I  knew Kavya was coming but I didn't expect her older brother - Kabir Sharma. He was always around Kavya. Since birth if I say truthfully. Our fathers are best of friends and that led to Kavya and my friend.

Sisters from different misters

We experienced almost everything together. First day of school, first success and failure. It was fine until we finished 12th - parting our ways totally across the world. While she went to America, I came to Australia.

While we talked through text and calls, gradually we both got busy with our own lives. However, I was excited to see her again. Finally connect with her and share everything that happened.

It was planned that the first week we will explore Udaipur and then the next two weeks will just be the wedding preparations and ceremonies.

I totally didn't expect Kabir to tag along. When was it? Maybe when we were in high school I developed a crush on him? It was stupid but when I image back then Kabir was really good looking and popular for his talent in cricket.

He knew it, he noticed it. How I would steal glances at me, treat him like royalty whenever he came home and do all those stupid things. But didn't confront me and I always kept quiet - I didn't have the courage to confess.

Kavya always teased me about it but maybe she thought it was so serious that she tried to set him up with me but our ages were different.

This continued till I went to college and Kabir started dating.

I didn't get sad or jealous about it. That's when I understood I may have had a crush on him but it wasn't love.

Now it's clear that I didn't love him. When he came and met me, when I hugged him - it was so simple.

Nothing like how I feel around Lucas

How his presence makes my heart race and the realization has been dawning upon me for a few days and it just hit me last night.

I layed in my bed for hours, thinking about every moment that happened between us. From him throwing that cake at me till me jumping on him.

Our bickering, the constant comebacks, the misunderstandings. Then, those moments slowly turned into more - I don't know why I didn't notice. Or I didn't want to notice.

How would I? I don't even know what it means. What's it like to like or even love someone?

Liam ones mentioned that Lucas expresses through his words rarely and I thought it's true until we got closer. He not only expressed his feelings through words but actions too.

I was just blind

He looked me with that mixture and intensity and softness that made my heart leap.

What I thought were caterpillars were actually a bunch of butterflies that fluttered in joy when he was around.

I was so overwhelmed last night that I called Stella. It was midnight for me but it was four am for her and she still picked up the call.

When I explained everything, she just laughed and for a second I felt angry until she said the next words- “Oh you are starting to like him or maybe something more”

I was stunned, sitting on my bed dumbfounded. Does love happen so randomly? I didn't expect birds chirping or violins and some Shahrukh’s song playing in the background. How am I supposed to understand that ‘yes, I love him?’

I don't know about love but maybe liking? I do. I don't hate him, I don't dislike him anymore. Yet I really, really like him and it's messing with all of my body systems.

Stella advised me to talk to him, maybe confess? But my overthinking brain isn't approving of that. I am too scared to go and confess like that.

“Show him, show him that you feel the same. He will notice, he may confess” Stella's words ring in my head. That's true, Lucas is the most observant guy I have known.

That was Plan A: Express & make him confess

And I did. Wearing that red suit with heavy embroidery despite the heat. I expected that reaction - watching him forget everything and stare at me. It wasn't the first time, I should’ve noticed sooner.

I never had someone who looked at me the way he did.

I know he took me as his muse, but I don't think all painters look at their muses like this. Now I doubt that he wanted to paint me or was it an excuse to be close to me?

His words have made an imprint in my heart - Like a daydream I never wanna wake up from

I thought he would spill his feelings there but he is more observant than I imagined. He caught onto my plan and made me a blushing mess. My whole confidence vanished into thin air the moment he pulled me.

“What should I do, Stella!” I whine softly, leaning against the wall hiding from everyone. She sighs softly through the other side of the phone “Calm down, it isn't that bad!” She assured me but I couldn't help but feel anxious.

“How is it not?” I whisper yell, “Lucas looked like he would break Kabir's jaw! Here I am trying to make him confess and now it would look like I still have feelings for Kabir!”

I haven't seen him this jealous before. His gaze caused goosebumps on my neck until I looked at him.

“Even better! Plan B: Jealousy. Use Kabir to make Lucas jealous” She replies, her tone high pitched with excitement. I pause and look at the screen to make sure I am calling my best friend and not some stranger.

“Stella, are you reading too many books again? This isn't fictional, he won't throw me on his shoulder in front of everyone because of jealousy! This is reality!” I point out. Though that's really embarrassing to face in real life.

Stella sighs, I can already imagine her rolling her eyes “Look, this always works. Go to that guy and flirt with him - like subtly. Get close to him, act shy! Make Lucas so jealous that ice would melt near him!”

This girl has gone crazy

“I took two steps near Kabir and Lucas was gonna explode. Think what he will do if I flirt! Plus I am trying to show him my feelings, not this!” I counter back, my eyes darting towards the corridor to make sure no one is near.

