The Hardest Choice

The Realisation

Since the six years Satvik had known Anukriti as a friend, as someone on whom he could always rely on, he had never got the feeling of being in love with her. Even after Nikhil commencing in Anu's life, Satvik was not much affected by his presence. When Anukriti expressed her love towards him in 7th grade, he had rejected her. But one incident changed his framework about his relationship with her.

It was 18th April and at that day she was happy as she had scored highest marks in all the subjects. But then Sandy had ruined her pleasant mood.

"You still haven't returned my money '',Sandy shouted in front of her group.

Actually Sandy was asking Anukriti for money for the farewell party they had given to Parul ma'am, their Japanese teacher, without information to anyone else other than their group. Anu was angry on this negligent attitude of their group. With Sandy, Anu had a sweet and sour kind of an attitude. They did not like each other but they did not dislike each other much. Anu had a very neutral opinion about her

"And I am not at all going to do that even now. Got it?'' She retorted back and got out of Sandy's sight. She always did this to avoid stupid people and their bickering over stupid things. But this time Sandy chased her and tapped on her shoulder.

"Your attitude is becoming too intimidating. You just left even without finishing the whole matter.
Even the members of our group who were absent have given their contribution. And you were present at that day; still you are not ready to give. That's unfair." she toned down her voice.

"Did you ever tell me or any other person outside your social circle about the plan and asked them for any help? No. But when it comes to asking for contribution you come without even thinking. And by the way I don't care who gives or not. "

Satvik was sitting at the corner seat listening. He felt that what the shit they were bickering about. But he did not intervene. He had full confidence that she could handle these bastards easily with her dominating nature.

Then Mihir who was also a part of their so called group started getting into the quarrel. Mihir was Anu's classmate and she hated him the most, at her extreme levels. They knew each other from four years.

"Are you returning the money or not? If not then be prepared for the consequences," he said in an intimidating tone. With that he came towards her, and was just about to land a solid knocking punch on her face when Nikhil stepped and stopped him. At this stage of the fight even Satvik had proceeded to save Anu but Nikhil's timing was perfect.

"Hey you silly fat headed person, if you have the fucking power to fight, fight with me. I will show you how it is done, "he said in a cocky manner which he normally never used. With that he pulled Anukriti out of the whole mess like a hero. Satvik also followed Nikhil. By that time Mihir also had retreated.

They were sitting at the back stairs and Anu was full of rage. If you took even a glance of her face it was enough to tell that she could kill you if you said something.
"Um... I wanted to........." Satvik started but Anukriti snapped him and said "What were you doing when I needed you the most?" she glared at him.
"I was behind you when Mihir tried to attack you", he meekly.

"I am not at all interested in your explanations. The final thing is that Nikhil had saved me from him. So fuck off. "With that she kissed Nikhil on his cheek. Both the guys looked at her, shocked at her act.

"You guys are looking at me as if I have murdered somebody. I haven't done something so bad or unusual", she said as a matter of fact.

"I am amazed by your audacity. But you can't go kissing any guy in school. It's like inviting trouble, rumours, and what not, "Satvik said.

"What is the big deal in this? And Nikhil is not any other guy. He is my best friend, and I think it is the matter between me and him. Also do I say anything when you and Nikhil watch and read erotica? C'mon you live in the 21st century and still talk like 17th century?" she replied.

Nikhil was listening to both of them intently. But now he felt that he had to interrupt.

"I think in a way he is right since gossip and crappy shit travels faster in Sunsoft International than fire in a dry forest. But then I seriously don't have a problem with what has happened. I know that there is nothing wrong in this," he said patiently facing towards Anukriti.

"And Mr. Satvik Agrawal you were busy devouring the food when I needed you the most. It seemed as if you had got food after a very long time, "Anu added on.

"I am really sorry for what had happened. Please forgive me", Satvik said, realising his mistake.

"I think even I am overreacting over a small matter." A sudden change of mind he wondered but he didn't utter a word. May be she got his point. With that she coughed heavily. "Nikhil, do you have tissues?" she asked.

"Are you OK? Do you need me and Satvik to take you to class?" Nikhil started fretting.

"I am OK. Seriously, Nikhil you don't need to worry. I just had severe cough which didn't go completely as I hadn't completed the medicine course", she assured him.
*****************
"Why did I react so awkwardly when Anukriti kissed Nikhil? She is not my girlfriend and I don't interfere in her affairs," he asked to himself.
"What has happened to me? Whenever I see her getting close to a guy I really feel agitated. I know that she never interferes in my life but why am I having problems with her closeness with Nikhil. He is her best confidante and I know that. But why am I reacting like this now?

He was engrossed in his own thoughts until Niya interrupted him. They were seated at the front seat of the bus, a seat which he and Niya detested. Satvik was not listening to Niya's voice calling him. Niya was Satvik's good friend and other than Anukriti she was the only one who understood his feelings. She was an year younger than him but was more sensible and popular than him.

"What has happened to you Satvik? Are you okay? You can share your problems, if any with me. Maybe sharing can help getting a solution."

"Niya, thanks for your concern. Actually today Anukriti got very close to Nikhil and I reached very awkwardly when it happened, saying all kinds of shit which at least I should not have said. I don't know what has happened but I am becoming more possessive towards her like an interfering boyfriend. I am seriously confused. Advise me Niya."

"Hmm...I think the best thing has happened."

"What? Please be clear. I am not in a mood to decipher puzzles,"he said curtly.

"You have fallen in love with Anukriti. That's the truth.I am so pleased at this news. I always thought that this would be happening someday."

"Stop teasing me Niya. You know she is just a good friend of mine. "

"You just don't want to believe it. I advise you to think about what I'm saying. Everyone here knows that you guys have an amazing chemistry together. Anukriti is the best one for you."

"Maybe you are right. I think I need to think about it. I am in a big dilemma that I love her or not or in other words extremely confused."
**********
Even though he had come home four hours ago but still his mind wandered in that conversation with Niya.
"I need to realise and truth and tell her this. I am in love with her. How can it even happen? Love is so unpredictable. It's a beautiful feeling."