||Love Without Borders|| Pt. 27 Pg. 18 (8/21) - Page 8

If I say anything...anything at all...the mazaa will be gone! 😛

Part 15

MSN Conversation

Maya: Hello! You've like disappeared off the face of the earth! Do we need to send a search party? 😆

Rushvi: Oh shush you! 😛 you should be one to talk! Why haven't I gotten any FB messages from you? Did you not read my last one?

Maya: Uh oh! 😕 I'll go check. I haven't been on FB in forever.

Two minutes later

Maya: OMFG! Are you kidding me? That whole afternoon with Robert sounds to die for!!!

Rushvi: Teehee😳

Maya: that is like beyond amazing! 😛😃

Rushvi: I know! 😃 But you tell me, how is it possible that YOU, who lives off FB hasn't had time to go on?

Maya: work...😔

Rushvi: why would I believe that? You used to come on before...

Maya: I've been busy..

Rushvi: with? 😉

Maya: Everyone! 😳

Rushvi: I'm interested in one name actually

Maya: the only name you're interested in is Robert! 😳😛😉

Rushvi: Ha-ha-ha😆 Why do I get the feeling you're not telling me something?

Maya: It's not a huge deal...

Rushvi: meaning there is something though...?

Maya: kinda....and I might uh....have developed a tiny crush...

Rushvi: Ohh! On? Alekh?

Maya: *shakes head* He's with Arushi! I haven't told you yet have I? The way they hit it off was totally awesome! Kinda like love at first sight, and you know me, I'd never believe in that.😛 But with them...it was just there.

Rushvi: That's totally cute! 😃 So then....your crush must be....Harshad? *mock shock* About time! So then what's the big deal?

Maya: ugh....okay so the four of us, Sushant, Rinkz.... him and me made plans for dinner but then Rinkz and Sushant didn't show up.

Rushvi: ooooo😳

Maya: stop oohing! 😛 Um so then we got a table and the waiter came to ask him for drinks, he ordered his and the waiter asked, "what will your date have," so I was about to interrupt when Harshad stopped me and ordered my drink. Then I kinda sorta might've flirted...

Rushvi: details 😛

Maya recalls everything that happened on her dinner with Harshad

Maya: so that was it...

Rushvi: why didn't you?

Maya: why didn't I what?

Rushvi: kiss him? You SO wanted to.

Maya: shut up! I did not!

Rushvi: Oh whatever. But that's why you've been kinda MIA

Maya: *nods* And cus I'm confused if I should even like him.

Rushvi: Of course you should like him provided there's nothing wrong with him.

Maya: of course there's nothing wrong with him. I just wonder—would he ever think of me like that?

Rushvi: He might—you won't know until you confess though, but anyways, enough philosophy. It's late there, you should sleep. I'll message you later, but this time I expect a response.

Maya: *salutes* yes ma'am!😛 Bye!

Rushvi: Bye!

At Harshad and Rinki's Apartment

"I'm going to kill her," Harshad mutters under his breath as he paces in the elevator. When the doors open on his floor, he speed walks to his apartment and quickly inserts the key to open the door. "Rinki! Rinki! Rubina! Where are you?"

"I'm in here!" Rinki calls out from one of the room in the hallway. "Sushant I've got to go, I'll call you later?" She flips her cell phone shut and flops up on her bed and raises her eyebrows at Harshad. "What's up?"

"Why did you do that?" He leans against the door frame.

"Do what?" Rinki asks back with a confused look on her face.

Harshad sighs. "You shouldn't have basically set us both up for a date type situation. It was awkward and we both felt uncomfortable, and more than that, it was just weird, and not something I ever expected my little sister to do. Especially with you being a medical professional. Your fianc, I could see doing something like that, but tum Rinki? Kyun kiya tumne aisa?"

Rinki has a smile on her face while Harshad rants at her, finally she speaks up. "You enjoyed it though na?"

Harshad rolls his eyes and walks towards her balcony. "I don't even know what the feeling was Rinki. I don't think I've ever felt it, not even with Sanjana, meaning it might not even be a romantic feeling or anything."

Rinki follows him out while shaking her head. "Then what do you think it was?"

"I don't know Rinkz, I just felt connected with her you know? In a way I've never felt with Sanju, and I did love Sanjana."

Rinki just silently looks at him.

"What?"

"Did you ever REALLY love her?" She says softly.

"You don't think I did?" Harshad asks.

Rinki shakes her head. "I never saw the glint in your eyes when you see Maya when you were with Sanjana; and the way you go on and on about Maya doing this today, Maya doing that," She sighs. "It was never like that with Sanjana," She walks towards him and hugs him. "Even if you're confused right now, I can tell you're happy. And that's all that matters to me!"