“Exactly! He was fuming when you went near Kabir. If you flirt - Lucas will totally lose it and confess to you so this moment doesn't slip away!” Stella squeaks, behaving like a total fangirl.

Now I understand how she felt while I was trying to be a wingwoman for Stella.

Before I could reply, I heard Liam's voice “Jasmine, don't do that. Be direct but don't make him-” his voice gets muffled, maybe Stella did something. I frown in confusion when I hear the line go silent.

Suddenly, Stella speaks again “Yeah, forget whatever he said. He is in my team, right Liam?”

“Yes, I am” He sighs from the background. Yeah, he will say anything that Stella asks him to.

“Trust me on this, Jasmine. Jealousy is the best way to bring out feelings” Stella adds, her voice opposite to her previous excitement “I am rooting for you okay? Love you” she says sending me kisses through the phone

I chuckle softly despite the nervousness “yeah, just pray for me. Thank you” I whisper. I hear Stella saying something but Liam interrupts her and the line goes off.

They have their own lovebirds schedule going on.

Make him jealous?

I take a deep breath, fixing my dupatta before walking out of my hiding spot. I can try it right? It's better than going and confessing. What if he just rejects me? It would be my first confession with an offer of embarrassing rejection.

“Aare khana hai? Mai intezar kar rahi thi!” Kavya chimes in with a bright smile, locking her arm with mine. I give her a small smile “washroom gai thi, kya hua?”

[Translation - Where were you? I was waiting for you

I went to the washroom, what happened?]

Kavya looks happy, healthy and glowing now. Her black hair dyed with brunette streaks at the end. She also wore a simple blue coloured suit which is light for this weather.

Kavya shakes her head while I guide her towards the lounge outside “Yeh Australian bande ka kya chakkar hai?” She asks suddenly, making me surprised. I have never mentioned Lucas to Kavya and I can't even tell her about the fake dating part.

[Translation - What is with this Australian guy?]

“Kya hai? Kuch months pehle hi dating start kari thi. Ma aur papa ne bola Veer ke wedding Mai invite karne ko” I reply trying to stay nonchalant

[Translation - what? We just started dating a few months ago. Mom and dad told me to invite him for Veer's wedding]

She scoffs playfully and gently pushes me to the side “Haan haan, humesha tho bolti thi ki Bollywood style ke love story chahiye. Yeh hai Bollywood?” She teases “Aur mai yahan tujhe Bhai ke saath set karne ka plan-”

[Translation - Yes Yes, you always talked about wanting a Bollywood kind of love story. This is your Bollywood?

And here I was planning to set you with my brother]

“Kaise? Kabir toh uski long time girlfriend ke saath hai na?” I ask in confusion. Kavya's face drops slightly “nahi, break up hogaya unka” She mutters, her expression turns sour.

[Translation - How? Isn't he with his long time girlfriend?

No, They had a break up]

Break up? They have been dating for more than six years if I remember

Noticing my expressions, kavya clicks her tongue “Aare, soonch mat. Ek saal ho gaya hai” she adds. Even if, forgetting someone you have been with for years is hard. In this situation, how can I go and use Kabir?

[Translation - gosh, don't think too much. It's been a year]

“Aur bata, apne ‘boyfriend’ ke bare mai” She asks, her eyes twinkling with curiosity and mischief “Kya? Australian hai, same age ka hai” I reply randomly

[Translation - Now tell he about this ‘boyfriend’ of yours

What? He is Australian, same age as me]

“Woh tho mujhe bhi pata hai! Kaise mile, kya hua and all bol na!” Kavya pulls my hand slightly, her habit whenever she wants something.

[Translation - I also know that! I wanna know how you both met and all, tell na!]

I bite my lower lip hesitating, should I tell her about everything or make up a story? Maybe I should tell her about living with his family and getting close? That's almost true right

“Hey guys!” She suddenly lets go of my hand and walks out to the sitting area under the corridor of the garden. I follow her only to find Lucas sitting alone while Veer and Kabir are engaged in a conversation.

Noticing my presence, Lucas gets up and approaches me. His steps eating up the distance quickly, he doesn't even look at Kavya who tries to introduce herself.

Within a few seconds he is standing before me, his eyes intense “We need to talk” He whispers, only for me to hear. I could see the jealousy still present in his eyes.

Gosh I will bury myself in the ground now

“Wow so rude” Kavya scoffs standing beside me with her hand scrossed. Lucas's eyes narrow as he looks at her and back at me. “Please” I whisper, gesturing him to meet Kavya.

Lucas glances at me once before forcing his gaze back to her. Kavya beams “Hello, I am Kavya. Should I address you as jija ji now?” She extends her hand to him.

