Suchitra was awestruck as well when Aashi narrated about Rishabh's sudden change. She frowned at her friend, - 'You think he is faking it or maybe he doesn't care.' She commented.

Aashi shook her head, - 'He definitely cares, Suchi, else he wouldn't have been affected. Especially, his reaction when I faked the kiss.'

'Maybe it's out of friendship?'

'Na.' – Aashi shook her head, - 'I know Rishabh like the back of my palm. I know his hidden emotions.' She said. Suchitra was impressed by her determination. But before she could comment anything, her phone rang. She glanced at the mobile screen and then picked up the call.

'Arey, have your dinner first.' Aashi suggested but Suchitra had run off to the room. Aashi sighed and turned, stared at her plate and began eating.

A few minutes later, Aashi was startled when she heard a loud squeal from the room. She panicked and dropped her spoon and hurriedly wiped her hands with a tissue.

'What happened, Suchi?' She found Suchitra sitting at the edge of the bed, silent. Worriedly, Aashi stared at her back.

'Suchi?' She called uncertainly. Cautiously, she walked towards her and placed her palm on her shoulder. She leaned and found Suchitra crying. Aashi felt her heart drop.

'Suchi, what happened?' She kneeled placing her palm on her friend's thigh.

'Is everything alright?' She asked concerned.

Slowly her friend looked up at her, she nodded, her lips trembled as she spoke, - 'Himanshu's parents...they said...Yes.'

'What?' Aashi was surprised. Suchitra nodded.

'Idiot, why are you crying then?' She slapped her friend's arms playfully.

'I am just so happy.' Suchitra replied with a shaky voice.

'Aww.' Aashi opened her arms and Suchitra hugged her friend tightly. Aashi smiled wrapping her arms around her shoulder.

'I am so happy for you.' She said with tears in her eyes.

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

: So, what is great in that?

Aashi rolled her eyes and spoke, - 'I called you to give such a great news and you...unbelievable.'

: I will advise them to not marry. They are sorted as it is. Why get into a relationship?

: Because they love each other and want to spend rest of their lives together.

She frowned when she heard him scoff.

: Whatever, I did a huge mistake to call you. Brooding angry young man, Idoit.

Without waiting for any response, she cut the call and angrily tossed her phone on the bed. She sat back and crossed her arms. She mumbled about how dumb Rishabh was being and something needs to be done, ASAP. Just then, Suchitra entered and inquired about her friend's bad mood but Aashi doesn't tell her anything, instead she grumpily replied, - 'Nothing.' And fell on the bed covering herself from head to toe.

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

Sunday, Aashi was all smiles as she rang the door-bell, minutes later Rishabh opened the door. She was taken aback seeing him in blue vest and shorts. He blinked at her and then looked down at himself. Before Aashi could respond, he turned around welcoming her hastening and walked into his room. Aashi frowned. Then, she shrugged and walked into the living room. She sat on the sofa when Rishabh appeared wearing a robe over his night clothes. Aashi looked at his messy hair and he knew he had been lazing around.

Typical Rishabh - She thought shaking her head.

'You are here on Sunday morning?' He asked sitting beside her. Aashi nodded, she watched his toss his hair from his forehead and look back at her.

'We are going shopping.' She said, brightly. Rishabh pressed his lips tightly. A scowl appeared on his face.

'Excuse me? Do I look like someone who shops?' He pointed at himself. Aashi rolled her eyes.

'So, what? You can shop though.' She pointed out.

Rishabh shook his head and opened his mouth to protest when Aashi held his hand and stood up.

'I am not going to take No for an answer, mister. So?' She tugged his arm.

Rishabh sighed, - 'You freshen up and I will make coffee.' She said happily.

'Okay, Maam.' Rishabh faked sweet tone and Aashi chuckled. He smiled too.

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

Aashi prepared coffee and carried the tray into the living room. She had just placed the tray on the coffee table when she heard Rishabh curse loudly. She got up and walked towards the room.

'Rishabh?' She called softly. No response. Aashi tiptoed and noticed the door was slightly ajar. She assumed he needed some help. Cautiously, she pushed the door and it opened.

She inhaled sharply and was startled when Rishabh appeared right on her face.

'Oh!' She exclaimed, taken aback.

'What were you peeking for?' He eyed her. Aashi lowered her head feeling embarrassed.

'Nothing.' She replied fidgeting with her nails. Rishabh shook his head and held her hand.

'Come.' He said and took her out of the room.

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

After they had coffee, they left immediately for shopping. Aashi drove them to a Mall. Rishabh was totally not interested. Aashi had to finalize all his dress, he simply kept whining about how ridiculous all this was.

Finally, Aashi flipped out and she scolded him, - 'So, are you planning to come in shorts to my friend's wedding?' She placed her hands on her hips and fumed at him. Rishabh gulped, after that he stopped whining.

Aashi smile victoriously. She knew Rishabh was getting frustrated as she chose a dress for herself and him. For engagement, Haldi, Mehendi, Marriage, and Reception.

'Cheer up.' -She nudged his arm, - 'Your boss is paying this for you.' She winked at him. Rishabh faked a sweet smile again and she chuckled.

After four-five excruciating hours, for Rishabh, Aashi was done. She dumped all the bags on him and he stumbled. She held his shoulders and made him stand properly, also pointed out that he has become weak. Rishabh glared at her but was royally ignored.

'Things I do for friendship.' He said shaking his head. Aashi smiled.

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

They were walking towards the exit of the mall when they dashed into someone.

'Hey!'

'Akash!' Aashi gasped. He beamed back and waved at them. Rishabh looked away, annoyed. Aashi glanced at Rishabh and then quickly hugged Akash taking him by surprise. Rishabh clenched his jaw and looked away. She quickly moved away and looked brightly at him.

'What a surprise?' She gushed

'I am surprised too.' Akash replied, he looked over Aashi's shoulder and waved at Rishabh, - 'Hey, man!' He walked towards him and then stopped noticing the bags in both his hands.

'Oops, you are full.' He smiled. Rishabh doesn't smile back. Aashi eyed him, a grin on her face.

She looked at Akash and looped her arm with his, - 'Hey, join us for Lunch na, jaan.' She asked caressing his arm with her free hand.

'Aashi.' Rishabh interrupted them, the two looked at him, - 'I remembered I have an important presentation. So-'

'You are leaving. Not fair, man.' Akash protested but Rishabh maintained a stern look at him. Aashi was slightly disappointed because she wanted to make him more jealous. But she was happy, he got jealous with just a few minutes of interaction.

'Sure, Rishabh. Take these bags with you. I will take them from you, later.' She said and then looked back at Akash, - 'Come, sweetheart.' She smiled at Akash and he nodded. Rishabh forced a smile.

'Have fun.' He said. He tried to sound normal but Aashi knew he was disturbed.

'See you, man!' Akash side hugged Rishabh and he forced a smile.

Aashi watched him go and then leaves Akash's arm. She pushed back her hair from her shoulder when he spoke, - 'Where do you want to go for lunch?'

Aashi looked at him strangely, - 'We aren't going anywhere.' She said dryly. Akash looked very dejected and Aashi felt guilty.

'There is a fabulous new Restaurant, wanna check it out?' She asked him brightly. Akash looked up at her and nodded brightly.