'' My tummy seems to be growing larger day by day at this rate I can't seem to play piano for hours '' Layla whispers t herself sitting on her comfy sofa has been a rainy day in Paris and this rain is making her feel much gloomier, She's staying away from her home which is in the.

'' I couldn't tell mom and dad about this how I am gonna be a mom soon and the irony I still aren't married yet, how could I explain it to them how I got pregnant '', she remarks.

'' I somehow got away from there by saying that I will take part in the piano competition in Paris but the competition is in three weeks and I can't practice at all because of this overweight belly As the doctor had said there are twins in there so, of course, it will be overweight '' she comments.

'' But at this rate, I won't be able to participate '' remarks she touched her belly she could feel something kicking within it. '' You guys wanna come out soon, I can understand but you will have to stay patient till the competition day your momma's gonna bring the trophy home '' she comments.

'' But when you are born what will I tell you? who's your father? who's a child are you? I won't be able to answer all of your questions what will I do then ? '' she thoughts.'' Ahh this rain and all of thee questions are making my mind go blank guess I should read some magazine or something, '' she thought she gets up from the sofa and takes one magazine from the bundle of the papers on the table.

She chose one randomly and started reading. After flipping through several pages she notices the headline. Among the contestants of last year there wasn't a name Layla Harrison, but this year she's gonna take part in the competition also there's gonna be some secret guests which will be revealed on the day of the competition'' I am already on the news, I guess the competitions in Paris are mostly known worldwide. But I am not sure whether I will be able to participate in the end as the shape I am in '' she mutters taking a look at her belly again.

'' Should I try practicing can't perform a bad show, after all, that's not the problem here this will make quite a scandal if I go out having a child at this age and am not married yet, will ruin my reputation '' she murmurs.'' Should I do an abortion after all? but if that's the case I should have gone through before, way before when my tummy was little then why am I thinking about it now ? '' she accuses herself.

'' To think about it, why did I decide to come back here? to save my reputation? or to raise these kids? what was it that drove me to come here to Paris ? '' she questions herself.'' Do I still don't know what to do with them ? or am I trying not to think about it but that won't ease my burden ''' she murmurs. Thinking about it all her mind went blank she threw the magazine aside '' Only playing will ease my burden yes that's the only salvation I have in my life '' she repeated words and gets up heading towards the hall where her piano is.

She opens the door. This is the sanctuary where she rests in peace even the trouble she has while walking with this big tummy doesn't bother her at all she's ready to face all consequences when it comes to playing the piano. She heads towards the piano the windows there shut all the noise outside, there was the piano, and she nothing else.

She first touches it feeling the smooth surface and the keys, then sit down. Then starts playing the whole world seems beautiful to her when she plays the piano even the damping rain doesn't bother her at all no matter where she is or what's happening outside doesn't bother her at all, her whole mind is fixed on the notes and the sounds of the piano give her peace.

At this time her parents were calling her when they couldn't reach her cellphone they called the landline number. Layla could hear the noise of the phone ringing for a while it rings till the seventh time that she finally got irritated with it. '' Who's calling me now? this body which isn't permitting me to sit for a long time and this phone I am so irritated '' she fumes.

She gets up and heads towards the phone and picks it up. '' Why weren't you picking up the phone you ignorant girl ? '' shouts her mom over the phone. '' '' I had been calling many times why didn't you pick it up ? '' she yells in a harsh tone. '' Momma calm down, I was practicing'' Layla replies.

'' Oh I am sorry for shouting at you dear '' her mom apologizes.'' So how's the practice going on the competition is in three weeks right ? '' her mom asks. ''' Ahh it's going pretty much well you don't have to worry. i ... will win the competition surely .... '' she remarks casually.

'' I see your dad wants to talk to you he's worried sick about her daughter living in a different country '' her mom says giggling.'' Hello is it you Layla dear? how are you doing ? are you eating properly? what about your studies ? '' her dad asks. '' Daddy calm down, the maid comes and does all the work here so I don't have to worry about anything at all and the studies are all related to music so I am doing pretty well '' she replies.

