Chapter 27 - Ude Dil Befikre

“Spain!”

“Ireland!”

“Morocco!”

“Caribbean!”

“Mauritius!”

“Guys calm down!” Armaan silenced the gang.

“Exactly!” Riri agreed. “This destination wedding plan seems too much!”

“Main toh kabse bol raha hoon ki seedha court marriage karo.” Rey rolled his eyes at them.

“Shut up!” Armaan and Riri yelled at him.

“Fine keep looking for places.” He shook his head at them.

“Teri shaadi ki responsibility galati se bhi humare haath mein mat dena. Teko jhel nahi payenge hum sab.” Sharon raised her hands in defeat.

“Ek shaadi kya organize karne ko mili yeh khud ko wedding planner samajh rahi hai!” Rey mocked Sharon.

“AB isko bolo ki chup rahe. Faltu ka time waste nahi karna meko iss pe.” Sharon glared at Rey.

“Khud bolne problem ho rahi hai?” Rey raised a brow at her.

“Ruk tujhe batati hoon!” Sharon leaped on Rey but Swayam stopped her in time.

“Guys grow up yaar!” Swayam was annoyed.

“Rey why don’t you just leave the planning to us. You can help with the preparations.” Riri tried to dose the quarrel.

“I didn’t expect this from you!” Rey looked at her in disbelief.

“Abbe kahan ja rahan hai?” Nil asked as Rey got up to leave.

“Karo jo karna hai tum sab ko. Shaadi ka invitation bhej dena main pahuch jaunga!” Rey walked to the door and paused for a brief second. “Kaise log hai, not even trying to stop me!” He left, making faces at them.

“Iski nautanki kuch jyada nahi badh rahi hai?” Armaan looked at Swayam.

“He just wanted a way out.” Simmi told them.

“What do you mean?” Sharon asked.

“I saw him chatting with Taani. I’m pretty sure he has gone to meet her.” Simmi giggled.

“Haan aur yeh milne ka excuse deke toh nikal nahi sakta tha. Bohot bura bhai lagta.” Vicky added.

“Isse toh abhi seedha invitation hi milne wala hai!” Armaan sneered making others laugh.

…

“Hi?” Purvi knotted her brows.

“Hey!” Rey greeted her.

“Tum yahan?” She asked.

“Haan voh..” Rey stopped speaking as he heard a loud shriek coming from inside.

“Maa, one step at a time please!” Taani screamed.

“Welcome to the scream house.” Purvi shook her head and stepped aside to let him in to the house.

“What’s going on?” Rey asked her.

“Taani is trying to cook!” Purvi answered.

“Aise?” Rey asked as he heard her scream again.

“Ek din mein expert banna hai madam ko aur aunty uski mast class le rahi hai.” Purvi giggled.

“Chalo hum bhi thode maze lete hai.” Rey smirked rubbing his palms together.

“Chalo!” Purvi walked behind him to the kitchen.

“Wow aunty your kitchen smells amazing!” Rey entered closing his nostrils.

“Tum yahan kya kar rahe ho?” Taani pointed the spatula at him.

“Main toh bas..” He raised his hands feeling threated by her and sneezed in the process as the chilies hit his nostrils. “Tu yahan kar kya rahi hai?” He asked aghast and sneezed again.

“Main isse cooking lessons dene ki koshish kar rahi hoon. Par..” Tanya sighed and sat holding her head.

“What are you making?” He asked.

“Tortellini.” Taani answered.

“Filling itni spicy kyu kar rahi?” He went forward and saw the amount of chili.

“Chili oil bana rahi hoon. Tum jao yahan se.” Taani said annoyed.

“Aachoo!” He sneezed again. “Kyun?”

“Mujhe banana hai, tumse matlab?” Taani flared her nostrils at him and sneezed the very next instant.

“Rey tum yahan kaise?” Tanya asked him.

“Gharse bahar nikal diya and I had nowhere else to go, toh yahan aagaya.” He shrugged his shoulders.

“What?” Purvi furrowed her brows.

“Arre bhai ke shaadi ka discussion chalu tha and no one was liking any of my ideas. Toh meko bhaga diya wahan se.”

“Abh court marriage wale ideas doge toh bhagayenge hi tujhe.” Taani taunted.

“Toh kya planning ho rahi hai?” Tanya asked him.

“Destination wedding karni hai dono ko. And everyone is excited as ghumne milega shaadi ke bahane.” He shook his head.

“Idea bura nahi hai.” Purvi said.

“I should let Arjun know what is cooking in your head.” Rey chuckled.

“Tum sab ko gossip karni hai toh bahar jaake karo. I’m trying to cook here.” Taani looked at them annoyed.

“You know tortellini ke liye chili oil nahi lagta.” Rey mocked.

“I know that.” Taani gave him the side eye.

“Voh hogaya hai abhi. Keep it aside and start rolling the pasta into sheets.” Tanya instructed her.

“Haan. Isse flat karke roller se pass karu na?” Taani asked holding the pasta dough in her hand. Tanya nodded.

“Purvi when did your parents leave?” Rey asked her.

“Abhi do din pehle. Dad told me ki he is not going to unblock my accounts or my cards as main yahan almost settle ho gayi hoon.” Purvi rolled her eyes.

“Haan abh tu kama rahi hai you don’t need their money.” Rey smiled at her.

“Yeah I know, but I was thinking of renting a place and having that extra money would have helped.” Purvi sulked.

“Tujhe kyun move out hona hai yahan se?” Taani looked at her.

“She needs her space yaar.” Rey tried to make Taani understand.

“And this was always supposed to be temporary.” Purvi added.

“Mumma aap hi bolo isse.” Taani looked at Tanya.

“What are you doing?” Rey went to Taani and asked her to step aside. “Isse main roll karta hoon. You stretch it out.” He instructed.

“Main kar rahi thi.” She pouted.

“Abhi acchese karo.” He smiled knowingly looking at her pouted lips.

“Behave.” She whispered to him and straightened up.

“Purvi, I might have a solution for you.” Tanya said.

“What?” Purvi asked eagerly.

“You can shift next doors. Yeh sab log Bangalore shift hogaye hai and that house stays locked. You can shift there and then we can figure out a minimal rent for you. And when you finally find a place for yourself, you can shift.” Tanya suggested.

“Mumma rent?” Taani looked at her.

“Tu kar kya rahi hai? Itna stuff karegi toh the pasta will crack while cooking.” Rey reprimanded Taani.

“You know what, I’m done! Karo jo karna hai voh.” Taani folded her arms across her chest and looked at him with flared nostrils.

“Haan abh humare liye cook karna tujhe pasand thodi hai. You just liked cooking for your friend back in New York.” Rey mocked. Taani’s mouth hung open and she shot daggers at him.

“Which friend?” Purvi asked. “And why do I not know about him?”

“Why do you assume it’s him and not her?” Taani asked her.

“Because of the way he said it.” Purvi giggled.

“I wasn’t cooking for anyone. Now move, I have to finish this.” Taani pushed Rey aside.

“Purvi you didn’t say anything?” Tanya asked her.

“Aunty are you sure?”

“Voh ghar waise hi band pada rehta hai, issi bahane thodi hawa milegi.” Tanya smiled at her.

“Purvi don’t think so much. Say yes.” Rey insisted.

“Yeh face pe jo smile hai na voh thodi kam karo. Just because Purvi won’t be in my room doesn’t mean I’m gonna have night long video calls with you.” Taani whispered to Rey.

“At least video call ka chance toh hoga. Abhi toh voh possible bhi nahi hai.” He whispered back.

“If that’s alright with everyone, I don’t mind shifting. That way Taani won’t have to sneak out of her own room to answer calls.” Purvi raised a brow at Taani.

“Toh yeh wajah hai subah late uthne ki?” Tanya looked at Taani and Rey.

“Aunty main toh roz bolta hoon ki phone rakhe as mera office hota hai. But yeh sunti kaha hai?” He complained.

“Main nahi sunti?” Taani placed her hands on her hips.

“Aise dara kyun rahi ho? I’m just joking.” He pulled her to him and pecked her nose. “Itti si naak pe gussa kitna bhara hai.”

