Kabhi Na Kabhi Pyar To Hoga- chap 15 p3 - Page 2

Chapter 9

"Shahrukh!" someone called. Kajol jerked back to reality. It was one of his friends. Shahrukh let go of Kajol and looked at her. Kajol watched him leave and couldn't stop the smile spreading on her face.


"Excuse me? Do you mind? A dance?" Kajol looked at who was speaking. It was someone she didn't know. She looked back at Shahrukh who was making his way towards his friend.


"Um, yeah, sure." Kajol answered. The stranger swept Kajol into his arms and twirled her around. Then it started to get uncomfortable.


He slipped Kajol's dupatta off her and wrapped it around himself. Kajol tried to reach for it again but the man moved too fast for her. Kajol tired many times but it was no use. The man was now touching her excessively.


"No…please…give it back…" Kajol pleaded. It was all to no avail. She wanted to run but the man had Kajol locked in a firm grip.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

"Yeah…thanks for that, yaar." Shahrukh said to his friend. "I'll try and give Dad a call in Washington as soon as possible." His friend left.

Shahrukh looked at all the couples dancing on the dance floor. His gaze fell on Kajol in the middle of the dance floor. She was dancing with a man. But she seemed to be struggling with something. Shahrukh inched closer to investigate.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

Kajol was ready to give up. She was getting tired and there was no way she could run. She closed her eyes and relaxed herself.

The man's grip was hard and unyielding. Then Kajol felt his grasp loosen and with that she heard a deafening punch. She opened her eyes.

The man was on the floor and his lip was bleeding. Shahrukh was standing in front of her. At once, Kajol felt safeness and relief flood into her. She looked at Shahrukh's face. It was white with anger.


"If I ever see you near her again…" Shahrukh whispered dangerously to the man. "I swear to you… you will not live to see another sun rise." he was breathing heavily. "Is that understood? Now, get lost!" he roared. The man got up from the floor and ran. Shahrukh turned and looked at Kajol.


"You ok?" he asked. Kajol nodded. He nodded back and turned to go.


"Shahrukh…" Kajol said quickly, hoping he would stop. He turned around.


"Yep?"


"Thanks." Kajol said, smiling. "It's nice to know not all guys are the same." Shahrukh smiled and once again turned to go.


"Uh…" Kajol was unsure what to say. Shahrukh stopped again and turned around.


"What?" he asked again. Kajol grinned and extended her hand.


"Friends?" she said, grinning. Shahrukh grinned back and took her hand.


On the other side of the dance floor Rani and Abhishek were watching the whole thing.


"Friends!" Rani thought hopelessly. "God, Kajol… You seriously need to know the tricks of the trade!


"Friends!… Beautiful work, Shahrukh! Abhishek thought sarcastically. "It's so like you to go for second best… friendship… whatever happened to love at first sight?"

** ** ** ** ** ** **

After the party Kajol left for the dormitory alone. Rani wanted to stay back for a while with Abhishek in any case and Kajol also wanted to be alone for a while.


She bade goodbye to Rani and Abhishek and was about to leave when she realised she hadn't seen Shahrukh at all since the party. She looked for him everywhere but he was nowhere to be seen. Kajol guessed he wanted to be alone, just like she did and left the college.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

Kajol was in the middle of making dinner when Rani finally returned to the dorm.


"Well, well… how's it going, Mrs Bachchan?" Kajol asked boldly.


"Don't give me that attitude!" Rani warned. "I'm not Mrs Bachchan…yet." Rani added. Kajol burst out laughing.


"He's cute." she commented.


"And smart and funny and witty and…" Rani blabbered.


"Enough, enough." Kajol said holding her hand up for silence. "I get the point."


There was silence between them for a while.


"Friends, Kajol?" Rani said suddenly. Kajol looked up.


"We are friends, Rani." Kajol said confused. Rani shook her head in a hopeless way.


"What am I going to do with you? I'm talking about Shahrukh!" she said directly.


"Oh." Kajol paused for a moment. "Rani…"


" Kajol, this is just getting ridiculous. You love him, he loves you…"


"Hey, woah, woah, wait a second there. How do you know if he loves me ?" Kajol asked curiously . Rani sighed.


"Kajol, sometimes things don't have to be said for them to be understood." she explained.


"Sorry, I don't speak gibberish. Can you please speak English?" Kajol said confused. Rani scowled.


" Kajol, stop being funny. What I'm trying to say is…well, when I look into Shahrukh's eyes I can see how much he loves you and how much he hopes you love him too. I mean, I wouldn't be surprised if every night Shahrukh's prayer is that you love him too."


Kajol blinked. "Ok…most of that was gibberish too but ok… I get what you mean."


Rani rolled her eyes. "You never take me seriously…"

** ** ** ** ** ** **

"Abhi, can you just drop it? What's done is done." Shahrukh said wearily as he lay on the couch in the living room of his three storey mansion.


"No, yaar, I can't! How long are you going to hide from your true feelings?" Abhi argued. Shahrukh closed his eyes and tried his best to block out Abhi's words. Unable to do that, Shahrukh sat up.


"Abhi, you didn't really expect me to say I love you to her so fast, did you?"


Abhi shrugged. "Actually, I did."


Shahrukh sighed. "Has anyone ever told you friendship is the first step towards love?"


"Not in this case it's not." Abhi shot back. "This is supposed to be love at first sight!"


"What do you mean "it's supposed to be…" ?" Shahrukh said curiously. "Love is something that's planned you know… it just happens… and however it happens is not up to us… so just drop it and be patient." Shahrukh said.

Abhi kept quiet. He had nothing to say

Chapter 10

The next day, Kajol was at her locker, chatting with Rani when she heard Shahrukh call her.


"Kajol!!" he yelled from the other end of the corridor, running up to them. "Hi guys!" he said.


"Hi Shahrukh!" Kajol said, taking her books out of her locker. Rani simply smiled at him. Then she looked around her.


"Where's Abhishek?" she asked.


"Oh, he's gone to the canteen to get something to eat. He'll be here soon." Rani nodded. Suddenly Shahrukh felt a hand slide onto his shoulder that made him lurch in fear.


"Hi Shahrukh…" Shahrukh immediately distinguished Ash's voice.


"Crap! Not now, Ash! Please!" Shahrukh hoped desperately. Shahrukh forced a laugh. "Hi Ash." he said. He cleared his throat and looked at Kajol. She was looking at her locker and trying hard not to laugh.


"Um, that's right!" he said suddenly. Kajol looked at him.


"What?"


"I came here to give you two something." he said.


"Yeah, what?" Rani asked. Shahrukh took out a piece of paper from his coat pocket and held it out to Kajol. Kajol didn't take it.


"What is it?" she said, looking at the paper.


"Invitation." Shahrukh replied.


