Destiny or Coincidence?

Athira Patel

I stood in front of my closet going through my dresses trying to find the top which Riya gave me on my birthday. I never wore that top until now and this is the right occasion to wear since I'm going to the pub for the first time in my life with my buddies.

I thought back to my conversation with my best friend "Hey babe, I know you haven't gone to the pub up to now. But we are thinking to go today evening to celebrate our last day together since tomorrow we all will be travelling to different places. So you will be coming along with us and don't even try to say no to me. I know that you are excited to go to a pub but nervous to try it, so get ready by 6.30 PM. Will pick you up from your home. Tell uncle that you will be staying at Rishi's house. See you..." and cut the call without listening to my side if I'm ready to go or not.

Yes, that's my best friend Riya Agarwal who is of 23 years old and had been my best friend ever since 6th grade in school. She is fair and has black colour eyes which do match her waist-length straight hair with 5'6 height and slim with the right amount of fat at right places. She is very fierce, bold, caring and short tempered. She does what she thinks and never looks back to take any suggestions and doesn't care what the world thinks about her. She can be very soft and caring when needed. But most of the time she is a happy and bubbly girl. Everywhere we go she will easily get the attention of all the boys since she is very beautiful and good looking. Thank god that she is the popular one among our gang and gets all the attention to herself even if she doesn't try to get it. I hate being noticed. So I'm happy with the way it is. She is the only daughter to her parents and when we were in degree 1st year her father got transferred to Mumbai since he is a government employee and both her parents got shifted there. But she wants to complete her studies in Hyderabad itself with us, so she stayed back and currently living in a college hostel.

And coming to our gang we are of four member's with Riya Agarwal, Rishi Ahuja, Dev Varma and myself. We met both Rishi and Dev in our Intermediate when we were given the same chemistry project to complete together. From that day on we clicked and we are together till now. Rishi and Riya are together though from last 3 years.

Rishi is of 24 Years with 5'9 Height and very masculine body since he workout daily. He is fair and handsome with light brown colour eyes and black colour hair which is long with light curls which fall over his face and reaches his ears. Also, he got a cute smile with those sexy dimples. He is North Indian basically and younger one in the family. His parents died when he was 6 years old but his elder brother never let them feel like they are alone. They are of 4 members with one elder sister and two elder brothers. All of them got married and settled in their hometown Nagpur.

Since the first day we met, he started liking Riya. It was no secret. We all can see it on his face, the way he looks at her and the way he gets lost in his own little dream world thinking of her. He was unable to make a move on her until her parents got shifted to Mumbai and she became alone. She doesn't want to stay at her hostel much so she used to spend her time in Rishi's room most of the time. Then one day at the starting of the final year of our degree he asked her out and she said yes. From then on they are together.

And my other idiot friend Dev is from Pune, Single child to his rich parents. His father is a businessman and mother is an interior designer. Dev is also of the same height as Rishi and handsome with gym body. He has dark brown colour eyes with chocolate brown colour hair. Both of them stay together in a room from Degree. He is a player and gets all the attention of the girls in our college and never backs down from a chance of flirting with a girl. He is not a committed type but true to his friends and family. He is caring, jovial, flirting, and short-tempered. But he is the best when came to listening and giving any suggestions at the time when needed. He knows how to handle the situation in the worst of the cases and I like that about him.

....

I have finally picked up light blue ankle length jeans with a plain black colour sleeveless top and got dressed quickly because its already 6.00 PM and Riya said that she will pick me up at 6.30 PM. She hates if I'm late. So I quickly moved to my dressing table and sat in front of my mirror and started applying eyeliner and mascara when my mobile started ringing to the left side of the dressing table where the bed is located. I got up and answered the call seeing that it's Dev.

"Hey Wassup?" I said while applying nude colour lip balm to my lips.

There was some shuffling from the other side of the line "Hey Choti, I hope you are ready?" Dev asked using his flirting voice indicating he is ready to rock the party.

