38

When Naina woke up in the morning, she saw that Meera was sleeping beside her.

Naina was shocked. She looked at Meera.

She looks so cute while sleeping, yet so grumpy. She hasn't applied lip balm, I feel like pulling the sheet and making her fall off the bed.

Naina took some lip balm and started applying it to Meera's lips when Meera suddenly opened her eyes.

"You could have waited a bit; I wouldn't have objected," she said with a smile.

"I was applying lip balm; your lips got chapped because of me," Naina said angrily.

"Go ahead," Meera said.

As Naina applied lip balm to Meera, Naina's mom came in and said,

"Sorry, sorry! I thought you both hadn't woken up yet."

"Mom, nothing like that is happening; we're both women."

"Yes, but she's my daughter-in-law."

"Daughter-in-law?"

"Maaa, who told you I'm interested in Meera?"

"I'm your mother. I've seen you smiling at her, and how your cheeks would blush like roses when you looked at Meera."

Meera was laughing a lot after hearing that, while Naina seemed irritated.

Meera said, "Thank you, mother-in-law, you're the best. You opened the door for me, so thank you."

Naina said angrily, "Mom, there's nothing between me and Meera; even I hate her."

"Hate! Then why were you applying lip balm?" her mother asked.

"I was just worried," Naina replied.

"You're worried but not in love," her mother said.

"Whose side are you on, mom?"

"I'm on Meera's side. My daughter-in-law is so beautiful; I was thinking who the best match for you would be, and she's the best choice."

"Maaaaaa," Naina said, feeling shy, and then went to the bathroom.

Meera hugged Naina's mom and said, "Make some potato parathas."

"I'll bring them right away," her mom replied.

Someone knocked on the bathroom door.

"Mom, you... Meera?" Naina said in surprise.

Meera went in and said, "Let's freshen up together."

"No way! Get out," Naina replied.

"Don't raise your voice too much, or I'll make noise in a way that will embarrass your mom," Meera threatened.

"You're blackmailing me again," Naina said angrily.

"Well, I have the right to, as your girlfriend." Meera made cute puppy eyes and spoke.

"You have no right. I've already broken up with you," Naina replied.

"Fine, tell me why you broke up with me. Because I asked you to kiss me?" Meera questioned.

"Damn, I'm trapped. Fine. I'll wear clothes, but I won't take them off," Naina conceded.

"Fine! I'm going to take a shower without clothes. You take off my clothes. Meera said.

"Huh? I don't want to see you," Naina replied.

"You're dying to see me like this, you want to see me without clothes." Meera teased.

"It's a joke? you're going to wear clothes too for the shower," Naina replied.

"Okay, okay, fine. Who will argue with you? You're the boss at home," Naina said, smiling, and Meera noticed, then playfully fell at Naina's feet.

"Forgive me," Meera said, pleading.

"Don't do that, Meera. Get up," Naina felt uncomfortable.

Meera started kissing her legs.

"Don't do this, Meera. It won't be nice if my mom hears," Naina warned.

"Your mom knows what we are and what we can do," Meera replied.

Naina lifted Meera up.

"What happened today? You're so calm now," Naina asked.

"Yesterday was a bad time that's passed. Never bring up the breakup again, no matter how bad the situation," Meera advised.

"Okay, forgive me," Naina said.

Meera smiled and said, "I can smell the scent of paratha. Let's freshen up now."

"Tell me honestly, how did mom find out we're girlfriends?"

"When I called mom, she said she opened the door and told me not to make you sad. When she saw your face, I asked her what should I do? Then your mom said, 'You're her lover; if you don't do it, who will?' I started laughing uncontrollably. Your mom said, 'Don't laugh, go convince her. I want only you as my daughter-in-law.' I was surprised, but your mom is so cool."

"My mom somehow understands everything. I am so lucky."

"Okay, let's go now."

"No, let me out. Let me freshen up. That's your punishment. No kiss, no hug, nothing for one month." Naina managed to control her laughter.

"This is my punishment? I'd rather be pushed off a building."

Meera fell on the bed.

Jay sits up, holding his head, trying to remember what he did. It's been a while since he drank, and he's feeling dizzy. Aahan comes in with lemon juice. Jay looks at Aahan and smiles, but when he notices the marks on Aahan's neck, he coughs out the juice.

"What was that?" Jay asks.

"What was what?" Aahan replies.

"You got a girlfriend and didn't tell me?"

"When? Oh, the neck mark?"

"Yeah, someone really messed you up; you've got 4-5 marks."

"Stop counting. It's a good mark, I like it."

"How will you go to work?"

"I've taken 20 days off, and you should take a holiday too. Let's go on vacation."

"Thailand it is," Jay suggests.

"As you wish, let's go there," Aahan agrees. "You seem really happy."

"Yeah, I'm very happy. It's time to fix some mistakes now," Jay says.

After getting ready, Jay and Aahan head to Thailand. Jay takes a lot of pictures there, then they return to their hotel room. Jay lies down on the bed.

"I'm having fun; I always wanted to go somewhere with you," Jay says.

"I'll fulfill all your wishes now," Aahan promises.

"Every wish?" Jay teases with a devilish smile.

"Cheeky," Aahan retorts.

Later, Jay comes back after freshening up and Aahan lies down on the bed.

Aahan thinks to himself, "I hope I'm not rushing things. I've taken a long time anyway."

