“NO!”
“Poori baat sunn toh le!”
“Nahi sunni. Bohot bakwaas idea hai aapka!” Sharon raised her hand at Rannvijay.
“Arre?” He looked around.
“I agree with Sharon. That is too old school.” Simmi joined in.
“Toh kya hua? Itna accha idea hai uncle ka.”
“Thank you Neha.” Rannvijay appreciated.
“Nahi haan, yeh acche idea ke chakkar mein beach wedding nahi cancel kar rahe hai hum sab!” Vicky disagreed.
“Haan na! Kya sexy hogi shaadi ke baad wali party!” Nil grinned.
“Oh hello, Indian wedding hai. So hold your horses.” Simmi sneered at him.
“Shaadi Indian huyi toh kya hua? Riri ke friends toh gore hi hai na!” Nil wiggled his brows.
“Tu kis baat ki khushi mana raha hai?” Neha looked at Vicky.
“Abh tu toh haan bolne se rahi, toh maine socha kahin aur try kar leta hoon.” Vicky gave her a knowing smirk.
“Oh my God! You proposed?” Aashi screamed.
“What? When?” Swayam looked at them.
“Abey saale bataya kyun nahi?” Amar hit Vicky.
“Shut up guys!” Neha silenced them. “Koi proposal nahi hua hai!”
“Toh tune haan kis cheez ke liye nahi bola?” Bharat looked at Neha.
“Yeh bakwaas kar raha hai. Tum log kya chalu ho gaye? Come back to the topic!” Neha shook her head.
“Aise kaise? Pehle yeh confusion toh clear kar!” Rinni knitted her brows.
“Vicky maar khane waala hai tu.” Neha gritted her teeth and glared at him.
“Guys, bhai ki shaadi pe wapas aate hai. Rey ke aane se pehle we need to fix things into place. Warna voh aake apna veto power chalayega!” Vicky turned their attention back to wedding planning.
“Haan.” They nodded in agreement.
“Arre voh ho jayega. Tum dono chupa kya rahe ho voh toh batao!” Rannvijay smirked at them.
“Uncle!” Vicky and Neha glared back at him.
“Sorry.” Rannvijay raised his hands and chuckled. “So beach final na?”
“Haan! Abhi bas kaunsa beach voh dekhna hoga.” Swayam scratched his head.
“Paa!” Taani walked in, screaming for Rannvijay. “Oh! Hi.” She stopped abruptly seeing everyone stare at her.
“Iska tone sunke aisa kyun lag raha hai ki yeh Rey ki complain karne aayi hai?” Nil chuckled.
“Complain?” Taani furrowed her brows.
“Haan voh gadha peechle do-teen dino se gayab hai na.” Swayam chuckled.
“Hume annoy nahi kar raha hai. Isse toh kar hi raha hoga.” Sharon joined him.
“Kya hua?” Rannvijay gestured Taani to join them.
“Well, main yahi puchne aayi thi ki Rey wapas kab aa raha hai?” Taani asked in a soft voice knowing very well what reactions she was going to receive from them.
“I told you!” Nil exclaimed, making everyone else laugh.
“Actually it’s good ki voh yahan nahi hai.” Taani said.
“Really?” Sharon squinted at her.
“Haan, the thing is mujhe tum sabki help lagegi.”
“Help?” Aashi asked.
“Mujhe Rey ke birthday ke liye ek surprise party plan karni hai.” Taani told them.
“Oh f*ck, it’s October already?” Sharon widened her eyes.
“Voh toh aise ho jayegi!” Simmi clicked her fingers.
“Haan uski tu tension mat le. Acchi planning karenge hum!” Vicky smirked.
“Okay!” Taani disregarded the smirk and settled down with them. “I had a few things in mind.”
“Shoot!” Sharon encouraged her.
“I was thinking ki ghar pe hi karenge and not at some club.” Taani paused and looked up at them. She waited to see if anyone passed a comment on it. But when no one said anything she continued, “last time voh..”
“Last year we barely had any plans to organize a party. Isiliye club mein ki thi.” Simmi told her.
“Par ghar pe surprise kaise plan karenge?” Swayam asked.
“Which is why I was wondering maybe at your guy’s place?” Taani looked at Sharon and Swayam.
“Nahi yaar, voh aate jaate rehta hai. He will suspect it.” Sharon told him.
“Don’t even look at us, landlord and neighbors ke complaints aate rahenge.” Aashi told her, referring to the rest of them.
“Arre Neha aur Vicky ke wahan kar sakte hai!” Rinni suggested.
“NO!” They both said in unison.
“Okay, fine. Isme chillane ki kya baat hai?” Rinni sulked.
“Bandra mein kar sakte ho arrange.” Rannvijay suggested.
“Arre haan AB ka ghar khali pada hai!” Sharon grinned.
“Great!” Taani grinned back.
“Detailed planning kal ya parso kare? We’re getting late?” Swayam looked at the time.
“Oh right.” Neha nodded and got up, followed by others.
“You guys have some plans?” Taani asked, unsure.
“We are really close to launch and hum bas routine set kar rahe hai apna. Academy is almost done but instructors hi dhang ke nahi huye toh kya fayda hoga?” Sharon explained.
“Rehearsals kahan kar rahe ho?” Rannvijay asked.
“Academy mein. Rehearsal hall is functioning.” Swayam informed.
“Theek hai jao tum sab. Yeh planning hum kal continue karenge.” Rannvijay told them.
“Bye uncle! Bye Taani!” They left one by one.
“Tum kyun ruk rahi ho? Tum bhi jao sabke saath.” Rannvijay told Taani.
“It’s a closed practice.” Simmi told them.
“We are just trying out some new routines and abhi kisi bahar.. I mean..” Swayam hesitated.
“I understand. You guys carry on. Mujhe waise bhi Paa se kuch kaam hai.” Taani smiled at him.
“Thanks!” Swayam smiled back and left.
“Bata kya kaam hai?” Rannvijay asked Taani after they all left. “Anything urgent?”
“Nothing urgent as such. Aapko kahin jaana hai?” She asked.
“Juhi abhi office se aa hi rahi hogi. Uske baad hum dono dinner ke liye kahin jaa rahe hai.” He smiled at her.
“Toh main bilkul bhi aapka time nahi lungi. You should get ready for your date.” Taani said tongue-in-cheek.
“I’m always ready!” Rannvijay pulled up his collars.
“So Rey gets this from you haan?” She chuckled lightly.
“Apart from my good looks, he has got a lot of traits from me.” He laughed.
“Yeah! He was telling me the other day how you had spoiled Muskaan and also Sharon bachpan mein aur abhi voh wahi Kia ke saath kar raha hai.” Taani shook her head.
“I always wanted a daughter. But unfortunately, Rey ke time Juhi went through a lot and then we couldn’t have another kid.” He smiled sadly recalling it.
“Abh main aagayi hoon na, you’ll never miss a daughter.” She went and sat next to him.
“I know!” He hugged her and placed a loving kiss on her forehead.
“Now don’t get senti, aapko date pe jana hai.” She pouted.
“Okay! Abhi bata kya puchna tha tujhe?” He asked her.
“Yahi birthday se related.” She looked down.
“Kya hua?” He noticed that she was hiding something.
“I want his birthday to be special.” She answered.
“Itna pressure mat le khud pe. Usse waise bhi kuch grand celebration nahi pasand.” He told her.
“I know. Voh bas last year maine uska birthday spoil.. I just want to make it up to him.” She confessed.
“Last year jo bhi hua ho, you can’t change or correct it. Abhi just do what you wish to do.”
“Par Paa birthday uska hai na..”
“Tu uske liye itna sab kar rahi hai, usne tujhe bataya bhi hai ki voh vapas kab aaraha hai?” He asked.
“I haven’t spoken to him since the last three days.” She sighed.
“Chalo dekhte hai ki kahan gayab hai.” Rannvijay pulled out his phone and FaceTimed Ananya.
“Kya hua Rann, itni raat ko call kyun kiya?” Ananya answered.
“Tera bhanja kahan gayab hai?” Rannvijay asked.
“Uska bhai jo aaya hai. Do din pehle trek pe nikle. Abhi I’m pretty sure kahin camp lagake baithe honge.” Ananya shook her head.
“Explains!” Rannvijay rolled his eyes. “Jab wapas aaye tab yahan call karne bolna. Kuch log wait kar rahe hai.” He looked at Taani and chuckled.
“Sure!” She laughed.
…
“Isn’t this Armaan’s jacket?” Tyler asked as he helped Sid fold his laundry.
“It was. Now it’s mine!” Sid grinned.
“He left it here?”
“No, I removed it from his bag. He probably hasn’t noticed it.” Sid chuckled.
“Won’t he get mad once he finds out?” Tyler squinted.
“Nah!” Sid shook his head. “But I’m pretty sure that he will grace me with a handful of curses!”
“When’s the wedding?”
“I don’t really know.” Sid thought. “I’ll have to ask Rey about it. I need to keep my schedule free for it.”
“Yeah.” Tyler smiled lightly.
“What?” Sid furrowed his brows.
“Nothing.” Tyler shook his head.
“Then why are you asking so many questions about Armaan?” Sid squinted.
“I was just..”
“Trying to figure out if I’m still into him?” Sid flared his nostrils.
“Oh come on Sid! I just thought that since he is your best bud, I should get to know him as well.” Tyler explained.
“That’s a bullshit excuse!” Sid rolled his eyes. “He was here for a month and you two were getting along pretty well!”
“Sorry for asking anything.” Tyler got up.
“Shut the door on your way out.” Sid told him.
“I was heading out for lunch anyway. And I’ll probably be out for most of the day.” Tyler informed.
“So, you’ll be back tomorrow morning?” Sid asked.
“Yeah!”
“And where are you going for lunch?”
“Olive Garden. You can join as well.”
“I’m good. Enjoy lunch with Joe.” Sid smiled curtly.
“Yeah, see you tomorrow. Bye.” Tyler left.
“I hate that f*cking Joe!” Sid flared his nostrils and pulled out clothes from his laundry bag.
“What the hell?” Muskaan rushed to the ER on learning about the new case.
“I’m fine Muskaan.” Armaan shook his head at her.
“No you’re not! I had to carry you to the car as you couldn’t even walk!” Rey scoffed.
“On your weak ass shoulders.” Armaan rolled his eyes. “Tujhe pata hai he started panting halfway through the trek. We had to change our plan and go camping because of him!”
“You’re the one lying on the bed, so just keep shut!” Rey scowled.
“Hi Muskaan. Your brother is totally fine. He must have eaten something funny and has got food poisoning due to that. He’ll be fine within a week!” Her colleague briefed her and left.
“Ek call nahi kar sakte the?” Muskaan shouted at the two.
“Battery dead hai!” Rey told her.
“Aisa kya khaya tune ki yeh halath ho gayi?” She looked at Armaan.