Harshad smiles as he hugs his little sister back. "I am happy, but I need to figure it out before it gets worse,"

In Los Angeles

Rushvi makes her way from her last class towards her car. "What an exhausting day? Ugh...I don't think it could get much worse," Right then her cell phone rings, she smiles as she check the caller ID, "Or it could just get much better," She clicks on the green button. "Hello?"

"Hey," her spine tingles as she hears Robert's soft greeting.

"How are you?" she asks.

"I'm okay and you?" He asks back. "You sound kinda low,"

"No, I'm just tired," Rushvi tells him.

"Oh okay then," Robert says quietly.

"So what's new with you?" Rushvi asks.

"Oh you know typical promotion stuff. How about we have dinner tonight to talk about it?" Robert suggests.

"That's fine with me, lemme just call home and let them know that I have to study or something,"

"I hate making you lie," Robert sighs.

"It's for the best, believe me," Rushvi replies as they hang up with Robert telling her he'll call her back with details.

Rushvi clears all the details with her parents and makes plans to meet Robert at a beach cafe at 7 pm. When she arrives there, she notices the whole restaurant empty. "What in the world?" She mutters under her breath. "Did I get the wrong name of the restaurant," she takes out her cell phone to call him, but it rings before she can do anything.

"Hello?"

"You look beautiful," Robert's voice sends chills down her spine.

"Where are you?"

"At a perfect place where I can see you without you seeing me," He answers.

Rushvi smiles and shakes her head, looking around for him. "Robert please?"

He sighs, and steps out of the shadows, grinning as her face lit up seeing him.

"Why'd you do that?" She asks, as she steps closer.

He shrugs. "Felt like it,"

"So why is this date so fancy?" Rushvi asks as he holds out a chair for her. "And why is there no one else in the entire restaurant?"

"I had them reserve it just for us," Robert answers casually as he sits down across from her.

"Yes, but why?" Rushvi asks.

"So that we'd get some time alone and also so that no one could post some tabloid about it," He smiles crookedly at her.

"Smart, but who's to say no one followed you here?" She raises her eyebrows.

Robert pretends to scratch his chin. "My car is currently making rounds in Beverly Hills with a driver who has the same hair as me. So don't worry about it," he gives her a shy wink.

Rushvi's mouth forms an 'o.' "You actually found someone with hair like you to drive it?"

Robert nods. "Apparently it's quite a fad here,"

"I've noticed," Rushvi grins.

A waiter comes and takes their order for drinks and appetizers.

"Seriously though, any particular reason for such a fancy date?" Rushvi asks.

"I wanted it to be enough for the whole time I was gone," Robert sighs.

"Where are you going?" Rushvi frowns immediately.

"Paris, I've got a fan event there," He says slowly.

"For how long?" Rushvi asks.

"I'm pretty sure it's a week," Robert says.

"Paris huh? Models with pretty long legs," Rushvi mutters.

"Rushvi," She looks up. "Are you by any chance feeling jealous?"

She takes her napkin from her lap and starts fiddling with it. "What gives you that idea?"

"You're fidgeting," He grins.

"You're not allowed to know me so well!" She frowns. "Only Maya does,"

"Maya?" Robert asks.

"I've never mentioned Maya to you have I?" Rushvi asks.

Robert shakes his head. "But by the looks of it, you two are pretty close,"

Rushvi nods. "She's one of my best friends,"

"Where is she? I would've thought that we would've met," Robert asks.

Rushvi lets out a laugh. "She's in India, so good luck with that meeting!"

Robert shakes his head. "Wow, that's far, you must miss her."

Rushvi nods. "It's okay we talk on msn, and have facebook and we text; so it's not bad."

"Good, then at least you won't be totally miserable without me," He winks at her.

"Hey! Who said I'd be miserable at all?" Rushvi contradicts.

"Wouldn't you be?" He asks in a husky voice.

Rushvi's face slowly turns red and she looks away. "Yeah—I will be."

"I'm sorry," Robert says again.

"You don't have to be sorry," Rushvi says.

"But I feel bad," Robert says.

"Then don't go," Rushvi says.

"Really?"

"No! I'm kidding, God." Rushvi shakes her head. "I'm not going to stop you from your job,"

"That's one of your best qualities," Robert says taking her hand in his.

Rushvi sighs. "Thank you, for all these moments together,"

"Why are you saying thank you? They're not over yet." He squeezes her hand.

"Okay," She grins as the night goes on.

Slowly they do their signature walk along the beach and just sit down on the blanket Robert had brought with him. Rushvi smiles as she sees the moon rising into the night sky. "It's so gorgeous here,"

"You're more beautiful," Robert says, slowly raising his finger to brush a stray strand of her hair away.

"Robert," Rushvi starts till he puts his finger on her lips. As her breathing slows down, he takes his finger away and slowly lowers his lips down to hers.

Then they get up and walk towards his car, and as he's driving towards her house, Rushvi stares out the window. He pulls up outside her house and turns of the car. "I promise to text you before my flight and after I get there,"

Rushvi smiles and quickly puts her lips to his.

