Falling For You

"But why won't you gimme a chance?"

"I have told you before, I have been hurt in love once and the bruises are still raw"

"Oh so you will let your past affect your future. Tell me one thing if you fall off your scooty once will you stop riding forever. Will you?" His patience was on a thin line now. By now, he has actually forgotten the number of times he has approached her. Aarav Agnihotri, the college heartthrob, cricket captain, the reason for so many sleepless nights of almost every girl in college was standing, hands folded in the corridor with lips scrunched and a wrinkled forehead. When every girl out there wanted to at least get a chance to walk beside him, Aarav found himself drawn towards this simple, silent girl with just one friend in the entire college.

"It's not just that Aarav. We are very different from each other and you know it. You're kinda famous, a people's person, everybody wants to be with you in some way or the other…"

"Really? Wow. Then why don't you want to be with me Ahana?"

"Let me complete Aarav. You just can't deny the fact that everybody here admires you. Aarav Agnihotri, the cricket star. Professors, your friends,juniors even seniors want to make themselves known to you Aarav and I am...different. (sighs) . I rarely make human interactions, nobody except with Ritu to be precise. I am a simple and silent person who has no qualities whatsoever to charm people. Please understand this. You should live upto your image."

"Whoever thinks you don't talk much including yourself must not have heard this 5 minute monologue of yours. Great. Listen Ahana I just want to know do you like me back or not because I don't care what image I have and how to live upto it." He air quoted the last words, mimicking Ahana. 

Ahana dropped her eyes to the floor not knowing how to make him understand. She tried to make him listen to her in several ways. This was not the first time and probably not the last that he repeated the same lines to her- I like you Ahana. The first time she heard these words from him she was shocked beyond her wits. Why the hell on Earth would Aarav Agnihotri come to her while she was in the library and simply say- Ahana Srivastav I have something to say. Maybe you already know it as in the past few days I have been finding ways to talk to you and it can mean only one thing that I like you Ahana, like like-like you."

It all started five and a half months back when the college was busy preparing for its fest. College fests were a big deal for St.Stephen's college and each and every student did their part to make it the best event. While some of them were preparing themselves to get noticed among the students of other participating colleges, the more enthusiastic ones did everything possible to prove their college to be the best. What got the most attention was the cricket tournament whose finals happened during the fest. Like every year St.Stephen's College this year too went into the finals, all thanks to their amazing team lead by the skipper Aarav Agnihotri.

The boys were giving their blood and sweat to bring the trophy home. Coach Satish had put them in a tight schedule of practice everyday. It was a sunny afternoon on Tuesday when Ahana, wanting to be away from the chaos went to the cricket stand, walked up to the last row in the gallery to sit and took out a fat book from her bag. "This would be a perfect place for me to continue" telling that to herself she opened the bookmarked page and started reading from where she left.

"Men go to far greater heights to avoid what they fear than to obtain what they desire" Ahana paused and read the sentence again. It was true. Humans always in order to get away from their fears somehow or the other drove themselves away from their desires. Dan Brown always knew how to strike the right cords. The quest for the Holy Grail in "The Da Vinci Code" kept her busy but a ball that came flying her way distracted her. Ahana lifted her head in the direction the ball came from and saw the cricket team at the ground gesturing at her to give back the ball.

There was no way she was going to do that. She had already fallen prey to several such pranks in her first year. Ahana might be simple but she wasn't gullible nor someone who would stay quiet when people harm her. Life and its unfairness had made her quiet over the years but that could not take her confidence away from her.

"Hey...We have been asking you for the ball Srivastav. Why didn't you give the ball?" Aarav huffed from all the climbing from the ground to the top most row of the gallery. Up close, he looked even more handsome if possible, Ahana concluded.

"Srivastav I know I am too good looking to be true and as much as I would like standing here for you to admire me but the coach would beat me into a pulp so... ball?" Well, that is Aarav Agnihotri for you. Much aware of his looks and its impact on the opposite gender.

Startled that she was caught staring at him, Ahana immediately fidgeted to get the ball near her feet. She could hear him chuckling and could not stop herself from biting the inside of her cheeks to fight the blush.

