Chapter 37 - In Dino

There always comes a point in life where everything and everyone around you gets on your nerves. And you can’t justify your annoyance of wanting to strangle the person who is smiling at you. Sid was continuously ringing Armaan but he kept disconnecting the call. He kept staring at his phone contemplating making another call which he knew would anger the beast. But he was willing to risk it. Begrudgingly, he threw his phone on his bed which bounced off and fell on the ground.

“Urgh!” Sid groaned and picked up his phone. “I hate this day!”

Sid pulled a pillow on his face and screamed into it to muffle the noise. Just then he heard loud screams coming from across the hallway. He inhaled feeling irritated and thought happy thoughts but the commotion kept increasing. He tossed the pillow away and jolted to the door. He walked across the narrow hallway and busted the door open without knocking.

“Jaane tu.. ya jaane na.. maane tu.. ya maane na..”

“What the f*ck is going on here?” Sid yelled.

Sid looked at the TV blasting in full volume a group of friends in a car singing, which would easily pass for screeching. He then turned his attention to the bed and was confused to see Arjun, Purvi, Juno and Taani sprawled on it. Arjun and Juno sat on the two corners of the bed resting comfortably against the backrest. Purvi sat leaning against Arjun with her hand entwined with his. Taani laid on the bed with her head in Juno’s lap and legs stretched over to Arjun’s side.

“Siddo, come join us!” Taani patted next to her.

“Why are y’all yelling?” Sid narrowed his eyes and looked around the room.

“We were singing!” Purvi grinned.

“Please don’t!” Sid widened his eyes in horror. He then looked at Taani and lightly shook his head at her, strongly resisting his urge to roll his eyes.

“What’s wrong? Why you grumpy?” Taani sat up straight.

“Please just stop yelling or I will have to kick you out of my house!” Sid folded his arms across his chest.

“Now you’re being just rude!” Purvi pointed out.

Sid loosened his arms and leaned against the door frame. He audibly sighed and closed his eyes.

“Kabhi kabhi Siddo zindagi mein yunhi koi apna lagta hai.” Taani sang to him.

Sid exhaled loudly and his shoulders vibrated. He opened his eyes and looked at Taani still chuckling at her lame attempt to cheer him up.

“That was bad.” Sid shook his head and sat at the foot of the bed.

“You smiled!” Taani gave a victory grin.

“I find this movie so cliche!” Sid rolled his eyes.

“Excuse me?” Purvi was offended.

“I didn’t say I don’t like it.” Sid defended himself immediately.

“Good!” Purvi sneered at him.

“Par dekh na starting mein they are like ‘ek ladka aur ladki dost nahi ho sakte kya?’ and in the end they end up together. How cliche can it be?” Sid pointed out.

“There is some truth in it.” Arjun gave it a thought. “I mean hum sab kitne logon ko jaante hai who are the best of friends and then one of the two starts to develop feelings for the other.”

“That’s not true.” Taani butted in. “We both are best friends and there is nothing between us.”

“Who both?” Sid asked slyly.

“Sid tujhe mujhse kya problem hai?” Juno sneered at Sid.

“Main bas pooch raha tha.” Sid bit back his smile.

“Why don’t you go back to your room and be grumpy!” Juno rolled his eyes.

“Juno!” Taani reprimanded. “Aur main Arjun aur meri baat kar rahi thi Siddo.” Taani glared at him.

“Well Arjun and I were already a thing. So it would have been weird if something were to happen between the two of you.” Purvi chuckled.

“No but..” Taani paused. “But there are others who..”

“Ayush ka toh naam bhi mat le!” Purvi interrupted her.

“You fancy Ayush?” Sid was disgusted at the thought.

“It’s the other way round.” Purvi giggled. “Was!” She corrected herself.

“I think I agree with Sid here. Main aise kisiko nahi jaanta jo sirf platonic hai. Feelings humesha beech mein aajati hai.” Juno shrugged his shoulders.

“Thank you!” Sid patted his foot for backing him up.

“I still maintain that it isn’t true. True platonic friendships do exist!” Taani said firmly.

“I’m not denying that. But it's less than often!” Sid shrugged.

“Anyway..” Arjun gathered their attention. “Before Sid stormed in, I wanted to ask if any of you had come up with songs for your would be partners after watching this movie?”

They all got to thinking about the songs that they had come up with. Sid had a coy smile on his face.

“Siddo? Kaunsa song?” Taani asked.

“Maine bohot songs soche uss time but nothing seemed to work. Until later that year Karan Johar dropped the gay anthem. Maa da ladla was my theme song for years!” Sid laughed reminiscing.

“Oh I remember.” Taani chuckled.

“What was your song? And why haven’t you sung it yet?” Purvi pouted at Arjun.

“Stop right there!” Arjun stopped her from complaining further. “Main yeh sab bhool gaya tha. I’m watching this movie after ages and it came rushing back to me.”

“Sonnggg?” Purvi asked impatiently.

“Ek ladki ko dekha toh aisa laga.” Arjun sang.

“Kaisa laga?” Sid bit back his smile.

“Bohot jor ka laga!” Arjun answered and earned a smack from Purvi.

“Well deserved.” Taani laughed.

“Tera kaunsa tha?” Arjun engulfed Purvi in his arms to stop her from hitting him.

“Koi tumsa nahi from Krrish. I was obsessed with that song then.” Purvi smiled.

“Taani?” Sid looked at her.

“What?” Taani looked at their impatient faces. “I had no song.”

“Rubbish!” Juno shook his head. “Aisa ho hi nahi sakta ki Siya didn’t force you to pick a song!”

“So what was your song?” Taani asked Juno.

“Tu hi meri shab hai.” Juno answered.

“Tu waqt mere liye..” Arjun and Purvi yelled together on cue. “Main hoon tera lamha..”

“NOOO!!!” Sid shut his ears. “Why do you guys shout? Song sing karna hota hai chillana nahi hota!”

“Shut up! I like this song.” Purvi pouted.

“Me too. Don’t make me hate it!” Sid sneered.

“So clearly no one has sung their song to their partner.” Taani pointed out.

“Well, I can’t really sing - gay, gay, gay, gay, gay, gay - in public, can I?” Sid laughed out loud followed by others.

“That would be something.” Arjun rested his head on the headboard.

“I can’t believe that my immature fourteen year old self chose the perfect song. Kyunki sach mein koi tumsa nahi.” Purvi tilted her neck to look at Arjun’s face. He looked down at her, still in his arms and pecked her lips.

“Do you really have to rub it in?” Sid scowled.

“Did I ever complain when you guys did that?” Purvi frowned.

“You guys? I never kissed Sid!” Juno gasped.

“You just gotta ask!” Sid winked at Juno.

“Sure.” Juno rolled his eyes. “And Taani, tujhe itni aasani se nahi jaane denge. Your song?”

“I didn’t have any.” Taani wailed.

“Don’t make me call Siya!” Juno warned her.

“You can call her. You’ll get the same answer.” Taani shrugged her shoulders.

“Then come up with a song now.” Purvi suggested.

“I’ve been listening to sad songs for four months now. You really don’t want me to be doing that!” Taani chuckled.

“Yea nah!” Poorvi shook her head in horror.

“What the f*ck?” Sid yelled looking at his phone.

“Kya hua?” Taani asked.

“Main itni der se iske call ka wait kar raha tha and he has the audacity to leave the country and text me as the flight is taking off?” Sid flared his nostrils.

“Armaan bhai?” Taani passed a sad smile.

“Is going to be dead meat when he comes back!” Sid exited and slammed the door shut behind him.

...

A light tap on his shoulder disturbed his sleep. He forced his eyes shut and grumbled. He felt another tap on his shoulder and swatted the hand away. He smiled lightly and drifted back into sleep on getting no further disturbance. After a few minutes, he felt a firm hand on his shoulder shake him. Armaan forced his eyes open, cursing vehemently. He took in his surroundings and shut his mouth.

“Extremely sorry to disturb you. But you need to straighten your seat as we’ll be touching down soon.” The flight attendant smiled slightly at him.

“Sorry.” Armaan quickly apologized and did as instructed.

The plane touched down and slowly the business class cabin emptied out. Armaan stretched out his arms and stifled a yawn. He felt a tap on his shoulder and looked behind him. The flight attendant had a tray of wet towels out for him. Armaan shook his head and looked at him.

“I’m extremely sorry for cursing at you.” Armaan was embarrassed. “Thank you, Alex.” He read his name and picked up a towel.

“You’re fine.” Alex gave him a wide smile. “I couldn’t let a guy like you walk out with crusty eyes.” He winked.

“How thoughtful!” Armaan wiped his face and placed the towel back on the tray.

“Always! Also, good morning and welcome to New York!”

“Thank you!” Armaan took his bag and exited the plane.

...

“Armaan Mallik!”

“Matty boy, you better have prepared for your own funeral!” Armaan closed the cabin door and walked in.

“Don’t yell!” Matt pleaded.

“What have you done?” Armaan crossed his arms.

“It was a genuine mistake. I wouldn’t have called if there was a way we could handle it without your presence.” Matt was apologetic.

“Let’s get to work. Also, if you could get me some coffee.”

“I’ll do it right away.” Matt stopped as he heard Armaan’s stomach growl. “I’ll get a sandwich as well with it.”

The commotion in the office was slowly dying out. Armaan laid back in his chair exhausted. He stared at the ceiling as the air conditioner blew cool air on his face. He shut his eyes but sleep evaded him. His body was exhausted but the three cups of double shot espresso he drank made him feel otherwise. Matt was running around the office finishing up the last bits of pending work before the weekend. Armaan’s phone kept flashing and he reluctantly picked it up.

“AB where the hell are you?” Sharon yelled as soon as the call connected. “Sid se pata chala that you had to leave for work. Ek message karke bata nahi sakte the? Juhi aunty was so worried when you didn’t show up for lunch like you had promised her!” Sharon glared at him.

Armaan disconnected the call and searched for Juhi’s number in his contacts. Sharon called back immediately and he picked up.

“What Sharon?” Armaan yelled into the phone.

“It’s three thirty in the morning. She is fast asleep!” Sharon flared her nostrils.

“I’m sorry. I’m too tired to think straight. Tell her I’ll meet her when I come back.” Armaan shrugged his shoulders defeatedly.

“AB, you better fix your habits when you return. Meko aapki secretary banne par majboor mat karo!” She warned him and disconnected.

“I thought I heard Sharon.” Matt came into the cabin.

“Yup! She was yelling!” Armaan rolled his eyes and kept his phone back on the desk.

“Why was she up this late?” Matt sat across Armaan.

“To yell at me!” Armaan shook his head.

“You better not tell her that this was my doing. She will kill me!” Matt shuddered at the thought.

“You know I think I will take her offer to be my secretary. At least people will think twice before summoning me.” Armaan wondered.

“I swear this won’t happen again.” Matt grimaced. “Speaking of Sharon, I should give her a call. I haven’t spoken to her in a long time.” Matt pondered.

“Do that in your own time. Right now I’m extremely caffeinated and can’t rest my eyes for two seconds. Chaperone me will you?”

“A few of us from work are going out for dinner. You can join us.” Matt offered.

“Forget it. No one wants their boss to tag along for dinner.” Armaan rolled his eyes.

“Not if the boss offers to pay.” Matt asked slyly.

“Excuse me?” Armaan looked aghast.

“I’ll split with you.” Matt offered immediately.

“Yeah right!” Armaan rolled his eyes.

“They’ve already left. You change into something comfortable. I’ll wait at the front gate.” Matt left.

“Are you sure you don’t want to join us?” Matt asked as Armaan asked the cab to pull over.

“You should carry on, I have some business I need to tend to.” Armaan smiled at him.

“Alright, no worries.” Matt sighed. “I have your belongings in my cabin. When is your flight back?”

“Tomorrow evening.” Armaan informed.

“Okay, I’ll call you tomorrow to drop your stuff off.”

“Sounds good. I’ll see you then.”

“Bye!” Matt closed the cab door.

Armaan walked to the apartment building and rang the bell. He got no answer. After trying for a couple more times, he turned away dejectedly.

“Dinner pe hi jaana chahiye tha.” He sighed.

“Armaan?”

Armaan turned back instantly. He smiled lightly at a confused Tyler staring at him.

“Hi! I was just, uh.. here.. nearby so uh.. I uh.. thought to stop by.” Armaan managed to finish the sentence.

“Keep moving Ty! We’re already late!”

“Joe!” Tyler turned around and shushed him.

“What?” Joe asked, confused.

“Hi Armaan.” Tyler smiled lightly.

“Ty?” Joe looked from Tyler to Armaan.

“Sorry. I should have called.” Armaan stepped back, ready to leave.

“Armaan wait!” Tyler called out. “Joe, can we take a rain check?” He looked at him hopeful.

“Sure we can.” Joe smiled at Tyler and left.

“Tyler, you don’t need to cancel your plans on my behalf.”