"Oooo… am I invited?" Ash asked eagerly. Shahrukh looked at Ash slowly who now had her arm around Shahrukh's waist. He looked at Kajol and Rani for reference. They seemed to have gotten used to ignoring Ash.


"Uh… yeah…" Shahrukh said uncertainly. "You can come if you want."


"An invitation for what, Shahrukh?" Kajol asked.


"Read it and see! I gotta run, ok? Bye!!" Shahrukh said quickly releasing himself from Ash's grip and running off into the courtyard.


"Shahrukh! Wait-" Kajol sighed helplessly. Ash grabbed the invitation from Kajol and ripped it open.

But Rani knew better. Before Ash could read one word Rani quickly took it off her and handed it back to Kajol.


"He gave it to Kajol, so Kajol's gonna read it." she said, glaring at Ash. "Got that?" she said dangerously. She turned back to Kajol and smiled.


"Um…thanks Rani." Kajol was unsure of what else to say. She closed her locker and the trio began to walk into the courtyard. She cleared her throat.


"Dear Kajol and Rani…" Before Kajol could read anymore. Rani spoke.


"Hey Ash, you're name's not here. Sorry, you're not invited!"


"Shut up, Rani! Don't be so mean!" Kajol scolded.


"Yeah! And anyways, he said I could come…" Ash argued.


"Ok, ok…you two stop your insensitive blabbing and let me read." Kajol said. She continued. "It would be my honor to invite you to my sister Shweta's 21st birthday party to be held tonight at my house at 13 Bellevue Avenue."


Ash gasped. "Bellevue Avenue! That's the richest street in town!"


"Sshhh…" Rani said quickly. "I can see it… there's more! Keep reading Kaj."


"Ok it's says… 'Rani…please come. This party won't be a party without you. I'm sure Abhishek would be so glad if you came."

Kajol grinned at Rani. "I smell something going on here." she said.


"Yeah, whatever…keep reading." Rani said carelessly.


" 'Kajol…these eyes await your arrival.' " Kajol finished. Rani looked at her in a matter-of-fact way.
"You were saying? I think something's going on…." Rani imitated. Kajol hit her lightly on the arm.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

Rani modeled herself in the mirror. Then she turned around.


"I look ok, na? I'm going with Abhishek to the party." she told Kajol who was lying on the bed reading a book.


"Hmmm?" Kajol didn't look up from her book.


"Kajol!!" Rani shouted. Kajol looked up from her book casually.


"What?" she said offhandedly.


"How do I look?" Rani asked again.


"You look fine." Kajol said vaguely. She went back to reading her book.


"It's pointless to ask you such things." Rani turned to leave. Kajol got off her bed and caught Rani into a hug before she could leave.


"You look better than the best. Now knock him dead!" Kajol said, grinning.


"Ok, I can do that! Just as long as you do the same with Shahrukh." Rani challenged.


"Very funny!" Kajol said sarcastically. Rani smiled back at her and turned to leave.


"Oi! Rani!" Rani turned back around. Kajol grinned at her.


"If he doesn't fall in love with you today, I will personally take him to the mental hospital, ok?" She joked.


"Such a sweet friend you are!" Rani said. "Oh by the way, can you do me a favor?"


"Yup, sure. Shoot." Kajol replied.


"Make sure Ash is wearing something more decent than a handkerchief, alright?" Rani said, smiling. Kajol giggled.


"Ok." she agreed. "I'll try my best. But no promises or guarantees, ok?"


Rani laughed. "Ok. But I'm leaving it to you to make her the least bit presentable."

** ** ** ** ** ** **

Kajol went back to reading her book when Rani had left. After a while the bathroom door opened and Ash stepped out.


"Oh, dear god! She's done it again. I wonder what Rani would say if she came to the party in that." Kajol thought. Ash seemed to read her thoughts.


"Didi, shut up, ok? I don't want you saying anything bad about this outfit. It's perfect for my figure."


Kajol closed her eyes and tried to think of something to say. Finally she said. "Ash…this is an engagement party. And INDIAN engagement party. With all the traditional singing and dancing. If you think you can wear a low neck dress that only goes down to your knees and is obviously a bit TOO tight for you…then you've got to be kidding!" Kajol exclaimed.


"Like I said before, it compliments my figure. I've got a body to flaunt." Ash said proudly.

Kajol narrowed her eyes and looked at Ash as if she was trying to figure her out. She thought quickly. Then an idea came into her head.


"Hey Ash! Are you sure you want to wear that?" Kajol asked.


"Of course I am." Ash said. Kajol sighed as if she had given up.


"That's too bad." she said sadly. "I wonder what Shahrukh's gonna think."


It worked. Ash whipped around and looked at Kajol.


"What?" she said curiously. "What about him?"


"Well, weren't you the one who told me that Shahrukh likes…traditional girls? Kajol said watching Ash from the corner of her eye. Ash didn't say anything for a while. Finally she said:


"Do you have a salwar I can borrow, Didi?" Kajol smiled happily.


"Thank god! Her head's not as thick as I thought it was" Kajol thought. Kajol opened her wardrobe and pulled a light purple salwar which she gave to Ash.


"There! Put that on. You'll look fabulous." Kajopl said handing her the salwar.


"Thanks, sis!" Ash said going into the bathroom. Kajol sighed and looked into her wardrobe again.

" My turn now…what to wear…what to wear…"

Finally after 15 minutes of thought, Kajol pulled out her favourite navy salwar which had a lovely netted pale blue dupatta.


She slipped it on and tied her dupatta across her. Ash came out minutes later in her salwar.


"There we go! Decent and lovely! That's wasn't so bad was it Ash? Rani, this one's for you." Kajol thought. She smiled at Ash and gave her the thumbs up sign.


"Much better." Kajol said. "Now let's-" She was interrupted by a knock at the door. Kajol and Ash looked at each other. Kajol sighed.


"I bet it's Rani…" Kajol went to open the door.


"Hey Kaj wait… it can't be Rani… she has the keys to the dorm. She would've used them to come in."


"Maybe she's forgotten them?" Kajol suggested.


"No… I put them in her handbag for her while she changing. Unless she's forgotten her handbag…"


"No, no… I saw her take it when she left." Kajol recalled. Ash's eyes widened with fear.


"Then who's at the door?"

Chapter 11

Kajol inched closer to the door and slowly opened it. When she saw who it was relief flooded through her.
"Shahrukh!!!" she exclaimed, unable to hold back her relief.


"Wow! You look shocked to see me. In case, you're wondering. I just came to check if you're coming." He said. Kajol blushed.


"Oh, no it's not that! I just… we didn't… we were expecting someone else." She managed to say.


"Oh. So, shall I go?" Shahrukh made a motion to leave.


"No, no!" Kajol said quickly. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean that…come in." Kajol said unchaining the door. Shahrukh smiled and stepped in. He looked around.


"You're alone?" Shahrukh said.