"Uhh...I just thought it was another prank so I didn't." Ahana dared to look right at him and say this. "Prank and with you? Hell no ! Nobody has forgotten what you did last time you were pranked. I need to go now but we are continuing this tomorrow Srivastav." Aarav pointed his finger straight at her as continued walking backwards towards the ground.

"Continue this tomorrow? What did he even mean by that? And continue what?" Ahana was confused as she replayed their tiny conversation in her mind. This was not the first time that she had a conversation with Aarav. They were in the same class and on occasions even in the same group during assignments. They bumped into each other several times in the past but they weren't friends. Ahana didn't have friends except Ritu and almost everybody was Aarav's friend. Shrugging, Ahana dismissed the thought. It definitely didn't mean anything.

Little did she know that it meant something. The next day Ahana was again on the stands with Dan Brown between her hands and head dug deep into the book.

"Uhh...hunn" on hearing someone clear their throat Ahana looked sideways to find Aarav perched beside her, legs stretched out to the front and hands behind his head, looking towards the ground. Ahana's first instinct was to look at her feet. "There's no ball here, I didn't see any ball coming this side" she said on an impulse.

"Well, I never said there was any ball Srivastav"

When Ahana's confused eyes kept staring at him, Aarav raised his eyebrows "what didn't I tell we will continue this tomorrow, if you have forgotten today is tomorrow." The smug smile broadened on his lips.

"Continue what?"

"Talking… continue talking. We were interrupted yesterday right"

Confused beyond words, Ahana said " I don't talk Aarav."

"Well, you're talking now."

Not knowing what to say and bewildered that why would Aarav come and find her to talk, she looked back into her book. Five minutes had passed and none of them spoke a word. Ahana didn't even dare to look at Aarav.

"It's insulting you know, to realize that this Brown guy is more attractive than me."

"Aarav what are you even doing here?"

"Uhh...talking. I thought I made that clear."

"Why with me Aarav? " the signs of early irritation began showing on her face.

" Because I want to…?" He made it seem more like a question than an answer.

"We are not friends Aarav. And please go and talk to anybody else"

"Well, you talk too much for someone who doesn't like to talk, you know."

That's where it all started. During the cricket practice before the college fest. When Aarav could not ignore that slender girl on the top row of the gallery with a book in her hands. That day, the next, the next and the next day he found himself walking up to her. Why exactly? Well, he himself was unaware of it. He just liked being with her, talking to her, basically he was the only one talking. This became an everyday affair.

The entire month Aarav found ways to be around Ahana. Following her into the library, waiting in the corridors for her to get out of the class, making sure to peek up to the gallery to see her during his practise sessions became a daily duty of Aarav. Ahana's confusion kept growing with every passing day as to why Aarav was interested in talking to her.

"What do you mean by why am I talking to you, we are friends, Srivastav" Aarav hit an imaginary ball into the air and seemed pretty impressed with his own imaginary shot as he walked beside Ahana.

By now, Ahana was tired of the "No, we are not. Yes of course we are, Srivastav" banter.

It was two days for the cricket tournament finals and the St.Stephen boys left no stone unturned to retain the title of defending champions. After the day's practise a dog tired Aarav, stood outside the library waiting for Ahana to come out. As soon as she came out, he fell into steps with her.

"Ten minutes Srivastav, ten minutes I waited for you when all I want right now is to crash on the bed."

"Aarav you should go and rest instead of wandering in the hallways, you have your big day coming up"

"Ahh-haan, I see concern, that's improvement. I like it which reminds me I wanted to invite you to the cricket match...yeah I would like..uhh.. actually I would love it if you come over to see the finals." Aarav continuously rubbed his neck and looked haywire to avoid Ahana's gaze.

Wait. A. Sec- was Aarav Agnihotri blushing? Yes, he was. Oh. My. God. This was a sight to behold. A traitor of a smile broke on Ahana's face even when she tried her best to fight it.

"Does that mean you'll be coming?" Aarav's excitement knew no bounds seeing Ahana smile.