“Pata nahi yaar. Hum dono same cheezein hi kha rahe the.” Armaan shrugged his shoulders.
“Accha toh voh berries aapka bhoot kha raha tha na?” Rey squinted at Armaan.
“Tum dono ka kuch nahi ho sakta!” Muskaan shook her head at them. “Abhi ghar leke ja isko. And make sure he rests and stays hydrated.” She told Rey. “Also, please have a bath. You both stink!”
“Really?” Rey smelled his shirt and gagged on the smell. “Definitely need a shower!”
“Hogayi trek khatam?” Ananya asked as Rey and Armaan walked into the house.
“Haan we just had to make a small stop at the ER.” Rey told her.
“Kya hua?” She asked.
“Kuch nahi!” Armaan hit Rey on his head and went upstairs to his room.
“Rey?” Ananya looked at him.
“Bhai ko food poisoning hua hai. But he’s fine, bas thoda rest kar le.” Rey informed her.
“Aur tune bhi yeh kya halath bana rakhi hai apni?” She frowned at him.
“Haan bas abhi nahane hi ja raha hoon.” He wailed and walked up to his room.
“Charger kahan hai.” He looked around his room and plugged his phone to it.
As soon as it turned on, he received a ton of notifications. He scrolled through them looking for anything that looked important. He opened a few messages and rolled his eyes reading all the complaints. He tossed his phone aside and went for a shower.
“Rey, table pe khana rakha hai. Kha lena.” Ananya knocked on the door and informed him.
“Thanks bua!” He replied.
“This smells so good!” He got out of the bathroom and took in the aroma. “Didn’t realize that I was hungry.” He chuckled and immediately went to eat.
He picked up his phone to check the messages again and squinted his eyes as he saw Taani typing a message.
“Two blue ticks and ignored. What is that supposed to mean?” He read Taani’s message and chuckled lightly.
“Oh! The last one was read immediately, yet no reply. What is a poor girl like me supposed to do?” He laughed reading it and immediately called her.
“Hello luv!” He smiled looking at the screen.
“Sorry, do I know you?” She sneered at him.
“I’m that guy who put that ring on your finger, thrice!” He squinted.
“Oh you’re my fiancé? I thought he was busy ignoring me!”
“Chup reh!” He scowled.
“Where the hell were you? Aur kapde kyun nahi pehene hai?”
“I just took a shower. Aur bahar aate hi khana ready tha and I’m hungry. Haven’t eaten proper food for the last three days.” He complained.
“Put on something.” She insisted.
“Ugh fine!” He got up and scowled. “Ow!”
“Kya hua?” She furrowed her brows.
“Hit my toe against the table.” He limped away from the screen.
“Waise towel mein bhi acche hi lag rahe ho.” Taani bit her lower lip to stop herself from smiling.
“I’m not going to drop my towel again missy!” He squinted and sat back down at the table.
“I hope not!” She rolled her eyes.
“Don’t lie!.” He teased her.
“Stop it!” She gritted her teeth.
“Aaj office nahi hai?” He asked.
“Abhi nikal hi rahi thi. Waiting for Purvi.” She informed.
“Toh maine kya miss kiya?” He questioned.
“Mujhe!”
“Not really.” He chuckled.
“Rude!” She pouted.
“Don’t sulk now. I’m coming back around next week.” He smiled.
“Actually, take your time. Yahan planning bohot hi hassle free ho rahi hai.” She laughed.
“What planning?” He furrowed his brows.
“Armaan bhai ke shaadi ki.”
“Tune bhi join kar li party?”
“Haan!” She grinned.
“Kitni bhi planning kar lo, end mein bhai kuch na kuch change karwayega. So relax!”
“He is not you. Unke tere jitne nakhre definitely nahi honge.” She said tongue-in-cheek.
“Taani!” Purvi called for her.
“Chal abhi office ja, bohot ho gaya.” He rolled his eyes at her.
“Bye handsome.” She winked.
He cocked his brow in response, making her laugh.
…
“Armaan yeh kya mazak hai?” Ananya glared at him.
“What mazak mom? Kaam hai mujhe. I have to go.” He retorted back.
“Work can wait. Health is important.” She shouted.
“I’m fine yaar.” He wailed and clutched his stomach as he felt cramps in it.
“Dikh raha hai.” She sneered.
“Kya hua bua?” Rey entered Armaan’s room.
“Main bolke thak gayi hoon abh tu hi samjha isse. Iss halath mein London jaana chahta hai.” Ananya told Rey.
“Bhai what’s the rush?” Rey looked at him.
“Urgent kaam aagaya hai. I need to be there.” Armaan told him.
“Forward me the details, I’ll go instead.” Rey told him.
“Tu Bombay return ja raha hai na?”
“London hoke chala jaunga. Big deal!” Rey shrugged his shoulders.
“Tujhe academy ka kaam complete karna hai. Better go home and do it.”
“Sharon is handling that. You don’t worry about it!”
“Fine! I’ll forward the details to you!” Armaan sulked and sat on his bed.
“Now that’s a good boy.” Rey patted his head.
“Kutta samjha hai kya meko?” Armaan swatted his hand away.
“Now that things are settled, chalo neeche dinner ke liye.” Ananya told them and left.
“Accha sunn.” Armaan stopped Rey.
“Kya hua?”
“Riddhima ko bata mat ki mera London aane ka koi plan hai.”
“Aap London nahi jaa rahe ho.” Rey reminded him.
“Not now but do week ke baad jaane wala hoon. Just don’t tell her that.”
“Do week baad kya hai?” Rey asked.
“Uska birthday!”
“Oh shit, haan! I completely forgot about it!” Rey slapped his forehead.
“Uske baad tera bhi aaraha hai. Koi plans?” Armaan wiggled his brows.
“Ghanta kuch! But weekend hai toh maybe Mahabaleshwar ka plan kar sakte hai. Let’s see!” Rey thought.
“Kuch accha plan bane toh batana. I’ll join you guys.”
“Sure!”
“Kuch chahiye?” Juhi asked Taani who was digging deep into the fridge.
“Shit!” Taani placed her hand on her racing heart as she got startled.
“Kya hua?” Juhi chuckled.
“Voh main directly office se aayi hoon aur bhook lagi hai, so I was just looking for something to eat.” Taani replied sheepishly.
“Wait I’ll make you a sandwich.” Juhi picked up the bread loaf from the counter.
“Arre aunty it’s fine. Juice mil gaya mujhe.” Taani pulled out a tetra pack from the fridge.
“Wapas rakh voh, aur meri help kar yahan.” Juhi ordered her.
“Okay.” Taani followed her instructions.
“Oh ho ho, kya ban raha hai?” Rannvijay walked into the kitchen and found them.
“Sandwich bana rahi hoon. Tum kahoge?” Juhi asked him.
“Haan!” He picked up a cucumber slice that Juhi was cutting.
“Hands off!” Juhi swatted his hand away.
Rannvijay muttered something under his breath and walked out of the kitchen.
“Aunty cheese kahan hai?” Taani smiled at Rannvijay and asked Juhi.
“Door ke middle compartment mein hai.” Juhi told her.
“Mil gaya.” Taani started grating it.
“Kaisa chal raha hai tera birthday surprise?” Juhi asked Taani.
“I’m relieved in some sense that he isn’t here. Sab aaraam se ho raha hai.”
“But..” Juhi asked her to go on.
“But?” Taani furrowed her brows.
“That’s not all that you’re feeling.” Juhi smiled.
“Aisa kuch nahi hai.” Taani looked away.
“Sandwich banane itna time kyun lag raha hai?” Rannvijay came back into the kitchen.
“Yeh lo aapka ready hogaya.” Taani forwarded him the plate.
“Thank you.” He took it from her.
“Tujhe bhook lagi thi na?” Juhi squinted at her.
“Main aapke haath ka bana kahungi. Paa ko maine mera wala de diya.” Taani replied sheepishly, making Juhi laugh.
…
“Kuch socha?” Swayam asked Taani.
“I can’t think of anything.” Taani shook her head.
“Hum itni kyun planning kar rahe hai? Rey nahi hone wala hai yahan uske birthday ke liye.” Sharon rolled her eyes. “Abhi ek week se London jaake baitha hai voh!”
“Lagta hai usse koi aur mil gayi hai. Sorry yaar Taani.” Nil shook his head apologetically.
“Hogaya?” Taani folded her arms across her chest.
“Kyun na hum sab London jaaye Rey ko surprise karne?” Neha’s eyes sparked up.
“London ka visa toh tera baap baat raha hai na!” Bharat scoffed.
“Voh na jaan bujh ke prolong kar raha hai. He knows that we are planning something aur hume voh aaraam se karne dena chahata hai.” Swayam said.
“Guys, ideas do!” Taani looked at everyone.
“I’ve heard of this game called contact. That can be fun.” Simmi said.
“How do you play it?” Sharon asked.
“I’ll think of a word and tell you guys the first letter of it. Say it’s ‘G’. Then you guys need to ask questions like if it’s a fruit. And if two of you think of the same fruit say ‘contact’ and say the fruit name together – grapes. If you say it correctly, I’ll tell you the next letter. If not, or if I guess the word before you guys then the contact breaks and we repeat from the questions again. You have 3 chances to guess the word I have thought of.” Simmi explained.
They all just looked at her in utter silence and confusion written all over their faces.
“You’ll understand once you play it.” Simmi told them.
“Yeh game ke explanation mein hi poori party khatam hojayegi!” Nil taunted.
“Do you have any other suggestion?” Simmi sneered at him.
“Truth and dare!” Nil smirked. “Imagine the dares!”
“I don’t like where this is going.” Taani squinted at him.
“But I do! We should definitely do this.” Sharon said with an evil grin.
“I don’t think we need games to make the party fun!” Aashi said.
“I second that.” Swayam said.
“Nahi yaar kuch toh chahiye.” Vicky thought about other ideas for games.
“Rey calling?” Taani looked at her phone.
“Guys quiet!” Simmi silenced them.
“Main yahan hoon usse doubt aayega.” Taani told her. “Tum log bhi aao call mein.”
“Toh phone pe nahi re, uske room mein chalo. TV pe we can connect to him.” Sharon got up.
“Yahan kyun nahi?” Amar pointed at the television in the living room.
“Iske login credentials nahi pata. Aur meko uncle aunty ko iske liye disturb nahi karna.” Sharon responded.
“Chalo phir upar.” They all went to Rey’s room.
Taani entered the room and looked at the empty bed. She felt a sudden uneasiness remembering the time they spent there, two months ago. She realized how much she was missing spending time with him.
“Wassup?” Sharon connected the call.
“What the hell are you guys doing here? Aur Taani, tu mere calls kyun nahi utha rahi?” Rey squinted at them.
“We were setting this up.” Taani replied.
“Haan toh uthake bata deti na.” He complained.
“Yeh tum log ka baad mein karo haan.” Nil interrupted them.
