Chapter 28 - Being Independent

“Why is it so difficult to choose gifts for guys?” Purvi huffed. “Watch hi le leti hoon.” She sighed and moved in the men’s watch section of the mall.
“How can I help you?” The salesman asked her.

“I’m looking for something in leather.” She told him vaguely.

“Okay we have these options.” He showed her a few watches.

“Do you have anything fancy?” She asked.

“No ma’am this is what we have.” He smiled.

“No worries.” She walked out.

Her phone rang and she panicked seeing Taani's name. She answered it running out of the mall.

“Kahan hai yaar tu?” Taani asked from the other end.
“Main jaldi pahuch gayi thi toh thoda mall ghoom rahi thi.” Purvi gave an excuse.

“Now you’re late!” Taani taunted.

“Haan aa rahi hoon, two minutes.” Purvi disconnected the call and rushed out.

…

“Guys I’m telling you this is not gonna work!” Sharon said.

“Sorry, I was stuck somewhere.” Purvi joined.

“Kya hua Manas chod nahi rahi thi lunch ke liye?” Swayam chuckled.

“Nahi she left me on time, I was roaming around.” Purvi sat next to Taani.

“I’m telling you, it will work!” Rey asserted.

“Guys tum log office ka kaam office mein nahi chod sakte kya?” Taani asked annoyed.

“Sorry.” Rey and Sharon mumbled.

“You both are still fighting on it?” Purvi asked surprised.

“Chod yaar yeh dono ko. Let’s order something, I’m very hungry!” Swayam picked up the menu.

“Kahan thi?” Taani asked Purvi.

“Baadmein batati hoon.” Purvi gestured her.

“Taani.” Sharon called her.

“Haan?”

“Tere job interview ka kya hua?” Sharon asked.

“Apply kiya hai bohot jagah. But abhi tak kahin se call nahi aaya hai.” Taani smiled lightly.

“Kaise notice hogi yeh madam. Apna New York wala course add karna hi bhool gayi yeh resume mein.” Rey taunted.

“What?” Swayam looked at Taani.

“Bas starting ki ek ya do companies mein old resume gaya hai. Then I updated it!” Taani answered Swayam sneering at Rey.

“Guys quiet!” Sharon hushed them as her phone rang. “Hello?” She answered.

Taani narrowed her brows at Rey asking him what the matter was. He gestured her to wait for a minute.

“Okay Simmi, aur kuch?” Sharon talked into the phone. “Yeah sure, see you. Bye.” Sharon sighed disconnecting the call.

“Kya hua?” Taani asked.

“Well, humne site pe gang ko kaam pe lagaya hai. Agar unhe pata chalta ki yahan hum lunch kar rahe hai saath mein toh hum teeno ki khair nahi thi!” Rey chuckled.

“You should have called them as well.” Purvi said.

“We have limited time on our plate. Sab yahan hote toh aaj half day hojata.” Swayam shook his head.

“Toh mujhe yeh special invitation kyun diya?” Taani asked.

“Tu ghar pe akele baithe baithe bore ho rahi thi. Socha thodi company de tujhe.” Rey answered tongue-in-cheek.

“You’re so mean!” Taani sulked digging into her food.

“Don’t pout. Iske baad tu mere saath office chal hi rahi hai.” Rey shook his head at her.

“Oh hello, hume wapas jaake kaam karna hai.” Swayam reminded him.

“Yeh hogi toh hum kaam nahi kar paayenge?” Rey asked.

“Hum kar lenge. Tu nahi kar paayega!” Sharon mocked.

“Guys I promise main distract nahi karungi.” Taani said innocently crossing her heart.

“You don’t have to try sweetheart. Your presence alone distracts him!” Sharon smirked

“Very bad Taani.” Purvi chuckled.

“Rey tu kuch bol nahi raha?” Swayam raised a brow at him.

“Meko annoying logon se baat karne mein koi interest nahi hai.” Rey smirked at Sharon.

“Asshole!” Sharon muttered under her breath.

Rey just rolled his eyes at her and called for the check.

“Rey office mein tumhe jyada kaam ho toh hum shaam ko ghar pe..” Taani tried to reason when he cut her.

“Aye shut up! Tu chal rahi hai mere saath.” Rey told her.

The waiter came with the bill and placed it in front of Sharon. Amidst their conversations, Sharon removed her credit card and paid for their lunch. Taani was observing it very carefully. This pact of theirs still felt new to her. She shook her mind off it and got up as she saw them leaving the table.

“Purvi, tu batayegi ki kahan thi?” Taani pulled her behind.

“Guys kya kar rahe ho? Chalo!” Sharon called them.

“Ghar pe batati hoon. Abh chal!” Purvi walked ahead.

“What’s up luv?” Rey waited for Taani to catch up and snaked his arm around her waist.

“She is hiding something from me!” She pouted leaning on his shoulder.

“Bata degi yaar. Chill.” They walked out of the restaurant.

…

“Tum log chalo. Main Paa ki cabin se kaam kar lunga. I’ll join you later.” Rey told Sharon and Swayam.

“Sure.” Sharon smirked. “But please kaam bhi karna.” She ran before Rey could register what she said.

“Yeh pitne wali hai merese!” Rey sneered.

“Haan na kitna tease karegi voh hume?” Taani sulked.

“Chod usse. Chal let’s get to work.” He opened the cabin door and they went in.

“So how are we doing this?” Taani sat across the table.

“I’ll be the boss tum door se enter karo and we’ll start.” He explained.

“Sounds good.” She walked to the door.

“Bahar mat ja. Just knock yahi se.” He told her.

“May I come in sir?” Taani knocked on the door.

“Sir?” Rey smirked.

“Rey!” She looked at him annoyed. “Be serious!” She glared.

“Sorry.” He quickly apologized.

Taani knocked on the door again.

“Come in.” Rey said.

“Good afternoon. I’m Taani Raichand. I’m here for the interview.” Taani smiled at him.

“Yes Miss. Raichand. Please have a seat.” He motioned to the empty chair in front of his table.

“Thank you.” She obliged. “Here’s my resume!” She held it out for him.

“Taani, settle down first and let him ask for it. Khud se dene ki jarurat nahi hai. Chances are he already has a copy with him.” Rey guided her.

“Okay sorry.” She let out a shaky breath.

“Kya hua?” Rey asked concerned.

“I’m nervous!” She replied wiping the sweat off her palms.

“Which is why we are doing this mock interview.” He reminded her.

“What if I don’t get a job anywhere?” She asked worried. “Abhi tak kahin se bhi reply nahi aaya hai.”

“You just sent out your applications. Thoda time de.” He tried to calm her.

“But what if I’m not good enough to work anywhere?” Her brows were knotted, and Rey realized that she wasn’t listening to him. He got up and walked to her.

“Taani.” He sat beside her and held both her hands in his. “Itna kyu stress le rahi ho?”

“I’ve been sitting at home doing nothing for over two months now. I’m just scared if I’ll even get into any company.” She looked up at him.

“Your resume is really good. Your experience, portfolio and most importantly this course you did adds a lot of value to it. And I’m not just saying this as I’m your boyfriend, but I really mean it.” He squeezed her hands.

“I know Rey. I’m just panicking. Bohot darr lag raha hai.” She leaned onto him.

“You’ll be fine.” He soothed her.

“You know bhai was very pissed at me as I started applying this late. He has given me an ultimatum.” She separated from him and pouted.

“Aur yeh ultimatum kya hai? Job kab tak lagni chahiye? And what if you don’t get one by then?” Rey wiggled his brows.

“That he is still trying to figure out.” She chuckled.

“Shivam bilkul pagal hai.” Rey laughed and wrapped his hand around her neck making her look at him. “See? It’s easy to lighten up. So relax. Okay?” He looked into her eyes.

“Yeah.” She nodded looking into his eyes and leaned in parting her lips.

“Oh sorry!” The cabin door opened.

“Paa?” Rey widened his eyes at Rannvijay who was standing at the door.

“I guess I entered at the wrong time. You guys continue.” Rannvijay looked at them and his lip curved into a light smirk.

Rey and Taani looked at each other and quickly separated.

“What are you doing here?” Rey asked Rannvijay.

“As far as I remember I am still the CEO, and this is my cabin.” Rannvijay mocked Rey.

“Sorry uncle voh..” Taani avoided looking at him as she tried to come up with some excuse.

“Sorry kyun?” Rannvijay asked. “I know what you were doing here.” He smirked at them.

“Paa shut up! We were just talking!” Rey rolled his eyes at him.

“Aise ek dusre ki aankhon mein dekh ke?” He asked.

“Haan! I mean yeh dari huyi thi, so I was just trying to help.” Rey explained.

