SS: Dheere Dheere Se - ArDhika + NeSam ~ 2/13/16 p63 - Page 3

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

Chapter 3: Party On My Mind

Sam's eyes had widened at the sight of a stranger in her room. She had been taking a shower and thought it was Radhika that had come back but instead there was this unknown man. She screamed in fear and quickly grabbed anything that was within her reach: shoes, deodorant, water bottles, a backpack on the floor, etc.

Neil had grabbed the comforter and covered himself while he was being pelted by objects. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" he shouted as he quickly grabbed his backpack that had been thrown at him and scurried out of the room before anything else could happen.

Sam quickly locked the door and put the deadbolt in place. She placed her hand over her chest trying to catch her breath and steady her nerves. How in the world did someone get into their room? She checked the key card that been dropped off by one of the hotel staffers. It had the numbers 1124. Her and Radhika's room was 1142. "Oh God," Sam exhaled. "The key must have gotten switched."

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Neil was panting heavily as he made it to the end of the hallway with the comforter still covering him. He couldn't believe what had just happened to him. He prayed that this wasn't going to get reported to hotel security. He did not want to be spending his time with the Goan police trying to convince them that he was not a pervert. He needed to find Arjun and get out of the hotel for the next few hours. He tossed the comforter aside and hurried walked to the elevators.

Meanwhile, Arjun was having his own set of issue at the pool. He was being glared at by a pair of fiery eyes. "Excuse me? What did you say?"

"One should know their limits," he coolly replied. "You can't even stand straight."

"I tripped," Radhika answered. "I can walk perfectly fine."

Arjun glanced down at his arm and arched his left eyebrow, "Then why are you holding onto me?"

Radhika immediately let go and backed away. "Do you always speak like this...so rudely?"

"I'm not the one who fell onto a stranger," Arjun replied as he fixed his shirt.

"I already apologized." She expected some response from him but all he did was just stand there and look at her. She raised her eyebrows indicating she was waiting for him to say something.

Arjun sighed and said, "You're in the way." Radhika sheepishly grinned realizing that she was blocking the way. They were stuck between some patio tables and a serving cart that a waiter had left at the side. "Sorry," she said and started to move to let him through. Just as she moved her foot her shoe got caught on the leg of one of the chairs. She fell forward and braced herself on the back of the chair. She glanced up as she heard a snicker. "Right, not drunk." A scowl formed and she stood up straight, "My shoe got caught on the leg of the chair."

"So you say," Arjun retorted.

"Look here---"

Cutting her off, "I don't have all day. Can you stop wasting my time?"

"Just who do you think you are?" Radhika huffed.

Arjun rolled his eyes, "I know you are enjoying this little banter here but let me make it clear I am not interested."

"Excuse me? Interested? I'm not interested. I think you're delusional..."

Arjun nodded in a patronizing manner making Radhika angrier. The chilled silence was soon interrupted by the ringing of his cell phone. Arjun pulled the mobile from his pocket and put it to his ear. He didn't get very far in the conversation because the next thing he knew he was falling backwards onto the tables. He immediately looked up to see Radhika on his chest. "What is wrong with you?" he angrily hollered.

"I'm sorry Sir, Ma'am...are you two all right?" inquired an apologetic waiter.

"It wasn't my fault this time," Radhika insisted. The waiter had moved the serving cart which accidentally bumped into her causing her to fall back onto Arjun.

In his haste to get up from the table and get Radhika off of him, his head collided with her's sending both of them into agonizing pain. "Ahhh...why are you so slow?"

"I was trying to get up but you moved your head," Radhika fumed as she held the side of her head.

"You did that on purpose!"

"I did not!" she replied heatedly. She couldn't believe his childish accusation.

"You did too!" Arjun angrily pouted. His attention was distracted when he heard a voice calling out in the background. "There's someone's mobile phone in the pool." Arjun's eyes became distressed as frantically started to search the area around him for his phone.