"I don't think I will be able to attend it, Aarav. I really hope you guys win but I don't generally come on game night and…"

"Wait, wait, wait ,wait before you make any excuses Ahana, I really want you to be there. It would mean a lot, honestly." The look on his face was so earnest that Ahana forgot her surroundings for a moment. And this was the first time he called her Ahana instead of Srivastav. What was that feeling in her stomach? Is it what they called the butterflies? No, no it definitely must be the samosa she had in the canteen that afternoon.

The next day Ahana did everything possible to avoid Aarav for reasons still unknown to her but for her own peace of mind she still blamed that samosa for feeling so different, so fluttery. Aarav anyway would be busy with practise as it was just the day before the finals. So, all she had to do was steer clear of the cricket ground. After being sure that the literary club was all prepared for the fest beginning the next day she headed towards the library and has been there since then.

This time it was Agatha Christie's suspense which had piqued her interest and she was completely engrossed in the book. A sudden thump in the chair adjacent to her got her attention. It was Aarav, the one she tried hiding away from.

"So, how's the hide and seek going Srivastav? All good?" Aarav jiggled his eyebrows playfully.

"What hide and seek? I don't know what you're talking about"

"Look Srivastav, I'll be very honest about why I am here. Ahana Srivastav I have something to say. Maybe you already know it as in the past few days I have been finding ways to talk to you and it can mean only one thing that I like you Ahana, like like-like you."

It will be an understatement to mention that Ahana was taken aback. This was so... unpredictable and overwhelming. What just happened? Did Aarav just confess that he liked her? Well, he clearly did. But why the hell on Earth was her heart beating this loud?

The shrill ringing of a phone broke her stance. Aarav silenced his phone, got up from the chair and walked out of the library stopping just at the threshold. He looked back and straight into her eyes "Srivastav the match is tomorrow. I am hoping you will be there. Please come." He blinked at her and left. Amongst the loud pounding of her heart, Ahana gulped the large blob of spit.

Finally, it was the game night and you all must be pondering where was Ahana. Was she there to watch the finals? Ahana was seated in the crowd. What, why? How? You must be wondering. Well, that is what Ahana herself was wondering about too.

"Ahana this Aarav guy must be super convincing, no? Why are you giving me that look? You only think, Ahana Srivastav sitting here to watch cricket finals that too because a special someone requested you. So definitely he must be convincing. Or was it his confession that swayed the boat?" Ritu, Ahana's best and only friend, teased her.

"It's nothing like that. We had not anything better to do tonight, anyway. So, I thought why not? " Ahana shuttered.

"Ya ya definitely. But jokes apart Ahu please give this a thought. Aarav- he seems to be a good guy and most importantly you deserve happiness. So please think about this once."

"I..don't know what you're talking about and the game's about to start so shhhh." Ritu flashed her well I know whats cooking grin at this. She had understood that this girl, her best friend felt it too but she will not be able to prolong this longer.

The game started and St.Stephen's boys dominated the game right from the beginning. A couple of wickets fell, and Aarav came onto the ground. His entrance brought upon ear splitting cheering among the crowd with hoots of "Aarav Aarav Aarav" all around the ground. After missing the first couple of balls, Aarav smashed the third one while running between the wickets. The hoot for him did not die any soon. Ahana could feel the thrill. This was the first time she saw him playing and it had become hell difficult for her to take her eyes off him. Till now, she just had heard praises for him and for the first time she was seeing it for real.

"One ball, five runs for St.Stephens. Aarav Agnihotri is on strike. Will he make it happen? Will the Stephen boys take the trophy back home? This will decide- ohh that's a six. What a magnificent shot from Aarav. Streaks of Virat Kohli visible in him and St.Stephen's win yet another time."

The audience went crazy. Ahana uncrossed her fingers to clap as hard as he could. She could not stop being proud of Aarav and hooted along with the crowd. Just then Aarav removed his helmet, raised his bat high into the air, his eyes wandering for a moment before settling on Ahana. He broke into a big smile seeing her smile, his dimples peeking out, did a small curt nod and winked straight at her.

