ll Shranal OS: One Way Love ll

He was staring at him as he was busily laughing with his friends.

I held onto my books in my head and couldn't stop staring as he flicked one of his friends in their head for a comment they made.

I glared at the girls that passed him by and smiled at him and he winked at them back.

I sighed and forced a grin on my face.

I walked forward and without having to call on him much he looked at my line of direction.

"Excuse me guys but I have to go...see you guys later." He said.

He made a quick wave to his friends, grabbed his skateboard and came forward towards me.

He smiled at me and my stomach felt hollow as my heart started to race even more and I could feel my breath getting stuck in my chest.

He put his arm around my shoulder.

"So what are we having for lunch?" he asked.

I turned to him and backed away not knowing his face was so close to mine.

I took his hand off of me.

"Let go!" I said.

He laughed, a deep and hearty one that I couldn't help but stare at him as he did so.

I blushed even more and Kunal looked at me and saw that I was staring at him.

He smiled and winked at me and I blushed even more and looked away.

He laughed even more.

"So..." he began.

"Hey." A soft voice said.

The hair on the back of my nape stood on end and I turned around to see a warm smile that I recognized so much.

It was Maya and she was holding her books while her backpack was slung on her shoulders.

She looked beautiful in her polka dot red and white dress and it she looked even more so with her red lipstick.

Her hair was piled into a small bun with a red flower sticking out from the center.

Before I could say anything Kunal was already making his way towards her.

"Hey yourself. It took you a long time." Kunal said.

She lost her smile and frowned at him.

"And what? I was busy...plus I wasn't talking to you." She said smiling at me.

Kunal pouted and my heart sank especially on how close he was to her, even trying to tug her books out of her hands.

"Can you stop messing around." She said turning to Kunal who was still trying to get the books out of her arms.

"I'm not messing around, I'm just trying to help you is all." Kunal said while pouting.

"Help? You and help always spell disaster for me." She said.

"Is that so? But isn't it that I'm always helping you out these disasters that YOU cause?" Kunal said lifting up his eyebrow.

Maya smirked.

"Whatever." She said.

They were arguing back and forth and I could feel my heart sink further and further at the ease they could talk to one another.

I was going to back away and just catch an auto by myself and head on home but Maya caught my attention.

"Ah...Shraddha can I come visit today?" she asked.

I wanted to say yes but Kunal piped in.

"For real? That is perfect I should visit as well." Kunal said.

Maya looked at him annoyed.

"Why should you come, you will be nothing but a pest?" she said.

"No I won't. Plus Auntie ji loves me and keeps on trying to feed me and insist that I should visit everyday and better yet decide on trying to stay there permanently." Kunal said.

They went back and forth I and just shook my head.

"I don't mind if you both come over." I said.

Finally the both of them stopped arguing and turned to me.

Maya smiled and grinned and she handed all her books over to Kunal who quickly picked it up without it having it fall on the ground.

She came over and she linked her arm around my shoulder.

"Shraddha you don't need to be nice and spread the formalities over to Kunal, he isn't worth it." She said.

"Shraddha I should say the same as well there is no need for you to be this nice to her. She is smiling now but she will eat you out house and home." Kunal said.

Maya mouth dropped open.

"Be careful as a fly might fly in." Kunal said.

Maya eyes bulged even more and I laughed.

Kunal seemed to smile and he winked at me.

"See even Shraddha agree with me." Kunal said.

Maya turned to me.

"Do you agree with what he is saying? You are saying I'm fat as well?" Maya said while pouting.

I shook my head as tears was started to make its way down her cheek.

"Um...no...no...no I was just messing around...I didn't mean it...at all...I promise you I didn't." I said.

Kunal laughed even more as Maya continued more of her fake tears.

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

(Two weeks later...)

"So are you going?" a voice said.

I jumped on my bed and saw a friendly face staring back at me.

I smiled and say that it was Kittu.

She had a smile on her face and she was beautiful as always in one of her churidar dresses, her hair was pulled back into a braid with small ribbons laced in her hair.

She visited from time to time as she loved staying over and plus her and Anand where currently dating.

Although Kittu says she was just testing the waters her mother was pulling out all the stops to make sure these two would commit into a long lasting relationship that would end in marriage.

"So why do you think I let you go over there? To visit and play around? Heavens no! I'm doing this so Zor and Amrit can see how much my daughter is a respectable, dutiful, and humble woman who can became their daughter-in-law." Kittu said while mocking her mother.

"But mom..."

"Never mind, all this mom, mom, mom...its your duty to make sure you trap Anand to your side." She said.

I smiled at that and I hid away the flyer I was looking at.

Kittu smiled and she handed me the tea.

I looked up at her.

"Drink it or it will get too cold." She said.

I nodded mechanically and started to slowly drink the cup of tea she offered.

I smiled and looked at her.

"Wow...its delicious!" I said looking at her.

Kittu shook her head and she landed on my bed.

"Of course. This is one of the first things my mom made sure I learned before I had to learn how to cook. Everyday "Kittu how do you exepct to find a suitable husband if you don't even know how to cook?" she joked.

I smiled and laughed.

She smiled and she looked at me.