"I'm going to miss you," Robert says as he leans his forehead against hers.

"I'm going to miss you as well," Rushvi sighs.

"Maybe next time you can come with me?" Robert asks.

Rushvi grins and nods. "I'd love that."

She gets out of his car and slowly walks towards her house, contemplating her fate the entire way. She was always one who cursed herself for the way nothing worked for her. Now she was eating her words. She couldn't believe that for the first time in her life, something happened that she'd always wished for, but then she bit her lip. What if she cursed it?

So how was it? 😛 I hope everyone enjoyed it! 😃 I'll update soon! 😳

Love you all loads,

Meera and Rushvi

Part 16

Maya sighs as she hears her doorbell go off the next morning, but to her surprise it wasn't Harshad as usual but Alekh instead, looking miserable.

"What's wrong?" She asks.

"She's gone," He simply says.

"Who's gone?" Maya asks.

"Arushi," Alekh replies. "Or do you not remember your friend after she leaves?

Maya rolls her eyes as she goes down to the parkade with him. "I remember her. I also remember that even though she came to visit ME, it was YOU who took her to the airport."

"Right," Alekh grins nervously. "You're not upset with the whole thing are you?"

"With you and Aru being together?" Maya asks as Alekh pulls onto the highway.

"Yeah,"

"Why would I be upset?" Maya asks.

"I don't know," Alekh shrugs.

"Well I'm not," Maya smiles at him.

"Good, so then you tell me," He prods.

"Tell you about what?" Maya asks.

"I heard you had dinner with Harshad a couple nights ago?"

"Yes...so?" Maya asks.

"How was it?" Alekh asks.

"Perfectly enjoyable," Maya answers in a mono-tone voice.

Alekh pulls up outside the studio and Maya gets out. "Thanks, are you going to pick me after?"

Alekh shakes his head. "Harshad said he'd drop you,"

"You talked to him?"

"Haan kyun?"

"He was supposed to call me last night, but when I called him, he said he was busy!" Maya frowns. "Anyways tum jao. I'll see you later!" Alekh nods and leaves, while Maya walks onto the set still in a confused daze.

"Maya!" Rinki snaps her fingers in front of Maya's face. "Kaisi ho?"

"Hey Rinkz!" Maya gives her a hug. "I'm okay and you?"

"Not bad," Rinki says once they part. "I don't like your new storyline,"

Maya looks at her in a confused way. "What's wrong with it?"

"My brother and my fianc are going to Darjeeling!" Rinki tells her.

"Oh right! For the honeymoon sequence," Maya smiles. "Are you jealous of Vaishali, since she is playing Sushant's wife??"

"No," Rinki sulks. "But our wedding's in two weeks and he's leaving for a week tomorrow," Rinki says. "I need help with the final arrangements and stuff,"

Right the announcements go off. "Maya report to set 2; Maya report to set 2,"

"I've gotta go, but I'll call you soon okay?" Maya says as she rushes towards set 2. When she gets there she doesn't see Nivi anywhere, who she assumed paged her, so she checks with Additi, Harshad's co-actor on the show.

"Hey Additi,"

"Hmm?" she asks in between getting her makeup done.

"Do you know where Nivi is? She paged me."

"Usne tumhe page nahin kiya. Harshad ne kiya tha and he's in his makeup room right now," Additi tells her.

Maya walks towards her makeup room in a dreading way and knocks.

"Since when do you knock?" He calls to her.

"Since now," she opens the door and sees him buttoning up his sherwani. "Why'd you page?"

"Oh—umm I wanted to know if you're coming with us."

"Where?"

"To Darjeeling for the shoot," Harshad asks as he throws his dupatta around his neck.

Maya shakes her head. "No I don't think so," she takes one look at his lopsided dupatta. "Tum kabhi bhi yeh theek tara se nahin pehen sakhte kya?" She walks towards him and puts her arms around his neck to fix it. Slowly though her skin starts to feel warm and so she looks up and sees Harshad staring down at her. Her stomach starts doing flips as she re-adjusts it. "There," She walks back to where she was. "Okay well I'm going to be in my office. Call me when you're ready to leave" Maya tells him.

"Maya," he calls before she leaves so she turns back.

"Hmm?"

"Never mind," he smiles at her.

She rolls her eyes and walks out of the room.

Later that afternoon, Harshad goes up to Maya's office and knocks twice but get's no answers so he calls out her name but she still doesn't respond and so he peeps inside and smiles at what he sees.

Maya is sitting at her desk with her head down fast asleep. Harshad slowly tip toes towards her and screams in her ear!

"AHHHHH!!!! Harshad Chopra! Main tumhe maar dalungi!" She screams as she jumps up.

"Maar to diya," Harshad mutters as he jumps out of her reach.

