Best friend v/s Boyfriend

Part 5

"Vidyut.... pass here..."
One of the teammates screamed at Vidyut who was bouncing the ball. 1 second he got distracted and utilising that opportunity, someone snatched the ball from Vidyut.
"Hey... what's this dude?" Someone called out.
Vidyut closed his eyes exasperated and ran behind the player who was sprinting towards the basket. With a swift of movement he snatched the ball and shot it to the basket and scored.
"Good job... buddy"
His teammates patted his back.
"I am done. You guys carry on."
Vidyut turned back and walked towards the changing room.

"Why so early?" Someone asked.
"Some personal stuff" Vidyut told blinking his eyes at the person.

I hope Avni is fine. I should go and check on her. She was so worried today... because of that boy. I wonder why she didn't tell me about this earlier. Actually no one mentioned this restaurant incident. Should I talk to Karan? May be I should not. There's no guarantee that he will tell the truth. He and his dares! Nonsense! That boy might be thinking Avni to be a ... arrgh... no no.. Anyway I should take care of Avni if that boy is stalking her. 

Changing his sports wear to his shirt and Jeans, he hopped on his bike.
****
"Uff.. this girl is testing my patience. She is online but can't accept my request. "
Neil raked his hands over his hair and got out of the bed looking for DD.
"Oh... this idiot was busy flirting with her." He glared at DD who was talking to sunehri on a video call standing in the balcony.
DD rolled his eyes seeing Neil's glares.
"Can't you just leave her alone for sometime? "
"None of your business " DD turned away from Neil.
"You guys met today afternoon and started the call just after reaching here. What's there to talk this much without any break?" Neil gnushed his teeth.

"You won't understand. Go and get a girl for yourself then you will understand." DD said with irritation and sat on a chair.

"What the f**k! You are insulting me? If I snap my fingers, there will be a crowd of girls after me. Just because you have a girlfriend don't think that you are a Greek god or something." Neil kicked the chair in which DD was seated making him stumble down.

"Baby are you ok?" Sunehri asked DD hearing the commotion.
"I m alright baby.. just hold on for a minute" DD put the phone away and face Neil crossing his arms against his chest.

"What's your problem man? Are you jealous of my love life?"

"Jealous of you? In your dreams! "

"Then what do you want pyar ke Dushman? DD asks impatiently.

Neil clears his throat hesitating to say his demand.
"Umm.. can you ask... sunehri to.. to.. accept my f... follow request?"

"But why? " DD knitted his eyebrows.

"Will tell you later. Ask her now!"

"Is this a request or an order?" DD chuckled humorously.

"Please..." Neil fake smiles with gritted teeth.

DD gives a toothy smile and put his phone back.
" baby... Neil has sent you a request.  Please accept it.... yeah... sure "
 
Neil stood there trying to comprehend Sunehri's reaction. Then he hears a notification sound in his phone. He smiles widely seeing it is the acceptance from Sunehri.

Without sparing a second he ran back to his bed.
"Hey... you are supposed to thank me dude.." DD called out but Neil was already gone.

Neil eagerly goes through the list of friends in Sunehri's account.
"She has whole college in her friends list.  How will I find her? "
Neil's eyes scanned through the profile picture of girls. Suddenly his eyes caught what he was seeking. His heart did a somersault seeing the picture of his dream girl. Neil read the account name.
"Its_me_avni"
"Avni... her name is Avni.. yes! What a name! No other name can suit her. Avni... I am already liking it"
Neil's smile reach his ears in happiness.
***
"Champ... all good?"
Vidyut barged into Avni's room. She was reading a book sitting on her swing which is kept near the window.  It allows her enjoy the breeze and scenery outside while reading.

"Vid... I am good."

"Look what I brought for you. Your favourite blueberry pastry! "

"Oh my God. You are the best buddy.."
Avni happily hugged Vidyut before snatching the pastry box from him.

Vidyut grinned in happiness.
"Not a big deal. You always crave for this. So thought of getting you one today."

Avni started to savour the pastry sitting on the bed and Vidyut sat beside her with a pointed look.

Should I talk to her about that boy? Is she hiding something? She is a little childish sometimes but never seen her this nervous for a boy.

"What's with that look?" Avni raised her brows.

"Nothing " vidyut shook his head dissmissing the thoughts in his head.

"Don't you know that I can catch your lies? Tell me what it is"
Avni implored.

"Umm... you know that boy? The one who tried to followed you. "
Vidyut asked deliberately avoiding the kissing thing thinking it might make her uncomfortable.

"Cough.. cough.. who?  That f.. fitness freak? We tought him a lesson no? After that I haven't seen him anywhere. Might have ran away from the city.
Avni laughs trying cover up her nervousness.

"Avni... just like you I can sense your lies too. You very well know who I am talking about. That singer.. we saw today at college. "  Vidyut speaks calmly.

"Vid... I.. you know how embarrassing that incident was? That's why I didn't tell you." Avni lowers her gaze.

"Champ.. it's ok. I understand. But you should not hide if that boy is trying to follow you. Do you know why he came to our college? I mean was he stalking you?"

Avni gulped the lump in her throat.
"I don't think so.  He left soon no? "

"You look so pale. Don't worry Avi.. I was just concerned.  You know you can count on me if you have any problem. "
Vidyut caresses Avni's hair with a smile.

Avni smiles. "I know Vid.. By the way, Did Juhi message you?"

"Don't start again... " Vidyut rolls his eyes.

"She is a nice girl." Avni gives a cheeky smile.

"Of course! Atleast she won't kiss a stranger for the sake of a stupid dare."

Vidyut suppresses his smile.

"Vidyut!!.. I will kill you."  Avni smeared the leftover pastry all over Vidyut's face.
"What the hell?" Vidyut glared Avni.
Seeing the situation is out of control Avni ran outside the room.

"Hey... Avni!!... idiot. " Vidyut ran behind her.

***
"Why did I lied to Vid? I am almost sure that he is pursuing me. But... still I said no. May be it's not good to involve Vidyut now. He may act violently. I should confirm if he is a bad guy or not.   His face is so innocent. How can he be a stalker? If Riya is right... he is liking me."
Unknowingly a smile bloomed on Avni's  face. She was lying on the bed expecting sleep but it was far away from her.
She turned to the other side of the bed looking at the window.
"To be frank, I was nearly smitten by him that day. I hope he doesn't think bad about me due to the stunt I performed that day."
She hit her head on the pillow.
"If he come infront of me again.. I will not run away like an idiot. I will face him and talk to him. But... what if he doesn't show up?"
Avni felt a pang in her heart.
" God... what am I even thinking? I should get some sleep now otherwise I may turn crazy."
She pulled the comforter over her head.

To be continued.
Thank you for reading.