Arshi FF: Zindagi Ke Mausam: Part 25b UPDATED! - p.86 - Page 10

Chapter 16a

It was bright and early in the morning, the sun rays shining through the light curtains and on to the bed.

While Lavanya's home held more than enough rooms for the girls - Khushi, Lavanya and Payal ended up sleeping in Lavanya's room --- sprawled next to each other on her king sized bed. They had stayed up till 4 AM - just before sunrise and now 4 hours later - the sunlight was threatening to ruin their sleep.

Just then, Payal felt a phone vibrate - groggily she reached around to find it was her phone -- under Khushi's leg.

Payal: "Mhnph"hello?" "Hello?" "ARGH-if you're not going to speak"why are you calling?!"

"JIJI"shhh I'm sleeping!"

Payal forced herself out of bed with her eyes half open and out of the room, mindfully pulling the blinds down"darkening the room again.

Payal: If I say hello one more time -and agar koyi -

"Payal"

Payal: Akash ji?

Payal looked around and laid down on the couch. She was blinking quickly"trying to keep her eyes open.

Akash: Woh"actually...Payal? Payal?

Payal: Hmmm?

Akash: Are you sleeping?

Payal: Uh-huh

Akash: Oh I'm sorry - I'll just -

"You better ask her Akash!" "She's half asleep" "Just ask her!"

NK and Aarav kept prodding and trying to force Akash to ask Payal about the bachelorette party.

Akash: Payal? Payal? Payal?

"Mmm Akash""Payal sighed and felt herself falling asleep again. Was she even talking to him? She was probably dreaming.

Akash: Payal"you can go back to sleep, just a question - I promise, and you can go back to sleep.

Payal: Mmm

Akash: Where's the bachelorette party tonight? Payal?

"Mmm Akash - I miss you" Payal mumbled, she definitely didn't want to wake up from this dream. What"bachelorette party?

Akash felt himself become flustered. Payal had never called him just Akash and now she was missing him - she probably was asleep, he felt guilty about cheating her out of the bachelorette party secret.

NK: "BHAI!"Aarav: "CAN YOU ASK HER"

Akash: "If you both don't shut up - I swear - give me a second."

Akash walked away from them, and spoke to Payal again.

Akash: I - I miss you too. Bachelorette Party Payal?

Payal: Mmm---Elements"Can I go to sleep now Akash? She was being silly -asking him to go to sleep in her dream.

Akash: Yes, sweetheart, go to sleep.

Payal: Night - I lll"

Akash heard silence - crap! She'd cut the call. She was about to saying I ll"I lll what?!

NK: BHAI! DID YOU ASK HER?

Aarav: What she say Akash?

NK: Hello?

Akash: Huh?

NK: The party"where is it?

Akash: Elements.

NK: Oh it's - wait, what? Bhai - did you hear her correctly?

Akash: Why NK"of course I did - she said Elements - what's the big -wait. Isn't that a -

Aarav grinned: A nightclub.

NK: They're having the bachelorette party at a damn nightclub?! Whose idea was this?!

Aarav: You know what this means guys!

NK & Akash: What?

Aarav: We have to crash the party of course.

Akash: Nnooo way - right NK?

NK: Bhai - it's at a nightclub. Lavanya? In a nightclub?! NO.

Akash: You trust her don't you?

NK: Of course I do Bhai! But - think about it. Think about Payal Di - in a nightclub! Guys. Nightclub. Pretty Payal Di.

Akash: NO! I mean -

Aarav: So, are you guys going to come or?

Akash: But what about Arnav?

Aarav: What about him?

Akash: He'll never agree.

NK: Bhai's right - he'll think it's childish.

Aarav: So we won't tell him.

Akash: But he knows he's supposed to go with us for NK's bachelor party.

Aarav: So let him think just that.

Akash: You guys are going to get me killed.

---

As the evening grew near, the excitement was teeming at Lavanya's home.

Payal: When are we going to leave? And are you guys sure about --

Khushi: Jiji! Chill! It'll be fun!

Lavanya: We'll leave just as soon as Sheetal gets here.