"Matlab?" She stops and asks.

"Kuch nahin." He smiles. "Ghar chale?"

"Chalo," She smiles back and grabs her stuff and follows him out of the studio.

When he gets to her apartment building he shuts off the car.

"What are you doing?" Maya asks, as she opens the door.

"You're not going to invite me?" He pouts.

"Uh—no?" Maya laughs. "You've got to leave early tomorrow morning na?"

He slowly nods. "I wish you didn't write that honeymoon type storyline."

"The viewers would have died if it wasn't there," Maya giggles.

"Yeah—but I don't want to go so far."

"Why not?"

"I—uh," He looks down at his fingers. "I'll miss everyone here."

Maya sighs. I'm going to miss you, "Don't worry. You'll be back so soon, you won't have time to miss anyone,"

"I'll have time to miss you," He smiles up at her.

Did he just say that? Maya shakes her head. "Why's that?"

"I see you almost every day," He answers.

"Right."

"Why, did you think it was something else?"

Maya shrugs. "Who knows? Anyways—have a nice flight. Bye!"

Harshad watches her walk into her building till she slowly backs out and smiles at him and shakes her head as she walks back inside.

Sparks are flying! And aww both the girls are going to be separated from who they love now! 😔 What will happen?

Love you all,

Meera & Rushvi😳

Part 17

Rushvi sits down on her window seat right as her cell phone rings and so she jumps up and grabs it. "Hello?"

"You sound out of breath?" Robert says softly. "Were you waiting for my call?"

Rushvi nods and then shakes her head realizing he couldn't see her either way. "No, I wasn't."

"You weren't?"

"Well I was...okay fine I was waiting," Rushvi admits.

"I knew it," Rushvi could tell there was a smile in his voice. "I don't want to go,"

"I don't want you to go either, but you have to go," Rushvi says sadly.

"It's okay, don't they all say, 'absence makes the heart grow fonder?"

Rushvi giggles. "I don't think I could be fonder of you if I tried,"

"Oh really?" Rob asks in a teasing tone.

"Who couldn't you be fonder of?" Reena bursts into Rushvi's room.

"Uh—" She holds the phone to her ear trying to think of who to say. "Uh Maya! It's Maya on the phone."

"Oh, tell her I say hi!" Reena smiles.

Rushvi starts panicking. "Um MAYA, Reena says hi and I'll talk to you later?"

"Oh—someone's there? That's okay. I'll call you when I land. I'll miss you,"

"Uh huh..." Rushvi answers back distractedly.

"What's the matter?" Robert teases. "I'm sure you can say miss you too, to Maya right?"

"Fine," Rushvi smiles at Reena hoping she'd leave but to no avail. "I'll miss you too,"

"That sounds nice to hear. Bye!" Robert hangs up and Rushvi holds her phone in her hand.

"What do you mean you'll miss Maya??" Reena asks. "Hasn't she been in India for the past few months? And you're looking a t the phone like its gold or something,"

It is gold for me Rushvi makes a face. "Stop listening to my conversations! I've got to sleep." Rushvi proceeds to push Reena out of the door and then walks over to her desk and boots up her laptop. Then she goes to her favourite Robert blog and is surprised to already see tons of pictures from the airport. She giggles realizing he's on the phone in EVERY picture, talking to her. She scrolls down to read all the comments.

".....look at that smile. I'd DIE to be around him!...."

".........Who could he be talking to?....."

"....maybe his mom.....?"

"....no way! It must be a girl..."

Rushvi laughs reading all of them and then logs off to get to sleep.

At College

"Hi Sere!" Rushvi greets her best friend while sliding in next to her in class.

"Hi," Serena responds.

"Something wrong?"

"No," Serena answers back.

"Do you know where Prof is?"

Serena just shakes her head

Rushvi decides to wait until after class to find out what's wrong with Serena. When they finally get to the cafeteria she holds her elbow and sits her down. "What's going on?"

"What do you mean?" Serena asks, looking away.

"Sere, look at me at least." Serena looks at Rushvi and raises her eyebrows. "What's wrong?"

Serena shakes her head. "Aren't we friends?"

"Yeah! That's why I want to know!" Rushvi says.

"Well then why don't we EVER spend time together?" Serena asks. "And Robert's your boyfriend," Serena whispers. "I deserve to at least meet him right?"

"Aww of course you do Serena!" Rushvi sighs. "I'm so sorry; it's just been really hectic, with the sneaking around and all."

Serena notices the glum look on Rushvi's face and finally let's go of her anger to find out what's wrong. "Are you okay though?"

Rushvi looks up. "What?"

"You seem down right now," Serena points out.

"Robert's gone for a week,"

"Oh—why'd he go?" Serena asks.

"He had some publicity event," Rushvi tells her. "But you know what?"

"What?"

