The Journey Ahead

13. The Final Encounter

Inspite of all the shocking stares Naina went with Aryan. It is also shocking for Naina that he called her and wants to talk with her away from others. But still without uttering a single word Naina went with him.

It was a moonlit night. The shiny moonlight is falling on the corridors through which they are passing by. Cool air is blowing over her body which made her shiver a little. Whereas Aryan also ruffled his hair. He is also disturbed because of the decision he made.

They are already on the topmost floor and it seems like Aryan is leading her to the roof of the school. As they reached there, Aryan took out the key of the door of the roof and unlocked it. He moved aside giving Naina enough space to enter. At first Naina was hesitant a bit but she entered anyways.

It was the 5th floor of the school. Heavy cool air blown with a tinge of lightning indicating that it is going to rain soon. Aryan entered behind her and closed the door. He stood beside Naina who was at the edge of the roof and was enjoying the view of the amazing night sky.

For a moment they just stood the admiring the cool breeze and the dark sky. Aryan didn't know how to start the conversation. A "hi" was what came out from his lips. Naina replied "Hello" with utter hesitation. "Look Naina. There is something I need to talk with you." Aryan said. Not knowing what to say she replied "Okay."

With a heavy sigh Aryan started. "I know it's only been a month and a more that I got to know you. Well honestly I didn't even noticed or knew your name. It was the time when Atifa my sister told me about you. The audition. It was as per my decision. I only told Maria to give you hard steps. So that you couldn't participate. But no. You're an excellent dancer. Your dance moves reminds me of my mom. She used to dance like you."

"Used to??" Naina asked. "She is not anymore in this world. She died." Aryan explained. Naina noticed how his eyes started getting moist. "I am sorry. I didn't know about this. But. Can I ask you something." Naina asked to which Aryan only nodded. "But who was there with your dad today?" Naina asked. "She is my step mom." Aryan said with a clenched jaw. Naina didn't know what to say so she remained quite.

Aryan continued. "So Naina. I don't know how to say this. I mean. You know. I started liking you from the day I saw you. I mean you are beautiful and polite. You dance so well. You are good in your academics also. But most importantly your behavior. You are so well mannered. I love you for everything you love every people you love. I love you just because who you really are. So Naina. I can't explain it, but I just know that you're the one for me. Will you take a chance on us and say yes to a lifetime of love and happiness?" He said the last line while holding Naina's hand and with a pleading eyes.

Naina was dumbstruck by his confession. The floor vanished underneath her feet. He was looking straight into her eyes. She forgot to speak. She was just looking into his eyes thinking about what to say. She wanted to say so many things but nothing came out from her mouth. Aryan was just staring into her dark brown orbs which was shining in the moonlight.

Naina." Aryan said shaking her a little. She came back out of her trance and said "Yes??" " I want answers Naina." he said.

Naina sighed and slowly released her hand from his. She looked straight into his eyes. "Look Aryan. I don't know what to say. We are very young for this. I have made this mistake before in my life. I don't want to repeat the same mistake again. It's better if we just remain we were before." She said and turned around to leave but Aryan hold her wrist and pulled her back. Naina landed so close that she can see Aryan's tiniest details on his face.

Aryan looked straight into her eyes and said "Please Naina. Just give me a chance. I promise. It will not be the mistake again."

"Aryan please. Try to understand. I also have a sister. What will she think of me. You are a good guy. But still. I can't do this. You are very popular in school. Already people talk about me a lot as I have participated in the event. They think that I participated just to become one of those popular girls of the school. But this isn't true right. There are already many rumors about us. I don't want those rumors to become true. So please leave me alone. And please don't interfere in my and my sister's life again. The event is end  and I don't want us to cross our paths again. Goodbye Aryan." Saying this she attempted to leave only to be stopped by Aryan.