The sun was beginning its descent, casting long shadows across the school grounds. Mahi, wide-eyed with wonder, trailed behind Dhruv as they explored the expansive campus. The school, with its red brick buildings and sprawling lawns, was a stark contrast to the small, cozy world she'd left behind.

"This is the library," Dhruv announced, pointing to a grand building with towering shelves visible through the glass panes. "It's where you'll find all the books you need."

Mahi nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She loved books.

"And this," Dhruv continued, gesturing towards a large, open space, "is the playground. It's where you can play basketball, cricket, or just hang out with friends."

As they walked, Mahi noticed Dhruv's easygoing demeanor. He was tall and lanky, with a friendly smile that made her feel comfortable.

"Don't worry, Mahi," Dhruv said, catching her gaze. "You'll make friends in no time. Everyone here is nice."

A warmth spread through Mahi's chest. She felt a strange comfort in his presence, as if she'd known him forever.

"Thank you, Dhruv," she replied softly. "You've been really helpful."

Dhruv grinned. "It's my job as head boy, after all. Besides, I think we're going to be good friends."

As the last rays of sunlight painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, Mahi looked at Dhruv with a newfound admiration. She knew she had found a friend for life.

-----

The room was a whirlwind of clothes, cricket gear, and half-packed bags. Dhruv, surrounded by chaos, looked more amused than stressed. Mahi, ever the organizer, was in her element.

"Dhruv, you've packed five pairs of white trousers. Do you really need that many?" Mahi asked, raising an eyebrow.

Dhruv grinned sheepishly, "You never know, Mahi. What if I get a stain on one? Or two? Or three?"

Mahi rolled her eyes fondly. "You'll be fine with two. Trust me."

As she folded his last shirt, she paused, her eyes softening. "You're really going, huh?"

Dhruv nodded, a hint of nervousness creeping into his voice. "Yeah, I am. But I'll be back before you know it."

Mahi gave him a reassuring smile. "I know you will. And you're going to rock it out there. Remember, you're the best cricketer I know."

Dhruv's face lit up. "Thanks, Mahi. You're the best friend anyone could ask for."

There was a moment of silence, broken only by the ticking of the clock. Mahi took a deep breath. "Just promise me you'll call me every day, no matter what. And don't forget to eat properly."

Dhruv chuckled. "Mom, is that you?"

Mahi playfully smacked his arm. "Very funny. I'm serious."

As the last bag was zipped up, a comfortable silence settled between them. Mahi looked at her friend, a mix of pride and sadness in her eyes.

"You're going to do amazing things, Dhruv," she said softly. "I can feel it."

Dhruv squeezed her hand. "Thanks, Mahi. I'll make you proud."

With one last hug, Dhruv picked up his bags. As he turned to leave, he paused and turned back.

"Hey Mahi," he said, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Don't eat all the chocolates while I'm gone."

Mahi laughed. "Deal."

As the door closed behind him, Mahi leaned against the wall, a bittersweet smile on her face. She knew that this was just the beginning of their adventures, and she couldn't wait to see where life would take them next.

------

The soft jazz music filled the cozy restaurant, creating a warm ambiance. Mahi and Dhruv sat across from each other, their eyes sparkling with shared laughter. It had been a year since their last big goodbye, and their friendship had only grown stronger.

"So, Mr. Rising Cricket Star," Mahi teased, taking a sip of her coffee, "tell me, how's the IPL dream shaping up?"

Dhruv grinned, a touch of nervousness in his eyes. "It's looking good, Mahi. The trials are next month. I'm giving it my all."

Mahi squeezed his hand. "I know you will. You've worked so hard for this."

They fell into a comfortable silence, the only sound the clinking of cutlery. Mahi looked at Dhruv with a sense of pride. He had matured into a handsome young man, his determination and passion for cricket shining through.

"And you, my bookworm turned entrepreneur," Dhruv said, his voice filled with admiration, "how's the bookstore-cafe combo doing?"

Mahi's eyes lit up. "It's better than I ever imagined, Dhruv. The cafe is a hit, and people are loving the book corner. It's like my little world, and I love it."

Dhruv smiled. "I'm so happy for you, Mahi. You deserve all the success."

Their gazes met, and for a moment, the world seemed to fade away. It was just them, their shared history, and the promise of a bright future. Mahi realized how lucky she was to have found a friend like Dhruv, someone who had been there for her through thick and thin.

As they finished their dinner, they walked out into the cool night air. The city lights twinkled like stars, casting a magical glow on their faces.

"Remember when we used to dream about our future?" Mahi asked, her voice soft.

Dhruv smiled. "How could I forget? And look at us now."

They stood in silence for a moment, the weight of their shared journey hanging in the air. Then, Dhruv turned to Mahi, his eyes filled with warmth.

"Thanks for being my constant, Mahi," he said. "You're the best thing that happened to me."

