The alarm went off for quite a while till a sleepy Tapasya stopped it. She rubbed her eyes and looked around. Next to her was Mitali who was sleeping like a baby. She smiled a bit and got off the bed.

Within half an hour, Tapasya was ready in her tracksuit and sneakers. She had brought those just by chance. She pulled her up into a ponytail and looked at her reflection in the mirror.

There wasn't a second doubt in the fact that she was the prettiest girl in St. Marcus. No one could ever be her.

She spared a second glance at Mitali before leaving and undoubtedly,the girl was still sleeping. She  closed the door slightly and left for her morning jog.

The beaches were the best thing that attracted her to Goa and she loved gazing at the waves as they rolled up to her feet. But obviously she wasn't going to jog in the beach. So she chose the sidewalk instead.

As she was jogging , she suddenly felt something was wrong. She felt like someone was following her. The hair on her neck stood up as she felt a sudden gush of cold air on her neck. She quickly turned around and shouted,

Tapasya: WHO ARE YOU?!!

The boy jerked off and fell on the floor. Tapasya took a close look at his face.

Taps: Ru? What the hell are you doing here?

Ruhaan looked up at her and said,

Ruhaan: Arey! Tapasya mujhe pehle uthao to sahi!

Tapasya nodded and helped Ruhaan get up. He brushed the dirt of his hands.

Taps: Okay, now tell me why the hell were you following me?

Ruhaan: I wasn't following you. I was coming to surprise you but before that you shouted in my ears and I fell down.

Tapasya sighed softly and said,

Tapasya: But it's 5 in the morning, what the hell are you doing this early?

Ruhaan: Yeah well I kinda woke up in the middle of the night and I've not been able to go back sleep. So I just came down to stroll a little and then I saw you so I thought......

Tapasya: To scare me ?

Ruhaan: No, no of course not. I was just......

Tapasya: Ru, what's going on?

Ruhaan: Uh.... actually I didn't wake up in the middle of the night. I mean I did but not then. I woke up to drink water and from the window I saw you  going out. So.....I came down to make sure.......well.....it isn't even dawn yet.....so.....

Tapasya: You came to protect me?

Ruhaan sheepishly looked here and there. Tapasya smiled brightly.

Taps: Aw... Ru..... you are such a dork. I love you.

Ruhaan smiled and said,

Ruhaan: I love you too.

Tapasya smiled and was about to go in for a hug when suddenly she backed away and said,

Taps: You know what? I would kill to hug you right now but I'm all sweaty and gross.

Ruhaan giggled and said,

Ruhaan: I would still hug you even if you are sweaty and gross.

Saying that, he hugged her tightly. Tapasya smiled and hugged him back.

As they backed off, Ruhaan said,

Ruhaan: And also, since it's Christmas today, I got you a little something. Close your eyes and give me your hand.

Tapasya smiled and did as he said. Ruhaan took a small box out of his pocket and placed it on her hand.
Tapasya opened her eyes and looking excitedly at the box , she asked,

Tapasya: Ru , what's in it?

Ruhaan: You'll know when you open it.

Tapasya smiled and quickly opened the box. Inside it was a beautiful chain with their initials on it.

Tapasya: Ru! This is so cute! I absolutely love it! Oh My God, where did you find this?

Ruhaan: Well, when you were busy shopping for the wedding, I snuck out and found this at a store. I just knew this was the perfect present for you. So I bought it.

Tapasya: Ru, I absolutely love it. God ! What did I ever do to deserve you!

Saying that, she hugged him again.

Ruhaan: It's actually me who should be grateful to have such a amazing girlfriend like you.

Tapasya made heart eyes and said,

Taps: And you are the best boyfriend ever! But I feel so bad that I couldn't get you anything. I'm sorry Ru. But I promise I'll give you something really good!

Ruhaan: Well, all I want for Christmas is you.

I know it's a lyric. Lol so obsessed with that song!

Tapasya smiled and said,

Tapasya: Yeah.....( After a bit of thought) You know what? I could give you a present right now.

Ruhaan: But you said you didn't get anything.