Almost everybody in the crowd looked back to see whom he was gesturing at. Ahana was shocked and could feel her cheeks heating up.

"Oh.My.Freaking.Lord. Ahana Srivastav did Aarav just wink at you all the way from across the ground? And look at your smile my my!! You still say you do not like him. Oh my God Oh my God!! He's crazy for you Ahana, trust me." Ritu gushed.

This time Ahana could not even ask Ritu to shut up because her hungry heart pounding hard against her chest would not allow her to. She felt as if she was on the top of the world and it has been a while since anyone made her feel so.

It was almost six months since the fest and Aarav did not let a single chance to convey his feelings for Ahana.

"Why are you doing this to me, Srivastav?" Aarav kept asking Ahana every time she stopped him from pouring out his feelings for her. To be honest, Ahana was scared. Life has always been unfair to her from losing her parents to getting betrayed by the man who claimed to love her the most in the world. She did not blame others rather she took it on her to be jinxed. Every time she saw a ray of happiness in her life, it would extinguish some way or the way even before she had the chance to rejoice it. Aarav liking her was too good to be true. Deep down, she liked him too. Who would not? He made her smile, always waited for her to complete her classes to meet her, she had seen his eyes soften every time she smiled at any joke of his. But she didn't want to jinx this lil' happiness nor Aarav.

It had been three days since Ahana was not attending her classes. First day, Aarav resisted from asking her about her absence, thinking to give her space. On the second day of her absence Aarav had started to become restless but not seeing her even the next day was too much for him. He met Ritu and asked her about Ahana. It was then that he got to know that Ahana's pet dog Joey who was Ahana's lifeline to be precise was injured badly after being hit by a rash driver and Ahana was staying back to look after him. Without thinking much Aarav went straight to meet Ahana.

The last three days were terrible for her. For a moment she thought she would lose Joey as well, but he was with her in bandages though, but breathing. She could not imagine losing Joey. It was just today morning when she stopped crying. That furry baby of hers brought so much light into her life. (Bell rings) On hearing the bell, Ahana went to open the door wondering who it was. Her elder sister was not to return the night then who it might be in this storming weather. She opened the door to find a smiling Aarav standing before her. "Hey Srivastav" He was the last person Ahana expected.

A slender tired body, puffy red eyes and confused face looked at Aarav.

"Aarav what are you doing here?"

"Uhh...you weren't coming to college and I heard about Joey, so I thought of checking up on you." said Aarav with the expression of a deer caught in the headlights.

Warmth spread across Ahana's chest. He had come just to check upon her. When was the last time someone did something like this for her?

"Thank you. Please come in."

She moved sideways and let him in. By the time she closed the door behind him and turned she realised he had not moved, and they were standing too close to each other.

"How are you? You...don't seem fine." Aarav's eyes roamed her face as he asked her that.

As if them standing this close to each other was not enough for her crazy heart, Aarav's tender eyes on her face made her knees melt into marshmallows.

"I am fine now. It's just that Joey wasn't well and…"

"How's he now? Is he fine?"

"Why don't you see for yourself? Joey look there's someone to meet you." Ahana looked around towards Joey who was currently perched on the sofa with ears perked up on someone's arrival.

"Srivas...Ahana I brought this for you." Aarav stumbled with words as he forwarded her the huge bar of chocolate that he bought for her. Embarrassed, on finding her eyes on him he quickly moved towards Joey after handing her the chocolate.

"Hey there Joey. How you doin'?" He sat on the sofa next to Joey and forwarded his palm for a handshake. Joey a bit confused with the new guest limped towards him, sniffed Aarav, huffed with his tongue out for the first couple of seconds and then placed his paw on his palm. Aarav smiled at this but there was someone who's smile was bigger than his. It was Ahana's.

Ten minutes had passed, and Aarav was still playing with Joey. Joey had curled up on Aarav's lap and was on his way to tear away the button from Aarav's shirt. All this while Ahana sat on the kitchen counter, watching them with a huge smile on her face. It was the second time in three days that she was smiling and both the times because of Aarav.

