Canary Mansion stood big and proud on the edge of Los Angeles, near Newport Beach. The gates were painted a shiny black, and passers by could almost see their reflections in the perfect paint. Pretty butterflies danced blissfully on the many rich-coloured flowers in the front lawn. Birds perched themselves on the walls, singing their happy songs, and bringing a smile to everyone's face. The massive white house glinted beautifully in the sunlight. This was by far one of the most attractive places in the whole of Los Angeles.
Two limousines, one white and one black, raced into the large driveway of the house, the gates almost magically opening for them. Both stopped abruptly facing the house. An elegant lady gracefully stepped out of the white limousine, looking up and the house and smiling to herself. She removed her sunglasses and called to the other girls in the limousine, who were whispering excitedly. "Our new home," Heer breathed to herself. Her husband, Prem, appeared from out of the black limousine and walked over to Heer. He laughed to himself, as the chatting girls inside the limo shrieked when they noticed the magnificent house in front of them.
Prem-Oi Heer, control your sisters jaanu…voh mere doston ko pagal kardengi
Heer elbowed him playfully, in his stomach, and Prem slipped his arm around her waist.
Heer-Tumare ladkon bhi kuch kam nahi hai…jahan khubhsoorat ladki dekhi vahan poch jate hai
Prem-Haan voh to hai. Koi baat nahi, mein usse kehdoonga ki sab ko ek hi ladki milegi
He winked cheekily at her and both of them started laughing. Heer stood on her toes and gave him a quick kiss on his cheek, before rushing off to get her suitcase. Prem did the same, shaking his head.
One by one, the gorgeous sisters of Heer climbed out of the car, their hair floating in the breeze, their graceful walks pleasing nature. Grabbing their suitcases out of the limo, they impatiently hurried towards their new home.
Aditi-It's the most amazing place I have ever seen
Ragini-And all of us living together in one house- going to be so much fun! Get ready for some real masti girlies!
Nupur-Yeah, that's bound to scare Prem jiju's friends big time
Riddhima-I wonder what the boys are like…
Aditi-Oi is boys all you ever think about Riddhima? We are here to study and start our new lives.
Riddhima-Oh c'mon, there's got to be some hot stuff in life right?
Ragini-True, but right now you guys are all single and loving it?
Nupur-I know I am
Riddhima-Easy for you to say Ragini. You've got yourself a hot hubby, who would kidnap you and you would be perfectly happy with that. And the most adorable baby girl in the universe.
Ragini blushed slightly at that comment, thinking of Ranvir in the other limo with the guys. How long had it been since she had seen him? Only 2 hours and yet she felt like the last two months had been torture without him. As if to answer her thoughts, Baby Vidhi let out a little gurgle and reached out to stroke the necklace her mother was wearing. A wedding present from Ranvir, something that she would treasure forever.
Ragini-Naughty girl
She laughed to herself and hugged her daughter closer, while the baby smiled, her eyes brightening up at the happiness in her mother's eyes.
Meanwhile, Kripa was feeling a little uneasy. While all the other sisters were happily chatting about a fresh start in their lives and exploring the area, she couldn't help but think about the guys that they were going to live with.
Will I be able to trust them? She thought. With anything? Will I be able to make friends? Oh God, I hope they aren't a bunch of insensitive jerks or I won't be able to stop myself from reacting.
She winced at an old memory, from when the sisters were living in San Francisco. This was something that had happened almost two years ago now, and had been forgotten a long time ago. Kripa had let it stay in the back of her head, where it couldn't bother her any longer. But, when they were informed that they would be living with Prem's friends, who had also come to work, the whole experience came flooding back. Suddenly, a gentle hand touched her shoulder.
Aditi-Krips? You don't look so good…I thought you would be the first to squeal and spring around like Tigger on drugs. Par ye to ulta ho gaya.
Kripa-I'm fine
She started to walk towards where the other sisters were standing, but Aditi blocked her way.
