“Hi, how can I help you?” The receptionist greeted.
“Hi! I’m here to meet Taani Raichand.” He replied.
“Oh wow! Who’s this?” Adah’s eyes sparked up.
“Fill out your details here. I’ll give Taani a call.” The receptionist handed him a form.
“Oo Taani!” Adah smirked to herself and rushed to Taani.
“Hello!” Taani chirped as she saw Adah.
“Tujhse koi milne aaya hai.” Adah wiggled her brows at Taani and smiled slyly.
“Kaun?” Taani asked, confused.
“Tera boyf..” Adah stopped as her eyes fell on Taani’s hand. “Is that a wedding ring?” Adah asked aghast.
“Engagement.” Taani corrected her.
“You’re engaged?” Adah still had her eyes wide open.
“Yes Adah!” Taani chuckled seeing her face.
“We’ll talk about this later. Your fiancé is here to meet you.” Adah smiled at Taani.
“Fiancé?” Taani squinted. “Rey wapas kab aaya?” She wondered.
“Itna kyun sochna pad raha hai? Ek hi hai na?” Adah teased.
“Shut up!” Taani sneered back at her.
“Haan haan ja mil le apne yaar se.” Adah chuckled.
“I can’t tell ki tu mazak kar rahi hai ya serious hai.” Taani furrowed her brows at Adah.
“Tu..” Adah stopped as Taani’s phone buzzed. “Go ahead. Pick it up.”
“Hello?” Taani answered.
“Hi Taani, you have a visitor.” The receptionist informed.
“Thank you. I’ll be there in two minutes.” Taani replied and disconnected the call.
“Abh bhi lag raha hai ki main mazak kar rahi hoon?” Adah smirked.
“I’ll be right back!” Taani got up hiding her smile.
“Taani!” Ayushman called her, making her stop in her tracks. “Can you please come in?”
“Yeah.” Taani sighed and reluctantly made her way into his cabin.
“Toh Rey milne aaya hai. Usko toh wait karana banta hai!” Ayushman smirked to himself.
“Yes?” Taani walked up to him.
“So main keh raha tha ki..” Ayushman started speaking but Taani zoned out on him.
“Rey sach mein aaya hai? But how is that possible?” Taani thought to herself. “Uska ego uske project ke pehle khatam hone se raha. Aur bahar Rey hi ruka hai uski kya guarantee? Yeh Adah na kuch bhi dimaag mein bhar deti hai!” She mentally shook her head. “And I’m pretty sure Rey won’t wait there patiently for me to come out. Considering ki yeh Ayush ka office hai, he’ll barge right in.” She chuckled at her thought. “Shayad Arjun aaya hoga. Voh iss weekend waise bhi aane wala tha, shayad jaldi aagaya ho. But then again why will he come here and not go to SRS?” She wondered.
“..so that is the plan.” Ayushman concluded and dropped the pen in his hand on the table, startling Taani.
“Hmm?” Taani gulped, hoping that he wouldn’t ask her input on it.
“What do you think?” He asked.
“Ye..s.” Taani replied unsure.
“Oh great then. Get your laptop in. We’ll start right away!” He grinned at her.
“Huh?” She wondered. “Yes, sure.” She nodded and turned to leave.
“Did you even listen to what I said?” Ayushman stopped her.
“Of course.” Taani turned back and smiled lightly.
“Pray tell.” He got up and raised his brows.
“You.. uh..” Taani stuttered.
“If you did listen to what I said, you wouldn’t be standing here.” He folded his arms across his chest.
“Yeah.. I’m just.. going to get my laptop.” Taani managed to form a sentence.
“Taani!” He stopped her and started laughing. “I was reciting the lyrics of the song mera piya ghar aaya!” He laughed more.
“What?” She too joined him.
“Well, I heard that Rey is here to meet you. Maine socha usse thoda intezaar karwate hai. You know I have somewhat of a beef with him.” He gave her a knowing look.
“Don’t tell me that he has troubled you as well?” She asked, still laughing.
“Oh he was a bully!” He shook his head.
“Just because you’re my boss, I’m not going to believe everything you say.” She squinted at him.
“Ask him for yourself! Do you want me to come along?” He offered.
“I have a feeling that it’s not him outside.” She stated.
“Probably true! Warna abh tak toh andar aagaya hota.” He agreed with her.
“It’s a public space, moreover my office. He knows how to behave.” She asserted.
“Does he?” He arched his brow and they both chuckled.
“I’ll see you after lunch. I shouldn’t keep him waiting for long.” Taani smiled at Ayushman and left
…
“I’ve been waiting forever!” He complained as soon as he saw Taani.
“Juno? Tu?” Taani squinted at him.
“Yes?” He squinted right back.
“I thought.. Never mind.” She shook her head and walked to him. “Tu yahan kaise?”
“Oh wow! Meri importance dekho tumhari life mein.” He taunted. “Main Mumbai aaraha hoon yeh tu bhool gayi?”
“I mean, mere office mein kya kar raha hai?” She sneered.
“Where else was I supposed to go?” He rolled his eyes.
Taani shook her head and was about to grill him when she noticed two suitcases lying next to him.
“Tu ghar se bhag aaya?” She widened her eyes.
“Oh drama queen, hold your horses!” He shook his head. “Bohot badi problem hogayi hai.”
“Kya? Aur tu call karke bata nahi sakta tha? At least Mumbai land hua hai yeh text kar deta!” She scolded him.
“I don’t have a local number. Maine mera old number band karwa diya yahan aane se pehle. Aur yahan aake tu meri help karne wali thi with all this. Remember?” He scoffed.
“Teko boli thi main ki Jio lele. But meri baat tu sunne se raha.” She rolled her eyes.
“Teko?” He raised his brows.
“Tujhe bola tha maine ki ek Jio sim card lene.” She rephrased, gritting her teeth.
“Aur mujhe voh nahi lena hai yeh tujhe pata hai.” He rolled his eyes.
“Vodafone ka kutta hai tu. Pata hai uska network kitna bakwas hogaya hai?” She argued.
“Taani you’re not helping me here!” He huffed.
“Sorry. Bata tu airport se yahan kyun aaya hai?” She asked.
“Main directly yahan nahi aaya hoon.”
“Toh?”
“Can I speak?”
“Sorry.” She giggled.
“I went to that place and the landlord said that he had already rented out the place to someone else a week ago.”
“He can’t do that!”
“He did!”
“Tera advance return kiya usne?”
“I had not paid him any advance.”
“Juno!” She held her head. “Tujhe bola tha na maine?” She glared at him.
“I thought usko confirm bol diya toh hogaya. I could move in directly. Confirmation ki kuch value hi nahi hai yahan.” He complained.
“Obviously!” She rolled her eyes. “But tu yahan aaya kaise?”
“Map pe dekha ki this is the closest location aur socha ki tu yahin miljayegi. Toh main yahan aagaya. Now help me!”
“Tu maps check kar sakta hai but you couldn’t call me?” She glared at him.
“Maine offline download karke rakha tha Mumbai ka map.” He explained.
“Smart hai yaar tu.”
“Thanks!” He smiled.
“I was being sarcastic!” She rolled her eyes.
“Oh!”
“Hmn!” She nodded.
“Abh?” He looked at her.
“Abh kya? Ghar chal kuch sochte hai.” She sighed.
“Chal phir.” He nodded.
“I am on my lunch break. I need to get back to work.” She informed.
“Then I’ll wait here till you’re done.” He sat on the couch behind him.
“Have you lost it?” She looked at him in disbelief. “I’ll book an Uber. Tu ghar ja.”
“Aur wahan jaake kya karu main?”
“Yahan bhi kuch hai nahi karne ke liye.”
“Can’t you take a half-day or something?” He asked.
“I..uhh.. I can try.” She thought.
“Are you sure?” He asked. “I don’t want you to get into any trouble. I can go home and wait.”
“Tere liye kya trouble!” She winked at him. “My boss thinks ki mujhse milne Rey aaya hai. So I can try to convince him to leave me early today.”
“Will he agree?” He asked hopefully.
“I don’t see why he wouldn’t.” She smiled.
“Good luck!” He smiled back as she left.
…
“It’s now or never!” Sharon took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
“If he doesn’t open in the next five seconds, I’m leaving.” She said to herself.
“Hi?” Ayushman was surprised to see Sharon waiting at the door.
“Jesus!” Sharon was startled hearing his voice and turned to face him.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” He walked forward.
“I wasn’t expecting you to come from behind me.” She smiled awkwardly at him.
“All good?” He asked her.
“Yeah!” She nodded. “Kyun?”
“Nahi, tum yahan iss waqt?” He looked around.
