A/n: Sorry for the late update though...

I haven't done the proof reading so please bear with me if you find something weird or wrong. It will be amazing and really kind of you if you can point them out.

***

"It feels like a dream, doesn't it?" Surbhi whispered dreamily.

"Hmm?" Vijay was listening to his favorite song when his left arm was tugged and pinched softly. He was trying to avoid her chatter by sneakily putting on his earpods, but looks like she noticed it.

"Are you avoiding me?" She maintained the smile but spoke through her gritted teeth, her grip on him tightening.

" Oh no! I just wanted to listen to some music, so I did." He lied, well, half lied smoothly.

" Anyways-" She proceeded to grab the device from his ears, stuffing them in her purse.

"Hey!"

"I would like it if you focus on me instead." She smiled sweetly, now dragging him with her.

Vijay grunted under his breath, cursing the moment he agreed to go on this stupid date.

***

Meanwhile Divya was sulking with a travel guide in her hand. It read 'Places to visit: Paris' with a big picture of the Eiffel tower in the background and other written things.

She flipped through the pages unenthusiastically, waiting for the bus to reach its destination.

It's not like she had a problem with visiting one of the most iconic places in Paris, but she wanted to see France's largest library through her own eyes and feel the wonders of it.

She stuffed the guide in her pouch and looked outside the window. The streets of the capital city were bustling in the morning with many people walking by casually or in suits, running off to their respective works.

There was a middle aged woman with a small child clinging to her skirt as she chatted away with a girl in tennis shoes and a frock dungaree.

There were even noticeable couples (some looked asian) walking with ice creams or any kind of pastry, chatting or just enjoying each other's presence. As the bus neared the stand, she thought she caught the sight of a familiar ex-classmate but dismissed the thought as soon as it came.

"Let's go" Neha grabbed the back of her shirt and dragged her like a small soft toy. Divya didn't complain. It was better to stay quiet. She knew she was testing Neha's patience. And if she crosses the limit, she has to be at the receiving end of 'no-filter-Neha's' rage.

They looked around taking pictures, listening to the teachers who guided them through it all. When the 'official' tour was over, the class was dismissed to enjoy themselves, but not go too far or cause ruckus.

Divya wanted to try out something to drink and soon spotted a shop selling soft drinks. She went for a bottled mixed fruit juice, twisted its cap open, and took huge gulps to dampen her dry throat. Once she felt revived, she wiped the sweat off her brow and capped the bottle for future use. She was however unaware of the improper way the cap was fitted.

She jogged near the group she came with and searched for Neha, or any girl she was friends with. Once she got to the site of one of her friends, Twinkle, she happily jogged to her. But because she was transfixed on her as to not lose her in the crowd, she couldn't properly watch the people who were passing by and accidentally collided with a girl who shrieked out loud, when the leftover contents of the bottle Divya carried, poured themselves on the arm of the girl.

"OH MY GOD! I AM SO SORRY!!" Divya bowed her head down in guilt and recovered the bottle which still had one or two sips of juice left. She twisted its cap properly this time and looked at the girl with submission.

The girl didn't say anything, just glared with tears in her eyes. There were no stains as the dress she wore was a sleeveless crop top and a pair of shorts. There were however a few drops of juice on her boots but the damage wasn't critical. The girl looked at her with an expression as if she licked a lemon.

"Surbhi?" Someone came from behind with a purse in his hand, instantly drawing the attention of Divya.

"Vijay?"

"Divya?"

"What are you doing here?" both questioned in unison.

"Wait, YOU TWO KNOW EACH OTHER?!" Surbhi screeched again, pointing her fingers at both of them, as if accusing them.

"Yeah we do. By the way, what happened?" Vijay questioned casually.

"Ruining our date is what happened!" She emphasised the word date to prove Divya a point.

Divya instantly joined the two and two together, " Oh! I am terribly sorry! I take full responsibility for what happened here! Here let me take you to the public washroom. We just need to rinse your arm and boots off." She suggested softly.

Surbhi clenched her fist and inhaled deeply. Then with a well performed hair flip, she turned around. "Save it! I can do that myself!" and marched to the nearby washroom.