Aditi-Don't lie to me Kripa. Because, one, I know you too well, and two, you are the worst liar I have ever seen
Kripa smiled slightly at that, but Aditi could still see the concern and fear that filled her sister's eyes.
Aditi-I know exactly what's wrong and what you are thinking about. Every one of us sisters has been through something as terrible as you did. And every one of us lived through it. You know why? We forgot about it. We didn't let the bad memories take over our lives. I want you to do that too, and live life like you did before we came here. And if anything does happen, all five of us are always there for you. Got it?
Kripa was still silent, and she couldn't face Aditi. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she fought to stop them from overflowing.
Aditi lifted her sister's chin up to face her, and looked deep into her eyes
Aditi-Got it?
Kripa nodded and hugged Aditi, thanking her for bringing a smile to her face. Aditi slipped her arm around Kripa's shoulders and led her into their new life, with the rest of the sisters giggling and talking behind them.
* * * * *
In the meantime, Prem's friends had been taking their suitcases out of the limo and admiring the house. Angad had just taken some of the suitcases and bags out of the limo. He stood their strong and proud, hands on his hips. His tight blue T-shirt complimented his muscles, and his eyes filled with cheekiness as he gazed at his new home.
Angad-Dude this place is amazing!
Armaan was meanwhile drooling over the girls, who were walking into the house.
Armaan-Dude those GIRLS are amazing
Angad slapped Armaan around the head, and all the guys started laughing
Armaan-OK OK fine. You can all have one
Mayank slapped him again, and threatened to smack him with the suitcase if he didn't shut up. Then he turned to Ranvir, who was not in his normal mood for the last few hours. Jai had also noticed and stood next to Mayank.
Jai-Yo, should I talk to him, or will you?
Mayank- I don't know…he looks really nervous and frustrated. I don't want him to get angry
Jai-I'll do it…I think he just needs a bit of guy talk here
Jai strolled silently towards Ranvir, who was looking a bit lonely. He placed a reassuring hand on Ranvir's shoulder, and Ranvir immediately snapped out of his thoughts
Ranvir-Hey…great place isn't it? He said in a quiet voice
Jai-Yeah great. But you don't look like you are really enjoying this
Ranvir-It's nothing
Jai-And you expect me to believe that?
Ranvir-I'm just missing Ragini and Vidhi that's all
Jai let out a loud laugh.
Jai-THAT's why?
Ranvir-don't laugh…that's how you will feel when you have your child too
Jai-It's only been two hours since you last saw them, Ranvir
Ranvir-I know that, genius. But, I've got so used to my daughter's little laugh that not hearing it for even five minutes sets me off.
Jai-Alright, before your mood gets even worse, let's get inside.
He smiled, and yelled at the rest of the guys to get their stuff and get inside before Prem sent out a search warrant for them.
The handsome, tall young men picked up the heavy suitcases like they were feathers and made a great entrance into their new zindagi.
* * * * *
After what seemed like an age, the boys came into the mansion. All the suitcases were dumped into one of the corners of the large living room, and the girls were either eagerly looking around the new room, or sprawled across the comfortable sofas.
Heer and Prem stood at the front of the room. The girls elegantly glided into the centre of the living room and stood in a line next to their Di. They looked like a choir of six perfect angels, their wonderful features filled with wonder and purity.
The boys did the same, forming a row next to Prem. Prem began to talk about being a family and living in the same house.
Prem-I know we do not all know each other that well, but within a few days of living together, I am sure you will all enjoy each other's company. Proper introductions will be done at dinner, and once you get upstairs you should find your rooms. Now, you are all still young, and are here to study, get a job or make your career. So, I wish you the best of luck with that…
Prem's voice droned on about the rules of living in the house, and how things will happen every day. But the girls and boys had other ideas in mind…
Heer smiled lovingly at her sisters, knowing that the boys would be completely astonished by their innocent faces. Heer found Prem's hand and entwined her fingers with his, and stroking his hand gently.
