Again she had a stupid reason for not replying to him on the spot. She was in the class and thankfully, it was the last one. A new understanding settled in his mind, how time had passed and Sakshi had even completed her graduation.

It was different for him to take in her as the new adult. Yet it was all so familiar with the way she called back to schedule the date.

Date? He didn't know what it was. They had never been friends that now they were meeting years after. They had a past, not a good one, not a memorable one but they had it together.

This was the only reason that Sakshi hadn't refused to meet him. He didn't know if she still loved him. By her forwardness and casual behavior, he could tell that she must had moved on years ago.

But as the good person she was, she didn't hesitate to show up in his bad phase of life. Maybe, she was understanding that he needed her company. Shrey couldn't guess more. What if she was just curious to know how he could get involved in such a case?

He didn't know. He couldn't guess. He was just waiting at this cafe she had chosen in the market complex nearest to her college. He couldn't care about the place, instead was glad that he was away from posh areas and won't be recognized. This area was full of students and no one cared to look at his face.

Except for the waitress who had approached him twice. He had denied and told her to wait until Sakshi comes in. He was nervous and slightly scared to be disappointed. Of course, she would ask him about what happened. Maybe, not. But he wanted to share this with her. She deserved it.

He wanted to thank for writing those words and making him feel loved. At least someone had trust in his nature and knew, he couldn't commit a crime like this. He couldn't wait to pour his heart out to her. But would she listen it all heartily? He didn't know.

It was more than ten minutes and he kept waiting, thinking how tables had turned. He was excited secretly, wanting to observe the change in her. Would she be the typical Delhi girl or more than that? Or maybe she still hadn't forgotten her roots? He didn't know. He would ask all of it. Slowly.

He would take all the time. His heart kept reminding him how the world was busy. No one had the time to care for a stranger dying, or worst an enemy. He was sure, her brother wasn't aware of her contact with him.

A smile curved his lips as he remembered the photos he had seen. She looked wonderful in ethnic, happy with all of her family members. Should he compliment her at seeing her? Would it look less-serious of him? She might get the wrong idea.

He sighed. Tapping his fingertips on the table, he kept checking the phone until faint footsteps caught his attention. He had chosen the little booth in the corner that had little walls around it. He had thanked her mentally for choosing this cafe. The interior was to his advantage.

He couldn't just speak out the explanation behind that false-rape charge so openly. His eyes closed as he took a long breathe.

Calm down, Shrey! Breathe.

He slowly looked upwards at the black boots approaching him, blue denim being paired to a lemon-yellow top. Raven waves blew along her walk and he smiled at the aura she had. So positive, with that wide yet nervous smile of hers.

His heart was beating faster and he only realized when the whole face of his had warmed up. He couldn't realize when did he even get up and leaned in for a shake of hand and a brief hug.

"Hey," she had said out nervously, still looking cheerful as ever.

The heartbroken Sakshi he had left there in Chandigarh had grown. He sighed in excitement. He couldn't speak out a single word but managed to gesture her to sit beside him, slightly diagonal so they were not too close, nor too far.

"Thanks for coming," he told, earning a small smile from her with a slight blush on her skin.

God! She was nervous too.

He couldn't just make it awkward by sitting quiet. But nothing was coming in his mind on how to begin the conversation. Thankfully, she spoke up. "How are you?"

His smile faded, immediately the flashes of hospital walls, green curtains, media all around was forming in his mind. Then, he remembered how there in the parking lot she had seen him talking. Crying and complaining, she had showed him that she was disturbed by his suicide attempt.

She cared for his health. He shrugged his shoulder, leaning forward to rest his elbows on the table. "Better. After reading your chits, liveable. Thank you for the risk you took. I mean it," he voiced out.

Sakshi was surprised at first, but slowly it settled in her mind that he truly meant it all. She could see it on his face, the pain, but he seemed all interested in having a great evening with her.

"I just know that no one deserves to die. When I read something like that in the newspaper, I couldn't stop myself from reaching out to you," she replied and watched him opening his mouth but she continued, "I understand, why you did that. But it would have only shown that you are wrong, Shrey. If you are not, then you must stay alive to prove yourself."

Shrey breathed slowly, cringing at the start of their conversation. But he decided not to be ashamed of it. She was here to not just listen to him, but motivate him too.

"I was," he wiped his chin a little, lowering his eyes to furrow his eyebrows at the menu. "Tired of explaining myself. My family doesn't believe me. No one believes me."

Sakshi's heart drowned in utter pity, more in the shock. How badly hurt he must be that he tried to give up his life? She hated it when family would turn so mean. They must always be there for the support. That bond must never be doubtful or broken. She could understand better because she was going through almost the same phase.

"That's bad."

Shrey sighed, shaking his head to look at her suddenly. "But you did. You do, right? You know I didn't do it."

Sakshi was taken aback but she didn't show it on her face. It was a big deal to confess. She didn't know the truth, she hadn't even seen the photo of the lady who had charged the case upon him. But denying him or even giving a diplomatic answer would lower his spirits. He might just leave in anger. She couldn't afford to get humiliated.

She had to know if she had done right by helping him not giving up his life. "Yes. I feel so."

Shrey closed his eyes, sucked in a huge breath and released in relief. Oh, how warm he had turned from her answer. She truly did. She knew him. Even when he was all fake with her all those years. How could it be possible? But it all felt relieving to him.

"You won't regret it ever, Sakshi. Because I am innocent." He told her, observing her eyes.

Sakshi gulped while nodding. But just as she was about to reply, the waitress came in and asked for the orders. Both of them were not in a mood to eat, the air was heavy. All their focus was on the conversation yet Shrey didn't want her to be so serious.

