Bailed

"Look at you face." Aditya laughed as he walked along side the road with Vedika.

"What? Anybody would be scared if someone dressed like that come out of nowhere. When did you buy it." Vedika said shaking her head as they were walking out of the mall.

"You look so cute making that face." Aditya said covering his face even more to prevent being recognized.

"Shut up Aditya." Vedika paced up her speed.

"So what's you plan about my match?" Aditya asked.

"What match?" Vedika asked acting to be oblivious.

"Don't you play that game with me you know what I'm talking about." Aditya said and Vedika laughed.

"You remind me just yesterday, how can I forget about that? And I already told you that I am coming." Vedika said rubbing his hair. None of them has confessed their feelings yet but they both know what's blooming and so do their friends and Vedika's family.

Aditya pulled her hand into his own and they both walked towards the parking lot.

____

"So are you ready with your passport." Asad asked Vedika when they both were sitting inside her office in the clinic.

"Why would I need that?" Vedika asked.

"You said you are going to the match."

"You mean Aditya's match?"

"Yes who's else?"

"Its in another country, I thought it was in India." Vedika said surprised.

"Vedika matches are in England, get your passport ready, its in two weeks."

"Oh my God Asad. I promised Aditya I'd come. What I will do now?" Vedika panicked.

"Allah knows how easy it is to fool you when it comes to cricket. You have a cricketer boyfriend now Vedika, at least follow something there."

"I hate you Asad. Where are the matches?" Vedika said ignoring the boyfriend part.

"Its in Bangalore."

"Don't do that ever ok." Vedika sighed heavily.

___

Somewhere in the middle of nowhere.

"I didn't made that story of your health issues up and got you released for nothing, you help me in my mission and I help you in yours." Subha, Aditya's ex girlfriend was talking to someone.

Aman.

"Those fake papers of my disorder must have cost you a fortune. I know you want that cricketer back and I want my Vedika. She thought she can escape me. Watch now."

___

Few days later

"Hello?" Vedika said picking up the call while travelling home in the auto.

"Vedika," Asad's voice looked panicked.

"Asad what happen?"

"Vedika Aman was bailed."

"What? When?"

"Four days ago. Someone got him out Vedika, I talked to the cops."

"Asad-" Vedika's voice trailed off.

"Vedika don't worry you are going to be ok."

"Asad what is going to happen now?" Vedika was panicking beyond her control, she didn't knew what to think.

___

At Vedika's home.

"I got worried pa but then Asad was at the police station and they told him that Aman was bailed with the condition to leave to city for a few months for therapy and he will be tested for any mental health issues. They said he was suffering from bipolar disorder." Vedika was telling her parents, now much more relieved.

"Thank God Vedika your mother and I were so scared when we heard the news. Does Aditya know?" Harish said.

"He has a match coming up ma, I don't want to distract him with all this." Vedika said.

"I don't know what's the status of your relationship is but I suggest you to make it clear fast." Hema said.

"Ma we are friends."

"Come on now let's have dinner. She's an adult Hema." Harish said.

"We are her parents Harish." Hema and Harish started talking to each other as Vedika sneaked away to call Aditya.

"Hey how's it going?" Aditya sounded excited on the call.

"You sound happy." Vedika said.

"I was having lunch with my family and just having a good time."

"That's nice Aditya. Now I think about it, you meet my family, my best friend but I haven't met your family yet."

"You can meet them anytime. I told them about you and they are so excited to meet you."

"Really?" Vedika was surprised that his family knew about her.

"We are going to Bangalore tomorrow. First match is after 3 days?" Aditya said.

"You play or not I am coming ok." Vedika said.

"That's what I wanted to hear. Love y- I mean see you." Aditya cut the sentence in between. Vedika was sure she heard it right but instead ignored.

After hanging up Vedika and Aditya thought about that hasty 'Love y'. Aditya was shocked at himself for letting it slip through his mouth and Vedika was feeling something out of the world. She was ready take this to a new level with Aditya.

She knew the feeling was mutual but Aditya won't initiate the acknowledgement of the feelings since she made it clear that she just wanted to be friends and it was good for her.

She wanted this chance to share her feelings first, clear and open and without breaking in between.

And now she had a plan.

———

"Here keep this but promise me you won't open it till the end of your first match." Vedika handed a small wrapped box to Aditya.

"Promise." Aditya promised.

"Call me when you get there." Vedika said.

"I will and I will wait for you Uncle auntie and Asad at the match." Aditya said.

"Thanks Aditya."

"Aditya come on now. Hello Vedika" Rocky came running.

"Yeh. Vedika I am going to miss you these days." Aditya said trying to be amusing but failed. He really was going to miss Vedika. Even for only half an hour they both have been spending time with each other every day but now 3 days seemed like a long time to be apart and it was a strange feeling for both of them.

Aditya turned to leave with Rocky, who waved good bye to Vedika.

"Aditya wait." Vadika called and he stopped, Rocky trying hard not to look turned and walked away.

"I will miss you too Aditya." Vedika said and choked on her tears.

Aditya walked as fast as he could towards Vedika and halted, Vedika leaned forward and hugged him, not caring about people watching. Aditya hugged her back. He didn't care his seniors were looking or his friends were looking, he just wanted to cherish this moment with the person he wanted to cherish for life.

"I feel stupid. It's just 3 days." Vedika said breaking the hug.

"No you are not stupid. I can't stay a day without being with you, even if it's for 5 minutes." Aditya said wiping off the tear from Vedika's cheeks and then his own too.