Mahi's heart swelled with happiness. "And you're mine, Dhruv," she replied, her voice filled with sincerity.

As they walked away, hand in hand, they knew that their bond was unbreakable, a testament to the power of friendship.

-----

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods filled the air as Dhruv stepped into Mahi’s cafe. He looked around, his eyes scanning the bustling space. There she was, behind the counter, her laughter mingling with the clinking of cups.

“Mahi!” he called out, his voice carrying over the noise.

Mahi turned, her face lighting up at the sight of him. “Dhruv! You’re here!”

He walked over, his eyes taking in her appearance. She looked effortlessly beautiful, her hair tied in a messy bun, and her apron adding a touch of charm.

“You look amazing,” he said, a grin spreading across his face.

Mahi blushed. “Stop it,” she replied, trying to hide her smile.

They found a quiet corner and sat down. Dhruv couldn’t contain his excitement. “You won’t believe what happened at the stadium yesterday, Mahi! There were so many girls screaming my name. It was crazy!”

Mahi forced a smile. “That’s great, Dhruv. I’m happy for you.”

But inside, she felt a strange pang of something she couldn’t quite identify. It was as if a tiny, green monster was stirring within her.

Dhruv continued, oblivious to Mahi’s discomfort. “And then, this one girl, she was so pretty, she was practically drooling over me. I mean, I’m flattered, but it’s a bit overwhelming.”

Mahi’s smile faded. She was starting to feel irritated. “Dhruv, can we talk about this later? I’m really busy right now.”

The cafe was starting to fill up, and Mahi was juggling orders. She needed to focus.

Dhruv nodded understandingly. “Of course, Mahi. I’ll call you later. You take care of your customers.”

As he walked out, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off with Mahi. But he decided to let it go for now, promising himself to talk to her about it later.

Mahi stood behind the counter, her heart pounding. What was happening to her? Why was she feeling this way? She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. She had to focus on her customers.

-----

The airport was a bustling hub of activity, a symphony of announcements and the rolling of luggage. Amidst the chaos, Mahi stood out, her eyes scanning the crowd for a familiar face. There he was, Dhruv, surrounded by his teammates, his luggage piled high.

As she approached, she was introduced to Washington Sundar, a tall and lanky cricketer with a warm smile. There was an instant camaraderie between the three of them, a comfortable silence punctuated by easy laughter.

"It's going to be a long journey," Mahi said, her voice tinged with worry.

Dhruv squeezed her hand. "Don't worry, Mahi. I'll be back before you know it."

Washington chimed in, "Don't worry, we'll take good care of him."

They shared a few more moments of conversation, the weight of farewell beginning to settle. Finally, it was time for Mahi to leave. She hugged Dhruv tightly, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

"Take care," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

Dhruv nodded, his eyes holding hers. "I will."

With a final wave, Mahi turned and walked away, her heart heavy. As she disappeared into the crowd, Washington turned to Dhruv.

"She's really sweet," he commented. "You're lucky to have her."

Dhruv nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. "She is."

There was a brief pause. Then, Washington, with a casual smile, asked, "Can I have her number? I think she's really cool."

Dhruv hesitated for a moment, a surge of protective instinct running through him. But then he remembered Mahi's independent spirit and relaxed.

"Sure," he replied, pulling out his phone. As he typed in Mahi's number, he couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted.

-----

The stadium was a cauldron of noise, a sea of color and anticipation. Amidst the frenzy, Mahi sat in the stands, her heart pounding. She was wearing a Sunrisers Hyderabad jersey, a bold statement of support for her boyfriend, Washington.

Dhruv spotted her instantly, his blood running cold. There she was, cheering for his opponent, her laughter mingling with the chants of the crowd. A surge of possessiveness and anger coursed through him.

Washington was bowling, and Dhruv was at the crease. The stage was set for a dramatic showdown. As Washington ran in, his eyes met Mahi's, a silent challenge passing between them.

Dhruv took his stance, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. He focused on the ball, channeling his anger and frustration into his swing. The first ball was a six, a powerful shot that landed in the crowd. The second, another six, this time clearing the stadium. The third and fourth balls followed suit, the crowd erupting in disbelief.

With two balls to go, the stadium was electric. Mahi's jaw dropped in astonishment. Washington looked stunned. Dhruv hit the fifth ball for a boundary, a disdainful glance at Mahi as he ran for the second. The final ball was a dot, a calculated move to assert his dominance.

As Dhruv walked back to the dugout, he met Mahi's gaze. She was speechless, her eyes wide with a mix of shock and admiration. Dhruv smirked, a triumphant glint in his eyes. He had made his point. Mahi was his.

-----

Mahi was still processing the events of the match. She couldn't shake the feeling that Dhruv's behavior had been more personal than competitive.