"Yup, I am almost done. Where are you by the way?" I asked him while checking for matching earrings and a watch.

"We have just started from our room. Will reach there within 10min. So be ready or else you are gonna face the devil herself" He said while laughing loudly. Riya was shouting on the other line hearing dev's comment mentioning her as a devil. I smiled to myself thinking these two won't ever change when it comes to pulling each other legs at every given time.

"I got it, Playboy. Will be waiting for you outside. Come soon." I said using his nickname I call whenever he uses his nickname for me. After checking myself in the mirror one last time before getting ready to go downstairs I grabbed my purse and backpack in my hand.

"I hope you have packed your backpack for the night out. Because I swear if you forgot again this time I'm not gonna travel all the way back to your home at midnight or early in the morning for your backpack." He said while sounding serious.

"Are you serious?" I asked

"Of course I am. I don't want to sacrifice my beauty sleep for your backpack darling." While laughing he said that.

"Ya Ya. I got it, idiot. I have already packed it and presently holding it in my hands to make sure I won't forget again. Happy? Now come soon you lazy idiots." I said while laughing with him. Holding my purse and backpack for the night out I slipped in my black widgets and closed my bedroom door while coming downstairs.

"Sure babe. See you" he said and disconnected the call. I think he is the destined driver today for the four of us.

The sound of a TV running downstairs is an indication that my dad is in the hall watching cricket as usual after coming from the office. I have entered the hall while keeping my stuff on the table beside the entrance door. He was lazily seated in the couch holding a cold drink in one hand and eating chips with the other hand. He is in his shorts and T-shirt meaning he is done for the day and just relaxing watching his favourite cricket. It's his way of forgetting mom or even trying not to remember her. It has been 5 years since mom died due to sudden heart attack and I'm the only daughter to them. After mom died it has been very difficult for both of us to get on track with our daily life. We were both depressed and dad had become alone from that day onwards. He used to love her a lot and still loves her. But for my sake, he is acting strongly in front of me. I can see it in his eyes even if he won't share with me. I tried talking to him but he just smiles and says to leave it. He is very strong and I love him for that. I hope that one day he shares his pain with me.

I sat next to him on the couch to the left side of him and placed my head on his shoulder "Dad, I'm going to the pub with my friends and will be staying the night at Rishi's house. Is that fine?" I asked him while looking into his eyes by lifting my head slightly.

He looked down at me and smiled while taking my right hand in his both palms "You are a big girl Athi. I know you can take care of yourself and you know what is right and what is wrong. I believe in my daughter. She is too good and never once crossed her limits. So now, my baby just lives a little and enjoy before joining for the first day of your work. I'm proud of you beta. Go and take care. Whatever you do please be safe and intimate me from time to time." He said and kissed me on the forehead.

The sound of the ringing bell in the house indicated that my friends are here. I stood up with my dad and both of them walked towards the entrance door. I have opened the door while taking my backpack and purse. Dev entered and hugged me while saying in my ear "you look hot today choti. Damn you are my friend. Otherwise I would have made a move on you up to now" he backed away after saying that and winked at me while going further inside to say hi to dad. He was wearing black jeans and a white casual T-shirt but still, he was looking handsome.

Then Rishi and Riya came inside holding each other hands. Rishi was wearing dark blue torn jeans and light ash colour full sleeve T-shirt which is folded half up to his elbows in a messy way. He smiled and hugged me in a friendly way and entered inside. Then Riya came and stood in front observing me from head to toe for a full minute before speaking "Babe you look sexy in this top. Why did you not wear it until now? I knew you would be looking good in this. That's why I have bought you when I went to Mumbai." She said while hugging me and kissing my cheek. Riya was wearing Blue Jeans Shorts with Red colour Top which has some cuts at both sides of her shoulders and the top just reached to her navel area. She looked really hot in that. All of them hugged and said Hi to my dad while making their way out with my dad on their backside. After entering outside Dad said "Drive safe and Enjoy guys. Good night" He hugged me and kissed my forehead. I smiled and kissed his cheek and said bye while entering into the front seat of the car because Rishi and Riya occupied back seat. I closed the door after entering inside and gave my backpack to Rishi to place it in the back seat of the car. I waved my hand to my dad who is standing at the porch smiling at us and waving his hand.