"This entire week, we're spending together! We'll do all the stuff that we always do! And I promise, whenever Robert comes back. We three will go somewhere together, and I really want you to get to know him!" Rushvi says happily.

"Really?" Serena asks, smilingly.

Rushvi nods. I'll need a distraction anyways, Right then her cell phone beeps.

Hey....miss you already, I've landed here. I'll call you later on! xx"

Rushvi smiles sadly looking at the text, and then looks up at Serena, "Speak of the devil," Serena grins and walks away, letting Rushvi text in peace.

I miss you too, come back soon! <3 xx"

In Mumbai

Maya sits on her balcony with a hot cup of coffee staring out at the night lights when her cell phone rings. "Hello?"

"Hi Maya, I'm so sorry for calling you this late," Maya checks her watch and sees that's its after 1am.

"Don't worry about it Nivi. Something wrong?"

"I won't be able to go with the rest of the cast for the shoot in Darjeeling; will you be able to go?" Nivi asks.

"I can go," Maya says reluctantly.

"Great. My ticket will be at the Jet Airways counter. The flight is at 8am."

"Thank you ma'am,"

"I should be thanking you," Nivi says when they hang up.

Great. So now I do have to go to Darjeeling. This will be fun. Maya shakes her head as she heads inside to start packing. Her phone beeps again, so she goes and checks it.

I'm bored...

Maya shakes her head and replies back to Rinki. Is your dear Sushant not available to talk to? 😛

He's packing for tomorrow...😔

Maya sighs as she types her response.I should do that too..

You're going? 😃

*nods* You seem happy..

Yup...you can make sure nothing happens with Vaishali

Maya giggles. I knew you were jealous!

I'm not jealous really...but oh I'm glad you're going. The two guys will have company...

Maya groans. That's what I'm confused about...

What?

It's complicated Rinkz, can I call you sometime tom maybe? Maya shakes her head. It shouldn't be this complicated though, we're friends, and I don't want to ruin that friendship at all...

Works for me 😛Have a good trip!

Early the next morning Harshad wakes up, gets ready and grabs his suitcase to go downstairs to his car, and then rubs his eyes a few times.

"Maya!?" Harshad goes over to Maya standing by his car and smiles his trademark smile. "You're missing me already and I haven't even left yet. Are you here to kiss me goodbye?" He winks at the end of that sentence leaving Maya completely stunned.

Did he just say that, or am I hearing things? She keeps her mouth in an 'o' until he laughs at her, causing her to snap out of it. "No—I'm here because I have to come to the shoot, and I was wondering if you'd give me a ride to the airport. I didn't want to wake Alekh." Maya smiles innocently to him.

If only she didn't mention him..." Harshad just smiles at her. "Like I could say no to that smile,"

"What was that?" Maya asks.

"Oh nothing. Course you can have a ride. Do you have your suitcase?"

Maya holds it up, and he takes it to put away in the trunk leaving Maya alone and smiling. The smile ALWAYS works,

So I thought both couples were going to be split up, guess not huh? 😛 Hope you all liked it! 😃

Love you all,

Rushvi and Meera😳

Part 18

Rushvi's lounging around on her couch watching E! News and both her sisters are sitting there reading. Then a report about Robert comes on and immediately catches all three's attention.

"Reports have been coming in about the new girl in heartthrob Robert Pattinson's new dating scene. Sources say that he's been texting and calling a girl while he's on his promotional tour for Twilight in Paris. When we get more details we'll report them back to your loyal viewers."

Rushvi smiles to herself as she lowers the volume.

"Why are you smiling? Isn't this horrible news? You're totally in love with him," Reena looks at her surprised while Roshni just observes them both.

"Well I do love him....but at least he's happy with someone," Rushvi tries to explain.

Reena bursts out laughing. "YOU are happy about it? No way," she shakes her head. "I KNOW you. You were freaking out two months ago when he was linked with one of his co-stars; you nearly went into depression until HE personally confirmed that they were just friends."

Rushvi groans. "I was just a little dramatic then. I have a feeling this girl is right for him," Rushvi smiles. "And besides...leave me alone!" She sticks her tongue out and walks to her room. The minute she gets in her room her cell phone beeps. She lies down flat on her bad and reads it.

Miss me? 😉

More than you know, but I'm apparently your secret girlfriend now, just thought you should know,

You wouldn't be a secret if we could help it,

Right as Rushvi's about to hit the reply key, Roshni walks in and Rushvi throws her phone to the side. "What are you doing?"

"Oh so now I can't even check my messages without checking with you first?" Rushvi groans.

Roshni doesn't say anything in response but just walks out of her room with a look in her eyes that made Rushvi believe she might know what's going on. Rushvi shakes her head and takes out her phone again and replies quickly to Rob and then sighs. Right then her phone starts ringing.

"Hello?"

"Hello!" Serena greets her on the other end. "How are you?"

"I'm okay why?" Rushvi asks.

