am I hallucinating?

Wait! Why am I acting like a school girl?

Trying to calm my racing heart, I ran my fingers on his profile pic.

Confirm, I selected.

A strange hot wave ran over my body. I knew there was least chances of him ever trying to reach out to me or even like one of those sorry face pic I post in every three months. But, a small hope scratched through my pessimistic self. What if? No way!

'Esh..!' Rahul's sudden voice made me go back to my home screen in a strange, irrational fear.

I still didn't forget how Rahul treated Kavya this morning. His words hurt her so much!

'What?' I asked, still my back turned at him.

There came no response but then, I felt the bed press further as someone set behind me.

'Still mad at me?' Rahul asked in an apologetic tone.

'Shouldn't I be?' I said turning my head towards him, with a serious look.

Rahul's face was filled with sadness.

'Esh, I'm sorry. I know what I did this morning hurt you and let you down in front of your friend but you know, what the girl caused us yesterday. She's such a bad news!' he tried to explain.

'And what did she cause you ever? Anna, she barely speaks with you and girls like her would never intend hurt someone, if they ever fail to help.' I explained.

Rahul looked at me blank for a while.

'Fine.' I sighed. 'I'll never say anything about her again. I only wish you to be happy, dear.' Rahul cupped the side of my face affectionately.

I knew my brother's concern was genuine.

'I know...' I said looking down. 'It's just that..'

'Hey! Aren't you supposed to join the Mumbai Indians day after tomorrow? Did you actually forget that?' Rahul suddenly reminded.

'I remember.' I said sighing in frustration. 'Really have no clue about how am I gonna manage the physical  conditioning of the entire team.' I confessed.

Rahul smiled. 'And don't you hold the record of examining 86 patiebts in a day?' he reminded me of a health campaign at Mangaluru an year ago. This would be much easier, Esh and I know you can do this. Besides, you have Hardik, Krunal, SKY and Ishan who are always going to be there for you. I'll also talk to Rohit Bhai tonight.' he said.

I chuckled at him. 'Jeez! You're acting like I'm going out on a school picnic for the first time. 'Yeah, I'm a little nervous. But, you don't have to bother anyone about this. I'll be fine.' I assured.

Rahul smiled. 'Guess so but you'd know if you were at my place. By the way, don't you need to get things before you start? When are you gonna go shopping?' he asked.

Wow! My brother seems such a family man, these days.

'Oh..well..tomorrow, I guess.' I said without much thinking.

'Hmm...cool, then. I'll tell Athiya to help you out to know the best hubs in Mumbai. I'll join you all too but I've got a meet with the Punjab franchise at around 5.' He said.

I was about to tell him that Kavya already introduced me with places but to save the moment and the enthusiasm in the face of my brother, I didn't.

'What? Really? Athiya's gonna be there?' I spoke out my real excitement. Finally, I was going to spend some time with my brother's new girlfriend.

'Yeah. I already spoke to her. She said she'd be happy to help you out.' Rahul said smiling slyly.

'That's great! We are gonna have so much fun then...' I said almost jumping on the bed in excitement.

Tomorrow's gonna be one long day.

^^^^^