Tapasya smiled slyly and cupped his cheeks with her hands. She slowly leaned in closer and kiseed him softly. And before she knew, he was kissing her back.

As they moved away, she smiled at him and said,

Taps: Merry Christmas, Ru.

Ruhaan was too taken up by the kiss to speak anything. She blushed and looked at her. Tapasya smiled and looked behind him. The sun was about to come out. She quickly grabbed Ruhaan's hand and ran towards the beach. She kicked off her sneakers and sat down on the sand. Ruhaan did the same. She slightly rested her head on his shoulder and intertwined their hands.

And together, in each other's arms, they saw the sun rise. The sky turned a bright crimson as the waves reflected the sun's glare.

It was beautiful.

                ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The function room looked exactly like a temple. Marigold flowers in parabolic shapes adorned the walls. The bhajan singers were setting up their mikes.

Mitali looked around for her friends who were waiting for her at the back. She quickly went and sat down next to the girls. The boys were on the other side.

Mitali: Okay, remind me what are we doing here again?

Shanu, who was having a hard time keeping the dupatta on her  from falling , gave her a glare.

Shanu's look:

Mitali: What?

Mitali's look:

Shanu: We're just supposed to sit here and participate in the bhajans.

Mitali: Okay got it. But where are the guys?

Shanu: They are sitting in the boy's section.

Mitali: Boy's section? What is this? 6th grade?

Taps: Mitali, just go along with it. Why do you always ask so many questions?

Mitali: Because I don't understand this sexist division between us. I mean, come on, just because it's puja related doesn't mean boys and girls are to be kept at a distance...

Shanu: Sshhhhh! Sahil's Mom is here! Now be quiet,Mitu!

Mitali followed Shanu's line of sight and saw a lady in grand peach saree , enter the room.

Mitali; Oho! So that's your would be sasuma? Wait, is that why you were nervously fidgeting with your duppata?

Taps: Aur nahi to Kya?

Tapasya's look:

Shanu nervously fidgeted with her fingers.

Mitali: Shanu, don't be so nervous. She's gonna love you. Right, Anu?

Not receiving any response to her question , looked at Ananya's side. She found her looking towards the place where the guys were sitting. It took Mitali a few minutes to figure out who she was staring at.

Mitali: Anu!

That brought Ananya back to the reality. Mitali whispered in her ears,

Mitali: Anu, you promised you wouldn't.

Anu:  Huh? What?

Mitali: Why were you staring at Ishaan again?

Ananya gulped and looked down,

Anu: I- I wasn't...

Mitali: You were. I saw you. Ananya, you've got to understand that he has a fiance now. He's not coming back. It's not healthy for you to live in past forever.

Anu: I know I know I'm sorry Mitu! It's just like I can't control myself. Everytime I see him I just.......

Mitali: I know......I know...... but you've got to understand. You can't hurt yourself like this all the time.

Taps: What's going on?

They looked at her and said,

Mitali: Um..... nothing. We're just talking.

Tapasya looked at them suspiciously and shrugged.

Anu: Hey, that's a beautiful locket. Where did you get it Tapasya?

Taps:(looking at the locket) Uh.... actually Ru gifted me this.

Mitali: And the occasion is.....

Taps: It's Christmas today.

Mitali: Wow! I almost forgot. Ruhaan surely knows how to charm someone.

Tapasya smiled shyly.

Anu: It's beautiful. You're really lucky.

Ananya's look:

Tapasya: That to I am.

The girls laughed softly.

Shanu:(whispering) Guys, what are you doing? The function is about to start. Be quiet!

Mitali:(whispering) Wow looks like somebody is too eager to please their mother-in-law!

The girls laughed some more , earning a glare from Shanu.

The bhajans began. The lead bhajan singer was quite melodious. He sang all of the popular bhajans and people joined in like it was a party. A little while later, Sahil's Mom called Jai and Kavya for the aarti. Everyone smiled as the would be bride and groom did the aarti and sang the prayers.

The function lasted for about two hours. As everyone was dismissing from the room, Sahil called Shanu aside and said,

Sahil: Where are you going? Don't you wanna meet my mom?