Dev started the car and Riya squealed saying "At last Athi is going to come to the pub with us. I'm so excited. We are going to rock the party and you will enjoy each and every second of it babe." She is more excited than me. And is jumping on Rishi with excitement while he is trying to control his overexcited girlfriend.

I laughed and said "Ya I know I will. Because you won't leave me until then. Calm down Riya, you are going to ruin Rishi's dress" For which Dev laughed while driving.

We are going to be in this car for the next 15 to 20 Minutes until we reach the pub. I hope Riya is true about enjoying this. I want to enjoy for once leaving all my worries at the back of my mind. I'm looking forward to today and I get the feeling that something interesting is going to happen today.

Athira Patel

After getting down from the car we stood in front of the pub as Dev went to park the car. Most of the teenagers are either coming with partners or in a group with their friends. Even from outside we can hear the loud music going on inside the pub. I wonder how it will look inside. Will it be the same as shown in the movies or it will be different? Guess will know after getting inside. I was in my own thoughts when Dev caught me from behind startling me. I screamed and punched him in the gut. Turning around in his arms I started slapping him on shoulders for scaring me like that.

"Hey hey hey..!!! Stop! Ok fine I'm sorry Babe. Will not scare you again like that" He said while laughing and capturing both of my hands stopping me from slapping him.

"Never do that again Dev. You scared the hell out of me" I said while resting my head on his shoulder. My heart was beating faster. I took deep breaths to calm down. Dev put his hand on my shoulder and was looking at me in concern.

"Hey are you ok?" both Rishi and Riya asked at the same time while coming to stand beside us.

"Ya, I'm ok. Just caught off-guard. Nothing to worry." I said while starting to walk inside with Dev. Rishi and Riya were walking in the back with us. At the entrance, I stopped walking due to nervousness. All my friends turned to me to check what happened.

Dev took my left hand in his and said "Nothing will happen choti. Just relax and enjoy this night leaving all your fears outside." While smiling towards me and tugging my hand to walk towards the entrance. Riya took hold of my other hand and squeezed it lightly to assure me that everything will be fine. She faced towards me and smiled while walking inside. I returned the smile feeling somewhat relaxed and started walking inside with them.

Inside there are disco lights flashing of different colours making it look completely the party is in full swing and at the left side of the entrance, the bar is placed, which is huge with the collection of different drinks that I can't even recognize some of them. And to the right side booths are situated where everyone is sitting and chatting. And to the other side of the entrance, you can see the dance floor with most of the teenagers dancing without a care in the world. The pub is totally packed today due to the weekend and most of them are with their gangs today.

Me and my friends went to one of the booths and occupied places in the Corner round table. Dev and Rishi went to bring some drinks while we are busy taking in the sight of the dance floor where some pop music is playing by the DJ and many teenagers are dancing and swaying their bodies to that. Some of them are making out, some are touching each other and some of them are casually dancing. It's only 7.30pm but looks like everyone are in the mood of the party.

I was casually looking through the pub until someone caught my eye at the other end of the booth. He is sitting with two of his friends and their backs are faced to me. I can only see him. He is listening to what their friends are saying and laughing but I can't hear through the music what it is. But he was enjoying what their friends are saying. His laugh is like addicting. I'm unable to move my eyes from his face. He is very handsome with light brown colour eyes, fair skin with a light beard and long hair that is falling up to his eyes. His hair is so silky that I want to run my fingers along with it. His full pink lips are very attractive and God that smile is breathtaking. I haven't seen like this man up to now in my life, he is definitely from North India. I can say it by looking at him. Suddenly he raised his face to look straight at me and I lost my breath. His stare is very intense and he was looking directly at me without blinking an eye. I know that I should look away but I'm unable to do it. His eyes captured mine in an intense gaze and there is something in the way he is looking at me that my body is having these strange tingles and I have the sudden urge to touch and kiss those lips.

