Jason

The room was cozy. It was nicely lit. The bed was comfortable.

The arrangement for me was like for some celebrity.

This was a beautiful family and I liked them all. But I don't want them to have any false hopes. I can't promise anything. I mean I like Mark but not love him. I can't promise a relationship and reciprocate feelings if I don't have them.

I don't want to hurt any of them.

When I was busy in my thoughts I was interrupted by a voice saying

"I am sorry if you found me rude.I am an introvert and I didn't really know what to speak there."

I looked towards the door to see his brother

"Its okay. You don't have to be sorry. I am glad you came here. What is your name".I asked

" Jason" he replied, still standing near the door.

"Come, sit here". I called him to sit on my bed and he obeyed.

"Can I tell you something? Promise me you won't be offended or be hurt."

"Yeah, okay promise." I said

"I hated you in thd beginning. I have been living with my brother alone. He takes care of me keeping his happiness at bay. I really admire him.

When you came, he was always busy texting or talking with you on the phone. He hardly spent time with me.

He never did this. He never let any girl close to him. But you are the first he lost from. You won his heart. No other girl could do.

I guess I was jealous that he would now divert his attention to someone else. So, I didn't talk to you when you came. But you were still so sweet to me and my family even though it was clear from your reaction that my brother told you nothing that you would meet them here or anything about my family at all. I went to my room and I thought to myself, I should be happy for my brother and proud of his choice. You are awesome and surely a special one.

So, please if you could give me a chance I want to be your friend. You are like my sister and I promise all I have for you is now affection and respect."

"Your brother talks a lot about you. He mentioned you more than the number of patients he meets, which trust me, are a hell lot!

He told me you were his life. So,  nothing and no one can ever come between you and your brother. You have a special bond and no one can invade that. You are separate from his  job, friends and love life. Keep that in mind.

I really wanted to meet you when he talked about you and I'm glad it happened today.

Its great to meet you, Jason."

"Its lovely to meet you too, Stella." said Jason.

"Can I ask you something I am really confused about?" I asked.

"Yeah, sure. I'd be happy if I can help."

"Umm.. Who told you I was his girlfriend?" I asked, unsure about the question or the choice of words.

"No one. Not exactly the 'girlfriend' word. But, wasn't that obvious?

He only said he is bringing home a girl he wants us to meet and she is lovely and someone he loves. So, doesn't that mean he is talking about his girlfriend?"

"The problem is, I am not his girlfriend. Not yet atleast. I am just his friend; best friends we are and I was completely unaware of his feelings before today. But your mom thinks of me as her daughter-in-law and your dad probably thinks the same. Ans now I know why. He mentioned everything but the fact that we were just friends

What do I do? I don't know what to tell her. What if she hates me? So I thought it was probably not the right time. I know Mark would tell her sooner or later but you should know."

"Oh my god! We are so sorry for making such assumptions Stella. How awkward would it have been for you.

Mark probably has a lot of hopes and doesn't want to think the other way that's why he didn't tell us or correct us.

But, don't worry. He will. Whatever is your decision, he will be happy in your happiness.

But Stella, Can I say something??

I really really want you be his girlfriend. You're just perfect together. He loves you so much and I can not think of any one other than you. You're awesome. Please. Please consider it.

"Ofcourse I will Jason. I wasn't sure. It was so sudden. I don't know about my feelings yet. I have always considered Mark as my friend. I need some time". I said.

"Thankyou! I have this feeling we are gonna be friends forever Stella! Please see me more often." Said Jason.

"Oh yes! Now you go to sleep. See you in the morning!"

We shared a small hug and he went to his room.

Okay, so, that was some heart-to-heart conversation with Mark's brother.

With this, I resumed to my thoughts and didn't realise when I fell asleep.