"That was uncalled for, Dhruv," she began, her voice low. "It wasn't about the game, was it?"

Dhruv leaned back, his arms crossed. "What do you mean?"

"It looked personal," Mahi insisted. "Like you were trying to prove a point."

Dhruv's eyes narrowed. "What's wrong with you, Mahi?"

Mahi was taken aback. "What's wrong with me? What's wrong with you, acting like a child on the field?"

"You've completely ignored me for months because you started dating Washington," Dhruv countered, his voice rising slightly. "You forgot I was your friend."

Mahi felt a pang of guilt. She hadn't realized how much she had drifted away from Dhruv. "I'm sorry, Dhruv. Things have been crazy with Washington and the cafe."

"You're his girlfriend now," Dhruv said bitterly.

Mahi was taken aback by his words. "Don't be ridiculous. You've had your fair share of flings."

Dhruv shook his head. "Never. I've flirted, sure, but never dated anyone seriously."

Mahi was surprised. She had always assumed he was the ultimate ladies' man.

"So?" she challenged.

"So, tell me the last time we went out for our monthly dinner updates," Dhruv said, his voice steady.

Mahi was silent. She couldn't remember the last time they had done that.

"See?" Dhruv said, his voice filled with disappointment. "You've changed since you started dating."

Mahi felt a lump in her throat. She knew he was right.

"You're the one who gave him my number," she said defensively.

Dhruv stared at her for a long moment, his eyes scanning her face. Then, without another word, he turned and walked away.

Mahi was left alone, the weight of her actions heavy on her heart. She realized that she had taken Dhruv's friendship for granted, and now, it might be too late to repair the damage.

-----

The soft Indie music seemed to mock the heavy atmosphere in the cafe. Mahi and Washington sat across from each other, the once vibrant energy between them now replaced by an uncomfortable silence.

“Mahi, we need to talk,” Washington began, his voice laced with uncertainty.

Mahi’s heart sank. She knew what was coming.

“I think we should break up,” he continued, his eyes avoiding hers.

A wave of sadness washed over Mahi. She tried to form words, but none came out.

“I know this is sudden, and I’m truly sorry for hurting you,” Washington said, his voice softening. “But I’ve been thinking a lot lately, and I don’t see a future with us.”

Mahi nodded, her throat tight.

“To be honest, Mahi, do you see yourself with me in the future?” he asked, his voice gentle.

The question hung in the air, heavy and loaded. Mahi hesitated. She had always thought of Dhruv as a friend, a constant in her life. But now, as she sat across from Washington, the realization hit her like a ton of bricks. She had always seen a future with Dhruv, not just as a friend, but as something more.

A tear escaped her eye, rolling down her cheek. Washington reached out, his thumb gently wiping away the tear.

“I think I know the answer,” he said softly. “Say hi to him for me. He loves you too.”

With that, Washington stood up and walked towards the door. Mahi watched him leave, her heart heavy with a mix of sadness and newfound clarity. She knew she had to find a way to tell Dhruv how she felt.

As the door closed behind Washington, Mahi was left alone with her thoughts. She looked around the cafe, her once beloved sanctuary feeling empty and cold. It was time to face the truth, to confront her feelings, and to find a way back to Dhruv.

-----

The soft glow of the streetlights cast long shadows as Mahi approached Dhruv's house. Her heart pounded in her chest. It had been too long since they had spoken, and she was filled with a mix of anticipation and dread.

She rang the doorbell, her hand trembling slightly. A few moments later, the door opened, revealing Dhruv, looking surprised but welcoming.

"Mahi?" he said, his voice filled with genuine surprise.

"Hi," she replied, her voice barely a whisper.

Dhruv stepped aside, inviting her in. They stood in the hallway, an awkward silence hanging between them.

"I'm sorry for being absent these past few months," Mahi began, her voice filled with regret. "I know I should have reached out sooner."

Dhruv studied her face for a long moment before responding. "It's okay, Mahi. I understand."

They moved to the living room, the atmosphere slowly becoming more relaxed. They talked about everything and nothing, their conversation flowing easily. As the night wore on, Mahi found herself opening up to Dhruv, sharing her thoughts and feelings with a vulnerability she hadn't experienced in a long time.

Eventually, the conversation turned to Washington. Mahi took a deep breath. "We broke up," she said quietly.

Dhruv's expression softened. "I'm sorry to hear that, Mahi. Are you okay?"

Mahi nodded, although the truth was, she felt a mix of emotions. She was sad about the breakup, but at the same time, a sense of relief washed over her.

They spent the rest of the night talking, their conversation deepening as the hours passed. As the first rays of dawn began to peek through the curtains, Mahi realized she had fallen asleep on Dhruv's couch.

She woke up to the smell of coffee and the gentle sound of rain against the window. Dhruv was sitting on the floor, a book in his hands. He looked up as she stirred.