"So are you going or not?" she said.

"Huh?" I said.

"The flyer I saw you looking at a flyer...it look like an invitation to some dance or something for Valentine's Day." Kittu said.

I looked up at Kittu and I could feel a blush on my cheek.

"It is." I said.

"You are thinking of going huh? Is he going to be there?" she said.

I looked up at her and smiled and nodded.

"I wanted...I debated for a long time on this...but I want to confess to Kunal. I don't want to be his friend anymore...I want to tell him that I love him. That I have loved him for the past five years that I have known him." I said looking at Kittu.

Kittu smiled and she winked.

"Who knows with Kunal, my brother is as thick-headed and oblivious as they come." Kittu said while smiling.

"Hey don't say that about him." I said while pouting.

She laughed.

"Okay sorry, I won't say anything because you are deeply in love and will protect him." Kittu said.

"So what is making you hesitant?" Kittu continued.

"I don't have anything good to wear...I mean something that will make him notice me. Plus its too late. The dance is tomorrow and its already too late to even try." I said.

Kittu sighed and she was in thought before she snapped her fingers and shook her head.

"I have the most perfect idea. You...after classes must come home quick and I will help you." Kittu said smiling to herself.

"Help...help...help me?" I said.

She nodded.

"I will make it so that he won't know what hit him." She said while winking.

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

I was feeling uncomfortable as I made my way slowly through the crowd of couples alike.

There was steady music drumming as the DJ was mixing up another song together that was causing the crowd around him to start jumping and bouncing around.

I was trying to find my way through the crowd until I bumped into someone.

I turned around.

"I'm so sorry I didn't mean..." I trailed off as I saw her.

It was Shraddha someone that looked like her but it couldn't be her...it just couldn't be her though.

The girl in question was stunning absolutely gorgeous in a simple white anarkali dress, while her hair was piled into a small bun as tendrils of her hair was encased around her cheek and chin.

She had on light lipgloss that enhanced the plumpness of her lips and there was a nice shade of crimson creeping onto her cheek that couldn't hide from the light pink blush she had on her cheek.

She tugged on her dupatta uncomfortably and I smiled.

"I'm sorry I thought I knew you." I said smiling apologetically.

She stared at me and she lowered her eyes.

"Its me Kunal..." she said.

How did the mystery girl know my name...?

"Its me Shraddha." She said.

I sttod there frozen.

"Shraddha its you? You are looking absolutely gorgeous." I said while smiling.

She looked up and she blushed and smiled.

"Really?" she said while staring at me.

My smile slowly went away as I saw how earnestly she was searching my gaze.

That was one thing I didn't like that Shraddha constantly did to herself.

She was a very pretty girl but she hid behind her shyness and insecurities for her not seeing how much a gem that she was.

I smiled even more.

A more slower track started to play and couples around started to gather around.

I streatched my hand out to Shraddha and she looked at me puzzled.

"May I have this dance?" I asked while smiling at her.

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

"May I have this dance?" he said.

I looked at the hand that he offered and couldn't stop staring at that million watt smile that he constantly flased around that always had my heart racing being under its line of direction and at the same time to see more of it.

He was absolutely handsome and my breath was still stuck in my chest at the incredible way that his white dress jacket and red plaid shirt fitted to his body to a tee.

It was hard not to notice his muscles and abs that were slowly molded within the shirt and I tried hard not to stare but I couldn't stop and every time I would blush even harder than before.

I slowly put my hands in his and he guided me closer to his body.

I looked up at him and he smiled.

He guided his hands against mine and he wrapped his other hand around my waist.

I looked at his hand around my waist and looked back at him.

"Just follow my lead." He said.

I nodded slowly and we moved, him guiding my body as we flowed softly through the soft sounds that were rumbling around.

There were other couples linked, some of them slowly rocking to the music while other were leaning their heads on their partners shoulder as they had their eyes close; lose to the music.

I looked up at Kunal who was staring at me smiling.

"See you aren't as bad." He said.

I stared at him as we continued to be guided in the music.

He drew me away as he slowly spinned me around him and all the while I just stared at him...my heart unbearably on my throat, almost as if it would spill out my long held secret.

He wrapped his hand around my waist and his other hand held my hand as he continued to slowly dance towards the music.

We continued for another minute or so...but the song changed into a more upbeat, faster tempo and soon the mood of peace and romance was gone.

My heart was beating so much and my breath felt constricted.

"Shraddha you okay?" Kunal asked looking at me.

I nodded.

Before I could respond Kunal was looking past me.

I followed his line of direction and saw Maya slowly making her way through the crowd and some of the boys and girls stopped dancing to stare at her.

My heart ached as I saw how beautiful she was compared to myself.

She was in a silky white dress that heightened her pale skin; her black hair was hanging down in ringlets down her arms and shoulders.

She looked absolutely stunning and I could feel jealousy grow slowly in my bosom.

Kunal was the first to move as he went to meet her.

Maya looked at him and a crimson color stained her cheeks and she looked away.

Kunal smiled.

Maya looked away and came over to me.

"Wow...Shraddha you are looking absolutely gorgeous." She said smiling.

