SanDhir FF: Meant To Be (COMPLETED) (Chapter 24 updated)*Page 133* - Page 34

Hey .. thanx for back to back update!!! It was awesum..❤️

A/N: Hey guys! M back with chapter 13 after the one week hiatus! Hope u guys are still interested in this fic!! I know I had said that I would update on Sunday, but I had some time today and decided to update!!

Ok, before I begin I have a few names to take...So here goes:

Arushi: U were one of the first & finest friends I made in IF! I remember sending out pms for ur "The Grease Story" to all my IF friends on ur request! And that story deserves all the applause itz got till date & so much more!!

Shalini: From my first OS to my current fic, u have been kind enough to encourage me via comments in all of them! U are such a sweet lil sis & one of my fav people in this forum!

Nidhi: I know for a fact that the 'BEST' writers of IF have collaborated in making 'The Dented Scars' possible. And the fact that u thought I was one of them is such an honor for me! U r fab writer and a very dear sis!

Tanya: U have grown on me kid! One fine day I got ur scrap and since then u have been a constant source of encouragement and a totally cool person to hang out with in the forum! U know u are my sweetest lil sis, right?

Iptisha: Sis, what an amazing writer u are! Besides, it's always lovely to come across a fellow Bengali!! Because then u can say, "Ami tomaye valo bashi" !!!!

And lastly, all my loving friends who take time-out to comment on my works...I won't take names as such, because I might miss someone out and I don't want that...All of u are so special. Thanks a lot for inspiring me.

My story 'Meant To Be' is dedicated to all of u wonderful people!!

Love, Anuradha!

CHAPTER: 13

"I'm out on the edge and I'm screaming my name,

Like a fool at the top of my lungs;

Sometimes when I close my eyes I pretend,

I'm alright but it's never enough;

Just my 'echo', is the only voice coming back;

My 'shadow', is the only friend that I have!

-Jason Walker (Echo)

----*----

TECH FEST FINALE DAY (Part 1):

Love. It has the capability to do strange things to a person. It is an emotion that makes u reborn and rediscover urself. It means u start to live ur life with another person's thoughts in ur mind.

"Aren't u excited? Today is finally the day" beamed Kaustuki.

But Sanyukta Agarwal was lost in her own world. She stared ahead and answered unmindfully, "Yeah...today is the day...I have to hell him."

An utterly bewildered Kaustuki waved her hands before Sanyukta and asked, "Hello!!! Tell whom? And what? Sanyu, itz result day...ring any bells?"

Sanyukta jolted back to her senses and exclaimed, "Aah freak!! Result...How could I have forgotten? Shit yaar!"

An amused Kaustuki gave her a sly look and replied, "Who's the 'he' Sanyu?? Who were u talking about? The hottie Parth?"

Sanyukta choked. "Part-h??"she stammered, "What yaar Kaustuki, tum bhi na... Parth ke barein mein kyun sochungi mein??"

Kaustuki kept mum, but continued to give sly looks.

Ultimately an exasperated Sanyukta simply said, "We're getting late. Bekar ki batein chhodo and let's go, Ok?"

Kaustuki agreed.

It was not just result day, but also 'closing night' to the vistas. It would be a nigh- long gala event, with food, drinks, fun and frolic. As usual, there was a dress code. Only this time it was 'western' without any predetermined color choice.

"Kaustuki what are u wearing?" sanyukta asked.

Just then kaustuki emerged from the washroom. She was garbed on this stunning golden gown studded with stones on the waistline and a slit from the left knee and below. She had her hair tied in a loose bun, with some strands flying free! Her nude lips complimented her golden gown.

Sanyukta stood amazed.

"Yeh bhagwan ki nainsafi hain", she said after sometime.

"Huh! What are u talking about?" Kaustuki asked.

"I am talking about u, Miss beautiful", replied Sanyukta, "U look stunning yaar. Ab toh pakka tu mujhe fir se tayaar karegi. And mind u, I need to look gorgeous too."

"Of course. But Sanyu, since when did u become so conscious about ur looks?" Kaustuki asked, clearly deriving joy out of this 'I-am-grilling-my-bestie-regarding-her-personal-life' thingy!

Sanyukta bit her lip. She had sounded a bit more eager to dress up than usual, which Kaustuki clearly didn't miss. She covered up her momentary stupidity with a, "Come on Kaustuki. We'll go to this thing together. How do u think it will be if u look like a diva and I end up looking hideous?"

"Really? Is that the only reason? Or u are trying to 'impress' someone?" Kaustuki teased, emphasizing on the word 'impress'.