Khushi: Who's Sheetal?

Lavanya: Sheetal is Arnav's cousin sister. She's younger than us, only 18.

Khushi: Lavanya -- you think she should be coming to this party?

Khushi (thoughts) - Uss -- rakshaas ki behen? Pata nahin kaisi hogi. Anjaliji tho bohut achi hai -- polar opposities hain yeh bhai behen.

Lavanya: Oh Khushi, chill. She was going to boarding school and believe me, I'm sure she's had crazier nights.

Khushi: What about everyone else? Pam? Sim?

Lavanya: Pam & Sim said they'd meet us there. I've invited some other girls too- they've modeled with me. They're great, you'll love them. Pam & Sim said they forwarded them the address.

Payal pulled Khushi to the side while Lavanya went to go answer her phone.

Payal: Khushi, models? Wahan models hongi? Pata nahin agar woh humein kya --

Khushi: Jiji! Lavanya bhi model hai na? Pam and Sim are a little -- different, but they're nice.

Khushi(thoughts): Kinda airheaded honestly but Khushi that's rude. Aisa nahin sochte. They just have different priorities -- that's it.

Payal: Lavanya alag hai, tujhe pata hai.

Khushi: Jiji, it'll be fine ! No one can resist Khushi ! Kuch hi dehr mein woh humari bhi dost banh jayengi!

Payal shook her head and sighed deeply, she really did hope Khushi was right.

"LAAA!"

Khushi spun around at the high-pitched voice to find a beautiful dark-red haired girl running toward Lavanya at full speed. She grabbed Lavanya and twirled her around.

Lavanya: SHEETAL I'M GETTING DIZZZY!

Sheetal: OH! SORRY! OH MY GOD YOU ARE GETTING MARRIED! I'M SO GLAD I GOT PERMISSION TO COME TO THE WEDDING! I CAN'T WAIT TILL I'M DONE IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS SO I CAN FINALLY MOVE BACK HERE! BUT OH MY GOD YOUR WEDDINNNGG!!!!

Lavanya: Okay, okay breathe. Let me introduce you to --

Sheetal finally then realized that there were two girls standing there looking at her and Lavanya. One had a hesitant smile and the other looked amused. Sheetal looked at them up and down -- they both were wearing plain shalwar kameez.

Sheetal: Who are you guys? I mean -- uh -- tum log kaun ho? That's how you say it -- right La?

Lavanya: Sheetal !

Lavanya gave them an apologetic smile.

Khushi: I'm Khushi. I'm NK's best friend and also his chachi's niece. This is Payal, my Jiji and Akash Bhai's fianc.

Sheetal: WAIT! WHAT?! AKASH BHAI? ENGAGED? TO YOU?

Payal felt herself burn up with embarrassment, was she not worthy to be Akash's fianc?

Lavanya: Sheetal ! What are you saying?!

Sheetal: CRAP. I'M SO SORRY. THAT SOUNDED SO BAD. NO NO I'M SORRY. I mean see, I knew they were hiding something from me! They knew I'd come if I knew he was getting engaged! It's bad enough I missed basically every damn party for La! Payal right? Hi Payal! I'm Sheetal.

Payal shyly took her hand out for a handshake when Sheetal hugged her.

Sheetal: Sorry -- really. So is this like a love thing or arranged thing? Let me guess! Arranged?!

Khushi decided she liked her, she was crazy (as was she), a little too forward, but she seemed to have a good heart. She was young and everything about her had some innocence and craziness about it -- like she did before --- Khushi shook her head not wanting to delve in to bad memories.

Payal: Actually woh...um..hum dono..

Khushi: Jiji is just shy, they both liked each other but it was being arranged by our families...

Sheetal moved her focus to Khushi now, Payal seemed quiet -- sweet but that's all she got from her. Khushi -- was different. She decided she needed some time to see what she was like.

Sheetal: So you said -- you're NK's...chachi's...what?

Khushi started laughing at her confusion and furrowed eyebrows.

Khushi: No need to get that complicated, I'm his best friend.

Sheetal: But I've never seen you -- every time I come to Delhi -- I mean I know he was in America for the last few years --

Khushi: We live in Lucknow.