“Aunty, I think we should leave them alone.” Purvi announced.

“Yeah.” Tanya agreed. “If you two manage to make a dish, call us.” They both left.

“Mumma ke saamne yeh sab karne ki kya jarurat thi?” Taani sneered at him.

“Itni cutely khadi thi tu, I just couldn’t help.” He raised his shoulders making her shake her head at him.

“Main soch raha tha ki dinner ke liye kahin jaate hai.” Rahul sat next to Muskaan on the couch.

“Rahul, dekh tu mera iss waqt dimaag mat kha. Mujhe thodi der shaanti se TV dekhne de!” Muskaan yelled at him.

“I would suggest that you sleep for some time. Kiara keeps you awake at night. Voh bhi iss waqt so rahi hai. Tu bhi ek nap lele.” He suggested.

“Dekh, tu mere muh na lag iss waqt aur ja yahan se.” She glared.

“Kya hua?” Armaan asked Rahul as he walked to him room massaging his temples.

“Kuch nahi yaar yeh Muskaan..”

“Kya kiya usne?” Armaan asked.

“Usko thode break ki jarurat hai. I suggested dinner par maan hi nahi rahi hai.”

“Sharon bata rahi thi ki unn sab ka Matheran ka plan ban raha hai. Join hona hai?” Armaan suggested.

“Bikes?” Rahul asked.

“Definitely! Raat ke teen baje niklenge toh sunrise tak toh we’ll reach there.” Armaan informed.

“Sounds like a plan. It’s been ages we have done that.” Rahul agreed to it. “Iske liye Muskaan bhi mana nahi karegi.”

“Great then, Sharon ko bata dena.” Armaan left.

“Hey Sharon, Matheran ka kya plan hai?” Rahul called her immediately.

“Jyada kuch nahi, bas late night bike ride and hopefully sunrise dekh ke return.” Sharon informed. “Tumhe kisne bataya?”

“Armaan ne.” He answered. “Aur plan kabka hai?”

“Tenth ko subah subah, two-thirty three-ish.”

“Sounds great, count us in!”

“Cool!” Sharon disconnected.

“Hogaya plan banake?” Muskaan asked from behind him.

“Haan.” He turned and faced her.

“And who will look after Kiara?”

“Mom can look after her for a few hours. Aur waise bhi iss time pe voh so rahi hoti hai.”

“Baat toh sahi hai. Plus I need a break!” Muskaan grinned thinking about the trip.

“Aise haste huye kitni normal lagti hai tu. Warna toh jaanwar wale vibes aate hai tujhse.” Rahul mocked.

“Ruk tujhe yeh jaanwar kya kar sakti hai voh batati hoon.” Muskaan pulled him by his collars to their room.

…

“Rahul and Muski are also coming.” Sharon informed Rey and Swayam.

“Tune Taani ko pucha?” Swayam asked Rey.

“Not yet. I don’t think uske kuch plans hai so koi issue nahi hoga.” Rey answered.

“Taani aayegi toh Purvi ko bhi bulana hoga, aur phir hum odd hojayenge aur bikes ka problem hoga. Ek aur ko invite karna hoga.” Sharon thought.

“Tu kya bikes ki list bana rahi hai?” Rey eyed her.

“Haan Bharat needs it to arrange for the extra bikes. You have three, Swayam ki fourth, Vicky fifth. Bharat needs to arrange for three more.” She informed.

“Uske paas khudki bhi toh hai.” Swayam reminded her.

“Arre haan. Toh just two more.” Sharon corrected herself.

“Actually just one more. I have four.” Rey grinned.

“You bought another bike?” Swayam narrowed his eyes at Rey.

“Kaunsi li?” Sharon asked.

“Dekh lena.” He winked at her. “Main Taani se baat karke aata hoon tab tak tu please yeh review kar le. Manas ne mera dimaag kha rakha hai.” He shook his head and left the cabin.

“Iska bikes ka obsession kuch jyada nahi ho raha? Abh kaunsi li isne?” Swayam looked at Sharon.

“You think you can stop him from buying bikes?” Sharon responded.

“I wish I knew how to.”

“Relax, one of those four belongs to AB. So he just owns three.”

“Bhai ka hi influence hai ispe. Dono ko bikes itni kyun pasand hai pata nahi.” Swayam shook his head. “Anyways let’s get done with this. Phir site pe bhi jana hai.”

“Hello!” Taani picked up the call.

“Wow, itni free ho ki first ring pe hi utha liya?” Rey chuckled.

“You don’t start as well. I’ve had enough of taunts from bhai and mumma.” She groaned.

“So listen to us and start applying for jobs!”

“Haan na! Yeh batane ke liye call kiya hai?” She asked annoyed.

“Accha sunn abh.”

“Bol.”

“We are planning a road trip to Matheran and back on tenth early morning. Wanna join?” He asked.

“When?” She asked to confirm.

“Tenth April early morning. Sunrise hone se pehle wahan pahuchna hai.” He informed.

“Tenth?” She asked again.

“Haan! Dus tareekh ko! Abhi bol! Tere kuch dusre plans hai?”

“Nahi kuch nahi. I’ll let you know.” She answered softly.

“Aur Purvi se bhi puch lena.”

“Haan.”

“Kya hua?” He asked.

“Kuch nahi.”

“You sound.. different.”

“Bhai se abhi just jhagad ke aayi hoon apne room mein.”

“Kis baat pe?”

“He said that he is not going to be here over this weekend starting Friday.” She sulked.

“That’s great! He won’t give me murderous looks when we leave at night.” He chuckled.

“Maine abhi tak haan nahi bola hai.” She reminded him.

“Na bhi toh nahi bola.”

“Rey, I’ll call you later. Mujhe kaam hai.”

“Sure.”

“Don’t you mock me!” She reprimanded. “I’m helping Purvi set her room next doors.”

“I wasn’t, I swear!”

“Yeah whatever! Bye!”

“Bye.” He disconnected.

“Does he not remember my birthday?” Taani wondered looking at her phone.

…

“Nilesh?” Simmi stopped her car and rolled down the window.

“Hey Simmi.” He walked close to the car.

“Tum yahan kya kar rahe ho?” She asked him.

“Waiting for a cab.” He answered.

“Come I’ll drop you.” She unlocked the door.

“Arre chill, I’m good.” He opposed.

“Chal abhi baith ja aur jyada bhaav mat kha!” She glared at him.

“Carter Road Social.” He told her his destination.

“Date?” She asked starting her car.

“Yeah.” He nodded. “I don’t think we are gonna connect but let’s see.” He added.

“Why do you presume that?”

“Her bio is very boring.”

“Toh tu jaa kyun raha hai?”

“Desperate times call for desperate measures!”

“You’re impossible!” Simmi rolled her eyes at him.

“This was precisely why I was reluctant to take a lift.” He sneered.

“What else do you expect me to say?”

“Don’t say anything.” He gazed outside the window. “Waise what happened to your DJ wala babu?” He chuckled.

“Bohot ganda tha.”

“Arre bata na.”

“Kuch nahi, he wants to get serious. I don’t. End of story!”

“Aise sabko mana karte rahegi toh akeli hi reh jayegi.” He taunted.

“Mujhe tere concern ki jarurat nahi hai.”

“Tere bhale ke liye bol raha hoon. Jo tujh mein interest dikhata hai usse tu bhaav nahi deti and you always go after guys who are not into you.”

“Nil stay out of it.” She said annoyed.

“If you stay out of my dating life, I will.”

“You told me you don’t see it going anywhere other than your bedroom!”

“These judgy eyes, I hate them!”

“Okay, but have you ever considered leaving this casual dating habit of yours and be serious about anyone?”

“Let’s try it today. I’ll cancel my date if you agree to go out with me.” He looked at her.

“What?” She exclaimed.

“Dekh tu single hai and I don’t have anyone interesting to go out on a date with. So tu chal mere saath.” He gave her a lopsided grin.

“I know how your ‘dates’ end. So no, thank you!” She air-quoted the word dates.

“You can’t tell me to cancel my date and then not agree to go out with me.” He complained.

“I didn’t tell you to cancel it.”