"What a character.." Divya whispered, half-smiling. Then she turned her attention to Vijay who was watching Surbhi leave with a blank expression. Feeling her eyes on him Vijay apologised to her tiredly, fiddling a fancy handbag in his hands.

"Eh, it's fine. But I thought I saw you here."

Vijay raised his eyebrow in question to which she explained earlier what she saw at the bus. He nodded in response, now both quiet.

"Sorry to interrupt your date. I will excuse myself now. " Divya finished hastily, now feeling awkward. What were you thinking! Just because he texted you a couple of times doesn't mean he likes you!!

"Oh no! It's fine! I was suffering throughout the day because of her. Thanks for unknowingly giving me the time to breathe." He groaned softly.

"Don't you like her?" She was curious.

"I ... don't." he sighed dejectedly.

Her eyes widened in surprise. Then why?

Her expression was enough for him to understand what she wanted to ask. "It's just...a date of convenience. I will complete the formality today and that's it."

" Does she like you?" This time her voice was barely above a whisper. She looked at him to gauge his reaction.

"Yeah. But she wanted me to give her a chance, so I did. And I am regretting it." He looked at the large steel structure that was the landmark of Paris.

"I hope it works out." She smiled softly at him, but there was a hidden emotion behind it too.

Vijay looked at her a little surprised, then chuckled to himself. Was he hoping for a different answer?

Trying to distract herself from negative thoughts, she playfully pouted and crossed her arms at her chest. "But I can't visit The Library here! Can you believe that! They are not taking us there!! I am so jealous of you!!"

Vijay chuckled again at her childish behaviour, then started tapping something on his phone. Surbhi decided to make her appearance there, watching both the young adults suspiciously. Vijay was on his phone and Divya, not making it obvious, tried to spy on what he was doing.

Surbhi smiled widely and forced herself between them and locked arms with Vijay, startling both of them. Divya scrambled away from them, looking everywhere but them.

"I'll see myself out. Enjoy yourselves!!" Divya squeaked.

"You better." Surbhi seethed and then her voice changed again," Me and Vii and going to have ice cream! Right Vii?" She stared at him for an answer, who shifted uncomfortably at his place, not looking at her.

"Um..." Divya started," I think you should try out something els-"

"Who asked you Ms-two-left-feet?" Surbhi sassed.

"No one." She mumbled "But-!"

"Then goodbye!" With that she dragged Vijay away, who was still on his phone doing something.

"I just wanted to say Vijay doesn't like sweet stuff" Divya mumbled through her gritted teeth and turned to see Neha making her way to her.

"There you are!" Divya sighed in relief and went to join her friend to continue her trip. When she rejoined her group, her ringtone drew her attention to itself. But as soon as she got a hold of it, it stopped. She looked at who called her, finding out it was Vijay.

She was going to call him back but was interrupted by a message from him.

"What if I take you there?"

She choked back a gasp. Now feeling a sense of thrill filling her she replied,

"How?"

"Leave it to me"

"Just tell me where you will be in the evening?" His text came.

After lunch, they have decided to return back to the tower.

"Eiffel tower" she typed and then waited for the time to pass.

After visiting the nearby tourist places and lunch, Divya was indeed keeping a watch for him. She has already informed Neha about it so that she could cover her disappearance up.

"Are you sure? " Neha asked one last time.

"I am... maybe?... I don't know... but... I know that I have to visit the library before the sun sets completely... and I trust him! So I guess I am sure.. " Divya chastised.

They both didn't utter a single word until Vijay came into their view. His eyes were solely on Divya with her reciprocating the gaze. Once he came closer to them, he moved his attention to Neha introducing himself coolly. She threatened him jokingly to bring Divya back safely, which he answered in the same manner. Then his attention turned to the girl in question, who was watching them intently.

"Shall we?" He asked her teasingly.

"Yes! Bye Neha!" she hugged Neha tightly and skidded past Vijay, walking ahead. "Come on! We have to return back before dark."

Vijay chuckled at her enthusiasm and followed her slowly. "Wait!"

"Hmm?" she turned.

"We have to take a taxi."

"Taxi?"

"It's far from here and will take a lot of time if we walk there. "

Without saying a word, Divya fished out her phone from her sling bag and searched for something.

