Early update! :)

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Kahin na kahin, jaagi hui hai koi aarzoo

♪

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Sharanya hadn't slept well. She had a sudden onset of worry about the wedding after the walk last night. She wouldn't admit it openly, but the truth was that she also, just like any other girl, had a vision of what her life partner should be like.

The epicentre of the worry wasn't that Nikhil didn't fit the bill, but the fact that he was showing signs of being just the opposite.

She'd always wanted a typical Romance guy, like they showed in movies. Someone with a sparkling witty sense of humour, a charismatic smile and a huge heart. Someone like Aman of Kal Ho Naa Ho, who'd light up her world, who'd be her angel. Someone who would make life worth all the struggle she had put up with in the past and would swim through in future.

Nikhil, just didn't fit. He was a guy of few words. His smile was rare. He definitely didn't light up a room with his personality. Up until now, Sharanya had thought he'd eventually open up. Introverts took time to open up, she understood. But what if, he was what he was. There was no more than what met the eyes.

Absently, she walked through the tea plantations. Their host was leading the way, explaining the various steps that went into processing of tea leaves. She had had minimal interaction with everyone including Gargi. She was sleep deprived and grumpy. She consoled herself by telling herself it was just the hormones. Once their chaos was over, things would fall back in line.

She let out a yawn. The last night she was very excited about the tea garden visit, but right now she'd give anything for a nice cosy bedroom and some silence so that she could catch up on her sleep.

"You okay?" She heard Gargi whisper to her.

"Yeah," she nodded climbing up the slope. She glanced over her shoulder as Arun and Nikhil followed them leisurely engaged in some conversation. They followed their hosts to the cottage.

"You'll all have tea, right?" The lady asked looking towards them.

"Yes, sure." Gargi said glancing back at the men who had just walked in.

"Come on I will show you how we make it." The host beckoned them over as she walked behind the huge counter. Arun followed them while Nikhil excused himself to take a call.

The tea was refreshing. Arun volunteered to carry a cup to Nikhil, while the ladies chatted about the weather and other things around the town.

"Let's sit here," Arun said meeting Nikhil just at the entrance.

Nikhil nodded and sat on the steps. Arun sat beside him handing him the cup of steaming tea.

"The ladies are doing their usual talk," Arun muttered. "So how was the walk last night?"

"What do you mean?" Nikhil asked, puzzled.

Arun glanced at the entrance and then back at him, "did you guys just hold hands or have you reached the goodnight kiss phase?"

Nikhil stared at his friend in disbelief.

"What?" Arun muttered, looking at him squarely while drinking from his cup.

"I barely know her." Nikhil said, while gazing at the contents of his cup. The aroma of the tea was strong. He generally preferred coffee but tea was just fine given the day and setting.

"So just holding hands and walking!" Arun sighed.

Nikhil quietly drank from his cup. Should he let him know that there was no holding hands? Arun would just mock him. But maybe he'll have some tips.

"What did you guys talk about?"

"Her interviews,"

"Hmm, and?"

"And?" Nikhil asked back looking at him pointedly.

"Well, if you don't want to talk about it, I am fine with that." Arun said, emptying his cup in one long sip.

Nikhil quietly sipped on his beverage. He was conflicted. He was really unsure how to be around Sharanya. How to get them from the awkward smile exchanging zone to a zone where they could comfortably talk about things that mattered, things that helped them understand each other.

Coming to flirting. He didn't know how to, if at all, he should tell Arun that he was clueless about it. It had been a long time since he took interest in making a lasting impression on the opposite sex.

"How did you get along with Gargi in this ... weird phase?"

Arun smiled. "Ours was an altogether different situation. We met each other, liked each other. Went on more dates. I used to flirt, harmless, cute kind. She would flirt back."

Nikhil got no substantial output out of that answer.

"What's bothering you?" Arun asked.

"I don't know. I am just confused and maybe be sacred of crossing the line. I don't know what she'd appreciate, what she would not like, so I just can't, you know, figure out, how to deal with this."

