The best arrangement: Between us...

Chapter 12 - You are mine.....

" Siddharth, Abhishek, take your time and talk it through....." Neha whispered loudly, earning glares from Arjith and Arjun.

They were in the Maharashtra Nature park, on the outskirts of Mumbai, currently standing on top of a sloping terrain. Due to the heavy downpours in the previous days, the place was muddy.

" Remember to 'talk'......" Arjith stressed on that word. Prateek choked on his spit. Everone looked at him, wondering. Abhishek internally facepalmed, thinking 'this guy won't be able to keep his mouth shut for long.

The friends walked away, leaving Siddharth and Abhishek alone. An awkward silence reigned between them. After all, it had been a long time, and Siddharth felt quite awkward. Abhishek, on his part was aching to talk to Siddharth, to comfort him, to tell him that him not being able to reciprocate his feelings was fine, and he did not expect him to.

Siddharth wanted to admit that he was confused, that he was still reeling from the grief of his breakup, and that his mind was too clouded to think properly about anything. Honestly, he felt that it was only proper to reject Abhishek's proposal of love, but he couldn't convince his heart to do so.

Finally, Siddharth was the one who broke the silence. He blurted out " Abhi..... You are hurting, and it's because of me.... Do you.... Do you still love me?" He wanted to dig a hole and bury himself in it. What am I asking? It will only hurt him and, it's not like I love him back. I clearly don't....

" Yes. I still love you...." Came Abhishek's reply. He wanted to say much more, but he could not bring himself to.

" Abhi..... I don't think I....."

" Found you............ idiot... You thought I will leave you alone??" A scoffing voice was heard.

Abhishek and Siddharth turned, to see Jake speeding towards them, in a jeep. They froze in their spots for a second. Suddenly, Siddharth saw some men on a tree nearby, preparing to throw a huge net over him. The net must be heavy, and the jeep was speeding towards them.

" Today, I will break your bones............. just because I want to. Otherwise, I am not a petty man to sulk over such a trivial matter like losing a match..." Jake sneered. An evil grin formed on his face. Siddharth realized that time was running out. Abhishek was standing still. His first instinct was to save Abhishek. He glanced up, the net was ready to be thrown. He closed his eyes, and pushed Abhishek down the slope. It was a gentle slop, and Abhishek wouldn't hurt himself falling down. The net came down, and settled on Siddharth. It was indeed strong and heavy. Siddharth frantically tried to free himself, to no avail. He was entangled in it. He sighed and closed his eyes, anticipating the inevitable. How quickly had things turned upside down! If only he had tried to talk to Abhishek sooner..... Damn it!

" SID...... NO............." He could hear Abhishek scream and curse.

He had his eyes closed, and he could hear the whir of wheels coming closer. Seconds passed by, and he could not feel being hit. He opened his eyes, and saw that the jeep was just 3 or so meters away from him. It's back wheels were stuck in the mud..... Jake was stomping on the accelerator in desperation, and the poor engine was roaring. His men were pushing the jeep from behind. What a stroke of luck! Siddharth thanked the gods and resumed his struggle with the net. 

Abhishek came up the slope in an inhuman speed, blatant fear in his eyes. He quickly calmed down, seeing him unharmed. He quickly scanned the net, and saw that the only way to get out of it, was to cut it open. Luckily, he had a knife with him; He always had his small backpack with him, which had all necessary things like scissors, knife, blade, first aid kit.... etc. He applied extraordinary force on the knife, and attacked the net with all his might, like his life depended on it, quickly cutting out an opening wide enough to pull Siddharth out. The jeep was still stuck, and Jake was yelling in frustration.