God, what is happening to me. I turned away from his intense gaze when I saw Dev and Rishi at his back returning with the drinks in their hands. But still I can feel his stare on me but I'm scared to turn back and see him. I don't know why my body is responding like that and why my heart is beating faster. As crazy as it sounds I have the urge to kiss him. Both of them took the seats where Dev sat beside me and Rishi took the seat opposite of me beside Riya placing the tray of shots and four beer bottles on the table.

"Babe vodka shots are for you both. I know it's your favourite and thought Athi will also try them with us" Rishi said looking at me and showing the shots in front of us.

"I don't think I want to drink today?" I said but probably it sounded more like a question than an answer.

Dev is shaking his said while saying "No way, it's our last day and you're not going to say no to drink. You have to drink today. I know you are excited to drink so stop acting innocent and take the shot" and took the shot from the tray and placed in front of me. He was watching me like he would take the matter in his hands if I won't drink.

I released the breath in defeat and took the shot in my hands and saw my friends faces. Dev is smirking as he won the lottery, Riya is giggling in her seat and trying to stop her laugh by covering it with her palm while Rishi is just smiling in an encouraging form. I took the shot glass in my hands and brought it up to my mouth and closed my eyes, taking a breath I swallowed it in one big gulp. Immediately I started coughing because of the bitter taste of vodka and is burning my throat. I don't know how all these people will drink this.

"God how you guys drink this. It's horrible and my throat is burning. I need water Dev. It's so bitter" I complained like a small child looking at Dev.

"It tastes like that at first but it will get better after 2nd one." I glared at her, then she said "trust me Athi. It will get better. Try one more" and gave another shot for me to hold. While glaring at her I took another shot. This one is also bitter and it's burning. But a little bit better compared to the first one. Riya is right it's better now.

"It's better right?" she asked excitedly. I accepted while shaking my head. "I said you that it will be better and I'm always right, " She said giving her most charming smile.

Dev and Rishi rolled their eyes and took each shot and drank it. Riya also did the same seeing them.

Again I felt like that stranger's eyes are watching me so I turned and looked in his direction and yes he was watching me. I quickly averted my eyes from him and brought back to our table because again my heart is beating faster.

Riya got up taking one beer in her left hand and pulling Rishi with her to the dance floor. "common guys will go to the dance floor. I wanna dance now. Come Babe I wanna dance with you" She said giving mischievous look to Rishi and nodding towards our side to come along with her. All of them stood and both Rishi and Dev too have taken each bear in their hands and placing the last one in my hands. Dev dragged me to the dance floor along with Riya and Rishi.

The dance floor is crowded and most of their bodies are touching each other but they are dancing like they don't have any care in the world. It's a bit uncomfortable due to all the touchings but Dev brought us to a somewhat less crowded area. I cannot see Riya and Rishi with us so I turned to look for them thinking they might be lost in the crowd. But I think I'm wrong because there they are in the middle of the crowd eating each other faces like animals. I immediately turned my face towards Dev "They won't change right. They don't care about the place, if they want to have some romance then they will start anywhere. Idiots" I said placing both my hands around Dev's neck. He placed both of his hands on my waist dragging me near to him.

"You know that they won't change. And you even know that it's kind of romantic. You are just jealous because you are not able to kiss anyone and your hormones are getting the better of you" He said while swaying to the beat and smirking.

"What? Noo..." I slapped his shoulder "I'm not jealous of them you idiot" he caught my hand and placed them back in his neck "It's just that I don't think there is a need to show PDA. We all know that they are a couple" I explained what I'm thinking. But even then I'm not sure why I was not comfortable with their PDA. Maybe Dev is right but I am not going to accept in front of him. His big ego will get satisfied that he is correct and he won't stop teasing me then. So it's better this way.

