One Shots.

From Friends To Forever;A Home Full of Hearts

In a small town, nestled between rolling hills and sparkling rivers, there was a group of five friends: Alia, Kartik, Jatin, Varun, and Abhinav. These friends, bound by years of shared memories and adventures, had known each other since childhood.

They met Alia through Jatin's ex-girlfriend, Tanya. Alia was a friend of Tanya's best friend, and initially, the boys didn't think much of her. She wasn't the most striking in appearance, but as they got to know her, they realized she had a heart of gold.

Alia’s kindness and genuine nature slowly won them over. Even Jatin, who had been heartbroken by his breakup with Tanya, found solace in Alia's company. She had an uncanny ability to lift his spirits, and before long, she became an integral part of their group.

As the group grew closer, Abhinav started dating someone new. Unfortunately, this relationship changed him. He began speaking to Alia rudely for no reason, which hurt her deeply. She wasn't upset because he had a girlfriend, but because he had become mean and distant. Despite this, Kartik, Varun, and Jatin always made sure to cheer her up whenever Abhinav was harsh.

The breaking point came when Abhinav decided to end his friendship with Alia completely. This devastated her, and she fell ill from the emotional strain. She confided in the remaining boys, expressing her fear of being abandoned by any of them. This made Kartik, Varun, and Jatin even more protective of her.

Over time, Alia's health improved, and the boys spent a lot of time at her home, including Abhinav, who had started to feel guilty about his behavior. One day, Jatin, in a state of desperation, rushed to Alia, begging for her help to stalk his ex, Tanya. Alia, though reluctant, handed him her laptop and the password, showing her support even in trivial matters.

As time passed, their bond grew stronger. They all decided to move together into a luxurious sea-facing penthouse in Mumbai, near the Worli Sea Link. It was a dream come true for them, living together in such a beautiful place. However, the close quarters led to some suspicions. The boys noticed that Kartik and Alia had become very close, often sharing a bed.

One evening, while everyone was gathered in the living room, Alia suddenly asked, "Kya tum mein se kisi ko mujhe pe crush tha ya abhi bhi hai? Agar hai toh bata do, warna baad mein chance miss ho jayega."

Abhinav, with a smirk, replied, "Terepe Kartik ko crush tha jab pehli baar mile the. Ab ka pata nahi, tbh."

"Is it true, Krishuu? Aww, so cute. Abhi bhi hai toh bata de, I won't reject you," Alia teased.

Kartik, taken aback, stammered, "Hehehe, aisa kuch nahi hai. Ye toh bas firki le raha hai."

Alia sighed dramatically, "Achhaa, chalo koi na. Kisi aur ko dhoond lungi. Maine toh socha tha ki mere pass 4 launde hai, kisi ek ko pata lungi. Par Varun sir toh tehre Sigma, unko koi relationship nahi chiye. Aur Jatin sir toh tehre randi rona karne wale, jo mujhe pasand nahi. Aur Abhinav, he is already committed nibba kahin ka. Yk Kartik, I had hopes from you, par koi na."

Varun and Jatin, trying to lighten the mood, said in unison, "Chup kar ja, mataa. 😭🙏🏻"

Abhinav, chuckling, added, "Nibbi tu hai, samjhi."

Kartik, unable to hide his emotions any longer, asked, "Alia, akele baat kar sakte hai?"

Varun, with a mischievous grin, chimed in, "Arey Kartik, itni bhi kya jaldi hai?"

Jatin added, laughing, "Lagta hai aaj kuch khaas hone wala hai!"

"Stoppp!!!!" Alia said while blushing.

She agreed, and they moved to the nearest room, which happened to be the guest room.

"Tujhe sach mein mere liye hopes thi for the relationship?" Kartik asked, his voice trembling slightly.