35

Advik's POV

The atmosphere was quite dumped and misty. The air was heavy with the scent of rain, blending with the earthly smell of jungle foliage. The soft sound of raindrops dripping on the leaves creates a sense of peace in the air.

I glanced at Ria sitting beside me, she seemed relaxed yet attentive, unlike me-who was lost in her. I couldn't help but admire her, the way rain had dampened her hair and caused it to cling to her face only made her look more beautiful. I pushed back the urge to reach out and touch her. To tuck her hair behind her ear so I could get the proper view of her pretty face.

She shivered as the cold wind blew, and I wished I could pull her in my arms, closer to me and provide the warmth.

But I knew I couldn't do that. I didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable. I have to control myself.

It's still unclear to me how she feels about me, whether her feelings mirror mine or if she's merely being polite, coming under pressure from her family.

And that was the thing scaring me the most.

Her not feeling the same towards me.

I just can't shake off the feeling of not knowing where I stand in her heart or if I am even there. I doubt if I had even reached the door of her heart.

I understand she's just trying to protect herself. And I respect that. But the thing that concerned me was that even if she starts to feel things she won't admit it, not even to herself. I know her, she will keep running away from her feelings.

It will take time, I'm aware of that. And even if it takes a lifetime, I'll keep trying.

She asked me questions like how I knew about her getting sick, and I couldn't help but sigh. If only she knew that I had never forgotten a single thing about her. They are all preserved safely in my memories.

When she didn't stop her questions, I took her hand in mine and intertwined our fingers. Not only because I wanted to shut her up but to feel her hand in mine. I couldn't hold back the urge. And when she didn't pull away, it made relief spread over me.

I continued to hold her hand, feeling the warmth of her skin, and the softness of her fingertips against mine. Despite the rain and the chill air, her hand in mine felt pleasant, the warmness telling me to never let go.

Looking down, I found myself gently stroking her knuckles with my thumb, feeling her skin. She shivered, her body trembling a little, I guess maybe it was due to the cold air.

Glancing up at her, I found a deep blush taking over her cheeks, making me wonder if it was really due to the atmosphere. A small smile appeared on my lips, as I gazed at her flustered form. It was such a simple gesture, yet it made her blush so much. And I loved seeing her like that.

I knew something was wrong when she asked the question about how many girls I had brought here.

A sigh escaped my lips upon hearing that.

Does she really think of me as some playboy or womanizer?

I didn't even know from where all these questions were coming into her mind. I had never done such a thing to make her think about that.

Then, suddenly, she pulled away her hand, and I was taken aback by her action.

"Who was the girl you were talking about that day at the beach?"

Her question made me face-palm myself, mentally. I regret mentioning her to her. But I couldn't hold back that day, I was filled with emotions.

I looked at her, biting my lips, her curious gaze was telling me to tell the truth, I wished I could.

How do I tell her I was talking about her?

My father's words rang in my ears,

"You have to make her fall for you again, but remember in all these, you should not try to make her remember or recreate the past events. It will damage her mentally. Just be careful."

If only I could tell her everything and get her back.

I cleared my throat, "Are you talking about my best friend?"

"Yes," She spoke with a serious look, her chocolate brown eyes narrowing just a fraction, as she tried to mask her feelings, but I could see the jealousy creeping in.

She looked adorable.

I tried hard to hide my smile seeing how she was getting jealous by her own self.

"What do you want to know about her?" I asked, wearing a calm expression.

"About your...um... relationship with her." She spoke gazing down and fiddling with the hem of her dress.

"Well, I told you, we were best friends."

She seemed unsatisfied with my answer, "Only best friend?"

"Yes." I could see her getting annoyed with my replies.

"But you told me She was your world."

Hearing her bitter voice, I couldn't hold back my smile anymore, "Are you jealous?"

She crossed her arms and looked away, pretending to be interested in a bird perched on a nearby branch, the expression on her face was telling me I should not joke about anything at that moment.