"Ok ok. As you think choti." He said laughing and taking a sip from his bottle when a girl came and stood in front of us.

"Hey Dev, what a surprise. It's been very long since we met last time" She said while looking in between us like calculating whether I am his girlfriend or just friend. I can see that she is having some feelings towards Dev.

She is wearing a one piece of the red colour dress with black and silver colour Belt which hugged her curves perfectly. Her hair is very long and black which reached until her waist and she wore makeup. You can say that she takes care of her appearance very much.

Dev let go of my waist and turned around with an expression of surprise. He went near her and hugged her "Hey Preethi, indeed it is a surprise. How are you?" he asked after releasing her from the hug.

"I am good. How about you? And how come you are here. I thought you are leaving to Mumbai for your new job." she asked giving a glance towards my side. Yup, she definitely has feelings for Dev. Poor girl, she didn't know that Dev won't do relationships.

"I'm Awesome as usual. Yes, I will be leaving tomorrow. So today I came with my friends to celebrate the last day in Hyderabad." He said smiling and nodding towards me" This is my best friend Athira. Choti this is my family friend Preethi." Dev said introducing us.

"Hey it's nice to meet you, " I said while extending my hand towards her.

"Same here Athira, " She said smiling while shaking her hand with mine. You can see the relief in her eyes when Dev mentioned that I am his friend. Dev is so oblivious about her feelings. Such an idiot.

"Do you wanna have a drink?" Dev asked her to which she nodded in yes.

He turned towards me "Excuse me for a few moments, Babe. I will catch up with her. It's been very long since I met her last time" and said giving me a sorry glance.

"Hey, it's fine. I can understand. No problem you both go and have a drink for a while. I will go to Riya." I said bye and started walking away from them to search my other two friends.

They left saying thank you and I turned around to look after my friend when suddenly I bumped into someone and they caught me from falling by placing their hands on waist and holding me. I closed my eyes due to the impact and caught my saviour's shoulder from falling. I can say that he is male because of his muscles and his strong grip on my waist. He pulled me up towards him and instinctively I placed both my palms on his chest. Oh God, he is having a very good body. I can feel his chest beneath my palms and thought of running my hands to feel his perfect body. I suddenly stopped my train of thoughts thinking of what is happening to me today. First that stranger and now this unknown person who saved me. Why my hormones are going out of control today I don't know.

"Are you ok?" The person asked who saved me from falling. Even his voice is so manly but you can see the concern in his voice.

I opened my eyes to come face to face with his chest. He is wearing a plain white colour T-shirt. I nodded saying "I am fine" and lifted my face upwards to look at his face.

I froze on the spot because he is none other than the one whom I was watching a while ago.

Athira Patel

I don't know for how much time I stood frozen on the spot until he started shaking my shoulders to bring me back from my thoughts. He was saying something from the expression on his face but I didn't listen to a word of what he said. I concentrated on him to listen to what he was saying but couldn't grasp anything. From far he was good looking but from near I can see it clearly. He is very handsome, dashing and hot with his 5'10 height and personality. It's hard to not check him out.

"Sorry. What were you saying?" I asked him after composing myself and trying not to drool at his face.

He smiled knowingly and said "I was asking whether you are fine or not? Seems like you were lost in your world." he loosened his grip on my waist but didn't remove his hands completely. My skin is burning beneath his touch where his hands are placed. Again those strange tingles started to form in my stomach.

"I... I am Sorry. I was... I was looking at the other side. I am fine. Thank you for saving me." I stammered while replying and need to concentrate on my breathing to look normal. It is a great task comparing how much effect he has on me. I have seen many handsome boys and even spoke to them before. Hell, even my friends are handsome. But don't know what is about this stranger that is attracting me towards him like a magnet. I am unable to resist my eyes from looking at him. I looked downwards in fear of getting caught of checking him out.