Radhika's breath hitched when she realized what had happened. Mumbling in her head Oh no, why am I having such bad luck today? He's going to blame me for this too! She was thinking hard on what to do next but before she could come up with a way to defuse the situation, she felt someone grab her arm. She turned to see Asha looking at her with worried eyes. "There you are, Rads! I was looking for you everywhere. Come," dragging her away from the scene.

"But wait---"

"We don't have all day," Asha replied trying to gain her attention.

"He's going to think I did this on purpose..."

"Sam needs us right now," Asha explained ignoring Radhika's words.

"Sam?"

"Yes, chalo..." Asha insisted as she continued to drag Radhika out of the lounge.

Arjun was silent as the waiter guiltily handed over his drenched phone. "Your mobile, sir." He cradled it in his hands in mournful anger. "I am extremely sorry sir. Is there anything I can do?" Paying no attention to the waiter's words Arjun looked around him and noticed how Radhika had disappeared. His lips tightened and he made a vow that if he saw her again she was going to pay for this. He grasped the wet phone and made his way out of the lounge.

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Neil paced back and forth in the lobby holding his phone to his ear wondering why his cousin was not picking up. "He always has his phone on him...could have sworn I heard him pick up..." he muttered. Neil sighed as he kept receiving the voicemail. "How am I going to find him now?" He tapped his phone to his forehead trying to decide what he should do next.

"Oh My God! Someone came into her room? Some stranger just walked into her room?" Neil froze in place as he realized what was being discussed.

"Shush! Not so loud. You want everyone one to hear?" Neil quickly pressed himself against a column and listened nervously at the two female friends talking. "Shreya is bringing her down now with the rest of the girls."

"Is she okay? God, I can't believe there is some pervert running around this hotel."

"This should be reported to Hotel Security." Neil shook his head ferociously praying that this was not going to happen. Please don't...please don't...Mahadev please don't let this happen to me.

"What are you doing?" Neil's eyes popped open to see Arjun giving him an awkward stare. "And why don't you have shoes on?" He looked down and saw that he was barefoot. I left my shoes in the room! Sh*t! He looked up and let out a nervous chuckle while his cousin continued to look at him questioningly.

"It's a long story," Neil finally replied and then noticed the way Arjun was holding his phone. "What happened to your phone?"

Arjun sighed with a disgruntled sound, "It's a long story..."

"Well, since I don't have any shoes and um, it looks like you need a new phone...um, why don't we go out and get these things...and then go out to eat?" Neil suggested. He was trying his hardest not to sound extremely nervous as he had no idea what was being discussed a few feet behind him. He just knew he needed to get out of there before the rest of the girls came. He wanted to avoid a public beating if he could. He was relieved when Arjun nodded at his proposal. Neil grinned and then ushered him out of the hotel lobby.

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"Are you sure about this?" Asha inquired with great concern.

"It just happened so fast," sighing, "It may have been an honest mistake," Sam replied. "They gave me the incorrect key card."

"But aren't you letting some peeping-tom go scot-free?" Shreya asked as she crossed her arms with a frown. "At least change rooms then..."

"And allow someone else to get walked-in on? We should report this to hotel security," suggested one of the girls in the group that was standing around Sam providing moral support.

Radhika could see the stress on her friend's face and decided to placate the situation. She put a comforting arm around Sam's shoulders. "It's been a long day. Why don't we grab something to eat and then Sam can decide what she would like to do." She gave a gentle smile as Sam looked her way. "I'm fine with whatever decision you take. I have no issues moving rooms or if you want to file a police report I'll be there."

Sam gave a thankful grin. Looking at Asha, "Radhika's right. Anyways, we are here for a reason and that is your bachelorette party. So, why don't we celebrate it?"

"Are you sure?" Asha asked.

"I'll be fine," smiling reassuringly, "Let's go get some drinks! Come on..." Asha and the rest of the girls grinned; deciding for now it was best for everyone's morale to go out and have some fun.

