Ch 15- Growing Bonds

Days passed by & Akshat was healing quickly. Ameha ensured to pay him visits which according to him was irritating. 

Akash & Ameha used to chat or talk if the network decides to show up. Ameha started investing her time in understanding people, life in village, helping her grandmother in the kitchen, helping her grandfather in the fields, learning about agriculture, about life. She started enjoying this slow, calm life. She timely wandered, is this why Akshat chose to stay here. Can she ever stay here. She used to go by the lake, sit alone, think about the moment with Akash near it.

"Akshat..." She barged in Akshat's room.

"Are you crazy Chandni? You should knock."

"I am sorry. I was just little excited. Naani gave me this unstitched Kurta. I need it stitched. Please take me to the market."

"I hope you know, I am not your chauffeur."

"Rudeee. Grumpy." He rolled his eyes.

"Please Akshat. You are my only friend here."

"Friend?" he raised his brows.

"Ok. Ok. Enemy or whatever. Please take me."

"Arghh.. Okay. Do you plan going back home? You are irritating."

"Not leaving soon."

"I pity me." Akshat said getting up from his bed. 

"Can you go out? i need to change my clothes."

He got changed & they left for the market. She had Panipuri while he waited leaning against his bike. She got few for him. "Here. have it. These are yum."

Before he could say No, half Puri was already fed to him. A smile broke out.

"Ohh you know how to smile?" She teased. And he was back to his emotionless facade. 

Few days later, he again accompanied her to the market. She tried the kurta and jumped out of the store to show it to him.

"Do you like it? Does it suits me?"

It was a red chikankari kurta. Complimenting her like nothing else. The color. The fit was so perfect like it was stitched on her. Akshat was awestruck for a moment.

"Bolo na..Tell me."

"I don't have much ideas on these things."

"Okay click a picture of me."

"Can't you just wait till you get home?"

"I need to send it to Akash and atleast this place has some network."

He rolled his eyes & took some pictures using her phone. She immediately sent it to Akash. Took few minutes before it was sent. 

Minutes later, notification popped up. "Are you hurt? You must have fallen from heaven to look this beautiful. I miss you. Can't wait to see you soon and re-do my marks. Seems to fade."

Ameha blushed. 

"If you are done, can we leave? Unlike some people, i actually have to work." Akshat said.

She changed back and they left for the village. She was enjoying these little trips on the bike.

"Akshat, can we stop by the lake? I know you are busy but for like 10-15minutes?"

He didn't reply but as his bike turned towards the road leading towards the lake, Ameha knew he agreed.

"This has grown to be my favorite place." She ran near the lake, the cold water embracing her feet. "Don't you like this place?"

Akshat got teary eyed and then gathered himself but Ameha noticed it. 

"I will be by the bike." He turned around to leave. 

Ameha held his hands. "Whats wrong? I know you think me as your enemy but we are frenemies now. So still a bit of a friend. You can share with me. It stays within us."