"You had whole day studying and being bored. You can have the meal," he suggested.

"I did the lunch at two. I think I would just drink something. What would you like?"

Shrey pursed his lips, blinking while observing her biting her lip. "Do you still drink that crazy chocolate shake with all that ice cream, cake and Oreo crunches?"

Sakshi opened her mouth in shock, eyes widening slightly. He remembers! She bit her lip while giving him a goofy smile. "Whenever I am in Chandigarh."

The waitress cleared her throat and finally, Sakshi chose the labelled chocolate shake and smiled out when Shrey asked for the same. The girl finally left with a nod when he narrowed his eyes.

"Do you like it here? Delhi or Chandigarh?"

Sakshi rolled her eyes while controlling her smile. "With no doubt, Chandigarh. But I love it here. Living in Delhi has taught me much. Life has changed here in great way."

Shrey swallowed with a fake smile that curved his lips. Of course, her life had changed as it had turned better.

The life he had ruined so easily without any reason. He remembered how the news of their break up had reached her friends and then to her school mates. He had purposefully made a scene in front of her friends. She must be taunted and teased.

He could only imagine how she hurt she was. Depressed, she must have decided to go for another city and there was no better option than Delhi when Pihu was the alumni.

He gulped in sudden shame that he was feeling. "That's great," he told her. "You look great by the way."

The slight tainting of her cheeks, he couldn't help but smile when she controlled hard not to. "Thanks."

"That night," he reminded her, watching her furrowing the eyebrows. "That night at the club. At the gates?"

Sakshi widened her eyes, "Oh, yeah. We were partying." He had handed her the purse or maybe to the Aarush. She couldn't remember except for the shock she had felt at seeing him after so long. "I was there with friends."

"I am glad you have," he almost had said it, instead raised his eyebrows. "How are they?"

He observed the immediate change in her behavior. From the nervous wall that she was hiding behind, she had came out in a blast as she laughed briefly.

"They are great. Amazing. One's my roommate and both of them are my soulmates. They made it all so easy for me, Shrey. University, studying, flat and everything. They are very helpful," she said heartily.

A sudden ping he felt in his chest. Friends? True that they are helpful. He was too. But only some are lucky enough to get such love in return. For him, he was the unluckiest.

"I am happy for you," he spoke slowly, with a sad smile that Sakshi had read so well.

The waitress returned with the shakes and left soon, leaving them in a complete silence. Sakshi slowly made a move to taste her shake, guessing that she had spoiled his mood by talking like that. After all, the woman who had charged him was his best friend's wife.

She thought about changing the subject but ended up mentioning, "They are fun. Would you like to meet them? Both are idiots but hilarious too. You will get a good distraction out from all that case and. . ." She bit her tongue.

Oh Lord. She must be looking so forward to him. Damn! He must be thinking that she was trying to allow him into her life so easily like those old times. He would still think of her as that naive. His life was so serious at the moment, why would he even wish to spend time with a bunch of idiots younger his age.

"Sure, why not."

She widened her eyes, watching him taking in the straw in his mouth. After a sip, he hummed at the good taste. "Yeah?"

He nodded with a smile. "That would be great. At home, there's nothing but discussions going on about the case and my medications, Sakshi. I am no more than a living corpse to myself. A bit of enjoyment, I can heartily welcome to avoid such environment at home."

Sakshi swallowed, now feeling too interested to talk about the case. But how could she just ask him about it. He would directly think that she was interested. But how could she get on making more plans with him when she wasn't sure if he was a rapist or not.

Aarush had requested her to know as much as she could about this case. She couldn't just meet a criminal like that, if anyhow he was. But how such a handsome man, for whom so many girls could make a line and offer them over, would go so low.

He was wrong to her years ago, and even now for what he did all along. But she couldn't ignore the true facts. It was not making sense how Shrey could end up doing what the case said.

"What happened?" She asked him, making him gulp. "Tell me what happened."

Shrey let out a humorless chuckle. "You want to be sure if I am a rapist or not before hanging out with me?"

Something like that. But she didn't say anything instead, drank her shake while watching him keenly. He sighed finally, moving the straw in a circle in the glass while thinking of how to began.

Sakshi held her breaths, afraid to hear that he loved that girl. Or what might be the reason? If he was innocent then maybe, the girl loved him. It might be a matter of an extra marital affair. She wasn't really comfortable in listening to his love life but she wanted to make sure of his innocence if she had to meet him again.

"I won't judge you, Shrey."

She could see his face was getting nervous and even sweating while remembering all the things that happened. When he still didn't begin, she breathed out and left her glass away. Bringing her hand out to cover his, she nodded at him.

"I will try my best to help you." She even told him this time, "Only if you are innocent."

Shrey bit his tongue, thinking how could she help him. But at least she would have her faith in him more than ever. She would agree to meet him again.

He didn't know why he felt ashamed to tell her how stupid he was to get trapped like that. But she had said that she won't judge him. Last time, she had cried there for him in that parking lot.

The nurse in that reception had mentioned that this girl truly wanted him to live. Sakshi deserved to know, he thought.

Clenching his jaws, he ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. "Okay. I will."

He stared in her eyes. "You will know that I am innocent and how I get trapped. But you don't know that in the end, there is no going out for me. I want you to know it because my pain had became yours the day you came to help me."

Sakshi's lips parted at his words. She lowered her eyes.

"If you believe me, there would be nothing precious than that. But know that, I won't feel bad if you would be helpless in the end. Because there is seriously no going out for me from this trap, Sakshi. There is no way out."

There was no shame in repeating all those words to her, the same story. But what shamed him badly was seeing the unshed tears in her eyes already.

The same tears he hadn't cared about four years ago.

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Happy Valentine's Day. 😝😜