Ragini was holding Baby Vidhi close to her chest, trying to put her to sleep. But the baby gurgled on, grinning because she knew how happy Ragini was to finally see her father. Ragini sneaked a glance at Ranvir, and he beamed back widely at her, winking cheekily. Ragini's heart began dancing wildly inside her chest.
Riddhima scanned the strangers ahead of her. Her eyes rested on one of them. Armaan. His eyes and smile were both filled with mischief. His red shirt was unbuttoned at the top, showing off his great body. Riddhima scrutinized him from top to bottom, but Armaan also had his eyes on her. As soon as Riddhima got to his eyes again, Armaan gave her a dazzling smile, and Riddhima's cheeks turned a lovely shade of crimson. She turned her head to Kripa, and began whispering to her.
Riddhima-Oh God…I think I've found him!
Kripa-Who?
Riddhima-THE ONE
Kripa's face turned pale. Those were the exact words she said when…when…no, she didn't want to bring the bad memories back
Kripa-We haven't been here for half an hour and all you think about is BOYS?
Riddhima realised her mistake and looked down in shame.
Kripa kept her head down. She didn't want any business with any of these guys. Not after what happened in San Francisco. For the second time, all the bad memories came charging towards her again. Like a heard of rhinos who hadn't eaten for several days and had just caught sight of some food. She trembled and tears threatened to overflow there and then. Aditi was standing next to her, and felt Kripa's mood going down again. Finding her hand, Aditi squeezed it reassuringly and nodded. Kripa managed to smile to bit down on her lip to stop herself from crying.
Aditi's hair was beautifully straightened, dancing in the light breeze that came in through the open window. She wore a light pink top with thin straps that hugged her figure, showing off her curves. The black skirt she wore showed off her great height. She had light make up on, a little bit of eyeliner and lipgloss. That was all Aditi needed to look angelic. Jai hadn't taken his eyes off her since they had arrived, and Aditi could feel that someone was watching her. She didn't know who, but she felt it was right for them to look at her. Like their eyes were made only to look at her. She risked taking a small look at who it could be. Her eyes searched each of the boys in turn, looking for a special sensation. Nothing. She got to the last guy, who seemed to look away as soon as Aditi's eyes found him. There was something about his stunning brown eyes that attracted Aditi to him. Perhaps the trace of loneliness in them, or the honesty and trust that filled them.
Mayank, on the other hand, was too nervous to even look at the girl he had set his eyes on. He didn't even know her name, and yet he felt strangely attracted to her. All throughout Prem's boring speech, Nupur was gossiping to Ragini and playing with the baby, who seemed to love her and laughed at her every move. Not once in the ten minutes they had been there had the smile disappeared off Nupur's face. That's what Mayank loved about her. Her gorgeous smile that brightened up every corner of the mansion. But every time she looked in his direction, he couldn't face her. His stomach began a belly-flop routine and his heartbeat sped up like it was out to win a race.
"Mayank…" The sudden whisper from Angad snapped Mayank out of Nupur's trance
Angad-If you act like this now, how are you going to tell her later?
Mayank-What are you on about? You are losing it dude
Angad-Shut it. YOU are the one who is losing it. If you can't even look at her, how are you going to make your move?
Mayank-Talk a little quieter. I don't want the whole world to know, thank you.
Angad ignored his comment and continued
Angad-That's Nupur. Youngest of them all. Pretty isn't she?
Mayank- Nupur…
Angad smacked his shoulder and Mayank came back down to Earth. Angad knew exactly what to do in these situations. And he was going to make sure that Mayank got Nupur, whatever else happened.
Prem was still talking and didn't seem to realise that the guys and girls were exhausted from travelling and wanted a break. Heer had noticed though, and was getting a little bored of his lecture herself. She whispered something to Prem and he immediately shut up.
Prem-OK boys and girls, now you guys can go to your rooms, unpack and freshen up. Dinner will be served at 8.30.
The newcomers breathed a sigh of relief that Prem wasn't going to continue his pointless instructions. Grabbing their bags, they hurried up the stairs to their rooms, desperately in need of a hot shower and some sleep
* * * * *
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