SS: Dheere Dheere Se - ArDhika + NeSam ~ 2/13/16 p63 - Page 2

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**No copyright infringement intended. I do not own the characters but storylines are my own.

Chapter 2: Anjaana Anjaani

Neil sat on the couch leisurely flipping through a subscription of Filmfare with a sigh. He eyed his cousin who was sitting at his desk busily staring at his laptop. He had been in India for two weeks and this was the sight he witnessed every day; Arjun busy at work hardly having any free to go out and do anything. Neil forgave him for the first week as he was still recovering from jetlag. But now he was ready to go out and explore the city and see what had changed since his departure. He wanted a couple weeks of sightseeing before he started working.

Neil quickly stood up as Arjun moved away from his desk. "So let's go out and eat lunch," he suggested. But before Arjun could answer, his cell phone started ringing causing Neil to frown. He stood there waiting rather impatiently for the call to end.

"Yes, I just sent the file. It should be in your email box. If not I also placed it out on the shared network drive under prospective clients folder. Hmmm...okay, you see it? I need that spreadsheet reviewed and the questionnaire draft to be done tomorrow by 9:00am. Then I'll review it and send it to Nandini Ma'am for the final review. The client should receive this first thing Wednesday morning. Okay bye." Arjun turned towards Neil and replied, "I won't be able to go out and eat lunch. I have a meeting at 1:00pm."

"Yaar, I have been sitting at home for the past two weeks."

"I can get one of the company drivers to come and pick you up," Arjun offered.

Neil gave him a dissatisfied look, "I thought we could spend some time together you know like we use to. Hang out...go out some place instead of being at home."

"I'm at least working from home otherwise I would be in the office all day," Arjun explained.

"Okay, so tonight let's go out to a club or something..."

"I don't dance," Arjun answered. Neil was about to reply when Arjun lifted his finger up ordering him to hush while he took the incoming call from his mobile. "Ji? No. Let me go get that file," walking out of the room to search for it.

Neil plopped back down on the couch flabbergasted at the state of affairs. "Chotu, would you like some mango juice?" He looked up to see the family servant offering him a glass of juice on a steel serving tray. "Thanks Ramu Kaka," taking a small sip, "It's very good."

"Would you like any chips or biscuits?"

"No thank you," Neil answered. He then thoughtfully paused, "How long has Arjun Bhai been like this? Being a workaholic?" Neil could sense his uneasiness as Ramu Kaka glanced around him making sure no one was around.

"I understand," Neil comforted. "No one is going to say anything. You're practically family."

"He started to shoulder more responsibilities during college," speaking softly, "I've served the Mehra family for 25 years. Your aunt and uncle would have been very proud of Munna and all he has accomplished...maintaining the Mehra name in business...but they would also be saddened by the loss of laughter and happiness in this house...all the masti he use to be a part of..."

Neil nodded in understanding. "That's why I am here. I'll try my best to help bring that back. Munna and Chotu...masti partners."

Ramu Kaka gave a small grin and then headed out the door. He bowed his head as Nandini came walking in. "Neil? Why are you here? I thought you and Arjun would have gone out to eat for lunch. I just came back from the office because I left my pen drive here.

"I tired but Arjun said he had a meeting at 1:00pm," Neil explained. "It's been two weeks and I haven't seen much of the city."

"I had no idea. I was away in Bengaluru for business. Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Nandini inquired.

They both turned as Arjun came walking back into the room his head bent as he scrolled through some messages on his phone.

"Arjun, really?" He immediately looked up confused at what just transpired. "Is it true? It's been two weeks and you haven't shown the city to Neil?" Putting her hand on his arm, "I told you to take a vacation didn't I? So, it's final...from today...from this moment...you are on vacation."

"But the meeting at 1:00."

"Mohit knows all the details. He can handle it. Actually, it is time he proves himself. Poor Neil he's been cooped up in this house," Nandini said.

"Yes Aunt Nandini...all Arjun does is stare at his computer," Neil replied trying his best to look extremely forlorn. "You've been away and it's been lonely." Arjun glared at him knowing he was putting up an act. It only encouraged Neil more, "Aunt Nandini where should we go now that Arjun is on vacation? Staying in the city he may be tempted to stop by the office."