"Because you definitely don't sound it; something wrong?"

Rushvi sighs. "I'm not totally sure,"

"What do you mean?" Serena asks.

"I think Roshni knows," Rushvi whispers into the phone.

"Knows what?" Serena asks.

"About Rob," Rushvi answers.

"What? How?"

"All these stupid reports of him 'secretly dating' someone!" Rushvi groans. "Not doing good for me,"

"Obviously," Serena says sympathetically.

"Anyways—enough about all that. Has Jai called you or anything yet? Because if he hasn't, you're wasting your time with that idiot,"

"Shush Rushvi. I like him. But no he hasn't called yet." Serena says sadly.

"We'll change that around," Rushvi says happily. "Since I've got absolutely nothing to do this week, I'm going to get you two together now!"

"Umm Rushvi—we have something called college. Ring a bell?" Serena points out.

"Ha—ha—ha, you're so funny Sere. I know we have college, but I can do it as a side project," Rushvi smiles to herself.

"Awesome." Serena says happily. "What's the plan?"

"I'll tell you at college tomorrow?" Rushvi offers.

"Works for me," Serena says.

"Okay well I've still got to finish my paper for Eng. lit. Bye!" Rushvi hangs up.

"Good luck!" Serena says before shutting her phone.

Rushvi sighs as she looks at her cell phone again. Why can't you come back earlier? Rushvi sighs and switches off her lights right after stealing one more glance at his pictures.

At Mumbai Domestic Airport

"So our seats aren't together?" Harshad asks as they both sit at the gate.

Maya shakes her head. "Nivi bought her seat separately."

"Great," Harshad rolls his eyes. "This whole ride's going to be fun,"

"Oh whatever," Maya flips through her magazine. "At least we're in the same aisle?"

They both board the plane when the time comes and get settled into their seats.

I don't want to sit next to some random person, this is going to be LONG flight, Maya groans as she snaps her seatbelt into place. Right then a super good looking guy comes and sits down next to her.

"Hi," He says.

Maya reluctantly looks back at him and sees his clean-shaven face, with his light hazel eyes staring down at her. "Hi,"

"I'm Jai. Jai Singh Rathore,"

"Powerful name," Maya mumbles.

"I know," he sticks out his hand. "And you are?"

"Maya, Maya Dave." Maya puts her hand in his.

"So why are you planning to go to Darjeeling?" Jai asks.

"Oh—I've got some television shoot—" Maya starts to say.

"Oh you're an actress?" Jai asks.

Maya bursts out laughing. "Right. No I'm a creative with the show,"

"Oh—I'm going to visit my girlfriend, she's studying there." Jai smiles at her.

"How sweet is that?" Maya grins.

Harshad was growing more agitated by the minute. Why was she laughing with this stranger? I'm not jealous....am I? But she shouldn't be so happy go lucky with him.

"But the problem is—I don't want her to know I'm there," Jai tells Maya.

Maya shakes her head. "Then just get one of her friends to bring her to that place—she'll be surprised."

"You're right," Jai smiles at her.

I wish I could hear what they're saying. She never looks so happy talking to anyone else, Harshad fumes sitting at his seat.

When they arrive at the airport, Harshad gets out of the plane first and so he goes towards the baggage carousel and waits for Maya.

Finally he sees Maya and 'that guy' come out from the gate and hug quickly, which makes his blood boil.

"Thank you so much Maya," Jai says letting go of her.

"Don't mention it!" Maya smiles back.

"Keep in touch." Jai grins.

Maya smiles back. "You too!" She walks off to where she sees Harshad waiting. "Hey! Did you have a good flight?"

"Hmm," He responds, trying not to look at her.

"What's his problem?" Maya wonders as she gets her bag off the carouse and waits for Harshad to get his. He grabs his bag and goes to the rental car counter in a hurry. "I swear to god," Maya mumbles as she struggles with her suitcase. "You'd think it was a race or something,"

They both get into their rental car and Harshad starts driving towards their hotel. "So—umm the flight was pretty short huh?" Maya asks.

Course it was short for you. Too busy chatting with pretty boy. Harshad focuses on the road; not responding.

"The air hostesses were really nice na?" Maya asks again.

"Hm." Harshad mutters.

Maya shakes her head and looks out the window, embracing the beautiful scenery. "Isn't it pretty here?"

Harshad glances over at her so happy with the surroundings and slowly smiles but then goes back into his bad mood.

Silence takes over in the car as the drive along but then finally Harshad speaks. "You get acquainted with strangers really quickly don't you; especially when they're guys?"

That catches Maya's attention immediately so she turns to face him. "What? What is that supposed to mean?"

"That guy on the plane," Harshad scoffs. "Seems like you had a nice conversation with him."

"Oh yeah he was talking about...wait a second. Why do you even care? And why were you looking at us?" Maya retorts.