'' I am glad then after all you are our only daughter and you are living abroad by yourself so it worries us all you can understand right ? '' her dad says. '' Yes I understand don't worry, how are you both doing ? '' she asks. '' We are doing well but we are missing you a lot '' her Dad complains '' when will you come home? '' ''' Home .... well after the competition is over '' she replies'' Then you will come back this month right ? ''dad asks.

'' I will try my very best ..... to '' she replies. '' It will be live broadcasted we will be watching you at home along with your grandma and grandpa '' remarks her Mom quite cheerfully.'' Oh, that's ....... good .... great news .... '' she says.'' Alright ... I need to hang up, someone had come I will call later."

'' Alright then stay safe honey '' her mom says. 'Layla hangs up.

Layla's P.O.V

 Come back home? it will be broadcasted live there? how could I forget to take these into account? what will I do now? I fall onto the chair nearby. Why did this have to happen to me? why did that night I had asked Samuel and Adrian to come? it was all my fault, right? I could only accuse myself. I wonder where they are right now? how are they doing ? which one of them is the father of these children? how will I face them if I ever meet them? what will be my reaction?  Will one among them accept these children? do I have to raise them myself throughout their lives? do I have to be a single parent? how will I face my parents? how will I face society? my image as an artist it will all .....  just thinking about it makes her eyes full of tears.'' It all happened on the cursed day '' she flashbacks into her memories.  I shouldn't have called them to come to my house that day then all of this wouldn't have happened. But thinking about is not gonna solve anything.

Things were good back then why did we have to grow everything my piano my music and everything now even this piano seems a burden to me.  I guess all of this is my fault after all. Fate is playing tricks on me. Is there gonna be a future for me and these kids?

Will I be able to become a good mother when I can't take care of myself properly?

It was on that fateful day when the finals were coming up. Samul and Adrian both had come to practice in Layla's s house to prepare for the regional competition that is coming up two days after. Layla herself had proposed to hold a training camp at her place because the distance between both her friends was growing larger day by day. No matter how clueless Layla is she still noticed this so she did this to cheer both the Boyd up and reconcile things between them.

It was only that evening that they all were stuck at the home of Layla because a  storm that came unexpectedly was not foreseen. While they were practicing thunderstorm was raging outside Layla turned on the news while they were all in the living room snaking and drinking the tea which they all made together.

On the news, it was showing that a typhoon is heading towards this area without warning and there will be heavy rain along with thunderstorms right at the moment the rain started pouring outside in heavy drops. '''' What a timing for the rain to come'' remarks Samuel. ''' You said it right '' Adrian also agrees with him.

''' Oh no how will you go home now? '' Layla bursts out shouting. ''' You should figure out that you are the one who arranged all of this '' asserts Adrian. ''' Eh but what should I do? will an umbrella help? I mean I can't do anything other than that '' she asks.

''What makes you think that an umbrella can help me in this heavy rain? are you stupid or something? how can you play music with that empty brain of yours? ''' Adrian asserts. ''' Stop it both of you are you doing comedy or what? ''' comments Samuel '' calm down let me think of something ''.

''And here come our Mr.Smart think something in our present situation '' Adrian remarks sarcastically. Samuel was glaring at him then he concluded. ''' From the noise of the rain and the intensity the rain will continue until the typhoon stops and it will take still some hours to stop at least more than six to seven hours comments Samuel.

''' So Adrain and I can't leave this house until the heavy rain and thunderstorm stops so the conclusion is that we will stay here '' he comments  '''That's the best outcome''.

''' Mr.Smart has gone nuts how can we both I mean two guys stay here among a girl between us? '' Adrian remarks.

'' What's wrong with that? I mean it's only evening and there are still a few hours left till night arrives the rain may stop around midnight ''' Samuel retorts ''' and we are her friends, aren't we? what will we do to her? or maybe you can't control yourself that's why you are saying this? if that is the case you can leave the door is over there ''.