“It was just dinner. And I’d rather know what brings you here than whatever crap Joe was gonna yap.” Tyler shrugged.

Tyler walked Armaan to his apartment and they both settled in the living room.

“I’m so glad you didn’t shift apartments. Showing up here without calling was such a bad idea.” Armaan chuckled lightly.

“Initially, I was gonna move out as the rent was too much, but Joe moved in. So that helped.”

“So you two.. live together?” Armaan asked.

“Share the apartment.” Tyler clarified. “Looks like Sid has painted a great picture of me.” He added bitterly.

“I’m not insinuating anything.”

“Didn’t seem like it. Your best friend had the same words of wisdom before he left. And now he has sent you to plead his case.” Tyler rolled his eyes.

“My best friend’s an idiot!” Armaan rolled his eyes. “Also he hasn’t sent me.” He added calmly.

“How is he?” Tyler asked.

“He is.. fine I guess.” Armaan answered.

“You guess?” Tyler raised a brow.

“He says he’s fine, but I know better.”

“What about you? How are the wedding preparations going?” Tyler asked.

Armaan went silent. He thought he had successfully locked away his memories, but he was so wrong. All his talks with Riddhima about their sunset beach wedding came crashing down on him.

“Armaan?” Tyler shook him. “All good?” He further asked.

“The wedding’s off.” Armaan replied softly.

“What?” Tyler was shocked to say the least. “Why?”

“She was in love with someone else.”

“Who?”

“Rey.”

“F*ck off!” Tyler chuckled. “You almost had me there. That was a really bad joke.”

“Yeah, a really bad joke.” Armaan sighed. “Anyway, I’m not here to talk about me.”

“Wait, is the wedding really off?”

Armaan just nodded.

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m alright. You don’t need to get sappy.”

“Wait, you said that she was in love with Rey. So does T know?” Tyler narrowed his eyes.

“T?” Armaan was confused.

“Taani.” Tyler cleared. “Does she know about it?”

“Yeah.. they’ve broken up as well.”

“I should call her.”

“Please do not at this hour. She must be fast asleep.”

“I know that!” Tyler rolled his eyes. “When did it happen?”

“Around the same time of your break up.” Armaan looked at Tyler. “Why didn’t you clear out the misunderstanding?”

“Wait, I'm still trying to wrap my head around what you said. Riri told you that she loved Rey and left you? Sid would be seething in anger towards her.” Tyler thought out loud.

“Yeah he hates her.” Armaan nodded.

“Kinda ironic, isn’t it?” Tyler muttered.

“You know I even pointed out the irony to him.” Armaan chuckled dryly.

“And what did he say?”

“He ignored it.” Armaan shrugged his shoulders. “There was nothing I could do. But you could have cleared out the misunderstanding?” He asked.

“He had made up his mind.” Tyler replied sadly.

“He was probably just jealous and couldn’t handle his feelings.”

“Jealous? Of who? Joe?” Tyler scoffed lightly.

“Okay listen, I know this isn’t a topic which you would want to discuss with me and to be honest I don’t really want to get in the middle of you and Sid. I just..”

Armaan stopped mid-sentence as Tyler animatedly rolled his eyes and mumbled something under his breath.

“Sorry?” Armaan was puzzled.

“No, please continue. You just what?” Tyler folded his arms across his chest.

“I’ll leave if you don’t want me here.”

“You got one thing correct, Armaan. I do not want you..”

“I’m sorry.” Armaan got up.

“I don’t want you to be in the middle of us.” Tyler continued. “You have such a strong hold over him that it’s impossible to compete. And it’s because of you being who you are, Sid has still not gotten over you.” Tyler heaved. He felt a weight lift off his chest. “I had realised this very soon into our relationship, but I didn’t want to lose him. I should have told him earlier. But what am I supposed to say? Your clearly straight friend bothers me?”

“Ty..”

“Let me finish.” He stopped him. “I know he has problems with Joe and I get that he wonders why I’m still close to him. But can’t he just ask? Is it that hard? If he had just talked to me before accusing me of infidelity, this wouldn't have happened. Funnily enough the accusation wasn’t even the last straw.” Tyler chuckled dryly and shook his head.

“What was it?” Armaan dared to ask. He had an inkling of what his answer was going to be and braced himself.

“He wouldn’t accept the fact that he is still not over you.” Tyler looked straight at Armaan. “So yeah Armaan, even if you don’t want to, you are in the middle of us!”

“I’m sorry.” Armaan looked away.

“Don’t be, as it’s not your fault.” Tyler passed a light smile.

“Are you still in love with him?”

“Are you insane?”

“Arre Taani sunn toh leh poori baat.” Purvi ran behind her.

“Tum log pagal hogaye ho kya?” Taani widened her eyes at Purvi.

“No yaar, we’ve thought it through. Let Arjun come. He’ll explain it well.” Purvi tried to calm her down.

“Kya hua?” Shivam turned to look at Taani.

“Purvi ko Northern Lights dekhne jana hai.” Taani answered, still in disbelief.

“Haan toh problem kya hai? Aise kyun behave kar rahi ho?” Shivam was still confused.

“Exactly! Thank you Shivam bhai! Problem kya hai?” Purvi grinned at Taani.

“Tujhe jana hai toh Arjun ke saath ja na. Why do you want a third wheel with you?” Taani huffed.

“Friends ke saath jana hai yaar. Why are you cribbing so much?” Purvi pouted.

“And what about the visa? Last time ka yaad hai na?” Taani reminded her.

“Haan tabhi approve nahi hua tha, but iss baar hojayega yaar.”

“Nahi hua toh?”

“Toh Nainital jaake wahan ki lights dekh lenge. Big deal!” Arjun walked in.

“Bhai?” Taani looked at Shivam hopeful.

“I have a couple of projects going on, toh main nahi aa sakta.” Shivam explained.

“I wasn’t..” Taani huffed. “Fine, I agree. But I’m not gonna do any bookings nor check anything else. Tum dono voh handle karoge.” Taani pointed at Arjun and Purvi.

“Done!” Purvi grinned.

“I’ll ask Juno as well.” Taani went next door.

“Kab ka plan hai?” Shivam asked Arjun after Taani left.

“Uske birthday ke liye jana hai. I just hope ki visa lag jaye sabka.” Arjun informed.

“Yeah, it’ll be a good change for her.” Shivam nodded.

“A much needed break for all of us!” Arjun agreed.

“Juno?” Taani knocked on his door and entered.

“Kya hua?” Juno looked up from his laptop.

“Humara Northern Lights dekhne jane ka plan ban raha hai. Tu chalega?” She asked him.

“Pooch toh aise rahi hai jaise Lonavla ka plan bana ho.” He rolled his eyes.

“That's not an answer.” She pouted and sat on his bed.

“I would have loved to but my exams are coming up. And I have a ton of submissions before that. Nahi possible hoga yaar.” He shook his head.

“Online submissions hi toh hai. Voh tu kahi se bhi kar sakta hai. Chal na.” She pleaded.

“I can’t. I’m sorry.” Juno walked up to her and sat beside her.

“Tu try toh kar sakta hai na. Arjun aur Purvi ke saath mujhe third wheel banke nahi jana hai.” She sighed.

“You should have opened with that.” He chuckled.

“So yes?” She looked at him hopeful.

“No!” He wiped the smile off her face.

“Mean!” She muttered under her breath.

“Sorry yaar. It’s not just exams, trip ka kharcha bhi bohot hoga and right now, I don’t want to be doing that. Please try and understand.” He explained himself.

“I understand but..” She sighed.

“I know. I would have loved to join.” He held her hand. “Next time, I promise I will come, whatever the plan is.”

“You don’t have to..”

“Tu aise udaas baithegi toh main aur kya karu?”

“Mujhe nahi jana hai yaar. And I know why they’re planning it. Taani sad hai usse ghooma ke laate hai, she’ll become happy and not keep sulki..”

Taani stopped mid-sentence as she saw Arjun seething at the door to Juno’s room. Taani stood up immediately and ran behind him as soon as he turned to leave.

“Arjun, wait!” She called.

“Kyun?” He yelled.

“Mera voh matlab nahi tha.” She tried to explain.

“Terepe koi taras nahi kha raha. Hum college se yeh trip plan kar rahe hai. And finally we are at a position where we can afford it and have time for it.” He said through gritted teeth.

“Arjun main..”

“Rehne de yaar Taani.” He stopped her. “Yeh teri faltu ki jo thought process hai na voh change kar. Teko na bina wajah koi gift dene mein bhi darr lagta hai ki kahi tu kuch khayali pulav na paka le uss cheez ka. Just f*cking grow up. Not everything in the world is about you!” Arjun stormed off.

“Arjun?” Sid walked out of the elevator.

“Thanks for the lift!” Arjun walked in.

“Yeh Arjun ko kya hua?” Sid walked into his flat and asked loudly.

Juno signalled Sid to not continue the topic and just drop it. Sid walked in further and saw Taani standing lifeless with a tear stained face.

“Taani? Kya hua?” Sid immediately rushed to her.

“Am I that bad?” Taani just looked at him.

“No you’re not.” Sid wiped her tears. “Rona band kar pehle.”

“Is this why I’ve been alone all my life?” Taani continued, ignoring him.

“Taani you’re doing exactly what Arjun yelled at you for!” Juno shrugged his shoulders and walked to her. “Itna kyu sochti hai yaar tu?”

“Toh aur kya karu?” She sniffled.

“Will someone explain?” Sid widened his eyes at both of them.

“Arjun got a little mad at her and left.” Juno informed.

“Haan toh usme rone ki kya baat hai?” Sid pinched her nose lovingly, earning a swat from her.

“Arjun!” Purvi walked in.

Taani quickly wiped her face dry and forced a smile on her face.

“Aisi kya shakal bana rakhi hai?” Purvi raised a brow at Taani. “Arjun!” She called out again.

“Voh abhi just gaya.” Sid informed her.

“Kahan?” Purvi furrowed her brows.

“Jahannum for all I care.” Sid rolled his eyes and sat on the couch.

“Okay fine, I’ll call him.” Purvi pulled out her phone. “Juno, tu chal raha hai na?”

“Kahan ja rahe ho?” Sid asked.

“Jahannum!” Purvi taunted making a face, cracking everyone in the room.

“I can’t re. Maybe next time.” Juno informed Purvi.

“He has exams!” Taani muttered.

“Kya yaar!” Purvi frowned. “So just us three?” She looked at Taani.

“Yes.” Taani nodded.

“Theek hai phir. Send me your passport details. I’ll start with the visa applications asap.” Purvi rushed into her room.

“Tu toh bata kahan jaane ke plans ban rahe hai?” Sid looked at Taani.

“Northern Lights dekhne ja rahe hai. Kahan se voh nahi pata. Bookings sab Purvi karne wali hai.” Taani informed him.

“Sid tu yahan Taani ke saath ruk. I have to continue with my assignments.” Juno went into his room.

“Huh?” Sid was confused. “Also what happened with Arjun?”

“Kuch nahi.” Taani just shook her head.

“If you say so.” Sid shrugged. “Waise ek baat bata, kal tu free hai?”

“Office hai.” Taani furrowed her brows at his question.

“Office ke baad?” He asked further.

“Haan. Kyun?”

“Dinner ke liye bahar jaane ka soch rahan hoon.” He explained.

“Okay, I’ll come.” She agreed.

“Itni jaldi maan gayi?” He raised a brow at her.

“Haan isme itni sochne wali baat toh thi hi nahi. Aur waise bhi main bohot hi jyada sochti rehti hoon.” She blabbered.

“I am so lost.” He scratched his head.

“Don’t be. Just pick me up after work.” Taani smiled at him and left.

...

“Hi!” Shivam smiled, looking at the screen.

“Oh look who remembered to call.” Sneha mocked from the other end.

“Shut up.” He made a face. “I had some work going on.” He added.

“Right.. Main hi pagal hoon jo tere call ka wait kar rahi hoon.” She flared her nostrils.

“I’m sorry yaar. Tune hi toh bola tha ki late evening tu busy hogi. That’s why I called now.” He made a sad face.

“So tell me.” She smiled looking at his face.

“I miss you. Kab aa rahi ho wapas?” He pouted.

“Aaj bada pyaar aa raha hai.” She teased. “Shaadi ko abhi ek hafta aur baaki hai.” She reminded him.

“Kyun yaad dila rahi hai yaar.” He sighed.

“Maine teko pucha tha if you want to come. Tune mana kiya as teko Jodhpur nahi aana tha.” She put her hands on her hips.

“Mujhe Jodhpur se koi problem nahi thi.” He reminded her.

“Yeah right, teko toh ladki se problem hai. Nai?” She teased him.

“Abh tu hi bata agar main apni ex ki shaadi mein jaata toh kitna weird lagta.” He chuckled.

“Kise? Usse ya tujhe?” She smirked.

“Shut up!” He shook his head, making her laugh. “Waise you are looking gorgeous! Aaj kya function hai?”