Kajol laughed as she closed the door behind her. "Why do you ask? Planning something are we?"

Shahrukh gasped and turned to face her. "Oh…my…god! That was NOT supposed to come out like that! I'm so sorry!!" Shahrukh apologized madly.


"Shahrukh, Shahrukh!! Relax!!" Kajol said calmly "If I didn't trust you… I wouldn't have let you in. Ash is with me, anyway."


"Ash?" Shahrukh hoped he didn't sound as disappointed as he felt. "She's coming then?"


"Did you really think she'd let the opportunity pass?" Kajol asked.


"Good point." Shahrukh said. "By the way, you're looking really beautiful." he said. Kajol looked down at her dress.


"Shahrukh, it's a salwar. A plain, navy blue salwar. No big deal!" Shahrukh put his elbow on Kajol's shoulder.


"That's what I'm saying! So plain and simple…yet so stunning!" he said. Kajol smiled.


"Still not giving up, are you?" she said. Shahrukh grinned.


"Nope!" he said shaking his head. "Not until you say the three magic words."


"Magic words?"


"Yup, I…love..."


"OK, ok enough. I get the point." Kajol said quickly.
"Didi, how do you-"Ash came in fiddling with her dupatta. "Oh…" she said self consciously brushing the creases off her salwar. Shahrukh leaned over to Kajol.


"She's wearing a salwar… this wouldn't be any of your magic skills would it?"


Kajol shook her head. "Nope, not mine. Yours." Shahrukh looked at Ash and immediately understood what Kajol was saying.


"Um… I'll just go check if the cab's ready." Kajol made a motion to leave.


"Are you coming with us, Shahrukh?" Ash asked hopefully.


Kajol stopped. For some reason she really wanted to hear him say yes. Shahrukh looked at her. "Of course. I wouldn't want to leave you alone." He said glancing at Kajol.


"Aww, Shahrukh!! You're so sweet to think of me like that!" Ash said giving him a hug. Kajol made another motion to leave. Shahrukh felt dread rise inside him.


"I'll come with you." He said quickly to Kajol.


"Don't be silly! Who's gonna stay here and keep me company?" Ash said, pulling Shahrukh onto the couch with her. "


"But-"Shahrukh tired to object but Kajol had left before he could say another word.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

Shahrukh was starting to feel very uncomfortable. Ash had her arms around his neck and was playing with his shirt.


"Shahrukh?" she said slowly.


"What?" he said.


"Kiss me."


"WHAT?!" Shahrukh shouted. Ash's lips were coming closer to his. He had only one hope…


"Oh, Kajol! Please hurry! Do anything, God! Just stop this nonsense." Shahrukh prayed. Ash's lips were about to touch his own when there's a knock on the door. Kajol poked her head around it.


"Excuse me? The cab's ready. Hurry, he's gonna leave otherwise." She said.


Ash looked at Kajol angrily.


"Fine!!" she yelled. "You just LOVE to ruin all my moments don't you?" Ash took Kajol's coffee mug that was on the table beside her and threw it on the tiles. It shattered.

Kajol didn't flinch. She blinked and looked at the shattered cup. Ash stomped out of the room. Shahrukh watched her leave. Then he heard the tinkle of shattered glass on the floor. He looked down,


Kajol had bent down and was picking up the pieces of shattered glass on the floor. Shahrukh watched her in amazement.


"Ouch…" she said softly as a glass pricked her skin. She picked up all the glass and threw it in the bin. Then she opened a cupboard in the kitchen and pulled out a Band-aid.


"Here, let me help." Shahrukh offered. He peeled the Band-aid and wrapped it around Kajol's finger.


"Thanks." She said softly, holding out her other hand for the rubbish. Shahrukh was still staring at her when he put his hand which had the rubbish in it on her hand. He didn't retract his hand from hers.


"What?" Kajol said suddenly. Shahrukh blinked and quickly took back his hand. Kajol put the rubbish in the bin and turned back to Shahrukh.


"Shahrukh, don't mind Ash. She can get like that sometimes. Just bear with it." Shahrukh grinned.


"Shall we go, now?" he said. Kajol went out of her room followed by Shahrukh who closed the door behind him.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

When Kajol, Ash and Shahrukh arrived at the party, Ash had managed to link arms with Shahrukh as they entered.


"Ah, Mr Khan! Welcome back!" the doorman said.


"Is their table ready, Hamish?" Shahrukh asked. Hamish nodded and let them in. The place was crowded with people in formal dinner suits.


"Ok Kajol our table-"


"RANI!!!" Kajol shouted before Shahrukh could finish his sentence. She ran to Rani spun her around and gave her a big hug.


"Oh god!! You've been away from for less than half an hour and you're acting as if you haven't seen me in years!" Rani said, laughing.


"Well, staying with Ash for less than half an hour feels like you've been stuck in her room with her for a whole week!" Kajol said as Rani gave her a hug.

"Hi Abhishek!" she said to Abhishek.


"Hi! Shahrukh was hoping all night that you'd be able to come! So I'm glad you decided to come!" he said.

Then Rani saw Ash with Shahrukh with their arms linked. "Kaj… beautiful job with getting Ash to wear something proper. But… WHAT THE HELL IS SHE DOING WITH SHAHRUKH!?" she exclaimed.

Kajol shrugged. "Who cares?" she said casually.


"You do!" Rani shot back. Kajol knew in her heart that Rani was right but she said nothing.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

Later in the evening, Shahrukh was walking among the crowd. Ash had been by his side all evening. He hadn't seen Kajol all evening. Then Shahrukh saw Rani walking alone with two drinks in her hand.


"Rani!" he called to her as she walked towards him.


"You haven't seen Kajol anywhere have you?" he asked.


"Yep, actually I was just going to give this drink to her. She's there." Rani said pointing with her head. Shahrukh looked at Kajol longingly then he looked at Rani helplessly.

Rani read his thoughts. She thought quickly and made her move. "Ash, come on. Let's go down there and dance." She said to Ash. Ash seemed hesitant about leaving Shahrukh's side.


"Um, what about Abhishek?" she asked. "Why don't you dance with him?"


"Oh, he's busy with his friends." Rani invented quickly.


"Ummm… don't you have to give those drinks to Kajol though?" Ash said, desperate to think up any excuse to stay with Shahrukh. But Rani's mind was too quick for her.


"Shahrukh can do that for me, can't you sweety?... Oh and that extra drink, that's for you. A present from me." Rani said turning to Shahrukh. Shahrukh said nothing and started at Rani.


"Thanks, honey!" Rani said handing him the drinks.

"Now, let's go Ash!" She said pulling Ash away from Shahrukh. As Rani drove Ash further away from Shahrukh she looked back at him.


"She's all yours! Make the most of it, eh?" Rani whispered. Shahrukh grinned.