“You guys decided to join in. Maine Taani ko call kiya tha.” Rey retorted. “Aur tum sab ghar pe kar kya rahe ho?”
“Wedding planning.” Swayam answered.
“Toh kya decide kiya?” Rey questioned.
“Beach wedding!” Nil grinned.
“December mein kaunsa beach khali milne wala hai?” Rey squinted.
“Tu uski tension mat le.” Sharon told him.
“Fine, aur kuch?” Rey asked.
“Matlab?” Vicky furrowed his brows.
“Meko Taani se baat karni hai, so you guys can kindly f*ck off!” Rey pointed in the direction of the door.
“Ehsaan faramosh! Ek toh tera kaam yahan hum kar rahe hai upar se tu hume aise treat karega?” Aashi glared at him.
“Main toh yahan vacation mana raha hoon na?” Rey rolled his eyes.
“Looks like it. Pehle Melbourne abhi London. Next kahan?” Taani taunted.
“What the hell? Wapas hi nahi aaraha main!” Rey sulked.
“Fine!” Taani shrugged her shoulders.
“We’ll just head out.” Simmi got up followed by others.
“Don’t go easy on him.” Sharon whispered in her ears and left.
“What did she say?” Rey asked when he heard the door close.
“Tumse matlab?” Taani rolled her eyes at him.
“Kya hua?” He squinted.
“You’ve called to inform that you won’t be back for another week, right?”
“How did you know?”
“Rey!” She glared at him.
“Bhai ne meko yahan kaam pe laga diya aur khud wahan phas gaye hai. Honestly this work is going to continue for a few more weeks.” He sulked.
“Weeks? How many?” She asked.
“I have no idea.”
“Anything else?” She asked with a straight face.
“I’m sorry.” He scrunched his nose.
“Kya karu main yeh sorry ka?” She huffed.
“Yaar jaan bujh kar toh main nahi kar raha na yeh sab. Bhai ko food poisoning hua and he..”
“Wait, yeh kab hua?” She interrupted him.
“Last week.” He informed. “And that was why I had to come here. And now he was supposed to come here before Riri’s birthday, but he is stuck there.”
“How is he now?” She asked.
“He is fine.”
“You don’t look fine though.” She asked with concern.
“It’s been a rough couple of days.” He sighed.
“You look ill.” She pointed out.
“I’m not ill for God’s sake!” He flared his nostrils. “I’m just trying to achieve something and I’m almost there!”
“Abs nahi honge toh I won’t stop loving your body.” She had a light smile lingering on her lips.
“You love my body?” He cocked his brow.
“I meant loving you.” Taani covered her face in embarrassment. “I can’t even save myself from this so go ahead and taunt me as much as you want.”
“Why will I taunt you? I feel honored!” He said genuinely. “I’m trying to get into shape and honestly, you’re the only person to say something nice about it. The rest can’t stop emphasizing on how ill I look.” He rolled his eyes.
“Didn’t I just say that?” She squinted.
“But you also said this.” He smiled.
“So, birthday kab hai?” She asked after a while.
“Twenty-fifth!” He replied.
“Not yours, Riri bhabhi ka!” She rolled her eyes.
“Riri Bhabhi mat bula yaar. Bohot ajeeb sound karta hai.” He scowled.
Taani just shook her head at him.
“Uska birthday fourteenth ko hai.” He replied.
“Matlab parso.” She pointed out. “Kya plan hai?”
“Ghar pe hi kuch.” He tried to hold back his smirk.
“What have you planned?” She squinted at him.
“Rey!” Riri walked into his room.
“What?” He looked at her.
“You’re still not ready?” Riri glared at him.
“Shit! I completely forgot about the reservation. Give me ten minutes!” He got up.
“If you don’t come out in ten, I’m leaving!” Riri walked out of his room.
“Taani, I’ll call you later. Usne lunch reservations kar rakhe hai and she’ll seriously leave me behind and go!” He pulled out clothes from the wardrobe.
“Enjoy your lunch!” She chuckled lightly seeing him run around the room.
…
“Hello!” Taani answered the call.
“Hi!”
“Itni raat ko call kiya?”
“Tujhe kuch batana hai.”
“Kya?”
“I’m shifting to Mumbai.”
“Really?” Her eyes sparked up. “Juno, tu mazak nahi kar raha hai na mere saath?”
“Not at all, I’m coming there in like two months or so.” Juno smiled.
“I’m so happy.” She grinned back at him. “Any particular reason?”
“I’ve applied for MBA. Admission milte hi, I’ll be there.”
“Abhi hi aaja na.”
“Main itni asaani se isse yahan se jaane nahi dene wala!” Raghav walked up behind Juno.
“Tujhe kya problem hai?” Taani furrowed her brows.
“Ek ek karke tum sab chale jaoge toh kaise chalega?” Raghav sulked.
“Toh tu bhi aaja.” Taani replied tongue-in-cheek.
“Taani don’t put ideas in his head!” Sia yelled from behind.
“Pushpa, tu bhi yahan aake tera café khol de.” Taani giggled.
“Aur kuch?” Sia rolled her eyes.
“Guys chup raho yaar.” Juno yelled at them. “Jiske liye call kiya hai voh toh side mein hata diya tum sab ne!”
“Kya?” Taani asked him.
“I need help finding a good place to stay.” Juno told her.
“Tu aa toh ja. I’ll help you out.” Taani told him.
“I don’t want to move a hundred times. First help me find a place, then I’ll move!” Juno rolled his eyes.
“Fine! Let me know where.” Taani gritted her teeth.
“Teri job lagi hai na? Kaam nahi hota jo isse help karne ready ho gayi?” Raghav asked.
“Fortunately jyada workload nahi hota. So I have a lot of time to spare.” Taani told him.
“Voh tu Rey ka saath spend nahi karti?” Sia asked tongue-in-cheek.
“Don’t get me started on him!” Taani flared her nostrils.
“Ohh you pushed the wrong button!” Juno chuckled.
“I’m preparing a surprise for his birthday, but that’s it! Uske baad main usse zara bhi bhaav nahi dene wali!” Taani clenched her teeth.
“Aisa kya kar diya usne?” Sia asked.
“He has been avoiding me for the past month now!” Taani huffed.
“Wait, what?” Juno squinted his eyes.
“Staying away for a month counts as avoiding!” Taani folded her arms and stated.
“So, you’re planning to treat him the same?” Raghav chuckled.
“Yeah! Just birthday wale din, I’ll be lenient on him!”
“Birthday kab hai?” Juno asked.
“Do week baad.” Taani sulked.
“And she wants to avoid him.” Juno laughed.
“Shut up!” Taani huffed.
“Happy birthday, luv!”
“What am I supposed to say? Thank you?” Riri sneered at Armaan.
“What else can you say?” He asked tongue-in-cheek.
“F*ck off!” She disconnected the call.
“Good one!” Rey laughed.
“Don’t you annoy me now!” She glared at him.
“Baat kar le bhai se. He is genuinely sulking for not being able to make it here.” He informed. “Also, after you’re done, room mein aaja.” He gave her a light smirk and went to his room.
“Please don’t cut the call!” Armaan said as soon as it got connected.
“Hmn..” She nodded at him.
“I’ll definitely make it up to you.” He told her.
“I’m not mad at you for missing my birthday. I was just hoping to spend time together. Isiliye I had taken two days off as well. You shouldn’t have told me that you were going to come here!” She sulked.
“I’ll come over for the weekend.” He said longingly.
“Armaan, you don’t live next door!” She rebuked.
“Toh aise sad face banake mat baith na.” He pouted.
“Okay!” She chuckled lightly.
“Kya plans banaye hai?” He asked.
“Kal dinner ke liye ja rahi hoon with Rey and right now he seems to have some surprise for me.” She squinted at the closed door.
“I’m sure you’ll like it.” He smiled.
“You know?” She narrowed her eyes at him.
“No. But I’m sure he must have planned something good for you.”
“I hope so too.” She shook her head. “Waise aaj office nahi jaana?”
“Thoda late jaa raha hoon. Mom ko check-up ke liye jana tha toh voh Muskaan aur Rahul ke saath chali gayi and there is no one here to look after Kiara, so I stayed back.” He explained.
“Check-up?” She asked.
“Regular routine check-up.”
“Oh, and what is the little monster doing?”
“Sleeping, thankfully!” He let out a chuckle.
“Raat ko soyi nahi thi kya?” She asked.
“Soyi thi par abhi mujhe call karna tha toh I put her back to sleep. Bohot mushkil se wapas soyi voh.”
“You shouldn’t have done that. Uska routine disturb hoga.”
“Ek din se kuch nahi hone wala!” Armaan rolled his eyes.
“Apne bhai se seekh aur khel thoda uske saath!”
“Yeah sure, but next time. Abhi uthane ka mann nahi kar raha.”
“What the hell!” Riri got startled by the sudden loud music.
“Sorry!” Rey yelled from inside the room.
“Bula raha hai tujhe.” Armaan chuckled.
“God knows what has he been up to. He just informed me about the dinner plans for tomorrow.”
“Let’s go and find out!” Armaan grinned.
Riri grinned back and went to Rey’s room. It was dimly lit with a few neon lights across the room and a psychedelic light projected on the ceiling.
“Reyansh Singhania, you’re such a sneak!” Armaan widened his eyes. “I wanna come there right now!”
“Sorry bhai!” Rey chuckled.
“Armaan we’ll talk tomorrow!” Riri said.
“Yeah!” Armaan rolled his eyes. “Enjoy!” He sulked.
“We definitely will!” Rey smirked at him and Riri disconnected the call.
“When did you plan all this?” Riri widened her eyes at Rey.
“When you were sulking the other day.” He hit the play button.
“We sure are going to get high with this setup!” Riri smirked.
“That’s the plan! Throwback to the time we first met. Well, our first house party!” He corrected himself.
“Oh boy! That was the ice breaker I would say!” She chuckled lightly.
“Oh definitely!” He laughed.
“Now come on roll it up!” She sat next to him on the bean bag.
“It’s already done m’lady!” He pulled it out from behind him.
“Then what are we waiting for?” She picked up the lighter from the table.
“Hold up! Hold up! Hold up!” He stopped her.
“What?” She asked annoyed.
“Happy birthday!” He grinned at her.
“Oh God Rey, stop wasting my time!” She rolled her eyes at him.
“Thank you toh bol deti.” He pouted.
“Thank you. Happy now?”
“Yes! Now go ahead, you inaugurate the party!” He laughed.
“It’s been so long!” She said after her first drag.
“Same!” Rey passed it back to her.
“Last one was with Armaan before he got all mad at me!” She laughed thinking about it.
“I don’t even remember when was the last time I smoked.”
“Do you remember our first time?” She asked slyly.
“Will never forget that day!” He replied back in the same tone.
“It was right before Armaan came to live here and you left.” She reminisced.
“Had I not left for New York, things would have been so different!” He said tongue-in-cheek.