“Thank you!” She walked back and showed off her dress.

“Now I regret not coming there!” He scratched the back of his neck and smiled coyly.

“Waise aaj cocktail party hai aur kaafi good looking bande hai yahan pe.” She winked at him.

“Yeh Jodhpur walo se jara bachke rehna. They can be very dangerous.” He lifted his brow.

“I agree. Tu badi danger cheez hai. Aise dekhte rahega na I won’t be able to go down and work.” She shook her head and did some final adjustments to her dress.

“Yes, perk them up even more! You’re doing great, boss lady!” He smirked.

“Shivam!” She flushed and covered her face.

“I love you!” He chuckled.

“Bye!” She disconnected the call.

...

Taani was anxiously pacing in the corridor. The lift door opened and Arjun walked out. She quickly stopped in her tracks and walked to him. Both stood facing each other for a while without uttering a single word.

“Sorry.” They both said at the same time.

“I shouldn’t have yelled.” Arjun closed his eyes.

“I needed that.” Taani nodded her head as tears formed in her eyes.

“I genuinely want to make this trip happen for us.” He took a step ahead.

“I know. And I’m sorry for..” She looked at him briefly. “Everything.” She hugged him tight.

“Tu ek ghante se yahan ruki hai?” He asked as they pulled apart.

“Pagal hai kya? I saw you from the balcony.” She explained.

“Makes sense.” He chuckled lightly.

“Chal abh andar ja Purvi is waiting for you.” She shook her head.

“What did you tell her?” He was alarmed.

“Maine kuch nahi bataya hai usse. I just know that she must be waiting for you.” She smiled warmly.

“Good night!” He gave her a side hug. “Tu bhi soja.”

“Good night!” Taani walked in.

“Itni raat ko kahan gayi thi?” Shivam’s voice startled her.

“Bhai aapne dara diya!” She placed her hand on her racing heart. “Main bas Arjun se milne bahar aayi thi.”

“Oh okay.” He pondered. “Voh kahan gaya tha?” He questioned.

“Ja..” She paused and smiled recalling Sid’s answer. “Nahi pata.” She told him.

“Excited for the trip?” He asked her.

“I am not going to show any emotion until I get my visa.” She crossed her arms.

“I might know someone who could help with the visa application process. I mean he guarantees that the interviews go smoothly because of the applications.” Shivam suggested.

“Nahi bhai.” She shook her head. “I am going to leave it up to fate. Agar kismat mein hoga toh great warna na sahi.” She shrugged her shoulders.

“Wow, you’ve actually grown up.” He smirked.

“What the hell bhai?” She pouted.

“Kidding!” He chuckled.

“Waise aap soye nahi abhi tak?” She asked.

“Haan voh neend nahi aa rahi thi.” He answered.

“Oh I thought you were awaiting a call.” She bit back a smile.

“She is busy today. Party der raat tak chalne wali hai and she has asked me not to wait.” He answered truthfully.

“Akele party kar rahi hai Sneha?” She covered her mouth.

“She is in Jodhpur, organizing a wedding and aaj unki cocktail night hai.” He shook his head.

Taani smiled at him but it didn’t reach her eyes. The words wedding and organizing echoed in her ears. She quickly brushed them aside and put up a happy front.

“Do you know kiski shaadi hai?” Shivam asked her.

“How am I supposed to know?” She sneered.

“Nandu.” He smiled.

“Nandu?”

“Arre Nandini, Nandini Chauhan!” He reminded her.

“I don’t remember any Nandini.”

“Uski shaadi hai jo Sneha organize kar rahi hai.” He gave up.

“Wait a second, aap chu chu Nandu ki baat kar rahe ho?”

“Don’t call her that.” He covered his face.

“Voh itni choti chotiyan bandhti thi ki everyone teased her with that name.”

“Yeah I know and she hated it!”

“Aapko badi knowledge hai.”

“She was my girlfriend!”

“WHAT?” Taani looked at him aghast.

“Okay you don’t need to overreact.”

“Aur kis kisko date kiya hai aapne?”

“Stop making it sound like I dated every third girl in Jodhpur. It was just Nandu and Elakshi.” He clarified.

“Yaad karo. You might be forgetting someone.” She rolled her eyes.

“And Charvi.” He added.

“Wow! You never talked about anyone with me?”

“You were very young then.” He defended himself.

“I can’t believe you did not defend your girlfriend. Nandu ko poora school kitna chidhata tha. Very bad!” She scolded him.

“Hum sab bachhe the tabhi.”

“Aapko uski yaad achanak kaise aayi?”

“Sneha was asking me to be her plus one for this wedding.”

“Wah baat yahan tak pahuch gayi hai? Nice!”

“Do you want me to share?” He gave her a side eye.

“Sorry. Continue.”

“So Sneha told me the names of the bride and groom aur mujhe naam familiar laga toh I looked up the photographs on the card. It was her. Aur mujhe bohot awkward laga to attend meri ex-girlfriend ki wedding.”

“You should have gone. It would have been an amazing story for her to tell her kids.” She chuckled.

“Ha ha very funny.” Shivam rolled his eyes. “Chal abh bohot late hogaya hai. Tu soja.” Shivam said as his phone pinged.

“Bhai excuse toh dhang ka banao.” Taani chuckled and walked to her room “Good night!”

“Good night!” He smiled looking at the photos that Sneha had sent him.

Sid walked into the office with Arjun and Purvi. They walked to the conference hall for the meeting.

“Sid, I think you should wait outside until the meeting ends.” Arjun suggested.

“Armaan thodi yeh meetings attend karta hai.” Sid replied.

“This meeting is to brief him about the project.” Purvi informed.

“Okay, I’ll wait in his cabin then. Just don’t drag the meeting for long.” Sid grimaced.

“Zenia, get all the files that need to be signed ready in my cabin. I’ll get to those after the meeting.” Armaan walked to the conference hall with Zenia on his trail. “Reschedule all my meetings for today to tomorrow.” He continued.

“Good morning.” Purvi greeted as he walked past them.

“Anything else sir?” Zenia asked.

“Yes.” He stopped and looked at Sid. “Please take him to the waiting lounge and ask him to wait there.”

“Ouch!” Arjun muttered, earning a jab from Purvi.

“Armaan?” Sid widened his eyes at him.

“This is an office not a garden where you can walk in anytime.” Armaan said softly when Zenia had moved away.

“Sir please if you can walk this way.” Zenia called Sid.

“You’re dead meat!” Sid muttered to Armaan and left with Zenia.

“Should we start?” Armaan looked at Arjun and Purvi and motioned them to the conference room.

It was way past afternoon and Sid was still waiting for Armaan to call him. He had dozed off in the lounge. A tap on his shoulder woke him up.

“Armaan sir is ready to see you.” Zenia informed him.

“Thank you.” Sid almost ran to the cabin and barged in.

“Learn to knock!” Armaan rolled his eyes.

“Main subah se wait kar rha hoon bahar.” Sid flared his nostrils.

“I don’t remember calling you.”

“Armaan?” Sid looked at him in disbelief.

“What Sid?” Armaan asked, continuing his work.

“Why are you ignoring me?”

“Sid, I’m working.” He stated the obvious.

“Armaan!” Sid slammed the laptop shut.

“What is wrong with you?” Armaan yelled at Sid.

“Where were you over the weekend?” Sid questioned.

“Office ke kaam se bahar gaya tha. I texted you.” Armaan reminded him.

“Kahan?” Sid was persistent.

“Why does it matter to you?” Armaan folded his arms across his chest.

“Tu aise kyun behave kar raha hai?” There was a glint of hurt on his face.

“Sid, I'm seriously busy. Kya kaam hai yaar?” Armaan opened his laptop.

“Kuch nahi.” He mumbled.

“So why are you here?” Armaan looked at him.

“I.. I’ll leave then.”

“Let's have dinner today. I’ll try to free myself till then. Reserve a table somewhere.” Armaan smiled warmly.

“Yeah.” Sid smiled back and left.

Armaan sighed and closed his laptop. He loosened the tie around his neck and relaxed into the chair, making it creek. He mentally made a note to get it oiled.

“I’m sorry Sid. But Tyler was right. I understand now how I must be the problem and I need to set boundaries.” Armaan mumbled to himself.

“Bhai!” Swayam barged into the cabin.

“Can’t you guys knock?” Armaan jerked up straight.

“Your chair creeks.” Swayam pointed out.

“Thank you for stating the obvious.” He rolled his eyes.

“Anyway, aapko kuch pata chala?”

“About?”

“Aap Rey ke baare mein pata karne wale the na?”

“Abhi tak bas itna pata hai ki they never went back to London.” Armaan informed.

“We know that. Anything else?”

“Nothing.”

“Bhai, you’re not hiding anything na?”

“Why would I do that? Plus main New York mein tha this weekend so I haven’t spoken to the PI.”

“Oh yeah, what happened? Aise achanak?”

“Matt goofed up a little.” Armaan shook his head.

“He had called yesterday. Sharon usko jhaad rahi thi.” Swayam chuckled.

“Good! Meko faltu ka bhagaya usne.”

“Also Juhi aunty has been asking about you.” Swayam informed him.

“Abhi Maami ko hi milne ja raha hoon. She is being stubborn.” Armaan sighed.

“I’ve never seen her like this.”

“I blame Rey for it. Usko bohot padne wali hai. Bas ek baar pata chale kahan chup ke baitha hai voh.”

“Aur Riri?”

“What about her?”

“Bhai, you’re still in love with her.” Swayam pointed out.

“But I can’t stop thinking about what they said. Meri wajah se they hid their feelings for each other?” Armaan pondered.

“I don’t know Riri but I know Rey. He loved Taani and only her. Yeh kaunse suppressed feelings ki baat kar raha hai voh nahi pata. The only logical explanation is that something happened between Rey and Riri in London and..”

“No!” Armaan asserted. “Nothing happened.”

“Bhai..”

“I know them both.” Armaan dismissed the topic.

...

“Armaan, tu iss waqt yahan kya kar raha hai?” Juhi smiled and signaled him to sit next to her.

“Kaam jaldi khatam hua toh yahan chala aaya.” Armaan settled next to her on the couch.

“Bohot kaam karne lag gaya hai tu.” She complained and caressed his hair.

“Aapke pati ne itna incomplete kaam jo choda hai mere liye.” He chuckled.

“Do din kahan gayab tha?”

“Urgently New York jana pad gaya tha. Sorry uss din lunch pe nahi aa paya.” He scrunched his nose.

“So you’re compensating for it today?” She teased.

“Something like that.” He smiled.

“Toh bata kya khayega?”

“Kuch order kare?”

“Kyun? Your Mamoo has cooked.” She informed him.

“Phir toh definitely kuch order karte hai.” He looked at her horrified.

“Don’t be mean. He is trying.” She hit him lightly on his arm.

“Chalo phir try karke dekhte hai.” He got up followed by her.

Juhi felt a head rush and caught Armaan’s arm for support. He immediately steadied her and sat her down. He rushed to the kitchen and got a glass of water for her.

“Aap theek ho? Medicine li thi na? Kuch khaya hai subah se aapne?” He asked her a barrage of questions.

“It was just a head rush suddenly uthne ki wajah se.” She explained. He studied her face. “Main theek hoon!” She further added.

“Aap yahi ruko. I’ll get your food here.”

“Armaan!” She shouted at him. “I can walk!” She got up and walked to the kitchen.

“Maami..” Armaan followed closely behind her.

“Tere mamoo se roti nahi banti toh bas rice hi hai.” She explained as she served some on the plate. “Aaj pulao banaya hai. It smells good.” She smiled.

“Maami what’s wrong?” He took the plate of food from her hand and placed it on the dining table.

“Tu kyun itna tension le raha hai. I am getting old now.” She reminded him.

“You’re hiding something.” He held her hand. “Kya baat hai?”

“Itni tu sabki fikr kar raha hai and no one is there to look after you. Ananya bhi Melbourne chali gayi.” She expressed her concern.

“Maami main theek hoon.” He assured her.

“Tu yahan humare saath rehne kyun nahi aata? Aise akele nahi rehna padega tujhe.” She suggested.

“Maami aap faltu ka tension le rahi ho. Main waise bhi office mein hi rehta hoon for most of the day.”

“That is not good. Main kuch nahi jaanti tu yahan aa raha hai bas!”

“Ma..”

“Armaan!” She looked at him sternly.

“Theek hai. Par meri ek condition hai.” He looked at her.

“Kya?”

“Aap kal mere saath doctor ke paas chalogi.”

“Already itni medicines chalu hai..”

“Psychiatrist ke paas.” He clarified.

“I can’t.” She denied.

“Why? Please don’t hold a stigma related to mental health. You..”

“Armaan!” She stopped him. “I can’t go with you, because I’m already seeing one.”

“And what is the diagnosis?”

“I am not sharing that with you!” She shook her head.

“Tell me something, anything. I can’t see you like this. Please let me help you.” He squeezed her hand.