"Okay, let me explain. She was my world. Like everybody has someone in their life who they rely upon, someone who they can trust blindly, who is always there for them. You know they are always going to stand by your side even if the whole world is against you. Someone who cares for us and protects us at all costs. Are you getting what I am trying to say? That person can be anyone, your parents, siblings, best friend, partner, anyone."

I watched her reaction after completing my speech, she seemed to be deep in thought. I continued "For you, your world might be your grandma and Aaron. For me, it was her."

She bit her lips as she asked hesitantly, "So, you are not in love with her?"

Deeply and madly. But I knew I had to lie.

Looking away, I answered, "No, I loved her but as a friend."

"Okay," She smiled making me relax, but her next sentence left me stunned.

"That means she was like your sister."

I stared at her blankly.

She slightly narrowed her eyes at me, and before she could say something more horrible, I interrupted.

"I think we should get going."

She blinked several times, and then shrugged her shoulder casually, "Okay. If that's what you want. But one last question."

I nodded hesitantly telling her to go ahead and hoping she doesn't ask something weirder this time.

She blinked, contemplating whether to ask or not, then continued, "You told me she brought you out of your darkness. Can I know what has happened to you in the past?"

I passed her a smile, "I will tell you but not now,"

If I tell her, it might strain her brain. I don't want that.

I looked at the rain, which had stopped, and the sky was getting clear. I stood up but she held my wrist and pulled me down on my seat again as she spoke, "One last question. I promise this is last."

With a slow nod, I awaited her question.

"What happened to her?" she asked, her eyes filled with curiosity.

My gaze lingered on her before shifting away, and in a low voice, I confessed, "I... lost her."

The sad expression covered her face.

Ria's POV

I felt bad for bringing up the topic about her. I shouldn't have dug the ground so deep. Now, I feel a little guilty.

But you should do it. It's your right to know things. My brain spoke.

Yeah, for developing the trust you need to know about his life.

"I'm sorry," I said, and he responded with a small nod and a smile.

I returned a bright smile and stood up, ready to search for four more flags.

"Let's go," I said wrapping my hands around his arm, to which he chuckled, and then we went.

It took us 2 hours to find out the 3 flags. Now only one was remaining.

Leaning against a tree, I put my hands on my knees and gasped for air, as I was too tired walking around.

Gazing at his walking figure ahead of me, I voiced, "Advik. I can't do this anymore."

He turned around slightly, his eyes roaming on my form. With a smirk, he spoke, "I can carry you."

I looked away from him with heated cheeks, and heard him chuckle, "Why are you shying now? I have—"

"Stop," I glared at him to which he laughed.

He walked towards me with concern, and tucked my hair strand behind my ear, "We can go back if you want. This is not important."

"No. I want to finish it. I don't leave anything incomplete." I spoke with confidence dripping from my voice. Only I knew how much truth that statement hold.

He raised his eyebrows at me and then leaned a little closer, "You are sounding like Mr. Rude."

A smile broke on my lips, "Yeah, I spend my all day with him."

"Tsk, I am jealous." He faked a frown, placing his hand in his heart, and I giggled.

"You should be."

"You seem interested in him. I can't hear about him now. Let's change the topic."

"Okay," I slowed down my walking, "Tell me how many girlfriends you had before me?"

"Zero."

I knew about that. But still, I wanted to hear that from his mouth.

Halting my steps, I gazed at him, "Not possible. What about Myra?"

"Myra?" He asked with furrowed eyebrows.

"Yeah, Mr. Jay Sharma's daughter. The girl you were hugging and complimenting that day." I spoke with venom in my voice and watched as he laughed.

"You remember everything."

"Yeah, I do. Now tell me."

"What did she tell you?"

"That she is your ex-girlfriend."

"And you believed her?"

I opened my mouth to say something, but nothing came out. I didn't believe her.

Stop lying! you were doubting him ever since that day.

"I just thought to ask you," I murmured quietly.

"Well, let me enlighten you, I have never dated anyone before."

I blinked, "Why?"

"Because I had always waited for the one."

I moistened my lips, and glanced at him, "Do you think I am the One?"

The way he stared into my eyes, made my heart skip a beat. Then, he spoke, "I don't think. I know. I know you are the one. Nothing can change that. Nothing will."