ONCE IN A LIFETIME

13. SORTING THE HEART

I pretended to not acknowledge his presence and he didn't force me to become his best friend either. He was just there, as my guard and safe haven. He is... even today.

AD suddenly didn't come to school for a week. I cared less the first two days, but then I missed him and on the seventh day, I was worried and scared. I ran straight to his house to find him down with fever. I stood at his door not knowing what to do further, when he stretched his hand.

As if waiting for him, I grabbed his hand and wept in the hug as he took me into one. I had let my guards down that day and welcomed his affection. He became my treasure. He is... till today and will be forever"

"Later, I came to know that his gesture was what Ranvi papa did whenever he had to comfort AD. From that day, my world revolved around him. He never gave me a chance to regret the decision I made. He gave me the best set of friends one could ask for and after that day, I was never lonely again", he stopped and looked at Isha whose eyes were moist. He hesitantly wrapped his hands around her shoulder and pulled her closer when she willingly gave in.

"I never thought I needed anyone other than them. But, then you entered my life. You gave the angry young man a piece of your mind. None of my friends opposed my behavior because they thought I needed an outlet. Also, they knew I wouldn't go overboard.

I had this feeling of invincibility. I could win the world with Ace 5 and that soared my already inflated ego. But, you took me by surprise that I couldn't help but wonder about you. You took our fight head on and punctured my ego royally.

First, I was intrigued and then when we had to act as lovers, I saw the real you. The kind hearted, brave girl behind the sass queen attitude. Your presence felt like AD's. The security you gave to your loved ones won my heart and I wanted to be one of them. Anyhow.

When AD noticed this, he asked me to clear my head and then think about it. He didn't want me to treat you as some object rather than the fabulous girl you are. He said you could make me a better human being.

I never really know when I actually fell in love with you. It seems like a forever and I want it to last a forever. I have seen AD on a hospital bed, my world lying lifeless. I can't and won't lose you. Your breathing seems interlinked with mine. Yours stops, mine will too.

AD once said not to take time for granted and today, here, I would like to apologise to you. For every tear you have shed and for all the pain you bore because of me. But, I love you, Ishu. I have only woman in my life and will continue to have one. Please don't think of leaving me. Stay with me forever. Please", he said looking straight into her honey colored orbs.

Isha smiled amidst her tears. This is her Akki. The one she loved madly. The one who would be ready to let her into the darkest chapters of his life. Her heart felt light. She could see hope in their relationship and everything turning to how it was. But, some things needed to be cleared.

"Akki, don't you really trust me?", she asked, somewhere still in doubt. Akki was taken aback by her question. Where did this come from?

" Of course... I trust you blindly. Is that even a question?", he told confused and little angry too.

"But that is what you told your PA, isn't it?"

Her words startled Akki. She heard him that day. That was what had gone wrong in their relationship. He always searched for the root cause and now he knew. It was time to tell the whole story. Yes, he wanted to protect her, but now she is safe and she deserves to know.