Arun was quiet.

Nikhil looked at him expectantly.

"There's only one way to know— try it. As long as you are respectful and genuine she should be okay. About figuring out what she'd like, what she'd not, ask her, or experiment. If she doesn't like something try to avoid it in future. She appreciates something, then she definitely approves of it."

"How do I flirt?" Nikhil asked softly, taking a leap of faith, looking beyond Arun to make sure the women were not coming there way.

"What?"

"You heard it right, I am terrified. I mean, it's been a while. I haven't really flirted. Plus, it just scares me that I will do something wrong that I can't make right. Relationships drain me."

Arun gazed at his friend. He was tempted to make fun of him, but he knew Nikhil's insecurities were deep rooted. "Take a deep breath and just be yourself. Flirting is easy. Compliment her. Smile often. Steal looks. Unintentionally, brush hands or simply be around her. Crack jokes. Ask her if she needs help for small things. Be observant of her expressions, it will most likely tell you what her mood is, then act accordingly. Just that you have to be mindful of what she likes or approves and what makes her uncomfortable."

Nikhil wordlessly nodded processing the information. It was easy for Arun to say. His confidence plummeted every time he was around her. Maybe time would break or more appropriately melt, the ice between them.

* * *

Sharanya had felt more lively and awake after the tasteful tea their host had offered them. Hours passed by too quickly. She had taken a lot of pictures with Gargi at the botanical garden, substantial enough to forward to Akshaya who had been asking for pictures over chat.

It was around forum in the evening when they had reached the lake after having lunch. The main Ooty lake was beautiful but Pykara lake already had their hearts. They had enjoyed a fun filled boating at the lake. Towards the evening they had reached the main market.

Located in the city centre, the market was brimming with stores selling winter wear, jumpers, scarves, spices, tea and everyday essentials.

Gargi and Sharanya had bought matching shawls. They were walking down the road, along the stores when Gargi spotted a bike renting shop. She suggested they take a ride on the hilly roads. Nikhil and Sharanya almost immediately expressed denial. Gargi was quick in taking the opportunity to leave the two of them behind and join them later.

Sharanya and Nikhil kept walking, for some minutes.

"There's a famous church here, would you like to visit?" Nikhil asked, after looking up from his phone.

"Sure," Sharanya said and they began following the route provided by Google maps.

"Have you been to a church before?" Sharanya asked.

"Twice. Once was to attend the wedding of a friend. And the other time was in Goa." He answered.

It hadn't taken them long to reach the church. It was a breath-taking architectural marvel built in the colonial times. The compound of the Gothic architecture was beautifully decorated with a garden having wide variety of flowers. The view of the hills in the distance just added to the charm of the place. The place was quiet. A worker had greeted them with a smile giving them the direction to the inside.

The inside of the church was still more strikingly gorgeous. The tainted glass-work and the paintings on the wall added to the charm of the place. It was built by the British back in the nineteenth century. A nun had engaged in soft conversation with them, joyfully telling them the history of the place and it's significance.

Sharanya and Nikhil were glad that they decided to visit the place. It was worth a visit. After about ten minutes later, they walked out of the church building.

"This place has a unique charm to it," Sharanya remarked.

"It does," Nikhil said.

"Reminds me of the castles in animated movies," Sharanya exclaimed, admiring the building.

"Let me click a picture," Nikhil said, finally, after debating it over in his head for a while.

Sharanya smiled and nodded. He took a few steps back and she smiled looking at the phone in his hand. Once he was done, she offered to take a picture of his but he politely refused saying it wasn't needed.

"We can take a selfie, " she suggested. Nikhil wasn't really a person who enjoyed having photographs clicked. She had learnt that in the past day. But he was more willing to have pictures in a group than having a single clicked.

Nikhil gave it a thought and shrugged, muttering, "okay".

She handed him her phone.

"You want me to click," He spoke aloud his thoughts.