Sheetal: HEY! That's where my family is from!

Khushi: I know.

Lavanya: Sheetal, now if you're done with your interrogation -

Sheetal: But -

Lavanya: Sheetal - don't we have to get ready for the party?

Sheetal: Oh right!

Sheetal looked at Khushi and Payal.

Sheetal: Are you guys going to like wear this to the party? I mean like Indian"wear?

Lavanya felt she was going to melt in to a pool of embarrassment, she forgot how direct Sheetal was - and young.

Payal felt awkward and began to fidget with her dupatta. Khushi grabbed Lavanya's hand and squeezed it in reassurance as not to worry.

Khushi: Actually we were trying to be a little scandalous tonight, something like leaving our dupatta's at home.

She winked at Sheetal and laughed softly. Sheetal giggled at her remark.

Sheetal: I think you should ditch it too!

Khushi: Jokes apart, we'll be changing once we get to the venue. Of course, we can always get some advice on what we should take - if you don't mind?

Sheetal smiled brightly at her and nodded. Khushi looked at Lavanya who mouthed a sorry and thank you. Khushi shook her head to signal it was no worries.

---

As they were all getting in the car to leave (thankfully Lavanya's car had been dropped off by Arnav's driver) - a sudden thought came to Khushi's mind. They all buckled in with Lavanya insisting on driving.

Khushi was sitting in the back seat with Payal - Sheetal was in the passenger seat jumping with excitement for the night to begin.

Khushi: Jiji?

Payal: Mhmm ?

Khushi: Why were you sleeping on the sofa when Lavanya and I woke up in the morning?

Lavanya: Yeah - I meant to ask you that Payal.

Payal: Why was I ---

All of a sudden - the grogginess, the phone call, the question - the dream, it all came to her. Payal urgently checked her phone as Khushi looked on with curiosity. Payal checked her phone log and groaned loudly. He had actually called.

Payal: HAYE DEVI MAIYYA!

Khushi: Jiji? Why are you using my favorite expression? What's wrong? Why are you looking at your phone? How does this - why did you - I mean sleeping -

Lavanya: Khushi - stop and let Payal answer one question at a time.

Payal: Akash - I mean Akashji called me in the morning.

Sheetal: Ooo so cute!

Khushi: What does that have to do with anything Jiji?

Payal: He"he - OH MY GOD! ARGH!

Lavanya: Payal? What happened?

Payal: THEY CHEATED IT OUT OF ME!

Khushi: What are you saying Jiji?

Payal narrated her conversation with Akash in the morning - leaving out the details about missing and almost revealing her love to him.

Khushi: HAWWW!

Lavanya: WHAT THE -- !

Sheetal started giggling at the predicament.

Sheetal: Okay - okay guys, sorry. But think about it, they obviously were dying of curiosity. They wanted to know where the party was and now that they know it's at a nightclub - they'll probably DIE trying to crash the party. THIS is where we have our fun!

Khushi: I.like.how.you.think.

Khushi saw the mischevious glint in Sheetal's eyes mirroring her own. She couldn't wait !

Res OMG!!! First place againnn hehehe, happy to see you update and double happy being on 1st to comment, let me read first, can't wait any longer;)
I loved it!!!
Hehehe I can't wait for next part, is it going to be same venue or backfire for boys I'm just hoping they shouldn't change the venue but all the boys get shocked with their dresses specialy Our Khadoosh ASR

nice..wiating the party blash...hahahaha what khushi reaction on arav and arnav...how will she over the past...

Lovely update...!!! 👏

Chapter 16b

It took me a lot of reading, rereading, editing and effort to write this. It wasn't supposed to be as long as it is but I knew you'd guys kill me if there wasn't some A-K presence in it. FYI anything in italics is the character's thoughts. Happy Reading !

Arnav: Is this a joke NK? We're at this nightclub for drinks? Why couldn't we just go to a bar?

Aarav: ARNAV - CHILL.

Akash: Mere Bhai, woh uh actually...

NK signaled his brother not to say anything to Arnav but it was too late - Arnav had caught NK signaling in NK.

