Chapter 3 Friendship Is Satisfaction

TRISHA'S POV

"I am home, mom!" I announced as I entered the house, my voice echoing through the hallway.

"You were supposed to come home by 10," my little sister, Vani, remarked, her arms crossed defiantly.

She always tried to irk me, but her antics often ended up amusing me. I couldn't help but raise my eyebrows in amusement. "Well, I am sorry, little sister," I replied with a chuckle.

Vani nodded, her expression serious. "Where is your boyfriend?" she questioned, narrowing her eyes at me.

I burst into laughter at her inquiry. "He left? Didn't bring me chocolates, so he left, huh?" I teased, knowing her fondness for chocolates.

Pouting, Vani muttered, "He should've brought chocolates."

Before I could respond, our mom intervened, her voice calling from the living room. "Trisha, come into the living room. We need to talk."

The atmosphere in the house was heavy with tension as I stepped into the living room, my heart pounding in anticipation of the impending conversation. My mom's request to talk had become synonymous with unpleasant discussions, and I braced myself for whatever was to come.Seated opposite my mom, I couldn't suppress the rush of anxiety as she broached the topic.

"Ishy, I want you to reconsider the idea of studying abroad," she began, her voice firm but tinged with a hint of apprehension.

The words hit me like a ton of bricks, and I couldn't help but react with incredulity. "What?" I exclaimed, my disbelief evident in my tone.

Her response was unwavering. "You heard me," she replied, her gaze steady as she met my eyes.

I felt frustration bubbling beneath the surface as I protested, my dreams suddenly hanging in the balance.

"But Mom, this is Texas we're talking about. I've been dreaming of this opportunity my whole life, and now, just 48 hours away, you want me to reconsider?" I pleaded, desperation creeping into my voice.

Mom's tone softened slightly as she tried to reason with me. "This is for your own good! You have a well-paid job in your hand. And–" she started, her words trailing off as she searched for the right way to express her concerns.

Interrupting her, I appealed to her with a softer tone, my resolve tempered by the weight of her words. "Mom, please," I implored, hoping she would understand the depth of my desire to pursue my dreams.

Her resignation was palpable as she relented, her words carrying the weight of her maternal concern. "Do whatever you want to do," she conceded, her voice tinged with a mixture of resignation and love.

The conversation shifted as Mom slid a paper and pen across the table, directing my attention to the document before me. Curiosity piqued, I picked up the paper and scanned its contents, my surprise growing with each passing moment.

"It's a sale deed for our family land," I observed aloud, my voice tinged with astonishment. "And the buying party is Daniel Knight's company?"

Mom nodded solemnly, her expression grave as she confirmed my observation. Without hesitation, I reached for the pen, feeling the weight of responsibility settle upon my shoulders as I signed the deed.

As I retreated to my room, the weight of the conversation lingered heavily on my mind. The sacrifices Mom had made since Dad's passing weighed heavily on my heart, and I couldn't shake the feeling that my impending departure only added to her burdens.Despite the conflicting emotions swirling within me, I murmured a quiet "Goodnight, Mom," before closing the door behind me, the weight of the world pressing down on my shoulders as I contemplated the road ahead.

Opening my door, I found Adhish lounging comfortably on my bed, his presence both comforting and unsettling.

"I thought you left," I remarked, crossing my arms and regarding him with a mixture of amusement and exasperation.

"Thanks to your windows," he quipped with a wink, his easy grin easing the tension in the room.

ADHISH'S POV:

As Trisha settled onto the bed beside me, her presence elicited a sense of warmth and comfort that washed over me like a soothing balm. Despite the closeness between us, there lingered an unspoken tension, a barrier I hesitated to breach for fear of disrupting the delicate balance of our friendship.

"Where is Vani?" I inquired, attempting to dispel the weight of the unspoken emotions that hung heavy in the air between us.

"She's asleep," Trisha replied, her voice soft and melodic as she absently toyed with her wavy hair, the golden strands cascading through her fingers like liquid silk.

In the three years since we'd first met, I'd harbored feelings for Trisha, feelings I dared not acknowledge for fear of jeopardizing the bond we shared. Her unpredictable nature and tendency to react impulsively to unexpected situations had instilled a sense of caution within me, a reluctance to risk the stability of our friendship for the sake of my own desires.

But as I gazed upon her now, the memory of our first meeting in college flooded my mind, a vivid recollection of the mixture of vulnerability and strength that had drawn me to her from the very beginning.

-Three Years Ago

Amidst the bustling corridors of the college, fate seemed to have a curious sense of humor. I found myself pondering over the chance encounter with a mysterious stranger, her name eluding me as she disappeared into the crowd. Yet, with a touch of optimism, I couldn't shake the feeling that our paths were destined to cross once more and even if the destiny has not included it in my story, I will.