“Aisa kya kiya tune ki yeh darr gayi?” Rannvijay asked making Taani widen her eyes at him.

“Uncle voh mere interviews shuru hone wale hai so Rey was just trying to help me.” Taani explained.

“And what helpful tips has he provided so far?” Rannvijay walked in and sat on his chair.

“Voh main dene hi wala tha ki aap aagaye.” Rey said.

“Taani, agar tumhe genuine tips chahiye toh Armaan se pucho or you can even approach me. Yeh tumhare koi help nahi aane wala.” Rannvijay taunted Rey.

“Hogaya mann shaant meri leke?” Rey asked annoyed. “Jab dekho tab bas taunt karte rehte hai.” He left muttering.

“Uncle, even I’ll take your leave.” Taani turned to Rannvijay shaking her head at Rey.

“Taani.” Rannvijay stopped her. “All good?” He asked her.

“Yeah. I’m just a little stressed.” She smiled at him.

“You can talk to me.” He gestured her to take the seat in front of him.

“I’m fine. App kyun pareshaan ho rahe ho?” She walked up to the chair and stood behind it.

“Jab mere bachchon ke face pe saaf dikh raha hai ki something is troubling them, toh main pareshaan kaise nahi ho sakta?” Rannvijay smiled at her.

“Don’t worry uncle. Rey se main baat kar lungi.” She smiled back.

“Main tumhari baat kar raha tha.” He walked up to her. “Kyun ho itni tensed?”

“Voh uncle..” She hesitated at first but decided to share the reason of her distress with him. She had to let someone know. “I don’t know if I’ll get a job. Mujhe already paanch companies se rejection aa chuka hai. I haven’t told this to anyone yet.” She looked down.

“Dus aur companies se aayega rejection but that does not mean that you undermine your potential. This is a real world that you are stepping into now. Things will never come easily to you. You need to stay strong to grab the opportunity that comes your way.” He made her understand.

“Why can’t things just stay simple?” She pouted.

“Because simple means boring. And trust me, boring is never fun.” He chuckled making her smile.

“Thank you uncle. I feel good!”

“Anytime beta.” Rannvijay circled his arm around her shoulder and gave her a hug.

“Bua, aap aur Kia ruk jao. Baaki jisko jahan jana hai ja sakta hai.” Rey sulked.

“Excuse me?” Muskaan narrowed her eyes at him.

“Tum dono ko hospital join karna hai na, jao!” He looked at Muskaan and Rahul. “Kia ko leke jaane ki kya jarurat hai? And you, Riri, teko bhi achanak hospital pe pyaar aagaya?” Rey asked.

“We decided that the wedding will be in December. What am I supposed to do till then?” Riri asked him back.

“I don’t know. Bhai?” Rey turned to Armaan for help.

“Don’t look at me. Tum logon ko jo karna hai karo. Shaadi December ke pehle nahi hone wali!” Armaan said with finality.

“I have a suggestion.” Rannvijay intervened. “Tum sab jao wapas..”

“Paa?” Rey widened his eyes at him.

“Let me complete!” Rannvijay stopped Rey from saying anything further. “Tum sab wapas jao, and when you feel like meeting them, tum milne chale jana.”

“Yeah right!” Muskaan rolled her eyes at it. “Yeh apne academy ka kaam chodke meko milne aayega?” She scoffed.

“Teko nahi, Kia ko!” He corrected her.

“So settled, right?” Rahul looked at them.

“Par itne jaldi jaane ki jarurat hai?” Juhi asked.

“Maami! Don’t start again!” They groaned.

“Main bas mazak kar rahi thi.” She laughed seeing their annoyed faces.

“Accha Riddhima.” Armaan called her. “I have to take you somewhere.” He smiled inwardly.

“Kahan?” She squinted seeing the smile on Rey’s face.

“Can’t say. Get ready.” He sent her upstairs.

“Pehle toh bas ghar pe sabko order karta tha abh uss bechaari ko bhi order kar raha hai yeh?” Ananya shook her head at him.

“Aap sab ka drama khatam hogaya ho toh jao aur packing shuru karo.” He shushed them.

“Muski.” Rey walked to Muskaan and asked her to hand Kiara to him.

“Fine! But please uske saath khelne mat lag jana. Uske sone ka time ho gaya hai.” She instructed him.

He nodded taking Kiara in his arms, who was smiling widely at him. He walked over to Armaan.

“Kahan leke ja rahe ho?” Rey asked slyly.

“Tera udhar kuch kaam nahi hai.” Armaan shook his head at him.

“Oh hello? Kaam maine hi kiya hai.” Rey reminded him.

“Maine karwaya hai.” Armaan challenged him.

“Yeah same thing!” Rey rolled his eyes and he felt a tug on his neck. “Yeh tere haath kaise lag gayi?” He looked at Kiara who was holding the chain around his neck.

“Good luck getting her to sleep now!” Armaan patted on Rey’s back and left laughing at him as Kiara started playing with his chain.

…

“Shivam bhai batao na please. There must have been someone.” Purvi coaxed.

“Why are we talking about all this?” He tried to divert the topic.

“Bhai we are all grownups now. We definitely can talk about relationships.” Taani persuaded him.

“Haan jaanta hoon ki teri engagement hogayi hai but you are still my little sister.” He pointed out.

“You’re such a bore. Sid kya mast gossip karta tha.” Purvi huffed.

“Arre?” Shivam looked baffled at them.

“Siddo bhi bahut badi pahuchi huyi cheez hai!” Taani chuckled.

“Matlab?” Shivam asked.

“Aapko kyun batau?” Taani sneered at him.

“Fine! I’ll be in my room!” He got up.

“Accha sorry, sit. Batati hoon.” Taani made him sit back down.

“Aap bhi kuch kam footage nahi khate.” Purvi giggled.

“Bata.” Shivam chuckled and asked Taani to continue.

“Siddo is dating someone and he is really adorable.” Taani grinned.

“Usne milwaya?” Purvi asked.

“Nahi. Dono roommates hai.” Taani informed.

“Ooo nice!” Purvi had a sly smirk.

“Live in?” Shivam squinted.

“Nahi!” Taani opposed instantly. “Ek ghar mein rehte hai, different rooms. In fact, Siddo didn’t even tell me that they were a thing. I figured it out on my own. He is really very sweet.” She further informed.

“Naam kya hai uska?” Shivam asked.

“Tyler.”

“Tyler?” Purvi furrowed her brows together.

“Kya hua?” Taani looked at her.

“By any chance is this the name of your friend from New York who Rey keeps referring to when he taunts you?” Purvi asked.

“Yeah, why?” Taani was confused.

“Oh my God, I don’t believe this!” Purvi burst out laughing.

“Isse kya hua?” Shivam looked at Taani. She too had no idea.

“Sorry.” Purvi stopped laughing. “Batati hoon.” She took a deep breath to calm herself. “So there was this client who came in jiska naam Tyler tha. Contract sign karte time Mansi ma’am noticed that Rey looked annoyed because of the name. Toh jaan bujh kar abhi voh Tyler naam use karti hai Rey se koi bhi kaam nikalwane ke liye. Now I know why the name annoys him.” She chuckled.

“Rey bhi na.” Taani shook her head and laughed thinking about it.

“But why is he annoyed with Tyler?” Shivam asked Taani.

“Kuch nahi, it’s just ki I had made him believe that I had moved on with Tyler after our fight.” Taani answered sheepishly.

“Aur voh maan gaya tha?” Purvi was surprised.

“Haan shayad.”

“Tu na pagal hai!” Shivam hit her head.

“Haan abhi aap mat shuru hojao. Siddo ne ispe mujhe bohot bada lecture diya hai.” Taani pouted.

“Shivam bhai!” Purvi looked at him with arms folded across her chest. “Aapne firse topic change kar diya. We want to know if you had any girlfriends.” She demanded an answer.

“Or maybe even have one?” Taani wiggled her brows at him.

“There is currently no one!” He answered.

“Matlab pehle koi thi.” Purvi grinned.

“Taani! Shivam!” Tanya shouted from the door.

“Mumma yeh sab kya hai?” Taani asked as they walked to the main door.

“Udhar kya khade ho? Come here and help me!” Tanya shouted at them. “Yeh sab samaan kitchen mein rakh dena. Aur main abhi sone ja rahi hoon. Uthne tak sab samaan mujhe set chahiye.” She ordered and left.

“Mumma ko kya hua?” Taani wondered.

“Voh hum baadmein soch lenge. Pehle yeh kaam kar dete hai.” Shivam moved in with the bags.

…

“Hey boo.” Taani smiled into the phone.