“Haan voh I wanted to talk to you.” She replied.
“Sure, let’s go inside.” He opened the door.
“Yeah.” She nodded and followed him in.
“Please settle in. I’ll be right back.” He gestured at the couch.
“I don’t want anything.” Sharon yelled behind him.
“I’m getting water for myself, don’t worry.” He chuckled from the kitchen.
“Your house looks beautiful.” She said as he came out.
“Thanks.” He handed her a glass of water.
“Manners seekh gaya haan tu.” She taunted as she accepted it.
“Teko puchta toh tu mana karti. I had to work around your mannerisms.” He smirked back.
“Shut up!” She scowled.
“So tell me, what brings you here today?” He asked.
“It got tiring to act like you don't exist.” She sighed.
“Ouch! That hurt!” He pouted.
“I missed this banter.” She smiled. “What happened to us?”
“I missed it too.” He smiled back.
“Wait!” She exclaimed and kept the glass down. “I need to set this straight that I have no intention of getting back, ever!”
“Relax Sharon, I know you’re in a relationship. And trust me I’ve never seen you this happy.”
“I was happy then too.” She corrected him.
“Yes, but you do look content now.” He smiled.
“You too don’t look half as bad.” She tried to take away the focus from herself.
“Oh my God! Are you blushing? I haven’t even done anything!” He replied tongue-in-cheek.
“Are you trying to flirt with me?” She squinted.
“You’re the one complementing my looks!” He smirked.
“Ayu stop!” She wailed. “I want to have a serious conversation.”
“Peace!” He kept his glass down and shifted next to her. “Go ahead.”
She took a deep breath and looked at him. “Back in college, both of us wanted different things in life and there wasn’t a middle ground for us to settle. I still want the same things; nothing has changed for me. And now looking back, I feel like that was the best decision for us. I know I said a lot of things that I regret and I’m sorry for that.” She said in one go.
“You’re not the only one who said stupid stuff. I’m guilty of it as well. Both of us were young and I know that’s not an excuse. I’m sorry for all that I said. I was hurt from the breakup and I wanted you to feel it too.” He looked down.
“I was hurt as well. I loved you. You were my first ever love.”
“I know. I was petty. And you have no idea of how horrible I felt when I met you again. The way you kept avoiding me made me feel awful about myself. I can’t believe that my actions led you to be scared of me.” He shook his head.
“I wasn’t.” She looked at him.
“Kya matlab?” He looked at her.
“I was afraid of myself. Teko dekh ke I felt all those buried feelings come out and honestly I was scared. I feared losing control. Tere se baat bhi karti thi toh meko lagta tha ki I was cheating on Swayam and I know it doesn’t make any sense. But.. you know..”
“I know.” He placed his hand on hers. “We never had a proper closure. Breakup ke baad bhi we kept getting back even if it was for a couple of minutes. It was toxic.”
“But you got over it pretty well. You grew up.” She smiled.
“You as well. Warna SRP yahan khud se, mere ghar, merese sorry bolne kabhi nahi aati.” He chuckled lightly.
“I’m not that hot headed anymore!” She chuckled as well.
“I agree. You’re warm headed now.” He stifled his laughter.
“Bohot ganda tha!” She made a disgusted face.
“Haan par sach toh hai. Gussa abhi bhi naak pe rehta hai tere.” He pinched her nose.
“Aaju baju ke log hi itna gussa dilate hai ki main kya karu?” She swatted his hand away.
“Lagta hai be tera haath.” He rubbed his hand.
“Toh pitne wale kaam mat kiya kar.” She sneered.
“Thank you for coming here and that too alone.” He pulled her into a hug.
“Kya matlab?” She raised a brow.
“Apne bodyguard ko saath leke nahi aayi tu. I appreciate that.”
“Bodyguard London mein phasa hua hai. So koi option nahi tha.” She hugged back.
“Voh aaya na?” He furrowed his brows.
“Uske birthday ke liye last month aaya tha. But he went back again.” She explained.
“Accha? Toh aaj Taani se milne office mein kaun aaya tha? Merese half-day request ki usne as she wanted to go with Rey. Aur aaj kuch jyada kaam nahi tha so I let her go.” He told her.
“Affair?” Sharon widened her eyes.
“Stop being so over dramatic!” He scoffed.
“Arre aise kaise? It is my duty to save my friend. Uske saath dhoka ho raha hai toh meko pata hona chahiye!”
“Teko bhook lagi hai kya jo aise pagalpanti ke daure pad rahe hai?” He squinted.
“Haan dinner nahi kiya hai maine. I was too anxious.” She let out a chuckle.
“Pizza khayegi?” He picked up his phone.
“Barbeque chicken with..”
“With black olives, jalapenos and red pepper. I know.” He completed.
“And a diet pepsi!” She smiled wide at him.
“I knew it. You still secretly love me!” He teased.
“Idhar aa batati hoon kitna karti hoon voh.” She charged at him and he ran for his life.
…
*Burp*
“Juno! That was disgusting!” Taani yelled at him.
“Aunty ne kitna mast khana banaya tha. Pait bhar gaya mera!” Juno burped again.
“Stop!” She made a disgusted face at him.
“Don’t act like you’ve never burped.” He sneered.
“Not like this.” She complained.
“Okay chill. Sorry.” He apologized half-heartedly.
“So how is Mumbai treating you?” She looked at him.
“Abhi toh aaya hoon. Khatirdari ka mauka hi kahan mila hai teri Mumbai ko?” He laid down on her bed.
“You’re going to love it here.” She laid down beside him.
“Tujhe iss shehar se pyaar hua hai ya shehar ke logon se?” He wiggled his brows.
“What do you think?” She grinned at him.
“You know tere birthday pe tujhe itne saalon baad aise dekh kar I was genuinely surprised. Hum sab ko toh laga tha ki tu hume bhool gayi hai.”
“Kaise bhool sakti hoon yaar main tum teeno ko?” She frowned.
“Kyunki tune kuch contact hi nahi rakha tha.” He complained.
“You know I’m bad at that. Tu toh rakh sakta tha na.” She pouted.
“I was upset.”
“Kyun?”
“You know why.”
“Haan Raghav aur Sia ko jo akele jhelne padne wala tha tujhe!” She giggled.
“Yeah.. that was why.” He smiled back at her.
“I still find it weird that those two got together. I thought you and her would date.”
“What? Really?” He was surprised.
“Haan. Voh dono ek dusre ki jaan ke peeche pade hote the.” She laughed.
“That hasn’t changed.” He joined.
“Speaking of, teko pata hai bhai Elakshi ko date karte the. I mean how?” She shook her head.
“Everyone knew that!”
“You’re joking right?” She widened her eyes at him.
“Tu na bas apni hi duniya mein rehti thi. Tujhe aas paas kya chal raha tha uska kuch idea hi nahi tha.” He shook his head.
“That’s not true.” She pouted.
“It is! Did you know I used to like you back in high school?” He raised his brow at her.
“Accha mazak hai.” She rolled her eyes.
“See!” He shook his head and looked away.
“Juno?” She looked at him.
“Leave it Taani.” He got up.
“Tune kabhi bataya kyun nahi?” She got up and sat next to him.
“I thought you knew. And jab finally himmat ki batane ki tab uncle passed away and after that you completely changed.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Eventually, I got over my high school crush.” He let out a chuckle.
“I didn’t change. I was scared.” She walked to the balcony.
Juno followed her out and sat on the bean bag opposite to her.
“I was at a point where I had lost half of my family and then papa. I had lost all the people jinse mein bohot pyaar karti thi. Mujhe darr tha kisi aur ko khone ka. I didn’t want to face that pain, so I never let anyone get close to my heart.” Her eyes turned moist.
“One day or the other you are going to lose everyone, but that shouldn’t stop you from creating new relationships.” He held her hand.
“Juno I was sixteen then. Mujhe iss sab ki samajh nahi thi. In fact, I’m still scared of letting people in. Kabhi kabhi sochti hoon ki how did I let Rey creep in. Maine itne barriers banaye the apne around and he managed to break them all.” She had a content smile on her face.
“Tujhe uss se pyaar hogaya. That is the only explanation.” He smiled back at her.
“I’m sorry, I had no idea that you..” She lowered her head.
“It’s okay Taani. Isme teri kuch galati nahi hai. I love you and that is my problem to deal with.” He placed a kiss on her forehead.
“Nahi yaar Juno, hai meri galati. You are so correct. Main apni duniya mein itni jyada khoyi rehti hoon ki mere aaju baaju kya chal raha hota hai, uska kuch idea hi nahi hota.” She sighed.
“What do you mean?” He furrowed his brows.