“You kind of did!”

“You’ll easily get a cab from here.” Simmi stopped the car.

“I already texted her that I can’t make it.” He smirked.

“Then go home. I’m not going out with you!” She unlocked the door and gestured him to leave.

He got out of the car and closed the door. He then knocked on the window asking her to roll it down.

“We are not done yet!” He smirked at her and left.

“Yeh aadha pagal toh tha hi abh poora hogaya hai!” She shook her head at him and left.

“11:55 pm.” Taani looked at the clock. “Phone charge ho raha hai. I have tidied myself, I look presentable, great! Five more minutes and the calls will start.” Taani looked at her phone in anticipation.

The screen lit up and it flashed Rey’s name. She answered, smiling.

“Hey Taani, you awake right?” He asked.

“Haan!” She smiled.

“Good. Please so mat jana. I’ll come by two to pick you up.”

“Huh?” She wasn’t expecting this. She looked at the watch and there was still a minute left.

“Arre Matheran road trip. Bhool gayi?” He asked.

“Nahi, yaad hai.” She answered.

“Theek hai. Toh do baje milte hai. Bye.”

“Bye.” She looked sadly at the blank screen. “Usse sachme yaad nahi hai?” She wondered.

Twenty minutes passed by after the call and her phone was dead silent. She kept checking it every two minutes, turned it off and back on again, checked network and Wi-Fi settings, but nothing. There were no messages nor any calls.

“Kisiko bhi mera birthday yaad nahi hai?” She looked at herself in the mirror and her eyes started to well up.

Just then her phone pinged, and she hurriedly picked it up. It was an email notification. She smiled reading it and switched on her laptop to hear her father’s message.

“Happy birthday gudiya! Twenty-three wow, you’ve become a woman now! I really hope you have someone by your side now. Also to that someone, you may not be the one, so behave yourself!” Her father warned which got a sad smile on her face thinking about Rey.

“Usko toh yaad bhi nahi ki mera birthday hai aaj.” She sulked.

“So aaj birthday party kaunse club mein hai? I’m pretty sure abh tak kuch bad habits toh lag gayi hongi tumhe. Kyun?” He laughed. “Khair it’s part of growing up, so I cannot be mad at you. Just remember to always be cautious and never overdo anything. Bohot serious ho raha hai na yeh message? But kya karu yeh wala aakhri jo hai.” She paused it as her stomach knotted hearing that. “Kya hua? Didn’t like me saying that? But you have to accept it now. Main jaanta hoon ki this news of my illness was not easy for you, I could see it in your eyes when I told you. Isiliye maine yeh messages record kiye the hoping to help you gradually get over my loss. You have to let me go now. Main humesha toh tumhare saath nahi reh sakta. Just know that whatever you do in your life I am proud of you and I love you.”

“I love you too papa and I miss you a lot!” Taani hugged her soft toy and cried.

“I’m pretty sure that you are crying right now kyunki meri baat toh ek baar mein kabhi maani nahi hai tumne.” He chuckled which got a smile on her face as well. “Remember your promise, agar aasu khushi ke na ho toh beete huye pe mat bahao.” She wiped the tears off and smiled. “I know yeh thoda lamba message tha, so I’m sorry to have taken so much of your time. Now you can go back to answering your friend’s calls, but I hope I’m the first one like always! Happy birthday Gudiya! Humesha khush rehna. With lots of love, your papa.”

The message ended and she sat in silence going over his words. She couldn’t believe that this was his last message ever, but she understood what he meant, she couldn’t hold onto him for the rest of her life. She picked up his photo from the side table and hugged it.

“Jaante ho papa, iss baar you are the first and the only person who has wished me. Baaki kisine wish nahi kiya mujhe.” She pouted looking at his photograph. “Rey ne bhi abhi tak call nahi kiya!”

The windowpane of her bedroom window shut close taking her attention to it.

“Bahar toh hawa nahi hai. How did this close?” She walked up to it and opened it wide again.

Two hands appeared on the window frame making her stumble back in fear. She looked intently as a head rose up.

“Surprise!”

“Rey?” Taani squinted calming her racing heart.

“Haan mein!” He grinned.

“What are you doing here? And how did you even get here?”

“Guess!” He wiggled his brows.

“Tum do baje ki jagah mujhe lene abhi hi aagaye?”

“Wrong!” He climbed in through the window.

“Do steps aage chalte toh balcony door tha jahan se tum andar aa sakte the.” She pointed at the door.

“Abh voh boyfriend hi kya jo apni girlfriend ke room mein window se na aaye.” He chuckled and walked to her.

“How did you even get here?” She asked.

“That’s not important, come here!” He encircled his arms around her waist.

“Kya kar rahe ho?” She asked as he pulled her closer.

“Tumse kuch kehna hai.”

“Kya?”

“Happy birthday!” He leaned in to kiss her.

“Stop!” She placed a hand on his lips making him frown. “Who reminded you?” She squinted.

“Mujhe yaad tha!” He removed her hand and answered.

“Isiliye itna late wish kar rahe ho?” She sulked.

“Seven floors chadke aane time lagta hai yaar.” He pouted.

“What? Pagal ho kya tum?” She looked at him aghast.

“Relax, I’m just kidding. Shivam ke room through aaya main.” He chuckled and she sighed in relief.

“Bhai toh yahan hai nahi, so what took you this long to come from there?” She questioned.

“Main yahan teko wish karne aaya hoon aur tu hai ki bas bak bak kiye ja rahi hai. Now shut up and give me a kiss!” He pulled her towards him.

She smiled at his request and connected their lips. He smiled back and deepened the kiss pouring out his love in it.

“Rey your time is up. We are coming in!” Purvi knocked on the door and opened it. She entered in followed by Tanya and Shivam. “Happy birthday!” They said in unison.

“Bhai? You had left a few hours ago right?” Taani looked at him in confusion.

“Yes, and I went next doors!” He winked.

“Taani candles melt ho rahi hai! Teri bad bad baad mein kar. Cut the cake first!” Purvi walked in with a cake in her hand.

Taani blew the candles and cut the cake, feeding it to everyone.

“I really thought you all forgot my birthday.” Taani looked at them.

“Yeh poora plan Rey ka tha.” Shivam told her.

“Yeah give a few more minutes and your phone will start ringing.” Purvi said and her own phone pinged. “Yeh dekh Arjun mujhe message karke puch raha hai if you are done or not.” Purvi showed it to Rey.

“You got everyone to not call or message me?” Taani looked at him.

“I appointed a few people to do their jobs and I’m so happy they did it so efficiently!” He grinned.

“Why would you do that?” She asked.

“Bas aise hi.” He raised his shoulders carelessly and stuffed his mouth with a piece of cake.

“Get a spoon man. Kaise kha raha hai tu?” Shivam cringed.

Rey went to the kitchen making faces at him.

“Trust Rey to give such weird surprises.” Taani laughed.

“Weird kahan, this was sweet. He wanted papa to wish you first, and we all made sure that happened.” Shivam informed her.

“Yeah we told everyone to call or message you after 12:30 am when we change the group title on WhatsApp. Which reminds me I have to do that.” Purvi pulled out her phone and did that.

Soon after, Taani’s phone began buzzing with birthday messages. Rey returned with spoons and sat next to her.

“Anyone?” He looked at them.

“Thank you, but mujhe abhi bohot neend aa rahi hai. So, I’ll leave. You guys continue.” Tanya got up and hugged Taani. “Happy birthday bachcha.”

“Thanks mumma.” Taani hugged her back.

“Main bhi chali, kal subah office hai.” Purvi got up.

“Kal nahi aaj.” Shivam corrected her.

“Toh tu nahi aa rahi?” Rey asked Purvi.

“Next time may be.” She smiled at him.

“Okay good night.” Rey greeted her.

“Even I’ll leave. You both better behave.” Shivam left giving them a warning.

“He seems to be getting normal with me around the house.” Rey said after Shivam left.

“Abh tum roz yahan aaoge toh yahi hoga na.” Taani chuckled.

“Shut up okay, yeh poora plan execute karne ke liye main last do din chakkar laga raha tha.” He sneered.