“What the f*ck have you been watching?” Rey scrunched his nose.

“Tum mujhe luv luv karte ghoomte ho, main kuch bolti hoon? Nahi na? Then why are you complaining?” Taani flared her nostrils. “And I was watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S.” She answered biting her lower lip and giggled.

“Please don’t do that.” He gave a shameless smirk.

“Mere lips hai! Main jab chaahe tab bite karungi!” She cocked her brow at him.

“Mere liye bhi thode chod dena.” He replied in the same tone.

“God! You’re such a flirt!”

“Flirt?” He squinted.

“Call kyun kiya?” She asked leaning on her headrest.

“Teko main sachme flirt lagta hoon?” He asked again.

“Haan kabhi kabhi.” She answered.

“So jab kabhi main lagta hoon, tabhi do you like it?” He wiggled his brows.

“Kya interview session chal raha hai mera?” She asked annoyed.

“Generally puch raha hoon yaar.”

“Can we talk about something else?”

“Jaise?”

“I don’t know. Tum batao kuch.”

“Well main Kia ko kidnap karne ka soch raha hoon. Wanna help?”

“What?” She laughed.

“Kia, Muski, Rahul and bua are leaving this weekend for Australia. And I don’t want Kia to go.” He sulked.

“Armaan bhai ki shaadi?”

“December ke pehle hone se rahi.” Rey rolled his eyes.

“Ask her to stay back for a few more days.” Taani suggested.

“She needs to get back to her work.” Rey sighed. “But Kia ko main bohot miss karunga.” He switched the camera and showed her Kiara who was sleeping peacefully in her crib.

“She is in your room?” Taani asked surprised.

“Yeah. Muski and Kia are staying over tonight.” He turned the camera back to him and settled on his bed. “Abhi yeh ek week main Kia ko meri itni aadat lagaunga ki Muski will have a hard time in Australia.” He smirked.

“Tumhe baby hi chahiye toh..” Taani was cut off by Rey.

“I didn’t know you were ready for a baby!” He grinned.

“Rey!” She widened her eyes at him trying oh so hard to stop herself from smiling.

“Aise kyun dekh rahi ho? Tu abhi khud bol rahi thi ki agar meko baby chahiye toh I just need to ask for it. Nahi?” He further added just to tease her even more.

“Bye!” She disconnected the call and covered her face to hide her embarrassment. “Yeh achanak babies ki kyun baat kar raha hai?” She wondered as her heart raced.

Her phone vibrated and flashed Rey’s name. She took a few deep breaths to calm her racing heart. The ringing stopped and she sighed seeing the blank screen. Her face was flushed. Her phone started vibrating again. She breathed out to calm herself down and answered the call.

“Sorry. I just.. Sorry?” He scrunched his nose.

“It’s not okay! You’re talking about having babies and what not. Rey abhi tak sirf engagement huyi hai humari and we haven’t..” She ranted.

“Taani!” He shouted stopping her rant. “Main mazak kar raha tha!”

“Yeh kaisa mazak hai ki saamne wale ko uncomfortable feel ho?”

“Uncomfortable?” He raised his brows.

“I mean, what you said about having babi..” She avoided looking at him.

“Uhh uhh uh.. okay!” He stopped her. “No more taking about this. Par tum kis baby ki baat kar rahi thi?” He further asked.

“Phir se baby?” She glared at him.

“Arre you were saying something na.”

“I don’t remember now!” She squinted trying to remember what they were talking about.

“Geetika?” He prompted.

“Kya Geetika?” She asked and then it struck her. “Oh haan Geetika! Main bol rahi thi ki Nikki bhabhi ko puch lo voh khushi khushi Geet ko tumhare hawale kar degi.” She chuckled.

“Hain? Kya hua?”

“Arre she is still on her maternity leave and Geet is driving her crazy! Tumne sahi kaha tha girls are bullies!” She laughed.

“Nikki ko abhi call kiya toh voh issi waqt Bangalore se yahan aake Geetika ko bhai ke haath mein deke chali jayegi.” Rey laughed. “Shit!” He cursed as Kiara started crying.

“Neend khul gayi?” Taani asked.

“Shayad bhook lagi hai. Iski bottle kahan rakhi maine?” He looked around the room.

“You feed her. Main phone rakhti hoon. It’s already very late. Kal tumhe office bhi jana hai.” Taani smiled at him.

“Sure thing! Bye, good night!” He wished her.

“Good night!”

“Tune abhi tak bataya nahi hai!” Taani sneered at Purvi.

“Arre haan uss din hua yeh ki..” Purvi started when Shivam interrupted them.

“Tum dono jab dekho bas gossip karti rehti ho. Kuch kaam bhi karo!” He taunted them.

“Main full day kaam karke aayi hoon. I need to unwind myself.” Purvi replied back.

“And what is your excuse?” Shivam looked at Taani.

“Bhai stop it yaar! Har jagah apply kiya hai na. What do you want me to do now?” Taani asked annoyed.

“You can help mom out. She looks very busy these days.” Shivam pointed out.

“And why aren’t you helping her?” Taani mocked.

“Because I’m working on a project!” He replied.

“Haan jaa rahi hoon!” Taani sulked.

“Tu aunty ko help kar le. Mujhe Arjun ko call karna hai, so I’ll leave.” Purvi got up.

“You don’t look happy about it.” Taani pointed out.

“I’m trying to convince him to come back to Mumbai. He is..” She sighed. “Anyways, I’ll go and try again.” Purvi left.

“I knew she was hiding something.” Taani mumbled.

“Kya hua?” Shivam asked her.

“Kuch nahi.” Taani shook her head and her phone beeped. “I swear if this is another spam.. aaahhh!” She screamed loudly.

“Taani kyu chilla rahi ho?” Tanya came out of the kitchen.

“I got an interview call letter from XID!” Taani grinned looking into her phone.

“XID?” Shivam asked her.

“Xen Interior Design.” Taani told him. “It reads. Dear Miss Raichand, we have received your email where you show interest in applying for the interior designer position. We have gone through your resume..” She kept reading. “We would like to meet you for personal round of interview at our office!” She grinned.

“Congratulations!” Shivam smiled warmly at her excitement.

“She still has to clear the interview, Shivam.” Tanya reminded them.

“She’ll clear that as well.” Shivam hugged Taani.

“Don’t worry mumma, Rey has been helping me a lot.” Taani assured her.

“Toh interview kab hai?” Tanya asked.

“Umm..” Taani looked back at the email. “Next week on Tuesday. Accha hai, I will have time to go over the company details. Main full prepare hoke jaungi for the interview!” Taani mumbled to herself.

“Taani.” Tanya shook her out of her thoughts.

“Haan?” Taani looked at her.

“Relax, we’ll help you with it.” Tanya assured her.

“Don’t worry mumma, aap dono bohot busy ho. I’ll manage. Aur agar help lagi toh Paa se le lungi!” Taani left hopping to her room grinning at the email.

“Paa?” Shivam looked at Tanya.

“Don’t point it out to her.” Tanya told him. “Awkward hojayegi. But I’m glad that she has started looking up to him.”

“Don’t you feel that Rey should start calling you mom?” Shivam asked her.

“Yes, but I can’t force him to that. It should come naturally to him.”

“Haan voh bhi hai!”

…

“Kya hua? Is Taani giving you headaches?” Sharon taunted when she saw Rey take some pills in the office.

“Seriously not in the mood to fight!” Rey propped his elbows on the desk and lowered his head onto it holding it from behind.

“All good?” She asked concerned.

“My leg!” He looked at her and sighed.

“Well, tu kal faltu ka uchhal raha tha!”

“I was playing with Kia!” He retorted.

“You were running around the house!” She corrected him.

“I hit the same leg, which was injured, to the corner of the table and the pain is killing me!” He shut his eyes close and kept his head back on the desk.

“Tu ghar jaake rest kar le. Main aur Swayam handle kar lenge.” She told him.

“Ghar se bhaag ke hi toh office aaya hoon!” He sighed.

“Matlab?”

“Matlab yeh!” She showed her his phone which was flashing a call from Rahul.

“Yes?” He answered the call.

“Appointment kabki loon?” Rahul asked.

“I have not fractured my leg!” Rey yelled into the phone.

“Check karne mein kya problem hai?”

“Table pe lagne se leg fracture nahi hota. Aur agar Matheran mein hua hota toh it would have swollen by now!”

“I did give you meds to suppress the swelling.” Rahul pointed out.

“Cut it out yaar. I am fine!” Rey disconnected the call.

“Get it checked na. Your leg wasn’t completely healed. You felt fine and so you were roaming freely!” Sharon pointed out.

“Don’t you start now!” He snapped at her.