After a delicious meal the group of friends ended up at a local dance club ready to groove the night away. Sam, Asha, and Shreya went off to the bar to get drinks while Radhika and the rest of the girls went to look for a table. They found one in the corner of the club. When Sam, Asha, and Shreya came back with drinks Radhika made a X with her fingers at them.

"What's the matter?" Shreya asked with curious eyes.

"They tricked me this afternoon and gave me alcohol to drink," Radhika replied with a pout making Sam and Asha giggle.

"It was only in fun, Rads..." Asha replied.

"Well thanks to you I got yelled at by this guy!"

"A guy yelled at you?" Sam asked.

"Was he cute?" inquired a fair girl with purple glasses.

"Seriously Bani? You're asking about the guy?" Sam scolded.

"Well, I was just curious. It makes the story more interesting...some tall, dark, and handsome guy..."

"Bani, you need to get over this obsession with the angry-young-man archetype," Shreya sighed. "Not everyone is going to be Arnav Singh Raizada from Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon."

"And why not? There are people in this world that are like that," Bani defended. "And what is wrong in wishing that some handsome guy hit on Radhika? She deserves someone." Radhika gave Bani a side hug making her beam with satisfaction.

"So was he cute?" Sam asked. When she saw Radhika make a face she quickly added, "So he was ugly?"

"Honesty, I was so busy fighting with him that I wasn't really paying attention. He was so rude, its not like I fell on him on purpose."

"You fell on him!?" Asha exclaimed. "I'm so sorry...I had no idea you were going to drink more than one."

"I was wondering why you were walking a little funny," pondered a girl with wavy hair and smokey eyes.

"I got hit with a serving cart and my shoe got stuck on the chair, Toral." sighing, "I think I have a bruise."

"I guess that explains why you were talking so loud at the restaurant."

"Pooja! I was not talking loudly!"

"Radhika, yes you were," Sam informed.

"Really?" The rest of the girls all nodded with giggles. "Well, why didn't someone tell me?"

"Not like we could get a word in," Asha teased. "You just kept going on and on about some new arts and craft project you were completing."

"Well, I have you know I made four CD jewelry boxes. And they are very useful. Sam, you use one yourself," Radhika defended.

"I kind of had to..." muttered Sam. "You left it in my room for me to use."

Radhika's eyes went wide, "Not you too!" Crossing her arms, "Fine then next time if there is something really cool I'm not going to give it to you."

"Depends on your definition of cool," Toral snickered.

"Oh really?" Radhika replied. "You know those earrings I gifted you on your birthday..."

"My favorite pair? Yea, what about those?"

"I made them," Radhika smugly revealed.

"What?! No way! You are lying," Toral replied in shocked.

"I'm not," smirking triumphantly.

"No way! She's lying...isn't she?" looking at Sam. "Right?"

Sam sighed, "No, she actually made those earrings. I lost the bet."

"Bet?" Pooja asked.

"Yes, we had a bet. We wanted to see if Miss Fashionista Toral would say anything."

"Speaking of which you still haven't made good on the terms," Radhika replied.

"What did you guys bet?" Shreya inquired.

"A diamond bracelet."

"A diamond bracelet!" Shreya gasped. "You bet a diamond bracelet?"

"Well, Sam just got promoted to Manager," Asha replied. "I guess that is what your first paycheck will be going towards."

"It's not a bracelet with diamonds all around It's a simple sterling silver bracelet with a small row of diamonds," Radhika explained.

"We're not that crazy," Sam added.

"Save the expensive jewelry for the husbands..." Asha said making everyone laugh.

"So which drink is mine?" Radhika inquired.

"This one...the daiquiri on the lef---" Sam stopped in mid sentence as she saw Radhika reach for the one on the right. Before either Shreya or Asha could say anything to stop her as well; Radhika had already taken a very long drink.