Arnav: What is it? Akash what the ---

Akash: Alright, I'll tell you - just, bear with me okay.

Akash narrated the story to Arnav who felt his annoyance build up by the moment.

Arnav: Unbelievable. I could expect this from NK - even Aarav, but Akash you too?

Akash: Bhai - Arnav, come on.

While Akash was convincing Arnav to follow through with the plan, NK walked towards the entrance of the club only to be stopped by the bouncers.

Bouncer: You can't go in sir.

NK: What do you mean?

Bouncer: No one is allowed in tonight.

NK: That's not possible - you guys are open, I know for sure that there's people -

Bouncer: You are not allowed in.

The bouncer flexed his biceps at NK - making him gulp and turn around walking back to them.

NK dejectedly looked away from the club.

NK: They won't let me in.

Aarav: NK, do you forget that you're a Jha? You demand to be let in.

Aarav walked towards the bouncers who immediately recognized him.

Bouncer: Kunwar Aarav - you here?

Aarav: Yes, now why are you not letting my friend here enter?

Bouncer: Kunwar, sir - uh,

Aarav: Spit it out.

Aarav took out two crisp bills and put them in to their pockets.

Bouncer: There's a party going inside and it's been booked for the night, we are not allowed to let any men inside. They even had the management request only female staff for the evening. They did say some guys were going to come --- and we would be allowed to send them in.

NK: GUYS? WHAT KIND OF GUYS?

Bouncer: Well sir - it's a bachelorette party so uh I mean - strippers?

NK's eyes bulged out wanting to strangle the bouncer.

NK: What the fffuuu--!

Arnav was texting on his phone in the meantime, he knew his sister were supposed to come back to Delhi today but she hadn't called at all today which was very strange for Sheetal.

Text Messages:

ASR: Sheetal, where are you? Why have you not called? Mami told me you came earlier today.

Sheetal: Bhai - I'm outside. At a party.

ASR: What party? Who did you ask? Answer my phone call right now Sheetal.

Arnav put his phone to his ear waiting for Sheetal to answer and after a couple rings the phone was answered. Arnav heard loud music in the background.

Sheetal: BHAI - it's LOUD - what happened?

Arnav: Sheetal, where? WHICH party?

Sheetal: Uh I -

Just then Arnav heard Lavanya's voice in the background. Arnav hung up the call, furious. His little sister was at a bachelorette party - and there were going to be strippers? He was going to kill Lavanya!

Arnav marched up to the bouncers and they flinched at his presence.

Arnav: Move. Let me inside now or I will make sure you will never have a job again in your life!

Akash: What happened Bhai?

The bouncers moved aside and the guys made their way inside with Arnav muttering dangerously under his breath.

"How dare she -- strippers. For God's sake she's 18 years old. Someone will pay -"

As they entered the nightclub, they saw a bunch of scantily clad girls dancing to loud raunchy music. Arnav looked around and saw that most of the girls were models he had worked with. But where the hell was Sheetal?

Just then he spotted Sheetal sitting nearby with Lavanya and - was that Akash's fianc?

Before he knew it Akash and NK had already made their way to them.

Arnav was just about to walk over when the music came to a stop and the dance floor cleared as the spotlight shined in the middle of the dance floor. Everyone's eyes focused to the slender figure that had her back to them.

She was wearing a high split long sheer red top -with a red bandeau underneath accompanied by red tights. Her curves were accentuated in the barely there clothes. Her dark hair was let open in waves.

As the music turned on, she swayed her hips side to side. As she turned around, a cloth covered her face - only showing her hazel grey speckled eyes which were thickened with eyeliner and mascara.