“Okay Mr. Crappy Mood, I’ll stop!” She raised her hands in defeat. “Accha sunn, meko Swayam ke saath ek meeting attend karni hai, so you..”

“Main baaki handle kar lunga.” He assured her and she left.

Rey heard a knock on his door, and he looked up from his laptop at the door.

“Purvi?” He knotted his brows.

“Are you free for like five minutes?” She asked from the door.

“Haan. Andar aa na.” He shut his laptop.

“You weren’t busy na?” She walked to his desk.

“Nothing important. Tum batao, yahan kaise?” He asked her to take a seat.

“I just came here to give you something.” She smiled at him and removed a small box from her bag along with a card.

“What’s that?” He raised a brow at the box in her hand.

“A gift.” She answered.

“Why are you..”

“Taani ne bheja hai.” She quickly said before he finished his question.

“Taani ne?” He questioned.

“Haan.” She smiled and snuck the card back into her bag.

“Aur usne tumhare saath yeh bheja kyunki..?” He narrowed his eyes at her.

“She thought you wouldn’t accept it directly from her.” Purvi answered.

“Yeah she thought right!” Rey shook his head and opened the box. “It’s good.” He smiled appreciating the leather bracelet.

“Glad you like it.” She smiled back. “I gotta go back to work. I’ll see you around.”

“Thanks!” Rey said as she left.

“Taani ko inform karti hoon ki maine uska naam leke Rey ko bracelet gift kiya hai before he calls her!” Purvi mumbled and dialed Taani’s number.

“Hello!” Taani picked it up.

“Listen, if Rey asks, you gave me a bracelet to gift it to him!” Purvi spoke as soon as the call connected.

“What?” Taani was confused.

“Rey might ask you about a gift. Just tell him that it’s from you.”

“What gift?” Taani asked.

“I gifted him something. But I wasn’t sure if he would accept anything from me, so I took your name.” Purvi informed her.

“Tujhe kya jarurat thi usse kuch bhi gift karne ki?”

“Usne meri itni help ki hai. I just wanted to thank him for all that.”

“Toh mera naam kyu liya? Khud karti na. Imagine when he learns the truth. Usse lagega ki uski girlfriend ne abhi tak usse kuch gift nahi kiya par tumne kar diya.” Taani sounded annoyed.

“Taani?”

“I’m busy right now. We’ll talk later!” Taani disconnected the call.

It rang again and it flashed Rey’s name.

“Hey.” She answered.

“Aaj shaam ko kya kar rahi ho?” Rey asked.

“Nothing!”

“Dinner ke liye kahin bahar jaaye?” He asked.

“Achanak kyu?”

“To celebrate you getting the job!” He chuckled.

“Rey abhi tak interview nahi hua hai.” She reminded him.

“I know. But please don’t say no. It’ll help you calm your nerves.”

“Really?”

“Really boo!” He laughed.

“Ew! Don’t!” She made a face.

“Definitely won’t!” He chuckled. “Chal I’ll pick you up at eight.”

“Okay. Bye!” She agreed.

…

“Finally!”

Riri jumped as she heard a voice when she entered Armaan’s room.

“Armaan?” She looked at him.

“Kabse wait kar raha hoon. Kahan thi?” He asked her, circling his hands around her waist.

“Your niece wasn’t letting Muskaan pack. So I was keeping her busy.” She removed his hands off her.

“Arre?” He complained.

“Why were you hiding in here?” She chuckled.

“I wanted to talk to you!”

“About?”

“Stop acting like you don’t know what I’m talking about!” He rolled his eyes at her.

“I need to talk to Rey first.” She told him.

“Voh tujhe kuch alag nahi batane wala.”

“Why do you want to gift me a clinic?” She asked.

“Because I can!” He replied tongue-in-cheek.

“Shut up!” She shook her head at him. “I can’t accept it. Sorry.”

“But why? The location is great and plus it will be the way you want it.”

“You don’t have to do this!” She sat on her bed.

“If you can leave your job in London and settle here for me, I can definitely do this for you!” He knelt in front of her and held her hands.

“I need some time to think.”

“Rey has helped me clear out the land. So, if you’re thinking to get him on your side, you’ll be definitely wasting your time!” He chuckled.

“You and your brother need to learn a few things!” She glared at him.

“Like?” He got up and stood in front of her.

“To give me some space.” She pushed him back.

“Sorry can’t do that.” He leaned on her.

“Armaan no.” She leaned back.

“Please?” He scrunched his nose.

“I need to go. Muskaan needs help.”

“She can handle Kia.” He had by now trapped her on the bed.

“Armaan!”

“Riddhima!”

“Tum nahi manoge na?” She cocked her brow at him.

“Huh?” Before he knew it, she had him pinned on the bed.

“You were saying?” She smirked.

“God! I love you!” He tried to get close to her.

“Un uh!” She stopped him.

“Come on!” He cried. “You’re leaving in a few days. Next pata nahi kab milenge. Let’s just utilize the time we have!”

Her eyes watered on listening to him and she loosened her hold on him. She laid down beside him and hugged him.

“Riddhima?” He looked at her.

“I missed this side of you.” She sniffed.

He held her securely in his arms and placed a kiss on her forehead. “I’ll come there soon.”  He promised.

“I know you will.” She smiled at him and pecked his chest.

…

“Kahan leke ja rahe ho?” Taani asked strapping her seat belt on.

“Kya khane ka mann hai?” He asked her back.

“Umm..” She thought.

“Aaj hi please.” He laughed as he drove.

“Chinese?” She answered unsure.

“Great! I was thinking of Mainland China!” He changed the gear and it made a sound.

“Looks like you haven’t serviced your car.” She mocked.

“It’s fine.” He replied concentrating on driving.

“Waise aaj car mein? Bike nahi laayi?” She asked.

“Office se direct aaya hoon.” He answered.

“Right.” She looked at him and he seemed to be struggling with something. “Tum theek ho?” She asked.

“My leg is paining thoda.” He answered.

“Again?”

“Again matlab kya?”

“Get it checked. Jabse Matheran mein gire ho tabse it has been bothering you. And why are you driving? Gaadi roko!” She ordered.

“I’m fine. It’s just a short drive.” He disregarded.

“Rey, stop the car!” She glared.

“Fine!” He pulled to the side.

They switched places and now she was driving. He sat sulking next to her.

“What? Don’t like to be driven around?” She chuckled.

He just faked a smile at her and looked outside the window.

“Stop moping!”

“And you guys just stop annoying me! Ghar pe Rahul, office mein Sharon aur abh tum! Yesterday I banged my leg against the table which is why it’s paining. Fracture nahi hua hai!” Rey snapped.

“Meri aur Sharon ki nahi but at least jeeju ki baat maano. He is a doctor. You might be right, but what’s the harm in getting it checked?”

“Can we not talk about my leg, please?”

“Sure.” They arrived at their location.

Rey got out of the car and winced when his leg touched down. Taani didn’t say anything but just observed him. He reached into the dashboard and removed some painkiller and took it. They made their way to the restaurant.

“So kahan se call aaya hai?” Rey asked after they placed their orders

“I’m not telling you. Job milne pe bataaungi.”

“So, you’re confidant that you’ll get it? I mean this is the first company to respond back.”

“Actually..” She looked away from him. “I have got a few rejections.” She answered.

“And why didn’t you tell me about it?” He asked.

“I didn’t want anyone to think that I’m a complete failure.” She pouted.

“You’re not!” He held her hands.

“I just wasn’t comfortable.” She sighed.

“It’s okay. But talking to someone could have helped you ease the tension.” He suggested.

“Yeah it did.” She smiled.

He furrowed his brows to figure out who she might be talking about.

“I spoke to Rannvijay uncle. He just took all my worries away. In fact abhi main jitni confidant hoon for the interview, it’s all because of him.” Her smiled widened.

“Paa didn’t tell me anything.” He wondered.

“That was our secret!” She mocked.

“Excuse me sir, ma’am. Your order might take a little longer to cook. Would you like to order any drinks till then?” The waiter asked them.

“No, water is just fine.” Taani smiled at him and he left.

“Hey?” Rey complained.

“You just took painkillers!” She pointed out. “Plus we have to drive back home.”

“You should be nominated for the best citizen award!” He rolled his eyes at her.

“Sulk all you want. You know I’m right.” She chuckled.

“I hate when you guys do this!”

“We guys?”

“Well Sharon and I are working on our next project and we have finished planning it. Usme kuch changes karne hai which I’m figuring out a way to do it and that idiot is just pointing loopholes with what I’m doing. I know she is right, but she could just help me with it!” He huffed.

“Next time she does that hand it over to her and ask her to amend it.” Taani laughed.