“Mera jo boss hai na Ayush, he had a thing for me. I was so clueless about it, that I unknowingly led him on. Matlab itna andha koi kaise ho sakta hai?” She sulked.
“You know, you’re lucky that you found Rey. I don’t think I would be this chill about the fact that so many men have an eye on my girl. I mean I think he knows about my feelings but he has never acted out or felt jealous of me.”
“He is very much jealous of you. But he chooses not to show it.” She let out a chuckle.
“Accha ek baat bata, tune uske company mein job ke liye kyun nahi apply kiya? Uske saath kaam karne milta tujhe.” He asked, relaxing into the bean bag.
“Wahi toh nahi karna tha.” She chuckled. “Internship ke time hi itni baar he had pulled ropes and made me work with him. Mujhe voh sab nahi chahiye tha firse. Plus, logon ki faltu complaints ka shikaar nahi banna tha.” She shook her head recalling a few gossips she had heard in SRS.
“Arre par tu aur Purvi abhi ek saath kaam kar rahe hote.” He pointed out.
“That is also a reason why I didn’t apply.” She sighed.
“Tujhe uske saath kaam karna nahi pasand?”
“No you idiot. I love working with her. In fact, humne beech mein ek project saath mein kiya and it was so much fun.”
“Toh phir?”
“Promise me that you won’t tell anyone.” She looked at him.
“Main kahan dhindora peetne ja raha hoon?”
“Promise me Juno!”
“Okay, I won’t tell anyone. I promise!”
“Arjun ne graduation ke pehle SRS mein apply kiya tha and usse job bhi mil gayi thi. But he didn’t accept the offer because of her parents. Purvi ke ghar ka drama sort out karne Rey offered her a job. I mean she had applied there as well but usse kuch response nahi mila tha. Arjun knew ki uske job offer ka Purvi ko pata chalega toh she’ll blame herself and so he went to Pune. In the middle of all this, I didn’t want to apply there. Kyunki, by any chance meko mil jaati wahan job, toh I know ki usse ek insecurity hoti ki she didn’t get it on her own basis. Usne kabhi bola nahi hai, but I know her. Aur iss sab ki wajah se hum dono ke beech problems hoti. And I didn’t want any of it. So the best thing I felt was to not apply there.” Taani explained. “Agar koi mujhe puchta hai yeh toh main Rey pe blame daal deti hoon ki uske saath kaam nahi karna tha, but deep down I know why I didn’t.”
“Tu na ek bohot hi acchi dost hai. Aur shayad yeh bhi reason hai ki aaj tak maine tujhse yeh sab baatein nahi ki thi. I didn’t want to spoil our friendship.”
“Aur abhi bhi nahi batani chahiye thi. I feel so guilty right now.”
“You shouldn’t!”
“Sach bata, you don’t feel the same way now na?”
“Nahi yaar.”
“Toh teri koi girlfriend kyun nahi hai?”
“Tere jaisi koi mili nahi na.”
“Juno!” She glared at him.
“Sorry!” He laughed.
“Kya hua? Itna sad kyun hai?” Simmi asked Nil after rehearsals.
“Nothing.” He disregarded it and packed his bag.
“What nothing?” She scoffed. “Date ne dump kiya?”
“Shut up ya Simmi. Itna bhi desperate nahi hoon main.” He picked up his bag and walked off.
“Nil!” She ran behind him. “What’s wrong?”
“Kuch nahi yaar frustrated hoon.” He stopped and sighed.
“Dinner pe chalega? My treat.” She smiled at him.
“Kis baat ki?” He furrowed his brows.
“Teko promise kiya tha ki if you behave well you’ll earn a dinner with me.”
“But I’m supposed to take you out. Not the other way round.” He complained.
“Theek hai toh tu leke chal dinner pe meko.” She smiled.
“Dinner date.” He corrected her.
“Nil..”
“Trust me, you’ll enjoy.” He stopped her.
“You won’t try to hit on me?”
“I won’t!” He chuckled lightly.
“It’s just dinner at the restaurant and then you’ll drop me home?”
“Yes.”
“Okay then.” She agreed.
“I’ll pick you up in an hour.” He left smiling.
“Date haan?” Simmi heard Vicky’s voice.
“Tu Nil ke saath date pe jaa rahi hai?” Neha raised her brow.
“Guys don’t make a fuss out of it. It’s just dinner.” Simmi disregarded it.
“Nil ki baat ho rahi hai yahan.” Neha pointed out.
“It’s never just dinner for him. You know that.” Vicky added.
“Now you’re scaring me.” Simmi gulped.
“Yes we are.” Neha smiled. “Thoda drama toh create karna banta hai na?” She laughed.
“Kya matlab?” Simmi furrowed her brows.
“Nil ki dating history toh hum sab ko pata hai. But ek aur baat hai jo tu yaad rakh ki voh banda accha hai. Toh load na le.” Vicky winked.
“Why did you try to scare me off with that nonsense?” Simmi hit both of them.
“Bohot dino se kisi ki taang nahi kheenchi thi. Abh tu yahan free mein mil gayi so how could we let go of the opportunity?” Vicky replied tongue-in-cheek.
“Neha isko samjha tu, ek din merese yeh bohot ganda pitne wala hai.” Simmi glared at Vicky.
“Haan toh go ahead. I’m not stopping you.” Neha grinned at Simmi and walked away.
“Neha?” Vicky just stared at her retreating figure.
“Tu taadte reh. I’m leaving. Bye!” Simmi left.
…
“Thanks for the dinner. You really didn’t have to go all this way out Raj.” Shivam smiled.
“Deal cancel karni padi and I honestly wasn’t happy about it. Call this a tiny compensation.” Raj smiled back.
“Okay then I’ll take your leave.” Shivam got up.
“Yeah sure. And I hope I get to work with you in the future someday.” Raj got up behind him.
“I hope so too!” Shivam walked out of the restaurant.
“Abh tak toh aa jana chahiye tha usse.” Raj mumbled looking at the time on his phone.
“Sorry?” Shivam looked at him.
“I’m actually waiting for my girlfriend. She was supposed to meet me here.” Raj replied.
“I can wait here till she comes.” Shivam offered.
“Thanks!”
“Dad!” A five year old boy came running towards them.
“Agaya mera champ!” Raj picked him up.
“Mumma ke wajah se late hua. Warna toh main kabka aajata.” He complained.
“Yeh accha hai ha Yuv. Khud late uthe ho aur blame mere pe?”
“Sneha?” Shivam widened his eyes as Sneha walked to them.
“Oh Shivam, hi.” She smiled at him.
“You both know each other?” Raj squinted at them.
“Yeah, work acquaintance.” Sneha replied.
“Hmn.” Shivam nodded.
“Jey kahan hai?” Yuv asked Raj.
“Aa rahi hai.” Raj replied.
“Aaj voh phir se late. Matlab meko ice-cream milegi.” Yuv danced.
“Raj, mind you iski sardi abhi theek huyi hai.” Sneha glared at Raj.
“Main kahan khilane leke ja raha hoon?” Raj scowled.
“Hi champ!”
“Jey!” Yuv ran to her and hugged her.
“Ready for the picnic?” Jey picked him up.
“Main toh kabse ready hoon!” He grinned at her.
“Theek hai jao apni mumma ko bye bolo.” Jey put him down and walked to Raj. “Sorry yaar, traffic bohot tha.” She hugged him.
“Bye mumma.” Yuv kissed Sneha on the cheeks.
“Bye.” She kissed him back. “Have fun you guys!” She hugged Raj and Jey.
“Arre? Itni jaldi kahan?” Jey raised a brow at Sneha. “Apne boyfriend se toh introduce karwao.” She smirked looking at Shivam.
“Boyfriend?” Both Sneha and Shivam looked at each other.
“Babe, yeh Sneha ka boyfriend nahi hai. Main abhi iske saath yahan dinner ke liya aaya tha.” Raj told Jey.
“Oh the pricey software guy?” Jey looked at Raj.
“Thanks!” Shivam sneered.
“Jey!” Raj widened his eyes at her. “Iski mat sunn. Yeh kuch bhi bolti hai.” He told Shivam.
“If we do end up working together someday, I’ll keep this in mind.” Shivam smirked.
“Dad chalo!” Yuv yelled.
“Haan!” Raj nodded. “We’ll leave before he gets mad at us.”
“Enjoy!” Sneha smiled at him and bid them farewell.
Shivam stood there with knotted brows.
“You good?” Sneha turned and saw him.
“I’m a little confused.” He replied.
“I guess I know the source of the confusion.” She chuckled lightly.
“I don’t want to intrude, but I’m a little curious.” He replied.
“Come.” She signaled him to follow.