(Please see link below to envision what she was wearing as well as how she danced)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_IW0ob9v6A

Haye Raama yeh kya hua

Kyun aise humein satane lage

Tum itni pyari ho samne hum kaboo mein kaise rahe

Jaooo --- humko tho aati sharm hai

Teri aisi adaaa pe tho fidaa hum hain

If Arnav never had a favorite color before - he did now. Red. The way her cream skin contrasted against the crimson red of the sheer cloth was sinful. He did not need the cloth to be lifted to know who was dancing so seductively --- so suggestively. Those damn eyes - one look at them and he knew it was her. She was yet to notice anyone else around her. How was she so unaware of Aarav who was clearly ogling her? How dare she dress so - s0---but why did he care? He ---

Khushi's eyes suddenly caught Arnav's and felt the blood rush through her body. Khushi looked around and saw her brother in law, NK, and Aarav were present as well. She rushed off the floor as the last of the song played.

It was then when Arnav came out of his daze and let out his breath. He was holding his breath? When - how?

Sheetal's squealing reminded him of why he was here to begin with but as he made his way to her, the models finally caught sight of him.

"OH ARNAV" "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE" "HEY HANDSOME"

They all came to him flocking, kissing his cheek, hugging him as he quickly reciprocated. As he did - he failed to notice the hazel eyes watching and flaring up in an emotion she was unaware of.

Finally making his way to the girls he saw Sheetal dressed in a short black midi dress making him clench and unclench his fists. He had to remind himself that she was a young woman and he had to let her dress as she felt was appropriate for her but he was her brother - how -

Arnav: SHEETAL SINGH RAIZADA!

Everyone except for Sheetal flinched at Arnav's bellowing voice.

Sheetal: Bhai!

Sheetal came and hugged her brother who stood unresponsively.

Arnav: What.Are.You.Doing.Here?!

Sheetal: Bhai? It's Lavanya's bachelorette party? Duh? Like -

Arnav struggled to keep his voice even, she really did test his patience sometimes.

Arnav: You are at a nightclub where there's supposed to be strippers? Is that alcohol?!

Arnav felt his voice break as he tried to control his temper when Sheetal started laughing as did Lavanya. Arnav turned his eyes to Lavanya as he began to shout.

Arnav: Lavanya HOW - WHY WOULD YOU -

Sheetal: Bhai, bhai don't - please, listen. First of all, that's not alcohol. It's just sparkling cider. I swear! You can smell it yourself.

Sheetal lifted the glass towards Arnav who nodded - he didn't need to sniff it to know it wasn't alcohol.

NK: But the strippers?

Lavanya: Are you volunteering baby?

NK: No I uh--

Lavanya: There are no strippers, never were. We knew you guys were going to come here so we decided to have a little fun.

NK: You knew?!

Payal: I was half asleep but I don't have a bad memory you know.

Payal looked accusingly at Akash who was too enthralled by his fiance's appearance. Payal was wearing a dark navy blue sleeveless fit and flare knee length dress.

NK: Bhai! Bhai- Bhai!

Akash: Huh?

Aarav sniggered at Akash who looked like he missed out all of the conversation.

Aarav: Stop staring at Payal, we know she's looking beautiful.

Payal then realized she was wearing the dress Sheetal had picked out her for earlier. She didn't plan on wearing it but was convinced with the realization that there were no men at the party. She started fidgeting with her dress, trying to pull down the dress.

Akash: I uh - what happened?

NK: I thought you said Payal Di was asleep?!

Payal: NK! How could you tell him to cheat me out of where we were having the party?!

NK looked at Payal sheepishly and then at Lavanya who was looking at him in amusement.

NK: Di --- me - I

Payal: Don't Di me!

Akash: Payal - sweet--I mean,

Payal: AAP tho apna mooh bandh hi rakhein!

Aarav: Where's Khushi--- I haven't seen her since we've...

Sheetal: What do you mean? She--

Lavanya shook her head at Sheetal. She didn't want the guys knowing it was Khushi dancing. Khushi's performance was a surprise for Lavanya. Khushi hadn't anticipated the arrival of the guys so soon. Perhaps since they were all standing at the sidelines - and since they hadn't seen Khushi in revealing attire before they hadn't figured out it was her.

Aarav: Lavanya, you've got to tell me who was that ravishing beauty dancing?

Lavanya: None of your business Aarav! That's your punishment.

Aarav: Now Lavanya that is just torture.

Sheetal: I'll go get Khushi!

Khushi: I'm here Sheetal.