'' Why you? I can very well control myself I am not filled with all manly hormones like you '' Adrian comments. ''Oh, so you are filled with girly hormones how cute ''' Samuel remarks. ''' What you are calling me girly how can you ''' Adrian gets angry.

''Both of you stop fighting I need to call my parents they are out of the country right now they must have seen the news they must be worried '' Layla stated to stop all of the fighting. They both calm down after that. Layla calls her parents and tells them about the situation there was when she was about to tell her mom about her both friends who are there right now along with her right now.

Samuel took the phone from her and whispered in her ear '' don't tell your parents about us staying here otherwise they will have the wrong idea about us''. '' Alright then'' Layla replies and takes the phone from him. She doesn't mention anything about those two boys who were at her home at present.

When she hangs up Samuel was there waiting for her to finish her call. ''' What did they say? '' he asks. ''They told me to stay safe they will try to get back home quick one or two days '' she replies. ''' Let's go see Adrian in the practice room '' she says. Samuel nods and they both head towards the practice room together.

Opening the door she saw Adrian practicing the piano for the next competition. He was playing so elegantly as if nothing was holding him back. They both waited for him to finish playing. They both clap for him. '' When did you both arrive? I did not notice '' he remarks.

''' Thinking about playing this at the recital? '' Samuel asks. '' Yes, what do you think? good enough to compete against our lady? ''' Adrian asks looking at Layla. ''If you think about my opinion then no. This won't work at all '' he comments. ''To beat her, you need something else which can move the hearts of people''.

'' So it's not enough? you play then '' Adrian says.  ''' Alright but even that won't be enough  '' Samuel comments under his breath. He sits elegantly on his seat and starts playing as if he is calling him. His firm grip over the notes and melodies never fails to shock Layla.

They both clapped for him. ''' How about you play next Layla? '' Samuel suggests. ''' Well sure but only for a while ''' she says '' I am not good enough like you both but will try my best''.  Layla always used to play in her style never following the guidelines her notes and melodies seem imperfect but that's not the case here. She plays *** if the whole world was playing in her hands.  The whole universe is dancing in the rain enjoying it and giving thanks to God.

Samuel and Adrian both were moved by this and they felt insulted so there was no clap for her. ''' What's wrong ? was there anything wrong in the playing ?'' she asks. When they were about to speak up there was a power outage. The whole room was all dark and Layla cried out in fear.

''Layla calm down we are here '' Adrian tries to comfort her. '' But what about the light? '' she asks. ''' It will come back soon but do you have something like a torch perhaps or a candle? which we can light up for the moment? '' Adrian asks.

''Yes in my bedroom in my drawer '' she replies while holding onto herself. ''' I will go ''' she says. ''' But someone needs to go with you '' Adrian says. ''I will go with you ''' says Samuel. '' Come with me and you stay here Adrian wait for us''.

He held onto Layla's arm in the darkness and dragged her up to her room leaving the boy behind. ''' What are you thinking Samuel? ''' Adrian thoughts to himself  ''you'd better not do anything to her''.

''Thank you for coming with me Samuel. You know how much I am afraid of the dark that's why you came with me'' she asserts. ''' Yes ' he replies while walking hand in hand. They reach the room, opening the door Layla was looking for candles in the drawer. ''Where did it go to ? '' she mumbles to herself.

'' I found it '' Samuel remarks. '' Where is it? hand it to me ''' Layla asserts.  ''' Found it '' he says while holding onto her from behind. They both could hear the sound of the raging storm outside and the sound of the beating hearts could be heard. ''' What are you doing ? '' asks Layla. ''' What do you think? even if Adrian may think of you as naive you can't fool me. What do you think am i doing? why am I holding onto you? ''' he asserts.

''' I don't know. why are you doing this? ''' she asks '' we need to find the candle and return to Adrian fast ''.  ''' Don't try to laugh off the matter I know you can understand everything. I have something to ask of you between me and Adrian whom do you think is a better performer? '' he asks. ''' You both are a great performers and even better than me why? I can't choose between any of you ''' she retorts.