They both walked to the parking lot. Sneha walked to her car and opened the trunk door. She hopped in and asked him to join her.
“This is a first.” He mumbled as he settled next to her.
“Sorry?”
“Dickey mein kabhi aise baitha nahi hoon main.”
“Really?” She squinted at him.
“Haan, matlab kabhi need hi nahi padi.” He shrugged his shoulders.
“Well, note it down. Future mein kabhi kisi girlfriend ke liye kaam aa sakta hai.” She said tongue-in-cheek.
“Tumhe experience lagta hai.” He cocked his brow.
“Shut up!” She scowled.
“So..?” He looked at her.
“What?” She stared back.
“Yahan kyun layi mujhe?” He asked.
“You wanted to know something.” She replied.
“You were telling me something.” He corrected her.
“Tumhara face dekhne wala tha kuch der pehle. You looked so confused.” She chuckled.
“I was under the impression that you’re married. Aur phir voh sab dekh kar I.. I didn’t know how to react.” He raised his shoulders.
“I was married.” She smiled. “Raj and I were college sweethearts and we got married straight out of college at twenty.”
“Wow!” He was surprised.
“And within a year, year and a half I conceived Yuv. Hum dono bachche the aur humse teesra bachcha sambhala nahi ja raha tha. Our marriage was starting to dwindle, but we somehow managed to work out a solution. Yuv was six months old when we decided to split up and honestly that was like the best decision we ever took.”
“So you’re a single parent haan?” Shivam asked amused.
“Technically yes, but not really. We both share equal responsibilities towards Yuv. It’s more like co-parenting.” She answered.
“It did look like that. You seem to have maintained an excellent relationship with your ex-husband.”
“I loved that man at one point in my life. And what grudges should I hold against him? We both were hasty and got married early. After divorce at least we are happy.”
“You’re so much more than what you come off as!” He had a warm smile on his face.
“Tum bas mujhe as Taani ki wedding planner jaante ho. I’m not just that!” She said proudly.
“I can see that.” He nodded in agreement.
“Waise tum Raj ke saath kya kar rahe the?”
“We were supposed to sign a deal jo last minute uski taraf se cancel huyi. And apparently he felt bad for scamming me of my time. So he just wanted to let me know that.” Shivam chuckled.
“He is a nice man.” Sneha joined.
“Aur..” Shivam stopped as her phone rang.
“Yes Sharon?” Sneha answered. “Haan.. okay.. Main kal tujhe bhej dungi details. No problem. Bye!” She disconnected.
“So you finally agreed?” He asked.
“No!” She denied. “I’m just helping out with some stuff. But you know, honestly kahun toh mujhe le lena chahiye tha. Abhi main literally free mein kaam kar rahi hoon.” She gave it a thought.
“Jo wedding tum actual mein plan karogi usko double charge laga dena.” He suggested with a wink.
“Sure! If you don’t mind getting scammed I don’t mind it either.” She chuckled.
“I wouldn’t be the one getting scammed.”
“How so?”
“Uncle was really insisting on paying for the entire wedding. I’ll just agree to it.” He smirked.
“Tum na jitne seedhe dikhte ho utne ho nahi.” She sneered.
“Tum mujhe jaanti hi kitna ho?” He wiggled his brows.
“Challenge accepted Mr. Raichand!”
…
“Wow, meko toh laga tha ki tujhe chivalry ki spelling bhi pata nahi hogi.” Simmi taunted as Nil held the car door open for her.
“You’re in for a lot of surprises today.” He smiled and closed the door behind her.
“Nil..” She stopped him. “This is just dinner okay!”
“Chill yaar Simmi.” He circled his arm around her waist. “Enjoy the date!”
“No, no, no! Don’t put any ideas in your head. It’s nothing. It’s a basic platonic date!” She corrected him.
“Sure, whatever you wish to call it!” He didn’t argue and walked her into the restaurant.
“This place looks expensive.” She looked around.
“Teko kya laga main dhabe pe leke jaunga?” He rolled his eyes.
“Tera bharosa thodi hai kuch.” She shook her head.
“Please.” He pulled the chair for her.
“Itni chivalry ki aadat nahi hai yaar!” She settled in.
“Aadat daal de abhi.” He sat next to her.
“So what are we ordering?” She looked for the menu.
“It’s all pre-planned. Don’t worry.” He smiled and took her hand in his. “Order decide karne mein time waste hota hai.”
“Ahaan! Bade hi smart ho!” She appreciated. “No wonder you kept on insisting me for a date. It surely is some experience.” She smiled.
“You unnecessarily kept denying it!”
“So tell me, what exactly do you do on your dates.” She turned a little to face him.
“Yeh jo time hai where we wait for the food to arrive, I usually start up a conversation to get to know her better. You know, the usual likes, dislikes and stuff.” He answered.
“How boring.” She reprimanded.
“Haan toh aise KG kid ki tarah what do you like nahi puchta main.” He rolled his eyes. “I take her hand in mine and intertwine our fingers.” He did as he said. “And I look into her eyes and say how beautiful she looks.” He complimented.
“Awe, thank you!” Simmi played along with him and blushed.
“This blush suits you.” He kissed the back of her hand.
“Platonic date!” Simmi squeezed her hand out of his and reminded him.
“Oh come on, at least pretend like it’s real.” He pouted.
“Let me think about it.” She sat back in her chair as the food was served.
“Looks like you like the food.” He smiled seeing her surprised face.
“How do you know that I like fish?” She asked with her eyes wide open.
“Lucky guess!” He raised his shoulders. “So what other food do you like?” He asked.
“I love seafood! And these days I’ve..” She trailed off and looked at him. “I see what you did there. Nice move!” She appreciated.
“Thank you!” He bowed his head.
“You’re like a complete different Nil!” She mused.
“So you like this Nil better?” He asked.
“I.. don’t really know. Yeh version thoda digest karne mein difficult hai.” She chuckled.
“Pretend karna uss se bhi jyada difficult hai.” He shook his head and took a bite from his plate.
“Toh karte kyun ho?”
“Second date ke liye agree bhi toh karana hota hai.” He wiggled his brow.
“Accha? Mujhe toh laga ki first date mein sab kuch karke khatam kar lete ho. You know, wham bam thank you ma’am.” She raised her brow.
“Teko badi knowledge hai mere dates ki.” He squinted at her.
“Like you never boast about them?” She rolled her eyes.
“Guarantee kya hai ki main humesha sach hi bol raha hota hoon?” He asked back.
“Haan, lying comes naturally to you. So I wouldn’t be surprised.” She shook her head.
“Kya hai yaar? Jabse hum aaye hai tu bas meri insult hi kiye ja rahi hai?” He sulked.
“Accha abh aisi rotlu shakal mat bana. Treat me like one of your ladies.” She winked at him.
“I would never!”
“I see, main uss layak nahi hoon na?”
“Tu na museum mein rakhne wali cheez hai.” He gave a lopsided smile.
“I think you might be right here.” She said while thinking. “Pedestal pe baithi huyi hoon. Isiliye shayad abhi tak koi mila nahi hai.” She frowned.
“DJ ka kya hua?” He asked.
“Kuch nahi. But he is flying here next month, I guess. I think I’ll give it a try.”
“Accha abh desperate kaun ho raha hai?” He mocked.
“I don’t want to be alone forever.” She pouted.
“Main hoon na!” He grinned at her.
“Sasta Shahrukh!” She sneered at him.
“Tu sasti Sush ban ja. Jodi hit banegi apni!” He wiggled his brows.
“Idea bura nahi hai.” She nodded.
“I knew it!”
“What?”
“Ki tu merese pyaar karti hai!”
“Teko Shahrukh kya bol diya tu toh udne hi lag gaya!”
“Toh tu nahi karti?” He was persistent.
“Nil.” She glared at him.
“I’m just asking.”
“Nahi.” She answered.
“Theek hai but date ke end tak karne lag jayegi.” He challenged.
“Lets see.” She accepted his challenge.
…
“Thanks a lot for the lift.” Shivam got out of the car.
“Taani ke liye abh ek nayi car khareed hi lo. Kab tak voh tumhari borrow karti rahegi?” Sneha chuckled lightly.
“Main toh kabse ready hoon but chalane wali bhi toh maanani chahiye na.” Shivam shook his head.
“Usse kyun nahi chahiye?” Sneha furrowed her brows.
“Voh dad ka gift hai, though passed down from me, but still.” He shrugged his shoulders.
“I can imagine. She is a sensitive girl.” She smiled.
“Bhai?” Taani walked up to them followed by Juno.
“Tu kahan se aa rahi hai?” Shivam looked at her.
“Hum Worli seaface gaye the.” Juno told him.