“Itna bhi bada nahi hua hai tu.” She ruffled his hair and started eating her food.

“Armaan, tu yahan?” Rannvijay joined them.

“Hi Mamoo.” He smiled lightly at him.

“All good?” Rannvijay asked him. Armaan just nodded and started eating.

“Aaj pulao accha bana hai.” Juhi told him.

“Thank you.” Rannvijay smiled widely at her. “Armaan tu yahin shift hoja.”

“You don’t start as well.” Armaan grumbled.

“I’m serious. Aaj tu hai toh mere cooking ko appreciate kar rahi hai Juhi, warna toh lunch hi nahi karna hota hai isse.” Rannvijay shook his head and smiled.

“And she says ki voh theek hai.” Armaan mocked her.

“Hojaungi.” She smiled lightly.

“Kaise? By not sharing what’s troubling you?” He gritted his teeth.

“Tujhe itna gussa kyu aa raha hai?” Rannvijay kept a hand on his shoulder.

“I’m hungry!” Armaan huffed.

“Then eat!” Rannvijay served him.

“I’m done. You both continue.” Juhi got up.

“Juhi..” Rannvijay called her.

“Haan dawayi le lungi.” She smiled and went to her room.

“Armaan, can you talk to Juhi?” Rannvijay spoke after he heard the door close.

“Baat kya hai? Is she still adamant about her doctor visits? Aap tension mat lo, I’ll take her to the clinic.”

“That would actually be good. Meri toh ek nahi sunti voh. Also, think about what I said earlier, thode din yahan aake reh humare saath.”

“Ismein sochne wali kya baat hai? I’ll get my stuff here by night. Don’t worry.” Armaan smiled at him.

“I know it’s asking a lot from you..”

“Mamoo please.” Armaan stopped him. “Aap guilty feel mat karo. You are allowed to ask anything from me. I am your son, remember?” He smiled.

“Where did we go wrong with him?” Rannvijay pondered.

“You didn’t! Khudko blame mat karo. He left on his own volition.”

“Have you heard from Taani? How is she doing?”

“Voh theek hai. Sid se baat hoti rehti hai meri.”

“Sid permanently shift hogaya Mumbai? Usse toh vapas nahi aana tha na?”

“Dil tootne ka season hai mamoo. Dard sab kuch bhoola deta hai.” Armaan chuckled dryly.

“Uska dil kisne toda?”

“Chodo na. Aap batao, how is retirement going?”

“Retirement ke plans toh bohot the but..” Rannvijay trailed off and looked at the closed door of his bedroom.

“Aap dono kya chupa rahe ho? What is the diagnosis?”

“She has been diagnosed with depression.” Rannvijay opened up. “Mujhe laga tha ki it’s just to do with what happened here that day, but I was so blindsighted. Maine ek session attend kiya uske saath last week and since then I..”

“Please tell me.” Armaan pleaded.

“She feels responsible for what happened.”

“How? Why?” Armaan was confused.

“Voh Taani ko Rey ki life mein laayi. Agar usne push nahi kiya hota toh shayad aaj..”

“That’s such flawed logic!” Armaan flared his nostrils. “Agar Taani nahi hoti toh koi aur bhi nahi hoti uski life mein.”

“I know that, but she won’t budge. She is blaming herself for hurting Taani. Juhi ko lag raha hai ki usne Rey ke saath saath Taani ke life mein bhi bohot mess create kiya hai. I know it sounds ridiculous but I don’t know how to help her. I can’t help her!” Rannvijay’s eyes were moist.

“Mamoo, aap tension mat lo. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll get all my stuff rightaway. Aur maami bhi jald hi theek hojayegi, I promise you that. She is doing better than before already.” Armaan assured him.

“Thank you.” Rannvijay placed his hand on his head. “Aur tujhe abhi bhaagne ki jarurat nahi hai. Aaram se dinner tak aa jana.”

“Shit!” Armaan cursed under his breath.

“Kiske saath ja raha hai dinner pe?” Rannvijay chuckled lightly.

“I can push it to some other day. Don’t worry.” Armaan smiled.

“Armaan.” Rannvijay warned him sternly. “I don’t want you to change plans on our behalf.”

“Arre mamoo chill.” Armaan brushed it off. “Waise bhi aapko iss waqt maami ke saath hona chahiye. Go in your room, put on a happy movie and watch it with her.” He pushed him towards his room.

...

“Siddo, you’re late!” Taani got into his car. “Mujhe toh laga ki tu aayega hi nahi. I was about to book a ride home had you not come in 10 minutes.”

“Traffic hai re bohot.” Sid just sighed.

“You want me to drive?” Taani offered.

“Yes please.” He smiled and got out of the car.

“So where are we going?” She asked as she adjusted her seat.

“To whichever Social is nearby.”

“Why does it sound like you want to get hammered?”

“Can I?” He scrunched his nose.

“Just please be in your senses. Main tujhe ghar carry nahi kar sakti.” She warned.

“I’m not planning to get wasted.” He rolled his eyes.

“Tujhe ghar pe bore nahi hota?” She started a conversation.

“Tu na Shivam se dur raha kar. You’ve started sounding just like him.” He glared at her. “Seedhe puch na ki tujhe koi kaam karna hai ya sirf ghar pe baithe rehna hai?”

“Mera voh matlab nahi tha.” Tanni immediately apologised. “I was just wondering, as weekends ko I feel lost with nothing to do at home. How do you manage it daily?”

“Isme manage kya karna hai? I like staying at home, kuch nahi karne mein bhi bohot mehnat lagti hai. And plus I do go and meet Armaan almost everyday.”

“Aaj nahi gaya tha?”

“Nahi.” Sid looked out the window and clenched his teeth.

Taani drove in silence as she didn’t want to probe him for the reaction. He barely looked away from the window for the rest of the drive. She pulled into the parking as they reached and got out. He led the way and she followed him. He requested for a secluded table and they both walked to the far end of the pub. He immediately placed an order for a beer bucket.

“That’s a very shitty way to drown your sorrows.” Taani scoffed lightly.

“Listen, I’m..” Sid started but was immediately interrupted.

“I would go for something stronger.” She smirked.

“Says the one who’s warned me to be sober.” He rolled his eyes.

The waiter arrived with the beer bucket and Sid grabbed a bottle hastily even before he could place the bucket on their table.

“Kya kar raha hai yaar?” Taani widened her eyes at him.

“Drowning my sorrows!” Sid almost chugged half the bottle.

“Tere saath na mujhe kabhi samajhta nahi if you’re serious or joking.”

“Definitely joking!” He took another big gulp.

“Kya hua?” She sighed audibly. “You sounded happy when you asked me for dinner yesterday. Abh kya hua?”

“If I ask you a question, can you be brutally honest with me?” He kept the bottle down.

“O-kay.” She studied his face.

“Am I a horrible person?” He asked.

“What? No!” She was confused with his question but answered instantly.

“Let me rephrase.” He took a moment to think. “Actually no, I can’t. I am a horrible person.” He concluded himself.

“Kisine kuch kaha hai tujhe?” She asked, concerned.

“Kehne ki jarurat hi nahi thi.” He scoffed lightly. “Do you know how unwanted you feel when your happy place does not welcome you anymore? And even after knowing that, I want to keep going back there. How horrible can I be?”

“That does not make you horrible.” Taani got up from her seat and sat next to him. She threw her arm around him and squeezed his shoulders. “Main jaanti toh nahi ki hua kya hai but I’m sure you are welcome there.”

“Taani, I love you for being this supportive, par tujhe koi idea bhi hai ki main kya bol raha hoon?” He chuckled lightly.

“Tu Armaan bhai ki baat kar raha hai na?” She asked and he just nodded. “Did you fight with him?”

“We don’t fight. I don’t think we’ve ever fought. Today was just weird. It feels like he doesn’t want me around anymore.”

“He’s not his brother to abandon you without reason.”

“You did not..” He gawked at her in disbelief.

“I mean..” She avoided eye-contact. “Am I wrong?”

Sid’s phone rang and flashed Armaan’s name. He immediately disconnected the call. A text popped up a couple of seconds later and he made a face reading it. His phone rang again and he begrudgingly answered it.

“What?” Sid asked, annoyed.

“You didn’t reply to my text. What’s wrong?” Armaan asked from the other end.

“You.” Sid answered and disconnected.

Taani silently gulped down some water gauging Sid’s reaction.

“Excuse me.” Sid called for the waiter. “Can I have another one of these?” He pointed to the half empty beer bucket.

“Have you lost it?” Taani interrupted. “Cancel it. Just get him a glass of water.” She asked him to leave.

“You want to read his text?” Sid asked.

“Hmm.” She nodded.

“Something important came up. Can we push the dinner to tomorrow?” He read to her.

“Kuch kaam aagaya hoga na.” She tried to reason.

“Kaam tha toh dinner ka plan kyun banaya?” He huffed.

“Ek minute, agar tera plan Armaan bhai ke saath dinner ka tha toh mujhe kyun pucha?” She narrowed her eyes at him.

“Tere saath plan pehle bana tha. He then asked and cancelled, so I stayed with our original plan.”

“If he hadn’t cancelled, you were going to cancel this dinner, right?” She threw daggers at him. “Also, did you expect me to be okay with it?”

“Aisa nahi hai yaar.”

“Toh kaisa hai Sid?”

“Don’t be mad at me.” He pouted.

“You have been sulking at Armaan bhai for this entire time and I can’t even be mad at you?”

“I’m sorry.” He chugged the remainder of the bottle.

“Tyler messaged me.” She spoke after a while.

“What? Why?” He was confused.

“I think he learnt about my breakup from someone.” She explained.

“What was he saying?”

“He was actually being really sweet.” She smiled fondly. “He also asked about you.”

“Khush hua hoga na on learning how pathetic I am here.” He scoffed.

“He was ecstatic!” She rolled her eyes.

“Kya puch raha tha mere baare mein?”

“Can you please stop being stubborn and talk to him?” She held his hand.

Sid freed his hand and finished another beer.

“Hello?” Armaan answered his phone unsure if he read the name correctly on screen.

“Hi.” Taani replied meekly from the other end.

“Taani? All good?” He was surprised to hear her voice.

“Yeah yeah..” She sounded hesitant.

“What’s wrong?” He questioned. “Itni raat ko kyu call kar rahi ho?”

“Can I ask you for a favour?”

“Yes.”

“Can you help me take Sid home, please?” She requested softly, almost a whisper.

“What do you mean take him home? From where?”

“Social.”

“Sid is drunk?” Armaan asked, his voice low and concerned.

“Completely wasted. I don’t think I can get him home myself. I can’t really call bhai to pick us up and..”

Armaan sighed audibly on the other end of the line making her stop her rant.

"I’m on my way. Text me your location.” He disconnected the call and grabbed his car keys.

Taani looked at the blank phone screen, relief washing over her. She turned back to the table where Sid was now attempting to use an empty beer bottle as a microphone, humming loudly.

“Siddo, stop!” Taani hissed, pulling the bottle gently from his hand.

“You’re such a bore!” Sid huffed. “Ratting me out to Shivam like that.”

“Why don’t you just lay your head on the table and close your eyes.”

“This is not my bed. I wanna go home.” He tried to stand up but fell right back on his chair.

“Tujhe khade rehne nahi ho raha hai, ghar kaise jayega?” She sneered at him.

“Isiliye bulaya Shivam ko?” He made a face. “You know he hates me. Uska bas chale toh he’ll completely cut me off.”

“He does not hate you.” She shook her head at the ridiculousness.

“Yeah, he does. Just like Ty and Armaan.” He slouched on his chair.

Taani didn’t respond and stayed quiet as he closed his eyes and slowly drifted off asleep. Her phone rang after a few minutes and she quickly jumped up from her seat and ran to the entrance.

“Thank you so much for coming.” She greeted Armaan at the door.

“Kahan hai voh bevda?” Armaan chuckled dryly.

“So gaya.” She pointed behind her.

“How much did you guys drink?” They walked to the table.

“It was all him. Main toh dinner ke liye aayi thi.”

“Sid.” Armaan shook him.

“Mmhm.” Sid groaned.

“Chal, get up.” Armaan helped him stand up.

“I’m not going anyw.. with you.” Sid struggled to keep his eyes open.

“Sure!”

Armaan grabbed Sid’s arm and threw it over his shoulder. He supported his weight and walked him to the parking lot. Taani trailed behind them. Armaan unlocked the car and Taani ran ahead to open the door. Armaan tried to shove him in.

“Ow!” Sid scowled as he hit his head on the door frame.

“Kya kar raha hai yaar?” Armaan complained as Sid tried to run away from the car.

“Siddo, please get in.” Taani held the door open.

“He is dead to me.” Sid slurred, trying to yank his arm from Armaan’s grip.

“Okay buddy. Get in now!”

Armaan managed to shove Sid’s legs in and then carefully maneuvered the rest of his heavy, resisting frame onto the passenger seat. Sid immediately slumped against the door. Taani quickly buckled Sid in.

