TRUE FRIENDS

Veer and I got freshened up and were waiting for them to come. Arjun was the first one to come and then Anshu and her family came. I bought juice for them and sat beside them. After drinking juice, Veer said, "Misti you said, you've something to say about Arjun and asked me to remind you in the evening. Will you tell us now?" I looked at Arjun and said, "Yeah Veer, good that you reminded me or else you wouldn't know what this man has done. You know yesterday after coming back from India, he was feeling nausea and he threw up everything and slept like that only. He wasn't well since yesterday night and he didn't even mind to tell us. And top to that he didn't have energy to make breakfast so came to office without breakfast and fainted in our office."

Veer said, "What is this Arjun? Why the hell were we not aware of this? I thought you considered as your friends, but no, you don't which is why you didn't find it important to tell us."

Arjun said, "No Veer, it's not like what you're thinking." Veer replied, "Then what is it like?" Anshu continued, "I did not expect this from you Arjun. You truly disappointed us." I said, "We are your friends Arjun. Everyone will be with you in your good times, but only true friends stay by your side during your bad times. And we're those friends who'll stay with you even when no one is by your side."

Arjun said, "I'm sorry everyone. Please forgive me. But please listen to my side of story too. All these years, I'm habituated to do everything on my own. So, it went out of my mind to tell you. Next time I'll definitely let you know."

Before anyone of us could answer, Vinod uncle spoke, "It's okay Beta, we understand you. But never forget that we're all family and you should never hesitate for anything. You can ask us anything and you can even order us, if you need something from us." Arjun replied, "Sure uncle." Then uncle said, "Now this matter is closed and no more discussions, come let's have dinner. I'm eagerly waiting to taste Veer's handmade food." Everyone agreed and we went to have dinner. First I served the halwa that I made along with puris. I didn't tell anyone that I made the Halwa. Vinod uncle tasted it and said, "Veer you definitely have some sought of magic in your hands. This halwa is so tasty. I loved it, your future wife is going to be very lucky."

Veer smiled and said, "The Halwa is very tasty but unfortunately I didn't make it. It's Misti who made the halwa. So, you should compliment her." Uncle turned towards me and said, "Sweetheart I didn't know that you cook so well. It's really tasty. Where did you learn this recipe?"

I smiled and replied, "Uncle I only know to cook few dishes and this is one among them. I learnt it from Veer's mom. Aunty used to make the best Kheer. Veer and I learnt from her. Later we also learnt Halwa."

He replied, "That's so sweet of you too." Veer smiled and said, "Uncle there's also a story behind our Kheer. Misti and I decided to surpise uncle and we started making Kheer without telling anyone. And in our excitement we added salt, instead of sugar. Our parents ate it completely without any complaints. They didn't let us eat saying that it's very tasty and they don't want to share. But lastly when everyone left Misti tasted from the bowl and then we realized that we added salt. Misti started crying that she spoiled the Kheer and made everyone eat salty Kheer. So, mom took us to kitchen and taught us. And then we made Kheer again with her help." Tears filled up in his eyes remebering his mom and he wiped it off immediately and smiled.

Anshu said, "I wish I met you people before and was a part of all your sweet memories." I smiled and replied, "It's okay, let's make new memories together." And looked at Arjun, he was silent and looking his plate, I wonder what might have happened. I decided to ask him later. Then I served the other dishes and decided to sit and have my dinner.

The seat beside Arjun was empty and I sat down there. We finished our dinner and were having ice-cream and then later uncle said that they'll leave because he has a meeting to attend early in the morning. They left and we were sitting in the living room and talking. Then I said that I'll do the dishes and asked them to carry on.

I finished washing the dishes and turned around and bumped into someone. I tripped and was about to fall, but that person saved me. I looked up to see who it was, it was Arjun. I then stood properly, then he said, "Veer was talking to his dad, so I thought to check on you." I replied, "Oh cool, I just finished cleaning everything and was coming to living room." He said, "Great, come let's go."

We were sitting in the living room and was waiting for Veer. After two minutes Veer came and said, "I'm feeling very sleepy today. Shall I go to sleep? Also I've to wake up early. Tomorrow is my first day."

I replied, "Sure, you go sleep." I then turn towards Arjun and asked, "Are you tired? Do you want to rest?" He replied, "I'm not tired, I don't want to rest. What about you?"

I said, "Even I'm not feeling to sleep." Then Veer said, "You guys decide what to do, I'm going to sleep. Good night"

Both me and Arjun said, "Good night Veer." Veer smiled at us and went to his room. I looked at Arjun and said, "How about we go for a walk out?" He said, "Yeah sure."

We were walking down the street, then I asked him, "What happened to you during Dinner? You were very silent and was kind of lost." He replied, "I remembered my mom, after eating your Halwa. Halwa is my favorite dessert, mom used to make it for me."

I smiled and said, "Don't worry from now whenever you feel to eat Halwa, you just order me. I'll make it for you." He smiled and said, "yeah sure."

After walking for a while, he said, "If you don't mind, can I ask you something?" I replied, "yeah sure."

He said, "Do you still love Nikhil?" I stopped walking and bacame numb. Then Arjun said, "Hey, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked you."

I replied, "It's okay. I don't know if I still love him or not. But it's not hurting me that we're not together. All I have now is a regret that I loved a wrong person who doesn't respect me and was about to do a big mistake of marrying him. Maybe I shouldn't have met him, all this wouldn't have happened." He replied, "Hey don't feel bad, everything will be fine." I replied, "I hope so."

We then walked back to our home and then I went to my room and I asked Arjun to use the guest room.