"Why not Goa?" Nandini suggested. "It's perfect this time of the year. Go to the beach and have fun."

"Goa? The beach, sun, and sand?" Neil asked playing innocently.

"Yes. That's it," looking at Arjun. "You are taking Neil to Goa for a week. Let me call up our travel agent and get those tickets booked and see if there are any rooms available at the Taj, the Grand Hyatt, or the Marriott for tonight."

"Tonight?" Arjun replied in shock.

"Tonight or at the very latest tomorrow," Nandini answered. She then gave a quick wink to Neil before she left the room to make her calls."

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Sitting under the shade of an umbrella, Sam lay back comfortably and took in the sweet ocean breeze. "I think I could get use to this."

"I know it is so relaxing here," Radhika replied.

"My, aren't you girls looking cute!" squealed a voice. Radhika and Sam both looked up to see a petite woman with a yellow sundress on and Prada shades standing before them. They broke out into huge grins.

"Asha!" they both chirped back. A round of hugs soon ensued.

"You guys were so worried that you would be late and look at that you made it in before us," Asha replied.

"So when did Amit find out you were flying into Goa?" Sam inquired with a naughty smirk.

"This morning!" giggling hysterically, "You should have seen his face," crossing her arms, "If he thought he could hide the fact he was flying into Goa one day early so he could have his bachelor party before the wedding...he thought wrong. So, I decided I'll fly in one day earlier than him to have my own bachelorette party!"

"You are totally crazy," Radhika laughed.

"I know and only Amit can handle my craziness," taking a deep breath, "I can't believe it. I'm getting married 5 days from now! It's like I am walking in a dream."

"And what a beautiful dream, Asha. I'm so happy for you," Sam said taking her hand and giving it a tight squeeze. "You two are perfect for each other."

"Congratulations to both you and Amit," Radhika added.

"Thank you so much girls," giving them each at tight hug. Asha then waved down a waiter and ordered, "One Susegado, one Mango daiquiri, and one Capiz...please."

Ten minutes later, Radhika was looking at the drinks in front of her, eyeing them suspiciously. "On come on Rads just try it. It's frozen fruit juice."

"It has alcohol in it. You know I can't handle it very well," Radhika explained.

Asha moved a milky white glass towards Sam. "She's having the Susegado. It has the vodka," picking up a fruity yellow cocktail, "I'm having the Capiz with the feni. So that leaves the mango for you. And relax you know a minute ago when I got up I went over to the bar and told them not to put anything in it."

"Really?"

"Of course," Asha insisted. She then gave a quick wink to Sam as Radhika took a sip of her drink.

Sam tried to suppress a giggle only to spill some of the Susegado on her sun dress. "Oh, sh*t..." she said in disappointment. Radhika and Asha quickly gave her some napkins to pat herself dry with. "I'm going to have to change otherwise I'm going to smell like alcohol for the rest of the night."

"Oh, while you are going back to the room you can ask for another key card. They only gave us one," Radhika said. Sam nodded and then left the deck.

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Neil nodded his head as the front desk attendant was going over some of the special events that were happening at the hotel. "Here's your key card sir double one forty...sorry double one twenty-four," handing the key to Neil. "Sir," looking at Arjun, "Your room number is double one forty-four. I hope you both have a pleasant stay here with us. If there is anything we can do for you don't hesitate to use the At Your Service button on the room phone."

"Thank you Ashvin," Neil replied and started to walk towards the elevators. He glanced to his side and noticed Arjun was walking away on his phone again. "Hey, where are you going? And you're on the phone again? You're not making calls at the office again?"

Arjun inwardly frowned. He's worse than a nagging girlfriend he thought. "I can't take a call from the doctor's office?"

"Oh, well of course...sure," Neil replied. He then paused as he realized the time, "Wait, doctor's office...aren't they close at this hour?" He turned to his right and saw that Arjun had already disappeared around the corridor. "Hmmm...I'm going to have to keep an eye on this one," he muttered to himself. He turned towards his left heading back to the elevators when he suddenly bumped into one of the hotel service attendants. "Sorry..."