''You can't get away with this choose one among us otherwise I can't go on with this relationship any longer '' he says ''' I seem to be losing myself to you and this relationship this can't go one among us ''. ''' Then I can give up on you finally. This is affecting our relations with each other and my performance too please say something ''.

''' But you both are precious to me and I can't choose between either of you '' she remarks. ''You- '' he was about to say something but at that moment Adrian came to look for them calling their names.

''' Hey, where did you go to look for the candle? ''' he calls from within the stairs coming up.

Samuel let her go. Lighting the candle in front of her face hands it over. Light-filled her face.

''' Go now'' he says.

Adrian somehow finds the room and knocks on it. '' Are you there Layla ? '' he calls turning on the knob he opens the door. Opening the door he saw Layla and Samuel both standing far away from each other. ''' You should at least answer that you are inside. I got worried for nothing ''' Adrian comments.

''' Ah, you found the candle '' he remarks happily. ''' Yes, we have found it. Let's go downstairs now '''' Layla advises. ''' Well alright ''' he replies. They both leave the room with Samuel following behind.

Adrian while coming down the stairs notices his strange behavior-. He wonders what has happened to him. He has been silent for a while. Layla places the candle on the table near the piano.

''' I wonder when the electricity will come? '' Adrian comments sitting down on the chair. ''' I hope there isn't a shortcut because of the typhoon then it won't come easily '' replies Layla. '''' Didn't you watch the news? most of the networks also are now useless even my phone doesn't have a network '' replies Samuel.

'''' I guess both of you will have to stay here now ''' remarks Layla averting her gaze from the boys. ''' We can play the piano and practice for the night what's wrong with that ?'' Adrian asserts '' right Samuel ?''.

''' Yeah we can ......play and practice after all this is the reason for us coming here '' he comments without looking at them his eyes full of anger and confusion. ''' Layla play the piece that you are gonna play at the contest ''' Adrian pleads.

''' That? right now? but it's still not complete yet for now '' she hesitates. ''' So what? we have nothing to do now in this situation and the light is out. This is the perfect time to play. Come on play a song for us ''' says Adrian ''' hey Sam tell her to play don't you want to hear her ?''.

Samuel stays silent then says '' play for me Layla play for all of us ''. With a half-smile on his face, he says. '' Well.... alright then '' she finally gives up. ''' But you need to teach me how to play the first part otherwise I won't play '' she playfully says.

''' Ehh but that's my secret trick though. Well alright, I will teach you. Didn't your teacher teach you the first beginning? ''' he asks coming over to the side of Layla. Sitting beside her.  Samuel was watching from a distance.

'' Did you forget that none of us have a teacher? we learned on our ''' chuckles, Layla. ''' Ah, I forgot to forgive this tiny brain of mine. Now start from a low tone than on a higher tone '' he instructs.

'' Like this ? '' she played on the piano. ''' No not like that makes it more gentle and pleasing you what you are playing is rough. Do it like this '' he stands behind her and then places his hands on top of hers.

Layla was feeling kind of uncomfortable at first. ''' I can't help you otherwise '' he mutters. She nods in approval. He played touching his hands with hers. ''' Then like this play the major part 2 ''' he instructs.

She was able to do it a little bit better now. Adrian was looking at her from above. ''' Her neck looks so pale and white. Just like a muse. My muse is the one and only one. Wish these little hands of yours could be held by me only. I want nothing more than to see you smile ''' Adrian thoughts to himself.

'' I guess I will be able to do it myself now '' Layla asserts. ''' Adrian '' she calls. ''' Can you hear me? what's wrong ?'''. 'Adrian was lost in their thoughts of hers. ''' Come back to reality stop daydreaming lover boy '' comments Samuel loud enough for her to hear.

