Almost Love (ON HOLD)

CHAPTER 5

Meera and Kabir had a routine now- they would meet at Kirori park every time after her dance class got over and they would ride the cycle to the Cafe Coffee Day outlet and have a coffee.

But it had been a week now since they had even seen each other's face.

The science project submissions had to be submitted in two days and Meera was so nervous! She and Alia had barely even finished the project, practicing for the presentation was a far stretched idea.

Alia had came over and they were busy researching and constructing the model.

"Does this part come here or here?" Alia asked.

"I think it goes behind over there" Meera pointed.

They worked in silence with Alia finishing the construction and Meera working on the presentation.

"Finally!" groaned Alia, "the model is done! It took us so long yaar."

"I swear. I haven't worked this hard in my entire life."

"Come on, lets show this presentation to your parents," Alia suggested and Meera agreed. Both of them held the model together and walked downstairs.

"Ma, papa," Meera called out to her parents who sat watching television.

"Yes beta?" Mother asked.

"We want to show you our presentation."

Both of them started the presentation and her parents watched attentively.

Meera didn't realise but as they were giving the presentation, Kabir and Aman had come from behind and sat down to watch them.

"That was excellent beta, i think you'll definitely win the prize,"

"Thankyou ma," Meera said happily.

"Good job sis," Aman complimented while Kabir looked at her with his dimpled smile and said "that was great!"

Meera blushed and Alia pulled her back to the room.

"What was that?!" Alia demanded.

"What was what?" Meera was confused.

"You were blushing?!!!! Do you want someone to suspect that something's going on between you and Kabir?" She scolded.

"What? No! Nothing's going on anyway," Meera sidestepped her best friend. "It's nothing."

"But it is something, right? You both like each other. Then what's the problem?" Alia asked.

Meera grew annoyed. Alia knew, then why was she bringing the topic again?

She sighed. "You know my parents Alia. You know how everything is in my family? My parents will kill me if they find out. Kabir and I haven't even done anything but still you know what their mentality is. They will never understand about love. And specially not my brother. Kabir is his best friend, for god's sake!"

Alia furrowed her brows, "love, huh?"

Meera grew red, "that's the only thing you noticed out of everything i said? I mean what's wrong Alia, even you don't  understand what I'm going through?"

" I understand, but you don't. Once you speak it out loud you'll realise on your own."

"Don't go all psychic on me" Meera made a face.

"Come on Meera, take a deep breath and tell me." Alia ordered.

Meera sighed. "Fine. Kabir and i like each other but nothing is possible. I can't keep it a secret. You know it's tough. I just want them to accept me for the first time. Forget the parents for a second, but if even Aman bhaiya gets to know, he will kill us both. He'll feel we broke his trust."

"But you aren't breaking any trust, right? You can like whoever you want. It's your life. It's your choice. I get it though, i know how conservative your family is, at times like this i wish you were my twin or something, and you could enjoy the freedom. But you're sixteen, you need to be selfish now. In two years you'll be an adult. You could just mary him or something."

"Marry? Are you crazy?"

Alia laughed, "okay i know that was too far stretched but you'll go to college right? Your life starts then, you won't have to ask your family for permissions all the time. You just need to gather all your bravery now, just two more years Meera, then you can stop worrying about your family and shit."

"I know..." Meera mumbled while Alia pulled her into a bear hug.

Suddenly Meera felt too pressurised for everything. She had been the good daughter, the good sister, the good student, the good everything all her life. But even then she had no clue who she was and what she wanted.

"I just- i- I don't know," she let out and Alia pulled back only to see her best friend crying.

"Shhhh, don't cry, i love you and I'll always support you no matter what. I just want you to be independent and make an identity for yourself. I don't want you to be scared Meera. Now stop crying, please."

"I'm sorry for crying like that, i just felt so overwhelmed you know?"

"I know," Alia reassured. "We all do sometimes and it's okay."

"Alia?"

"Hmm?"

"Thankyou for being my best friend."

"Stop it Meera, we've been best friends since kindergarten, i know you even better than you do yourself girl." Alia said with a laugh.

"I don't know what I'd ever do without you. You give the best advices and i know you always have the best interests for me at heart, but maybe I'm not strong enough yet to take a stand for myself right now. If i tell them i like Kabir, they'll do something and I'll never be able to see him again! That's just what i worry about all the time. I want to tell them about Kabir so that we don't have to hide anything, but at the same times I'm way too scared. If no one accepts us, it'll be over. And I'm scared for that."

"I know girl, don't worry. These are sacrifices we make at times, but mark my words- one day you will be strong enough to take a stand for yourself and your feelings."

"Thankyou." Meera smiled. "Also, do you think Kabir actually likes me?"

"Of course he does! Have you seen him when he smiles at you? His eyes literally shine but of course you, my girl, are too busy blushing to even notice how he is when he is with you."

"Shut up," Meera said shyly and threw her cushion at Alia.

"You know what I'm saying is only the truth." Alia winked. "He really likes you though. I haven't seen him smile like how he smiles when he's just in your presence. And you? Oh my god. You toh just can't even stop blushing for a second." Alia laughed at Meera's red face. "I really hope you guys stay together."

"I hope so too. Anyway, take your speech when you go home. We need to  win the science project exhibition in any case." Meera changed the topic.

"Don't worry we will."

* * *
Author's note-

Hi guys! I know it's been too long. Sorry :'(((

I was pretty confused as to how i wanted this chapter to come out, but i feel I've been able to show Meera and Alia's pure relationship!

They are so cute!