“Do you have to one up yourself every single time?” She crawled up to him and straddled him.

“I like fulfilling your wishes.” He held her tight.

“Yeh toh papa ki wish thi ki voh mujhe sabse pehle birthday wish kare.” She played with his hair.

“Haan par window se aane ki wish toh teri thi na.” He closed his eyes enjoying her touch.

“You’ve spoilt me!” She raked her fingers through his hair.

“Kya karu dil dariya hai mera!” He chuckled.

Taani rolled her eyes at him and pushed him onto the bed. She didn’t realise that the cake was behind Rey while pushing him and he landed on the cake.

“Ew!” He got up immediately and tried to look at the mess that was made on his back.

“Sorry.” She controlled her laughter. “Tumhara dil dariya hai na toh iske liye you can easily forgive me.” She bit her lower lip hiding her smile.

“Yes, definitely!” He pulled her towards him and quickly moved aside making her land face first on the cake.

“Rey!” She shrieked.

“Happy birthday.” He massaged the cake all over her face.

“I hate you!” She wiped the cake off her eyes and glared at him.

“And I love you!” He pulled her cheeks.

“Abhi nahana padega. You put cake in my hair!” She gritted her teeth.

“Stop touching, you’re adding more.”

“Kya farak padta hai. Abhi ruko yahin. I need to clean myself.” She straightened up and saw herself in the mirror. In the reflection she saw him smirking. “Don’t you dare pass any comment!” She pointed a finger at him.

“Maine kuch bola bhi nahi.” He complained.

“Bolo bhi mat!”

“Yaar teko time lagega, let me just clean my tee first.” He walked to the washroom.

“You did this.” She pointed at herself. “Abhi ruko aise hi till I’m done.” She rushed in and closed the door.

“Taani!” He sulked.

“Rey!” She mimicked him.

…

“Poora tee kharab kar diya isne.” Rey huffed as he removed his t-shirt at the kitchen sink. “I hope cake baalon pe na laga ho.” He turned on the faucet to clean his t-shirt. “Taani ko aur thoda time toh lagega hi. I’ll leave this hanging here warna floor geela hojayega.” He contemplated and left his t-shirt hanging on the faucet.

“Oops!” He turned to go back into Taani’s room when he bumped into Tanya.

“Tum ghar pe bhi aise hi ghumte ho?” Tanya looked at him from top to bottom.

“Aapki beti ko bolo. Isme meri koi galati nahi hai.” He chuckled.

“Usko bolne jaungi toh voh sunegi nahi, baat taal degi.” Tanya shook her head.

“Kya baat hai?” He asked her.

“Don’t take me wrong but I just want to remind you both that we live in a society..”

“What?” He interrupted her.

“Even though we are progressive doesn’t mean everyone around us is. So I just want to say that whatever you guys do, just be responsible.” She completed.

Rey looked at her with a confused face and as her words sunk in, his confusion began to fade.

“Oh God no! We were not.. we didn’t.. It’s not what you’re thinking. No!” He fumbled with words.

“No? You weren’t having sex?” She asked straightforward to have fun with Rey. He stood there gawking at her.

“Mumma?” They both heard Taani who was staring at Tanya with a shocked face.

“Mujhse jhoot kyu bol rahe ho? Tum yahan shirtless ho, voh wahan towel mein khadi hai. It can’t be a coincidence.” Tanya mocked.

“It’s not! Humare kapdo pe cake lag gaya tha and Taani quite literally rolled into it.” Rey told her.

“So you mean to say that you guys were rolling with the cake?” She raised her brow.

“Mumma just go and sleep! You’re embarrassing me!” Taani said through gritted teeth. Tanya left holding back her laughter.

“Yaar aunty kitni cool hai. What happened to you and Shivam?” Rey walked to Taani.

“Tum bina shirt ke kyun ghum rahe ho?” She asked.

“Bohot ganda lag raha hai. I had to wash it off.”

“I was almost done. Thodi der aur ruk jaate.”

“Why are you getting so hyper? I’m pretty sure she was just pulling our legs.” He encircled his arms around her waist.

“Abh tumhare wajah se she is gonna give me the safe sex wala lecture again!”

“You want me to join you?” He asked tongue in cheek.

“You’re such a pervert!” She sneered at him.

“Aaj bol diya, dobara kabhi mat bolna yeh.” He removed his hands from behind her and stood straight.

“I didn’t..”

“I know you didn’t mean it. So relax and don’t work yourself.” He smiled at her.

“Sorry.” She pouted at him.

“It’s okay.” He kissed her.

Her hands roamed on his bare back as she deepened the kiss. He stepped closer to her connecting their bodies. The only piece of cloth between their torso was her towel. He tilted her head to one side and gave a trail of kisses down her neck. She dug her nails in his back as he reached the crook of her neck.

“Rey!” She moaned.

He pulled her even closer by her waist. His hand began to rub her back through the towel.

“Please stop.” She said biting her lower lip to control another moan from escaping.

He pulled back and looked at her breathing heavily. Her chest heaved up and down as she took deep breaths. He noticed the end of her towel had loosened. He held it firmly for her and smiled.

“Tum change kar lo. I’ll wait outside.” He said. She nodded and closed the door behind her.

“Yahan par toh poori paltan hai.” Taani whispered to Rey as she got down his bike.

“Finally yeh dono aagaye!” Vicky looked at them.

“Happy birthday Taani!” They all wished her in unison.

“Thank you.” She smiled at them.

“Kya chal raha hai guys?” Rey looked at everyone.

“We are trying to figure out who is riding with whom.” Neha told him.

“Eight girls and eight boys! Itna kya soch rahe ho tum log?” Muskaan huffed.

“Mujhe bike chalani hai. So you guys figure out who is willing to sit behind me.” Aashi announced.

“Main baith jaati hoon usme kya hai?” Simmi volunteered.

“Simmi tu mere saath baith rahi hai.” Nil looked at her.

“No chance!” She rolled her eyes at him.

“Tum log decide kar lo. Main tab tak change karke aata hoon.” Rey announced.

“Kya change?” Armaan looked at him.

“T-shirt.” Rey opened his jacket zipper to reveal he wasn’t wearing anything inside.

“Birthday gift mein khudko wrap karke diya tha kya, jo wrapper utar gaya?” Rahul smirked.

“Kuch aisa hi samajh.” Rey winked at him and went into the house.

“Rey, Riddhima ko bhi lekar aa. Pata nahi andar kya kar rahi hai kabse.” Armaan shouted behind him.

“What no chance man?” Nil went to Simmi.

“Listen, I know what you’re trying to do. But please, I’m not falling for any of your bullsh*t. I’m sorry I said anything the other day. Date whoever the f*ck you want to!” Simmi raised her hands in defeat.

“So which one of you isn’t driving?” Sharon asked the boys.

“I guess that’ll be me!” Amar sighed.

“Udaas kyun ho raha hai. Idar aa baith ja.” Bharat pointed at his bike.

“So that just leaves Nil and Rinni.” Swayam looked at them.

“How come?” Rinni asked.

“Dekh baaki abhi jo bhi log bache hai sab couples hai. Apni girls ko chod ke voh tujhe kyun bithayenge?” Nil explained.

“Hogaya decide?” Rey came out followed by Riri.

“Damn! You’re hot!” Nil commented looking at Riri who was sporting black leather pants and a biker jacket.

“Nil tu kuch bola?” Armaan sneered at him.

“Uhh..” Nil cleared his throat. “I was saying ki leather mein garmi lagegi.. bhabhi ko.” His voice was a whisper by the end.

“I’ll be fine Nilesh. Thanks.” Riri giggled.

“Ready luv?” Rey walked to Taani.

“Never been more ready!” She grinned at him and walked to his parked bike.

“Wait wait wait!” He stopped her. “I’m not taking you out on that. Bhai keys?” Rey turned to Armaan.

“You wish!” Armaan rolled his eyes.

“Come on yaar. Birthday hai uska.” Rey tried to persuade him.

“Tujhe keys main nahi de raha. Maine abhi tak nahi chalaya hai usse.” Armaan denied.

“Technically that is my engagement gift. So keys toh meko chahiye!” Rey challenged him.