“I am gonna do that! Thanks!” He smirked.

“Abh bataoge?”

“Kya?”

“Dinner ka plan aise achanak kyu?”

“Bas aise hi.” He propped his elbow on the table to show the bracelet he was wearing.

“Aise hi hota toh ghar pe dinner kar lete. Bahar aane ki kya jarurat thi?”

“Okay!” He shook his head as she didn’t notice the bracelet. “I really liked this gift you gave me aur bas mann hua to get you here.” He showed her the bracelet. “It’s not over the top and it just suits my taste. You really do know me very well.”

Taani forced a smile on her face. She wanted to tell him that Purvi was the one who had actually gifted that.

“You know honestly I wasn’t expecting any gift from you. But I like it.” He kept talking.

“Our food is here!” Taani stated the obvious when the waiter laid the dishes in front of them.

“Oh looks good!” Rey dug in instantly.

“Should I tell him that it’s not from me? Par voh kitna khush hai. And how will I look when he learns that Purvi gifted him something before I did? Purvi ne yeh mujhe pehle kyun nahi bataya? I would have gotten him something before she did!” Taani wondered.

“Tu kha kyun nahi rahi hai?” Rey looked at her.

“Something just came in my mind.” She shook her head.

“Khana khaate time itna nahi sochne ka. Just enjoy your meal.” He fed her.

“Thanks but I can eat on my own.” She chuckled.

“You know I’m gonna get you to feed me food one day!” He sneered.

“Good luck with that mister!”

…

“Armaan we should head out!” Riri told him.

“I just don’t feel like getting up!” He pulled her to him.

“It’s getting late.” She propped up her hands on his bare chest.

“So what?” He rolled them over.

“Stop acting like it’s the first time we’ve had sex!” She hit him on his arms.

“Every time feels like the first time!” He said innocently batting his lashes.

“Ugh!” She cringed. “Why do I keep forgetting that you get cheesy after sex!”

“You like the cheese. Don’t deny that!” He smirked.

“Yes I do. But not when you say it.”

“Something for you to think about later.” He winked and lowered down on her.

He captured her lips and French kissed her. Her hands roamed on his back and she pulled him to her. He trailed down her jaw to her chest. She bit her lips to stop herself from moaning. He kept trailing down when she yanked him up by pulling his hair.

“Stop with the foreplay already!”

“As you say!” He obliged.

“What is taking you this long? Are you making the weighing scale?” Muskaan barged into Armaan’s room. “Shit!” She turned around on seeing Riri and Armaan cuddling on the bed, wrapped in sheets.

“Yeah I was gonna get it.” Riri cleared her throat.

“Couldn’t you guys just lock the door?” Muskaan yelled.

“You could have knocked before entering!” Armaan mocked.

“Just get dressed and come out for dinner!” Muskaan left banging the door shut.

“We should start locking our doors!” Armaan chuckled.

“Get dressed!” Riri got up securing the sheet around her.

“Even I need to wash myself.” Armaan said as he saw her going into the washroom.

“I’ll be out in five!” She locked the door.

“Yeah lock it! Like I was gonna barge in!” He smirked at the thought and started looking for the keys to the door in his closet.

“What are you doing?” Riri came out and saw him standing butt naked in front of his closet.

“You’re done?” He scrunched his nose.

“Yeah! And please!” She pointed at him.

“Yeah I’m going!” He huffed.

…

“Ugh, I’m full!” Taani leaned back on the chair exhausted.

“And you wanted to order more!” Rey reminded her.

“I would have exploded!” She laughed.

“I need to lighten myself!” Rey got up.

“Ew Rey!” She made a face.

“I have to use the loo.” He said further.

“Don’t announce! Just go!” She pushed him and called for the check.

The waiter got the check. She picked it up, but Rey grabbed it from her hand as he returned.

“Tumhe jana hai?” He asked her.

“No I’m good.” She smiled but was annoyed at him for snatching the bill. “You can let Sharon pay, but not me!” She muttered.

“Sorry?” He looked at her.

“I’ll head out. Tum aajana.” She left. He paid for the dinner and left.

“Where are you going?” Rey walked out behind her and saw her going to the main exit.

“I’m booking a cab.” She told him.

“Why?” He asked her.

“We have to go opposite directions Rey. And your leg is paining, kyun ulta trip karna hai?” She asked him back.

“My leg is fine!” He told her.

“Okay, but still it doesn’t make sense. Tum ghar jao seedha. I’ll book a cab. No big deal!”

“You sure?”

“Yes.” She nodded.

“Alright. Did you book it?” He asked her.

“Almost done!” She confirmed the booking. “Driver is arriving in three minutes.”

“Chalo phir.” He started walking.

“Rey!” She stopped him. “Main aage wale gate pe jaa rahi hoon. Tum yahan se parking lot jao and seedha ghar jaana. And text me when you reach.” She instructed him.

“You too. Bye.” He hugged her.

“Hey Taani.”

“Hi Sharon.” Taani answered the call.

“Do you know where Rey is?” Sharon asked.

“What’s the matter?” Taani furrowed her brows.

“I wanted to talk to him, but he isn’t at home nor is he answering my calls!” Sharon huffed.

“Any problem?” Taani asked. She saw that her bottle was empty, so she walked out of her room.

“Nothing just..”

“Rey?” Taani saw him sitting with Shivam in the living room.

“Rey wahan hai?” Sharon asked.

“Haan.”

“Can you ask him to call me back?”

“Yeah.”

“Cool thanks!” Sharon disconnected.

“What are you doing here?” Taani walked to them.

“Why can’t I be here?” Rey asked her back.

“Good you’re up. Isko company dena, I’ll go back to my work.” Shivam got up.

“I told you an hour ago that you didn’t need to sit here and waste your Sunday with me.” Rey told him.

“Tumhe yahan aake ek ghanta hogaya?” Taani widened her eyes. “Why didn’t you knock on my door? I got up like half an hour ago.”

“Shivam told me that you were napping. Didn’t feel like disturbing.” Rey shrugged his shoulders.

“Great you’re awake!” Purvi entered in and saw Taani.

“What?” Taani turned around and Purvi saw Rey sitting there as well.

“I had come to talk to you, but we can do that later. You guys carry on.” Purvi turned around.

“Purvi ruk!” Taani stopped her. “Rey, Sharon wants to talk to you. You go in my room and call her, tab tak hum baat kar lenge.” Taani informed him.

“I’ll call her later. And Purvi you can join us.” Rey smiled.

“Tum yahan iss waqt?” Purvi sat across him.

“I just dropped off Kia and everyone else to the airport. Aur phir ghar jaane ka mann nahi tha as I was missing a baby. Toh yahan aagaya.” He looked up at Taani controlling the smirk growing on his lips.

“I’m not a baby!” Taani sneered making them laugh.

“Oh you are!” Purvi giggled high-fiving Rey.

Taani faked a smile at her and went to the kitchen with her empty bottle.

“Mujhe laga tha ki Armaan bhai ki shaadi ke baad sab jayenge.” Purvi asked Rey.

“Shaadi ko abhi bohot time hai.” Rey informed.

“So Riri?”

“She is leaving day after.”

“Who?” Taani joined them.

“Riri!” Rey informed.

“Riri Bhabhi bulao usse.” Taani mocked and sat next to Rey. He involuntarily snaked his arm around her.

“Never in my life I’m gonna call her that!” Rey cringed.

“You should actually. Bhai and Bhabhi sounds better than Bhai and Riri. Latter one sounds like he is having an affair.” Purvi laughed.

“Purvi tu yahan kuch bolne aayi thi na.” Taani looked at her.

“Haan but we can talk about it later.” Purvi disregarded it.

“No let’s talk about it now.” Taani had a stoic face.

Rey looked at her from the corner of his eyes and then saw Purvi. There was a thick air between the two. He kept shut to figure out what the matter was.

“Rey yahan hai, tum dono baatein kar lo. Main baadmein aati hoon.” Purvi got up.

“Rey you wanted to know where I got that bracelet from, right?” Taani looked at him.

“Yeah I wanted to check their other designs out.” He said.

“Why? You didn’t like that?” Taani asked.

“No! I loved it! Just wanted to order a few more.” He replied instantly.

“Well I’m sorry I won’t be able to tell you that.”

“It’s okay. Main aise hi puch raha tha.”

“No but there is a reason why I can’t!” Taani looked at Purvi who was standing with her back towards them.

“Taani, what’s going on?” Rey asked.

“Why don’t you ask her that?” Taani sneered.

“Taani I didn’t purposely hide it from you. I just wasn’t sure. And this was a last minute thing. Plus you were stressed about your job, so I thought to tell you later.” Purvi turned around.