"But here it says that taxi fare costs a lot. " She mused. She then compared the possible routes and came to a conclusion.

"We are taking a bus."

"Bus? But it takes longer-"

"It's fine! We can enjoy the view. Come on! Fast!"

They waited for the bus to come while talking about old memories.When the bus arrived, they bought the ticket with Vijay offering her the window seat. The bus was moderately filled with a low hum of chatting and phones falling on their ears. Vijay relaxed on his seat, minding Divya's space and wearing his earpods that he managed to sneak back from Surbhi's purse.

Divya watched him take out his phone to watch something to pass his time, gave him his space and quietly looked outside the window, letting the air caress her face. As soon as the Library building was near, she grabbed his jacket sleeve, pulling it lightly to get his attention. Excitement was radiating off her. It was like she would just jump outside the window.

When the bus stopped Vijay let Divya off by shifting in his seat, then getting off himself.

He grabbed her bag to stop her from scurrying off. With an apologetic look Divya walked alongside Vijay, however, her stride was longer.

"Here we are" He introduced her to a large building with a sign which read 'National library of France' in French and English. Vijay side glanced at Divya, only to see that was trying very hard to contain her squeal.

"How can she be so excited about something like books?! " He chuckled amusingly.

"Let's go" She finally announced and made her way to the entrance. Vijay followed her closely without a word. When she stepped inside the main library, a warm smell of old books and something else engulfed her. The inside was grand with shelves of books surrounding the whole hall. The architecture of the inside screamed grandeur. She took a long breath in, her eyes excitedly dancing at everything. She might even look like a maniac on the loose, but she tried to control herself the best she can.

Vijay, who already explored the place, was much more interested on his phone and keeping an eye on the energetic girl. He would occasionally be distracted by the random facts and experiences of the girl who was fully immersed in what the guide was saying and the spines of the books, if they had a name.

When the tour was over, Divya had a satisfied smile on her face. Vijay looked visibly drained but smiled a little at her satisfaction.

"Let's drop you back. Or your friend will skin me alive. " He spoke tiredly.

Divya laughed chastising, " Oh she won't do that. "

Both of them glanced at each other, smirking softly.

The walk to the bus stop was silent, so was the trip. When they got off at their designated bus stop, they stopped at a Cafe to buy themselves a coffee. It was already getting really dark with street lights Illuminating the streets. They walked silently discussing little things, laughing occasionally.

At one point Divya choked on her coffee and accidently spat some coffee on his jacket. She fished a handkerchief from her pouch and tried to wipe off the coffee. In the spur of the moment and strings of apologies she failed to notice that she grabbed his jacket and was standing in his personal space. When she finally realised that she was this close to a person she never stood so near to, she instantly backpaddled.

Vijay was startled from the start, and was controlling himself not to curse. He knew she didn't like it when someone cussed or acted inappropriately near her, so he stayed quiet except trying to calm her down.

His breath hitched when she stood near him, a flowery scent hitting his nose. And when she started wiping the drink off him, he started to grow nervous. A small part of him was disappointed when she stepped away but understood and gave her space.

The heavy silence was lightened with Vijay clearing his throat.

"Here. I can do it by myself. " He extended his hand forward for her handkerchief, which she proceeded to hand him and then they continued walking.

When they finished their coffee in absolute silence, Vijay was ready to throw the containers off the sidelines when Divya gave him a look with a warning 'mm! '. He sighed and both dumped it at a nearby dustbin.

When they reached the Hotel, Vijay smelled of coffee and Divya looked troubled. She was squirming to say something but didn't until he bid farewell and turned to leave.

"Th-thank you.. "

"Hmm? " He turned, raising an eyebrow.

"For today. It was an amazing day. Thank you. " She smiled softly at him. When she finally spoke, her face was warm with gratitude.

Vijay felt a small ounce of energy light its way to his inside when he returned a genuine smile to her making hers widen. "There's no sorry or Thank you in friendship, right? And it was just a payback for helping me out with projects and assignments in school. So why not? "

He finished himself off with a loose wave and pocketed his hands in his slightly damped jackets, leaving a smiling Divya to watch his retreating form...

***

A long chapter...

Please tell me your feedbacks in the comment section!

Thanks for reading! Have a nice day!