“Oh shut up!” She rolled her eyes at him. “I was under influence.”
“If I remember correctly, you said that you found me really attractive!” He smirked.
“Like you never checked me out?” She sneered.
“Well, you were beautiful..”
“Were? Excuse me?”
“I mean still are.” He laughed lightly. “But I had ran out of a potential match and I wasn’t really looking for anyone.”
“Oh right, aunty was trying to set you up!” She laughed.
“Also, I wasn’t interested in being a rebound.”
“I had broken up a year prior to meeting you!” She rolled her eyes.
“Yeah but you were clearly not over him!” He scoffed.
“Have you ever thought how different things would be if we..”
“Yeah, sometimes! We had really hit it off quickly. But then I left and we completely eliminated any chances.” He laughed.
“I will admit that I did think of calling you when you left. But, then I got swooned.” She reminisced.
“We met at the wrong time.” He chuckled.
“I’m not gonna complain as I got an amazing friend in you!” Riri threw her arms across Rey’s neck and kissed his cheeks.
“Hayye, kitna pyaar aa raha hai aaj!” He teased and kissed her back.
“Increase the volume! Let’s paarrrttyyy!” She got up and stumbled on the bed.
“I can’t even stand straight!” He got up behind her. “Dancing would be such a bad idea!”
“Come here!” She patted next to her.
“What?” He settled in next to her.
“I’m cold!” She clung onto his arm.
“I’ll turn on the heater.” He got up and took support of the wall.
“Careful!” She giggled as he stumbled.
“I’m fine!”
“I can see that!”
…
Rey groaned at the vibrations coming from the table beside him and started banging the table to get hold of the disturbance. It stopped and he sighed in relief. Within a few seconds he heard the vibrations again. He opened his eyes groggily and looked at his phone which was flashing.
“Hmn.” He answered the call.
“Buzz me in. I’m freezing here!”
“What?” He asked back.
“Get up!”
“Why?” He groaned.
“I’m going to hit you hard once I come in!”
“I’m not in Paris. What the f*ck is wrong with you?” He asked annoyed.
“Oh God Rey! Just do as I say!”
“Bol!”
“Get up and come out of your room!”
“Now?” He asked as he made his way out holding his head.
“Go to the main door and press the button to let me in.”
“Sara how is this going to work?” He unlocked the door.
“Don’t annoy me and just stay where you are!”
“Hello? You there? Sara?” He looked at the blank screen on his phone.
Rey turned to go back into his room when he heard a knock on the door. He opened it to find Sara raging at him.
“Wait, am I in Paris?” He squinted at her.
“Are you high?” She furrowed her brows and sniffed. “Oh yes, you are! That explains a lot!” She shook her head.
“When did I come to Paris?” He scrunched his nose.
“You just arrived and for some reason you decided to come just in your boxers.” She chuckled. “Now go and sleep in your room!”
“Yeah, I’m very sleepy! Must be the jet lag.” He started walking back to the room taking support of the wall.
“What the f*ck!” Sara started laughing hysterically at him.
She helped him walk back to his room.
“Abhi soja. Hum kal baat karte hai.” She pulled the comforter over him.
Sara looked at Riri sleeping beside him with her feet hanging off the bed. She went to the other side of the bed to tuck her in. On her way, she tripped over a pile of clothes.
“What the hell?” She looked at them.
“Now what?” Sharon looked at Taani.
“Cancel everything, what else? He told me that he won’t be coming back for a few more weeks.” Taani informed.
“Unless?” Sharon asked her to continue.
“No unless. He is not coming. Period.” Taani rolled her eyes and sulked.
“I f*cking hate him!” Sharon huffed.
“He is behaving so weird. Calls nahi utha raha, ek jo galati se uthaya tha usme he hardly spoke. Bas kaam kaam kaam!” Taani gritted her teeth.
“At least he answered your call!” Sharon rolled her eyes.
“Yeah, when I called him for the millionth time!” Taani scoffed.
“Voh aayega tabhi uski acchi class lene wali hoon main!”
“Voh aayega toh na. Doesn’t look like he wants to come back!”
“Hello?” Swayam walked in on them. “What’s wrong?”
“Your best friend is not coming back from London.” Sharon told Swayam.
“Yeah, he just told me that.” Swayam informed.
“He called you?” Both Taani and Sharon sneered at him.
“It was regarding some work, but ussi beech he told me.”
“That f*cker!” Sharon called Rey.
“Yes Sharon, I know you want to talk to me. I read your message. Par mere paas time nahi hai.” Rey spoke as soon as he answered the call.
“Fine!” Sharon disconnected the call in anger.
“Office mein tha?” Taani asked.
“I.. don’t know.” Sharon thought and answered.
“Itna kya kaam aagaya hai?” Taani asked.
“Bhai ka project hai. Isse manage karne nahi ho raha.” Swayam informed.
“Toh kyun kar raha hai? Armaan bhai can handle it I’m sure.” Taani knitted her brows.
“Bhai challenged him aur abhi ego pe baat aagayi.” Swayam rolled his eyes.
“Yeh bhai bhi na!” Taani sulked.
“AB ko kuch mat bol. This is on Rey.” Sharon sneered.
“Main ja rahi hoon, waise bhi party ka plan cancel hogaya hai.” Taani got up.
“Uncle was asking for you. Toh milke jana.” Swayam told her.
“Yeah sure. Bye!” Taani left.
“Teko kya hua?” Swayam sat next to Sharon.
“I spoke with Ayu today, I mean texted him. Usse bol toh diya that I’m ready to have a civilized talk but I’m not sure how that is gonna go down.” Sharon sighed.
“He just wants to apologize.” Swayam shook his head.
“He better!” She exclaimed.
“Sharon, you’re not nineteen anymore!” He rebuked.
“Tu ja yaar! I need Rey here!” Sharon sulked.
“Tera kuch nahi ho sakta!” Swayam left, shaking his head.
…
“Are you sure?”
“Yes Rey, I’m one hundred percent sure!” Sara looked at him.
“Okay!” He nodded.
“I should have directly packed my bags and come here.” She huffed.
“Yeah right!” He shook his head.
“Hey!” Riri walked into the house.
“You’re back early.” Sara pointed out.
“You want me to leave?” Riri pointed at the door.
“I didn’t mean that. Anyway, I was telling Rey that..”
“She is moving back to India.” Rey interrupted her.
“Yeah.” Sara nodded.
“Oh that’s great!” Riri smiled at her.
“Kahan ja rahi ho? Come join us.” Sara patted next to her.
“I was in the OT the entire day and I’m really tired. I’m just going to have a nice bath and go to sleep.” Riri told her.
“Okay!”
“Night!” Rey passed her a smile.
“She looked exhausted!” Sara said.
“Yeah!” Rey replied.
“I never knew you had a thing for her.” Sara chuckled.
“What?” Rey widened his eyes at her.
“I was joking!” She shook her head. “Tum dono bina kapdo ke so rahe the uss din. How can I not tease you?” She bit her tongue.
“Tu na please uske saamne apna muh band rakh!”
“She was asking me yesterday. I told her ki mujhe depressed feel ho raha tha aur tu yahan tha toh main aagayi!”
“Aur kisko pata hai ki tu yahan hai?”
“I haven’t told anyone. And please tu bhi chup hi reh.”
“You’ve no idea teri wajah se kitni gaaliyaan pad rahi hai meko!” Rey shook his head.
“I’m sor..”
“Chup reh!” Rey cut her off.
“This is why I love you!” She grinned at him.
“Not again!” Rey rolled his eyes.
“Arre?” Sara watched him as he read the messages on his phone. “Sharon?”
“Bhar bhar ke gaaliyan type kar rahi hai!” Rey covered his face and wailed.
“Usko teri itni yaad kyun aa rahi hai?” She asked.
“Ayushman Saxena is creating havoc in her life!” He shook his head.
“She decided to talk to him?”
“She is going to chicken out the last moment, I know it!”
“Rey?”
“Hmn?”
“Should we go right now? Riri bhi ghar aagayi hai.”
“We could, if you want.” He replied.
“Let’s go!” She nodded and got up.
“Sharon stop calling me!” Rey yelled at his phone.
“Kya hua?” Sara asked him.
“Pata nahi. She is continuously calling me.” He told her.
“You should call her back. Voh itne calls annoy karne ke liye nahi karti.” Sara said.
“Yeah!” Rey nodded and called Sharon.
“Rey..” Sharon sniffed.
“Shar what’s wrong?” Rey widened his eyes at her voice.
Sharon just cried on the other end.
“Shar speak up! You’re scaring me!” Rey yelled.
“You trust me, right?” She asked in between her sniffs.
“Hua kya hai? Tu ro kyun rahi hai?”
“Aaj main Ayu se milne gayi thi..” Sharon said in a soft voice.
“Maine bola tha teko ki jarurat nahi hai milne ki usse. Kyun nahi sunti meri baat?” Rey held his head.
“Abhi tu bhi mat shuru ho. I’ve had enough of this gyan from Swayam already.” Sharon yelled back.
“Where is he?” Rey asked.
“Probably uske ghar pe.” She answered.
“What do you mean by that?” Rey furrowed his brows.
“He asked me to leave.” Sharon sniffed.
“Over this?”
“We have been fighting for two weeks now. But how will you know. You don’t care about anything but yourself!” She yelled back.
“Tu please shaanti se explain karegi ki hua kya hai?” Rey felt uneasy hearing Sharon’s broken voice.
“Kya explain..aah!”
The call got disconnected. Rey called her back in panic but her phone didn’t ring. He hurriedly called Swayam.
“Haan Rey bol.” Swayam answered.
“Sharon kahan hai?” Rey questioned.
“Kya complain kar rahi thi?” Swayam asked calmly.
“Swayam stop f*cking around. What’s going on?”
“She met Ayush. Then she was behaving like she was never over him. Toh maine usse bol diya that she is free to leave. She left.” Swayam stated.
“Tu pagal hai kya?” Rey yelled.
“Tu bhi usse jaanta hai. Do din baad dimaag thikaane aayega uska aur khud vapas aajayegi.” Swayam shook his head.
“Kahan gayi hai voh?” Rey asked.
“Farmhouse shayad.” Swayam answered.
“She didn’t sound okay.” Rey was concerned.
“Then let her be that way for a few more days. Humesha main uske peeche nahi bhaagne wala.” Swayam scoffed.
“Teko kya hua hai?” Rey furrowed his brows.
“I’m tired Rey! Roz roz usko same cheezein bolke ke thak chuka hoon main. Agar usse lagta hai that I don’t trust her anymore. Then f*cking be it!” Swayam raised his voice. “Aur tu bhi uski side lena band kar. Usko bohot chadha ke rakha hai tune!”
“Listen, can you just go there and check on her?” Rey asked.
“I f*cking don’t believe this!” Swayam disconnected the call in annoyance.