Purvi knew that Taani was upset with the gift as since the day she told her about it, Taani was acting aloof.

“Rey, she told you that I didn’t directly give you this as I thought you might not accept it, right?” Taani pointed at his wrist. He nodded. “Well it’s the other way around. She used my name so you would accept the gift from her!”

“What?” He widened his eyes. “But why?” He looked at Purvi.

“Not just that. She hid it from me and told me once you had it. That way whenever the truth came out, I would look bad. My best friend gifted something to my boyfriend before me! This just makes me look pathetic!” Taani yelled.

“What?” Both Rey and Purvi exclaimed.

“The only reason that I gave him the gift was because I wanted to thank him for all that he has done for me till now.” Purvi told her.

“Par tu mujhe bata sakti thi na.” Taani had tears in her eyes.

“Why are you crying?” Rey looked at her with concern.

“I did not like it!” She sniffed.

“What’s the date today?” Purvi asked

“Why?” Rey squinted at her.

“Her periods must be closing in.” Purvi rolled her eyes. “We’ll talk about this in a week.” Purvi folded her arms.

“I’m fine we can talk about it now!” Taani wiped away her tears, still sniffing.

Rey sat there looking at both of them with an amazed smile on his face.

“You sure? Phir se rone mat lag jana.” Purvi said.

“And Rey.” Taani turned to him.

“Yes?” He quickly straightened up.

“I know you liked the bracelet and all. But if she gifted you that, you wouldn’t take it right?” Taani asked him.

“Why? I mean yes she didn’t need to do this, but I would have accepted it anyway.” He answered.

“Good for you!” Taani crossed her arms across her chest and looked the other way.

“Taani, I’m sorry. I didn’t think that this would hurt you. I just wanted to show him my gratitude.” Purvi walked to her.

“It’s okay. And I’m sorry too for being mad at you. I just didn’t like that you did this behind my back.” Taani sniffed.

“I know.” Purvi hugged her.

“What just happened here?” Rey mumbled.

“Rey.” Purvi looked at him. “I’m sorry for lying. I just panicked that day. I wanted you to accept it and not get mad like you did when I tried to pay you back your money in the past.”

“That was different, and this is different.” He smiled at her. “And like I said, iski jarurat nahi thi. But I like it. Thank you.”

“Kyun itna shor macha rahe ho tum log?” Tanya walked out of her room.

“Mumma we were just..”

“Talking. I know. I don’t understand tum logon ke paas dusre koi kaam nahi hote? Tera interview hai na do din mein, work on that. Aur tum dono. Kal office nahi hai? Jab dekho tab yaha pade rehte ho sab. Go home right now!” Tanya snapped at them.

“Mumma?” Taani widened her eyes at her.

“Aunty we were just leaving.” Rey got up followed by Purvi and left.

“Mumma you were very rude to them.” Taani reprimanded her.

“Tum bhi jao apne room mein. And prepare for your interview.” Tanya went back in her room.

“Why did they ask us to wait back. Email kar dete response. This is so nerve wracking!” Taani sat in the reception area biting her nails. “Interview went well, could have been better though.” She thought. “I can’t sit here anymore!”

Taani walked up to the receptionist and asked for the directions to the restroom. She followed the directions carrying her portfolio in her sweaty palms. As she made a turn she banged into someone.

“Sorry.” They both said.

“Shit!” Taani cursed as her portfolio slipped and few of her papers flew out.

“Here you go.” The person she bumped into helped her.

“Thanks.” She smiled.

“Ladies room is to the right.” He pointed.

“Oh sorry. And thank you.” She was embarrassed as she was about to enter the men’s room.

“No problem.” He left.

“What is wrong with me?” Taani walked in and leaned at the sink and looked at herself in the mirror.

“Nervous for the interview results?” A lady walked out from a stall and stood next to her.

“Yeah?” Taani answered narrowing her eyes at her.

“Well good luck, as I had the best interview ever!” She flicked her hair and walked off.

“It’s a good thing I didn’t meet that bitch before my interview.” Taani shook her head and corrected her appearance.

“We have the results for the interview.” The interviewers walked to where all the candidates were seated. “I’ll call out two names who have been hired for the position of junior designers.”

“Okay!” Taani thought breathing deeply.

“First is Adah Khan.” She announced and the woman who Taani met in the restroom sprung up from her seat in joy.

“Wow! I thought she was joking.” Taani thought looking at her.

“And second is Taani Raichand.”

“Yes!” Taani grinned.

“Everyone else, we’re sorry.” They left.

“Hi, fellow newbie!” Adah walked up to Taani.

“Hi.” Taani smiled at her.

“Adah here! We’re gonna have so much fun working together!” She introduced herself.

“Taani.” She shook hands with her.

“You two girls, come on in. I’ll introduce you to the rest of our team.” One of the interviewers called them.

Adah pranced into the conference room followed by Taani. Taani closed the door behind her and turned around to face the man she bumped into in the hallway. He saw her looking at him and she quickly looked away.

“As you both know, I’m Meghna. I am the manager.” The interviewer smiled. “And these are our new junior designers; Adah and Taani.” She introduced them. “We are a small firm, like you already know and the people in this room are pretty much the only employees.” She laughed.

“Hey.” Adah waved at them all.

“Those are Akash and Gauri our two senior designers, who are with us for the past..”

“Three years.” Akash helped her.

“Yeah three years now.” Meghna continued. “Then there are Rahul and Nisha who handle our legal work. They aren’t here. And finally meet the founder of XID, Ayushman Saxena.”

“Hello! Welcome to XID!” Ayushman smiled at them. “I hope you two lovely ladies have a fun time working with us.”

“Definitely!” Adah mumbled looking at Ayushman but Taani caught on to it. She did her best to not gawk at Adah.

“Should we tell them their teams? It’ll be easier to start working from tomorrow then.” Gauri suggested.

“Oh yes definitely!” Meghna agreed.

“We won’t be working together?” Adah asked.

“You will eventually. But currently we have two separate projects going on and we have two separate teams handling them.” Akash answered.

“Akash and I are designing a restaurant and since you have done some work in that area Adah, you’ll be joining us. As for Taani, we have a new project starting next week and you’ll accompany Gauri and Ayushman in it.” Meghna informed.

“You don’t look excited to work here.” Ayushman pointed at Taani.

“No no it’s nothing like that. I’m looking forward to start working as soon as possible.” Taani smiled lightly.

“Well if that is the case why don’t you join us tomorrow for the meeting. What say Gauri?” Ayushman suggested.

“She should.” Gauri agreed.

“I will.” Taani agreed.

“Gauri give her the details. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He left.

…

“Why are you leaving as well?” Rey pouted.

“And here I was hoping you would console Armaan.” Riri giggled.

“Bhai ka kya hai, milne ka mann hua toh kuch kaam banake aajayenge.” He sulked further.

“Girlfriend meri hai par jaane ka dukh isse jyada ho raha hai.” Armaan rolled his eyes at Rey.

“Aapki girlfriend se pehle voh meri friend hai!” Rey replied in the same tone.

“Okay guys enough. I have to go now!” Riri hugged them both.

“Take care!” Rey separated.

“You too! And please get your leg checked!” She urged him.

“Friday ki appointment li hai. But I’m telling you, it’s gonna be nothing!” He replied.

“I hope so too.” She smiled.

“I’ll miss you!” Armaan hugged her tight.

Rey walked to his car giving them some privacy.

“I love you.” Riri hugged him back.

“I’ll see you soon, okay?” Armaan cupped her face. She nodded.

He then walked her off to the gate and bid her bye. He came back to where Rey was after he could no longer see her through the glass.

“Thanks!” Armaan hugged Rey.

“Huh?” Rey squinted.

“Usse vapas mere zindagi mein laane ke liye.” Armaan smiled.

“Main nahi karta toh aap hi kuch kar lete. I know you love her a lot!” Rey smiled back at him.

“That I do!” Armaan grinned.

“Abhi chale? Ya flight take-off hone tak yahi rukna hai?”

“Chalo!”

Rey dropped Armaan to his place and drove home. He opened the door and found Sharon waiting in the living room.

“Sharon?” He walked to her.

“Where were you?” Sharon glared at him.

“Kya hua?” He furrowed his brows.

“Apne friend ko bolo ki apni limit mein rahe!” She flared.

“Huh?” He was confused.

“That Swayam! He thinks he can boss around me?” Sharon raged. “Maine ek chotasa favor maanga and uske liye bhi meko itna sunaya usne. I swear I wanted to punch him so bad!” She punched Rey on his arm.

“Toh karti na! Meko kyun maar rahi hai tu?” He rubbed his arm.