"Thanks Rani!" he whispered back. He breathed a sigh of relief then looked back at where Kajol was sitting. Only, she was no longer there.

Shahrukh looked around. She was leaning on the banister looking at the bottom floor. Her dupatta was lying on her chair.


Shahrukh put the drinks down on the table and picked up her dupatta. He went behind her and slowly wrapped the dupatta around her.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

Kajol felt a pair of arms wrap around her. She did know how but she knew who it was. His grip was firm yet gentle. She felt him pull her back onto him. She closed her eyes. His grip got tighter but the gentleness was still there. Then she felt his kiss on her neck. Kajol turned around with her eyes still closed and wrapped her arms around his neck. Shahrukh pulled her closer and soon they were hugging.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

Ash was watching the entire scene from the bottom floor.


"Oh, so Kajol think thinks she can steal Shahrukh away from me with her so-called charm, eh? Well, she doesn't know her younger sister as well as she thinks! Ok, Baby Ash! Let's play this game. We'll see how long Shahrukh and Kajol can last as long as I'm around! Shahrukh will be mine! And mine only!"

Chapter 12

Kajol stayed with Shahrukh for the entire evening. They danced together, ate together and talked only with each other. Kajol had never laughed so much in her life. Not even with Rani. Ash simply watched them joking and laughing with each other.


"Make the most of it while it lasts, my dear sister. Because it's not gonna last for much longer." she thought evilly as she watched them dance in each other's arms.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

After the party, Shahrukh offered to drop Kajol, Rani and Ash back at the dorm. They accepted.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

"Oh, god!" Rani realized that she'd have to pull Ash away from Shahrukh as she got out of the car.

"Shahrukh and Kajol are obviously gonna need some 'loving time' so I guess I'm stuck with Ash again."
But then something happened that shocked Rani.


"Ok, well I'll see you inside, Kajol! Have fun with her, eh Shahrukh? Come on, Rani!" Ash said. Rani stared after her.


"Was that my imagination or did Ash WANT to leave Kajol and Shahrukh alone? "


"Rani, hurry! It's getting cold!" Ash shouted as she ran into the dormitory gates.


"Nope, definitely NOT my imagination…someone probably spiked her drink… coz she's definitely not talking like she normally does…" Rani thought as she ran after her.

"Good night, Shahrukh." Kajol said as she turned to leave. Shahrukh grabbed her wrist and pulled her back into a hug.


"I love you, Kajol!" he said softly into her ear. They parted from their hug. Kajol blushed.


"Bye, Shahrukh..." Kajol tried to leave but Shahrukh had a firm grip on Kajol's wrist.


"I'm not letting you go until you say the three magic words." he commanded.


"Ok... Thank you Shahrukh." She laughed and released herself from his grip. Shahrukh watched her run into the dormitory and smiled.


"She's just as I imagined her." Shahrukh said to himself.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

That night, Rani was amazed at Ash's sudden change of attitude. She praised Kajol that she had finally got Shahrukh. She seemed to be happy Kajol and Shahrukh loved each other.


"This is really unlike Ash. I could SWEAR just this morning Ash seemed positive that Shahrukh loved her. And we all know Ash… she won't give up on something until it's hers. So why is she being so kind and considerate? This act REALLY doesn't suit you, Ash! "


Rani pushed the thought to the back of her mind and managed diverted her mind for the rest of the evening.

** ** ** ** ** ** **
Whenever Ash got the chance to be alone, she thought about her plan to break Shahrukh and Kajol up. She knew that as long as Rani was by Kajol's side Ash would never be able to get her way. So this was Step 1. She had to break Rani and Kajol up before anything else.


She had been watching Rani from the corner of her eye for the whole evening. She smiled to herself. She knew Rani's mind was much sharper and not as accepting as Kajol's. Rani was sure to investigate Ash's changed behavior. Ash was sure of it. She could already sense Rani starting to suspect her.


"That's it, Rani. Keep suspecting me. See where this gets you. You can kiss your best friend Kajol goodbye! " she thought to herself. Her little game was starting to unfold.

Kajol also noticed Ash's behavior turn-around and she was glad of it. Ash was so encouraging whenever they talked about Shahrukh. She gave Kajol useful advice and tried to help out wherever she could.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

It was Monday morning and time for college. Rani was sipping her coffee in the kitchen waiting for Kajol. She hadn't bothered to wake Ash up. She wasn't going to listen anyway.


"Hey Rani!" It was Ash.


Rani was so surprised she spit her coffee back into her cup. "Crap!" she spluttered. "You're up?!" she choked.


"Um, yeah…" Ash said uncertainly. "Is that such a surprise?"


"Actually…yes." Rani said. Then she noticed something else.


"You're dressed in salwar?" Rani said.


"Well done, Rani. You noticed." Ash said, raising an eyebrow.


"Um….yeah… enlighten me, WHY are you dressed in a salwar?" Rani said, narrowing her eyes.


"Sorry, was that against the law? I wasn't aware of that."


"Shut up, Ash. You know what I mean. What happened to that 'so-very-fashionable' wardrobe of yours?"


"People change." Ash said simply. Rani decided this conversation was going nowhere. She changed the topic.


"Where's Kajol?" she asked.


" Coming!" Kajol yelled from the other room. Sure enough, a short while later Kajol rushed into the kitchen.


"OK, I'm ready. Let's go!" she said. Rani took one last glance at Ash and walked out of the kitchen.
Ash snickered to herself.

"Baby Ash, here we go… Rani's getting jealous already. Well, well Rani… who would've thought that that smart and agile brain of yours could get you into so much trouble." Linking arms with Kajol (to Rani's utter surprise) Ash left the dorm.


"What the hell? Did I just imagine that? She LINKED ARMS with Kajol? I thought only I did that… occasionally. Alright Ash… what do you want? Rani thought as she closed the dorm door and followed Kajol and Ash out of the building. She had to talk to Kajol about this. It was getting too much.

** ** ** ** ** ** **
It was near the end of the day when Rani finally got a chance to be alone with Kajol. The whole day, Kajol had been busy with other people. Sometimes Shahrukh, sometimes Ash. Both Kajol and Rani were also very busy in their classes so meeting during breaks was almost impossible on this particular day.


"Bye, Shahrukh!" Kajol shouted at Shahrukh as they left for the dormitory. To Rani's relief Ash was nowhere to be seen. It was now or never. Rani had to talk to Kajol about Ash now or she would never be able to do it.


"Hey Kajol…." Rani said.


"Hmmm?" she said.


"Did you happen to notice anything….different about Ash?" she asked slowly.


"Ash? Yeah, she has matured a lot, hasn't she?" Kajol said happily.


"Yeah… yeah she has. Isn't it a bit weird, though? "


"What's weird?"


"Well…that Ash has changed so much overnight." Rani said nervously.