“Marines yahan baju mein hai. Wahan Worli tak kyun gaye the?” Shivam scrunched his nose.
“Voh chodiye. Aap kisike saath dinner pe jaane wale the na? Toh abh Sneha ke saath?” Taani raised her brow at him.
“Hi by the way. Nice to see you after a long time.” Sneha smiled at Taani.
“Same here.” Taani smiled back.
“Voh main wahan se nikal raha tha toh Sneha mil gayi and she offered to drop me home.” Shivam answered.
“Okay.” Taani nodded. “Anyway hum upar jaa rahe hai. Aap bhi aajana. And Sneha you should join us as well.”
“Some other time Taani. It’s really late.” Sneha kindly declined her.
“Good night!” Shivam smiled at Sneha.
“Good night!” Sneha drove off.
Taani, Juno and Shivam took the elevator up the building. Shivam was lost in his own thoughts and Taani was observing him.
“Good night. See you tomorrow!” Juno wished them and opened the door.
“Sunn Purvi so gayi hogi, toh andar jaake jyada awaaz mat karna.” Taani stopped Juno.
“Of course! Bas ek-do ghante ke liye thoda music play karunga with bass, phir acche se neend aajayegi mujhe.” Juno smiled sweetly at Taani.
“Full volume pe play karna. So that hum bhi aaram se so jaye.” Taani reciprocated the smile.
“You guys continue. I’m really tired. Bye!” Shivam went inside the house.
“Bhai ruko!” Taani ran behind him. “Night Juno!”
“Yes?” Shivam asked on reaching his room.
“Aapse kuch baat karni hai.”
“Abhi?” He looked at the time.
“Bas do minute.” She smiled awkwardly at him.
“Bol.” He folded his arms across his chest.
“Aap aur Sneha.. I mean I know that you like her, but you shouldn’t.” She avoided his gaze.
“Kya?” He furrowed his brows in confusion.
“Aapka Sneha ke saath affair chal raha hai na?” She asked meekly.
“Tujhe sachme lagta hai ki main aisa kar sakta hoon?” He looked at her.
“Nahi.. voh bas aap.. you like her.. aur..” She fumbled.
“Good night Taani.” Shivam went into his room and locked the door.
“Bhai!” Taani knocked on his door. “I’m sorry. Bhai?”
“Go to sleep, Taani. Kal office hai tera!”
…
“And we’ve reached!” Nil stopped the car.
“Ghar aa bhi gaya? Meri ice-cream abhi tak khatam nahi huyi.” Simmi pouted.
“Main toh kabse help offer kar raha hoon.” Nil shook his head.
“Tu teri do minute mein kha gaya. Main kyun apni share karu?” She flared her nostrils.
“Share karne se pyaar badhta hai.” He grinned at her.
“Pyaar badhne ke liye pehle pyaar ko hona bhi chahiye.” She grinned back.
“Pyaar bohot hai re!”
“Accha?”
“Haan! Tu itni pyaari hai, main bhi itna pyaara hoon. See kitna pyaar hai!”
“Pagal!” Simmi hit his arm.
“Kha le aaram se. Phir chale jana.” Nil smiled.
“But I’m full aur yeh dono merese khatam hone se rahi. So please help me.” She handed him one ice-cream.
“Voh wali de na. I like that flavor more.” He pouted.
“Kitna cute hai be tu!” She pulled his cheeks.
“Simmi!” He scowled as the ice-cream got all over his cheeks.
“Sorry.” She immediately pulled her hands back.
“Abhi aise ghar jana padega.” He scowled.
“Arre relax, mere paas wet wipes hai. Yeh pakad!” She handed him the ice-creams and rummaged her purse.
“Forget it, I’ll manage.” He finished one of the ice creams.
“Ice-cream enjoy karke khani hoti hai. Aise bhukkad ki tarah nahi.” She shook her head at him.
“Teko tissue mil rahe hai ya yeh bhi khatam karu main?” He sneered.
“Voh bag change ki toh shayad rakhna bhool gayi.” She huffed and took her ice-cream back.
“Don’t worry, aise hi chala jaunga.” He smiled seeing her enjoy the last bite of her ice-cream.
“Ek kaam kar. Andar chal mere saath aur apna muh dho le.” She pointed to her house.
“Cool!” He got down behind her and followed her in.
“Bathroom uss taraf hai.” She pointed in the direction of the bathroom.
“Kitne acche se rakha hai tune apne ghar ko.” He mocked looking at the mess.
“I was getting ready for the date which is why.” She explained and picked up a few shoes lying around the room.
“I’ll be right back.” He shook his head and left.
“Ah my legs!” She sighed in relief as she removed her heels. “Feels so good!”
“Mere liye room clean kar rahi ho kya?” He asked as he joined her in the living room again.
“Nahi actually tu jaane ke baad dusra jo aane wala hai, uske liye.” She smiled sweetly at him.
“Usko mera bhi hi bol dena.”
“Sure!”
“Okay then, this is it!” He stood with his hands in his pocket.
“I believe it is.” She walked up to him and stood in front of him.
“See you tomorrow.” He smiled. “Good night!” He turned to leave.
“Nil.” She stopped him. “I had a wonderful time. Thank you!” She hugged him.
“Not to sound arrogant, but I told you so!” He chuckled making her laugh as well.
“Honestly, I don’t think I’ve enjoyed so much on any date.” She looked at him.
“I had an amazing time as well. Thank you!” He squeezed her in his arms.
“Bas bas abh senti mat ho.” She chuckled.
“Tu jis pedestal pe baithi hai wahan se kisi bhi aaltu faltu ke liye mat utarna. Find someone to sit up there with you.” He separated and gave her a genuine smile.
“Nil.” She threw her arms around his neck as her eyes teared up.
“I mean it Simmi. I know it’s tough being single, but don’t demean yourself for someone.” He hugged her back.
“Teko kaise pata chala?”
“Neha aur Rinni ko baat karte suna that you were having a series of terrible dates.”
“Isiliye yeh sab plan kiya?” She looked at him.
“It’s not just you. Even I got tired of these meaningless dates.” He shrugged his shoulders.
“Kabhi bataya kyun nahi?”
“Tune bhi kaha bataya?” He looked at her.
“Toh abh bata deti hoon.” She looked into his eyes.
Nil lifted her chin and connected their lips. She closed her eyes and responded to the touch. He held either sides of her face and deepened the kiss. She involuntarily started taking steps back and he followed her, whilst still kissing.
“Nil!” She came out of the trance and stopped kissing when she hit the back of the couch.
Nil took a step back and separated them.
“You should leave.” Simmi spoke in a whisper.
Nil just nodded and left. Simmi slid down the door after locking it.
“I shouldn’t have given into the kiss. I’m sure all this must have been his big date plan. I’m damn sure he is going to brag about this in front of everyone. I thought I had buried my feelings for him. But..” She banged her head against the door.
Nil walked to his car. His mind was completely blank. He started his car and took one last look at her house.
“Why did I kiss her? And why don’t I feel any guilt about it?”
“Oh madam wake up! Jet lag khatam hoke abh dusra set in ho raha hai.” Sharon pulled off the comforter.
“Sharon please yaar, I’m not in the mood.” Sara wailed.
“You decided to come back because you were missing everyone aur abhi yahan aake bas room mein padi ho? Get up!” Sharon pulled her up and made her sit.
“Sharon!” Sara groaned.
“I know my name. Abhi jaldi ready hoja. We have a lot of work for today.” Sharon pushed Sara into the bathroom.
“Hum ja kahan rahe hai?” Sara asked.
“AB ki shaadi ki planning kar rahe hai! Paris mein baith ke ideas de rahi thi aur yahan aate hi bore ban gayi tu!” Sharon huffed.
“Bhai honge wahan?” Sara asked.
“Haan aaj chutti hai toh he’ll definitely be there.” Sharon answered.
“Okay, I’ll be out in 10 minutes!” Sara yelled.
“Room ki kya halath karke rakhi hai isne. Yeh itni messy kab ban gayi. Dhang se chalne ki bhi jagah nahi hai.” Sharon shook her head and started to clean her room. “This looks better now!” She admired the pile she had made on the side couch. “No!” She barged ahead when a few things slipped off the top. “Yeh kya hai?” She picked up the fallen file.
“What the hell are you doing?” Sara came out of the bathroom.
“I’m just helping out!” Sharon turned to face her.
“Koi jarurat nahi hai. Give that to me and wait outside!” Sara snatched the file from her hand and pushed her out of the room.
“Jaldi aana!” Sharon yelled.
“Yeh file bahar kya kar rahi hai?” Sara muttered to herself and opened her wardrobe. “Thank God she didn’t see it. I need to be careful.”