“Kyunki I don’t want him to back out from helping me!” She huffed and sat down.

“What help?” Rey asked.

“That’s not important!” Sharon disregarded. “The point is he cannot boss me around. Samjha dena apne dost ko!” Sharon left.

“Swayam pitne wala hai.” Rey chuckled closing the door.

His phone rang and he smiled seeing the caller ID.

“Hello.” He sang picking up the phone.

“You sound very cheerful.” Taani laughed.

“You don’t sound any different to me.” He pointed out.

“Well, I got the job!” She grinned.

“Congratulations luv!”

“Yahi batane ke liye call kiya tha. Also, I can’t talk for long today. Kal mera first day hai and I don’t wanna be late. Toh hum kal baat karenge. Abhi I’m keeping the phone. Good night!”

“Okay par company ka naam toh.. kaat diya?” He checked his phone. “Good night!” He shook his head and went to his room.

…

“Good morning sir!” Taani greeted Ayushman.

“Sir? Ayushman is fine.” He told her.

“Hey.” Gauri joined them. “Sorry were you waiting for long?”

“No, we just reached.” Ayushman replied.

“So Taani, did you go over the project details I sent you yesterday?” Gauri asked her.

“Yes I did. I really liked the idea of having an E-sports room in colleges.” Taani replied.

“Also, did you read about the other company?” Gauri asked.

“Which company?” Taani asked.

“The one with whom we are partnering up for this project.”

“You didn’t send me any name.” Taani replied meekly.

“Looks like Gauri didn’t do her homework!” Ayushman taunted.

“Kya matlab?” She asked.

“Haven’t you seen Taani’s resume?” He asked. “She has worked there previously.” He pointed out.

“SRS?” Taani widened her eyes.

“Yes!” Gauri affirmed.

“Wow!” Taani thought.

“Let’s leave? We wouldn’t want to upset Mansi Roy by being late now, would we?” Ayushman chuckled.

“Yeah.” Taani joined.

They sat in his car with Gauri in the front next to the driver. Ayushman and Taani sat behind.

“Oh I almost forgot to tell you, there has been a change. Miss Rai Prakash won’t be present in the meeting. Instead Mr. Shekhawat would join us.” Gauri informed.

“Obviously!” Ayushman muttered shaking his head.

“I don’t understand one thing, why do they have to join this meeting anyway. I mean isn’t Mansi the head?” Gauri wondered.

“She still technically works for them, so whatever. At least from what I know they don’t interfere much.” Ayushman replied.

“We are here.” Taani said looking outside.

“Oh great!” Gauri got down.

“You look a little stressed. I understand this is your first project but relax, you just have to follow pretty much Gauri’s instructions.” Ayushman smiled and got out.

“Thanks.” She replied and they all walked in.

“Kiya, can you find out what is taking so long?” Mansi ordered her.

“Can we not start the meeting without him?” Gauri asked.

“No we can’t.” Mansi replied.

“Sharon hume join karne wali thi na?” Ayushman asked Mansi.

“She thought you might feel a little odd surrounded by all girls, so she sent me instead!” Rey barged in.

“You’re not Shekhawat!” Ayushman looked at him.

“That’s right!” Rey smirked at him.

"Swayam?" Mansi asked.

"He's on-site. Couldn't make it." Rey explained.

“Okay then, should we start? We’re already running late!” Mansi looked at them.

“Yes definitely! Let me introduce you to my team. That’s Gauri and Taani.” He pointed to the right of Rey.

Rey turned sharply on hearing Taani’s name and his eyes nearly popped out on seeing her. She giggled seeing his reaction.

“And I have with me here Kiya, my assistant and Purvi my designer.” Mansi introduced them.

The meeting started and they all discussed what their plan moving forward will be. Rey kept stealing glances of Taani as he didn’t have much to do in the meeting. Taani tried her best to not look his way to stop herself from being distracted.

“Shouldn’t the color palette be same throughout?” Taani interjected Mansi.

“And what would that achieve?” Mansi asked her.

“It will maintain uniformity.” Ayushman supported Taani.

“The color palette is according to the theme and mascot of each college.” Mansi stated.

“Not every college has a mascot.” Taani pointed out.

“Ninety percent of the colleges that we are dealing with have mascots.” Purvi checked the data.

“Next time do your homework thoroughly!” Mansi taunted.

“Hey, she just got onboard.” Ayushman defended Taani.

“So?” Mansi eyed him.

“Sorry.” Taani looked down.

The meeting ended and Mansi left immediately followed by Kiya and Purvi to their work.

“She is fire! I had almost forgotten how brutal she gets.” Ayushman chuckled.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.” Taani apologized to Gauri.

“It’s okay to make mistakes sometimes. Plus you just suggested something.” Ayushman cheered her.

“Thanks. And I’m sorry again.” Taani said.

“Thanks or sorry? Decide on one thing.” Ayushman laughed.

Rey chuckled hearing him. Taani’s eyes were glued to the floor.

“Hey, don’t laugh at her.” He told Rey. “This is her first day. And it takes guts to stand up to Mansi Roy!” Ayushman looked at Taani. “Chin up!”

“First day haan?” Rey acted impressed. “Congratulations Miss Taani.” He forwarded his hand to her.

“Thank you.” She shook it.

“We should head back to our office.” Gauri said.

“Yeah.” Ayushman agreed and they all started leaving.

“Hey Ayush. Kal party hai office mein. Why don’t you guys join us?” Rey invited.

“We’d love to if you know..” Ayushman looked at him.

“Oh relax! Don’t give so much importance to yourself.” Rey rolled his eyes at him and left.

…

“XID really?” Rey asked Taani over dinner.

“Voh kya hai na mujhe baaki ke companies itne pasand nahi aaye. So I chose this.” Taani mocked.

“Ha ha very funny!” He rolled his eyes.

“I know it’s a small firm, but I can’t be choosy for my first job.” She explained.

“I understand. Plus Ayush is good. Four years mein he has made a name for himself.” Rey praised.

“Do you know him?” Taani asked.

“We went to the same college.” Rey answered.

“Wahi sochu you seemed friendly to him in the meeting.”

“Toh phir se SRS ke saath jud ke kaisa lag raha hai?” Rey asked tongue-in-cheek.

“SRS ke saath toh full lifetime ke liye jud gayi hoon main.” She giggled.

“That’s..” Rey stopped as her phone rang.

“Hey Ayushman.” Taani answered. “No no it’s fine, you didn’t disturb.”

Rey waited for her to get done on the phone.

“Yes definitely. See you tomorrow.” Taani disconnected.

“Isn’t he your boss?” Rey asked.

“Yes.” Taani squinted.

“Toh sir-var kuch nahi? Seedha naam?”

“Unhone khud bola hai to not to call him sir. No one in the office does.” Taani explained.

“But you should. He is your boss after all.” Rey insisted.

“Purvi tumhe sir bulati hai? Nahi na?” Taani questioned.

“But that’s because we are friends.” Rey pointed out.

“Theek hai. If you don’t like me calling him by his name, I’ll call him sir from now.” Taani said.

“No I didn’t mean that. It just felt weird.” He quickly justified.

“I know.” Taani laughed seeing his panicked face.

“Buzz-off!” Rey groaned as he learnt that she was just pulling his leg.

...

Ayushman Saxena

Ayushman Saxena founded Xen Interior Designs four years ago. He has managed to make a respectable name for himself in the market. He went to St. Louis College and is on cordial terms with his fellow Louians. Currently, he has signed a contract along with SRS Creations to design E-Sport arenas in colleges across Mumbai.

...

The waiter came with their checks and placed it in between them. Taani was quick to pick it up. She looked at Rey who was still fussing over her pulling his leg. She paid off the bill and looked content. They walked out.

“I’m dropping you home.” Rey snatched her phone as she pulled it out to book a cab.

“Okay.” She agreed. “But mom ghar pe hogi.” She further added.

“Obviously! Where else would she be?”

“Nahi voh uss din..” She trailed off.

“Kis din?”

“She was really stressed about her work and hence that outburst on you.” Taani explained.

“What?” Rey furrowed his brows.

“Voh din mumma ne chillaya tha na tum pe.” Taani reminded him.

“Oh that, maine next day hi call karke unse baat kar li thi. She had a lot to complete and you were clearly no help, so I helped her.” He chuckled.

“Toh tumhe bura nahi laga?” Taani asked.

“Isme bura lagne wali kya baat thi? Do you get mad when she shouts at you?” He shrugged his shoulders.

“Yeah sometimes.” Taani giggled.

“Pagal!” He stopped in front of her building. “And we are here.”

“You coming up?” She asked.