“Thank you so much.” She smiled at him.

“Hop in. I’ll drop you guys home.”

“We drove here.” Taani pointed at Sid’s car.

“Oh.” Armaan thought for a second and pulled out his phone. “Bharat!” He spoke as the call connected. “Koi driver hoga iss waqt? Hmm.. okay.. No no it’s just a car drop off. Oh sounds great. I’ll leave the keys and address at the shop.”

Taani looked at Armaan confused.

“Don’t worry about the car. It’ll be dropped off.” Armaan explained.

“Thanks again.”

“You don’t have to thank me every two minutes.” He chuckled.

“No, I mean it. Siddo told me that you had some important work. But, I didn’t know who else to call. Arjun and Purvi were at his parents’ aur bhai ko agar bulati toh he would have started lecturing me on the phone instead of helping me out.” She laughed. “Waise aap itne jaldi kaise pahuche?”

“Mamoo ke yahan tha.”

“How’s he and Juhi aunty?”

“He’s fine.” Armaan smiled short.

Taani looked at him suspiciously.

“What?” He asked.

“You didn’t answer.” She pointed out.

“She has not been well since Rey left.” He sighed and answered truthfully..

“Voh London kyun nahi jati uske paas?”

Armaan scoffed and rolled his eyes at her comment.

“What?”

“She is not in a condition to travel.”

“Aisa kya hua hai unhe?” She was worried now.

“Maami is fine physically.” He instantly replied.

“Ah, so Rey’s departure has screwed her up mentally. Well, we are all floating in the same boat.” She tried to make light of the situation.

“Well..” Armaan paused before continuing. “Yeah, I guess.”

“Why did you stop? Well what?” She probed.

“Taani..”

“Haan?”

“I.. uh..” He kept rephrasing in his mind. “Forget it.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I have a huge favour to ask of you and I don’t know if you’d be comfortable doing it.”

“What is it?”

“I need you to meet Maami.” Armaan kept his eyes on the road.

“Juhi Aunty? Why?”

“She.. she’s not doing well, Taani. She’s been diagnosed with depression, and she's blaming herself for everything that happened with you and Rey. She thinks she messed up both your lives by pushing the marriage.”

Taani’s breath hitched. She didn’t know what to say.

“She is being stubborn about getting better and she won’t believe anyone when they say it’s not her fault. But she really cares about you. I think... if you tell her you’re fine, she might start to believe it. Even if it’s not completely true, I need her to believe that you are happy, or at least that you are doing well, and that Rey leaving didn't break you. She needs to let go of this guilt.”

“Why didn’t you tell me about this earlier?”

“Because I know that you were struggling and this is such a selfish request.”

“Bilkul bhi nahi Armaan bhai. Maa has always been there for me. Agar mujhe iss sab ke baare mein pehle pata hota toh main kabki mil aati unse.”

“Thank you.” He heaved a sigh of relief. “Kal shaam ko ghar aa sakti ho?”

“Definitely.” She nodded and Armaan continued driving with a small smile on his face.

“We’ve reached.” He announced as the car stopped.

“Yeh so gaya.” Taani chuckled looking at Sid.

“There is one more thing you can help with.” He looked at Sid.

They managed to haul Sid out of the car. Sid, now semi-conscious, clung heavily to Armaan.

“Tyler was right,” Sid mumbled, his head resting on Armaan’s shoulder. “Not over you.”

Armaan tensed, his eyes meeting Taani’s over Sid’s head. Taani quickly looked away, pretending not to hear.

“Let’s just get you inside, you idiot.” Armaan muttered, shifting Sid’s weight.

Once they were inside the flat, Armaan and Taani struggled to get Sid onto his bed. Sid was dead weight, making the simple task feel like a marathon.

“He’s heavy!” Taani whispered, breathless.

“Tell me about it.” Armaan replied, pulling Sid’s shoes off.

Finally, Sid was settled. Armaan watched him for a moment, then turned to Taani.

“I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Yes.” She smiled back.

“Good night.”

Taani woke up to an insistent knocking on her door. She opened the door to find Purvi standing there, holding her iPad and practically bouncing with excitement.

"Visa applications are ready to go!" Purvi declared, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.

“Good morning to you too.” Taani replied sleepily.

“No time for pleasantries. Just go through the form so that I can send in the applications. There are a few interview slots open and we might just get them. So hurry up!” Purvi thrust the iPad at her.

“Everything looks good.” Taani scanned the form.

“Great! Applications sent.” Purvi grinned. “I’ve done some research and Tromsø is our best bet for the Northern Lights.”

"Tromsø? That’s Norway, right?"

"Yes! Isn’t it perfect? It'll be cold, but breathtakingly beautiful. I even found a cute little Airbnb with a view. Just imagine, us three, under the Aurora Borealis!"

Taani looked at Purvi's genuine enthusiasm. She felt a flicker of the excitement she knew she was supposed to feel.

“Now I gotta run. Arjun and I have an early morning meeting.” Purvi dashed out of the room

Taani smiled, a genuine smile this time, feeling the positive shift in the air. She opened her cupboard to pick out her clothes for the day when Shivam walked into the room.

“Taani, we need to talk.” Shivam’s voice was stern.

“Good morning, Bhai.” Taani turned, her smile slowly fading.

“Kal itni raat tak kahan thi?" He crossed his arms.

“Dinner pe gayi thi Siddo ke saath.”

“Toh wapas Armaan ke saath kyun aayi?” He raised his brow, making it clear that he had seen them come home.

“Sid got a little drunk and Armaan bhai was there so he helped me get him home.” She didn’t want to admit that she was the one to call Armaan.

“So you were out dining with Sid and Armaan?”

“Bhai please drop it.”

“Taani, please listen to me. Please keep your distance from Rey’s family.”

“Bhai, that's not fair. He is not Rey.”

“It doesn’t matter. He is still his brother. The more you keep in touch with them the more difficult it will be for you to move on from Rey.” Shivam sat her down on her bed. He spoke in a serious, advising tone. “You’re turning a year older, wiser. You have a great trip coming up. Please try to not stay in the past. It’ll only complicate things. Don’t hold on to those memories. It will be better for you in the long run, trust me. Just focus on yourself and your friends. Okay?”

Taani nodded slowly, looking down.

“Good. Now go get ready for work.” He gave her a quick pat on the head and left the room.

Taani’s phone buzzed and showed a new message from Armaan.

“Taani, thanks again for agreeing to help. I’ll see you in the evening.” She read the message and sighed audibly. “Agar bhai ko yeh pata chala toh kitna bada lecture denge?”

“Taani!” Tanya called her.

“Haan maa aayi.” Taani grabbed her phone and walked to Tanya’s room.

“Help me pick a saree for tonight.” Tanya pulled out a few sarees out of her cupboard.

“Function kya hai?”

“Felicitation for having a cook book.”

“Seriously?”

“It’s an excuse for networking.”

“Aapko award milne wala hai?”

“Shayad. Not sure. I don’t even want to go, but I was told that I should.”

“Wear this navy blue one.”

“Thanks.”

“Kya thanks maa?” Taani shook her head.

“Maa?” Tanya raised a brow.

“Mumma.” Taani forced a smile.

“What are you hiding?” Tanya looked at her sternly.

“Mumma voh kal main Armaan bhai se mili.” Taani hesitated for a moment and then continued. “Voh Juhi aunty ke baare mein bata rahe the. She is unwell.”

“Kya hua usse?” Tanya was worried.

“She has been diagnosed with depression. She is blaming herself for how Rey leaving has affected me.” Taani told her. “She feels guilty for me experiencing heartbreak.”

“I had no idea about this. Itne mahino se usse call karne ki koshish kar rahi hoon but something keeps coming up and I postpone it.” Tanya felt bad for not calling earlier.

“Kal Armaan bhai suggested that I meet her today. Unke hisaab se she might get better soon if she sees that I’m coping well. And also that I can never blame her for what happened.”

“And you don’t want to lie to her?”

“It’s not a lie. I am doing much better than before. I’m just worried about what bhai pointed out right now.”

“What did he say?”

“Bhai wants me to keep no contact with Rey’s family. It will keep dragging me back to my past and I won’t be able to move on.”

“Yahan aao, baitho.” Tanya patted next to her. “Shivam is coming from a place of protection. You were hurt because of Rey and he wants to shield you from everything that involves Rey. Usse lagta hai ki it’ll help you and that is a valid perspective but not necessarily your perspective.”

“So is he right? Am I complicating things by agreeing to meet Juhi aunty?”

“Yeh Rey ke baare mein hai hi nahi.” Tanya reasoned. “It’s about humanity and gratitude. Juhi and Rannvijay love you like their own. I’m sure you love them both as well. And when someone you care about is suffering, you should never turn your back to them.”

“So I wasn’t wrong in accepting Armaan bhai’s offer?”

“Of course not. You’re not going there to rekindle the past. You are going there to comfort the one you care about and who carries the burden of guilt for your pain. That’s the right thing to do. Your kindness and care for others is what makes you. Don’t ever be afraid to express that.”

“Par bhai gussa karenge.”

“Usse napasand ho aur gussa aaye toh aane do. Let him deal with his anger. Your focus should be on doing what you genuinely feel is right, and in this case, that means going to see Juhi. She always wanted a daughter and found that in you. As a mother, I know the pain of seeing your child suffer. Now imagine the suffering of a mother who feels powerless to ease her child's distress.”

“I love you mumma.” Taani hugged her tight. “Thank you.”

…

“Morning Taani!” Adah greeted her.

“Good morning!” Taani smiled warmly in return.

“You're certainly nice and chirpy today!” Adah observed, smiling back.

“Just in a good mood.” Taani replied.

“Stay that way forever.” Adah wished her.

“Thank you. I'm going to grab a coffee. You want one too?” Taani offered.

“No, I'm good, thanks.” Adah declined.

Taani headed towards the canteen. As she neared Ayushmaan’s cabin, she paused, intending to step in and say hello, but a familiar voice stopped her short.

“...xactly my point. It's Rey, of all people! It's been absolutely ridiculous. No one takes me seriously, and on top of that, AB and Swayam are still keeping things from me. Do you know how idiotic all this sounds? If he already loved someone, why would he get involved with someone else? And if the commitment was serious, which I know it was, then what was all that nonsense about? Plus, why did he have to ruin AB's life?” Sharon ranted.

“You do realize you rant about the exact same stuff every single time we meet?” Ayushmaan gave a dry chuckle.

“Sorry.” Sharon pouted. “Everyone offers explanations for all my questions, but they're never enough. It always comes back to the same conclusion.”

“That Rey is a complete a**hole?”

“A crusty old a**hole with hemorrhoids!”

“YUCK!” Ayushmaan was horrified by her description. “I hate you! Get out!”

Taani quickly retreated to her own cubicle, determined not to be caught eavesdropping.

“What were they talking about?” She wondered. “Purvi was also alluding to the fact that I need to uncover the truth before moving on. Did Rey lie? What was the reason for it? And most importantly can I forgive him for it”

“Hello? Kahan kho gayi?” Adah called her.

“Sorry, I was just thinking..”

“..about how you can help me today? Oh how generous!” Adah grinned.

“Adah ko meri help ki jarurat kabse padne lagi?” Taani bit back her smile.

“Aaj, abhi se! Please help me close this project today!” Adah pleaded.

“I'll try my best to help you, Adah.” Taani chuckled lightly. “But don’t expect miracles if the project is as messy as you usually leave them.”

“Hey! I asked for your help, not for you to call me out!” Adah pouted.

“We’re wasting valuable time. Come on, stop pouting.” Taani chuckled lightly.

A smile played on her lips as they got to work. The distraction was welcome, but the lingering questions about Rey still buzzed beneath the surface. For now, though, deadlines would have to take priority.

...

Taani approached the main door of the Singhania house. A mental slideshow of her history with Rey from their first meeting to his departure played vividly in her mind. Swallowing her emotions, she reached out to knock, only to find the door slightly open, as it often was. She pushed it open and stepped inside. Rannvijay was surprised to see Taani walk in through the door.

“Taani? Tum yahan kaise?” Rannvijay engulfed her into a strong comforting embrace.

“Maine bulaya usse.” Armaan descended the stairs from his room.

“Kaisi ho?” Rannvijay asked her.

“Main aap pe gussa hoon.” Taani got out of his embrace and pouted angrily at him.

“Maine kya kiya?” Rannvijay was confused.

“Juhi aunty ke baare mein bataya kyun nahi?”

“You had your demons to deal with.” Rannvijay smiled sadly at her.

“I think we all are dealing with one demon.” Taani muttered under her breath.

Rannvijay and Armaan both caught on to it and laughed heartily.

“Aao baitho” Rannvijay gestured to the sofa. “How’s everyone doing at home?”

“Sab theek hai. Mumma is busy writing a new cook book and bhai with his work.” Taani smiled.

“Aur tum?” Rannvijay asked.