Aarav lifted Joey from his lap, chuckling to stop him from plucking out his button. He lifted him and brought him face-to-face " Being naughty, aren't we?" He wriggled his eyebrows at Joey and Joey moved his face forward giving Aarav's right cheek a good lick.

Ahana burst into laughter at this. Aarav was taken aback with the rich sound of Ahana's laughter. Her smile reflected on his face. He gently placed Joey back on the sofa, gave his chin a good rub and walked towards Ahana, standing close enough to her. He placed both his hands on either side of Ahana, enclosing her.

" Laughing at my expense?" He leaned towards her and gently tucked a disobedient strand of her hair behind her ear. Ahana could hear her heart thudding in her ears this time. Her breath increased its pace.

"Joey likes you." Ahana said the first thing that came to her mind.

"Really, he does? Well, I have been often told that I am too charming to be avoided. But I never understood why it didn't apply to a particular someone." Aarav shrugged.

Eyebrows scrunched, Ahana questioned "Who?"

"Uhh...there is this girl named Ahana Srivastav.Tch just so immune to my charms." He made a sad face and tilted his lips as if to show his displeasure over the fact. Ahana could not stop laughing.

This was the second time Aarav saw Ahana laughing and he could feel a tight knot in his stomach. He never heard anything more mellifluous than the sound of her laughter. What was even happening with him. Even before he could register, he spilled out the words

"I want to kiss you Ahana."

Ahana stopped laughing and looked at him. On realizing what his silly mouth just uttered, he himself was taken aback. Shit! What did he do!!

He immediately stood back straight " I am sorry Ahana I don't know why I said that. I don't know what happened, I just loved it when you laughed and no idea what came onto me, I am so…" Aarav kept ranting, still not believing the words that left his mouth.

" Kiss me then."

"Yes Ahana I know I shouldn’t have and am really really sorry for what I said...wait, what? What did you say?"

"I said, Kiss me then." Not much different from Aarav, Ahana herself was confused at her behavior. But this time her feelings her voluntary and instead of denying them like every other time, she acknowledged them.

"Ahana"

"Aarav"

"Ahana am sor…"

"Shh…" with that Ahana leaned in and the next thing she knew she was wrapped in Aarav's arms, his lips on hers, his left land cradling her face and right one clutching onto her waist. Ahana did not realize when she held onto the collar of his shirt and how had her hand found its way into his hair.

She was breathing heavy by the time they separated. Aarav gently untangled his arms and placed his forehead on hers.

 Sigh. "I'm falling for you Ahana, hard." Eyes closed, forehead aligned against each other's, Aarav confessed.

"Aarav."

"Let me complete. I couldn't stay without meeting you, last three days I went crazy, I know how I have restrained myself from reaching out to you and when I entered your house and saw you sad, trust me my heart sank and now when I heard you laugh, I realized I can't let you go, I just can’t. You make me feel the emotions I never knew existed Ahana. I cannot stop myself from falling for you. Maybe you still don't like me…"

"Of course, I like you Aarav. I have avoided you for days because I didn't want to feel things, I didn't want to acknowledge these feelings and I didn't want you to be with me. I haven't smiled once in the past three days Aarav, but I can't seem to stop smiling since you are here. Aarav you have made me feel special without even you knowing and realizing it but this is not right. I am not right for you Aarav. Please do not ask me why but it is just that I am not the one for you. " Ahana's eyes were damp by the time she completed speaking. She played with the button of his shirt; eyes cast down because she did not want him to see her this weak.

Aarav gently lifted her chin and looked straight into her eyes. "I won't ask why, and I don't care if you're the one for me or not. All I care is about you. I cannot stay away from you. Please give me a chance Ahana, give us a chance. "

"I am like a fire that destroys everything Aarav. The nearer you come, the more are the chances of you burning yourself, completely" The lone tear slid down her cheeks.

Wiping it up, Aarav locked his eyes with her.

"Let your flames engulf me then Ahana. I am ready to burn as long as the flames are yours."