If You're Hero, I'll be your Heroine!

Hero's Flashback

"I'm from Gwalior. My father was a rich businessman named Vipin Malhotra. He was known for his business ethics and was very modest. My mother passed away when I was very young. My father brought me up with everything I needed. But when I was six, he was killed in front of my eyes."

"By whom?" asked Raj, horrified. 

"Some professional killers. That day he had taken me to a fine-dining restaurant for dinner. The waitress mixed something in his juice and he started feeling dizzy. I tried to call for help, but suddenly a gang of killers showed up and stabbed my father. In those last moments, the only thing he told me was 'Mihir, run!'"

Raj listened keenly. 

"I ran away as fast as I could. A policeman saw me and I told him everything. I don't know what happened to the killers till date. But after that, I was sent to an orphanage where I grew up. I finished my studies in graphic arts with excellent marks and moved here. If I didn't meet you at that sports meet, I would've still been alone. Through you I met Rohit and Prem and am happy again, for the three of you and your partners have been like family to me."

Raj comforted him in a hug.

"Don't worry Mihir. Even if the whole world is against you, I will be there for you. And I can understand your pain, for I have faced a traumatic past too."

"Tell me," said Mihir.

"My parents always forced me to do what they wanted. With them, I was always in a state of mental torture," said Raj. "They often neglected me in pursuit of perfection, and used to psychologically abuse me if I did anything wrong. I had absolutely no privacy. I was interested only in dance and gymnastics. But my parents were very apprehensive of that."

"Oh my God," said Mihir. "Typical helicoptering parents."

Raj nodded. "I met Pooja in when we were in ninth standard and we fell in love after entering college. Her parents approved, but told us to finish our studies first. But my parents didn't approve. So, after winning many medals in the state and national levels, and getting my degree, Pooja and I moved in together. And you know what happened next."

Mihir grinned. "I was erecting the shamianas for the sports meet and you were coaching the kids. We became fast friends due to our passion for dance and choreography. Then you introduced me to Rohit and Prem and gave my life a new meaning. Can't forget that I was the one who wanted to arrange your engagement!"

Raj giggled. "Anyway, see you again soon, yaar. Pooja will be waiting for me."

"Give Pooja my regards."

Raj agreed and left.

Mihir watched him as he went. He could always confide in Raj about anything he felt. He decided to sleep, when...

Through the window, he saw Sanya in her room. Her hair was in a tight bun, and she was reading a book. 

"Hoy, she's the same girl I saw in the morning! And she lives just next door!"

The pitter-patter of rain could be heard as the two of them looked at each other.

Mihir had always been awkward around girls. But this girl was one he found genuinely attractive.

"I think I should befriend her on Facebook as well as personally," he said to himself, as he waved to her.

But little did he know, that that thought would be the start of a lifetime.