"Wow, brain freeze," she cringed as she held her head.

"What are you doing? Sam asked in disbelief.

"Like I said I don't trust you guys."

"We were being truthful this time. Yours is the one on the left!" Asha shouted.

"You just had the one with alcohol!" Shreya yelled.

"WHAT?!" Pooja, Toral, and Bani just laughed hysterically at the situation. "No!"

"I guess you'll be falling on some tall, dark, and handsome men here," Bani teased.

"She'll probably lecture them to death about CD jewelry boxes and other arts and crafts!" Pooja added making them laugh even harder.

Radhika blew her bangs with a pout. "Well fine then..." putting the drink back in her hand, "you only live once...and I'm already screwed anyways," taking another sip.

"Radhika?" Sam and Asha questioned with concern.

"It's Asha's bachelorette party! Let's have some fun!" Radhika shouted making all the girls holler with glee in agreement. They did a rousing toast and then headed to the dance floor to celebrate.

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Arjun sat reflectively at the bar staring at the round clear whiskey glass. He gently lifted it letting the amber liquid swirl softly recalling some distant memory that he had carefully locked away. He took a sip in the hopes of dissolving it and then gave a fatigued half grin knowing how futile it really was. Because he knew these memories would always come back, often in the wee hours of the morning. He could still smell the smoke it was pungent in the air even now or perhaps it was the club he was sitting in. He glanced towards the dance floor knowing Neil had ran off into the crowd after having unsuccessfully convinced him to join him out there.

His ears perked to the sound of soft giggling and he turned to see a young woman wearing a slim fitting black dress. She was tall and lean like a model. The woman flashed him a warm smile and asked, "What are you having?"

"Whiskey."

"What was that?" she inquired again indicating she couldn't hear him.

"Whiskey."

"What?" She leaned closer to him forcing him to repeat his words in her ear. Arjun smirked knowingly as he told her again. "Whiskey."

She gave a satisfied smile and then took his cup from him. "Mind if I have a taste?" Arjun blinked silently at her actions. "I'm sorry," putting the glass down, "That was very rude of me. I should have asked if you liked to share."

Arjun shook his head, "You're very trusting. How did you know I didn't lace it with something?"

"Mmm...you don't look the type."

"There is no type...you can't go by looks," Arjun replied as he got up. He saw the surprise in her eyes and added, "You can keep it. And I would be careful...the next time you may not be so lucky. There are some guys here that are up to no good." Arjun then turned and walked away before she could engage him in any further conversation. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone only to grit his teeth in disappointment. His phone was still broken. The only thing they had gotten at the mall was Neil's shoes. He exhaled with an exhausted breath and headed out of the club to get some fresh air.

As he passed through the doorway he was bumped by two guys running into the club talking about having found someone. One guy with an yellow tank said his apologizes while the other one in a black and red plaid shirt bowed his head. Arjun mumbled, "It's okay," and continued walking out.

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Neil was dancing to and fro enjoying the deep bass of the music being played by the DJ. He shimmied back and collided with someone behind him. Pivoting before the person could fall on the floor he grabbed a hold of their hand. His eyes widened in surprise as he recognized the face. "Sam?"

"Neil?

"What are you doing here?" they both asked at the same time causing them to break out into laughter.

"You go first," Neil said motioning with his hand.

"My friend Asha is getting married this week. Tum?"

"I'm here vacationing with my cousin," turning his head trying to see if he could locate Arjun at the bar, "Looks like he moved..." turning back around, "I'll introduce him later. He's a bit of a downer...a little up tight...I'm trying to loosen him up." Sam nodded her head in understanding. "So, you going to introduce me?" noticing the eager faces surrounding them.

"Yes," pointing around the circle, "This is Toral, Bani, Pooja, Shreya and...Radhika? Where did she go?" looking around.

"I think she went to the bar to get some water," Pooja answered.

"Was that safe?" Shreya asked.