Khushi had changed in to loose fit light denim jeans and a sleeveless black top. Her wavy hair was clipped on the top of her head. Her eyes still were lined with thick liner and her lashes with mascara. Her lips were devoid of any color and her cheeks had a tinge of pink from the stare she felt burning her skin.

Khushi heard the conversation, no one realized it had been her performing and she thanked her Devi Maiyaa for that. She shuddered at the thought of her best friend and brother in law seeing her like that. So embarrassing! They didn't expect them to be at the party so soon - the bouncers were supposed to signal them!

Arnav's fingers itched to remove the clip from her hair and her waves cascade down to her waist. She looked so desirable even with the change of outfit. He realized it was the first time he'd ever seen her in western attire.

Did I just define her as desirable? I've lost my damn mind.

Why is he staring at me? Does he know it was me? No"how would he know? No one else seemed to figure it out.

NK: Is that you Khush? You look--dare I say, beautiful?

Khushi rolled her eyes and NK's comment.

Aarav: I think beautiful isn't the right word. Khushi's beauty surpasses the spectrum of beautiful. You never fail to surprise me Khushi.

Khushi hated being the center of attention, what was she even supposed to do when complimented in such a way? It wasn't that Aarav's compliments made her uncomfortable, they couldn't. His words seemed so sincere - which was what made Khushi nervous. She wasn't a stranger to male appreciation but not feeling uncomfortable - was new.

Khushi: Thank you.

Wait - was that my voice? Why do I sound so shy? Am I shy? I'm smiling. Look down Khushi. Look down.

Aarav looked at her downcast eyes and smile and felt the initial attraction towards Khushi become something more.

NK: Let's head out of here?

They all headed out of the club when Khushi remembered she'd forgotten her bag in the bathroom.

Khushi: Mein abhi aati hoon! Just need to grab my bag. I'll meet you by the car.

Khushi ran to the bathroom to grab the bag and as she headed out she saw him standing by the exit.

Dhak dhak, dhak dhak, dhak dhak. Is that my head? Wait"is that my heartbeat?

Khushi placed her hand against her heart and felt the increase in her heartrate.

I just need fresh air. That's it. Yeah. Aur kya. Performance ki wajah se - that's why my heart's beating fast, that's all. But Khushi, that was 20 minutes ago. Shut up Khushi--- why are you trying to be logical now? It was the performance and that's it!

Khushi: Excuse me.

Khushi tried to see if there was a way out but he was standing right in front of the exit.

Khushi cleared her throat but kept her eyes averted from his. If she looked in to his eyes, she knew she'd be screwed.

"Excuse me".

"I heard you the first time."

"Tho phir haht tha kyun nahin hai? Tax lagta hai kya?"

"I heard that"

"Shit."

"I heard that too"

Khushi took a deep breath and looked up at him.

Devi Maiyya. Why? Aap ne iss rakshasa ko aisi aankhein kyun di? Khushi! What happened to your resolve?! Stop staring at his--molten brown eyes--chocolate--they reminded her of chocolate---you're losing focus again Khushi! Just ask him to move so you could go. Yeah - simple as that.

Her damn eyes. Why did she have to stare in to his eyes like that?

"Humein jaana hai. Sab intezaar kar rahe honge"

Arnav took a step towards her and she took a step back.

Khushi: Aap -

Arnav: Mein -

Khushi: Paas--

Arnav: Aaoon?

Did he just - flirt with me?! Is he smirking?

"KHUSH! DID YOU GET LOST? HURRY UP! ARNAV ARE YOU DONE WITH YOUR PHONE CALL?!"

"Woh --mein--AAYI!"

Khushi tried to side step him and walk towards the exit when she felt his hand clasp on to her wrist, twisting her arm, pulling her back against his chest. Khushi felt her heart thudding erratically - she was going to have a heart attack today.

Please don't kill me for how I left off the chapter! I couldn't figure a satisfactory way to end it without ruining the chapter -- so a cliffhanger it was.

Res thanks for pm, a beautiful cliffhanger...well written update..funniest was NK got stopped by bouncer,, I hope next one soon:)