What happened to us?

CHAPTER 21

Teju was going out to grab some coffee for herself when she accidentally bumped into Jessica

Teju: sorry... Jessica?

Jess: omg teju! (She played along) long time ha. I got to know you were back. How have you been?

Teju: I m awesome. Tu kaise hai?

Jess: mai bhi ek dum bindaas. Aab kya hum log yahi khadi rehkay bata karangay kya. Let's grab some coffee at the nearby cafe. Jess without any hesitation drag tejasswi with her

After ordering themselves there share of coffee and snacks

Jess: teju yaar tu toh hamay ek dum se bhul hi gayi thi. At least contact me toh rehta

Teju: I was on a long break Jess, introspecting . I was not even in touch with my parents. Pra was the mediator and she smiles a bit

Jess: I want you to come for my birthday party that is day after tomorrow. And I don't wanna hear no

Teju: I m so sorry Jess. I can't make...

Jess: ha mana ki we bonded because of karan who is no longer in your life now. But that doesn't mean we are not friends yaar. I have truly admired you as a person and also accepted you as a very good friend of mine or maybe it was only from my side (she made a sad face)

Teju: it's not like that

Jess: if it is so I want you at my place day after tomorrow

Teju signed in defeat

Teju's pov

Yaar teju Jess ka birthday hai to obviously karan bhi hoga. Why m I so scared to face him. He was the reason for the separation and you fool still haven't fully gotten over him. I m so fucked. No teju you can do it. You already met him at the hospital. Tu yeh kar sakti hai. Pretend like you don't care. Yes, I will do so. Dev ko sath lejau kya? Nahi it won't look good. With a lot of conflict in her head she passed off to sleep
The next day too her head was occupied with thoughts of meeting karan. She was anxious throughout

Teju reached at Jess place and she welcomed her warmly. She handed her the champagne bottle and flowers and wished her. There were not so many people. It was only her group of close friends and family. I saw omi. The moment his eyes fell on me he came and  hugged me with all his warmth.

Omi: hi teja bhai

Teju: hi with a huge grin

Omi: kaisey ho aap?

Teju: baria. Tu kaisa hai

Omi: kya bolu... Ummmm bindass and starts laughing

They gelled up soon and teju got accustomed to the present situation. It was already 11 and there was no sign of karan. Her eyes searched for him. Jess was noticing it here and there.

Jess: Om yeh kundri kaha reh gaya! I will kill him

Omi: on his way birthday girl

After a minute or two karan arrived. He did not look good, exhausted, tired and maybe a little bit sick. He went to Jess and kissed her hair and wished her. Then his eyes fell on teju. He froze to his place. She was staring right back at him. She was looking beautiful as always. She moved her gaze away from him and again starts talking with the people around her. Karan excused himself and straightaway went to the bar to grab some whisky. Teju was still stealing glances at him and looked frantic upon the way he was gulping drinks. She felt this intense urge to go and talk to him. At that given point of time her heart has overpowered her mind and she took a  step towards him without any rational thinking

Teju: hi

Karan: looked back and was shocked to see her. He was numb for a moment and then replied. Oh sorry! Hii

Teju seated herself comfortable around the stool beside him

Teju: how have you been? maintaining calmness  in her tone

Karan: fab... with a small laugh

Teju: you don't look like one though

Karan: what do you expect? He looked at her with teary eyes
( Mai toh abhi bhi waha hu jaha tu muje chor ke gayi thi. Still stuck at that day. I have not been living ladoo. He wanted to say all of this, show his pent up emotion but instead decided to say)

Karan: I m good lad... Tejasswi (controlling his tears) . How about you? You look happy and beautiful though

Teju: smiles ( her heart felt heavy looking at him) he had this dark circles under his eyes, lips chapped,pale, lost weight

There was this awkward silence. Karan decided to break the ice

Karan: so how's the preparation going for the movie?

Teju: trying. Bahot lamba break hogaya na

Karan: yeah right

Jess: teju come let's dance and pulls her. Tu bhi aaa kundri

They were moving to the rhythm of the music. Teju and karan happened to be dancing dangerously close. They were completely unaware of the situation, there nose almost touching. Teju felt the heat building up in her core at the proximity. They were this close to kissing each other wen teju drew apart and ran outside of the party