Adrian also heard it right away. '' Were you saying something? Samuel ? '' he asks. ''' No only Layla wants you to stop looking at her with lustrous eyes That's all '' remarks Samuel. ''' What I am not looking at her with lustrous eyes. You are wrong '' replies Adrian.

''' Calm down I didn't say anything like that. Samuel is teasing you only ''' assures Layla placing her fingers on the piano. '' I see. Why do you do this with me all the time ?''' Adrian asks. '' For fun I guess '' he replies.

''' Why you ''' Adrian mutters. '' Anyway, you start playing on your own now ''. Layla nods and plays. This time more smoothly and with ease now. She was playing fluently. Adrian was shocked. '''' How can you play so much better when I showed it for one time only? what are you genius ? '''' .

'''' She's a monster to be able to play so fluently when he taught him only one time. Nor even I have the talent to do that '' Samuel thought in his mind. '''' God is so unfair with us giving only one person so much and not giving us anything ''.

''' What do I have to do to reach the place where you are now? hey, tell me, Layla '''.

The raging storm outside and the chilly weather and the thunderclouds and lighting it was the perfect melody. Soon Layla finished her playing. ''' It's been a while since I played like this all thanks to you. Thank you Adrian '' says Layla.

''' Ah it's alright '' replies he. Samuel got up and rushed to her. Standing by her side he asks. ''' What is the reason that you are making us all suffer? do you find it amusing? do you find it fun? hey tell me ?'' he asks in a loud tone.

''' What are you saying why would I have fun and for what? ''' she asks facing him. ''' What's wrong with you? why are you asking her that? '''Adrian asks.''' You butt out of it this is between me and her outsiders should stay quiet ''' Samuel rebukes him.

'''What outsiders? and me? I am not an outsider ''' asserts Adrian.

''' I am her friend. Don't call me an outsider ''' he shouts. ''' Then what are you? just a friend of hers? then butt out ''' Samuel remarks. ''' You are also her friend alright? don't call me an outsider when you are an outsider also '' Adrian rebukes.

'' I am not an outsider I am her ...... ''' Samuel remains speechless he couldn't say anymore. ''' You are her what ? '' asks Adrian. ''' I am ..... '' he remains silent. ''' Both of you please calm down now. Why are you fighting over such a stupid matter like this? '' Layla asks getting up from his seat.

''' I am her ... '' Samuel grab the collar of the shirt which Adrian was wearing. ''' Her what? say? '' Adrian asks again. Layla comes between them. '' Guys please stop now. Don't fight ''' she begs.

''' Layla this is an important matter. We need to make sure who we are to you. Let him say .... answer Sam ''' Adrian asks. ''' I am .... her ...''' Samuel releases his collar. ''' What am I to you? Layla? '' Samuel asks.

''' You are my important friend just like Adrian '' Layla replies. ''' No, I am tired of hearing this friend and friend. I don't want to be just a friend to you. Please stop it '' Samuel asserts. ''' What are you saying? aren't we the best of friends? we have been together for a long time ''' Layla remarks.

''' So what? I just can't play this friend game anymore please stop it ''' Samuel shouts. ''' What are you saying ? '' asks Layla. ''' He's right. I am also tired of this friendly game. I want to be someone special to you and you alone. I just can't remain your friend only '' remarks Adrian looking down.

'' What? '' Layla was shocked. ''' I am suffering because of this relationship of ours make it stop '' pleads  Samuel '' it's suffocating me a lot please I feel as if I can't breathe anymore now ''.

''' And this is all because of you surrounding us. You are the light that evolves around us and the light which gives us warmth you are the guiding start that shows us lost travelers the way to the destination. The guiding light of us but you have become the poison that is suffocating now. And I want to get free from this please save me ''' Adrian asserts.

''' My heart it's getting pierced in pieces please save us. I can't suffer any longer. Nor can Sam save us from this web of darkness that is strangling us. Please Layla ''' Adrian says clutching his heart.

''' I think the same as him let us go now '' says Samuel '' this is affecting our mental health ''. Layla stays silent. She couldn't utter a word after that she remained all silent.