Mahika is in her room, lying on the bed. Her eyes flicker toward the lavender dress. She doesn’t understand it, but she also feels a change in her bond with Gautam. She quickly picks up her phone and sends a message to Shruti.
“Awake?”
“Yes, darling,” came the reply.
Next she sent the picture of the lavender dress.
And in the next instant, Mahika’s phone rings.
“Madam, what is this? Jab maine kaha tha lele, tab toh tune liya nahi. Sid should have presented you that,” Shruti says over the phone.
“It’s still a present. But not from Sid,” Mahika murmurs.
“Huh, tum dono ne mujhse chhupaaya? Very bad,” Shruti assumes that Siddharth sent the dress to her.
Mahika stifles a laugh. “Hey, Shru, calm down. Tum dono mere liye ladoge, vo chalega, meri wajah se mat ladna.” She says, her tone laced with love.
“Ye dress Gautam ne gift kiya mujhe. I went for dinner with him tonight,” she admits on the phone.
“Haha, I knew tum dono ka kuch banega. He looks at you with so much love, Mahi,” Shruti says, squealing with joy.
“Love…” She is stunned. “Shru, I don’t know if it’s love or just attraction,” she says.
“I can sense love.” Then her voice falters. “Mahi, will you tell me something?” she asks, her tone serious.
“Kya hua, Shru?” Mahika asks, trying to sound normal.
“Mahi, I feel it. You’re a little silent these days. Kuch hua hai kya? Even with Sid,” Shruti says, understanding even the unsaid.
Mahika feels a shiver run down her spine. She didn’t want this to come up so soon. But here, Shruti has addressed it. She can’t reveal the truth. She can’t hurt her best friend. Meanwhile, Shruti speaks again.
“Mahi, you’re listening to me, right? Bol na kya hua? Are you okay?” she asks.
Overwhelmed, Mahika blinks her eyes softly. She smiles, more to herself.
“Shru, it’s nothing like that. Tumhe isliye lag raha hai kyunki ab hum busy ho gaye hain. 2 din baad tumhari shadi hai, Shru, itna mat socho,” Mahika says, her tone soft.
“Are you sure, Mahi?” Shruti asks, and Mahika hums in agreement.
“Yes, my bride. But…but I can’t understand myself,” she murmurs.
“Mahi, I think you should give a chance to Gautam. He’s nice. Sid bata raha tha ki vo log school mein ek sath they. Phir Gautam bahar chala gaya tha,” Shruti whispers into the phone.
“Aur Sid ko bhi laga that Gautam likes you, maybe,” Shruti says.
Before Mahika could respond, Siddharth’s voice comes through the receiver. “Mujhe lagta nahi, mujhe pata hai, Mahi. He’s good for you. Give him a chance,” he says.
Mahika feels her breath hitch. “Are you guys sure? You…you approve him?” she asks, unable to make a decision.
“Yes,” comes their mingled voice. And after a beat, Siddharth’s voice falls in her ears.
“Mahi, tum hum dono ki best friend ho. Aur hum tumhare liye sab achcha hi chahte hain. Gautam was asking me about you jab hum pehli baar miley they CCD mein. He’s genuine, Mahi. Ek chance toh vo deserve karta hai,” Siddharth’s deep voice falls through the phone, grounding her.
“And yes, he’s coming to the wedding. Talk to him, at least once,” Shruti says, bucking her up.
Mahi sighs. “Fine, I’ll see. I’ll see you two tomorrow, at the hotel,” she says and then disconnects the call.
YOU ARE READING
Pehla Pyaar
Romansa|Completed| Friendship is precious, and so is love-but what happens when life throws unexpected challenges your way? Shruti, Siddharth, and Mahika share a deep bond as best friends. While Mahika has loved Siddharth since childhood, fate has other pl...