"Well, I must admit it was a bit shocking to see Ash turn over a new leaf."


"Uh-uh, Kajol. Wrong again. It's the same leaf. There's just been a color change. The day that this leaf shows it's true colors, god bless honey, you're NOT gonna be happy." Rani thought.


"I don't know Kajol… but maybe Ash is up to something…"


"Up to something?" Kajol repeated.


"Yeah… my suggestion is that maybe you should stay away from her for a while…" she said slowly.


Kajol laughed it off. "Rani... you're getting worked up over nothing. Ash is just like that… you just gotta learn to live with it." she said as she went into the building.

Rani knew it wasn't going to be easy to convince Kajol of Ash's bad intentions. She had to be slow and steady. Otherwise, Kajol's short temper and gullible nature could cost Rani this friendship.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

Meanwhile, Ash who was still at college was sitting in a corner of a courtyard, scribbling in her journal.
"Dear Diary…" she wrote. "Today things are finally starting to go my way. In everything Kajol and I have done, Kajol has always got the better choice. Now it's time for the tables to turn. So I'm taking things into my own hands. Kajol loves Shahrukh and Shahrukh loves Kajol. But things are going to change. But I have to be patient. So here's the plan: Rani has already started thinking I'm up to something. She'll get so paranoid and in the meantime I'll get Kajol to believe I'm only trying to "help" her with her relationship with Shahrukh. Obviously, knowing Rani, she'll get so paranoid that she'll tell Kajol that I'm up to no good. And voila! Kajol and Rani will have the biggest fight over this… and my first step is complete! Then we move on to breaking up Kajol and Shahrukh… but that's for later. Yours truly, Ash."


She finished writing and stuffed the book back in her bag. She got up, dusted herself off and left.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

When Ash got back to the dorm Rani and Kajol were already there. Ash went straight to her room and locked the door. She pulled out her journal from her bag and put it in her drawer. She took out the key for her drawer from her pocket and jabbed it into the key lock.

The drawer locked with a click. She didn't want anyone seeing this book. Satisfied, Ash, put the key back into her pocket and went back outside to where Kajol and Rani sat chatting.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

It was the next day and once again Ash was up early, in a salwar and ready to go to the temple. Rani didn't express any surprise this time. On the contrary she praised Ash for "turning over a new leaf"


"Ash, I'm so proud of you." she lied. "You've really learned to become a true Indian."


Ash knew Rani too well to flinch at Rani sudden change of attitude.


"Thanks Rani." Ash replied in a sweet voice. Kajol came into the kitchen minutes later.


"My god, I used to always be the one to get ready first. Now you two are always ready before me." she complained. "Looks like things are changing…"


"Yup, things are definitely changing… things will change so much you won't recognize what happened after a while." Ash thought.


"Couldn't agree more Kajol… things are changing. And I'm not sure if they're ever going to be the same again." Rani thought.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

When they got to college, the three girls went their separate ways. Kajol met up with Shahrukh, Rani with Abhishek and Ash with her other friends.


"Shahrukh!" Kajol called running to him as she flung her arms around him. He grabbed her by the waist and spun her around.


"How was your first night without me, eh?" Shahrukh asked. Kajol laughed.


"Shahrukh, I've spent the last 23 years without you… I think I did pretty well just for last night."


"Yeah but, see… for the last 23 years you had no idea who I was. So tell me, did you dream about me? Come on… you can be honest with me… spill the beans…" Shahrukh urged. Kajol just looked at him.


"Wow, Shahrukh… you're so humble. And what makes you think I dream about you anyway?" she asked.


"Who else do you dream about then?" then he gasped in mock surprise. "Oh my god…. I know what it is! You love someone else, don't YOU?! I can't believe you betrayed me!" he said joking as he burst into laughter.


"Shahrukh!! Not funny!" Kajol scolded. Shahrukh kept laughing The bell rang.


'Ok, Shahrukh… I'm going." Kajol said quickly. She turned to leave but Shahrukh caught her by the wrist.


"Eh, Kajol… three words, remember?" Kajol smiled sarcastically.


"Nice try, Shahrukh!" as she ran off to her class.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

Ash looked at her timetable. She had English, Kajol's favorite class. Rani wasn't in this class. So it was only her and Kajol.


"Perfect. Ok, Baby Ash… let's execute this plan."

She went into class and looked around for Kajol. Sure enough Kajol was there with a spare seat next to her. Ash smiled at her and took the seat.


"Hi!" she said.


"Hey! Gosh, you're early!" Kajol said, surprised.


"Yeah… I guess I am." Ash stayed silent for a moment. Then she made her move.


"Hey sis…" she said hesitantly. Kajol looked at her.


"What's wrong, Ash?" she asked concernedly.


"Um, well…something's been bothering me a lot." she said slowly.


"Yeah…tell me." Kajol urged.


"Well, it's about Rani." Ash said after a moment of silence.


"Rani? What about her?" Kajol asked. Ash took a deep breath.


"Well, ok… I dunno… I'm just getting this feeling that… well…" Ash stopped.


"That?" Kajol encouraged.


"That…maybe she's getting jealous of you." she said finally. Kajol was so surprised her pencil fumbled and fell to the floor. Kajol ignored it and faced Ash.


"Jealous?" she repeated.


"Look, don't be mad, sis. I'm just saying what I feel." Ash said hurriedly.


"Why would she be jealous of me?" Kajol asked curiously.


"Well, I don't know… but maybe because you've got Shahrukh and she had to settle for second best with Abhishek…."


Kajol said nothing and looked thoughtful. But then she turned back to Ash. "No. " she said firmly. "You're imagining things… I mean… Rani's not like that… she wouldn't try and take things away from me like that…"


"Yeah… my suggestion is that maybe you should stay away from her for a while…" Rani's words echoed in Kajol's mind. She gasped. Maybe Ash was right!

Was Rani getting jealous of Kajol? Ash smiled to herself. Her little game had started to unfold.

Chapter 13

Kajol couldn't stop thinking about Ash's words for the entire lesson.

For the first time Kajol was doubting the trueness of her friendship with Rani. Kajol had never been so glad to hear the bell ring that day. She quickly stuffed her books into her bag and ran out of the room.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

She was running so fast that she bumped right into Shahrukh.


"Woah!" he exclaimed, catching her. "Where are you off to in such a hurry?" Kajol threw her arms around him and started sobbing quietly. Shahrukh couldn't believe his ears.


"Hey, hey… Kajol…babe…what happened?" he said gently pulling her away from him. Kajol didn't want to let go.


"It's nothing… just hold me Shahrukh…please…" Shahrukh pulled her closer and Kajol grabbed him again.


Shahrukh realized that they were standing in the middle of the corridor so he softly pulled Kajol to the side and leant her against her locker.


Slowly Kajol let go of him. "You okay?" he asked softly.


"Just fine." Kajol replied.