“Kaam chal raha hai. Abhi just recently ek project close kiya.”

“Accha hai.”

“Tune ghar pe kisiko bataya hai ki yahan aa rahi ho?” Armaan questioned.

“Yeh kaisa sawaal hai?” Rannvijay was confused.

“She knows what I am referring to.” Armaan looked at Taani.

“Mumma knows that I am here.” Taani replied.

“Taani?” Rannvijay looked at her.

“Kuch nahi, it’s just that bhai thinks that I shouldn’t be in touch with you all.” Taani looked away.

“And what about you?” Rannvijay asked her softly.

“I don’t want to cut ties Paa.” She looked at him with moist eyes.

“Taani, I understand that he is being protective and ultimately it will always be your decision. Just know that I consider you my daughter regardless of Rey.” He held her hand and squeezed it.

“You mean a lot to me as well Paa.” She smiled back.

“Main dekh ke aata hoon whether Maami is awake or not.” Armaan got up.

“Armaan bhai aap rukiye, main jaati hoon.” Taani stopped him.

Taani walked to the bedroom and knocked lightly on it. She pushed the door open slowly and walked in. Juhi was lying on the bed facing the other side.

“Armaan abhi tak bhook nahi lagi hai. Thodi der mein bahar aati hoon.” Juhi spoke.

“Theek hai main Armaan bhai ko bata deti hoon.” Taani replied to her.

Juhi turned at her voice and looked at Taani with wide eyes.

“Taani?” Juhi asked unsure.

“In the flesh.” Taani smiled at her.

Taani walked forward and helped Juhi sit straight on the bed. She carefully placed a pillow behind her for support. Taani then sat down beside her, facing Juhi. Her heart ached as she looked at Juhi's frail face.

“Kaisi ho beta?” Juhi touched her face lovingly.

“Main toh theek hoon par aapne yeh kya halath bana rakhi hai apni?” Taani frowned.

“Bas thodi beemar hoon. Aur kuch nahi.” Juhi smiled at her concern.

"Mujhe pata hai aap beemar kyun ho," Taani said, her voice dropping to a gentle whisper. "Armaan bhai ne sab bataya."

“Usse nahi batana chahiye tha.” Juhi looked away as her eyes turned moist.

“Actually you are right. It shouldn’t have come to him telling me. Mujhe pehle hi aajana chahiye tha.” Taani held her hand.

“I’m sorry Taani.” A tear rolled down her eye.

“Aap kyun sorry bol rahi ho?” Taani quickly wiped her face dry.

“Because I can see that you have lost your spark and I am responsible for it.”

“That is so not true! Aap aisa soch bhi kaise sakti ho? You have always loved me and you and Paa have always treated me as your daughter. How can a mother be responsible for hurting her daughter?” Taani pulled Juhi into a warm embrace.

“Haan par..”

“Par kya?” Taani pulled away and looked at her.

“Maine apne selfish need ke liye Rey aur tumhe ek saath laaya. If I hadn’t pushed the idea of marriage, you’d be living your life happily.”

“Then you and Paa wouldn’t be in my life. I’m not sure if I’d really be happy.” Taani denied. “Maa, listen to me very carefully, aap dono bhale hi Rey ke parents ho but aap, Maa, aur Paa, aap dono mere liye mere parents jaise ho. I am so grateful to have you both in my life.”

“But the truth still remains. My son broke your heart and..”

“Exactly Maa, it was your son who broke my heart not you. Let him bear the burden of that pain, not you.”

“He isn’t here..”

“That doesn’t make you his proxy!” Taani immediately stopped her. “I’m not going to lie to you that I have moved on and am happy but I am working towards it. And I can never be happy knowing that you carry the guilt of my pain. Please get better soon so that even I can find my happiness. Abhi bahar main Paa se mili. I have never seen him like this. He really loves you and it hurts him to see you like this. So please get better, not for me, not for Armaan bhai, but for him.”

“Please promise me that you will keep in touch. I may have lost a son but I refuse to lose a daughter.” Juhi pulled Taani into a tight embrace.

“I’m also sorry for disappearing like this.” Taani replied, still hugging her.

“I know it was difficult.” Juhi pulled away slowly as her stomach grumbled.

“Have you eaten anything?” Taani looked at her suspiciously.

“I don’t feel like eating.” Juhi shook her head.

“Then have soup. You’ll feel better.”

“Rann is barely managing to cook food. Soup toh banne se raha uss se.” Juhi chuckled lightly.

“Paa ko kyun pareshan karna hai. Main abhi aapke liye banati hoon garma garam soup.” Taani got up with enthusiasm.

“Taa..”

“It’s not going to be very fancy, but it’s one of Mumma’s recipes."

“Tum kyun itni takleef le rahi ho. Food is already prepared.” Juhi got up to her feet as well.

“Then eat that as well.” Taani forwarded her hand for support and walked Juhi out of the room.

“Maami? You alright?” Armaan asked as soon as he saw them walk out.

“Armaan, samjha isse. Zidd kar rahi hai to cook.”

“Itne pyaar se banana chahati hai kuch toh banane de na usse.” Rannvijay intervened.

“Thank you Paa. Abhi aap please Maa ke saath bahar rukiye. Main sabke liye lemon coriander soup bana rahi hoon.”

Taani got into the kitchen to start cooking. Armaan helped her fetch ingredients out of the refrigerator.

“Maami looks happy today. Thank you.” Armaan smiled warmly.

“I wish I had known about this earlier.” Taani replied sadly. “I’ve never seen her this frail.”

“She’ll get better soon.” He assured her.

“Can I keep coming here to see her?” She asked.

“Are you seriously asking that question?” He was bewildered.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” She chuckled lightly.

“Pagal hai yaar tu.” He laughed as well.

“Thodi si.” She giggled.

“Sid kaisa hai? He must have woken up with a massive headache.”

“Why haven’t you called him yet?” She was surprised.

“I..”

“Matlab Siddo wasn’t imagining you avoiding him?” She narrowed her eyes.

“Why would I avoid him?” He furrowed his brows.

“I mean, from what I know about you guys, mujhe laga aapne aaj subah hi usse call kiya hoga. Mostly to taunt him, but yeah..”

“I had to stop myself from doing that.” He chuckled dryly, hiding his amusement for how accurate she was.

“Can I ask why?”

“You heard him yesterday Taani. Don’t act like you didn’t. I am somewhere responsible for his breakup. And I just want to help.”

“It isn’t your fault that he can’t let go of his past.”

“Yeah, but my level of involvement is affecting his present.” He pointed out.

“Tyler had called me the other day. I guess you told him about me?” She looked at him. He nodded. “After that call, I’m certain that they both still care about each other. Sid just needs to learn how to process his feelings.”

“Easier said than done.” He scoffed.

“You can help.” She hoped.

“I’ve done enough.” He muttered. “They just need to communicate. Both of them are miserable.”

“If we could somehow get them in the same room. Maybe then they’d finally clear the air.” She mused.

“Maybe. I just don’t want to overstep after what Tyler said to me.” He shook his head.

“You’ll be fine.” She placed a hand on his and smiled.

“Filhal toh my focus is on Maami and her recovery.” He smiled back.

“Soup is ready. She’ll bounce back to health in no time.” She assured him.

“Thank you.”

“Visa milne ki khushi tere face pe kyun nahi dikh rahi?” Arjun entered the balcony where Taani was sitting on her bean bag.

“You know why.” Taani sulked and stared at the orange sky.

“Why don’t you tell him to stop dictating your life?” Arjun was blunt.

“Bhai means well Arjun.” She reasoned. “It’s just that his words hurt.”

“Toh tu uske words ko itna affect mat hone de.”

“Easy for you to say. You’re not the one on the receiving end.” She rolled her eyes.

“Dekh Taani, we all know how protective Shivam is of you, and I know you don’t like to hide things from him. However, it might be better next time not to be so direct with the truth. You weren't obligated to tell him that you had gone to meet Rey's parents.” Arjun leaned on the railing.

“Agar unhe kisi aur se pata chalta toh voh aur gussa hote.”

“There is no winning with him, is it?” Arjun chuckled lightly.

“You know Arjun, I can’t tell you how happy she was seeing me there. Agar mere bas mein hota toh I wouldn’t have left until she had fully recovered. I was there for barely three hours, and I saw the warmth return to her smile. I'm willing to face bhai’s anger again if it means seeing that smile, both hers and Paa's.”

A thought popped in Arjun’s head and he let out a chuckle making Taani look at him.

“What?”

“Kuch nahi, just a funny thought popped in my head.” He shook his head and chuckled.

“Kya?”

“If Juhi and Rannvijay Singhaia were Purvi’s parents, I would have broken up with her instantly.”

“Whaa..?” She was confused.

“Matlab agar unhe mere se koi problem hoti and if she had to choose between them and me, I would have backed off on my own. I would never rob her of their love.” He explained.

“Tu pagal hai.” She laughed at the ridiculousness.

“Jokes aside Taani, I really hope you are able to leave all your worries behind.”

“Thank you.” She grabbed his hand and held it between hers. “I promise you Arjun, I will not be a downer on this trip. We’ve been dreaming about this trip for ages. I will not spoil it for any of us.”

“That’s more like it, just a little more enthusiasm.”

“Do din aur hai. Tab tak aa hi jayega.”

“Good!” He smiled. “And thank you for reminding ki sirf do din bache hai and I need to start packing.”

“What are you doing here? Ghar ja! Agar Purvi ko pata chala that you are running behind schedule, she will not hesitate to kill you!”

Arjun nodded, then hurried out of the room. Taani shook her head and started to go inside her own room, but paused when she saw Shivam standing at the window of his room, looking out on the balcony.

“Bhai?”

“Will you forgive me if I apologise?”

“You don’t have to.”
“Mom told me that Juhi aunty is unwell and you went to check on her. But please inform me next time.”

“I just didn’t want you to be upset.”

“Next time jana ho toh mujhe batana. I'll even join you. Just don’t hide things from me.”

“Theek hai bhai.” She nodded, not wanting to have any argument with him.

Taani stepped out of the Airbnb and pulled the collar of her puffer jacket higher. The crisp, clean Norwegian air made her cheeks tingle. Despite the cold, the late-morning sun was bright, reflecting off the snow in Tromsø. She rubbed her palms giddy with excitement. Two days had passed since they arrived, and they had yet to witness the majestic lights. But she was hopeful. And so were Arjun and Purvi who were bickering on their way out.

“Taani isko bol yaar, bohot ho gaya iska tourism. Let's just roam around and do nothing today.” Arjun complained.

“I don’t recall you planning our trip.” Purvi glared at him.

“Taani?” He pleaded.

“She did all the planning.” Taani sided with Purvi. “But yes, going to all these touristy places is tiring. Can we just select one place, go there for the entire day and come back?” She looked at Purvi with hopeful eyes.

“Yes please!” Arjun pleaded. “Plus, I read about the possibility of strong solar flares and viewing the lights tonight. I don’t want to be exhausted.”

“We did come here mainly to view the lights.” Purvi agreed. “And it'll be perfect to see them on your birthday.” Purvi smiled.

“Strong possibility.” Taani reminded her.

“Yeh ladki!” Arjun swatted Taani’s head. “Kabhi toh positive reh.”

“Aaj sirf three places visit karni hai. Chal na please?” Purvi pouted.

“What’s on the itinerary?” Taani asked.

“A Cathedral, a cable car ride up a mountain I cannot pronounce and a Museum.” Purvi informed.

“No!” Arjun scrunched his nose and looked disgusted. “Museum and Cathedral? Buddhe nahi hai hum!”

“Fine! Let's just chill here!” Purvi went back inside the room and slammed the door shut.

“Arjun! What the hell!” Taani slapped his hand. “She was so excited.” She went in behind her.

“Agar kuch karna hi nahi tha toh pehle kyun nahi bataya?” Purvi was upset.

“He didn’t mean that.” Taani consoled her and glared at Arjun who was standing at the door.

“I planned everything keeping in mind not to rush places and gave us ample time to explore each spot.” Purvi huffed.

“And we did that for the last two days. Can’t we just take a break today?” Taani asked.

“Kal ka full day hai for us to just roam around the city. Let’s just take the cable car ride at least?” Purvi insisted.

“Promise kar that you won’t rush us down because there is a place to visit.” Arjun eyed her from the door.

“Okay, I promise.” Purvi gave in.

“Let’s go then.” Taani smiled.

Purvi stepped back out followed by Taani and Arjun. She pulled out a map from her pocket and sighed heavily, fogging the air.

“Not this again.” Arjun rolled his eyes.

“I’m not coming if you’re using that map!” Taani glared at her.

“Okay I know I messed up yesterday. But it won't happen again.”

“No!” Both Arjun and Taani put their foot down.

“Fiiine, Google Maps it is.” Purvi sulked and pulled out her phone.

“You look so cute when you’re annoyed.” Arjun pulled her nose.