“What’s the matter?” Sara asked Rey.
“Something has happened and I don’t have a good feeling about it. Swayam sounded really annoyed aur voh aisa nahi behave karta. And Sharon needs someone with her right now. I have to go!” He told her.
“But Rey..” She wanted to oppose but she knew that Sharon needed Rey.
“I’ll directly go there and maybe get her here?” Rey looked at Sara.
“Pagal hai kya?” She yelled back.
“Okay, relax! Main Monday tak vapas aajaunga. You just don’t tell Riri anything, please.” He pleaded.
“Keep me posted.” She nodded.
“What’s going on?” Riri walked out on them.
“I have to leave urgently.” Rey informed.
“All good?” Riri asked.
“I don’t know!”
…
“Sharon? Where the hell are you?” Rey yelled as he entered the house. “Sharon!”
Rey walked around the farmhouse but he couldn’t find her in the darkness. He moved to turn the lights on when he felt a cloth being tied on his eyes.
“What the..?”
He was dragged to the living room and made to sit on a chair. He felt someone tie his hands behind him and his legs to the legs of the chair. He tried to protest but he was shut with a quick peck on his lips.
Can I get ya … ooo
Can I touch ya … ooo
Can I get ya … ooo
Can I touch ya
Zara zara touch me touch me touch me
Ah zara zara kiss me kiss me kiss me
Ah zara zara hold me hold me hold me
Ah zara zara … ooo ooo
Rey felt hands travel from his face to the entire length of his body. He wiggled on the chair but the hands steadied him back. He felt uneasy as the hands rose up his legs.
“What the f*ck are you guys doing?” Rey cursed.
“Shush.. enjoy!” He heard Taani whisper in his ear as the blindfold was removed.
Bin tere sanam
Iss jahan mein
Beqarar hum
Dum da dum da dum
Rey saw Vicky, Nil, Amar and Bharat dancing in front of him wearing one piece. They walked close to him and ran their hands seductively over Rey. Everyone else was standing in a circle and enjoying the show. Rey tried to free himself, but he couldn’t move an inch.
Touch me touch me touch me
Ah zara zara
Kiss me kiss me kiss me
Ah zara zara
“Stop it!” Rey yelled at the top of his voice.
Sharon turned off the music. Rey managed to free his hands and untied himself from the chair.
“What the f*ck Sharon? Do you have any idea how worried I was?” He walked up to her.
“Tu wapas aane ka naam hi nahi le raha tha..” Sharon looked guilty.
“Toh iss se bolti call karke kuch reason banane!” Rey yelled back and pointed at Taani.
“Oh right yeh toh humne socha hi nahi.” Taani mocked.
“Just get the f*ck out of here!” Rey pushed the chair aside, making it topple over and walked out.
“Uh.. guys?” Arjun looked at everyone.
“Thoda jyada hogaya na?” Swayam asked and they just nodded in silence.
“Main jaake baat karta hoon uss se.” Armaan told them.
“Armaan bhai aap ruko, main jaati hoon.” Taani stopped him and went out to find Rey.
“What now Taani?” Rey yelled at her as she approached him.
“Listen I know we shouldn’t have..”
“Then why did you?” He cut her off.
“You didn’t leave us with any other option.” She replied softly.
“What?” He stared at her.
“Humne kitni baar tumhe pucha ki tum wapas kab aarahe ho. But you kept avoiding the question and then finally kuch din pehle, you announced that you weren’t coming back for weeks. Humne sab planning kar rakhi thi and we wanted to surprise you. Isiliye yeh sab natak karna pada.” Taani confessed.
“Seedhe bol nahi sakti thi aane?” He glared at her. “Aur kis cheez ka surprise?”
“Your birthday was ruined last year because of me. I wanted to do something special for you this time. Isiliye I kept asking ki wapas kab aarahe ho. Aur bohot reasons diye to get you here, but you didn’t listen and uske baad calls bhi avoid kar rahe the mere. What else was I supposed to do?” Her voice softened.
“Birthday..” Rey realized that it was his birthday in a couple of hours. He shut his eyes close and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Yaar!” He looked around and pulled on his hair in frustration.
“Khud pe kyun gussa ho rahe ho? I feel horrible for using Sharon as a bait to get you here. We didn’t realize iss sab ka tum par kya asar hoga.” She looked down.
“You could have just asked me to come na?” He made her look at him.
“I wanted it to be a surprise.” Her voice broke.
“Don’t cry now.” He pulled her in his embrace. She hugged him tightly, not wanting to let go. “Next time, leave the surprise planning to the expert.” He teased.
“Shut up!” She hit him.
“Yaar abh andar jaake sabke taane sunne padenge!” He wailed.
“Your anger was justified though.” She turned her head to look at him.
“Kya hua? Aise kyun dekh rahi ho?” He furrowed his brows at her.
Tera hi tera intezar hai
Mujhe toh bas tujhse pyaar hai
Tera hi tera ab khumaar hai
Khud pe na mera ikthiyar hai
Taani sang looking into Rey’s eyes and locked her hands behind his neck. She raised her chin and inched her lips closer to his.
Bin tere sanam
Iss jahan mein
Beqarar hum
Dum da dum da dum
Taani brushed her lips against Rey and pulled herself closer to him. Rey held her by her hips and lifted her up. She locked her legs behind him and he lowered his hands to her bottom to support her. He captured her lips and started devouring them. She suckled on his lips, not holding back on anything. Soon she took control of his lips as she bit on his lower lip forcing him to grant her entry. She freed her hand from behind him and pulled on his collar. She pulled it aside and started giving a trail of kisses down his neck.
“Taani control!” Rey fought back his urge and pulled her apart.
Taani looked at him with hooded eyes and puffed lips. He lowered her down, grazing his hand over her exposed leg and made her stand. She looked at him from top to bottom and let out a throaty chuckle.
“What?” He raised his brows at her.
“You’ve got a nice trail going on there.” She pointed at his shirt which had the last button open.
“Thodi toh sharam kar!” He teased as he closed the button.
“Abs dikhane ke liye hi banaye hai na? Ya shirt ke peeche chupa ke rakhne ke liye?” She taunted back.
“Nikalu?” He challenged her.
“Your wish!”
“Phir jab sab tease karenge tab mat bolna kuch!” He cocked his brow.
“Nahi karenge! I have my defense with me!” She said proudly.
“I’m not going to defend you!” He scoffed.
“I wasn’t even expecting that.” She rolled her eyes.
“Toh kaun?” He furrowed his brows.
“Bhai!”
“Bhai teko kyun defend karega?” He scrunched his nose.
“Abbe idiot, mera bhai!” She swatted his head.
“Ouch!” He rubbed his forehead.
“Natak mat kar. Kuch nahi laga hai tujhe.” She rolled her eyes.
“We should head in then. Sab wait kar rahe honge.” He said.
“Yeah.” She nodded and turned to go back in.
“Taani.” He stopped her. “Thank you!”
“Abhi toh surprise diya bhi nahi hai.” She winked at him and made her way to the house.
“It’s great to see you in shorts!” He yelled behind her.
“Wore them just for you!” She looked over her shoulder and winked at him. He grinned at her and followed her back to the house.
“Mil gayi shaanti?” Swayam taunted as soon as they walked back.
“Shaanti nahi yaar Taani mili.” Rey replied tongue-in-cheek.
“Itna accha tadakta bhadakta performance humne diya aur saari credit yeh le gayi!” Vicky sneered at Taani.
“Idhar aa tujhe bhi credit deta hoon.” Rey pouted his lips and walked towards Vicky.
“Taani sambhal isko!” Vicky hid behind her.
“So Rey, are you ready to celebrate your birthday?” Simmi asked.
“What exactly have you guys planned?” He squinted at everyone.
“Nothing much. Just a small fun gathering.” Armaan told him.
“I don’t trust you guys!” Rey replied.
“Humne yeh sab last minute plan kiya hai. So relax, no fishy business here!” Aashi chuckled.
“Abhi toh bol rahe the ki badi lambi planning chalu thi tum sab ki?” He squinted.
“Trust me Rey, no more shocks for you.” Sharon told him.
“Teko toh galati se bhi trust nahi kar raha main!” He glared at her.
“Sorry!” Sharon held her ears.
“Awe.. so cute.” Purvi commented.
“Iski bholi surat pe mat ja. Iske andar ki chudail ko dekh!” Rey taunted Sharon and the next moment he received a smack on his back from her. “Dekha!”
“Chalo abhi sab log jao and get ready. Meet here back in an hour.” Sharon announced.
“Ek ghanta ready hone ke liye?” Shivam asked.
“Well obviously, iske jaisa homeless thodi dikhna hai hume!” Sharon pointed at Rey.
“Aur main kya pehenu? I don’t have anything here.” Rey asked.
“Itni acchi body bana rakhi hai, flaunt it!” Aashi winked.
“Okay!” Rey removed his shirt.
…
“Here is your gift!” Taani handed Rey a box.
“Kya hai?” Rey asked.
“Open it!” She chirped.
“Please tell me that you haven’t spent a shitload of money on it.” He opened it.
“So..?” She looked at him.
“Are you f*cking kidding me?” Rey widened his eyes at her.
“Peeche bhi dekh.” Taani bit her lower lip and looked at him.
Rey removed the jacket out of the box and his lips curved into a huge grin reading his name on the back of it.
“I love it!” He exclaimed. “Yeh kab? Kaise?” He was speechless.
“I found someone who makes personalized jackets and got this one made for you.” She smiled warmly seeing his reaction to it.
“It’s perfect!” He wore it and looked in the mirror. “They are gonna be so jealous of it!” He smirked.
“I’m glad you liked it.” She adored the smile on his face.
“Chale neeche?” He asked.
“Mirror leke chalne wale ho?” She mocked when he couldn’t take his eyes off it.
“Shut up!” He pouted.
“Waise it’s accentuating your abs really well.” She winked at him.
“Yeah!” Rey agreed looking at the mirror.
“Okay enough now. Chalo!” Taani pulled him out of the room.
“I want that!” Sharon yelled as soon as she saw the jacket on Rey.
“Sorry, but this one’s mine!” Rey turned around and showed his name on it.
“Where did you get it made?” Simmi asked.
“Taani?” Rey asked her to answer.
“I found this girl on Instagram who makes personalized jackets and got in touch with her.” Taani answered.
“Details. Now!” Sharon demanded.
“I’ll forward it to you.” Taani chuckled.
“NOW!” Sharon asserted.
“Fine!” Taani sent her the profile.
“Hogaya?” Rey glared at Sharon. “Abhi mere birthday pe wapas aaye?”
“Haan haan!” Sharon groaned.
“Chalo jaldi cake cut kar lete hai.” Nil rubbed his hands together and smirked.
“What have you guys planned?” Rey squinted.
“Just relax and have fun.” Swayam chuckled.
“I’m trying to.” Rey replied.