…
“Sara? Tu Mumbai kab aayi?” Vicky squinted.
“Last week aayi hai. But isse hum sab ke saath time spend karne bore ho raha tha.” Sharon mocked.
“Obviously na. Rey thodi hai yahan isse company dene.” Swayam teased.
“Yeh sab discuss karne bulaya hai meko?” Armaan intervened.
“Taani kahan hai?” Swayam asked.
“Meko kyu dekh raha hai tu?” Nil squinted at Swayam.
“Tu call karna bhool gaya na?” Sharon sneered.
“Bhaisahab do-teen dino se kahi khoye huye hai. So relax, galati hogayi iss se.” Vicky threw his arm around Nil.
“Dimaag mat kha re.” Nil shrugged his arm off.
Simmi looked at Nil and saw him looking back at her. She averted her gaze and focused on the discussion. Nil pulled out his phone and texted Taani to come over.
“Usko baad mein bata dena. Big deal!” Sara slouched on the couch.
“Anyway, AB we’ve decided on the location!” Sharon exclaimed gaining everyone’s attention.
“Which is?” Armaan asked.
“Maldives!” She grinned.
“Aur kitne din ka vacation trip plan kiya hai?” Armaan sneered.
“Vacation three weeks ka and one week wedding.” Swayam answered.
“Great then, mera kaam hogaya. Main jau?” Armaan got up.
“No!” They all yelled at once.
“Kya hua?” Armaan sat back down.
“Academy is ready, well except for Rey’s cabin. But he’s gonna handle that. So, as I said that the academy is all set and we were thinking of launching it at the start of next year.” Sharon informed Armaan.
“That’s a great news! But yeh sab meko kyun bata rahe ho?” Armaan asked.
“Launch ke pehle aapki shaadi hojayegi toh chalega na?” Swayam asked.
“Right, kyunki academy pehle launch huyi toh meri shaadi beech mein aayegi and you guys won’t be able to focus on D3.” Armaan stated.
“Exactly!” Vicky agreed. “I mean.. we don’t want to compromise on your wedding.” He laughed nervously.
“Tum sab ke hi itne nakhre hai. Warna main toh kal shaadi karne ke liye bhi ready hoon.” Armaan shook his head.
“Haan par jis se honi hai voh bhi toh ready chahiye.” Sara mumbled.
“What did you say?” Sharon looked at her.
“Kal shaadi karne ke liye Riri hai yahan?” Sara raised her brow.
“Bhai bulayega toh aajayegi. Right bhai?” Swayam looked at Armaan.
“Rey jab usse chodega tab voh yahan aayegi.” Sara smirked.
“Teko bada pata hai wahan ho kya raha hai. Rey London mein tha toh tu kya Paris chodke London shift hogayi thi?” Sharon taunted.
Sara’s face immediately fell on hearing Sharon. Her mind started replaying all the memories of the last few months which she was trying hard to forget.
“Speaking of, Rey se kisiki baat huyi hai? Usne mera phone uthana hi band kar diya after I pulled that prank on him.” Sharon huffed.
“Usne meko uske aur Riddhima ke phone mein block karke rakha hai. So unless they come here, I can’t contact him.” Armaan rolled his eyes.
“Amazing!” Swayam shook his head. “Sara, teri baat huyi hai?” He asked her.
“Nahi.” She shook her head.
“Impossible!” Sharon widened her eyes at Sara.
“Teko believe nahi karna toh mat kar.” Sara sneered.
“Usne teko call nahi kiya but tune toh kiya hoga, uske birthday pe.” Armaan asked her.
“Nahi kiya isiliye toh baat nahi ho rahi na.” Sara answered.
“Oh great, hum sab ne party rakhi isiliye baat nahi kar raha aur tu bhool gayi isiliye tere se baat nahi kar raha..” Sharon huffed.
“Aur mujhe toh free fund mein ignore kar raha hai.” Taani walked in.
“Hey Taani!” Nil waved at her.
“Tum log yahan pe mere bina wedding plan kar rahe ho?” Taani pouted as she sat next to Armaan.
“Tu tere friend ke saath busy hai na. So we didn’t want to disturb you.” Sharon smirked at her.
“Tune hi Ayush ko bataya tha na ki Rey yahan nahi hai?” Taani sneered.
“Haan abh tu apne boss se jhoot bolke mere friend pe cheat karegi toh I’ll have to let him know that na.” Sharon chuckled.
“Main nahi tera friend cheater hai.” Taani huffed. “He promised me that he’ll come back early. Did he?” She sneered.
“Tu hume kyu suna rahi hai. Jab aayega tab usse jhaad.” Swayam told her.
“Voh itni jaldi nahi aane wala!” Sara stated.
“Abh toh tu bhi yahan aagayi hai. Usse aur kitna time lagega?” Vicky smirked.
“Armaan bhai aapko Maldives ka option kaisa laga?” Taani asked Armaan.
“So, you’re the culprit?” Armaan questioned.
“Yes!” Sharon nodded vigorously.
“What culprit?” Taani looked at them.
“Haan bhai Taani ne suggest kiya and we all loved it, toh humne final kar diya!” Swayam explained.
“Thanks a lot Taani. I really loved it!” Armaan put his arm around her shoulder and hugged her.
“Haw cheater!” Sharon sneered at Taani. “AB actual idea mera hai!”
“But suggest toh maine kiya tha.” Taani argued.
“Jab maine prompt kiya tha.” Sharon argued back.
“I see, you’re the real perpetrator!” Armaan walked to Sharon.
“Yes.” She pouted.
“I love it.” He smiled and pulled her into a hug.
“Bhai aap hugs baat rahe ho toh meko bhi.” Sara pouted.
“Haan she needs it. Sadotri banke ghar pe baithi hai ek week se.” Sharon taunted.
Sara frowned and looked the other way. Armaan walked to her and pulled her into a hug.
“You good?” He whispered.
“I’m scared. Kisiko pata chala toh?” She whispered back.
“Agar tu aise behave karti rahi toh pakka pata chal jayega. Cheer up!” He gave her a tight squeeze and separated.
“Mm-hm!” She nodded.
…
“Paa!” Taani barged into the house.
“Aagayi tumhari beti.” Juhi chuckled at Rannvijay.
“Jealous?” He smirked at her.
“Iski yeh harkat bilkul Rey jaisi hai.” Juhi let out a chuckle.
“Haan voh ‘Maa’ chillate huye enter karta hai aur yeh Paa!” Rannvijay laughed.
“Paa aap yahan hai? Main kabse awaaz laga rahi hoon!” Taani frowned at him.
“Tu ek ghanta late hai!” He huffed.
“Main aa hi rahi thi ki Nil ka message aaya aur usne Swayam ke ghar bulaya. Abhi wahin se aa rahi hoon.” Taani explained.
“Theek hai, theek hai. Come join us!” He pointed at the couch.
Taani huffed and sat across them.
“Kya baat hai? Aaj mood kyun kharab hai?” Juhi asked her.
“Pata nahi Maa. But mujhe bohot gussa aa raha hai!” Taani flared her nostrils.
“Kya hua Rey se abhi tak baat nahi huyi?” Rannvijay asked.
“Paa uska naam bhi mat lena!” Taani pointed a finger at Rannvijay.
“Kya baat hai?” Juhi asked her.
“Aunty voh.. kuch nahi.” Taani sighed. “Abhi bas sabse milke aayi aur voh Sara bata rahi thi ki Rey wapas nahi aa raha.” She informed them.
“Sara Mumbai kab aayi?” Juhi furrowed her brows.
“Pata nahi. But Sharon said that she came back a week ago or something.”
“Chalo accha hai that she decided to come back.” Rannvijay smiled.
“Kya accha hai? Aur usse kaise pata ki Rey kab aane wala hai?” Taani flared her nostrils.
“Yeh ussi se kyun nahi puchti tum?” Rannvijay looked at her.
“Voh..” Taani looked away and sighed. “Anyway, main yahan puchne aayi thi ki kya aap dono iss weekend free ho?”
“Haan.” Juhi nodded.
“Mumma soch rahi thi ki bohot din hogaye hum sab ne ek saath dinner nahi kiya so she wanted to invite you two.” Taani informed.
“Ek condition hai..” Rannvijay smirked lightly at her.
“Paa main cook nahi karne wali!” Taani instantly opposed.
“Phir mujhe sochna padega!”
“Mumma cook karne wali hai. Aapko kyun apna palate kharab karna hai mere haath ka khake? I promise you ki main apne haathon se aapke liye kuch cook karungi. But kisi aur din.” Taani smiled at him.
“Pakka?”
“I promise Paa!”
“Aur mere liye nahi?” Juhi wiggled her brows at her.
