"Actually Nisha was also asking me the other day the same thing."
"This is insane man. I don't understand why people have the need to speculate about our relationship. Don't they have something better to do?"
The word 'relationship' made Shradha uneasy. 'Does this mean Nishant thinks we have a relationship' she thought. Unable to control her emotions Shradha asked,
"Do we have a relationship?"
This question was puzzling to Nishant. "What do you mean ? Of course we do! You are my best friend."
"But why did you use the word relationship? Do you think we are committed to each other?"
"Hey what rubbish are you talking about? Committed to each other!? "
"No it's not rubbish. Tell me honestly, do you think we are in a committed relationship? Do you have feelings for me?"
This whole topic irked Nishant.
"Dude! What has gotten into you ? You were fine all this while. What happened suddenly? Now I need to ask you if you have started to develop feelings for me?"
"Ugh.. you are so irritating. Can't you answer my question first?"
"Fine! You win. NO I DO NOT THINK WE ARE IN A COMMITTED RELATIONSHIP." Nishant emphasized each word and continued, "also, I DO NOT have feelings for you. Although now I feel you have gone crazy." last sentence was for himself than to her.
Shradha was silent for a minute. 'He said he doesn't have any feelings for me. This means our friendship is going to be fine right' she asked herself. But her silence was unbearable for Nishant. For a second, he really thought Shradha was disappointed with his answer. He had never thought about Shradha other than a friend. But what if she thought there was more to it? What would he do then? He definitely could not hurt her, but he wasn't ready for a relationship as well. He had just started living his life; there was no place for a girlfriend at the moment. Why does life have to make things complex for him!
"Shradha, hmm do you want to be my girlfriend instead of best friend?"
Shradha realised there was something wrong with the way Nishant was looking at her. It was as though he was a convict, waiting to hear the final verdict on his case. He looked really uncomfortable and instead of feeling sorry for him, Shradha found it funny. She laughed loudly and uncontrollably.
"What happened? Are you happy? Do you really want to be my girlfriend?"
In between her laughter Shradha asked "What will you do if I say yes."
"Uhmm I guess I will say ok. I mean it's you we are talking about. So I don't think I have any other choice." last line was once again inaudible and was for himself.
Shradha was enjoying his discomfort and troubled look. She might never get chance to trouble him in the same way. So she should use this chance well right?
"Ok . But what will you tell your parents? I am sorry but she is the daughter in law your getting. Don't expect more ?"
"Hmm.. is it necessary to tell our parents ? I mean it's not like we are getting married"
"Oh so you don't have any intentions of marrying me ?"
"Umm I did not mean that. I meant right away.. we are not going to get married right now, so no need to involve parents at the moment. Right?"
Nishant was forcing each word out of his mouth. He did not know why he was agreeing to Shradha but she had suffered a lot because of her family. He could not add more to her suffering. The thought of seeing broken and in pain, like that day in the park was unbearable for Nishant. He could sacrifice a little for her happiness.
Shradha could not control herself anymore "Dude ! Why are you so easy to take advantage of! I was kidding man. Haha this was so much fun!"
"What do you mean ?"
"I mean I also DO NOT want to be your girlfriend. I am happy being your best friend." Shradha enunciated words imitating Nishant. She continued, "I asked you the question of stupid Nisha. She told me that you were a good catch and some other crap. She asked me what would I do if you asked me out one day. That got me thinking. I really like you as a friend and I enjoy our time together. But I would not want anything more than that. But I was worried that our friendship would be jeopardized if you thought otherwise. So I brought it up."
"So this means all is good? You are neither my girlfriend and nor the future daughter in law for my family ?" Nishant suddenly felt the need to hear her confirm once more.
"Idiot ! That's what I just said ! "
Nishant could finally breathe freely. "You almost killed me with that joke! You are my best friend and I cherish our friendship. But oh dear! Relationship! Marriage !! I shudder thinking about it."
"Shradha was smiling at him reassuringly and asked, "If it was that scary, then why did you agree to me when I was speaking all rubbish?"
"Well, did I have any choice? You know I can't hurt you in any way." Nishant replied simply.
Shradha was touched by those words; they were simple the emotions behind them were strong. No one ever had treated her that preciously before. He was ready to adjust his life around just for her. She felt lucky to have this friendship.
"Thank you.. for treating me so well. I am really fortunate to be your friend."
"Look who is being an idiot now! I don't know how things will be in the future. But I don't want to spoil our present, thinking about the future. You are my best friend and you are valuable in my life. No one can change that. If people can't understand that, it's their problem. So just chill. "