“Chalo!” Taani pushed him out the backyard door.
“So which cake would you like to have?” Armaan pointed at the five mini cakes lined on the table.
“Don’t you dare think of smearing them all over me. Yeh jacket spoil hui toh ek ek ko chun chun ke marunga.” He threatened them.
“Itna patience hai tujh mein?” Shivam taunted.
“Duniya bhar ka hai.” Rey challenged him.
“Try me.” Shivam challenged back.
“Oyee hello?” Taani looked at them.
“Lagta hai iska saara patience khatam hogaya hai.” Shivam chuckled.
“Come on choose a cake!” Armaan told him.
“Centre wala, chocolate?” Rey furrowed his brows trying to figure out what was going on.
“Oh and you have to take a bite of the cakes you select to cut.” Swayam patted on his shoulder.
“NO!” Rey widened his eyes in horror making everyone laugh.
“It’s chocolate cake, what can go wrong?” Taani handed him a knife.
Rey cautiously cut the cake as the rest sang happy birthday with an evil grin on their faces. He pulled a piece off of it and looked at everyone. He took the piece to his mouth and stopped.
“One of you has to volunteer to eat this with me!” He told them.
“Uh no!” Nil opposed.
“Toh main bhi nahi kha raha!” He put it back down.
“Come on, don’t be a spoilsport!” Taani mocked him.
“Fine, you be my first guest!” He smirked at her.
“Maine kya bigaada hai tumhara?” She pouted.
“It’s just chocolate cake, what could go wrong?” Rey taunted her.
“F*ck you!” Taani sneered at him and cut a piece of the cake.
“Now feed each other!” Sharon grinned.
Rey and Taani fed the cake to each other and instantly gagged as the flavor hit their palate.
“What in the world is this?” Rey felt like throwing up.
“Soy sauce!” Taani made a face.
“Why?” Rey looked at them.
“Teri punishment!” Neha smirked.
“I hate you guys!” He wailed.
“Chalo next!” Armaan rubbed his hands together.
“Kaun volunteer kar raha hai?” Rey looked at them.
“Tu cake toh select kar.” Shivam pointed.
“Tu hi aa!” Rey looked at him.
“No I’m good!” Shivam replied.
“Then even I’m good. I don’t want any more cake!” Rey smirked.
“No you have to!” Taani asserted. “Bhai aapko bhi khana padega!”
“Cheesecake?” Rey looked at them.
“It’s key lime!” Sharon answered.
“With?” Shivam asked.
“Taste it!” Taani chuckled.
“Aaja aaja!” Rey called him.
Rey cut two pieces of the cake. They both picked up a piece.
“Cheers!” They both said and sighed, bracing themselves.
“What the f*ck is in it?” Shivam spat it out.
“Wasabi!” Rey gulped it down his throat.
“Liked it?” Vicky asked.
“Loved it!” Rey rolled his eyes.
“Great then, on to the next one!” Arjun chuckled.
“Who’s next?” Rey looked at the cakes and thought.
“Kitna natak tha tera, abh toh tu bhi maze le raha hai!” Swayam rolled his eyes at Rey.
“Nil!” Simmi exclaimed.
“What?” Rey looked at her.
“He is gonna join you.” She smirked.
“Mad or what?” Nil refused.
“Itna toh kar hi sakte ho na.” Simmi batted her lashes.
“Yeh kya chal raha hai?” Rey squinted at them.
“Nil has agreed to be a sweetheart for me to go out on a date with him.” Simmi cocked her brow.
“Good luck with that!” Rey scoffed.
“Tu cake select kar re!” Nil walked forward.
“Red velvet looks good.” Rey said.
“Just looks good!” Nil made a face.
“What is that?” Rey asked, taking a bite.
“Schezwan!” Nil answered.
“Bhai do you have those meds? I’ll be needing them.” Rey looked at Armaan, making him chuckle.
“Chal chal do hi bache hai.” Arjun asked him to hurry.
“Tu bada uchal raha hai. Come join me!” Rey called him.
“Actually Purvi wants to.” Arjun pushed her ahead.
“What? No!” Purvi opposed.
“Aaiye aaiye, don’t feel shy!” Rey asked her to join him. “Let’s cut pineapple!”
“Lucky b*tch!” Taani muttered under her breath.
“Oh this tastes good!” Purvi had a grin on her face.
“Chalo you won’t have to eat the last butterscotch one.” Sharon chuckled lightly.
“Usme kya special ingredient tha?” Rey asked.
“Asafoetida!” Amar chuckled.
“Ek accha cake bana deta yaar.” Rey groaned.
“Pineapple tha na.” Amar told him.
“I hate pineapple cakes!” Rey gritted his teeth.
“We know that!” They all said together and laughed out loud.
…
“What’s going on?” Rey looked around.
“I have no idea.” Purvi told him.
“Abh kya kaand karne wale hai yeh sab?” He was concerned.
“Koi kaand nahi hai. Even you’ll enjoy this game.” Arjun chuckled lightly.
“Abhi hi kar rahe hai?” Purvi asked Arjun.
“Haan they are setting up the bowl.” Arjun pointed at Taani and Sharon.
“Rey beer lega?” Swayam asked.
“Breezer hai toh la.” Rey replied back. “Tum dono ko kuch chahiye?” He asked Arjun and Purvi.
“Yeh toh khatam hone de.” Purvi pointed at the bottle in her hand.
“Okay, we’re ready!” Taani exclaimed.
“Abh kya karne wale ho mere saath?” Rey squinted.
“Fishpond!” Rinni exclaimed.
“But with a twist.” Taani winked.
“Which is?” Rey cocked his brow.
“We all have written down, well actually printed messages for you. You have to pick one chit at a time and try to figure out who’s it is.” Taani explained.
“Sounds easy!” Rey corrected his jacket and walked to the bowl.
“We’ll see.” Taani shook her head at his overconfidence and joined the others.
“Okay!” Rey pulled out a chit and read aloud.
“This is so sweet. Has to be Rinni.” Rey smiled at Rinni. She grinned back at him.
“Taani tera playback singer kaun hai?” Rey eyed the boys.
“Tu sab padh ke guess kar. Abhi hum bol denge toh easy hoga tere liye!” Nil asked him to carry on.
“So, I was right!” Rey smirked. “Waise, label maker kahan mila?” He asked as he pulled out another chit.
“Pada tha office mein.” Sharon told him.
“Manas ka uthaya na tune?” He sneered at her.
“Haan.” Sharon replied tongue-in-cheek. Rey shook his head at her.
“Kiska secret rakha hai itne saalon se?” He wondered.
“Kisika toh hoga.” Simmi winked.
“It’s you!” Rey looked at Simmi and she nodded. “Since 1994 thoda exaggerated nahi hai?”
“Nah!” Simmi shook her head.
“Thanks! Sharon, feel free to take it from me. You’ll enjoy it more!” He smirked at Sharon.
“What the hell?” Sharon looked around to see if anyone understood it. She squinted at Swayam who was trying hard to control his laughter.
“Thanks luv! But I expected something more from you.” Rey said with a sly grin.
They all turned to look at Taani who didn’t give away anything.
“I see!” He squinted. “I’ll figure this one out, don’t you worry!” He kept the chit aside.
“Hi Neha!” Rey waved at her.
“Kaise guess kar liya?” She asked back.
“Abh tere siva yahan itna filmy kaun hai?” He wiggled his brows and pulled out the next chit.
“Why thank you! Itna pyaar kisko aaraha hai mere pe?” He squinted at them. “I was expecting some scandalous stuff.”
“Here we go!” Rey chuckled. “Abh yeh kiski harkat hai?” He looked at the guys.
The guys grinned back at him. Rey looked at them closely and shook his head. From the corner of his eyes he saw Shivam cock his brow at him.
“Thats a good recommendation, Shivam!” Rey smirked back at him making Taani’s jaw drop. Shivam burst out laughing at her shocked face.
“Shivam, I thought you were the strict one.” Sharon asked him.
“He’s a cool bro!” Armaan backed Shivam.
“Uh-NO!” Rey glared at Armaan. “You have the title of best brother. Best mama nahi milne wala! Ever!”
“Shivam do you have something to say?” Arjun chuckled.
“I’m happy with cool bro!” Shivam raised his hands.
“Taani?” Rey looked at her and saw the same confusion on her face.“ Okay, so not you. Knight in Shining Armor?” He looked at everyone else.
“Meko tune kitni baar help ki hai.” Simmi told him.
“Simmi tu chup reh, tera hogaya hai.” Rey shushed her. “Yeh kaun hai?” He wondered to himself as he kept the chit aside.
“What?” Rey read it again and then it struck him. “It’s very much XL, thank you for your concern though!” He rolled his eyes and looked at the boys.
“Tereko recommendation bhi mile hai. Abh bas size bhi confirm hojaye toh hum waise tere liye gift order kar le.” Nil smirked at him.
“Oh God!” Taani covered her face in embarrassment as she understood the implication.
“XL!” Rey told him.
“Taani, can you confirm?” Nil looked at her with a sly grin.
“Can we move on please?” She squirmed.
“Aashi!” Rey said confidently.
“Nope!” Aashi giggled as his face dropped.
“Then who?” Rey furrowed his brows.
“Itne log hai, koi bhi ho sakta hai.” Vicky told him.
“Thanks Vicky, mujhe toh pata hi nahi tha.” Rey rolled his eyes at Vicky and pulled out another chit.
“I see you’ve grown quite close to Parul, Arjun.” Rey looked at him.
“That sounded fun!” Arjun chuckled.
“Sure it was!” Rey sneered.
“What?” Taani looked at them.
“Baadmein batata hoon.” Arjun told her.
“Koi jarurat nahi hai!” Rey yelled back.
“Haww!” The boys exclaimed dramatically.
“Apni fiance ke saath sab share karna hota hai Rey.” Sharon taunted him with a sly smile.
“Kab share karna hai voh main decide karunga. Also, you weren’t supposed to know this.” Rey sneered at Arjun.
“She told me. I didn’t pry out anything!” Arjun defended himself.
“Chal abh do hi chits bachi hai!” Sharon asked him to continue.
“Noted!” Rey smiled warmly and kept the chit in his pocket.
“Rey are you sure that it’s Taani’s?” Sharon squinted at him.
“Oh definitely!” He grinned and looked at Taani who had a slight blush creeping up her cheeks.
“Yeh trail pe hua kya tha ki yeh itni blush kar rahi hai?” Aashi asked.
“Rey, there’s just one chit left.” Taani said to take everyone's attention away from her.
“Haan! Iske baad tujhe sab guess bhi karne hai.” Armaan said.
“Hayye mere Si..” Rey stopped. “Nice try Sharon!” He rolled his eyes at her.
“You’re supposed to read everything!” Taani complained.
“She is right, Singu.” Sharon laughed.
“Pe pe peep peep pe pe peep peep SINGU SINGU!” The gang sang out loud.