"Morning," he said, a gentle smile on his face.

Mahi smiled back, feeling a sense of peace she hadn't experienced in a long time. As she looked at Dhruv, she realized her feelings for him had grown deeper during their absence. She was falling in love with him all over again.

But for now, she decided to savor this moment, this newfound connection with her best friend. She would tell him how she felt when the time was right.

------

The soft music filled the air, creating a cozy atmosphere in Mahi’s cafe. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow on the wooden tables and shelves lined with books. Mahi was busy behind the counter, wiping down the counter when her eyes landed on Dhruv.

He was sitting in a corner, engrossed in a book. But this wasn't any ordinary book. It was a classic, dusty novel he had pulled from one of the shelves. With dramatic flair, Dhruv began to read aloud, his voice echoing through the quiet cafe.

"‘It was a dark and stormy night…’” he began, his voice deep and dramatic. He paused for dramatic effect, his eyes wide with exaggerated fear.

Mahi couldn't help but smile. Dhruv had a knack for turning the mundane into something extraordinary. As he continued his dramatic reading, she found herself captivated by his infectious enthusiasm.

She watched him, her heart pounding in her chest. Every quirk, every smile, every gesture, made her fall deeper in love with him. Yet, the words remained trapped in her throat. How could she possibly confess her feelings without ruining their perfect friendship?

Dhruv finished his dramatic reading with a flourish, a triumphant grin spreading across his face. He looked at Mahi, expecting her to laugh. When he saw the soft, dreamy look in her eyes, his expression softened.

For a moment, their eyes locked, and Dhruv felt a strange connection. It was as if they were the only two people in the world. But then, the spell was broken as a customer approached the counter.

Mahi turned to attend to the customer, her heart still racing. As she interacted with the customer, she stole glances at Dhruv, her love for him growing stronger with each passing moment.

She knew she couldn't wait much longer. It was time to take a leap of faith and tell him how she felt. But the question remained: how and when?

-----

The school auditorium was abuzz with excitement. It was their alma mater, the place where their paths had first intertwined. Mahi and Dhruv, now successful in their respective fields, were invited as chief guests.

As they walked off the stage, a wave of nostalgia washed over them. The familiar corridors, the scent of old books, it all brought back a flood of memories.

“Remember when we first met here?” Mahi asked, her voice soft.

Dhruv smiled, his eyes scanning the corridor. “How could I forget? You were the new kid, looking lost.”

They both laughed, the shared memory bringing a warmth to their hearts. They walked side by side, their footsteps echoing in the empty corridor.

A sudden surge of courage propelled Mahi forward. She stopped, facing Dhruv. Her heart pounded in her chest.

“Dhruv, there’s something I need to tell you,” she began, her voice trembling slightly.

Dhruv’s expression turned serious. He waited for her to continue.

“I... I love you,” she blurted out, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Dhruv was taken aback. His eyes widened in surprise. He didn’t know what to say.

Mahi, misinterpreting his silence, panicked. “Oh god, I ruined everything. I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything. Our friendship is more important to me. I’m such an idiot.”

Before she could continue her self-deprecating rant, Dhruv silenced her with a kiss. It was a swift, passionate kiss that caught Mahi completely off guard. Her eyes widened in shock.

When he pulled away, he looked at her, his eyes filled with intensity. “I love you too,” he said, his voice low and husky. “Now, kiss me back.”

Mahi, still reeling from the surprise, slowly leaned in, her lips meeting in a tentative kiss. As the kiss deepened, a wave of relief and happiness washed over her. In that moment, nothing else mattered.

-----

The stadium was a cauldron of noise, a sea of Indian flags waving triumphantly. India had just clinched the World Cup, and Dhruv was the star of the match. As he stood amidst the chaos, a microphone in front of him, the world seemed to fade away.

Then, he felt a pair of tiny hands wrapped around his legs. Looking down, he saw his three-year-old daughter, Vani, her eyes sparkling with pride. He scooped her up, kissing her soft cheek. The crowd erupted in cheers, capturing the magical moment.

The interviewer, sensing the heartwarming scene, stepped back, giving the father-daughter moment its privacy.

Mahi, watching from afar, smiled. Her heart swelled with love as she saw her two worlds collide in perfect harmony.

"A hug for your old girl?" she asked, her voice filled with affection.

Dhruv turned to her, a tender smile playing on his lips. "You will always be my favorite girl," he replied, pulling her into a warm embrace. Vani, giggling, reached out for Mahi.

As they stood there, their arms wrapped around each other, with Vani nestled between them, they felt a sense of completeness. The world outside faded into insignificance. All that mattered was the love they shared, a love that had grown and deepened over the years.

With a gentle kiss on Vani's head, they sealed the moment, a perfect ending to a beautiful love story.

*****
For the gorgeous Lisa_2893