Serendipity

I

♪♫ Tum mere ho iss pal mere ho,

Kal shayad ye aalam na rahe

Kuch aisa ho tum tum na raho,

Kuch aisa ho hum hum na rahe

Ye raaste alag ho jaaye,

Chalet-chalte hum kho jaaye

Mai phir bhi tumko chahungi,

Mai phir bhi tumko chahungi

Iss chahat mein mar jaungi,

Mai phir bhi tumko chahungi...♪♫

___________________________

Five Years Ago

Age – 24

Aman, Yuvraj, and Sameera had been Evara's best friends for as long as she could remember. They were each other's second family.

Sameera was Evara's backbone, she could talk to her non-stop for days—about literally anything, which is saying something considering Evara's reserved nature.

Yuvraj was Evara's childhood best friend, they were neighbours and everyone in his family knew and adored her. He always put the thrill in her life by screwing things up.

And Aman, they started with being friends, progressed to best friends and then lovers.

Aman was the dream guy of every girl; playful but understanding when needed, calm but always up for adventures, and somewhat sweet but his one look was enough to shut everyone up.

Maybe that's why Evara fell for him.

"Aman, are you ready yet?" Evara asked entering his room.

"Yep. Almost." Yuvraj—who was with Aman in his room—answered.

Evara looked at both the man in front of her with a smile. "You look great! Almost like a king."

Today was Aman's wedding and everyone was happy beyond measure.

"Guys, everyone is waiting for you." Sameera entered the room. "Especially, your bride Aman."

Unfortunately, Aman was not getting married to Evara even though they loved each other.

Both Yuvraj and Aman started to move toward the door when Evara stopped Aman. "Can I have a minute, please?"

Sameera and Yuvraj didn't need further instruction. They left the room without a word.

For a few seconds, Evara didn't say anything, only looked at Aman. Trying to memorise every little detail about him.

"What are you looking at?" he said wiggling his eyebrows, trying to lighten the mood.

"You. I'm looking at you."

He saw the raw emotions dancing in her eyes. "Say the words Evara, and I'll stop this."

She chuckled. "I know, you will. But I'd never do that—you gotta do what you gotta do. Besides my parents won't allow us to be together anyway and you have responsibilities to fulfil—this marriage was your father's last wish and you must honour it. But, can I ask for something?"

"Anything." His answer was immediate.

"I've never asked for anything from you. Today, I want you to promise me something."

"You know how I feel about promises, right?"

"You'd die to keep your promises, I know, that's exactly why I want you to give me a promise." When he didn't say anything she added, "I won't ask for something you can't give."

"What is it?"

"Promise me, that you'll give this marriage a chance—you'll give Nisha a chance." Her voice was heavy with emotions. "You'll let her in and you'll show her the playful and adventurous Aman that I fell in love with."

"I can't give her your place. I won't!"

"I'm not asking you to because if you give anyone my place, I'll kill you." she smiled looking at his confused expression. "I don't want you to love her like you loved me. I want you to love her more than you loved me. Promise me, you'll find your happily ever after with Nisha. She deserves it and so do you."

His eyes glistened with unshed tears as he nodded.

"No. I want your words. Tell me you promise."

"I promise."

She looked up and took in a deep breath to stop the tears from rolling out. "I once promised you that I'll be standing beside you in every phase of your life but the second you step out of this room, we can only be best friends; nothing more. So, I'll still be standing with you, but only as your best friend." She paused to let everything sink in. "Um.. one last thing. Can I have one last hug, please?"

"Come here!" he opened his arms for her.

Both of them embraced each other in a tight hug.

"I will always love you," she whispered as tears rolled down her cheeks. "And it's okay, I understand."

"Evara—"

She interrupted him, "Go. She's waiting for you. I'll be there in a moment."

"But—"

She shook her head. "No buts. Go!"

He nodded reluctantly before making his way out of the room.

She broke down when he went out of her sight.

"Eva!" Sameera exclaimed as she entered the room after a few minutes, went toward Evara's crying form, and embraced her in her arms.

"I understand, Sam. I do, but it still hurts! I knew this day would come and I swear I was prepared but—" a sob broke out of her. "But it still hurts so damn much!"

Sameera's throat clogged up looking at her best friend.

It was a sacrifice from both ends. The kind of sacrifice they didn't want to make but sometimes love isn't enough. Sometimes duties and responsibilities are more important.

Sometimes god has a better plan.