"I don't care! I don't care who you talk to. I'm sure he'll help make your trip very exciting." He slams down the brakes in front of the Wild Orchid hotel and slams his hand down on the steering wheel.

Maya gets taken aback seeing this type of reaction from Harshad. "You don't even know what....forget it!" She opens her door and slams it shut on him, then quickly goes to the back to get her stuff and goes into the hotel.

Harshad takes the key of the ignition and follows her in, calling out her name and telling her to wait, but Maya quickly gets her key and gets into the elevator, shutting it right as Harshad came into view, but she quickly turned around not letting him see the tears well up in her eyes. She rushes into her room and shuts the door and just collapses on the bed not knowing why it hurt her so much to see him angry at her and talking to her like that.

Hmmm this trip was meant to make things more interesting....guess not? 😛 Anyways...as always leave comments! 😃

Love you all loads,

Rushvi & Meera😳

Well you should've just trusted me! 😉😳 But thanks! 😃 I'm getting all close to catching up now! *happy dance*

Part 19

Maya digs out her cell phone and hits speed dial 2.

"Hello?" Rushvi's groggy voice greets her on the other end.

"Oh crap! I'm so sorry Rushvi! It's too early there isn't it?" Maya says looking at her watch. "Never mind—it's really late there instead, I'm so stupid."

"Don't wo—" Rushvi yawns. "Don't worry. I'm waiting for Roberts' call anyways,"

"Isn't it kinda late for him to call?" Maya asks.

"He's in Paris for the week." Rushvi tells her.

"Oh okay. God it's been so long since we've talked on the phone!" Maya says in a happy voice.

"I know! So tell me what's up? You wouldn't call for the heck of it." Rushvi asks.

"Harshad's being weird," Maya tells her.

"Explain!" Rushvi laughs.

Maya tells Rushvi about how Harshad behaved with her and everything they said in the car to each other.

"Were you laughing with Jai?" Rushvi inquires.

"Umm...I think so yeah..."

"Seems to me like Mr. Harshad Chopda sounds jealous..." Rushvi teases.

"Jealous...yeah right." Maya rolls her eyes.

"And judging by the way you felt when he said those things I've come to a conclusion." Rushvi announces.

"Uh huh...and what's that?" Maya asks.

"You are falling in love with him." Rushvi tells her plain and simply.

"Me? Falling in love?" Maya asks.

"Better believe it. He sounds jealous to me and if you were hurt by the accusations it makes sense..." Rushvi tells her.

Maya and Rushvi talk a little more with Maya denying it, but when she hangs up she stands, facing her reflection in the mirror. I couldn't be in love...could I?

Somewhere in Darjeeling, Harshad's standing by a cliff overlooking a magnificent waterfall, thinking about everything that happened today.

A few minutes later he hears voices coming up the path from behind him and so he walks off towards a corner to give them some time alone and that's when he sees the same guy from the plane who was chatting with Maya.

"Look at his nerve, first with Maya now someone else," Harshad mutters under his breath. Harshad moves a little closer to them to try to hear their conversation but when he does hear, he's surprised.

"Seriously Jai—this is too sweet," The girl blushes.

"It's nothing compared to you sweetheart," He slowly tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear.

"What made you think of doing all of this?" she asks.

He smiles in response. "A girl I met on the plane helped give me the idea. She was really sweet,"

Harshad gets confused. "Maya helped him surprise THIS girl? I thought THEY were flirting..."

The two of them continue walking down the path hand in hand and so Harshad takes out his phone and calls his sister.

"Hello?" Rinki answers on the fourth ring.

"Took you long enough,"

"Oh I'm sorry. Are YOU the one planning a wedding that's in about 2 weeks?" Rinki's voice is dripping with sarcasm. "I didn't think so. What's up?"

"I—think I made a mistake,"

"You usually do. What happened?"

Harshad quickly narrates everything that happened on the plane and on the drive to the hotel and now what he just saw.

"Arre bhagwan!" Rinki slaps her hand against her forehead. "Why don't you have any brains? Oh wait...I got your brains as well."

"Ha ha funny. Help!" Harshad whines.

"You—my stupid stupid brother, need to go apologize to Maya first of all. And then tell her how you feel."

"How I feel?" Harshad repeats.

"Yes you duffer! And you better do it otherwise I will slap you silly!" Rinki threatens.

"Okay—okay," Harshad says quickly. "I'll see you when we get back."

"Bye," Rinki hangs up her cell phone and Harshad makes up his mind on what to say to Maya back at the hotel.

In Los Angeles

"I have a bad urge to skip today," Serena confesses the minute she sees Rushvi.

"Skipping is BAD! Remember?" Rushvi laughs.

"But—I wanna put your plan in action," Serena pouts and whines.

"I only have to make sure my lit paper's emailed to the prof today—what about you?" Rushvi asks her.