“Agar Paa share karne ke liye ready ho toh..” Taani said tongue-in-cheek.
“No! Tum apne bete se seva karao apni.” Rannvijay refused.
“Haan wohi karega seva meri. Baaki kisiko meri kahan padi hai.” Juhi sulked.
“Aunty aisa nahi hai. Hum mazak kar rahe the. Hai na Paa?”
“Main toh serious hoon!” Rannvijay smirked.
“Maa don’t listen to him. I’ll cook something special for you both!” Taani grinned at Juhi.
“Maine life mein zaroor kuch accha kiya hoga ki tum jaisi bahu mili mujhe.” Juhi kissed Taani on the forehead.
“Toh main bas bahu hoon?” Taani pouted.
“Actually abhi tak bani nahi ho.” Juhi chuckled lightly.
“Aunty main aapki bahu nahi beti banungi, dekh lena!” Taani challenged.
“Dekh lungi!” Juhi smiled, shaking her head.
“Hey Taani.” Sara stopped Taani as she saw her leave.
“Hi Sara.” Taani smiled lightly at her.
“Do you hate me?” Sara asked.
“What?” Taani asked, surprised.
“Tu baaki sabke saath itni friendly hai aur mere aate hi you get all weirded out. I mean I know we didn’t start off well aur mere wajah se bohot drama hua tha. So I wouldn’t be surprised if you did hate me.” Sara explained.
“I can say the same thing. I accused you..”
“Taani.” Sara interrupted her. “Tune meko nahi Rey ko accuse kiya tha. Trust me I have no hard feelings towards you.”
“Me neither. It’s just that we’ve never spoken after all that aur abhi tum yahan aise.. I mean.. I feel..”
“Jealous? I get it! Rey tumse jyada mere se close hai. So it’s natural you see.” Sara replied tongue-in-cheek.
“Yeah I was jealous, insecure, stupid!”
“Bas bas itni bhi tareef mat karo khud ki.” Sara chuckled. “Let bygones be bygones!”
“Yes, I’d love to start afresh!” Taani smiled.
“Me too luv!” Sara smiled back. “Yaar ye Rey ki aadat meko bhi lag gayi!” She facepalmed.
“Buri sangat mein rahogi toh bura asar toh padega hi na.” Taani raised her brow.
“You’re right!” Sara chuckled.
“Yeh Sara bhi pagal hai. But I’m glad ki usne aake baat ki. Mere se toh ho hi nahi rahi thi.” Taani shook her head, recalling it. “So much has happened in the last few months.” She reminisced.
Taani looked at the ring on her finger and smiled recalling all the times Rey slid the ring into her finger.
“I miss you Rey. Please jaldi wapas aajao.” She pulled her legs to her chest and hugged herself.
“Taani?” She heard a knock on her door.
“Purvi?” Taani furrowed her brows and opened the door. “Tu kab aayi?”
“Bas abhi thodi der pehle.” Purvi smiled and walked in.
“Aur iss waqt yahan? Oh right Juno. Usse abhi tak kahin accommodation nahi mili hai which is why he is still here.” Taani explained.
“Maine pucha?” Purvi squinted.
“Nahi voh.. chod!” Taani shrugged her shoulders. “Tu bata, how was your weekend getaway?”
“Batati hoon after you tell me ki tu Rey ki T-shirt pehen ke kyun baithi hai?” Purvi folded her arms across her chest. “Do you have something to tell me?” She wiggled her brows and smirked.
“Shut up!” Taani flared her nostrils. “Mere birthday pe Rey uski shirt yahin bhool ke gaya tha. He didn’t ask for it. I never returned.” Taani giggled lightly.
“Oh, toh birthday ke din yeh present diya tha?” Purvi asked tongue-in-cheek.
“Purvi teko maar khane ka shouk chadha hai?” Taani pointed a finger at her.
“Teko?” Purvi raised her brows. “No wonder Rey ka itna influence hua hai tere pe.” Purvi teased.
“Purvi, we haven’t had sex!” Taani said with gritted teeth.
“Main toh present mein jo shirt di uski baat kar rahi thi.” Purvi bit back her laughter.
“Yeah right!” Taani rolled her eyes. “Waise tu iss topic pe kyun baat kar rahi hai? Weekend pe kuch hua kya?” She raised her brow.
The playful glint disappeared from Purvi’s eyes and her lips curved into a smile recalling the weekend.
“What are you hiding missy?” Taani pulled on Purvi’s arm.
“Kuch nahi.” Purvi looked away trying to control her smile.
“So you made the move or he did?” Taani teased.
“Main bas hi bolne aayi thi.” Purvi turned to leave.
“Oyee ruk!” Taani pulled Purvi and they both settled on her bed. “Abh bata!”
“Kya?” Purvi asked timidly.
“What was your move?” Taani wiggled her brows.
“No one made any moves. It just happened.” Purvi smiled wide.
“I’m surprised you came back.”
“What do you mean?” Purvi’s mouth hung open.
“I mean do din room ke bahar nikle hi nahi honge tum dono. I wonder tu yahan kaise aayi.” Taani giggled.
“It was tough.” Purvi agreed and burst out laughing.
“I’m happy for you two.” Taani hugged her.
“Honestly it still feels surreal. I mean expectations hote hai and somewhere down the line you have dreamt of it. But to actually live it is surreal.” Purvi had a dreamy smile.
“Dream?” Taani furrowed her brows.
“Don’t tell me you’ve never thought of having sex with Rey?” Purvi widened her eyes at her.
Taani let out a chuckle thinking about it.
“Kya? Never? Are you serious?” Purvi asked aghast.
“I don’t know about dreaming but I had practically jumped on him.” Taani bit her lower lip and smiled, shaking her head.
“Kab?”
“Rey ke birthday pe, at the farmhouse.”
“Ooh! Toh aise gussa thanda kiya tha?” Purvi teased.
“Stop it!” Taani glared at her.
“Accha sorry.” Purvi giggled. “Waise uska reaction kya tha?”
“Honestly, if he hadn’t stopped me we would have..”
“Out in the open?” Purvi shouted. “Thodi toh sharam kar ladki!”
“I mean.. I’m ready. I have been ready for a long time now. But voh koi move karta hi nahi.” Taani pouted. “I miss him a lot. Jab uska ligament strain hua tha aur main usse roz visit karti thi, those were like the best days. I miss all the cuddling.” She frowned.
“Ask him to come back and tell him how much you’re missing him.” Purvi encouraged.
“Phone uthaye toh na.” Taani sulked. “Australia mein tha tabhi at least phone pe..” She paused as Rey’s naked image popped in front of her eyes from one of their calls.
“Phone pe..?” Purvi raised a brow.
“Baat karte the.” Taani completed her sentence and took a deep breath to clear the image from her head.
“He doesn’t call now?”
“Birthday ke baad hardly ek ya do baar baat huyi rahegi. I haven’t spoken to him in a month and I’m terribly missing him. Kya karu main?” Taani huffed and pulled her legs close to her.
“Uske T-shirt ko hug karne se kuch nahi hoga. Uske mom dad se baat kar ya phir best Armaan bhai ko jaake bol to call Rey back. Waise bhi voh wahan unhi ka kaam kar raha hai na?” Purvi suggested.
“Rey ne Armaan bhai ka number block kiya hai.” Taani rolled her eyes.
“Hain? Kyun?”
“Pata nahi. Hoga kuch reason.” Taani sighed.
“Toh Sharon?”
“After we pulled that prank?” Taani raised her brow.
“Oh right!” Purvi chuckled. “Usko bhi block kar diya hoga.”
“Yaar Purvi, how are you managing this long distance?” Taani sulked.
“Communication! Hum roz baat karte hai, even if it’s for five minutes. Aur kabhi voh bhi nahi hopaya toh at least text karte hai.”
“Main bhi toh wahi kar rahi thi. Phir achanak se usne ignore karna kyu chalu kiya?” Taani sighed.
“Maybe he is planning a surprise?”
“For what?”
“Usse surprises dene ke liye reason thodi lagta hai!” Purvi pointed out.
“Haan voh bhi hai.” Taani shook her head. “But mujhe surprise mein koi interest nahi hai. I just want him here!” She huffed.
“So that you can jump him again?” Purvi asked tongue-in-cheek.
“Ha-ha very funny!” Taani squinted.
“Teri shakal pe saaf likha hai that you want it!”
“Voh koi move kare toh na. Aur move karne ke liye usse yahan hona chahiye, which he isn’t. Toh kya farak padta hai mere shakal pe jo likha hai uss se?” Taani rolled her eyes.
“Tu uske move ke liye kyun ruki hai? You take the initiative.”
