Next morning, after getting ready for work Aashi made lemonade and walked to Suchitra's room.

'Argh...' Suchitra had just woken up. She massaged her head and groaned in pain.

'Here.' Aashi stuck out her hand forwarding the glass right at her face. Suchitra looked at the glass and then at her friend. She smiled meekly at her and took the glass.

'Thanks.' She said.

'Ahh...' She sighed taking a sip. Aashi sat in front of her and looked at her. Suchitra frowned not liking the expressions on Aashi's face.

'I am very disappointed in you, Suchitra.' Aashi said, her tone dry. Suchitra looked apologetically at her friend. She lowered her gaze and muttered a sorry. Aashi looked at her for a while as Suchitra stared at the glass.

'Coming so late, getting so drunk, Suchitra. I thought you were a responsible adult. I know Himanshu is a familiar person but still?' Aashi expressed her disappointment. All the while, Suchitra listened with her head lowered. Aashi sighed and leaned forward, she held her palm. Suchitra still didn't look up.

'I am your friend and I care for you, that is why I am telling you. Please don't get me wrong.' She said softly. Suchitra nodded her head.

Aashi then got up and said she is off to work and asked Suchitra get ready too. Again, Suchitra simply nodded her head. To give her privacy and some time to think, Aashi didn't pester her more. She turned around and left.

**********************************

At work, Aashi was greeted by Himanshu near the elevator. First thing after a formal good morning he asked about Suchitra, - 'How is she now?'

'Better.'

'You gave her lemonade? Her head must be aching.'

Aashi looked at him with her eyebrow raised, she was surprised seeing him so concern for Suchitra. Himanshu looked at her and shrugged, - 'What?'

'Nothing.' Aashi replied and entered the elevator.

*****************************

Next few weeks, Aashi began observing some weird changes in Suchitra as well as in Himanshu. Both were happier than before, glowing and they blushed a lot in each other's presence. Suchitra spent most of the time chatting or texting on her mobile. Few nights, Aashi caught strange murmuring sounds from her room and when she peeped in she found Suchitra on phone. The smile, the way she twirled a strand of hair with her index finger and the whispers gave Aashi a hint she isn't talking to her parents or colleagues or friend. Then who?

Aashi grew suspicious of the two and one night, when she, Rishabh, Suchitra and Himanshu, all four were having dinner Aashi noticed them grinning and stealing glances at each other. Unable to stop herself she asked, - 'Is there something going on between you two?'

Himanshu chocked on his food while Suchitra looked alarmed. Rishabh looked confused.

Aashi looked on as Suchitra and Himanshu glanced at each other, they then looked back at Aashi.

'Nothing.' They said in unison

Aashi raised her eyebrow not believing them. She felt a palm over hers and turned her head to look at Rishabh who sat by her side, - 'Leave it, Aashi.' He said with a smile. As everyone returned to their food, Aashi eyed her best friend and friend.

'You know I am positive, 1000% there is something between the two.' Aashi said to Rishabh as the two strolled in the grounds of the locality. Suchitra and Himanshu excused themselves stating they need to clean the place and will join them shortly.

'What do you mean?' Rishabh asked tilting his head to look at her. Aashi looked ahead, a thoughtful expression on her face.

'Hmmm...Love. I think they are in love.' She said. She felt Rishabh slow little beside her and turned her head to look at him. He looked sad.

'They better not be in love.' Rishabh said after few seconds. This startled and confused Aashi.

'Why? Love is such a beautiful feeling.' Aashi said, her eyes twinkled.

Rishabh scoffed shaking his head, - 'Love is just a waste of time. One eventually gets hurts, that's all.' He said seriously. He didn't meet her gaze but Aashi knew his eyes are moist. She extended her hand to hold his but hesitated and retracted her hand.

'I don't think so, Love gives new meaning to life, it completes us.' She said looking front again. Rishabh tilted his head and looked at her, - 'How do you know? Have you fallen in love, ever?'

Aashi looked at him, Yes, she had wanted to say but didn't.

Instead, she kept silent and Rishabh went on, - 'I have, I have fallen in love and I know how much it pains, what miseries it brings with it.' - He sighed, - 'Everything is rosy, rosy at first but then.' He shrugged looking away. Aashi shook her head and extended her hand this time holding his. He looked at her, she smiled sadly at him.

'If you fail once doesn't mean you shouldn't try again.' She said staring into his eyes.

Rishabh was speechless for a second before saying, - 'If you know you are going to get hurt then why to try.' He moved his hand but before he could move away Aashi gripped his hand tighter.

'And why will you get hurt? Everyone isn't same. One bad experience shouldn't spoil a great chance at finding true happiness.' Aashi explained calmly. Rishabh doesn't reply. She kept gazing into his eyes and took a step closer to him, his palm still in hers.

'Give love another chance, Rishabh.' She said softly. Her gaze briefly fell on his lips and then looked back up into his eyes. She noticed his eyes dart towards her lips too.

She tiptoed, her lips aiming towards his but before she could express her feelings, Rishabh took a step back.

'I am sorry, Aashi. But love is not my cup of tea. I am better without it.' He said seriously. Aashi looked disappointed, nevertheless, she didn't say anything.

'Good night.' Rishabh said

'Good night.' Aashi replied sadly.

Rishabh turned around and walked away. Aashi watched sadly as he walked into the darkness. Away from her.

Nevertheless, she was determined. She was determined to bring happiness in his life again, to bring love in his life again. After all, she has promised to never let him go......