My eyes widens at the term “Kavya!” I warn. Luckily, Lucas doesn't know what it means

[Translation - Jija ji means brother in law]

“I am Lucas, nice to meet you” Lucas gives her a small smile but it doesn't reach his eyes, he is faking it. He glances at her hand but doesn't shake it “sure, whatever you are comfortable with” he adds.

My jaw drops at his words. Does he know what he is agreeing to?

Kavya frowns, taking her hand back and looking at me awkwardly. I excuse myself from her and gently push Lucas back away from any ears “Don't agree to the words you don't know about!” I warn

Lucas's jaw tightens “Oh I know very well. Plus I am your boyfriend right? What's wrong with her calling me brother in law?” He asks, his voice rougher than usual

He is angry

I pause, replaying his words “How do you know what she meant?”

“I know. It's a common word and you called Liam that too” He shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly, crossing his arms that flexes his muscles under that shirt - for a second I just stare.

He snaps his fingers grabbing my attention “And we need to talk. Especially about that horse” I frown in confusion and look at him. Horse? Who? I follow his gaze and look over my shoulder to see him glaring at Kabir.

I snap my head back at him “Horse? Seriously Lucas? His name is Kabir!”

He looks at me blankly like he said the most reasonable thing “He looks like a horse” he states as if stating an article from the constitution “And I don't like him near you” he mutters under his breath but I hear it

I scoff crossing my arms too, tilting my head up

“He is my friend, don't talk about him like that” I reply, stressing on the word friend.

His eyes narrow as he releases his arms “Friend? You are defending that friend now?”

“I am not defending him Lucas, I am asking you to be respectful towards the people close to me okay? Both Kavya and Kabir” I reply, slightly getting angry with his behaviour. I quickly bite my tongue regretting saying the word ‘close’. Lucas's expressions totally flatters after hearing my sentence.

I shake my head, stepping closer “Look, I mean-”

“Jasmine! Come here!” Kavya suddenly pulls me back making me stumble as she drags me towards Veer and Kabir. I glance back at Lucas to see him standing there fuming.

“You wanna do it?” Kabir asks, looking at me with a smile. I look at the three of them looking at me, waiting for an answer  “do what?”

“Performance on Sangeet! We all should pair up! Especially you and Kabir!” Kavya adds. Me with Kabir? That's not a good idea. I try to protest but she stops me “By the time others come we can set a choreography too!” She adds excitedly.

Kavya has always loved dancing and involving herself in anything related to dance. During school and colleges too she won many prizes

Veer sighs, shaking his head in disapproval . I expected this from Veer “Do whatever you want. Don't drag me-”

“Oh no way you will be left out. I will make you dance with me” Kavya grins, mischievously cutting Veer's protests off completely. Veer rolls his eyes “Not happening” He states, his tone serious.

But I know Kavya wouldn't budge so easily

Kavya moves towards Veer, accidentally pushing me forward. A surprised gasp escapes my mouth, before I could hold myself back I already bump into Kabir, I feel him hold my arm and his other hand on my waist “Careful” He mutters “Dekh ke, Kavya” He says to his sister.

[Translation - Be careful, Kavya]

I quickly step back stumbling on my long dupatta. “Sorry,” Kabir mutters awkwardly, releasing his grip.

I know he was helping but that would cause someone else to fall.

She totally ignores Kabir and goes to hold Veer's arm “You both pair up, Veer and I will pair up. Baaki sab ko baad mai dekh lenge ” She declares without our opinions. Veer looks displeased by her touch and releases her grip before walking away.

[Translation - We will think about others later]

Kavya blinks in surprise and looks at him walking away. Her fingers fidgeting with each other - whenever she is nervous. Kavya is a person who expresses herself through touching - I can understand. I do that too but not with the people who are uncomfortable with it. Veer is one of those people

Didn't Kavya have a crush on Veer long back?

I remember how much she used to talk about Veer, ask about his favourite things from me. But later she just stopped and I thought she didn't care anymore just like it happened with me. He is getting married, I don't think Kavya thinks like that anymore.

I step towards her, placing a hand on her shoulder “Hey, you know we can also do a performance together” I say trying to change the topic. She turns to me, her smile coming back “Oh definitely! I have a whole list, okay?” I smile and nod

“Jasmine, kya socha?” Kabir asks, snapping me out of my thoughts. I look at him, noticing him grown up and all his boyish features vanished. He has gotten muscular and even grown a light beard.

I hesitate a bit, glancing back at Lucas who is sitting there with a sulky expression. Kabir follows my gaze, his expression softens “If you wanna dance with your boyfriend that's fine too. It's your call” He adds politely.

[Translation - Jasmine, what did you decide?]

“Hm Yeah well” I mumble thinking deeply. Should I do this? I try to take a glance at Lucas - who is sitting on the chair sulking silently.

“Kabir, can you help me with something?”

He frowns slightly before nodding “Yeah?”