“What?” Taani looked at them as she chuckled at the Pingu title track.
“Yeh Rey ka nickname tha.” Simmi told her.
“Sharon?” Taani looked at her.
“Haan.” Sharon nodded.
“I hate you!” Rey groaned.
Sharon pulled the chit from his hand and read it.
“Done, right?” Rey looked at them.
“Tere guesses pending hai na.” Armaan reminded him.
“Okay so, who is left?” Rey looked at them. “Aashi, Purvi, Amar, Bharat and Vicky?”
“Yeah.” Swayam nodded.
“Okay so I’m guessing that knight in shining armor is Purvi’s?” He looked at her and she nodded. “I’m not!” He denied.
“Oh you are!” Purvi and Taani said together.
“Fine!” He didn’t argue back. “Abh yek baaki chaar mein se yeh boyfriend toh Aashi hi hogi and the songs will be the two of you.” He looked at Amar, Bharat and Vicky. “But yeh itna accha message kisne likha? Did I get someone wrong?” He looked at the others who shook their heads in denial.
“Koi genuinely teko appreciate nahi kar sakta kya?” Amar frowned.
“Thanks dude. But that’s a little too much.” Rey smiled warmly at him.
“But that is true.” Taani agreed soon to be followed by others.
“Okay fine! I accept it!” He shut them up.
“And that’ll be you, birthday boy!” Shivam stopped the car in front of Rey’s house.
“Thank you!” Rey got off the car.
“Toh wapas kab ja rahe ho?” Shivam asked him.
“Tomorrow afternoon.” Rey answered.
“Okay see you around next month.” Shivam taunted.
“Yeah yeah!” Rey rolled his eyes at him.
“Tu kahan ja rahi hai?” Shivam asked Taani as she got off.
“Main raat ko aajaungi ghar. Aap jao.” She replied.
“Happy birthday once again!” Sharon yelled from across the road.
“Iski abhi tak utri nahi hai!” Rey facepalmed.
“Rey!” Sharon yelled again.
“Thanks Sharon!” Rey yelled back as Swayam struggled to take Sharon inside the house.
“Bye!” Taani waved at Shivam, hinting him to leave.
“Aajana raat tak.” He looked at her and then at Rey and left.
“Meko kyun look de raha hai?” Rey complained as he left.
“Chale?” Taani looked at him.
“Kahan?” He asked her.
“Andar!” She pointed at the house.
“Teko badi jaldi hai.” He cocked his brow.
“Shut up!” She hit his arm.
“Hogayi party khatam?” Juhi asked as Rey and Taani walked in.
“Party ke naam pe torture kiya sabne milke!” Rey pouted.
“Meri beti ke planning ko torture kaise bol sakta hai tu?” Rannvijay scolded him.
“Beti? Yeh kab hua?” Rey cocked his brow at Taani.
“You weren’t here. Someone had to fill in!” Taani replied tongue-in-cheek.
“Maa? Aap kiske side ho?” He pouted.
“Of course you!” Juhi replied, making him grin at her.
“Accha? Tumne kya special kiya hai?” Rannvijay asked Juhi. “Taani here organized a party with so many cakes for him..”
“Jisme se ek bhi dhang ka nahi tha!” Rey interrupted him and complained.
“Isiliye tere liye brownies banayi hai.” Juhi smiled at Rey.
“Thank you so much!” Rey hugged her. “Tum dono ke saath toh bilkul bhi share nahi karunga!” He mocked Taani and Rannvijay.
“I already had them!” Rannvijay scoffed.
“Good for you!” Rey made a face. “But you aren’t getting any.” He looked at Taani.
“Theek hai sab kha jao aur apne abs ko bye bol do!” Taani smirked at him.
“Maa!” Rey complained like a child.
“Mumma’s boy!” Rannvijay taunted, making Taani giggle.
“Abs and all are fine, par apni health pe bhi dhyaan rakho. Ekdum soonkh gaye ho.” Juhi ran her hand on his head. “Anu bhi bata rahi thi ki tu dhang se kha nahi raha tha.”
“Yaar bua exaggerate karti hai. And don’t worry about me. I’m fine!” Rey frowned.
“Theek hai. Now don’t spoil your mood.” Rannvijay intervened. “Taani don’t you want to show him?”
“Paa nahi..” She shook her head nervously.
“Kya?” Rey squinted at them.
“We’ll leave you two alone. Happy birthday!” Rannvijay ruffled Rey’s hair and left with Juhi.
“What was he talking about?” Rey asked Taani.
“Kuch nahi. Paa aise hi bol rahe the.” Taani disregarded it.
“Taani? What are you hiding?” He squinted at her.
“There is one more tiny surprise for you. But as you said I should leave the surprises to the expert toh I’m not sure..” She looked away.
“Oyye!” He made her look at him. “I was pulling your leg. This has been an amazing birthday, all thanks to you!” He kissed her nose.
“Mera mann rakhne ke liye jhoot mat bolo.”
“I’m being totally honest. This has been my best birthday! No one can top this!” He smiled warmly at her.
“Stop buttering me up. I’ll give you the surprise.” She pouted making him chuckle. “I hope you like it.” She held his hand.
“You got my name tattooed?” He widened his eyes.
“What?” She scrunched her nose.
“I was just trying to guess.” He shrugged his shoulders.
“Also, I’m not getting your name tattooed. Ever! Got it?” She pointed a finger at him.
“Yes ma’am!” He nodded.
“Shut up!” She giggled at his response.
“Stop fooling around and tell me what other surprise have you planned for me?” Rey asked impatiently.
“Come with me.” She walked him down to the basement.
“Yahan kya karne ka irada hai?” Rey closed the top button on his shirt and asked.
“Oh God Rey! Can you stop? I’m already nervous about this!” She frowned.
“Sorry!” He snaked his arms from behind her and rested his head on her shoulder.
“Please be honest and tell me if you don’t like it. Okay?” She tilted her head to look at him.
“Yes I will!” He nodded.
“Okay then.” She took a deep breath. “Go ahead and open that door.” She pointed.
“Rehearsal hall ko decorate karke date plan ki hai?” He wiggled his brow and walked to the door.
“Umm.. well..”
“Let’s see what surprise you have in store for me!” He opened the door and froze on his place.
The complete interior of the rehearsal hall was changed. For a minute he couldn’t recognize the place. The left wall was painted to look like a stereo player. On the right were some equalizers and the back wall had speakers painted on it. Rey walked in and ran his hand along the wall feeling the textures. He went to the centre and took in the entire view of the hall. He was overwhelmed with emotions and fell down on his knees. He covered his face to control the tears from coming out.
“Rey?” Taani rushed to him. “I’m really sorry. I can get it changed back to the way it was.” She sat beside him and cupped his face.
“Are you mad?” He sniffed. “This is so.. I’m speechless!” He said as a tear rolled down his eye.
“Toh ro kyun rahe ho?” Her eyes had become moist as well.
“Rulane wali harkat karti ho aur upar se puchti ho ki ro kyun raha hoon?” He wiped his face.
“Do you like it?” She asked him.
“Not at all! It looks horrendous!” He scoffed as a few more tears escaped his eyes.
“I was so nervous.” She sat on his lap and wiped his tears off.
“When did you do all this?” He asked.
“I wanted to do something special for you. Bohot socha and finally arrived at this decision. Phir Paa se permission li and he was more than happy to let me change the interiors. Also, tera yahan na hona did help in a way.” She chuckled lightly.
“How will I ever top this?” He pouted.
“Oh you’ve done more than enough!” She pecked him and giggled.
“You shouldn’t have done this.” He said.
“Why?” She frowned.
“Because I was going to ask you to design my cabin at the academy. Now I can’t.” He scrunched his nose.
“I’d be happy to do that.” She smiled at him.
“Will you be able to outdo yourself?” He asked.
“Try me!” She winked at him.
“This is so beautiful! I mean beautiful is such an understatement!” He looked around the room.
“Thank you.” Taani hugged him and rested her head on his chest.
“What are you doing?” He looked at her as he felt her move her hand on his neck.
“You’re hot!”
“Thanks!” He smirked.
“You’ve got temperature!” She rolled her eyes.
“Probably all this traveling is taking a toll on me.” He shrugged his shoulders.
“You need proper rest.”
“I’ll take it when I go back to London. Dr. Riri hai to look after me.” He chuckled.
“Armaan bhai bhi ja rahe hai na tumhare saath?” She asked.
“He hasn’t told me anything.” Alarms started ringing in his head, but he maintained a calm composure.
“He hasn’t told Riri bhabhi as shayad unhe surprise rakhna ho. But I thought you knew.”
“Pehle toh usse bhabhi bulana band kar. It sounds horrible!” He made a face.
“Toh kya bulau?” She frowned. “Sharon was suggesting ribha.” She chuckled.
“Yuck no!” He cringed. “She is the worst at giving nicknames!”
“Singu was pretty good.” Taani teased.
“Nai yaar!” He groaned.
“How did that even come about?” She laughed.
“I have no f*cking idea. I just know ki voh gadhi pogo bohot dekhti thi!” He rolled his eyes.
“It’s cute.”
“No it’s not!”
“So what name do you prefer?”
“Rey! Itna accha naam hai, kyu kharab karna hai?” He sulked.
“Toh mera bhi itna accha naam hai, Taani. Usse kyu kharab karte ho?” She squinted.
“Maine kya kiya hai?”
“Luv toh tera bhoot bulata hai na mujhe?” She sneered.
“Voh main pyaar se bulata hoon.” He pulled her cheeks.
“Tumhare toh muh lagna hi bekaar hai!” She frowned.
“Vaise bhi lagke kaafi din hogaye hai!” He smirked making her jaw drop.
“Kaafi din?” She squinted.
“Oh sorry, I forgot how you jumped on me yesterday!” He chuckled.
“Rey!” She glared at him.
“What I meant to say was kaafi time.”
“Nice try! But you already messed up!” She huffed and got up.
“Kahan ja rahi hai?” He held her hand to stop her.
“It’s getting late. Bhai ko bola tha that I’ll be back home soon.”
“Fine go!” He sulked.
“You’ve no right to sulk!” She pointed a finger at him. “Tum kal vapas ja rahe ho!” She reminded him.
“Sharon ke chakkar mein main vahan kaam aadha chodke bhaaga hoon. I need to go back and see it through.”
“But Armaan bhai ja rahe hai na? So can’t you stay back?” She asked wishfully.
“Already bohot guilty feel kar raha hoon. Please don’t do this.”
“You shouldn’t feel that way as you’ve got work there. Vacation pe nahi ho.” She sat back down next to him and rested her head on his shoulder.
“Thanks luv!” He snaked his hand around her and leaned on her head.
“Ghar pe kya karoge? Call her here and you two can directly head out somewhere!” Rey suggested Armaan, as they got off the plane.
“Idea bura nahi hai.” Armaan thought. “I can take her to her favorite dinner place.”
