Free Keeping the Promises by Dhruv Gajjar

that it was perfectly normal. She was gone, we were just friends and I liked her, may be secretly loved her but there was nothing I could have done. I regret it, because I could’ve confessed my feelings to her, without expecting anything in return. I did not know what she felt about me and it wasn’t that important for me because I really was expecting nothing, but I never approached, because I was afraid of losing her as a friend. When I saw you first, I saw the same light as I used to see in her. I was shocked. Whenever I look at you, I see a glimpse of her. The only difference I see in you two is your natural blue eyes and her brownish eyes. So I decided to bring you here. Believe me, I’m not saying this for any purpose, nor is it an attempt to flirt. I’m saying what I feel and I’m feeling much more than what I’m saying.”
    Ansh and Angie were stunned by what Dhruv had just said.
    ‘
I didn ’ t know he took Nirali seriously. I mean, having a secret crush is perfectly normal, but this was something beyond affection, ’
Ansh thought.
    “I know Dhruv, you are saying the truth and there is no need to clarify your intentions. I know they are pure…at least for now.” She winked and joined in the laughter with Dhruv.
    “By the way, Angie, Ansh too lied about not knowing the way when you first met. Guys, I love you too, so I’m concerned about you. Don’t make the mistake I made. As I said to both of you earlier, life is too short for hesitations,” Dhruv said, leaving them spooky and queasy, unable to say or glance at each other.
    “I think you guys need a walk together,” M suggested with a smile. Without speaking a word, both of them stood up and started to walk.
    They were feeling the water of Sabarmati getting louder with their anxiety. Ansh wanted to speak everything, but knowing himself through and through, he had no courage. Even though he knew she felt the same for him, words were not finding their way out. This was their moment – a moment before the sunrise. Ansh knew he had to say it before the sun comes out, but he just couldn’t. He was about to ruin the moment; just then, he gathered some courage to say something.
    “Angie, I know you are expecting me to say something but… sorry for lying to you on that night. I know I’ll have to say that… C’mon Ansh you have to…if not now, then never…Oh gosh what am I saying…”And Ansh stopped there, realising that he had just ruined his moment, but she didn’t. Angie, a person with views clear as crystal, simplest by nature, a very rare essence seen in rarest of girls, pulled out her phone and gave it to him. She had already opened a note.
    On our introduction day, I was standing at the entranceway of our college. I saw a boy with luggage in his hands and his parents were following him. A lean guy, who was barely able to lift his luggage, wasn’t letting his parents hold it. That impressed me. I couldn’t ignore his handsome looks either. I loved you from the moment I saw you for the first time and yes, Ilied and I can proudly say that I lied and I don’t regret my lie. Dhruv knew this. From the very beginning, he knew it. We even talked about it quite often when you were out of our sight. Knowing that you feel the same for me, I wanted you to tell me that, by looking into my eyes, by caressing my soul and by holding my cheeks. But as days passed, I got to know of your shy nature. I realised that no matter how many signals I give, you won’t propose, ever. But those things are not important as much as you are. So now here I am…saying it again – I love you Ansh! Actually, I love you too. Because, I know you do
.
    A drop of tear fell from Ansh’s eye. Tear of shame, shame of not having the courage to do what his girl just did. He could have done it, with a little more courage, with little more guts but then he did something she needed the most. He ran his fingers into hers and held her hand, leaving his grip loose and giving her