“For?” He raised his brow and smirked.

“You know what, you’re not!” She got out.

“I love you!” He yelled as she went in.

She turned to look at him and broke into a smile seeing him stare at her. She waved at him and they left.

“Watchman banne ka soch rahe ho?” Mansi asked Rey when she saw him lingering at the entrance.

“Shut up Manas!” He rebuked and looked outside.

“Andar chal yaar, it doesn’t look good.” Mansi pulled him inside.

“Hey, you’re finally here.” Swayam smiled at Mansi.

“Sorry, got a little held up at home.” She replied and then looked at Sharon. “Isse kya hua?”

“Mujhe Rey ka murder karna hai!” Sharon glared.

“I can help you with that.” Mansi laughed.

“Come let’s plan.” Sharon pulled Mansi away when she saw Ayushman approaching them.

“Hey!” Ayushman joined Rey and Swayam.

“Hey.” They replied back.

“Party looks great, but hai kiske liye?” He asked.

“We are partnering up with you na, celebrate toh karna banta hai.” Rey laughed.

“Not everyone looks happy about it.” Ayushman looked at Sharon and then looked back at them.

“Usse time lagega.” Swayam said.

“I’m surprised to know that you two are dating.” Ayushman said.

“Really?” Rey asked.

“Haan.” Ayushman replied. “I mean I agree ki college mein humesha saath dance karte the yeh dono, but I never thought they would get together.” He further explained.

“Well we are now!” Swayam said.

“Relax, I have no plans to steal her away. Again.” Ayushman chuckled.

“Already have someone?” Rey asked.

“Kahan yaar.” Ayushman sighed. “What about you? How are things going on with Aashi?” He asked Rey.

“Good one!” Swayam burst out laughing.

…

“Hey girls!”

“Hi Naveen.” Taani greeted him.

“Glad to have you back Taani. I knew you couldn’t stay away from our company.” He joked.

“Aur zor se bol! Or else ek kaam kar mere boss ko hi jaake bata de. He’ll throw me out aur phir Mansi ma’am toh mujhe lene se rahi. Then I’ll sit at home jobless!” Taani mocked.

“You never know, ma’am might take you in!” Purvi chuckled making Naveen laugh as well.

“Hello!” Kiya joined them.

“Lagta hai ma’am ne aaj free chod diya teko.” Naveen mocked.

“Party hai yaar. It’s my time to enjoy!” Kiya grinned.

“Party hai kis liye?” Taani asked.

“Pata nahi. I just knew ki free ka khana aur drinks milengi, main aagayi.” Purvi laughed.

“Khana good! Drinks bad!” Naveen made a face. “Kitne diluted hai!”

“Obviously! No one wants you to get drunk here!” Kiya taunted.

“Tum kisse dhund rahi ho?” Naveen asked Taani. “Kabse yahan wahan dekh rahi ho.”

“Apne boss ko dhund rahi hogi, hai na Taani?” Purvi smirked.

“Kaunse wale?” Naveen added slyly.

“He looks so handsome. Taani tu kaam kaise kar leti hai?” Kiya fawned over him.

“Kiya?” Taani widened her eyes at her.

“Hey, I’m allowed to appreciate good looking men!” Kiya complained.

“Men?” Purvi raised her brow.

“Haan I mean yahan bhi bohot saare hai, but I can’t openly talk about them!” She pouted.

“I’m out of here.” Taani left, leaving a laughing Purvi behind.

“Can I get a glass of water?” Taani asked over the bar.

“Nothing else with it?” Rey walked up to her.

“Thanks.” She thanked the bartender. “I’m good.” She turned to face Rey.

“Have I ever told you how amazing you look?” Rey dreamily looked at her.

“How many drinks have you had?” Taani giggled.

“Hey! That wasn’t a drunken compliment!” He pouted.

She looked at his lips and shut her eyes laughing at her thoughts.

“Now I get why you don’t like me pouting everywhere.” She laughed more.

“It’s more about me not able to control myself than me not liking it.” He chuckled.

“Stop! You’re making me blush!” She complained.

“I know, and I’m loving it.” He grinned.

“Toh yeh party kis khushi mein?” She asked to change the topic.

“Bas aise hi. Employees ka thoda morale boost karne, thoda unhe relax karne.” He answered.

“I must say you guys are very good employers.” Taani giggled.

“Thank you!” He grinned and slid his arm behind her and held her by her waist.

“Rey!” She jumped slightly. “Kya kar rahe ho?”

“Kya hua?” He narrowed his eyes in confusion. “Why were you startled?”

“Hum office mein hai.” She pointed out.

“Toh?” He asked.

“It feels weird.” She ran off.

“What?” He looked at her retreating back.

Taani stopped after covering some distance and turned to look at Rey. She showed her tongue, taunting him and ran further ahead. His mouth hung open at her action and he ran behind her. While running he bumped into Sharon.

“Rey!” Sharon looked at him annoyed.

“Sorry.” He apologized as he saw her glass lying on the floor shattered in pieces and the drink spilled by her feet.

“Dhyaan kahan hai tera?” Swayam asked.

“Voh..” Rey looked around but he had lost sight of Taani.

“Move now!” Sharon yelled pushing him aside. “Mere heels kharab kar diye!”

“Ouch!” He hissed as he felt a pain in his leg.

“Tch tch tch.” Taani sneaked up behind him clicking her tongue. Rey glared at her.

“Am I carrying a chick repelling magnet? Jab bhi main aata hoon, Sharon goes away.” Ayushman walked to them.

“Are you trying to imply that Taani here is not a chick?” Swayam raised his brow.

“What?” Ayushman narrowed his eyes.

“Chick repelling magnet hota toh Taani bhi chali jaati!” Swayam laughed.

“Good one!” Rey joined him and Taani made faces at them.

“I’m sorry on their behalf. Kuch bhi bolte hai yeh dono.” Ayushman apologized to Taani.

“It’s okay!” Taani fake smiled at Swayam and Rey.

“I was just about to introduce you to them and realized that you must already know each other.” Ayushman laughed shaking his head. “So guys, how does it feel that I stole another one of your girls?” He asked them.

“What?” Rey furrowed his brows.

“Haan matlab pehle yeh yahan kaam karti thi abh mere saath karti hai.” Ayushman explained.

“Yeh kaam bhi mere saath hi ho raha hai, toh jyada udd mat.” Rey sneered.

“And back in the day you didn’t steal Sharon!” Swayam added.

“You dated Sharon?” Taani’s mouth hung open.

“That was back in college. Way in the past. Abhi toh koi nahi hai.” He sighed.

“You already told us that. Phir se batane ki koi jarurat nahi thi.” Rey pointed out.

“Unless you wanted more people to know.” Swayam smirked meaningfully earning a glare from Rey.

“You don’t have to talk using codes because of me. I’ll head somewhere else so that you guys can talk freely.” Taani excused herself and left from there looking for Purvi.

Rey’s eyes trailed behind her as she disappeared into the crowd. He diverted his attention back and he caught Ayushman looking in the direction Taani went.

“Mm-hmn!” Rey cleared his throat to get his attention.

Ayushman turned back and Rey widened his eyes at him.

“Was I that obvious?” Ayushman chuckled.

“Yeah!” Rey scoffed.

“I know she is an employee. But in my defense, she is really gorgeous!” Ayushman had a lopsided smile on his face.

“Isn’t she engaged?” Rey sneered.

“She is?” Ayushman asked surprised.

“Yeah!” Rey exclaimed.

“She seems too young to be engaged. Doesn’t she?” Ayushman pointed out.

“Why don’t you go and ask her that?” Rey scoffed.

“Okay! Cut it out!” Swayam intervened.

“Excuse me!” Rey walked off.

“Isse kya hua?” Ayushman looked at Swayam.

“I’ll be back as well.” Swayam excused himself and went behind Rey.

“His nerve!” Rey flared as soon as he was out of hearing distance.

“Teko kyun gussa aaraha hai?” Swayam tried to calm him. “It’s not like she is gonna get impressed by him and leave you.”

“Haan par..” Rey ran his hand through his hair and kicked his leg on the pillar to his side in frustration. “F*CK!” He winced in pain.

Hello!

I'm finally updated! Happy?

This took long to write and I wrote it over multiple days, so if you find it a little different than the other chapters please try to let it go by this time. I'll try to make the next one feel a little more wholesome!

Speaking of which, don't expect it anytime in the next thirty days!

I have tried my hand at making VMs and made a few. If interested, do check them out here: VM Playlist

Also, follow me on instagram @taarey1025 to stay updated with where I am with the update.

Question of the update:

Any predictions of what will happen?

Please comment down below

Posted: May 16, 2020

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