“Yeah!” Rey encouraged him.
“Okay!” Armaan dialed Riri’s number.
“Why are you awake at this hour?” Riri asked Armaan.
“Actually it’s evening where I’m at.” Armaan replied.
“You’re here?” She asked.
“Yeah!” He grinned.
“And I assume Rey is with you, right?” Riri questioned.
“Why would you ask that?” Armaan sensed something in her voice.
“Come home with him right away!” Riri disconnected the call.
“Bhai you were supposed to call her here!” Rey looked at Armaan.
“What have you done?” Armaan looked back at Rey.
“What?” Rey furrowed his brows.
“She seemed mad about something.” Armaan told him.
“F*ck!” Rey cursed under his breath.
“Rey?”
“Ghar chalo, aapko sab batata hoon.” Rey sighed as his phone rang.
“Rey!” Sara said from the other end.
“You just had to..” Rey took a deep breath to calm himself. “I’m coming home in an hour Sara, we’ll talk then.” He disconnected.
“Sara?” Armaan raised his brow at him.
“Ghar chalo, sab batata hoon.” Rey sighed as they proceeded towards immigration.
…
“What’s going on?” Armaan looked at them.
Rey had guilt written all over his face. Sara looked like she was on the verge of crying. And Riri stood glaring at the two of them.
“Which one of you is going to explain?” Riri asked.
“Riri I was going to tell you. In fact, you are the reason why I came here. But Rey insisted on not telling you about it.” Sara had her head lowered.
“Classic Rey!” Riri mocked.
“I asked her to keep it from you as I know you’ll never agree to it. Aur isse kisi aur ko kuch batana nahi tha. I just respected her decision!” Rey opposed.
“Her decision to abort the child!” Riri glared at Sara.
“Wait what?” Armaan widened his eyes.
“It’s a mistake.” Sara covered her face as tears brimmed in her eyes. “I’m not ready. Mere paas dusra koi option nahi hai.”
“Sara for the last time. You don’t have to feel guilty!” Rey said sternly.
“I can’t believe you’re supporting her decision to kill a human life!” Riri flared her nostrils.
“Riddhima, don’t!” Armaan stopped her.
“Don’t tell me that you support her decision as well?” Riri looked at Armaan horrified.
“So you want her to raise a child that she doesn’t want? You of all people should know the consequences of that!” Rey yelled at Riri.
“I know them very well!” Riri gritted her teeth. “But she can’t just go and abort without letting anyone know. F*ck everyone else, even the guy who is the father doesn’t know about it!”
“This was why I had asked you to not tell her!” Rey yelled at Sara. “She can’t help but get judgmental!” He scoffed.
“I will get judgmental! Because what you are doing is wrong!” Riri yelled back at Rey.
“Guys stop!” Sara shouted and ran into her room.
“What is wrong with you two?” Armaan scolded Rey and Riri.
“I can’t believe he is supporting her decision!” Riri shook her head.
“Riddhima, we both know how you feel about abortion, but Rey is correct. It is Sara who gets to decide about it. You are free to disagree, but you can’t force her into not doing it.” Armaan told Riri.
“The least she could do is inform the guy. And her family?” Riri rebuked.
“Nahi batana tha isiliye toh yahan aayi na voh. She thought you would help her. Little did she know that she was gonna get grilled here!” Rey rolled his eyes.
“Rey stop it!” Armaan quieted him. “I’m going in to talk to her. I don’t want to hear a single voice from the two of you!”
“Bhai please ghar pe kisiko mat batana. I won’t be able to face them.” Sara sobbed as Armaan sat next to her.
“Tujhe nahi batana hai toh hum kisiko kuch nahi batayenge, relax!” He calmed her.
“It was an accident and I’m not ready for this responsibility.” She explained.
“I’m not asking for an explanation.” He told her. “How did Riddhima find out?” He asked.
“Main hospital gayi thi to meet the doctor aur vahan Riri mili. She saw my file and since then she has been raging.” Sara covered her face.
“Are you sure you want to abort?” Armaan looked at her.
“I’m one hundred percent sure bhai!” She held his hand firmly and asserted.
“You’ve thought it through?”
“Yes.” She nodded.
“Okay. Tu Riddhima ki tension mat le. I’ll talk to her. Aur please rona band kar. Yeh baat hum chaaro ke siva kisi tak nahi pahunchegi.” He assured her.
“Thanks bhai!” She smiled at him and he left the room.
“When did you two become this obedient?” Armaan scoffed as he saw Rey and Riri staring at each other.
“Do you know what he has done?” Riri sneered at Rey.
“Riddhima..” Armaan tried to calm her.
“I know that it’s in her best interest to abort the child.” Riri replied gritting her teeth. “But I’m not even fuming at that.” She glared at Rey.
“Kya kiya hai tune?” Armaan asked Rey.
Rey stood quietly with his head lowered.
“He has signed in in the place of the father!” Riri pointed at Rey.
“Tu pagal hai?” Armaan widened his eyes at Rey.
“Hospital fees are crazy here. Mere paas yahan ka insurance hai toh I just..” Rey tried to explain.
“And you can’t afford to pay the bills, right?” Armaan scoffed.
Rey didn’t answer.
“And you were forcing me to join the video call yesterday!” Riri rolled her eyes. “Yeh reason tha why I kept giving you excuses!”
“I’m sorry okay! I wanted to help her aur mujhe jo theek laga voh maine kiya!” Rey snapped at them.
“Sara ke pregnancy wali baat yahan se bahar nahi jaani chahiye, get it?” Armaan looked at them.
“Tum dono tak bhi nahi pahuchti if she was a little more careful!” Rey muttered.
“My head is hurting now! Dinner ke plans banane wala tha main!” Armaan held his head.
“Join the club. Yeh dono beheno ne milke mere dimaag ka raita phaila diya hai!” Rey slumped on the couch.
“I’m sorry.” Sara came out of her room. “I heard everything. I should have handled it on my own. I just panicked and ran here.” She looked at the floor.
“Sara stop apologizing. Isme teri galati nahi hai!” Rey looked at her.
“Riri, I know you hate me for this. But I can’t. Please try to understand me.” Sara walked to Riri.
“I wasn’t mad at you, maybe a little. But iss idiot pe jyada gussa hoon!” Sara kicked Rey on his leg.
“What the f*ck?” Rey looked at her.
“You deserve that!” Riri rolled her eyes.
Rey got up, holding his head and walked to the cabinet.
“What do you want?” Riri asked him.
“Tylenol!” He pulled out the tablet and walked to his room. “Don’t wake me up till tomorrow!” He banged the door shut.
Hello!
I finished writing
This was super fun and a torture to write; both at the same time! I wanted to update on Sunday, but it wasn’t complete. I somehow managed it.
Please go easy on me for this one!
Also, a huge thank you to Mrun for helping me with the update. I would have taken a week more if not for you!
Question of the update:
Any predictions of what is gonna happen next?
Hit Like and Comment down below!
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Nikitashahi @Nikitashahi 2 years ago serious question this is the 3rd time i am reading this ff bt till now i didnt understand that cinnamon wala joke??? can u explain it??
Trisha @Trisha49
+ 2
2 years ago
Rey is such an atrangi utpatang character here who will go to any limits to keep people he loves safe and happy but when it somes to the RIri thing I really see why, what is this father also doesn't know shit, kaaheka father bacha bana bhi nahi hai upar se decision aakhri Sara ka hi hai, completely with Rey on this! Also the father ki jaga naam likhne ka, full sindhi brain moment, anything for insurance! Saare paise yaha se waha udne keliye bachao kyuki wo toh bohot karna hai😂😂😂 Since I know Sharon's reaction could be a big deal here that is making me a lil dara hua
Trisha @Trisha49
+ 2
2 years ago
Rey is such an atrangi utpatang character here who will go to any limits to keep people he loves safe and happy but when it somes to the RIri thing I really see why, what is this father also doesn't know shit, kaaheka father bacha bana bhi nahi hai upar se decision aakhri Sara ka hi hai, completely with Rey on this! Also the father ki jaga naam likhne ka, full sindhi brain moment, anything for insurance! Saare paise yaha se waha udne keliye bachao kyuki wo toh bohot karna hai😂😂😂 Since I know Sharon's reaction could be a big deal here that is making me a lil dara hua
Trisha @Trisha49
+ 2
2 years ago
Ew yaar, who gets names tatooed what is this behaviour fukat ka. I absolutely love taarey bas baat khatam, inka physical romance theek hai but the intimacy of how ell they know each other, Rey crying because of the gift and that while conversation is just absolute absolute gold yaarrr
Trisha @Trisha49
+ 2
2 years ago
Waah, Rey and Shivam want to fight aise hi bas😂😂 kuch toh sharam karo Shweta itna bonding time derahi hai dono ko😂😂You know a selection of cakes is bad when the best one is pineapple lol😂😂😂Bhaisahab kitni mehnat lagi in chits me! Good ones hahaMy favourite has to be Shivam ka yaar, bhai stole the show😂😂😂
Trisha @Trisha49
+ 2
2 years ago
What a freaking surprise matlab dil ki dhadkan ruka di! Also how ameer are these people just casually taking flights at a moments notice😂😂😂Also finally TaaRey got time together I'm so happy🥺🥺🥺Iski bholi soorat oe mat ja, andar ki chudail ko dekh! This should be my dating app bio😂😂😂😂
Trisha @Trisha49
+ 2
2 years ago
Juno coming yayyy, kahani me new twist!! At any given point of time one Arjun has to be in the same city as her no😂😂😂😂Also birthday ke baad ignore, hmm next update ka set up? 🤭Omg Rey and Riddhima had a meet cute! Hey Bhagwan I like how their tale progressed since they are really good friends! Yeah I'm very sleepy, must be the jet lag😂😂😂😂 oh God, high as a kite!!! Sharon saying tu jaa yaar, I need Rey here😂😂😂😂
Trisha @Trisha49
+ 2
2 years ago
Bhaisahab what bonding with Juhi Rann and TaaniYe Simmi jaise complicated games are for when time beet nahi raha ho like a tiring safar, party me ye sab kya, chi! 😂Rey ki pooch pe kisne pair rakha be? Kaise baat karraha hai dosto ke saathAww what is this body goals pe bimar, diet culture 😖
Trisha @Trisha49
+ 2
2 years ago
Bhaisahab what bonding with Juhi Rann and TaaniYe Simmi jaise complicated games are for when time beet nahi raha ho like a tiring safar, party me ye sab kya, chi! 😂Rey ki pooch pe kisne pair rakha be? Kaise baat karraha hai dosto ke saathAww what is this body goals pe bimar, diet culture 😖
Trisha @Trisha49
+ 2
2 years ago
Chalo baat toh hogayi dono ki❤ Also Rey ka stamina kam? Couldn't trek? He kaay naveen? Kasa karnaar ha academy vagera ata🤦♀️