Just Friends

CHAPTER 20

"Annoying you is my favourite hobby." 

- UNKNOWN

^^^

Kiara wasn't sure if those words uttered by Harshad were genuine or just a way to brush Dhruv's question off. Her eyes were locked on Harshad, analysing his facial expression. She was proud of her observational skills and the way she could see patterns. The way she analysed it up. The person standing in front of her didn't have the smirk she had often glanced on him. Neither were his orbs dancing in a playful, teasing manner. He was staring at Dhruv with a serious face as if he meant each word he uttered.

Avni was staring at Harshad with curiousness. His words indicated to her that he was aware of Kiara's truth. And that revelation further shocked her. Anvi was aware Kiara never was vocal about her worries. She wasn't a girl to go on discussing her life problems. If Harshad was informed about her feelings, that meant she trusted him enough with her past and her feelings. She trusted him enough to share the inner-most trouble with him without fearing that Harshad would judge her. She trusted him with her vulnerabilities. And a stranger reaching that level of trust within a few months in Kiara's life was an extraordinary thing. It took her months and at times years to get comfortable with people to trust them with her secrets. Avni was slowly getting curious about the stranger in Kiara's life.

"Wow!" Aditi wrapped a hand around Kiara's shoulder, muttering in her ears. "He understands you so well... one of your demands is fulfilled." Avni winked at Kiara making her orbs widen in amazement.

"There is nothing like that..." Kiara whispered back, finding a need to clarify Aditi's misconception.

"When I said there is something? I understand you wanted to spend some time with him and it's totally understandable." Aditi winked making Kiara groan at her in frustration. Aditi had a teasing smile as she greeted Yami standing next to them. "How are you? Never met you but heard a lot about you." She informed making Yami smile.

"Same here, I have heard so much about you all. At times I feel you are not only hers but my friend as well." Yami confessed making the others smile.

"But there is a lot to learn about you," Avni muttered staring at Harshad.

"Kiara hardly spoke about you," informed Dhruv making the environment tense.

Harshad pressed a smile at Dhruv, "some people are better-left secret." He winked glancing at Kiara with a smile, she was staring at him with a confused gaze. "Shall we start?" He inquired, his gaze resting on Kiara for a minute. Waiting for her response, he was aware that Kiara was displeased with the decision of joining them. She wanted to ignore them but at the same time, avoiding them wasn't allowing her peace. She was feeling guilty for troubling them. Acting for her own needs and there wasn't any alternative left than inviting them.

Kiara lowered her gaze not responding to his question. Aditi nudged her shoulder yet she acted firmly. "Yes!" Aditi and Yami responded on Kiara's behalf. Harshad faked a smile as everyone moved towards the entrance.

"Have you both fought?" Aditi inquired getting curious.

"There isn't anything like such. You better stop your imaginative mind." Kiara hissed in annoyance. She was getting frustrated with Aditi's misconception that Kiara and Harshad were dating each other. She was stopping herself from yelling at her that Harshad had a girlfriend and he was least interested in her.

"So, Aditi how is your case processing?" Yami understanding Kiara's situation pulled Aditi into a conversation allowing Kiara some space.

Kiara took that minute to glance at the various ride before them. And her bunch of friends, enjoying themselves. Amrita and Avni were busy having some funny conversation with Harshad while Dhruv and Aditi were having a serious discussion with Yami. They both had comfortably wrapped with them and she was finding it difficult to adjust. What was wrong with her? Everyone that understood her, appreciated her, that allowed her to be herself was before her eyes yet she was wearing a mask, she was hiding her inner self from the people that never judged her for her weird, insane personality. How come things changed so drastically?