"She should be fine. She'd probably lecture them to death," Toral replied making the girls all giggle.

"Well, I'll introduce her when she comes back. And here..." Grabbing Asha's shoulders, "is the bride, Asha."

"Congratulations," Neil greeted.

"Thank you," Asha replied with a smile. "So how long are you staying in Goa?"

"For a week."

"That's great! You and your cousin can attend my wedding," Asha invited. She gave a sly smile to Sam, "Any friend of Sam's is my friend too."

"Thank you so much for the invite," Neil replied with great appreciation.

"By the way where are you staying?" Sam asked.

"I'm at the Grand Hyatt. You?"

"No," Sam uttered, "We're staying there too. What room number?"

"Um, 1124," Neil answered. He panicked when she grabbed his arm. "Wh-what? I say something wrong?"

"Do you own a pair of blue and white Nike Roshe One's?"

His eyes widened as he slowly nodded. "How do..."

"OMG!"

"You?" Neil uttered in disbelief.

"Haa..." Sam simply replied.

Breaking out in sheer laughter, "No way...haha...unbelievable..."

Putting her hand on her forehead, "I know...this is unbelievable...it must be fate."

Asha furrowed her eyebrows and asked what everyone else who was listening to the half broken telepathic conversation going on wanted to know, "What are you two talking about?"

"I'm really sorry. I had no idea," Neil apologized.

"He's the one," Sam explained with a smile as she looked at her friends.

"The one?" Shreya repeated with one eyebrow arched.

"I'm very sorry to have cause any stress. I'm the one who accidentally entered room 1142 and scared Sam. I ran into one of the hotel staffers and we both dropped our key cards...and they must have gotten switched," Neil explained.

"Thank goodness it was you," Sam replied in relief. "You don't know how stressed I was. But your a friend so it's okay."

"Still I'm very sorry," Neil repeated.

"Let's share a drink and call it even," Sam suggested. "After all I did throw water bottles and things at you."

Rubbing the back of his head, "And it hurt too...you've got some good aim." They both shared a hearty laugh and went to the bar with the rest of the girls to get a round of drinks.

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Kicking a small rock along the sandy ground with his shoes Arjun slowly strolled along the shore. He was not sure how long he had been wandering outside but figured it was about time he returned to the club. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and crossed the street. Out of the corner of his eye he caught sight of a group of guys circling around something. As he quietly got closer he recognized two of the participants. He had run into them earlier when he was walking out of the club. His eyes narrowed as he realized that they were taunting a woman. She was trying her best to move away from them but they continued to block her path. The guy in the yellow tank tried to grab her resulting in him getting kicked in his privates. This angered the crowd and another guy lunge towards the woman. This time she was not as lucky as he held her arm twisting it back. She grunted in pain.

Arjun did not want to get involved but he couldn't ignore this injustice. He was soon in the middle of the fray. He had freed the woman from the hoodlum's grasp by forcefully squeezing his forearm making him wither in pain. With a few swift kicks the guy was doubled over on the ground. Arjun hunched into stance as he readied himself for the next attack. He saw the guy in the black and red plaid shirt charge at him. He blocked a few punches and then used his foot tripping him to the floor. He glanced upward as he heard a scream of "Look out!" and side stepped in time to avoid a kick. He turned around and quickly grabbed a bearded fellow's arm. His eyes traveled up the length of the forearm to the fist and its intended target. He looked in disbelief at the mocha eyes staring back at him. Why? Was all he could think before he was blindsided with a strike to the gut. He held his stomach coughing and staggered to his left. When he looked to his right he saw her standing with her arms out holding a small canister of something threatening to open fire at anyone who darned to get close enough. The guy in the yellow tank decided to take the chance and was immediately peppered sprayed.

A smirk formed on Arjun's lips, "Airport girl..."

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To Be Continued in the next chapter.

Thank you again for reading! Please let me know how I'm doing and comment below 😃

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