“Shoo.” Purvi slapped his hand away.

“Bohot hi jyada cute.” He pulled her cheeks this time.

“Is this why you love to annoy me?” She squinted at him. “Also, we have to take a bus down the road.” She pointed.

“Can we first grab a coffee before we start heading there?” Taani started walking in the direction Purvi pointed.

“I love to do a lot of things to you.” Arjun whispered to Purvi as they walked a couple of steps behind Taani.

Purvi flushed at his comment and increased her pace to walk beside Taani.

“I love it here.” Arjun jogged up to them and walked beside Purvi with his hand around her waist.

…

“Arjun, can you buy the tickets for us?” Purvi looked at him.

“Sure.” Arjun left with a nod.

“You really want to be cooped up in bed and not do anything tomorrow for your birthday?” Purvi asked Taani.

“Yes.” Taani nodded with a smile. “That’s exactly what I want to do.”

“Just remember, I’ve left tomorrow open for you. Kal tera jo mann hoga wahi karenge.” Purvi reminded her.

“I would love to just put on comfy pyjamas and watch cheesy rom-com movies tomorrow. Nothing more.” Taani assured.

“The Cathedral..”

“No!” Taani opposed immediately.

“Thought I’d give it a try.” Purvi giggled.

“Do you really wanna go there?” Taani asked.

“It looks pretty.” Purvi just shrugged her shoulders.

“We still have three more days left. Let's find a way to check everything off the itinerary. Kal thodi planning karte hai.” Taani smiled warmly seeing Purvi’s eyes brighten.

“I love you!” Purvi hugged her.

“Hey!” Arjun interjected. “What about me?”

“She’s mine now.” Taani winked at Arjun and walked with Purvi to the cable cars.

The ride up the mountain was brief but offered amazing views of Tromsø below, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and water.

“Oh my God, the view is insane!” Taani was awestruck as she gazed out the glass window.

“Just wait till we reach up there.” Purvi grinned with excitement.

At the top, they stepped out onto the viewing platform, shivering in the wind but not losing the perfect smile.

“Wow!” Taani whispered, taking in the view.

The panoramic view of the entire city nestled below in a patchwork of islands was breathtaking.

“Sorry for being an a*s earlier.” Arjun hugged Purvi from behind and just stood there taking in the view.

“I knew you’d like it up here.” Purvi planted a quick peck on his lips.

“I am at a loss of words.” Taani sighed.

“Same here darlin’” A tall lean man approached her. “What is a beautiful woman like you standing all alone? Need some company?” He smiled at her handsomely.

Taani was taken aback for a moment but quickly gained composure. “No, I’m good!” She managed to utter and grabbed Arjun and Purvi away to a cafe far from the platform.

“Who was he?” Purvi teased.

“Not interested!” Taani hissed.

They lingered at the top for the entire afternoon, sipping hot chocolates and eating all the sweet treats that were being offered. Arjun and Purvi did not leave a single chance to tease Taani about the gaze of a couple men on her.

As the early evening settled in, painting the sky in soft hues of blue and pink, the trio made their way back to their cozy Airbnb. Arjun turned on the radiator making the room nice and toasty.

“As much as I enjoyed up there, I missed this warmth.” Arjun peeled off his layers by the radiator and warmed himself.

“I think I’m gonna go sleep for sometime.” Purvi threw her jacket on the coat rack and headed to her room.

“I think we all should rest for sometime and wake up fresh when the lights decide to show up.” Taani was curled up on the sofa under a thick wooly throw.

“I’m ready to hibernate.” Arjun finally moved away from the heat and followed Purvi to their room.

Taani peeled the throw away and arranged it back on the sofa. The silence of the apartment was comforting as she made her way to her room. She changed into her pyjamas and snuggled under the duvet. It was only five in the evening, but the Northern twilight made it feel much later. She was aimlessly scrolling on Instagram, when Juno’s text popped up.

“How was today?” Juno asked.

“It was magical. You really missed out on this trip.” Taani replied.

“Photos toh bhej!” He typed back. “Let me see what I missed out on.”

“I’m going to show them to you in person.”

“I’ll practice my sad face till then.” He laughed as he sent the message.

“Yeah, do that.” She shook her head.

“I actually texted you as I need help to deal with your brother.”

“Kya hua bhai ko?” Taani sat up straight.

“Shivam is perpetually worried about you. Just give him a call when you can.” He suggested. “And I was talking about Sid.”

“Call Armaan bhai for any help with Siddo. He knows him best.” Taani suggested.

“Armaan left yesterday for some work and Sid has been sulking since then. He says that he wanted to talk to Armaan but now can’t.” Juno sighed.

“I see what Armaan bhai meant. God, I feel so bad for Tyler.” Taani thought.

“Any suggestions?” Juno asked.

“None, unfortunately.”

“No worries. I’ll think of something. You have fun.” He ended the chat with a smiley face.

Taani stared at the window. The sky had started to change colour. She got out of the bed and went to sit by the window, wrapping a throw around her torso. The colours were fading to black but she still held onto the hope of viewing the Aurora Borealis. A loud buzz on her phone broke her trance. She immediately recognised it as the notification tone for important emails. She rushed to her bed fearing it might be some office emergency.

“Happy Birthday Gudiya!” She stared at the email subject. She rubbed her eyes to make sure she was reading correctly.

“Papa ka email?” Her breath hitched as she opened the email and she completely forgot to breathe as she read the name of the sender. “Rey?”

“Surprise!” The email read. “Click on the link below.”

Taani struggled for breath, her heart pounding, before clicking the link. The video that opened showed Rey’s beaming face at her. She instantly closed the application and leaned back against the headboard. A tear rolled down her eye as she realized the email's content. With a shaky hand she reopened the application and pressed play.

“Happy Birthday Gudiya!” Rey chuckled on her screen. “I know it must be confusing why I’m sending you a video when I can clearly be wishing you in person. The answer is really simple. I love you.”

Taani’s breath hitched and she paused the video. She stared at Rey’s face wondering why wasn’t he with her in person. She recognised the room in which he was filming and her lips curved into a smile. She hadn’t visited the rehearsal hall since his birthday. She noticed a jacket with his name lying on the floor behind him and a realisation hit her, Rey had filmed this video after she had left for home on his birthday.

“I know I wouldn’t be able to see you sad remembering your papa and his wishes for you. This is my way of making you feel a little better. You know I already had a message typed out but it would be a disservice after seeing this beautiful gift that you’ve given me. I was so stunned when I saw it ki main isse appreciate hi nahi kar paya. You have designed my dream into reality. In fact it has surpassed my dreams. Everytime I dance here I’ll be grateful to you. Taani, tu nahi jaanti ki tu meri life mein kitni important hai. Agar tu mere life mein nahi aati toh I wouldn’t know what it means to love someone unconditionally. Main apne aap ko bohot hi lucky consider karta hoon kyunki tu meko, sorry mujhe pyaar karti hai. I hope you achieve everything you’re looking for on your birthday. Happy birthday once again Luv and see you soon.” Rey winked and the video went blank.

Taani hugged her phone to her chest and bawled her eyes out. Hearing Rey’s voice again, so full of love and admiration, was like a physical blow. The raw, unfiltered emotion in the video was a stark contrast to the cold, distant way he had ended things. She wiped her face with the back of her hand, frustrated with the million thoughts going on in her head.

She played the video again. “I know it must be confusing why I’m sending you a video when I can clearly be wishing you in person. The answer is really simple. I love you.”

The words echoed in her ears, mocking her current reality. She had loved him unconditionally, just as he had described. But if he felt this way then, what could have possibly happened in those sixty days to erase it all?

“If you loved me, Rey, then why aren’t you here? Why did you destroy us?” She whispered to the empty room.

His reasoning for the breakup that he had fallen out of love felt like a flimsy, transparent lie now. He had sounded rehearsed, almost pained, when he delivered those lines, but she had accepted them because she was in too much shock. Now, watching his genuine smile and hearing the earnestness in his voice made her question his words when he broke up with her. The man in the video was ready for forever; the man who broke up with her was running from a ghost.

She recalled the night of Rey’s birthday. She was yearning for him and he had reciprocated it back. She remembered his strong arms around her hips as he held her tight and the love radiating through his eyes as he looked at her. He longed for her and he made sure she knew it. He had been ecstatic about the rehearsal hall gift and she had loved watching those emotions expressed on his face. She remembered her last two birthdays when she had shared with Rey her father’s birthday wishes for her and how upset she was knowing that the last birthday was her father’s last message for her. Never in her wildest imagination would she have imagined Rey to continue a tradition which was dear to her. The video only confirmed that the love they had was real.

“I hope you achieve everything you’re looking for on your birthday. Happy birthday once again Luv and see you soon.”

There was nothing in the video that indicated for him to fall out of love within a span of two months. He in fact was supposed to be by her side. If Rey had been around she knew he would jump in through the window of her room as soon as the message ended, grinning widely and saying that he was pleased to see her.

She came to a realization. Reyansh Singhania had not broken up with her because he didn’t love her. He did so because he had to. And she was going to find out the reason for it.

...

“Are you guys done eating?” Purvi yelled. “There is definitely some light that I can see. Jaldi bahar chalo.”

“I’m almost done. You guys go ahead.” Taani took another bite of her food.

“I’ll go start the bonfire.” Arjun headed to the backyard.

“Taani, grab the speakers on your way out.” Purvi instructed and left behind Arjun.

Taani knew Rey's message by heart, having played it repeatedly until she could recite it from memory. She fiddled with her food, trying to connect dots which she had missed. Purvi, Sharon and even Armaan had hinted at there being some hidden truth behind his reasoning. She knew in her heart that Rey wasn’t cruel to lead her on. He deeply loved her.

“Does he still love me?” Her mind questioned her. She dropped her fork and pushed her chair back.

“There was no light.” Purvi walked back in and slouched on the couch.

“What are you guys doing inside? Bahar aao!” Arjun called from outside.

“You’re still eating?” Purvi looked at Taani with wide eyes.

“I’m full.” Taani leaned on the chair.

“Kya soch rahi hai?” Purvi softened her eyes.

“Kuch nahi.” Taani pulled up her phone. “Yeh sab messages ko reply karna is exhausting.” She sighed.

“Kal kar na reply. What’s the hurry?”

“Purvi! Taani!” Arjun yelled.

“Haan aa rahi hoon.” Purvi got up and pulled Taani. “Chal.”

Taani grabbed the small bluetooth speaker from the counter and followed Purvi into the backyard. The cold air instantly made her shiver.

“It’s warm here.” Arjun rubbed his palms together.

Purvi took the speaker from Taani and connected her phone to it. She searched for melancholy music and hit play on a random album.

“Idar aa.” Arjun pulled Purvi close, and they began to sway slowly to the music. Taani watched them with adoration.

The song changed.

Mainu ishq tera lae dooba..
Haan ishq tera lae dooba..

Taani stared into the dark night sky as the song progressed

Aisa kyun hota hai..
Tere jaane ke baad..
Lagta hai haathon mein..
Reh gaye tere haath..

Taani clutched the throw around her as tears welled up in her eyes. She couldn’t help but remember the evening she spent with Rey in Mahabaleshwar in front of a similar bonfire.

“Why am I being punished today?” Taani mumbled.

“Tu theek hai?” Purvi stopped swaying and approached her.

“Haan, bas papa ki yaad aagayi.” Taani quickly wiped her tears.

“Missing his message?” Arjun walked up to her and gave her a side hug.

“Hmmn.” Taani just nodded, not wanting to share that Rey had sent a similar message.

“Happy Birthday Taani.” Purvi joined the hug.

“Happy Birthday!” Arjun smiled at her.

“Thank you guys.” Taani smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes.

“Hey, cheer up.” Arjun coaxed. “Tum bhi jaanti ho that nothing can replace his messages for you.”

“Yeah..” Taani’s voice quivered remembering Rey’s video. “But yet again he managed to pull off another surprise.” She thought to herself.

“Guys look!” Purvi grinned and pointed upwards.

Taani looked up and gasped. Across the dark canvas of the sky, streaks of vibrant green and pink were beginning to dance, shimmering like cosmic curtains unfurling above the snow-laden landscape. The Northern Lights had finally decided to make an appearance.

“Oh my God!” Taani was awestruck, forgetting the sadness momentarily.

The colours deepened. The Lights twisted and swirled majestically. It was a spectacular birthday present from the universe. Taani watched the Aurora Borealis. Tears of joy now streamed down her face.

“This is so beautiful. Thank you for forcing me to come here.” Taani struggled to wipe her face dry.

“It’s not midnight yet, but birthday girl ka cake cutting toh banta hai beneath these lights.” Purvi helped her wipe her face and beamed at her.

Arjun ran inside and got the cake box out from the refrigerator. He pulled out the small, intricately decorated cake.

“When did you get this?” Taani was surprised.

“We woke up early and sneaked out to buy it.” Purvi winked.