Jay chuckles and says, "You have to come in."

"Open the door; I'm coming," Aahan replies.

"You're getting bold," Jay said.

"Just starting," Aahan replies confidently.

Jay is thinking, "This feels different, did I hit on him when I was drunk?"

Jay comes out and says, "I'm changing. Aahan, close your eyes. If you want to leave the room, you can. Are you uncomfortable?"

"Jay, change in front of me."

"What?"

"Yes, I want to see." (Aahan said with lowered eyes.)

Jay starts smiling. "Did you lose your shyness somewhere?"

"No, I've bought a little courage from someone," Aahan replies. (Aahan was closing his fist and then opening it.)

Jay changes his clothes, and Aahan feels like closing his eyes, his throat is dry, and she's feeling shy looking at Jay's body. But she holds on to his courage. After Jay is done, he says, "Aahan, now it's your turn. I'll watch."

"Huh?"

Aahan tells himself, "Now it's your turn. Be brave, Aahan. How long will you run away?"

After freshening up, Aahan comes out of the bathroom, not wearing anything. Jay drops his phone in surprise.

"Cutie, now you're the hottie," Jay says with passion, looking at him. Aahan's body language shows how embarrassed she feels, but she did it because she wanted to gather the courage to do something new, something that would make Jay happy.

After putting on his clothes, Aahan asks Jay, "Can I have a hug?"

Jay, with affection in his eyes, replies, "Always."

Aahan hugs Jay tightly, and they stay like that for a while. Jay doesn't ask any questions, just reciprocates the hug warmly.

Aahan said, "Promise me you'll never leave me."

Jay chuckled, "Hey, I've been glued to you like a stubborn sticker, haven't I? But don't worry, if you ever plan an escape, I'll be your loyal stalker, popping up unexpectedly like a surprise guest star in your life's sitcom!"

Aahan began to smile, then tears welled up in his eyes. When Jay wiped away the tears, he could see that Aahan was feeling very weak, as if his fear was justified because leaving Naina had plunged Aahan into depression. It was most difficult for Aahan to live with Jay. As Jay wiped Aahan's tears, he kissed Aahan's eyes. Jay looked at Aahan for a few seconds and then started to leave. Aahan was crying loudly as if his pain was troubling him again."

Jay returned. The door opened. Aahan's eyes were widened with a long stare. Jay was dressed like Naina, with clothes and hair resembling hers. He even wore a mask with Naina's picture on it.

In an excited tone, Jay said, "Aahan, now you can beat up Naina, she did wrong to you. Come on!"

Aahan suddenly stopped crying. His serious expression and furrowed eyebrows showed he meant business. He stood up, glanced closely at Jay's face, specifically at the mask resembling Naina's eyes. Then, he grabbed Jay's hand and pushed him against the wall. Jay quickly started imitating Naina's behavior, standing up straight and facing Aahan.

Aahan came close to Jay's cheeks, then leaned in near his ear and playfully bit it to take off the mask. Jay was taken aback. Aahan looked at Jay's face, noticing his surprised eyes and reddish lips. Jay tried to bring his hands to his face, but Aahan grabbed them both and pinned them against the wall.

"Aahan leaned in for a passionate kiss. Jay's eyes were wide open, but Aahan closed his. Jay felt it and started kissing back. Aahan paused to catch his breath, looking a bit out of breath. Jay still had that questioning look on his face, but he didn't say anything. Aahan was about to kiss again when Jay quietly asked, 'Did you want to do this with Naina?'

Aahan's expression shifted, showing he was mad at Jay. He pulled back, took off Naina's mask. and tossed it on the table. Aahan sat back on the bed.

"Aahan, you didn't say anything."

"I don't want to talk, please just go."

"I want to know the truth," Jay seemed very emotional.

"Do you even know the truth? What do you want to know?" Aahan asked, lifting his gaze.

"You know your job. I'm going back to India."

Jay grabbed his backpack and left without a word of goodbye from Aahan. Aahan didn't even say bye. He picked up the mask and started talking to himself.

"Our friendship has ended too. Naina and love were never meant for you or me. Jay is a good guy, but he doesn't deserve someone like me. You didn't even like me that much. One day, he won't like me either. There's no love between us, just a spark that will die out in a few days.

"The hotel phone rang, calling Aahan for dinner. He quickly fixed his hair and headed to the dining area. As he sat down at the table, some guitar players came over. They brought a cake with 'Will you marry me?' written on it.

They placed a ring in a champagne glass. The hotel manager asked, 'Where's Jay?'

'He's on his way. What's all this?' Aahan asked.

'They wanted to propose to their boyfriend. We're setting up everything before they arrive.'

Tears filled Aahan's eyes. He looked at the ring. He was crying and said, 'YES.' He put the ring on himself and clapped. With a mix of laughter and tears, he took a bite of the cake.

'You should have some too. I'm officially engaged now.'

The hotel staff looked a bit puzzled as Aahan wiped his tears and left.

Jay sat there, staring at a picture of Aahan, lost in his thoughts.

"If it was true, why didn't you say it? You still like Naina. It's over, Aahan."

Jay deleted Aahan's picture and set his phone aside. His eyes filled with tears, but he didn't cry. Pain was evident in his eyes, like a storm brewing beneath the surface. He silently took his laptop and began writing a song.

The song was titled "Why You Do Not Love Me. I Deserve to Be Happy."