“Are you guys talking about the new bike? Aur itna kya suspense create kar rahe ho jaise Harley le li ho.” Sharon rolled her eyes at them.

“Armaan give him the keys. Stop acting like a child.” Riri reprimanded.

“Suno thodi uski.” Rey pulled the keys from his hands and went in the garage to get the bike out.

“Holy f*ck!” Swayam exclaimed as he saw the bike. “Bhai can I get a ride too?” He looked at Armaan.

“Sharon, it’s not just a Harley. It’s a custom-built Harley Davidson!” Rey smirked stopping the bike.

“Taani do you mind if I ride with him?” Sharon looked at Taani.

“Like I’ll let you.” Rey scoffed at Sharon. “Taani.” He gestured her to sit behind him.

“Rey are you sure Armaan bhai is okay with us riding his bike?” Taani whispered to Rey.

“Bhai!” Rey called Armaan.

“Don’t!” Taani stopped him from saying anything further.

“Kya hua?” Armaan looked at him.

“Yeh lo mere bike ki keys.” He threw the keys at Armaan.

“Faltu ka daraya kyun mujhe?” Taani punched him in the back.

“Relax yaar voh bas footage kha rahe hai. If he wasn’t okay, I wouldn’t be sitting on his bike.” Rey reassured her.

“But kya jarurat hai? Tumhari bhi toh bike hai.” She reprimanded.

“Dheere bol. Tera birthday hai iske liye voh maan gaye hai. He wouldn’t have otherwise let me ride his love before him.” He hushed her.

“Rey!” She narrowed her eyes at him.

“Kya hua?” He furrowed his brows.

“Think before you open your mouth!” She glared at him.

“Abh kya bola maine?” He asked puzzled.

“Kuch nahi.” She shook her head at him. “Abhi chale sunrise hone ke pehle we have to reach there. I don’t wanna miss it.”

“Chalte hai phir!” He put on his helmet.

“Start the bike!” She widened her eyes at him as others left one by one while he just stood there.

“Pehle dhang se baith toh ja!” He took both her hands and wrapped them around his torso.

“Abh theek hai?” She asked tightening her hold on him.

“Absolutely luv!”

…

“Wow, this looks so beautiful!” Taani smiled looking at the red orange sun.

“I agree.” Rey tilted his head towards her.

“Udar hai!” She made him look the other way.

“But beauty toh yahan bhi hai.” Rey again turned to her making her blush.

“Tum logon ka mushiness hogaya ho toh chale? Upar tak jaana hai.” Nil interrupted them.

They were all trekking up the mountain on the rail track. Their plan was to go up for breakfast and then head home as none of them had to rush back for any work.

“It’s getting hot!” Riri huffed.

“Maine pehle hi bola tha ki leather mat pehen.” Armaan mocked.

“Kitna accha lag raha hai yahan.” Muskaan smiled in content.

“We should do these trips often.” Amar said and they all agreed.

“Guys chalo na jaldi bohot bhook lagi hai.” Vicky complained. He was way ahead of everyone.

“Kaisa bhukkad hai yeh.” Rey taunted making everyone laugh.

“Aur kitna chalna hai?” Taani asked Rey.

“Abhi toh start kiya hai.” He answered.

“You didn’t tell me this was a part of the plan.” She scrunched her nose.

“It wasn’t. Voh toh bas on the way ban gaya.” He replied smiling at her face.

“Why couldn’t we just take the train up the mountain?” She complained.

He shook his head at her and stopped. She too stopped walking and furrowed her brows wondering what he was up to. He stood in front of her and piggy backed her.

“Aaa!” Taani shrieked gaining everyone’s attention.

“Kya baat hai.” Rahul chuckled.

“Put me down.” Taani sneered at Rey.

“Only if you don’t complain.” He tilted his head to face her.

“Guys, public place pe ho. Thoda toh control rakho!” Muskaan teased them.

“Rey!” Taani groaned as he adjusted his hands to hold her properly.

“VIP treatment mil rahi hai teko. Enjoy!” He head bumped her and continued walking.

“Are you going to carry me all the way up?” She asked.

“Maybe.” He replied unsure.

“Soch lo. Agar utar diya neeche toh main wahin baith jaungi.” She challenged him.

“Theek hai baith jana.” He replied tongue-in-cheek.

“Aur tum mujhe waise hi chodke chale jaoge?” She narrowed her eyes at him.

“Haan!” He nodded.

“Kitna jhoot bologe? You can never leave anyone stranded, that is so not you!” She shook her head at him.

“Rey jaldi chal yaar!” Swayam called him. They all were way ahead of Rey and Taani.

“Put me down. Kyun faltu ka exert kar rahe ho khudko?” Taani told him.

“Accha lag raha hai yaar. Agar thak gaya toh khud tujhe neeche utar dunga.” He assured her.

“How did I even land up with you?” Taani chuckled.

“Usse kismat bolte hai jo tumhari bohot acchi hai.” He smirked.

“Nahi! Tumhari kismat acchi hai jo main tumhe mili.” She retorted.

“Haan toh I’ve never denied that.” He chuckled.

“Finally!” Vicky exclaimed as they reached the market. “He ran to a nearby food stall.”

Everyone else made their way to the stall.

“Guys, Rey and Taani aren’t here.” Riri noticed.

“Aajayenge voh dono.” Armaan asked her not to worry about them.

They all ordered breakfast and started eating as soon as it arrived.

“Lo aagaye dono.” Swayam commented as he saw them walking hand in hand.

“Lagta hai thak gaya Taani ko carry karte karte.” Sharon chuckled making everyone laugh.

“Kaise kameene ho tum sab. At least birthday girl ke liye toh rukte.” Rey taunted them.

“Birthday girl ka boyfriend wasn’t ready to leave her alone, hum kya karte?” Aashi shook her head.

“Exactly!” Taani agreed. “Mera boyfriend kabhi kabhi mujhe bohot annoying lagta hai.” She continued and they all burst out laughing seeing Rey’s shocked face at her comment.

“Main annoying hoon?” He furrowed his brows.

“Tum nahi. Mera boyfriend.” She said biting her lower lip to stop herself from laughing at his expressions.

“Teko toh main dekh lunga.” He sneered and sat down at the table.

She sat across him. They both ordered for themselves and waited for the food to arrive. Taani was listening to the chit chat going on when she accidentally kicked Rey under the table. He looked at her, but she was too engrossed listening to what Sharon was saying. He let it slide and focused on his food. After about five minutes, he felt another kick on his leg. He looked at her again and caught her trying to steal a glimpse at him. He narrowed his eyes and mentally smirked. He stretched both his legs as far as he could and caught her leg tightly between his. She turned to look at him, but he maintained a straight face.

“Rey, tera aaj hoga khake?” Swayam looked at him.

“Haan bas five more minutes.” Rey replied.

Taani tried to free her leg but his hold was tight.

“Tu finish kar le tab tak hum chalna start karte hai.” Sharon got up followed by others.

“Taani, tum kyun baithi ho? Tum bhi chalo.” Nil called her.

“Haan tum log chalo main aati hoon.” Taani smiled at him.

“I know he is your boyfriend but humare saath bhi thoda time spend kar sakti ho tum.” Sharon teased.

“Haan Taani, you should go. I’ll join in a few minutes.” Rey smirked at her.

“Abh toh isne bhi bol diya. Chalo!” Simmi walked to her.

“Aa rahi hoon!” She kicked his leg with her other foot causing him to wince and free his hold.

“Teko kya hua?” Simmi looked at Rey.

“Tu isse leke jaa rahi hai na toh dard hua, yahan!” He pointed at his heart.

“Chee yaar bohot ganda tha!” Simmi cringed.

“Chale Simmi?” Taani got up.

…

“I’m so tired!” Nil commented dramatically.

“Main hoon na. Aaja!” Vicky signaled Nil to climb on his back.

“Oh my God, you’re so strong!” Nil said in a high pitch voice.

“I am the strongest, luv!” Vicky mocked.

Everyone started laughing as Nil and Vicky mocked Rey and Taani. Taani’s mouth hung open as she realized it.

