Even If The World Was Ending

35. All of you is with all of me

"Aditi....?"

To say, Ishan was stunned would be an understatement. After the break up, not once had Aditi contacted him.

When they had broken up, Ishan was melancholic for quite a long time. Because, Ishan had realised his feelings for Shubman during that time and also, Aditi was really good friend and a shoulder to cry on on.

So why has she called now? Ishan thoughts were broken when Aditi finally spoke.

"Hi.. how are you? I heard about your accident, so I tried to contact your manager but he wasn't picking." Aditi said, her voice soft as the breeze as she spoke.

Ishan smiled, genuinely "Thanks for asking Aditi. I'm doing good"

"So.. how is everything? Cricket and girlfriend or boyfriend...." Aditi longed a pause.

Ishan's eyes widened. He had forgotten the fact that the breakup with Aditi was the sexual awakening of Ishan.

Not wanting to hide anything from her, as he genuinely trusted Aditi. Since the breakup, Ishan had never once heard Aditi throwing thrash on Ishan's image or outing him out.

"Umm cricket is you know... still trying to get back on track, obviously it might take time..."

"And are you dating?" Aditi asked, almost cautiously

An image of Shubman laughing with his dimples in display and eyes almost crinkling at the edges with a slight hue of pink across his cheeks appeared in Ishan's mind and he smiled tracing the imprint of the ring which was now placed on his better half.

"Yeah.. I mean.. Humne next step lena ka decision liya hai, of marriage" Ishan said, pausing a lot in between

"I know l'm asking too much, but are you taking about Shubman?" Aditi asked, trying to not sound too prying

"Yes... me and Shubman are finally together" Ishan sighed as he completed the sentence.

For few seconds there was pause on the other line. Ishan checked his phone to see if the call was disconnected. Frowning a little he asked "Hello.. Aditi are you there?"

"Ya.. Umm sorry. Oh wow. That's.. that's great actually. I'm happy for y'all. I hope he treats you well and you finally got what you wanted" Aditi said stuttering a little.

Ishan's heart dropped at Aditi's stuttering reply. Unable to hold it in Ishan decided to confront.

"I'm sorry Aditi. I-I don't know how to make things easier but even if I was in love with Shubman, that didn't mean I did not like you. I did enjoy your company, the moments we spent. Please don't feel bad.. Call me arrogant or apathetic for the breakup, but I'll always be grateful how you made me realise my stupidity. But in all these, in the way of finding my happiness, I missed your sadness. If you can pls forgive me.. for all the shit I have put you through, please accept my sincere apologies." Ishan spoke, finally relieved from the burden he didn't know he was keeping in his heart.

"Ishan... I'm no one to forgive you. I'm glad you understood it sooner. Yes, the reason behind me calling you was definitely about your health, But my curiosity got the best of me. I did love you Ishan, a lot more than just your 'company'.. but I was selfish. I knew about your priorities and feelings about Shubman a long time back, but I still thought and decided that this relationship won't survive and you'll want me again. Definitely I was disappointed that my wishes didn't come true, but in that span I realised.. ki saccha pyar hasil karne se nahi, jinse pyar karte ho unko khush dekhne se milta hai. I have finally moved on Ishan, maybe this was our closure"

Ishan felt heaviness in his chest as he sighed and nodded "ya... but, I don't wanna lose our friendship. You really mean a lot to me."

Aditi laughed lightly as she replied "Losing you as a friend was more difficult then losing you as a boyfriend, though I can't promise it will remain same as before, the feelings just can't be turned off you know..." Aditi longed out her response.