Sanyukta retorted pulling a face, "That's it! I am not impressing anyone. Now help me get dressed and stop with ur 'dectective mission'!!"

Kaustuki laughed aloud and then started rummaging for a fitting attire for Sanyukta.

~0~

After an hour of endless 'selection and rejection' drama, Sanyukta finally settled for an evening gown. It was a plated purple and silver full-lenght gown with an off-shoulder design. To embellish its beauty further, Sanyukta adorned a select-few ornamental appendeges which included silver dangler-earrings, a clutch-bag and stilletoes. Calling her 'stunning' would be an understatement. Her beauty would put even the most 'stylish' ladies to shame! She was a natural 'good-looker'.

Just as Sanyukta was taking one last glance at herself in the mirror, her phone rang. She picked up and said, "Hello?"

"Hey Agarwal! Just wanted to say good luck!" came Randhir's cocky voice.

And for the first time in 2 years, Sanyukta's throat felt dry upon hearing him. All the emotions she was feeling came gushing back to her.

"I love him" ,she thought. Meanwhile, Randhir was getting impatient at the other end.

"Oye farzi, u there? Have u fallen asleep? Or are u on some kinda 'maun-vrat' thing?"

Sanyukta jerked back to reality, composed herself and mumbled a quick 'thanks' to him before adding, "I hope we win."

"Of course we will. Randhir Shekhawat never loses, remember?" he replied.

"Right", she smiled, easing up at his joke.

At the precise moment, Kaustuki intervened.

"Sanyukta, let's go. Tell Randhir & Jiggy to come to the hall quick."

"Randhir, u heard what Kaustuki said right?" spoke Sanyukta.

"Yeah Farzi, i did. Those 2 love birds can't stay apart for a second, can they?" he taunted, earning him a muffled laugh from Sanyukta and a 'huh' from Kaustuki.

"See you soon randhir", Sanyukta spoke.

"Sure farzi, can't wait", Randhir replied, his voice tainted with sarcasm.

And they hung up.

~0~

Something about tonight didn't sit well with Randhir. First the impending 'loom & doom' alias result! Second, it was his last chance to have a one-on-one with Karan. He still wasn't sure about that. He didn't know whether he would ever get over the betrayal. And lastly, his pestering friends viz Jiggy & Sanyukta's constant nag about him meeting Parth and sorting their differences.

So, thanks to all these 'mind-diversions', instead of bothering to dress up, he dawned on his customary blue jeans and white shirt. But that didn't deter him from being the most sought-after guy of the evening!

"Randhir bhai, thoda toh smile karo", said a wary Jiggy.

"Kyun? Yahan 'best smile award' ka nominations decide ho rahe hain?" Randhir shot back.

"Arey aap toh gussa ho gaye" replied Jiggy. Just then he spotted Kaustuki and Sanyukta, making their way towards them.

"Hi Kaustuki, hi Sanyukta" Jiggy greeted them and added, "U look stunning as usual, Kausy baby."

Meanwhile Randhir's eyes were glued to Sayunkta's form, taking in every inch of her beauty.

And Sanyukta...well, she was looking everywhere except at the guy right before her. She felt strangely awkward. Her new-found feelings for him were making it difficult for her to make eye contact with Randhir.

Meanwhile, the hall had filled up with excited students awaiting the results.

The dean of FITE took to the stage and spoke into the microphone, "Welcome to the closing night of 'Vistas'. It has been an absolute pleasure playing host to this wonderful fest..."

And the announcement continued. The dean thanked all the institutes for their participation and co-operation. He congratulated all students for their brilliant portrayal of skills and intelligence. And finally, it was time to declare the winners.

Jiggy & Kaustuki held hands, as they waited tensely. 'Individual project' was the first category to be declared.

"And the winner is Parth Kashyap from RCE" the dean announced.

The applause was astounding. The loudest came from the RCE-camp. Sanyukta watched as Parth made his way to the stage to receive his trophy. She glanced at Randhir who had a deadpanned expression. But the disappointed look on kaustuki and Jiggy's face is what caught Sanyukta's attention.

"Kaustuki...It's ok yaar..Don't be sad please", she said softly.

Kaustuki smiled ruefully and replied, "I knew I didn't stand a chance. But Jiggy worked really hard. I wanted him to win. Guess Parth was better. I hope FITE wins the team project Sanyu.."

Sanyukta nodded nervously.

"And now the winners of the 'team project' are...", the dean paused dramatically, before continuing, "Randhir Shekhawat & Sanyukta Agarwal from FITE."