"Yeah,"

"Uh, okay," He muttered. "I am not good at it though," He warned, stretching his arm. He took a picture where just their faces appeared and a little of the bush behind them. Sharanya immediately regretted asking him to click. She could do better than that, just that her face would appear huge in the picture. Latter was more acceptable than the selfie he clicked.

"Let me try," she said when he gave her the phone back. He nodded and she turned around stretching her arm. "This angle looks better," she said. He nodded, turning, he stood behind her.

"Take it a little higher," He suggested and she did. She was more skilled than he was when it came to clicking a selfie.

"Perfect," He said, with a smile. She smiled clicking the picture. She was definitely going to count this picture as their first perfect selfie. She made a mental note to delete the picture he had clicked, later.

They walked around the garden when Arun called him. The two men decided to meet at the Adam's fountain, which was just about a ten minute walk for them. The purple sky had turned to a shade of deep blue-grey and the air was growing chillier. Nothing made Sharanya more happy than the thought of going back to the warmth of the comfortable warm bed at their temporary home. They had decided to buy dinner for the night from the restaurant in the market and then head back.

* * *

The night came too soon, just as it did in most hill stations. They had all lazed a bit after returning.

The night was colder than the previous one. Sharanya had changed into a pair of leggings and a tunic that had full sleeves.

They had a little chat with their host following which the host had led them to the terrace.

In one part of the terrace there was a mentality shade structure. In between was a stone fire place. Gargi and Sharanya exchanged an excited look, noticing the crackling fire. Stools and a short wooden bench were placed around it.

Sharanya and Gargi spent some time looking at the view when the host excised herself away giving them privacy.

"This is like a dream come true, no?" Gargi said, pulling her shawl closer to her body as the biting wind threatened to take it away. "Remember we always planned to have a campfire."

Sharanya's lips formed a smile, remembering their lunch times when they'd sit and plan trip, treks and what not. They both knew there was little possibility of all of them coming true bit they'd indulge in talking about them, living it through their discussions.

"just that this isn't in a forest in Himalayas and there is definitely no band of handsome boys," Sharanya chuckled.

Gargi tittered, "what silly stiff we made up,"

"It was fun."

"Hmm, an escape from real life."

Sharanya's smile faded. "It was," she mumbled.

"Let's get all the stuff up. We'll get cushions and blankets too. It's pretty cold. You should grab a shawl," Gargi said glancing at her.

"Yeah,"

"What's up with you today? You seem a little distracted."

"Hormones!" Sharanya muttered. It was an easy excuse to make for almost anything.

* * *

They were all enjoying the food, making a conversation that switched topics very quickly. Nikhil spoke about their church visit while Gargi and Arun spoke of their ride around the town.

"Okay, time for a game!" Gargi said as they were almost done with their dinner.

Arun rolled his eyes, commenting sarcastically, "I didn't you bought Ludo."

"Shut up, we're playing truth and dare," she said grabbing her phone.

"No fun without having a solid drink on the menu." He countered.

"Arun, shoo," she said typing something on her phone.

Sharanya and Nikhil exchanged a smile looking at the couple. They sat beside each other, wrapped in a blanket. Sharanya admired them. They were literally couple goals. She wondered why a love like that came with a cost. Love always came at a cost, a voice in her head affirmed.

"So, I have fed all our names to the screen. This screen will at random select an interrogator and the person who has to answer. On one click a random combination will come up."

"Talk about punishment." Arun said.

"The person who is denied the truth or dare can decide it. But I don't think anyone here likes to lose." Gargi answered.

"Ready?" She piped excitedly.

Nikhil and Sharanya nodded with smiles.

"Okay, Arun and Sharu. Arun ask away,"

Sharanya looked at Arun. He smiled, "Truth or Dare?"

"Uh, Truth," Sharanya said, feeling glad it wasn't Gargi asking.

"What's the one thing about Gargi you absolutely hate?"

Both the women gaped at him.

"You're so mean!" Gargi remarked.