"It's ok. That's not a problem. Anyways, Hai, My name is Abhilash." He said leaving my waist and extending his hand towards me. Suddenly I felt very cold where his hands were once placed.

"Hai, I am Athira, " I said catching his hand and shaking it. He smiled and shook my hand. His palm is rough and warm that I don't want to leave it.

"Athira..." he repeated my name. It sounded so sexy from his voice "it is a beautiful name as you" he said and lifted my hand towards his mouth and kissed the back of my hand while watching my expression.

I sucked in a breath due to the contact of his lips on my hand. My body felt hot suddenly and my breathing became uneven. "Thank you, " I said breathing heavily. I need to get a grip on myself. This is not me, I won't go all dreamy when I see a handsome man like the other girls does. He will think that he can easily get to me since I am checking him out. I cannot give the satisfaction that he got to me. I breathed deeply and stood straight and smiled at him.

"I would have thanked you for your compliment if I didn't know that you were trying to flirt with me. But I guess that is not the case now." I said while retreating my hand from his hand and folding them below my chest.

He had a look of shock on his face listening to my words but recovered very soon and smirked. "I didn't know that I was flirting with you, I thought I was helping you from falling down and was complimenting you for a beautiful name. But I must say even if I didn't flirt with you up to now, I want to do it now." he winked saying it "Because cutie pie who will miss the chance to talk with the beautiful girl? Only some idiot according to me. And I am not that idiot to miss the chance to talk with a beautiful girl like you "he was giving me that charming smile again which is making my heart flutter. Damn his smile and damn his eyes. I started to blush due to his compliments. No one called me cutie-pie up to now.

I cleared my throat to hide my blush and faced him "Aren't you a charmer? I think every girl got flattered due to your charming skills right. But I am not like them. So don't waste your time to impress me. And I am not a cutie pie so don't call me that." I said sounding so confident. I didn't think that I would sound that confident but I am glad that my voice didn't show how affected I was because of his flirting.

"Cutie pie you sound so confident of yourself. If you are that confident then I think there is no need to worry about you falling for me. We can talk to each other friendly. What do you say?" he said smiling and gesturing in between us to make a point of what he said.

I am totally confused now. I don't understand what he is implying at so I ask him what I am thinking "what do you mean by that?"

"Means for the rest of the night we can get to know each other and who knows we might like each other company that we want to become friends in the long term." He explained while looking straight into my eyes sounding serious at the same time genuine. I don't know what to think of that.

"Why do you want to become friends with me? And how can you be so sure that we will like each other company? "I questioned looking as serious as him.

"Oh common. Give me some credit here. I am trying my best not to flirt with you and be a genuine guy. And you don't know until you talk. So why don't you spend this night with me and get to know about me?" He suggested "sorry that sounded wrong. I mean to say that we will spend the night together in this pub until it's time for you to leave. Then we can decide if we want to have a long term friendship or not. Even if you don't want that, I know for sure that it will be worth spending some time with you and getting to know you. "He smiled genuinely and was waiting for my answer.

I don't know what to think. He is right though. He is trying to be genuine and I need to give that credit to him. And he is also right that we won't know until we talk to them. Even some excited part of me wants to spend some time with him and get to know him, but my other major part is warning me not to talk with him. But I think this time my curious part had won because even I want to get to know him. Don't want to be in a long term friendship with him but I can enjoy this one day getting to know him right. What harm would come from that? Then maybe this weird tingles will go away after this night.

So not giving much of a thought afraid of changing my suggestion, I said "Sure. That sounds good. We can spend the night and get to know each other" nodding at him in acceptance.

He gave that charming smile again and took a hold of my hand and dragged me to the far end of the booth. By the time we reached the booth most of the tables were empty and everyone is either at the bar or on the dance floor. Only very few of them are seated at the tables.

We took the Corner table and seated on the opposite sides facing each other. I hope that I won't regret this decision in future.