As the bell rang, signaling the start of classes, I strode purposefully towards to my girlfriend's classroom, eager to retrieve my assignment from my girlfriend, who happened to be a freshman. Anticipation bubbled within me as I entered the room. I scanned the room to find her but to my dismay, she was nowhere to be found. Yet, a spark of curiosity ignited within me as I spotted someone else who piqued my interest.

Luck appeared to be on my side as I approached her desk, her stunned expression a testament to the unexpectedness of my presence. With a mischievous smirk, I attempted to engage her in conversation, only to find myself disappointed as she rose from her seat and attempted to leave.

Determined not to let her slip away again, I reached out and gently grasped her wrist, "Stop! Are you deaf, sweetheart?" I teased, my words laced with playful banter as I attempted to lighten the mood.

Though she stopped in her tracks, she remained impassive, her gaze fixed ahead as if unwilling to acknowledge my presence. Undeterred, I persisted, determined to coax a response from her.

"You have a problem sitting with me?" I inquired, my tone teasing yet tinged with genuine curiosity.

Her response was terse, her refusal to engage with me only fueling my determination to break through her defenses. "Then sit with me," I urged, only to be met with a firm "no" in response.

Rolling my eyes at her stubbornness, I conceded defeat, raising my hands in surrender as I quipped, "Fine, go ahead. Even I want to know who will go against me and let you sit with them."

As murmurs rippled through the classroom, I couldn't help but enjoy the show, savouring the opportunity to declare my dominance. Making my way towards her, I seized her water bottle without waiting for her response, a playful gesture that soon turned serious as a pendant fell from her bag, catching my eye.

With a mischievous grin, I seized the pendant and tossed it to a classmate, setting off a chain reaction that left her running frantically.

Yet, as tears welled in her eyes, I found myself struck by a sudden pang of regret, the realization dawning upon me that my actions hurt her.

"Stop it," I commanded, my voice cutting through the murmurs of the classroom as I sought to rectify my mistake. "Give it back to her, Jay," I ordered, my tone leaving no room for argument.

As the pendant was returned to her, I knew that I owed her an apology, a chance to make amends for my thoughtless actions. And so, I chased after her, determined to set things right and earn her forgiveness.

"Hey, wait, stop!" I called out, seizing her arm and pulling her towards me in a desperate bid to make amends. But as she turned to face me, her red-rimmed eyes filled with a mixture of emotions, I knew that my apology was long overdue.

"I'm sorry, I was... I was harsh on you," I confessed, my words a hesitant admission of my wrongdoing.

Her response was unexpected, her forgiveness a testament to her strength of character. "It's fine. At least you realized," she accepted my apology with grace.

Friends?" I asked tentatively, my heart pounding with anticipation as I awaited her response.

She hesitated for a moment, her gaze locked with mine as she considered my offer. And then, with a gentle shake of her hand, she accepted, her eyes sparkling with newfound warmth.

As she mouthed the word 'friends', a wave of relief washed over me, a sense of gratitude for the chance to make amends.

"I am going to ignore the fact that this moment looks quite filmy," she said, her smile widening as she pulled her hand back.

Her laughter echoed like music in my ears, a symphony of joy. And in that moment, I couldn't help but be captivated by her beauty.

"Your eyes look even more beautiful when you cry," I whispered, my heart skipping a beat as I drank in the sight of her.

Her giggles were like a melody, a sweet symphony that danced upon the air and filled my heart with joy. And as she thanked me for my unique compliment, I couldn't help but smile, my own heart swelling with affection for the woman before me.

"Now, may I know your name?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper as I sought to learn more about her.

"Trisha Sen," she replied, her voice soft as she offered me a shy smile.

I nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips as I savored the sound of her name. "Cute.. I am going to call you Ishy, suits you," I declared, my heart fluttering with newfound affection for the woman.

She nodded in agreement, her smile widening as she returned my gaze with a look of genuine warmth and affection. "Fine by me," she replied, her voice filled with laughter and joy.

Unable to contain my happiness, I couldn't help but smile as I introduced myself. "I am Adhish Armaan, by the way," I said, my voice filled with pride as I took her hand in mine.

Despite the awkwardness of the moment, her smile was radiant, illuminating her features with a warmth that left me spellbound.

And as she shared her name with me, I couldn't help but smile, the simplicity of her response filling me with an unknown feeling that I couldn't quite explain.

-End Of Flashback

"Adiiiiiiiii," Tishy whisper-shouted and pinched my shoulder.

"Ouch! What?" I replied, wincing as I rubbed my shoulder.

"Are you even listening to me? I have been rambling, and you are just... lost?"

Releasing a heavy breath, I pulled her into a tight hug, seeking solace in her comforting embrace.

"Will you miss me? Or will you forget me in the city lights of Texas?" My voice came out as a whisper, tinged with uncertainty and longing.

"What! No!! Don't talk rubbish, Adi. Look at me," she urged, her tone filled with affection and concern.