“Main?”
“Haan! It’s not like he is going to refrain.”
“Tease toh meko voh bohot karta hai, but sex? He has never been that intimate with me.” Taani mumbled.
“You’ve never felt anything while kissing him?”
“What?” Taani asked aghast.
“Abey emotion!” Purvi burst out laughing followed by Taani. “Kiss se you can tell.”
“Really?”
“Haan!”
“Mujhe bhi toh last month hi yeh realize hua. Maybe he doesn’t want to as yet. Why else would he pull me away?” Taani wondered.
“Will you stop overthinking?” Purvi glared at Taani. “Pehle abhi focus on getting him back to Mumbai. Waise tu bhi ja sakti hai uss se milne.” She winked.
“Haan haan London ka visa toh sale pe laga hai. Ek pe ek free offer chalu hai uspe.” Taani mocked.
“Sacchi? Toh meko plus one bana le. Main aajaungi.” Purvi grinned.
“Aur Arjun?” Taani raised a brow.
“Kaun Arjun?”
“Ruk batati hoon usse main ki Purvi is now done with you. She is no longer interested in you. Usse London ka koi firangi chahiye!”
“Haaye! Mere dil ki baat bol di tune!”
“Hogaya drama? Abhi jaake soja. Kal office hai, tera bhi aur mera bhi!”
“Good night, luv!” Purvi said in a fake British accent.
“Good night!” Taani giggled as Purvi left.
Taani tucked herself in her blanket and stared out of the window at the full moon. She smiled recalling her journey with Rey from the first kiss at the farmhouse to making out with him at the same place. She looked at the ring on her finger and kissed it.
“Mr. Reyansh Singhania, get ready to be wooed!”
Hello!
The update is finally done! Be prepared to get the next one after months as well
It's been a rough couple of months and thank you for understanding and being patient and most importantly not ditching and leaving. That would've been awful!
I started writing this in January or February and it's May now! What the f*ck?!
I'll try to be a little better next time. key word being 'TRY'!
Moving on to something fun..
Question of the update:
Kal wala love (Old Relationships) or Aaj wala love (New Relationships)
Will one weigh down the other?
Comment down below!
The promo was a perfect prompt for me to write something in my ishtyle! ...
Amidst the tumultuous storm of a high-stakes trial, Anushka Raisinghani, a ...
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Trisha @Trisha49
+ 2
1 years ago
I'm so so sorry for this late comment, mai bhool gayi thi that i hadn't commented and then past kuch wakt I've been caught and in my own world, sorry. I'll Brb soon for the latest update! 🌸 (plus accept apology🥺)
Trisha @Trisha49
+ 2
1 years ago
Taani and Sharon bantering about Rey is so funny lol! And all this ignoring and blocking, bhai mai toh leti nahi, Rey ka alag hi swag hai😂😂😂Bechare sab including wo🤦♀️Kya cuties hai Taani ke in laws yaar, and How she keeps jumping from maa to aunty😂😂😂Aww the longing! 🥺🥺Omg get ready to be wooed! Bhaisahab sounds fancyyy, excited to read ahead
Trisha @Trisha49
+ 2
1 years ago
Sasta SRK n Sush💘💘💘Nil n Simmi being cute, I like their banter and I don't understand Nil ki harkate but I guess some characters are like that😂Juno and Taani about sound n sleep😂😂😂AwwTaani and uncle ki car uffYaar Taani bhi na, poochna tha toh pooch leti, kaha assumption leke Shivam ko offend kardiya🤦♀️Omg, kya pyaara bond chal raha tha Nimmi ka, kaha kiss kar diye yaar, I guess that's for Nil ki realisation but 🥺 someone sing hogaya hai tujhko to pyaar sajna plis, situational feels ke liye 😂❤By God! Babe Sara take care, bach gaye bas pheww
Trisha @Trisha49
+ 2
1 years ago
Neha ne jo approval diya hai Vicky ke pitne ka, ohooFull modern family situation with this Raj, his gf doesn't want his dhandha to work lol! Aww dickey me, cute? New for me too. Sneha as a character only makes me Happy, SK ka effect partly maybeAwww, challenge accepted Mr Raichand🥺, sounds like a wattpad novel title no? Haha I'm all for a cliche, inka spin off bhi pyaara hota but I realise you give acha time to characters besides taarey toh idhar hi masta spin off track se bhi dil bhar le
Trisha @Trisha49
+ 2
1 years ago
This Ayush character may or may not be growing on me😂😂😂 kya nautanki hai! I love How they know it's not Rey based on ki he hasn't broken in😂😂😂Ayy Junooo! It's been so long since I read that now, but like I understand what Rey meant when he said he's jealous of Juno and her bond. 🥺 haaye life😂Lagta hai tera haath toh pitne waale kaam mat kar - what a line! Love you SRP! Aww 🥺 so nice to see this Ayush Sharon thing settling dheere dheereI love you and that's my problem to deal with🤦♀️ Aditya ki aulaad
Yunk @Yunk 2 years ago Please update it soon it was awesome I loved it
Dakshata @dakshumhatre
2 years ago
Nice updateLove itActually me too mis ReyHope sara truth not make any . misunderstanding between taareyPlease update soon
Diya @foreverlazy
+ 9
2 years ago
I was right, it got cut off! Anyway, what was I saying? Oh yeah, Nil's a sweetheart and let's be real the boy is SMOOTH and I feel like that's kinda the vibe I got from the show but they never really explored it and yet managed to capture it so well! (teach me your ways) I also feel like Nil is an absolute LIAR, he's just going along with Simmi saying that he's pretending when he's being genuine cuz' this is what he's like when he actually likes someone but I'm probably wrong. (me @ Nimmi ever chance I have: GET IT TOGETHER') // Snevam! I love how Sneha just pops in every other chapter to provide us with fun facts about her life, it's literally my favourite thing ever. I just want Snevam to happy... // Saara's back! I love Saara the most, stop hurting her. And she absolutely just straight up ask someone if they hated her, I love the way you write Saara. Also, I'm just really happy she and Taani are gonna' be friends now. // Other just like little details only a psycho like me would get happy about: Rey blocking Armaan on his own fiance's phone because he is absolutely that type of person and Taani calling Rey's dad Paa which always warms my heart because I legit think that it's the cutest thing on the planet because Taani is becoming more open and comfortable with people other than that tight circle of people that she's surrounded herself with before she met Rey. // Anyways, I'm sure more than half of this will get cut off, but you know I always love when you update, so I'm looking forward to the next chapter!
Diya @foreverlazy
+ 9
2 years ago
I've been meaning to read this chapter for WEEKS, I just wanted to until after I finished my finals and grades came out so I can actually be relaxed while reading. // First of all, where is Reyyyyy, I miss that doofus. I missed Taani and Rey being all cute and shit and you have me all excited because Taani seems determined to woo him! // LOL about freaking time people started noticing that Taani's been engaged for a good 10+ chapters. But for real though, imagine being Adah or anyone else that works with Taani and one day this girl just has a huge rock on her finger outta NOWHERE, I'd be so confused. Also, Ayush is such a troll, I adore him. // JUNO!!! Hells yeah, I knew it was him! I feel like I've waiting for him to come to Mumbai for a year now and he's finally here! // Taani jumps to conclusions like it's her job, honestly I love her with all my heart but why is she like thissss. Like, how can someone be oblivious while being so insightful at the same time, kya- chalta kya hai iss ladki ke dimag mein??? She had no freaking clue that Juno had a thing for her but she knew right away that something happened with Purvi and Arjun... I can't even. // Aw... look at Sharon and Ayush trying to be adults and sitting down to have a mature conversation about their feelings, I'm honestly so proud these children. For reals though, it's hard to talk to an ex even if you ended on friendly terms which these two clearly didn't. // NIMMI!!! Idk if you know this about me, but I am the biggest Nimmi shipper ever, I love them so much, and honestly I'm just a sucker for a good friends to lovers dynamic. I love the your sprinkle little bits of them here and there because I always thought they deserved better but I digress. I feel like Nil is absolutely one of those guys that acts like he's above romance and is all like 'love? boo, hiss' (Idk why but he always reminds me of Schmidt from New Girl) but he's also just like impossible not to love because he's so sweet and earnest and like l
Niketha @atulaya_taarey
2 years ago
Awesome update.and really thanks for updating..... And like taani I started to re read their journey and fell in love with this couple again 😊... I really loved how taani was switching without even realising when she was calling juhi between maa and auntie😂.... Sneha and shivam would definitely be a cute couple if they become one and the concept of co-parenting has been beautifully shown by Sneha and Raj.....nil and simmi definitely have the hots for each other but let's see how long will it take