The next week of the year went well. As promised Rishabh avoided Laila. Slowly, she began staying away from them.

And one day, Aashi got the news via Kajal that Laila is dating some fellow named Prakash. Aashi is now fully relieved because Laila has herself walked away from them. In all this, Aashi found a new Rishabh. He became silent sulking types and when Aashi asked him the reason, he would simply shake his head and force a smile. But Aashi knew he was hiding something. She silently kept hoping it has nothing to do with Laila.

The year went well and so did the exams. After the last exam, Aashi caught up with Rishabh who was with his gang discussing the paper.

'So, Buddy. How was the exam?' Aashi asked cheerily. Rishabh simply nodded.

Aashi sighed, - 'Finally, another year is over and now we are Final years...Wow! Forget all that, excited about a week trip to Ooty with Family? I know I am.' Aashi nudged Rishabh.

'Hmmm, yeah.' He said. He didn't sound a tinge bit interested. To cover up for his disinterest Aashi kept chirping how excited she was as they climbed downstairs. Suddenly, she realized Rishabh isn't walking beside her. She looked up and found him standing in the middle of the stairs and staring at Laila, who stood with her boyfriend. Prakash was busy talking with his friends. Aashi didn't like the look Rishabh was giving Laila. She quickly climbed up and held his hand.

'Huh!' He looked away.

'Let us go.' Aashi said tugging his arm. She looked at Laila who scowled at her but when Rishabh looked at her again, she made a sad face. Aashi tugged Rishabh's hand and left with him. Neither did she or Rishabh looked back.

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Visiting Ooty, in summer is a bliss. The Vermas and the Khuranas had been taking these long trip holidays together since Rishabh and Aashi were ten and the trend continues. This time it's Ooty, Tamil Nadu.

Like every Hill station, it is pleasant at this time of the year. They are to stay in a small cozy hotel, their room's adjacent.

'You have to eat Idli Dosas for a week.' Aashi nudged Rishabh, he made a face that made Aashi laugh hard. Though Aashi loves Idli and Dosa, Rishabh isn't a fan of it. Reaching the hotel, Aashi is disappointed upon learning that there is more to the menu than Idli and Dosa. Rishabh smirked at her. Aashi inwardly smiled, at least he is going back to be the same Rishabh as before.

Next morning, Aashi woke up with a broad smile. She took a hot refreshing bath and dressed in a white floral top and high waist blue long skirt. She combed her hair and tied it in a neat ponytail and hurried out of the room. In the excitement of the day, she has woken up before everybody else even her parents. She quickly fixed her hair before knocking on Rishabh's room. There is no response, she waited for a minute before knocking again this time harder. She smiled hearing him shuffle things inside, she heard his footsteps approaching the door and her smile widened.

'Hel-lo.' Rishabh had woken up right from a deep sleep. His eyes red and dazed, his hair ruffled and his eyelids shutting.

'Wake up, Sleeping head.' Aashi said. Rishabh is surprised to see her wide-eyed.

'Wha-time-is-it.' He said still lost. Aashi slapped her forehead.

'6.'

'Wha-' His mouth fell open.

'Yes, and I am,' - Aashi closed his mouth and looked up into his eyes, - 'Waiting for you in the backyard of the hotel, there is an awesome garden there. Come soon.' She said excitedly.

Rishabh protested but she made her best puppy dog face and he gave in.

'Fine.' He sighed throwing up his arms in defeat. Aashi smiled with Pride.

After Rishabh freshened up. The two friends spend some time sitting in the garden in the backyard, they spoke random stuff while admiring the flowers and watching the gardener watering the plants. Aashi felt like she is in her happy world, just she and Rishabh. She likes it this way. Maybe she is just too possessive about Rishabh, after all, he is her childhood friend.

**************************************

After they had breakfast, the family set out to explore the place. First on their list was Mountain rail.

Aashi loved the rail, the view was fabulous. It felt like she had been transported to the past. Rishabh had stuck out his head enjoying the wind. Seeing him, Aashi too tired it. The gush of wind hit her head and her hair came all over her face. What fun? The two laughed, clicked photos, all this before fighting for the window seat (in which Aashi won but let Rishabh sit, nevertheless)

They had lunch in a local Dhaba and soon ventured out again, next they went to the Chocolate museum. Aashi enjoyed the tour, she also found it beneficial. Rishabh on the other hand, liked the sample chocolates they were given in the end, otherwise, the museum was a bore to him.

Their last stop was Pykara Lake. It was evening now. Aashi felt at peace watching the serene sunset with Rishabh by her side. There is nothing more she wanted.

Rishabh also took her near the water, the two sat with their feet dipped in the flowing water. Aashi shivered many times, but she had a smile on her face.

'I love it.' She said throwing an arm around Rishabh's shoulder. He smiled and placed his arm on her shoulder.

'I love it too.' He said. His smile gave Aashi a strange happiness. She is relieved.

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How was the Chapter, guys?

Poor Rishabh *heartbreaks* He is so miserable. What do you guys think? Is Aashi doing the right thing by keeping him away from Laila or she is being selfish?

Drop your thoughts, please *smiles*