Ignoring her plea, I held onto her tightly, unwilling to let go of the only anchor in my sea of emotions.

She gently pulled away from the hug, her hands cupping my face as she sought to meet my gaze.

"You are important to me. You know that, right?" she reassured me, her eyes filled with sincerity and love.

I sighed, my heart heavy with the weight of impending separation. "I know. It's just... I feel miserable, Tishy. I know we have a long life ahead. We have our careers ahead of us. I'll be here working with Dad, and you will be in Texas, living your dream. And I can't expect you to stick with me for the whole damn life, but..." I trailed off, my voice faltering as tears threatened to spill from my eyes. Cupping her face in my hands, I gazed into her eyes, searching for reassurance in the depths of her gaze. "I don't wanna lose you. And I don't wanna lose what we have," I confessed, my voice raw with emotion.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I struggled to articulate the depth of my feelings, the fear of losing her consuming me from within.

"You are not losing me, neither our bond. I will call you every day, alright? And you'll come to visit me, I know. At least once every month?" she promised.

Nodding in silent agreement, I pulled her into another embrace, holding onto her as if my life depended on it.

In that moment, I knew that no matter the distance that separated us, our bond would endure it. And as we held onto each other, I found solace in the knowledge that no matter what the future held, Tishy would always be by my side, a constant source of strength and support.

"By the way, about visiting you once every month? Wow! You know I won't do that, right?" I chuckled, teasing her gently.

"Ouch! I am offended," she pouted, her playful expression tugging at my heartstrings.

I couldn't help but laugh and shake my head. I would be lying if I said she doesn't look adorable.

"Hell! I am going to miss you badly," I confessed, the weight of impending separation settling heavily on my shoulders.

"I will miss you more," she reassured me with an assuring smile, pulling me into a warm embrace. As she pulled away, a pang of longing pierced my heart, a silent reminder of the inevitable distance that would soon separate us.

This is gonna get worse.

Locking eyes with her, we shared a moment of wordless understanding, our unspoken emotions echoing in the silence between us.

After a few minutes of quiet contemplation, Trisha sighed and spoke up, her voice soft yet filled with conviction. "Love is an obsession, but friendship is satisfaction, and I never want to lose that satisfaction that we have," she said with a wide grin, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

I chuckled at her words, unable to resist teasing her gently. "Did you just quote Alizeh?"

"Oh, I did," she admitted with a laugh, her infectious joy washing over me like a wave. Relaxing in her touch, I held her tightly, cherishing the warmth of her embrace. Little did she know that I wanted to be her Bunny instead of Ayan, that my feelings for her transcended friendship and blossomed into something deeper and more profound.

I wanted her to be my Naina instead of Alizeh

(A/N: For my readers who are not Indian, I am gonna make it simply short. All of them are characters from movies. Ayan-Alizeh from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil ended up as friends, and Bunny-Naina from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani ended up as lovers.)

A tear finally escaped, rolling down my cheek, betraying the turmoil of emotions I had been holding back for so long. The realization dawning upon me that I was on the brink of losing something precious, something I had taken for granted for far too long.

"Will you come to the airport with me?" As Trisha's voice pierced through the heavy silence, I felt a pang of anguish, knowing that her departure is near, yet I was struggling to come to terms with the reality of it all.

"I don't wanna have this conversation," I admitted to myself, the words heavy with unspoken longing and sorrow.

Laying beside her, I found the warmth of her presence, savoring the precious moments we had left together. Our gazes met, and in that fleeting instant, I sensed a change.

Unable to resist the pull of desire and yearning, I shifted closer to her, my body drawn to hers. I couldn't stop myself, and I shifted my body onto hers. I kept my arms on both of her sides. She took a deep breath when my lips connected with her skin. My lips traced the delicate curve of her neck, leaving a trail of soft kisses.

"Adi," she moaned softly, her voice a melodic symphony that stirred something deep within me.

The knocking sound of the door shattered the fragile moment we had shared reminding us of the world beyond our private cocoon.

Reluctantly pulling away, we both retreated from the cliff of desire, our hearts pounding with unspoken longing and regret.

I watched as Trisha fixed her dress, her movements graceful yet tinged with an air of resignation. And when Vani burst into the room with infectious laughter, I couldn't help but chuckle at the sudden intrusion.

"Ouch! Easy tigress," I teased, welcoming the distraction with open arms.

"Where is my chocolate? Ishy said you left, but I knew you would be here," Vani exclaimed, her enthusiasm contagious.

"Oh really? Ishy is a liar. How could I forget your chocolate?" I quipped, stealing a glance at Trisha, who had retreated into the bathroom, her expression unreadable.

As Vani's laughter filled the room, I couldn't shake the feeling of melancholy that lingered in the air, a silent reminder of the impending goodbye that loomed on the horizon.

I ruined it already

I thought to myself, the weight of regret settling heavily upon my shoulders as I braced myself for the inevitable farewell that awaited us.