“Ruk batata hoon kitna strong hoon main!” Rey bolted to them.

Vicky put Nil down and they both ran for their lives.

“What the hell! I don’t talk like that!” Taani complained.

“Guys careful!” Riri shouted as they ran downhill.

“Meko mock kar raha tha tu?” Rey caught hold of Nil.

“Vicky isko pakad!” Nil cried for help.

“Tu bhi aa!” Rey challenged Vicky to come near him.

“Arre yaar hum mazak kar rahe the.” Vicky tried to appease Rey.

"Bohot hi ganda tha!” Taani commented from behind Vicky.

“Rey chod!” Nil got out of his grip.

“Kuch aur nahi sujhta na tum dono ko?” Rey straightened himself.

“Aise school kids ki tarah hum ek line mein neeche jaa rahe hai. It’s so boring, aur main yahan bore hone nahi aaya hoon!” Vicky said.

“Toh let’s race!” Armaan suggested.

“Have you lost it?” Riri looked at him.

“I’m in!” Sharon exclaimed.

“Idea atcha hai.” Rey agreed.

“It’s risky.” Taani commented.

“Ussi mein toh maza hai.” Bharat grinned.

“So who’s in?” Armaan asked.

“I’m good!” Rahul denied.

“So am I.” Riri said.

“Me three.” Taani said.

“What about everyone else?” Armaan looked at them.

“Let’s go!” Neha exclaimed.

Barring Rahul, Taani and Riri, everyone ran down the path. People walking up were staring at them, but they cared less. They were having fun and that mattered the most to them.

“Yeh sab pagal hai kya?” Taani looked at Rahul and Riri.

“Bohot jaldi pata chala tujhe.” Rahul chuckled.

“Baaki sab ka pata tha par Armaan bhai aur Muskaan di?”

“Uske saamne please usko di bol. Mujhe uska reaction dekhna hai.” Rahul laughed.

“Matlab?” Taani furrowed her brows.

“No one has ever called her di.” Riri explained.

“But she is elder to Rey na?”

“Voh Armaan ko naam se bulati hai toh Rey bhi usse uske naam se bulata hai. Age gap is same na between them. And the rest have just stuck to it. Toh abhi voh agar di sunti hai toh mujhe dekhna hai ki uska reaction kya hoga.” Rahul explained.

“But naam se kaise bulau unhe main?” Taani felt weird.

“So what will you call me?” Riri asked her.

“Riri bhabhi?” Taani answered unsure.

“I guess I’m okay with it.” Riri raised her shoulder carelessly.

“And me?” Rahul asked her.

“Jeeju?”

“Finally someone to call me jeeju. I’ll take it!” He grinned.

“I think we should pick up our pace. They must have reached by now.” Riri said.

“Yahan chal kya raha hai?” Taani wondered as they reached to where their bikes were parked.

Rey was standing on what looked like a drum and taking a bow. He then stretched both his arms in the air and posed.

“Looks like he won.” Riri commented.

“Arre itni jaldi aagaye tum teeno? Thodi aur der lagate.” Muskaan taunted.

“Muskaan di voh actually..”

“What did you say?” Muskaan squinted at Taani.

“Taani, you’re too good!” Rahul started laughing.

“What?” Muskaan furrowed her brows at the three making them laugh.

“Chal abh neeche utar. Bohot hogaya tera!” Swayam rolled his eyes at Rey.

“Arre? I won!” Rey jumped down.

As he jumped, the drum slipped from under his leg and he fell flat to the ground. They all started laughing at his fall.

“Isiliye bolte hai ki jyada hawa mein nahi udna chahiye.” Sharon taunted.

“What an irony!” Nil laughed.

Rey sat on the ground and dusted his hands. They were bruised from the impact of the fall.

“Chal uth abhi.” Armaan forwarded his hand to him.

“I’m good.” Rey sulked at their laughing faces and got up on his own.

“You okay?” Taani asked still laughing.

“What are you laughing at?” Rey huffed.

“Nothing.” She smiled and remove a twig from his hair.

“Sss.” Rey hissed in pain as he took a step ahead to walk to his bike.

“Tu theek hai?” Rahul looked at his leg.

“Haan bas kuch nahi.” Rey shook his leg to loosen the muscles.

“Kya jarurat thi uspe chadne ki?” Taani shook her head at him.

“I won. I had to celebrate.”

“Chalo abhi.”

“Ek minute.” He stopped her. “Bhai mere bike ki keys do.” Rey asked Armaan.

“Mann bhar gaya Harley se?” Armaan asked.

“Nahi. But I’m more comfortable riding my sports bike for longer runs.”

“Yeh le.” Armaan threw the keys to him.

“Tumhara pair theek hai na? You’re limping.” Taani asked Rey.

“Haan theek hai. Voh bas uss fall ke impact ki wajah se thoda pain ho raha hai. It’ll be fine.” Rey sat on his bike and started it.

“Dheere chalana thoda.” Taani sat behind him.

“Main teko girane nahi wala.” He chuckled.

“Jaanti hoon.” She smiled. “Aaj bohot maza aaya mujhe. Thanks for bringing me here.” She encircled her arms around him.

“You’re most welcome, luv!” He smiled at her.

They drove off. As they reached the bottom of the mountain, Rey pulled aside putting on his parking lights. They all stopped and wondered why he made them stop as well.

“Thank you for stopping!” Taani glared at him. “Hero banne ka bada shawk hai na tumhe? Dekho uska result.” She scolded him.

“Kya hua?” Swayam asked stopping next to him.

“My leg is paining a lot. Gear change karne bohot problem ho rahi hai.” Rey told him.

“Aur chad drums pe!” Armaan scolded him.

“Bhai please not now!” Rey grumbled.

“Let me see.” Rahul got off and examined his leg. “Tell me where exactly you feel the pain.”

“Haan bas wahi.” Rey stopped Rahul as he pressed on the exact spot.

“Sprain hi lag raha hai. Ek kaam kar tu mat chala. Faltu ka stress mat de leg pe.” Rahul advised.

 “Idhar aa Swayam ke saath baith ja.” Sharon got down.

“Try and keep your leg as straight as possible.” Rahul helped him get on the bike.

Amar got off and took Rey’s bike. Sharon sat behind Bharat and they left.

…

“Isse kya hua?” Juhi asked as she saw Rey hoping into the house supported by Armaan and Swayam on either side.

“Maami first aid kit kahan hai?” Rahul asked her.

“Main laata hoon.” Rannvijay said.

“Ou ou ou.” Rey winced as Rahul pulled his leg up to examine it properly.

“Kahan gaye the tum sab. Aur yeh hua kaise?” Juhi asked.

Armaan narrated how Rey got hurt to Juhi.

“Maa don’t look at me like that. Voh drum slip hogaya tha.” Rey explained.

“Rahul iska pair toota nahi hoga toh saamne se tu tod de!” Rannvijay flared. “At least he won’t repeat such stupidity again!”

“Yaar kuch nahi hua hai. Thoda rest karunga toh hojayega theek.” Rey groaned seeing everyone’s faces.

“He is right. Isse bas rest ki jarurat hai. Patti maine bandh di hai. Agar jyada pain hua toh bolna, I’ll get the meds.” Rahul got up.

“Taani, aaj tumhara birthday hai na?” Juhi remembered as she saw her.

“Jee aunty.” Taani smiled at her.

“Idhar aao.” She called her.

“Happy birthday beta.” Rannvijay gave her a side hug and a kiss on her head.

“Thank you uncle.” She hugged him back feeling his paternal love.

“Yeh lo.” Juhi handed her a bag of gold coins.

“Aunty main..” Taani hesitated.

“Chocolate hai.” Rannvijay chuckled.

Taani accepted it. Juhi looked behind her and saw Sharon glaring at them.

“Abh tujhe kya hua?” Rannvijay asked her.

“Mere birthday pe aap dono mujhe ek chocolate tak nahi dete aur yahan baat rahe hai?” She sneered.

“Maa iske muh pe maaro voh coins warna yeh shaant nahi hone wali.” Rey taunted.

“Tu toh chup hi reh!” Sharon swatted his sprained leg purposely making him wince.