"My apologies sir," the attendant said. They both looked down and realized that they had dropped their key cards. The attendant quickly picked up the cards and handed one back to Neil.

"Thanks."

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Asha watched in amazement at the way Radhika was drinking her mango daiquiri. She was starting to get concern at the speed in which the drink was disappearing before her eyes. She could tell by Radhika's demeanor she was tipsy and possibly already drunk. "Rads," placing her hand on the base of the glass, "Maybe you should slow down."

Radhika grinned widely, "The mango juice is very tasty. I think I'll order another one."

"You've had two already. Maybe you should wait until Sam comes back," Asha replied.

"Kyun?"

"Well," trying really hard to come up with a reason, "Because...Sam just went to get changed and she hasn't even finished her drink and neither have I and you're already done...and going to order another one."

Radhika blinked with a confused expression on her face, "It's just fruit juice."

Asha bit her lower lip and muttered, "Spiked fruit juice." She then looked down at her phone as it started ringing. "Hello? Oh hey Shreya...you and the girls are here? Yes, the rooms should be booked. Is there an issue? You need me to come speak to them?" Asha looked nervously at Radhika who just smiled. "Rads, there is an issue with the rooms I have to go up front. Let's go."

"I'm actually fine here."

"Are you sure?" Asha uneasily asked.

"I'll be fine," Radhika grinned. "I'm a big girl. Anyways, someone has to wait for Sam."

"Oh, yes..." muttering to herself. "Well, okay. You stay put. I'll be back soon with the rest of the girls."

"Okay," nodding her head up and down with enthusiasm. "I'll be here waiting."

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Arjun was walking down the outside pathway surrounding the grounds of the hotel. His head was bent concentrating on his phone. His eyes widen at one of the replies from an email he had sent a few minutes ago. It was in big bold letters STOP REPLYING TO EMAILS. YOU ARE ON VACATION. GO VACATION. AUNT NANDINI. He let out a soft chuckle and looked up to see where he had actually wandered off to. He had made it to the beach view pool side lounge. He decided that he would get himself a drink and try to relax.

As he was making his way to the bar he was suddenly blindsided by a body bumping into him. He looked down to see a woman with the most beautiful brown eyes he had ever seen staring up at him. There was this odd sense of familiarity in them too. The young woman was holding onto his arm trying to balance herself. "Sorry," she apologized regaining her footing. His eyes clouded the moment she spoke as the sweet scent of mango and alcohol assaulted his nostrils. She was drunk. "Maybe you should learn to hold your liquor better," he irritably responded.

Radhika scrunched her nose as her brain processed why this stranger's voice sounded so familiar. Her eyes lit as she realized, it was the rude guy from the airport. "Tum?" she flared as she looked at him.

Arjun was taken aback at the way her irises darkened to a fiery brown. "The airport girl," he muttered under his breath.

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Neil whistled happily down the hallway looking for his room. "Double one..." looking down at the key card holder, "forty-two..." he read. He stopped short when he realized he had just walked past the room. Quickly turning around he inserted the card and turned the knob. A smile adorned his face when he saw the balcony and its spectacular ocean view. He dropped his backpack to the floor and walked in slipping off his shoes. Opening the patio door he closed his eyes to inhale the ocean scent. Magnificent he thought to himself. After a few minutes of taking in the view he hopped over to one of the twin beds and laid down. He smiled as he nestled his hands underneath his head and sighed. His eyes studied the ceiling as his nose took in a sweet ginger aroma. And that was when it hit him. Why was this scent familiar? Was it coming from the bathroom? He shot straight up from the bed and surveyed the room. How could he have missed the bags on the side tables? The suitcase in the corner? Why was someone in his room? Or was he in the wrong room?! Neil heard the bathroom door open and he instinctively rolled onto the floor. Unfortunately for him he wasn't fast enough as he heard a shriek.

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To be continued in chapter 3 😉

What is going to happen to Neil? Who's room did he enter?

How will Arjun and Radhika's second meeting pan out?

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