Just Friends

CHAPTER 25

"I know my heart will never be the same, but I'm telling myself I'll be okay." 

- SARA EVANS 

^^^

"It isn't like that," Kiara glanced into Harshad orbs. "He has the determination to prove himself correct. He isn't the guy just of words but knows to make it a reality with his actions." She wasn't sure why she felt a need to defend Harshad in front of her friends.

"Aww..." Aditi cooed, "Kiara coming in your support, Harshad, you're already the winner." Aditi's comment made others laugh while Dhruv's eyes were fixed on Kiara and she was digging holes in the marble floor. She didn't have the courage to face the two most intense gazes rooting on her. Dhruv was providing her with a questioning gaze while Harshad was staring at her with adoration.

Harshad was finding it difficult to hold his feelings at bay. His lip twisted into a huge grin as his black, large orbs sparkled in curiousness. He wasn't able to calm the heart beating twice faster than its regular speed. He wasn't able to believe his ears. Kiara was supporting him against Dhruv. How could it be ever possible? It might be a mere thing for Kiara as her eyes were rooted on the floor but it wasn't for Harshad. It was sparkling the hope that he had burned inside on finding Kiara giggling at Dhruv's comment.

It wasn't only Aditi that grew possessive over Dhruv but Harshad was attempting hard to hold his feelings back. Seeing Kiara with Dhruv made an unfamiliar feeling concur in his heart. He wasn't used to being possessive. Often, he hadn't given much importance to the things in his life. Kiara had knocked down all the barriers he had built from childhood. Harshad was dying to have a glance at those beautiful set of orbs but Kiara was adamant not to face them.

___

"Pack that last piece of a blanket placed on the bed," Kiara screamed pulling her hair in a bun as she glanced herself in the mirror for one last time. They had planned a camping night in one of the dangerous forests and everyone was excited about the trip.

"And don't forget some extra pair of sweaters and even..." She stopped in her commentary as her eyes locked on Dhruv staring into her orbs from the mirror reflection. She turned swiftly to face him with an appalled look. "Dhruv?" She was astonished, her eyes scanning if Aditi had followed him inside.

From the last few hours, Aditi and Dhruv had been inseparable, may it be their argument on the planned evening or discussion about everything in general. The view wasn't something new, they often had many topics to discuss. Kiara had attempted her level best and it came as a surprise as slowly she was getting used to both of them so much attached to one another. Maybe her heart had slowly started to accept that Dhruv was for Aditi not for her.

"Why are you looking at me in such a surprise? Can't I come and talk with you?" Dhruv inquired, having a smirk. Kiara attempted to offer a smile at him but it was getting difficult for her to fake the happiness. He took a step forward, "what is it, Kiara? I thought the misunderstanding among us was sorted out. We were back to normal. You don't seem the same Kiara I knew from years back." Dhruv sounded concerned, "at times I feel, you find ways to distance yourself from me. We hardly talk, Kiara."

"There isn't anything like such, Dhruv." Kiara averted her gaze as she was forcing herself to lie to him. She couldn't allow her real feelings to be noticed. He wasn't allowed to know the pain she was witnessing.

"This! I hate when you hide things from me." Dhruv was erasing the distance with each step. Kiara was getting nervous. It was getting difficult to hold her emotions back. "It feels as if you no longer consider me your friend," Dhruv confessed making Kiara stare at him with brimming tears. "What is it, Kiara? What is pulling you away from me?"