“Tere coins separate rakhe hai. Tujhe mil jayenge.” Juhi giggled.

“What is so special about them?” Taani wondered looking at the bag in her hand.

“It’s liquor chocolate.” Sharon winked at her.

“Accha abhi tum sab log jao aur rest kar lo. Shaam ko party mein bhi jaana hai na.” Juhi commanded them.

“Bye aunty, humara hafta lene hum sab phir kabhi aayenge.” Vicky commented and they all left one by one.

“Take care.” Taani told Rey.

“Tum bhi ja rahi ho?” He pouted holding her hand.

“Shaam ko meri birthday party hai and I want to look fresh. Uske liye mujhe ek acchasa nap lena padega. So I have to go!” She explained. “Aur tumhe bhi rest ki jarurat hai.”

“Bye.” He pouted.

“Bye.” She kissed on the back of his hand.

“Hey, all good? Let me know if you need anything.” Rey went from person to person asking if they were taken care of.

Rey and Shivam had arranged for Taani’s birthday party at her place. They were being the perfect hosts and keeping a close eye on everything.

“Rey please tu thodi der ke liye aaram kar le. If Taani finds out that you are roaming here, she’ll get mad at me!” Shivam tried to persuade him.

“My leg is fine. Kuch nahi hua hai. Chill!” Rey disregarded it and continued his patrolling.

“Hello jeeju!” Ambar stood grinning in front of Rey.

“Jeeju?” Rey looked surprised at her.

“Abh Taani se shaadi ke baad aap mere jeeju hi honge na.” She explained.

“Accha toh abhi se practice kar rahi ho?” He smiled.

“Haan.” She nodded. “Waise aapke pair ko kya hua hai?” She asked looking at the bandage on his ankle.

“Teri behen se pange liye aur usne meri taang hi tod di!” Rey sighed.

“So sad.” She sympathized. “Dusri tudwani hai?” She asked pointing behind him.

He turned around and found Taani glaring at him.

“Maine taang todi?” She sneered at him.

“Haan Shivam aaya!” Rey quickly escaped from there.

“Happy birthday.” Amber hugged Taani. “Jeeju bohot hi funny hai.” She added laughing.

“Jeeju already?” Taani raised her brow.

“Abh engagement toh hogayi hai na. So jeeju!” Amber said.

“Di aur jeej kahan hai?” Taani asked.

“Yahin kahin honge.” She replied looking around. “Waise itne log kaun hai?”

“Aadhe toh Rey ke friends hai. Aur baaki mere college friends. Bas.” Taani informed.

“Accha tell me one thing, jeeju ko aisa kya surprise dena tha ki unhone strict orders diye the ki 12:30 tak koi wish na kare?” Ambar questioned.

“He had called you?” Taani asked surprised.

“Nahi Shivam bhai ne bataya tha hume.”

“That was Rey’s version of a surprise!” Taani winked. “What is he doing?” She spotted him running to and fro across the room.

“Tum dono kya bhukkad ki tarah sab kha rahe ho?” Rey scolded Nil and Vicky.

“Kitna tasty hai yaar sab.” Vicky said.

“Niklo yaha se!” Rey said sternly and they left making faces at him.

“Tum bhi!” Taani said from behind Rey.

“Tu yahan kya kar rahi hai? Everyone is here to meet you. Jao mil lo sabse.” Rey told her.

“Tum bhi chalo mere saath. Kabse dekh rahi hoon bas yahan se wahan bhaag rahe ho. Jeeju ne clearly bola hai tumhe to not strain your leg. Kyun nahi sunte kisiki?” Taani scolded.

“Kaun jeeju?” Rey furrowed his brows.

“Rahul jeeju!”

“Oh accha! But I’m doing great. My leg has stopped paining.” Rey assured her.

“Mujhe kuch nahi sunna. Chalo yahan se.” She pulled him along with her.

“Taani!” Naina ran to her. “Happy birthday!” She hugged her.

“Thank you.” She hugged her back.

Rey took this opportunity and quickly fled from there.

“Happy birthday.” Aman wished her.

“Thanks.” She smiled at him.

“Baaki sab kahan hai?” Naina asked.

“Yahi honge.” She looked around as Sanaya, Varun and Purvi approached her. “Lo aagaye.”

“Arjun ko nahi bulaya?” Varun asked Taani.

“Uska Saturday ko bhi job hota hai. So he couldn’t make it today.” Purvi informed.

“How unfortunate.” Sanaya shook her head holding back a smile.

“Guys stop yaar kyu pareshaan kar rahe ho usse.” Taani took Purvi’s side.

“Taani, you should have demanded him to be here for your best friend.” Varun said looking at Purvi.

“Or got your fiancé to demand him.” Aman chuckled.

“Excuse me?” Taani looked at him.

“Haan matlab usse tumhe surprise dena tha toh hume instructions diye the to not wish you before he signals it. He made Arjun do this work for him. Uske saath usse yahan present rehne bhi bol hi deta.” Naina told her.

“Waise surprise tha kya?” Sanaya teased.

“Half an hour tak dono room mein akele the. Diya hoga kuch amazing surprise.” Purvi winked suggestively.

“Shut up Purvi!” Taani smacked her.

“Bata na.” Naina coaxed her.

“Last year he had wished me sharp at twelve. This year he wanted to make me believe ki no one remembered my birthday, as usko pata tha main phone leke baithungi, expecting calls. Then he got a cake for me and we celebrated. That’s it!” Taani told them.

“Matlab hai bada smart voh!” Varun praised him.

“Hello guys, everything good?” Rey approached them.

“Yeah, perfect. Thank you.” Sanaya smiled.

“Let me know if you need anything.” He smiled back at them.

“Uh Rey.” Taani circled her arm around his to hold him in one place. “Meet my friends, Naina, Aman, Varun and Sanaya.” She introduced them.

“Oh they know me, we spoke yesterday.” Rey informed her.

“I hope the surprise went well.” Varun told him.

“Yes and thank you again for understanding.”

“Taani tells me that Rey is excellent at giving surprises.” Purvi teased them.

“Girl, you’re lucky! Kuch logon ko toh surprise ka matlab bhi nahi pata hai.” Naina taunted Aman.

“Hogaya?” Aman sneered at her.

“Tum log continue karo, main baaki logon ko check karke aata hoon.” Rey excused himself.

Taani saw him walking with a slight limp. But she knew that he wasn’t going to listen to her and not run around the house. She saw Shivam passing by and quickly excused herself.

“Bhai!” She called Shivam. “Aapne Rey ko itna kaam kyun diya hai? Uska ankle sprain hua hai.”

“I told him not to run around. Par voh sunta hai?”

“Then make him listen!” Taani walked off.

“Tu yahan aise akele kyun baithi hai?” Rey approached Purvi.

“Bas aise hi.” She smiled lightly at him.

“Miss kar rahi hai usse?” He sat next to her.

“Haan, but do I have any other option?” She sighed. “Usse abhi call nahi kar sakti as voh wahan yeh sab miss karega. And I don’t want him to feel left out.”

“Dusra option nahi hai na? Toh cheer up. Party maine organize ki hai. Vo teko itna bore nahi kar sakti.”

“Tumhare company mein koi bhi bore nahi ho sakta.” She smiled warmly at him.

“Abh main kya bolu? Meri personality hi itni happening hai!” He raised his collars.

“Tum pagal ho sachchi mein!” She laughed at his antiques.

“Kya ho raha hai yahan?” Taani joined them.

“Tumhari friend bore ho rahi thi toh socha company de doon.” Rey told Taani.

“Main sirf Taani ki hi friend hoon?” Purvi questioned Rey.

“At this moment, haan. Meri bhi friend hoti toh aise muh latkaye yahan nahi baithi hoti.”

“Okay sorry!” Purvi joined her palms. “No more sulking, I’m gonna go and enjoy the party!” Purvi got up and left.

“Tujhe kya hua?” Rey asked Taani who was lost in some thoughts.

“It’s not just Purvi, but even I’m missing Arjun.” She scrunched her nose.

“Itna hi miss kar rahi thi toh bula leti usse.” He mocked.