"Very funny. Now are you going to tell me what's got you so upset?" he asked. Kajol didn't know whether to tell him or not. She stayed silent.


"Well?" Kajol decided that he had to know so she told him what she had heard in English class. When she finished Shahrukh was speechless.


"What do you think?" Kajol asked.


"I dunno… Rani's not the type to get jealous so quickly…but I can't help but think there's some logic to what Ash is saying."


"So it could be true?"

Shahrukh shrugged helplessly. "Why not?"

** ** ** ** ** ** **

Abhishek looked at Rani as he stuffed his books from his locker into his bag.


"What's wrong?" he said. "You seem…worried."


"Well, maybe it's nothing… and I'm just overreacting." Rani said slowly as she slipped her hand into Abhi's and they started walking along the corridor.


"Rani, what ARE you talking about?" Abhi said.


"Did you happen to notice that Ash has been acting strangely these few days?" Rani said suddenly.


"Ash? Yeah…well her attitude's changed… so yeah… I guess it's a bit strange."


"I dunno, Abhi! I'm really getting paranoid that Ash is up to something."


"Like what?"


"I dunno… but I get the distinct feeling she wants something… something that Kajol has."


"What's that?"


"I'm not sure… but my instincts point straight to your best friend."


"Shahrukh?"


"Yep."


Abhi stayed silent. He wasn't sure what to say.

Finally he said. "Look, Rani…there's only one solution to this problem… if you're really Kajol's best friend and you really think Ash wants Shahrukh for herself… then you have to warn Kajol! I mean, I'm sure if I realized some other guy wanted Kajol, Shahrukh would be the first to know on my list!"


Rani thought about it. Abhi was right. She had to warn Kajol before it was too late. She nodded.


"You're right. Okay… I'll do it today afternoon. You keep Ash away from us, please?" she asked.


Abhi grinned. "Done."

** ** ** ** ** ** **

Rani quickly rushed to the college gates to meet Kajol after her last class that day.


"Hey Kajol!" she waved when she saw Kajol at the front gate.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

Kajol tried to push her suspicions of Rani to the back of her mind and forced a smile.


"Hey there!" she said. "Uhm… shall we go? We'll get late, na?" she said quickly.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

Rani immediately noticed the difference in Kajol's behavior. She decided it was just her imagination and tried not to bother about it. But her thoughts floated back to what Abhishek had said.


"…if you're really Kajol's best friend and you really think Ash wants Shahrukh for herself… then you have to warn Kajol!…" It was do or die for Rani at this moment. She made her move.


"Kaj." She said suddenly disturbing the awkward silence floating between her and Kajol then.


"Yes?" Kajol said, avoiding her best friend's eyes.


"I need to ask you to do something… it's for your own good." she started.


"Really?" Kajol said in a phony voice. "Um… what was that?"


Rani closed her eyes and prayed for the best. "Stay away from Ash."


"That…maybe she's getting jealous of you." Instantly Ash's words came to Kajol's mind. She could feel the anger boiling up inside her. She turned around to face Rani.


"What?" she said in a dangerous whisper.


"Don't get me wrong, Kajol. But Ash is really a bad influence… she could get you into so much trouble." Rani said nervously. Kajol blinked and took a deep breath.


"I can't believe I ever thought you were my best friend." she murmured. Rani's eyes widened.


"What?!" she exclaimed. Kajol heaved a sigh.


"You're despicable Rani! I know exactly what you're up to! I know exactly what you're up to! You don't think I know how your dirty mind works?" Rani stood rooted to the spot and stared at Kajol.


"Kaj… where is all this coming from?"


"From the heart, Rani! Something you don't have!"


Rani blinked. "Are you thinking straight? Why are you getting so angry? What's WRONG with you, Kajol?" Rani said raising her voice.


"There's NOTHING wrong with me! And I've never thought clearer in my life before!"


"Why are you getting so angry?!" Rani shouted back. "I'm giving you advice, Kajol! Maybe you should listen to it!"


"NO! No, you're NOT giving me advice Rani! It's all just part of your plan!"


"Plan? WHAT plan?"


"I know you so well… you're jealous that Shahrukh loves me so you're trying to take Ash away from me so you can mould my mind how you want it! I can't believe this!" Kajol cried.


"WHAT?! Kajol! Are you MAD??! What had HAPPENED to you?!" Rani wanted to believe she was dreaming and she was going to wake up very soon. But she knew it was all real and true.


"No! You know what, Rani? That's it! It's over! Our friendship! It's OVER! I'm breaking all relations with you, forever!!" Kajol cried, tears streaming down her cheeks. Rani felt the tears well up in her eyes. She blinked and the trickled down her face. She quickly wiped them away and nodded.


"Ok." she said simply. "Whatever you say, Kajol." she picked up her bag, turned around and walked away

Chapter 14

Kajol and Rani avoided each other at college as much as possible. Everyone saw the distance between the two but didn't dare confront either Kajol or Rani about it.


At the dorm, Rani remained in her room all the time and Kajol stayed with Ash. Kajol would make dinner for everyone but she would leave Rani's portion on the table and go to bed.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

One afternoon, Kajol and Ash came back to the dorm after roaming the town with Shahrukh. Outside their dorm room they saw numerous boxes line dup against the wall of the corridor.


"Ash! What's happening?" Kajol asked, surprised. Ash shrugged, confused. Kajol looked closely at the boxes, Then she noticed something that made her heart jump in dread. It was teddy bear with a 'R' embroidered into it's tummy.


"Rani…" Kajol murmured picking it up. Her mind flashed back to when she first saw this teddy bear.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

"Happy birthday, Kaj!" said a 19 year old Rani as she jumped onto Kajol's bed that shining spring morning. Kajol got up and rubbed her head sleepily. She broke into a grin when she saw Rani.


"Hi, dahling!" She said hugging Rani. Rani pulled a average sized parcel from behind her and handed to you.


"Awww, thanks babe!" Kajol said gratefully. Slowly she peeled off the wrapping paper and opened the box. She pulled out a small teddy bear. It had a golden 'K' embroidered into it's tummy. Kajol gasped lovingly.


"Oh, thank you Rani!! It's so cute!"


"Yup, I thought so too! And look!" Rani pulled out something else from behind her. It was a teddy bear, just like Kajol with a golden 'R' instead.


"We'll stay friends forever, like that love!" Rani said hugging Kajol.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

Kajol blinked and let the tears flow. She put the teddy bear back into the box and looked at Ash.


"Open the door, Ash." she said. Ash obeyed. She knew she couldn't convince Kajol to do anything right now. Kajol wiped away her tears and stepped in. She stopped suddenly. Rani was just coming out of her room with another box. Ash grinned secretly and started her act.


"Rani?!" she said disbelievingly. "What are you doing?!"


Rani glanced at Kajol for a moment then back at Ash. "I'm moving out." she said simply.


