I always thought that Shraddha would be a very reserved, mind-your-own-fucking-business person but she's actually fun after getting comfortable with someone! We talked a lot on our way back. We also share many similar interests like listening to old songs on a radio, cooking and fandoms like 'The Office'.

Unexpected friendships are the best!

She also narrated many incidents from their college days and I realised that our college days have become old memories for all of us~ like an ancient era.

And these incidents just proved how everyone has changed. Nothing is permanent, after all.

Everything changes, and that fact is scary.

As I pondered over why does everything change, I heard a voice trying to drag me out of the thoughts and bring me back to the world. But, I couldn't. Today's topic touched my greatest fear- change.

The incidents clearly painted me a picture of what Varun, Kiara and Shraddha's college days were like. The bond the trio shared felt so deep and pure. Unbreakable. But now, it feels brittle.

Especially, Varun and Shraddha. That relation changed drastically.

Would I and Kiara become the same after a few years? Would there be no excitement at all? Would we get bored of each other or just get annoyed of each other? After a certain point, would she have disdain for me for wasting her time? Her energy in this relationship?

Oh God, I am overthinking again.

Marriage is a big change and yes, I am nervous. But, are these overwhelming thoughts even worth it? NO.
Maybe these are the wedding jitters everyone talks about. The cold feet.

I had become calmer than the few last moments, but my heart- it kept pounding loudly as if something big was happening.

♠️

I realised that I was being silly. I love Kiara and I want to marry her, live my life with her. And yes, changes are going to happen but we will face them and cope up together. And isn't that kind of the basic idea of marriage? A life long partnership with someone with whom you can face all the ups and downs in life.

"Oye Siddharth" I heard Varun calling me out.

"Haa bol"

"Whats up with you zoning out continuously today? The same thing happened the last time I saw you." he said.

"Nothing." I replied again.

"Mere face pe answer me in one word likha hai kya?"

"Pch"

"Bata kya baat hai?"

"Pehle tu bata. Why were you going out of your way to avoid Shraddha?" I asked him finally. I have been meaning to ask him since the morning.

"Ehhhh aisa kuch nahi hai. It's just, seeing her after this long was a but more difficult than I thought. Turns out my feelings for her are still the same." he said and I nodded.

"At least you are not denying your feelings. That's a start. Dekh, even if you don't want, Shraddha is going to be there in your life and you are going to have to meet her. We both will always try and avoid such situations, but kabhi kabhi you two will have to meet. You both are very important in my and Kiara's life so...." I said

"I know. I know that I have to confront my feelings. I did that the last time and you do know what happened. I just need some more time. Maybe i'll get comfortable around her again. I just need...time"

Shit! This whole situation is because of us, honestly. Both of them had said that they would be present on the wedding day, and not on the other ceremonies but we forced them to join. We should have had an idea it could have gotten awkward. God, I really need to get rid of this stubbornness.

"Stop thinking what you are thinking." Varun declared and I started at him, blanckly.

"You two are very important in our lives too, Siddharth. We both are glad to be here for all of this. Remember that and do not go on this guilt trip. This is the only time you two are going to completely have your way, so enjoy it and focus on that." he said and I smiled.

'Kiara calling' my phone buzzzed and I received the call.

"Siddharth, meet me in my room." she said and hung up, confusing me.

"What happened?" varun asked.

"I'll have to go to find out."

"Uh huh" Vaeun nodded and I went to Kiara's room, able to feel my palpitations at every moment.

"What happened?" I asked Kiara as soon as I dashed in the room. I was surprised to see my parents and her mom there.

"I got it" she whispered in a frail voice, as if she was going to break down.

"What did you get?" I asked, not being able to really think clearly.

"The promotion" she mumbled. Then why is she sad!?

I took her in a tight embrace. She deserves the promotion and I know that. I have seen her work continuously.

"Thats great!" I informed, still not letting her go. She broke the hug and started into my eyes.

"There's one condition" she said, not breaking the eye contact.

"Wh-what condition?"

"I have to shift to Bangalore to receive the job"

shit.

"Oh" I muttered.

"Well then we'll have to start looking for houses." I said with a smile and she frowned.

"Really?"

"Yes of course."

"Do you see yourself living in Bangalore for the rest of you life, Siddharth? That was not our plan!"

"But does life go according to our plans, Kia? No, it doesn't. It always has surprises in store for you!"

"Look, I was just informing you because I don't want to start our married life by hiding something. I am not accepting the promotion and we are going to go to Delhi, just like how we planned." She said smiling and cupping my face. I could feel her hands trembling against my jaw. Fucking changes!

"Hey! Kia..look at me" I said taking her hands and rubbing them.

She looked at me in my eyes. The eyes in which I always find comfort, today they looked confused, angry and sad.

No, she doesn't deserve this.
She deserves happiness.
Bangalore it is.

"Dad, weren't we planning to start work in Bangalore? I will go and kickstart everything there. I am sure that we will have enough work to do there."

"Yes beta, go ahead." Dad said supporting me and I smiled.

"No! Noo!" Kiara mumbled as if her fear was coming true.

"What about the branch of Delhi? You were the one who worked on it day and night to make it so successful! What about it huh?" she asked me, shaking me by my shoulders.

"Seema is there to manage it. And, I can fly there anytime!" I reasoned while she shook her head.

"Noo, no! I won't let you do this!" Kiara said again and I couldn't help but feel angry at her.

"Why are you behaving like this Kiara!? The Kiara I met would not give this up! And aren't things kind of working out? I said right, that we were planning to open a branch in Bangalore! Just take the goddamn opportunity!" I blurted.

I turned around and rubbed my forehead as I felt myself getting angry. No, no, I have to calm down. Maybe, what I said was correct but my tone was definitely not.

"I am sorry Kiara, I shouldn't have."

"Its okay. I could feel you getting agitated anyway so I was prepared for an outburst. But your fury, outburst is not changing my decision. We are not shifting to Bangalore for my promotion."

"Kiara-"

"Okay let's call it a night everyone. We will talk about this tomorrow." Aunty ji said and we all nodded.

And thats's why I am afraid of changes. They screw up everything.

Unedited chapter. Excuse my grammatical/spelling mistakes. Thank you.

Longest chapter worth 1320 words!
Thoughts on the chapter?