Chapter 23: Chapter 23

*Dileep Pov*

“You what?” She asked, stepping back leaning a little on the wall with shock and disbelief covering her face.

“I know this is a shock to hear, but it is really true.” I replied, thinking her expression is justifiable because a few minutes back I didn’t think of saying those words at all.

I just thought of asking her for a real date and start dating her along with making her girlfriend. When she introduced me as her boyfriend to her tutor, it felt more than good, but I just got surprised.

Then to know there is some guy whom she admires more and is close I felt like ripping his head. When she was having success, and I was behind, but not with her, I felt like I am losing so much.

I know all these can be felt only when she is in my heart, but I didn’t know for sure whether what I am feeling is the same or something else.

However, knowing that she just has to leave me for a few weeks and will be with Tanmai, I felt fear which I never felt. I felt like I am losing my everything and will wish for her stay beside me every minute.

I never missed even my parents when I chose to move out, but still go there to stay for my mother but not for myself. Now, knowing how it feels with her away, I just blurted out the words which were in my heart.

“You should stop joking, Dileep.” Her words brought me out of my thoughts, and I saw that she is now composed.

“It is more than the truth, Amrin. Do you really think I will joke about something like that?” I asked her.

“I don’t know about that now do I? Just stand up right now.” She replied and I immediately did before taking a step towards her while she took one back getting herself blocked between me and the wall.

“I am not joking, Amrin. I really love you, and I will even prove that to you.” I said, placing the bouquet and the box aside before holding her face.

“No! Even if you feel like you do, it will not last.” She said shaking her head.

“What do you mean?” I asked her frowning.

“You said yourself that love will go away soon, and it will not stay forever. Whatever you are feeling will also go away.” She replied, brushing her tears away while I felt like I just got slapped.

“Now I understand how much I have hurt you.” I said, placing my forehead to hers.

“I trust your words, Dileep. So, I think you should forget about all this.” She said trying to move away, but I didn’t let her.

“I know it is because of me, you don’t believe it. I will do anything to prove it to you that I fell for you.” I said, hoping she will not brush me away like me.

“What will you do to prove it to me?” She asked clutching my shirt.

“I will date you properly and will become your actual boyfriend. I will be romantic and will whisper the words of love every time I get a chance. I will even learn to cook. There are still more. Will they work?” I asked, pushing her hair back.

“I don’t know!” She whispered and added, “You did most of those things except cooking and the whispering of the words of love.”

“Then I will give you one thing which you want.” I said after a few minutes.

“What is it?” She asked, snuggling into my hold.

“You can leave me, Amrin. You want to move away from me that day, but I didn’t let you. Now I am letting you leave and do anything with your life.” I replied, and she stilled while my hands tightened around her.

“You mean I don’t even have to return from Goa if I wish to?” She asked and I slowly nodded but didn’t let her step out of my hold.

“Then your love will go away?” she asked again.

“No! I don’t think it will be, but if you want, you can come back to check it.” I replied and she slowly chuckled.

“I will leave for Goa tomorrow.” She mumbled when I released her.

“I will book the ticket for you.” I said, stepping back and walked away to make a call.

“Book a ticket for Goa. Just one ticket.” I added before hanging up the phone and turned to see her still standing at the place where I left her.

“Are you hungry?” She asked lifting her head.

“A little!” I replied, nodding and she nodded back before we walked outside to have our food.

“Where will you stay at that new place? I will book a good hotel room for you.” I said laying on the bed.

“Tanmai said he has some rooms in his house.” She said following my suit.

“You will live at his house?” I asked her to which she turned to stare at me.

“Yes! Why?” She asked, and I shook my head before pulling her into my hold.

“You will have to call for a maid tomorrow.” She added, tapping her fingers slowly over my chest.

“Do not worry about me.” I said, smiling to which she just snuggled more hiding her face near my throat.

“Are you really leaving me?” She asked, whispering them over my throat.

“Yes! Returning here would be completely your wish.” I replied and felt a lone tear, leaving my eye making me frown at it.

“Will you call me when you reach there?” I asked rubbing her back.

“I will! Will you come to visit me?” She asked back.

“No!” I replied, shaking my head.

“No?” She asked with shock tone.

“If I come there, then I will not be able to return here.” I replied and also I cannot stop myself from pressuring her to come back to me.

“When did you realize you may love me?” She asked I couldn’t help but chuckle at her way of question using the word may.

“I do not know, but I do know that I do love you.” I replied honestly.

“How are you so sure?” She asked, raising her head.

“Did it hurt you inside knowing we may not be together forever?” I asked her back and she slowly nodded.

“At present it is killing me to know that you may never return back to me.” I added, staring into her eyes trying not to let another tear fall.

“I wish I can believe it without a doubt. I wish it with my whole heart, but I am unable to bring myself to do it.” She mumbled holding my face.

“I too wish I didn’t make you feel doubt about it.” I mumbled back, and we both closed our eyes before letting the sleep consume us.

“Will you be fine? Shall I come with you to drop you properly?” I asked her frowning when we reached the airport.

“I will be fine!” She replied, assuring me, but I do not want her to leave right now.

I didn’t stare at anywhere except her not wanting to miss a moment if this is the final moment together. She looked away hearing the announcement for her flight.

She looked back and asked, “Do you really love me?”

I held her face and planted my lips to her lips before kissing her with the passion I never showed before ignoring the whisperings around us.

“I do love you.” I replied, stepping back while she stared at me in a daze.

“Bye!” She said hugging me and walked away.

I stared at her, even after she is out of my sight and turned around to walk away only after hearing the announcement of the flight’s departure.

Will you return, Amrin? I really hope that you do! I thought before stepping inside the car and left for the office, which seems to be the best idea until she returns.