“Party organize karne wale tum ho. Tumhe invite karna chahiye tha!” She sneered.

“Kiya na. Voh dekh!” He pointed at the door.

Taani turned and saw Purvi hugging Arjun at the door.

“Yeh yahan kaise?” Taani turned back to Rey.

“Maine invite kiya. Voh aagaya.” Rey leaned back.

“But he told me that usse chutti nahi mil rahi thi.” Taani wondered.

“Sahi toh kaha usne.”

“Phir yeh yahan kaise?”

“Parul ko bola isko ek din ki chutti de. Voh maan gayi.”

“Aise hi?”

“Haan.”

“How?” She raised her brow.

“Dekh tu phir se doubt kar rahi hai mere pe.” He complained.

“What? No!” She denied instantly.

“Toh yeh sab questions chod aur jaake mil. Miss kar rahi thi na tu usse.”

“Usko jaake hug karungi toh tumhe jealous toh feel nahi hoga na?” She asked tongue-in-cheek.

“It takes a lot for me to be jealous than these hugs.” He rolled his eyes at her.

“Happy birthday Taani!” Arjun came to her and hugged her tightly.

“I’m so happy you came.” Taani hugged him back.

“Thanks Rey!” Purvi hugged him. “Tum seriously bohot amazing surprises dete ho.”

“Thanks man for convincing Parul!” Arjun thanked him.

“Birthday iska hai yaar, ispe dhyaan do. Not me!” Rey got up and left.

“Why is he walking like that?” Arjun asked Taani.

“Don’t ask!” Taani sighed.

“Taani jaldi aao yaar. Cake cut karna hai.” Amber yelled.

“Coming!” She yelled back. “Chalo!” Taani got up followed by Arjun and Purvi.

“Jeeju!” Taani saw Rahul coming out of Rey’s house.

“Hey Taani, tum yahan?” Rahul asked her.

“Rey se milne aayi thi. How is his leg?” She asked.

“Bad!” He answered.

“Anything serious?” She asked worried.

“Nahi. Bas he needs proper rest for a week. Kal bohot exert kiya usne khudko.” He informed.

“Yeah I know, he was limping by the end of the party.”

“He was at least limping there, ghar aake he couldn’t even walk. Armaan ko usse upar leke jaana pada.”

“Kya?” Hey eyes widened.

“Haan bohot swelling hogayi hai.”

“Jiddi hai yaar voh bohot. Kabhi koi baat sunta hi nahi hai!” Taani huffed.

“Jaake usko do chamaat laga. Phir shayad voh baat sune.” Rahul scoffed.

“Taani?” Rannvijay saw her walk into the house. “Itni subah yahan kaise aana hua?”

“Rey se milne aayi thi, to check on his leg. Bahar jeeju ne sab bata diya.” She told him.

“Maa! Bohot bhook lagi hai! Breakfast!” Rey yelled from his room.

“Uff, yeh ladka!” Juhi walked up to his room, huffing.

“Bed rest pe hai kya?” Taani chuckled.

“Haan, Riddhima usse bed se utarne hi nahi de rahi.” Rannvijay laughed.

“Main usse dekh kar aati hoon.” Taani told Rannvijay.

“Arre ruko thodi der. Uske tantrums khatam hone do, phir jaana.” Rannvijay stopped her.

“Tantrums?”

“Haan breakfast mein bas milk and cereals mil rahe hai usse aaj.” Rannvijay laughed.

“That is so unfair.” Taani sympathized with Rey. “He should eat something, medicine bhi toh leni hogi usse.”

“Cereals se kaam hojayega, don’t worry.”

“Paa!” Rey yelled.

“Hogaya uska tolerance level khatam. Let me go and save him from the ladies.” Rannvijay got up and left.

Taani walked up a few stairs and stopped. She climbed back down and walked to the kitchen. She looked around and finally found a packet of Maggi in one of the cabinets. She quickly filled a pot with water and kept it on high flame. She prepared Maggi for him and took it upstairs to his room.

“Tere carelessness ki wajah se yeh chot lagi hai. So quit ordering aur jo laayi hoon voh chup chaap kha!” Juhi glared at Rey.

“Paa?” He looked at Rannvijay for help.

“Rann, don’t get in the middle of this.” Juhi warned him.

“Rey finish it off fast. Medicine ka time hogaya hai.” Riri ordered him.

“Nahi khana meko kuch bhi! Jao sab yahan se!” He yelled.

“Rey.” Taani entered with a bowl in her hand.

“Taani?” He furrowed his brows at her. For a split second he thought that he was imagining her.

“You need to eat something.” She walked to the bed and placed the bowl on his side table.

“Maggi?” His eyes lit up.

“Haan. Abhi jaldi se yeh khalo aur phir medicine lelo.” She smiled at him.

“Dekha maa, aapse jyada she cares for me!” Rey picked up the bowl and started gobbling it down.

“Dheere.” Taani asked him to slow down.

“Taani make sure he takes his medicine.” Juhi instructed her and left. Riri and Rannvijay followed her out.

“Why did you say that to her?” Taani asked after they were gone.

“Say what?” He questioned.

“Forget it.” Taani shook her head.

“Maggi bohot acchi bani hai.” He complimented her.

“Thank you.” She smiled. “Abh yeh cereal?”

“Kha lunga. Itni si Maggi se mera pait nahi bharne wala.” He chuckled.

“You finished it already?” She widened her eyes at him.

“Haan.” He replied casually.

“Tumne jitne time mein khatam ki usse jyada time toh banane mein laga mujhe.”

“I was very hungry.”

“Toh cereal kyun nahi khaya?”

“Cereal kaun khata hai yaar?” He pouted.

“Tum abhi khaoge!” She ordered him.

“Tum khilaogi?”

“You’re not a kid Rey!”

“Fine!” He took the bowl in his hand and began eating.

After he was done he raised the bowl to his mouth to drink the remaining milk. He got a milk mustache from it. Taani giggled looking at his face. He furrowed his brows in confusion. She leaned on him and wiped it off by her thumb. He kissed her thumb making her smile. She made him take his medicines and tucked him under the sheets.

“So jao thodi der ke liye.” She left with the bowls and closed the door behind her.

“Kha liya usne?” Juhi asked her as she went in the kitchen.

“Haan aunty.”

“Kya hua?” Juhi saw her fidgeting.

“Aunty voh aapko bura nahi laga na ki main wahan aise Maggi leke aayi. I just thought ki voh bina koi natak kiye kha lega Maggi, isiliye..” Taani said looking down.

“Yeh taste karke batao sab barabar hai kya.” Juhi held a spoon out for Taani.

She tasted it and gave a thumbs up.

“Tujhe kyun laga ki mujhe bura laga hoga? Do I look like a typical saas who fears ki uski bahu uske bete ko durr kar rahi hai?” Juhi looked at her.

“No, I didn’t mean that.” Taani spoke timidly. “Voh Rey ne jo kaha..”

“That you know how to take care of him?” Juhi asked. Taani nodded. “Sahi toh kaha usne.”

“Par aapse jyada nahi.” Taani looked down.

“Beta yeh competition thodi hai?” Juhi lifted her chin up. “Aur agar mujhe bura lagta toh tumhe pata chalta.” She chuckled.

“Aap bohot sweet ho.” Taani held her hand in hers and squeezed it.

“Pagal.” Juhi shook her head at her. “Meri help karogi cooking mein?” Juhi asked and Taani nodded her head.

Hello everyone

I was supposed to post this yesterday but was too held up with things like making a VM celebrating Taani's birthday and also a special one on ReYam, which I've been wanting to make for a long time now!

I have also made a new Instagram account: @taarey1025, where you can follow me to see such crazy things that I do

Important

When you comment make sure that it is at least 25 character long. Anything shorter than that won't be posted. Also,  if you're interested in leaving a longer comment, just know that there is a character limit of 4000. So, you might have to comment in two separate comments. Don't go on writing a wordy comment and then feel bad when it doesn't get posted! I love reading long comments so this is just to save you from the trouble of rewriting it again.

Question of the update:

Have you ever been surprised on your birthday?

Please comment down below.

Posted: April 10, 2020

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