I smiled back at her and couldn't help but noticed her eyeliner that was overly applied onto her eyes.

"You are looking completely beautiful Maya." I said.

She smiled.

"You are messing with me." She said.

"No...Shraddha is right...you are looking absolutely beautiful." Kunal said.

I looked at him and something in his eyes had my heart lurched in pain.

As the evening went on I grew tired and felt like going home...but I promised Kittu I would finally confess.

Maya was busy chatting around while Kunal went to meet up with some of his friends that came by.

I sighed.

"Okay all you party people we have one more song until we have to unwind it down..." the DJ announced.

Everyone started booing in disagreement.

"You know how it works...we are making this the last song..." He trailed on.

"Wait!" a voice said.

I looked up to see Kunal on the stage.

I looked up at him confused.

"Sorry guys but I need to do this now." He said.

The DJ stopped the music and Kunal continued.

"I'm sorry for interrupting but I didn't think this Valentine's Day would be complete if I didn't make it known on how feel." He said.

My heart stopped and picked up in expectation.

"I want to say how I feel about this one person. This one special person that came into my life and has changed me forever." He said.

I looked at him and my heart kept on beating and I could feel my breath stopped.

I clutched my dress staring at him in disbelief.

All my prayers, my dreams, all my hopes...is it finally coming true? Did he finally realize my feelings that I have for him?

He continued.

"I fell in love with her smile, her personality, her sometimes quiet yet very bold and crazy nature. She is teasing me and sometimes can be so shy...she is the most beautiful girl I have ever seen and laid my eyes on and I want to finally say how I feel. Although time has been an issue I don't want to deny my heart anymore." He said.

I could feel tears coming out of my eyes and I slowly made my way towards him, oblivious to the people that I was bumping into.

Kunal paused and one of his friends handed him a large bouquet of red roses with small lily flowers in it as well.

I smiled and my tears came down even more.

Finally...my desire that I wanted for five years, the promise that I thought would go unanswered...finally did.

I kept moving until I felt myself closer to him, closer to the stage.

"The person who has captivated me completely and totally is one of a gem...one of a kind..."

"Shraddha you are really one of a kind...a real gem. Don't listen to what those stupid girls say. You are beautiful. More so in here and that is all that counts." He said while pointing to my heart.

I smiled and tears fell and I wanted to smile.

"This girl is none other than...Maya." Kunal said smiling.

I smiled.

Finally Kunal...finally you admit that you love m...

Maya? MAYA? MAYA?

I stopped in movements and looked at Kunal who was staring at Maya who was shocked and blushing.

All her friends were cheering for her and everyone around was smiling with a knowing smile.

Maya?

She barely knew him for two years or so but I knew him longer...I knew him longer than she did.

She smiled and blushed and she passed everyone in the crowd.

She came closer to me and she smiled at me...a bright smiled and she turned away and she looked at Kunal.

She joined him on the stage.

Maya?

My heart sank...the tears I shed in happiness were now sliding down my cheek in shock and sadness.

She joined him and he handed her the bouquet of roses.

"Maya I'm in love with you...will you please be my Valentine?" Kunal said while getting down on one knee.

I looked at her expectantly.

"Hey Maya." I said.

We were busy helping out our club trying to set out tables in helping to prepare for our fundraiser.

"Do you like Kunal?" I asked her.

She looked at me confused.

"Why are you asking?" she asked.

"No because it seem as if you are always arguing and fighting with him." I said.

She laughed.

"I like Kunal. He is annoying as heck but he wears his heart on his sleeve. There is no pretenses with him. He tells it like it is and that honesty in itself is a real attractive trait I would say." She said.

My heart panged at the time.

"So you are in love with him then?" I said.

She looked at me.

"I don't love Kunal. I was remarking on his personality. I think he is a very interesting guy and I love being his friend just like you do." She said while laughing.

I waited for her answer.

She looked at the crowd and her friends cheered her on.

She smiled and blushed.

My heart sank as she slowly nodded her head.

"Yes I will be your Valentine." She said smiling.

Kunal smile the biggest smile as he handed her over the bouquet of roses and she accepted it, wrapping her hands around its base tightly and purposely.

She smiled and he leaned and wrapped his hands around her as he pressed his lips against her.

They began kissing as the crowd cheered.

"Happy Valentine's Day!!!!" The DJ screamed and he kicked up the music and slowly I felt balloons and confetti make it slow descent down on the dancefloor as the crowd became crazy.

I stared at them as they continued to kiss and I could feel my heart being slapped hard on the floor, and they slowly dragging it in the mud as their lips touched one another.

I felt sick in more ways than one.

When they finished they smiled and they wrapped their arms around one another as they made their slow descent towards the crowd.

Maya noticed me and she came over to me.

"Shraddha what's wrong?" she said.

Kunal looked puzzled and then concern spreaded on his face.

Why did they have to hold their hands like that?

I looked at them and I felt another tear slide down my face and my chest hollow and completely empty and the numbness settle over my body.

"H..appy...Va..lentin...es..Day." I said in a shaky breath.

At that before they could say anymore I turned away and ran out the dancehall, out the building, and into the dark and cold night outside.