The Artificial Jury

12. The Closure Promises Eternity

Avika's POV 

I was on my knees and was sobbing. I had seen the comments on that interview. People were throwing negative shoots for dating a boy less than age (rumor)- Parthiv. How can they be so dumb and mean? I don't love Partho, but I definitely have some feelings for him. 

This time, I feel that I should listen to my heart and ignore the toxicity of society and my fans, who are apparently not true ones. Still, I was scared, scared to live in this society. And what about Partho? He has just started flourishing in his career. 

I was overwhelmed with so many overlapping thoughts when I received a notification. 

[I want to tell you a lot, BFF. Today, I got my happiness. And, let me tell you an amusing thing. I saw a copy of you today- Miya. She thought that her crush is her love, yes, just like you did once. And, her crush is our Parthiv only. Bye, catch you later!]

It was Mihi's message. I was happy- she had found happiness, unlike me. But, the latter part made my nose warm and blogged my mind. 

Just the thought of a person having feelings for Partho, maybe just crush feeling, is killing me. I feel so many emotions rising in me. 

"I will be there for you forever. And, I love you." his words were coming again and again in my mind. 

I closed my eyes and the tears kissed my face. The thought of anger, jealousy at one side, and Partho's love for me at the other. Did I feel jealous because I love him?

I love him? I don't know. 

"Avi," his masculine yet peaceful voice reached my ears. The thought of loving maybe can make me feel distressed due to society, but, at the same time, I feel overpowered to have his love. 

I looked up to see his face and that smile reassured me that he would never leave my side. 

'You got it right. I would never leave you." he read my mind? 

"You don't need to be stunned. I love you truly and, for me, you're my soulmate," he said and kissed my forehead. I smiled at this sensation.

"Partho, I think I love you. But, I am still not sure." I told him. He still had those lovely expressions for me.

He pulled me towards him and came terribly close to my lips. I closed my eyes and waited for him to do his work. But, he brushed his cheek with mine and whispered, "Did you want me to kiss you, Ms. Sahni?" 

"I- I actually thought that you would. I was also ready for it. But, why did you stop?" I was amazed at my words. One by one, his words and actions were coming to my mind. I want him because he has become a part of me, I need him because I love him? I wanted him to come closer to me? I- I love him. Yes, I love him. 

I opened my eyes to see his face once again. It had another glow. I had never felt him so good and handsome. Is this what we call love? I have done so many films and my characters have also fallen in love with different leads, but this time, Avika only has fallen, for Mr. Saxena. I looked towards him dreamily. 

He smirked and held my neck from behind, came closer and closer until his lips brushed with mine. Slowly and gently he kissed me, not passionately, but softly- the tenderness that strengthened my subconscious existence. 

"Why did you kiss me? Did you get to know that I realized?" 

"I know you better than you know yourself, love." he smiled and embraced me. This warmth was so new and peaceful. No need for cheesy lines, just his understanding enough for our togetherness.

"But, how will we live in this society? No one would let us live peacefully." I said as tears convulsed my face. 

"Do you want marriage?" he asked me seriously.