Before Sanyukta's brain could register it, she was engulfed in a bear-hug from Kaustuki.

"You did it Sanyu...Oh my god! I am so proud of u" beamed her best friend.

"Thanks Kaustuki", replied Sanyukta.

It was jiggy's turn to congratulate them.

Sanyukta caught Randhir's eyes and smiled.

His mouth curved into a slight smile as he motioned her towards the stage.

And off they went, together.

Randhir let Sanyukta collect the trophy and then they both held one side each as photographers flocked to capture the moment.

Sanyukta's eyes searched Vardhan sir, who gave her a smile to show his appreciation. Her heart soared at the thought that they had won!

She had teamed up with a guy whom she 'hated' at one point and ended up winning this competition and losing her heart to him in the process.

Once they got off the stage, congratulatory wishes poured in from every corner. But Sanyukta had eyes just for him...Randhir.

"Well done Sanyukta...congratulations", said Parth.

"Thank u and congrats to u too", replied Sanyukta, finally looking away from Randhir and smiling at Parth.

Just then randhir appeared there and saw Parth. He was about to turn away when the latter called out to him.

"Randhir, i am sorry. I was wrong and i am willing to make amends."

Randhir looked at him and replied nonchantedly, "Whatever. Not like I care."

Sanyukta was looking from one to another, trying to play peace-maker.

"Congratulations by the way. I agree u are as smart as everyone makes u to be", parth continued.

But instead of replying to him, Randhir stared ahead. Sanyukta followed his gaze and saw Karan standing with some of his college mates looking grim.

Without uttering a word, Randhir made his way towards Karan.

"Arey randhir", Parth called out in surprise.

"Let him go. I will talk to u later", sanyukta told him in a hurry and followed Randhir.

An utterly perplexed Parth was left behind on his own!

~0~

Karan sensed Randhir approaching and recoiled.

"If u have the slightest bit of loyalty left, then u will face me now", Randhir spoke firmly, his face passive.

Sanyukta caught up with the two boys at that moment, but decided to watch from afar. So she hid behind a post.

"I did it for u...for us...and u know it. Randhir, I have known u all my life. I know everything nuance about u. I am ur 'ONLY' friend..."

"Don't u dare call urself a friend and belittle the word. Friends don't manipulate friends", Randhir replied.

"Yeah, right! Then what about u running off with the b**ch who ruined my career?"

"WATCH UR TONE.." Randhir bellowed, "Don't accuse me of things that i haven't done. I have protected u all my life. Mein tujhe support nhi karta toh aaj kahika nhi hota tu.."

*Baam*

Karan kicked the chair right next to him in anger.

"U HAVE CROSSED ALL LIMITS RANDHIR" he screamed, his face inhuman, "Tujhe kya lagta hain? That without u I am nothing??"

Randhir didn't reply at first. He knew he had crossed an invisible line from where it would now be almost impossible to return.

But finally he spoke in a low clear voice, "It's a fact. Face reality karan."

And he walked away leaving a devastated Karan behind.

Karan had had enough. He was fuming in anger. He turned to go as far away from there as possible when he spotted Kabir.

Kabir came towards him, put his hand on Karan's shoulder and said, "Whatever happens, happens for the best. U have to get out of Randhir's shadow. He thinks u are a good-for-nothing jerk. It's time u showed him his real place. And I will help u do it, if u keep up our deal."

Karan looked at his professor for a few moments before nodding in affirmative.

"I will destroy u Randhir. Just wait & watch", he thought as he walked away.

Sanyukta witnessed the whole thing. She was utterly baffled at the scene that played out before her.

~0~

It was purely on impulse that he came to the rooftop. He wanted desparately to vent out his frustration on something.

"This was supposed to be a good day...We won the tech-fest competiton. And yet here i am, dejected and broken yet again" thought Randhir.

He knew his latest verbal spat with Karan only made things worse. But he didn't have a choice. It was provoked. But that did nothing to lessen his guilt and anger.

Sanyukta had been searching for Randhir everywhere but in vain.

"Where are u randhir?" she thought.

And she had an idea. She knew Randhir would be off brooding somewhere in this situation. And what better place to enjoy solitude than the roof?

She ran to the rooftop and looked around for him. Finally she spotted him leaning against the railing, staring ahead at particularly nowhere.

"He should be smiling today. I have to do something. And I know exactly what to do" Sanyukta thought with conviction.

~0~

A/N: Hope u guys are satisfied with this chapter.

Thanks for reading. Do drop in ur views!

Next chapter will be totally SanDhir filled.

Love, Anu!😳

Aru!! U first😃😆