Chapter 1

Ahir

I parked my car outside Anokhi's bungalow. I had been in a dilemma since morning whether or not to attend the Holi function at her house. Anokhi and I had become friends very quickly. It had taken us just four months to become the best of buddies. She had been nothing but polite with me since we'd met and was a lovely person. But my stomach rolled at the thought of someone else's presence at the function. Anokhi was not aware of my feelings towards this certain someone. I got the feeling that he didn't like me much because he was possessive about his best friend. I had often seen him staring at me angrily whenever I spoke to Anokhi. I snapped out of my thoughts as I heard the honking of a car. I had been so preoccupied that I did not realize I had gripped the steering wheel tight enough to turn my hands red. After politely apologizing, I drove towards the actual parking lot. What scared me the most was my growing interest in Anokhi's best friend. And for the first time in my life, I was unable to control my emotions. Suppressing my feelings was tough. I didn't know whether I would ever be able to tell him that I liked him. And the worst part was that he didn't even consider me as a friend. Greeting a few of Anokhi's friends at the entrance of the house, I headed indoors. 

Her backyard was decorated beautifully with magnolias and colourful chiffons. In the middle of the courtyard, people had gathered for the Holika Dehan. My heart skipped a beat as my eyes met his dark orbs. He was whispering something to Anokhi as I made my way towards them. His expression changed the moment his eyes collided with mine. He had been smiling and giggling with Anokhi only a few seconds back! And now he was throwing death glares towards me! What the hell was his problem? I thought. Why did he hate me so much? 

Anokhi squealed and ran to greet me. She couldn't control her excitement. I told her that I wouldn't be able to stay too long because I was on duty. But I did not tell her I couldn't miss the opportunity to see him and that was why I was there. I kissed Anokhi on her forehead and greeted her. She pulled me towards the Holi fire and got me to stand along with them. If I had to give away an award for the rudest person in this world, it would be to Shaurya Saberwal. Shaurya, Anokhi's best friend. For the past half an hour, he had done nothing but ignore me. He didn't bother to greet me, let alone with me. We were all moving in circles giving ahuti to the fire when everyone closed their eyes for their final wish. Shaurya pulled Anokhi into a hug and they closed their eyes to pray. Unable to take my eyes off, I watched them intently. How content they looked together! 

Shaurya looked at me the moment he opened his eyes. A flurry of emotions danced across his eyes that unsettled me. I tried not to smile. But one look at him had me grinning like a besotted fool.

Shaurya

The moment I opened my eyes, I found myself looking straight at ACP Ahir, Anokhi's new friend. I had known that he was trouble when I had seen him for the first time. To be honest, I didn't like his closeness with Anokhi. I mean, come on, she was my best friend! Something about his presence made me uneasy. For some reason, I felt that he thought Anokhi and I were going around. But I looked upon Anokhi only as a good friend. I had expected him to at least say a casual Hi, but he hadn't. From the moment he had arrived, all he had done was stare at us. The urge to know what he was thinking was immense. But then I had always avoided him since the start. He made me uncomfortable every time he was around. I was in such a mess and unable to understand my feelings towards him. I had never been so unsure of anything in my life. But honestly, his presence made me want him. I was officially f*cked, I gathered. That was the reason I had been so rude to him because I didn't want to show my feelings towards him. Anokhi had said that he wouldn't be coming for the Holi party. But, here he was, in all his glory! 

A couple of hours passed; the party was in full swing. All our college mates were dancing. I was dancing with Anokhi. The jealous side of me wouldn't let Anokhi dance with him. I just could not stomach the closeness between these two. I wished he didn't like Anokhi romantically. Well, wasn't that normal? A guy falling for a girl? And Anokhi was such a girl that any man would love to love her. I wouldn't be surprised if ACP Ahir liked her. The thought of him being with her was pretty unsettling. How would he behave if I went and told him that I liked him? Would he make fun of me? The chances were high, to be honest. And if by any chance, he was into Anokhi, I wouldn't stand a chance with him. I hadn't realized that he had been missing for the last few minutes because I had been so engrossed in my thoughts.

"Shaurya, could you please go check on Ahir? He went inside to bring some snacks but it has been fifteen minutes, and he still isn't back."

"Why do you care about him so much, Anky? He will be back soon." I said, brushing off her concern.

"Don't be an ass, Shaurya. After all, he is our guest. We should make him feel comfortable. Now go and check, or else I will go."

"Fine." I reluctantly got up and went into the house. He was nowhere to be found. I checked the kitchen and did not find him there. The living room was filled with other students who were boozing with their partners. He was nowhere to be seen. Something caught my eyes upstairs. I walked past the living room and climbed up the stairs to Anokhi's room. I opened the door to see Ahir standing near Anokhi's dressing table, holding a picture of me and Anokhi when we had been 5 years old.  

Beta Read: LizzieBennett