"Moving out!!?" Ash exclaimed. "But, why?!"


"I'm sure you know exactly why… and if not, then…" Rani stopped and fought the urge to say 'ask Kajol'. Rani forced a smile at Ash and was just about to go out the door when she heard Kajol's voice.


"Rani…" she said, her back still facing Rani. Rani stopped and turned quickly.


"Hmmm?" she said trying to keep calm.


"Where are you going to go?" Kajol asked quietly. Rani tried her best to hide her grin. She had been Kajol's best friend for way too long not to know what Kajol was really trying to say. In Kajol's 'language' she meant.

"Rani…if I need you, where will you be? What if I need your help?"

** ** ** ** ** ** **

Kajol hoped with all her heart Rani got what Kajol was really trying to say. She knew that even if she wasn't Rani's best friend she would need Rani one time or another. Because Rani was the only person Kajol knew that understood her ever breath, her every move. She wanted to stop her.

She wanted to say "Don't go…" but the words remained choked in her throat.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

"Don't worry, Kajol… if you ever need me, I'm always there for you. Best friend or not." Rani thought, hoping Kajol could read minds.


"Shalini's got a spare room. And she's lonely anyway. So I'm going there to keep her company."

** ** ** ** ** ** **

Kajol turned around to face Rani. As soon as she saw her face, Kajol knew that Rani had got her message. She knew what Kajol was really trying to say.


"Bye…" she said, smiling. Rani smiled softly back and winked.


"Bye Ash!" she called to Ash who was standing behind her.


** ** ** ** ** ** **

Ash couldn't believe it. "This is unbelievable! By the rate this is going, they'll be best friends before I can say 'Shahrukh'!"


Ash smiled politely at Rani. "Bye!"

** ** ** ** ** ** **

Once Rani had left, Kajol made her way towards her room.


"Hey, Kaj!" Ash called. "Where are you going? We have to go to the club today! There's a party! Shahrukh's coming."


Kajol smiled at Ash. "Thanks Ash. But I don't really feel up to it right now. You go on… and you can tell me all about it when you get back."


Ash wasn't bothered to argue. She didn't want to waste time. It was the perfect opportunity. No Kajol. No Rani. Just her and Shahrukh.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

Ash left an hour later, leaving Kajol alone in the room. She settled down her favorite armchair with a blanket, a cup of coffee and her favorite book and began reading.

Soon her eyes began to close. She was just about to sleep when the doorbell rang. Kajol jerked awake and rubbed the sleepiness out of her eyes. She quickly folded up her blanket and put it neatly on the armchair. The doorbell rang again and again.


"Yes, yes… I'm coming… jeez… what's the big deal!" Kajol said, annoyed. She made her way to the door and opened it.


"Shahrukh?!" she exclaimed.


"Hi!"


"Hi…look, I'm not going to the club… I…" Kajol started


Shahrukh grabbed her around the waist, pushed her inside and closed the door behind him.


"Ssshh… I know. Ash told me after I asked her a thousand times where you were. I'm not going either." he said.


"But… you wanted to go to that club for a whole week, Shahrukh!" Kajol said.


"No I didn't. A small mistake you made. I want to go that club with YOU!… now, if you're not going, then neither am I!" he said. Kajol smiled and kissed Shahrukh passionately.


"Mmmm…delicious.." he moaned.


"Shut up!" Kajol said, hitting him lightly.


"Ok… so what have you got planned for tonight?"


"Um…nothing really." Kajol replied blankly.


"Good. Because you're coming with me."


"Where?"


"My house."


"Your house?"


"Yup. You've been my girlfriend for two months and you still haven't seen my house so let's go."


"No, Shahrukh. I'm not really up to it."


"No way! I'm not taking no for an answer! You're under oath by me!"


"I…" Kajol sighed. She couldn't refuse as soon as Shahrukh said that last bit. "Okay." she gave in.


"Beautiful! Now get ready quickly, the limo's waiting."

** ** ** ** ** ** **

Kajol stepped out of the limo and looked at the house in front of her.


"Wow! Shahrukh…it's beautiful." she gasped. Shahrukh smiled at her and ushered her inside.
The inside was even more beautiful than the outside.


"Shahrukh!" Kajol couldn't believe her eyes. "This place…"


"Ah, it's nothing…" Shahrukh said carelessly.

"Come… I'll show you my room." He took Kajol up the majestic stairs spread over by red carpet. Kajol stared at wonder at the mansion.


Shahrukh opened the door to a room on the second floor. It was a massive room with a king size double bed a big desk with a computer, TV. The floor was lined with beige carpet.


"Shahrukh, this is like… a presidential suite." Kajol said.


"It's okay I guess…" Shahrukh said. Kajol walked around the room slowly.


"You want coffee?" Shahrukh asked. Kajol looked back vaguely and nodded.


"Thanks." Kajol reached Shahrukh desk and saw a pile of unopened envelopes with old-fashioned writing on it. They were addressed to Shahrukh.


"Hey, Shahrukh!" Kajol said.


"Yep?" Shahrukh said, busy preparing coffee.


"What are these?"


"Mmmm….one sec…" He took the two mugs of coffee and walked over to Kajol.


"What are what?" he said, handing her a mug. Kajol pointed at the envelopes. Shahrukh groaned.


"Don't even ask… they're letters from my family." he said, sitting down on the bed.


"Aww, that's so sweet of them! Why haven't you opened them?"


"God, I hardly have time to have a proper LUNCH…what makes you think I'll have time enough for these letters?!"


Kajol sat on the bed next to Shahrukh.


"Aw cmon Shahrukh! That's not very nice! They're your family. And they're missing you. The least you could do is reply to them." she said disapprovingly.


"Hey, it's not like I don't love them if I don't reply to them. But god, they're like missiles… they just keep on coming. By the time I reply to one I bet the next will come flying in!"


Kajol sighed. "Shahrukh… you take everything for granted… you're so lucky…that you have a family that cares for you so much… be grateful for what you have…because others don't have as much as you do." Kajol got up and walked back to the desk.

Shahrukh didn't know whether it was the right time to ask but he knew he had to do it sometime.


"Kajol… what happened between you and Rani?"


Kajol flinched a bit at the question but said nothing.
"You can't hide it anymore Kajol…everyone's noticed it. You guys have been avoiding each other for little over a week. So tell me what happened…"


Kajol took a deep breath. "We fought."


"About what?"


"I don't even know… it was something so stupid… it wasn't even a real fight…maybe it was…" Kajol started sobbing. " I can't believe I lost my best friend."

** ** ** ** ** ** **

Shahrukh put his hand on Kajol's shoulder and pulled her to him. Kajol turned around and felt Shahrukh's lips on hers. His fingers wiped away her tears.


Kajol looked up and Shahrukh kissed her again.

