Falling For You

~Chapter #46~

Vineet and Ruhana have a trifle over his behaviour again. She knows that he is trying hard to be the man she wants him to be. But, she wants him to try a little more. They both know about the past happenings and the reason Vineet is a silent and shy guy. But, Ruhana wants him to grow past it.

Vineet promises her but somehow he quits and doesn’t do the things which he should do. They reconcile but in the night, as per their usual routine, Ruhana and Vineet rush up the stairs where there is a swing. It’s their favourite place since childhood.

Whenever they had a fight, Ruhana would come to the terrace. They’d watch the sunrise and sunset sitting on the same swing. He’d push the swing helping her and cheering her. Later, they’d sit and swing together watching the moon.

Today is another day but they’ve not broken their routine. They still come here but things have changed. He's not the same guy as he was in his childhood. He seems to find the answers in the dark sky. He's still searching while Ruhana hasn't left her habit. She keeps on talking and he keeps humming at her. He knows that this girl has done a lot for him.

Today again, she is her saviour. Vineet looks at Ruhana and holds her hands in his. She looks at him intently. She knows that he wants to say something and is finding courage to say it. He's not the same outspoken boy from his childhood. She looks at him and squeezes his hand lightly.

"Vineet, please do not keep things in your heart. Please say something. I know you have a lot to say. And I am listening!" She emphasises on the last three words.

"Ruhana, I don't know how to thank you. You've done so much for me. When you were born, I got a friend. But I have not done anything for you. I am sorry." Vineet says.

"Vineet, If you simply abide by your promise, I'll be glad." Ruhana smiles.

"How can you be so simple?" Vineet is astonished as Ruhana is always soft and patient towards him.

In the past days, she's been mad at him, giving him the silent treatment. She is tired of convincing him to move forward. He always promises her but never abides by them. Yet, she's calm, composed, patient and soft towards him. Right now, she's listening to him, sitting in front of him. She always comes up at night. They may not talk but silence between them says it all. They do not need words to talk. She kisses his temple.

"Vineet, you are my first friend. I can do anything for you. I can't see you sad and upset. Seeing you in pain, pains me a lot. I can't let it happen. This is why I am here, sitting next to you. I just want you to go ahead and make a personality of your own." Ruhana says softly.

"I will keep trying, Ruhana. I want to be the person that you want me to be." Vineet says softly.

"You can do it, Vineet. I know. I am there to help you, Vineet. I will be there with you always. We will try it together. We will do it." Ruhaana says, convincing her best friend.

"The past was bad, but the future will be beautiful. We will make it, right? You will help me, karoge na?" Ruhana looks at Vineet.

"Yes Ruhana. I can — I want to do it for you. I will try to be the person you want me to be." Vineet says holding her hands.

"That's what I want. Thank you, Vineet. We will grow out of this together." Ruhana says.

Vineet entangles their hands and kisses her knuckles. He knows she'll always be there by his side. She beams at him and they sit on the swing for a long time. Ruhana falls asleep, keeping his head on Vineet's chest. He looks at her calm face and smiles. She is his sunshine and helps him to lead a life that he truly deserves. He knows that he's arrogant and adamant to move on, but he also knows that it is the high time to do that.

She's asleep and Vineet lifts her in his arms and takes her to her room. He makes her lie on the bed and covers her with a duvet. He glances at Ruhana's serene face for another time, he walks out of her room.

Ruhana's words echo in his mind and he smiles a little. But, soonish, Vineet trails back into his painful past.

To Be Continued.