"We'll decide that when your turn to ask comes," Arun commented, effectively making Gargi shut her mouth and stare at her friend.

Sharanya was in a fix.

"It has to be the truth, okay," Arun reminded.

"I think it's...uh," she held Gargi's gaze. "Her laziness when it comes to cleaning the kitchen after cooking."

Gargi burst into a lighter while the men looked on dumbfounded.

"Wow, I thought it would be something huge, a secret finally coming out," Arun muttered.

Sharanya shrugged.

"Guilty as charged!" Gargi exclaimed between her laughter. "Okay, the next is Me and Arun," she squealed, glancing at her husband with sparkling eyes.

"Tell me Mister Patel, T or D?" She said angling herself to face him.

Arun looked at Nikhil and Sharanya and then back at his wife. "This is all PG stuff naa," He whispered.

She gave him a whack, "tell me," she said.

"Uh, Truth. It's not like there's anything that I keep from you."

"Did you throw away the Victoria's secret body mist, the fruity scent one, that Deeksha gifted me?"

Nikhil was stunned once again. He was expecting bigger and twisted questions and dares. But this lot had other things on mind.

"Fuck," Arun cursed under his breath.

"You did, didn't you?" She asked with a sharp pitch.

"You had this planned, no? Asking me this question?" He tried to throw off his wife.

"Yes or no?" Gargi asked, glaring at her husband.

Sharanya chuckled.

"Yes," Arun mumbled and as soon as he had he got a whack from her.

"It was my most favourite and a limited edition." She squealed.

"I couldn't stand it. Can we move on with the game?"

Gargi glared at him and looked back at her phone screen. "Me and Nikhil"

"Dare," Nikhil said before she could ask.

Sharanya and Arun shook their head. Nikhil was entering a lion's den joyfully.

"Okay, kiss Sharu,"

Sharanya's eyes went wide at that that, Arun choked on a chuckle while Nikhil just froze staring at her. "What?" He mumbled, his face growing warm. He was going to break into a sweat.

"Come on, she's your wife-to-be, kiss her," Gargi said with a smirk. This was way more entertaining than she had assumed.

Nikhil looked at Arun for help but the man watched on with a smile. Very slowly he glanced at Sharanya, who took a few seconds to meet his gaze.

"Gargi," Sharanya spoke up, but was cut-off.

"Come on, don't be spoilsport now." Gargi remarked.

Sharanya nervously glanced at Nikhil from the corner of her eyes. Gargi was mad. Arun was right when he said that she could be a pain in the neck sometimes.

"Come on, Nik! The punishment is going to be even more harder than this," Gargi exclaimed.

Nikhil was in a fix. One look at Sharanya and he knew she was at as much as discomfort as he was, if not more. But he hadn't learn how to back off from a challenge. He raced his mind he had to do something.

He got up from his stool and took a few steps towards the one she sat on. He leaned forward. Sharanya didn't as much as blink, her gaze remained interlocked with his. Her heart forgot to beat normally. It was beating in a haphazard manner. Only when his gaze dropped down between them did she notice his palm. He gave a slight nod and she quickly realized that he had no plan of placing his lips anywhere on her face.

She gave her hand in his. His fingers wrapped gently yet firmly around her hand and he took it up to her lips. Sharanya's twisted disappointment disappeared and was replaced by sheer awe. His lips felt warm against the back of her hand.

"Wow, Nik!" Gargi commented sarcastically.

"You said kiss," He shrugged getting back into his seat.

A soft blush and a smile graced Sharanya's face. She kept her hand still on her lap.

"He has a point," Arun muttered

"Fine!" Gargi sighed, her eyes very briefly resting on Sharanya before going head for the next round.

Nikhil very stealthily turned his head to look at her only to be caught by her gaze. They exchanged shy smiles. Sharanya unknowingly caressed the spot where he had kissed. A different kind of first kiss. 

 • • • • •

Would love to know your thoughts. I hope you enjoyed it.

Next update: by Friday/Saturday. 

-Anami!♡

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