This kiss was long and lovely. Kajol felt herself back up against a wall. Shahrukh's lips parted from Kajol's and traveled down to her neck. His lips felt hot on Kajol's skin. She exhaled slowly. Her arms wrapped themselves around Shaurukh.


Kajol felt Shahrukh's fingers fiddle with the buttons on her blouse. They came undone quickly and Shahrukh slipped it off. To her own surprise, Kajol's hands released their grip on Sharukh's back and began undoing Shahrukh's shirt buttons. Kajol heard it drop the ground. Kajol and Shahrukh's eyes met for a moment. Both were breathing heavily.


"You okay?" Shahrukh whispered. Kajol nodded. They kissed again and again.


Shahrukh gently pushed Kajol to the bed. Kajol collapsed onto it, pulling Shahrukh with her.

Shahrukh leaned closer to Kajol. He was millimeters from her lips when there was a knock on the door.

Kajol moved slightly from underneath Shahrukh.


"Shahrukh… the door… open it."


"Ignore it… it'll go away…hopefully." he said hesitantly.


"Go, na Shahrukh! Who knows who's there? Go…"

Kajol pushed Shahrukh off her and slipped her blouse back on. Shahrukh sighed, smiling at Kajol.

Chapter 15

Shahrukh groaned. "Why now? Out of all the times in the world, you pick NOW to make the doorbell ring don't you?!"

He slipped on his shirt and went down the stairs still grumbling. He opened the door.


"Shahrukh!!!! HI!!!!!"


Shahrukh stood rooted to the spot, unable to believe his eyes.


"G-gauri… hi…" Shahrukh stammered unable to say anything.


"HI!! Oh my god!!! It's so good to see you again!!" she said excitedly launching herself onto Shahrukh. Shahrukh hugged her, half-heartedly.


"Um…am I interrupting something?" Shahrukh heard Kajol's voice. He saw her, standing on the stairs looking at them.


"Um…no. Not at all" he said roughly pushing Gauri off him.


"Um…right. Uh, I should probably get going." Kajol said quickly.


"Wait!" Gauri called. "Um…who are you…exactly?" she said narrowing her eyes. Kajol glanced at Shahrukh and cleared her throat uncomfortably.


"I'm Kajol. And you are…?"


"Gauri. Shahrukh's girlfriend."


"EX-girlfriend, you mean." Shahrukh corrected, glaring at her.


"Okay… I…better get going." Kajol said. "I'll, um… see you tomorrow, Shahrukh."


And she left.

** ** ** ** ** **
"Kajol!! Kajol! Wait!" Shahrukh ran up the path to Kajol who stopped and turned around. She simply looked at him.


"Let…me…explain." He panted. "She's not my- I don't-… um… I'm not her boyfriend. She's not my girlfriend. I don't love her…"


"Shahrukh, relax.. Just relax!" Kajol said, raising her voice above Shahrukh's. Shahrukh quieted down.


"I don't mind." Kajol said simply. "I know you don't love her. And I'm not threatened by her in any way."


"She- You're not?"


Kajol shook her head.


"Really? Oh, okay then." Shahrukh felt stupid.


Kajol smiled kindly. "Shahrukh, I'm not really a possessive person. And I'm not one those people that get all jealous when an ex comes into my boyfriend's life. I'm fine with it. And besides, isn't it your choice who you love? I have nothing to do with it anyway…"


"I love YOU. Not her… only you!" Shahrukh said.

Kajol smiled softly and turned to go. Shahrukh grabbed her wrist and pulled her back.


"Eh, Miss India…"


"What?"


"Three words… I love…"


"Nice try, lover boy!" She gave Shahrukh a quick kiss and ran away.


"Eh, Senorita!" He called. Kajol turned. He punched his chest helplessly. "I love you!"

Kajol grinned and blew him a raspberry kiss.

** ** ** ** ** **

"Hello? Oh hi Gauri!" Ash said picking up the receiver. "So tell me… how'd it go?… Done?…Perfect!…Thanks Gauri! I'm so happy I met you at that party and it was just my luck that you, being Shahrukh's ex, were willing to help me get him for myself! Thanks for taking all this trouble for me! Let's see how far Kajol and Shahrukh's relationship goes now, eh?… What's next? Well, don't you worry about all that… you just have to do what I tell you and before you know it Kajol and Shahrukh won't exist!… Okay, meet me tomorrow in the courtyard and we'll talk, ok? Well, thanks for calling! Bye!"

Ash put down the receiver and smiled to herself. Her plan was underway.

** ** ** ** ** **

The next morning Ash and Gauri met at the courtyard. They quickly went behind a tree so that Kajol and Shahrukh wouldn't see them.


"Okay, Shahrukh usually comes to school via the courtyard. So you know what to do, right?" Ash said to Gauri.

Gauri nodded. Sure enough, like Ash said, Shahrukh came to the courtyard. Gauri caught up to Shahrukh.


"Um, hi Shahrukh." she said, embarrassed.


"Gauri." he said stunned. "What are you doing here?"


"I just enrolled a few weeks ago."


"Oh."


"Listen, Shahrukh. I'm really sorry about yesterday." she said.


"Ye-What?"


"Yeah, I…um… I was a little jealous seeing that you had found someone."


"Really?" Shahrukh could hardly believe his ears.


"Yeah. But Kajol's really lucky to have you. And same to you. You're so lucky to have someone as beautiful as Kajol."


"Oh." Shahrukh smiled at Gauri. "Thanks for understanding Gauri."


"No problem… so we can be friends, right? Just friends, I mean."


"Sure." he said,


"Um, Shahrukh… actually there was something else."


"Yeah? What's up?"


"Um… well, you know how we have an English assignment? I think you're in my class."


"Yeah…go on."


"Um, well we have to work in pairs. I was wondering…you know. Um, uh…I'm not trying to steal you away from… it's just I need a…well you know…"


"Gauri! Gauri! Relax! It's okay. I'll work with you." Shahrukh said.


"We-You will?"


"Yeah. We're friends now, aren't we? And friends work together. So yes."


Gauri smiled. "Thanks. Means a lot to me."


"No problem."

Alright...well, that's all for today. Of course I have a whole lot more on my computer but I figured I should probably let you guys read a little at a time. So I'll be back sooner or later with some more.

Please do comment. Any feedback, good or bad, is appreciated!

Thanks!

Shal

Great ff!😳

Shal!! 🤗

You posted it here!! Aww I'm so happy!! 😳 Lekin...you should have told me na? 😕 Now my comments can be more detailed! 😉 😳 😳

Everyone's gonna love it.....as much as I do, although that's def hard...considering I'm totally and fully in love with it! 😳 😳

BTW...whenver you end it...I'm going to cry like crazy! 😭 😭

Luv ya loads,

Meera 😳

P.S. Don't worry....you'll get amazing comments! 😉 😳