Shanu: Sahil, I'm really scared. What if she doesn't like me? What if I fail to make a good first impression? What if I mess up? I know I will mess up!

Sahil: Shanu, breathe!

Shanu nervously looked at him.

Sahil: Mom's gonna love you,okay? Don't worry. Now , come on, let's go.

Saying that,he slipped his hand into hers and they both made their way to where Sahil's Mom was standing.

Sahil's Mom was standing, with her back to them. Sahil took a deep breath and tapped on her shoulder. She turned around and looked at the duo, with a wide smile on her face.

Nandini: Ha Sahil?

Sahil: Ma, this is Shayantani.

Nandini's eyes shifted from Sahil and landed on Shanu. Shanu nervously looked at her and smiled. Clasping her hands together, she bowed and touched her feet.

Nandini: Jeeti raho.

Shanu smiled as she stood up.

Nandini: My son has told me a lot about you.

Shanu:(nervously) Good things, I hope?

Nandini: Yeah only good things. I was quite eager to meet you myself. And now that I have, I can say that he wasn't wrong.

Shanu smiled widely and looked at Sahil.

Sahil: See, Shanu you were so nervous about meeting Mom.

Shanu: Sahil!

Nandini: Shayantani, I'm not like those typical Bollywood mom types, okay? Anyways, I'm really glad you came to the wedding. I really wanted to meet you in person.

Shanu: Same here.

Nandini:  You know ,I would love to talk to you Shayantani, but I have a few guests to attend. I'll see you guys soon, okay?

Shanu: Sure,....uh....

Nandini: You can call me Nandini Aunty.

Shanu: Yeah..... yeah. Bye, Nandini Aunty.

Nandini: Bye.

Saying that, his mom left. Sahil excitedly looked at Shanu and said,

Sahil: See I told you she'll love you.

Shanu: Yeah, I guess I did make a good first impression.

Sahil: That's what I said. Now let's go find the rest of the gang.

Shanu nodded and they both took off to find their friends.

                ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mitali glanced at her watch for the unteempth time. The rest of the gang was sitting in the lounge and waiting for Shanu and Sahil.

Mitali: Yaar, kaha reh Gaye yeh dono?

Ruhaan: They've gone to meet Sahil's Mom, Mitali. They're probably talking.

Mitali: God, Shanu was so nervous to meet Sahil's Mom. I hope everything went well.

Tapasya: Looks like it has.

The others followed her line of sight and saw Sahil and Shanu coming, hand in hand.

As they came and stood next to the others, Mitali asked,

Mitali: So....(teasingly) Sasuma se baat ho gayi, Shanuuuu?

Shanu blushed and replied,

Shanu: Ha Matlab.....baat ho gayi.

Adi: Woohooooo!

Sahil: Guys, sirf baat Hui hai. Shaadi pakki nahi Hui ki aise chilla rahe ho.

Mitali: To voh bhi ho jayegi! Vaise bhi bade bhaiyan ke baat to tumhara hi number hai na!

The others laughed while Sahil and Shanu blushed and smiled.

Mitali: I am sure that right now Sahil ke dimaag mein yahi gaana chal raha hoga.

The others looked at  her questioningly. She started:

Hey Ya... Hey Ya...
Hey Ya Hiriye Sehra Bandh Ke Mai Toh Aaya Re

The others laughed and joined in , earning a playful glare from both Sahil and Shanu.

Adi:

Hey Ya Dolee Barat Bhee Sath Me Mai Toh Laya Re

Daksh:

Abb Toh No Hota Hai Ek Roj Intejar

Ruhaan:

Sonee Aaj Nahee Toh Kal Hai Tujhko Toh Bas Meree Honi Re

Ananya and Tapasya:

Tenu Leke Mai Javanga,
Dil Deke Mai Javanga

The others circled and danced around them while the two lovebirds blushed and grinned.

Love was all around in the air!

                 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hey guys! It's been so long! I'm so happy to be back! I hope you are happy too!

By far , which couple's storyline do you like the most?

Which character do you think you relate to the most?

Anyways guys vote for the chapter if you liked it and yes , do comment !

Love you loads
Bosedisha