Taani cut the cake amidst the light show above them. She fed it to Arjun and Purvi. Her heart was full of gratitude for her friends and it radiated on her face. Arjun returned her warm smile and embraced her in a bone-crushing hug.

Purvi put on some slow music as they laid across the soft crackling bonfire watching the Northern Lights fade into the endless night sky. The fire’s flames were starting to slow down and cold began to seep in through their layers.

“I’m heading inside.” Arjun got up rubbing his palms.

Taani pulled the throw tighter and watched the dying embers. The emotional high from seeing the Aurora was subsiding. A familiar chill, which had nothing to do with the weather, began to creep over her. She felt a presence around her similar to what she felt when Rey was near. She looked around the dark, empty backyard. She dismissed the feeling, calling it her overactive imagination still processing the video. She scanned her surroundings once more before deciding to retire for the night.

Taani, Arjun and Purvi were relaxing on the living room couch, completely engrossed in their conversation while Baadshah played in the background.

“When was the last time just the three of us hung out together?” Purvi wondered.

“Honestly, I don’t even remember. It’s been too long.” Arjun admitted.

“It had to be when we were in college.” Taani mused.

“I miss those days sometimes.” Purvi smiled, reminiscing about their college days. “Kitne jaldi bade hogaye na hum?”

“Taani, you remember your birthday in our second year?” Arjun chuckled.

“Oh God kya yaad dila diya!” Taani shook her head in horror. “I had successfully managed to forget about it.”

“Itna bhi bura nahi tha.” Purvi bit back her smile.

“Tujhe kyu bura lagega? You helped organize it!” Taani rolled her eyes.

“I mean it was kinda funny.” Purvi burst out laughing.

“No it wasn’t! I wanted to run home as soon as I saw it.” Taani flared her nostrils.

“Teko pata hai usko print karwane kitni mehnat karni padi thi?” Arjun laughed.

“Kya zaroorat thi itni mehnat ki? It was so embarrassing to see a huge a*s poster of my face with Happy Birthday Taani plastered on it.”

“Zaroorat thi as almost half the people in our class didn’t know who you were.” Purvi explained.

“And after that, each and every person in the entire college got to know you.” Arjun laughed.

“It was a nightmare.” Taani sighed, then gave a light chuckle.

“Arjun tera birthday yaad hai?” Purvi turned to him.

“Jamming at Marine Drive?” Arjun smiled warmly.

“Haan!” Purvi nodded. “Varun ko kitna irritate karte the na hum to play the same four songs on his guitar.” She chuckled.

“But that night was something else. Songs naturally flow ho rahe the. It was almost midnight when we left.” He reminisced.

“I had to leave early though because of bhai.” Taani said with a sad smile “Sabki stories dekh ke full FOMO ho raha tha mujhe.”

“We had to leave as people had to catch a train home.” Purvi added.

“That was a fun night.” Arjun smiled.

“Waise where is Varun these days?” Taani asked.

“Delhi mein hai na shayad?” Purvi looked at Arjun.

“Haan wahan job laga hai uska.” Arjun confirmed with a nod.

“I’m so glad we work in the same city. Making new friends at work is such an effort.” Purvi shook her head.

“Yeah, they're usually more like acquaintances than actual friends," Taani agreed.

“I mean..” Arjun interjected.

“Tu toh rehne de.” Purvi held a hand in front of him. “Apni boss ko hi friend bana diya tune.” She rolled her eyes.

“Parul is amazing. Kabhi boss wali feel hi nahi aati from her. She is super chill.” Arjun praised.

“Waise chill toh mera bhi boss hai.” Taani smiled.

“Haan tujhe to lagega hi.” Purvi mumbled.

“Haan?” Taani furrowed her brows.

“Am I the only one stuck with a strict boss?” Purvi pouted sadly.

“Is Armaan bhai really a strict boss?” Taani questioned.

“Main Mansi ma’am ki baat kar rahi thi.” Purvi pointed out. “Armaan sir is something else.”

“Meaning?” Taani was curious.

“He is very.. strict is not the right word..” Purvi tried to explain.

“Serious.” Arjun helped her. “He takes his work seriously but is always jovial while working.” Purvi nodded in agreement.

“He is like that even outside of work.” Taani smiled.

“You have to see Zenia around him.” Purvi laughed.

“She is shit scared of him.” Arjun joined her. “She was so used to being around Sharon, Swayam and Re.. Rannvijay uncle that she feels scared that she might act silly around Armaan sir and he might get angry.” He explained.

Taani smiled faintly at Arjun's slip-up and simply nodded in understanding.

“Tu Juhi aunty se milne gayi thi na? How is she?” Purvi looked at Taani

“I did not expect her to look so weak. All I wanted to do was hug her tight and ease her pain.” Taani replied sadly. “But Armaan bhai did inform me that she was doing better since my visit.” She added.

“That’s good. Next time let me know when you’re going. Mujhe bhi milna hai aunty se.” Purvi told her.

“Shivam ka gussa shaant hua?” Arjun asked Taani, who only sighed in response.

“I still can’t understand why Shivam bhai was mad at you. Especially after knowing that aunty was unwell.” Purvi rolled her eyes.

“Sorry to say it, but Shivam’s being an a**hole. Voh jaanta hai that you look up to them as parents phir bhi he is being stubborn.” Arjun flared his nostrils.

“Tujhe pata hai na that Sid is avoiding Shivam bhai like the plague.” Purvi informed. “The other day he was about to leave but stopped inside as Shivam bhai was waiting for the lift in the lobby.”

“Siddo bhi kuch kam nahi hai. Devdas bante ja raha hai voh.” Taani rolled her eyes.

“Arre uss din ka scene tune miss kiya. Armaan sir told him to wait outside in the lobby and he got so mad at him. Agar hum office mein nahi hote toh Sid unhe pakka maarta.” Arjun narrated.

“Do you know what exactly happened with Tyler? Why did they break up?” Purvi inquired.

“Misunderstandings.” Taani answered briefly, unwilling to air their dirty laundry.

“Is there hope?” Purvi questioned.

“There is always hope.” Taani replied instantly.

“Always?” Arjun looked at her knowingly and she looked away.

An unsettling silence filled the room, only to be broken by Taani’s phone. It flashed Sharon’s name and Taani hesitated to pick the call. It got disconnected and she sighed.

“Phone kyun nahi uthaya?” Purvi immediately questioned.

“I don’t know.” Taani whispered.

Sharon called Taani again and this time Taani answered it.

“Hello?” Taani whispered into the phone.

“Hi Taani!” Sharon exclaimed loudly from the other end. “Wishing you many, many, many happy returns of the day.”

“Thank you so much Sharon.” Taani smiled at her enthusiasm.

“I wasn’t sure if it was okay to call or just message like the others. But I just said, f*ck it, and called you.” Sharon chuckled.

“Yeah, I read everyone’s messages. Thank you, it means a lot. Especially since I was barely in touch with anyone.” Taani expressed her gratitude.

“I don’t want to encroach on your precious birthday time. Let’s definitely catch up soon.” Sharon suggested. Taani agreed and ended the call.

Taani instantly regretted accepting Sharon’s offer to catch up. She wasn’t ready to face Sharon, or any of Rey’s friends for that matter. She worried that every conversation with them would inevitably lead back to Rey. And they wouldn’t be as forgiving as Arjun was.

“I need some air.” Taani got up and left. They didn’t stop her, understanding her plight.

...

Armaan was leisurely walking around the shopping centre when something caught his eye. He navigated the small crowd and reached his destination.

“Ar..maan?” Riri froze in her place on seeing Armaan in front of her.

“Hi!” Armaan smiled slightly at her.

“Hi?” She was a little flustered.

Armaan was the last person Riri would have imagined bumping into in the middle of a shopping centre. She curved her lips to smile back but he could clearly see the grimace on her face.

“You look visibly unhappy to see me.” He sighed and shook his head.

“No!” She replied instantly. “I’m.. just surprised. What brings you here?” She smiled a genuine smile.

“I came looking for you.”

“What?” She panicked.

Armaan chuckled. Riri relaxed and playfully slapped his arm.

“Here for some business.” He explained. “Honestly, I should be the one who is surprised. This isn’t London?”

“It’s a long story.” She pressed her lips together.

“I/m not in a rush. Are you?” He gave her a lopsided smile.

“Yeah sorry.” She shrugged her shoulders. “But ‘twas nice bumping into you.” She forwarded her hand.

“Not the formal hand shake!” He rolled his eyes and pulled her in for a hug.

Armaan felt his body spark up in joy having Riri in his embrace. He tugged at his own heart knowing that he had to bury his emotions. Even if he found it hard to believe, Riri was with his brother now. Riri wrapped her arms tightly around Armaan. He felt her relax, like she had left all the burden on her shoulders behind. His mind kept telling him that it’s inappropriate but, in his heart, he didn’t want to let go. He didn’t want this time to end, but it had to. He slowly peeled her away from him and looked at her. She had her eyes closed and her lips were parted. The emotions which he was trying so hard to fight took over and he leaned in, connecting his lips with hers. He slowly sucked on her upper lip and mentally smiled when she responded back. But before his smile could reach his lips, she pulled back. She stared at him as her lips moved without making a sound. She took a step back, quickly turned on her heels and ran out.

“Riddhima!”

Riri absent mindedly made her way from the shopping centre to the hospital. Armaan followed closely behind her. Unknown to them, there was a third person who had witnessed their interaction and had followed them there. Taani was surprisingly shocked to see Riri while on her stroll. She had followed Riri into the shopping centre. She was trying to muster the courage to approach her for an audience with Rey. She thought that if she followed Riri, she would eventually make her way to Rey and then confront him about his words in the video and her deductions of it. Taani followed Riri and Armaan to one of the cabins in the hospital. Armaan stood near the blinds and peaked into the cabin.

“What are you doing here?” Riri yelled inside her cabin.

“I wanted ice cream and no one would give me. So, I came here to steal from your stash. Please don’t be mad.”

Taani tripped on her own feet on hearing Rey in person. Armaan turned around to find her standing behind him.

“Voh.. uh..” Taani tried to come up with an explanation.

Armaan gave her a sad knowing smile and they both leaned in on the blinds to listen to the conversation.

“Scoot! I need this too.” Riri pulled out a spoon from a drawer and walked to Rey.

Rey was seated on the examination recliner with an ice cream tub in his hand. He shifted slightly and made a place for her to sit. She sat leaning against his arm and rested her head on his shoulder. She dug into the tub and sighed audibly.

“Kya hua?” He asked her.

“I did something stupid.” She replied.

“I know.” He kissed her on top of her head. “You didn’t mean to yell at me before leaving. But, in your defense I was being too stubborn. It’s all forgiven.”

“Oh I did mean to yell!” She sneered.

“Sorry!” He scrunched his nose and looked at her.

“Okay, that’s enough ice cream.” She stopped him from taking another bite.

“Last bite? Please?”

“Rey!” She yelled as he took a large chunk out of the tub.

Armaan looked away as tears threatened to spill out of his eyes. Taani looked at him with a tear stained face and reached out for his hand. She squeezed it tightly letting him know that he wasn’t alone.

“I met Armaan.” Riri told Rey.

Armaan’s ears perked up on hearing his name.

“Bhai yahan hai?”

“Haan.”

“He found you.” Rey teased.

Taani and Armaan looked at each other with furrowed brows.

“Shut up Rey!” Riri huffed. “It was so awkward.”

Armaan’s face fell on hearing Riri.

“Right!” Rey sneered.

“I’m not lying! We had an awkward talk and then he pulled me into a hug to say bye and I..”

“Melted in his arms?” Rey had a smirk on his face.

“In his lips to be precise!”

“TMI!” Rey yelled and jumped out of the recliner making Riri burst out laughing.

“Did you hear..?” Armaan whispered to Taani.

“Haan.” Taani nodded.

“Okay enough now, you need to rest.” Riri held Rey’s hand. “Chalo.”

“Ri.” Rey stopped her. “He is still in love with you.”

“Rey! Not now!” Riri shouted authoritatively. “You need proper rest for tomorrow.”

“Par..”

“Yeh hum baad mein discuss karenge. Abhi chalo!”

“Nahi!” Rey stopped her at the door. “Pehle promise karo. Whatever happens tomorrow, tum bhai ke paas wapas jaaogi. Promise me!”

“Only if you promise ki tum bhi Taani..”

“You know that’s not happening!” Rey stopped her.

“Like I said, we’ll discuss this later. After your surgery.” Riri pulled him out of the cabin. “Now be a good patient and listen..” She stopped as soon as she saw Armaan and Taani stare at them.

“Fuc..” Rey collapsed.

Hello

It's been a while. I guess a few of you guessed about Rey lying or being unwell. And you all were correct. The details will be in the next chapter though. This was already too long. I can't promise you that I'll post the next one soon. Just hang in there and pray for me to finish writing and post.

Please do comment big. I love reading in detail what y'all think of the story. It always brings a smile on my face.

Until next time..

: @taarey1025