"I've already handed in all my work...we just have bio to worry about," Serena tells her.

"Well since I've already skipped one class to meet with Rob, I think this time you can go give her an excuse," Rushvi says happily.

"M—me?" Serena makes a face. "Fine—"

She walks off towards their bio teacher's office while Rushvi giggles after her. "Bet she wishes she didn't like Jai so much NOW," Right then her cell phone beeps and so she checks it.

I miss you xxx

She giggles seeing his message and then type's one back. As if I don't...you forget that I'm the boring girl while you're the huge actor,

Huge actor who misses his girlfriend

Well then come back soon...

I'd get on a plane this instant if it was up to me...

Rushvi sighs and just smiles at her phone when Serena comes skipping back to her. "Guess what?"

"Oh what?" Rushvi asks trying to gauge Serena's expression.

"I made the excuse that you're desperately sick—and so I needed to go visit you and SHE herself said she'd email me the coursework we do today!"

"Nice job!" Rushvi says, "Although I find it hard to believe that she'd do that without suspecting....hmm," She shakes her head. "Let's get out of here before she changes her mind."

The both of them get into Rushvi's car and drive off towards the mall. When they arrive there Serena develops nerves. "What if he's weirded out to see me or something?"

"He won't be. Now will you please just chill?" Rushvi says dragging her along towards the store.

Serena quickly turns to Rushvi and stops. "Are you positive he's even working today?"

Rushvi nods. "I already checked his schedule."

"You're good," Serena grins.

"I know," Rushvi giggles as they walk towards the shoe's department. Right when she sees him Rushvi grins and waves. "Hey Jai,"

"Wait to be obvious," Serena mutters under her breath.

He looks up and waves to both of them and then walks towards them. "Hey what are you girls doing here? No classes?"

Rushvi shakes her head before Serena could say anything. "Nope—we just had to hand in some stuff...so we thought we'd come by and visit you,"

"That's cool—I'm on my break in about 10 minutes—wanna look around and then we can meet up?" Jai offers.

Rushvi and Serena look at each other and they both nod. "Works for us,"

"Awesome, see you girls then." He smiles and then goes off to greet his other customers.

Rushvi takes Serena aside. "Now listen when he calls on my phone to meet up, I'm not going to answer; he has your number right?"

Serena nods. "I think so."

"Good—then he'll call you. You'll tell him that I went off on my own to get something from upstairs or some crap like that and that you two should go grab a coffee and that I'll join you later,"

"Me? Rush—"

"Ssh! I don't want to listen to your arguments." Rushvi smiles. "This is your big chance. Don't blow it!"

"Sheesh! Fine," Serena sulks as they both walk around the store.

In Darjeeling

Maya's cell rings as she comes out of the washroom and so she hesitatingly goes to answer it and sees Vaishali's number so she picks it up. "Hello?"

"Maya! Kahan ho?" Vaishali asks. "Hum sab lunch khaane ja rahe hain. And we figured it's okay if you're not a cast member—you can still join us," She giggles

"Thanks!" Maya says back. Sab matlab woh bhi hoga.... "Theek hain—I'll be down in 2 minutes okay?" Maya slides her phone shut and freshens up before going down to the lobby to meet everyone else. When she gets there she only sees Additi, Vaishali and Sushant waiting for her.

"Where's Harshad?" She asks trying to be casual.

"Humne socha ke woh tumhare saath hoga," Sushant tells her.

"Mere saath kyun?" Maya asks.

"Tum dono ki flight earlier thi na? Isiliye," Additi explains.

"Aur woh apna phone bhi nahi utha raha hain." Sushant adds.

Abhi tak bewajha naraz hoga...bhudhu kahi ka... Maya shakes her head. "Hum chalte hain, he'll call whenever he wants."

The four of them head to the hotel's restaurant and have lunch there before heading back to their own rooms to rest before their night shoot. Maya starts working on the upcoming storyline when a knock sounds at her door. She slowly gets up and peers through the peephole and sees Harshad on the other side. She rolls her eyes before reluctantly opening the door. She could feel her heart ache as she saw him standing there looking a lot sadder than when she last saw him.

"Harshad? Where were you? We were all trying to call you for lunch..." Maya says walking into her room, expecting him to follow her but she was surprised to see him still standing there. "Kya kar rahe ho? Come inside." She tells him and so he follows her in and closes the door.

"Maya—" He trails off when she turns around and speaks.

"Don't—I don't want to talk about anything else right now, I'm here for my job. That's it. I'm going to do that and not think about anything else." She says turning away again. "If you want to discuss the storyline, fine,"

He slowly walks up to her and puts his hands on her shoulders and turns her around to face him. "Maya, I'm sorry,"

She just shakes her head and shrugs out of his grip. "Don't bother saying sorry. You don't realize the way you made me feel...never in our friendship have we talked to each other like that. It hurt me Harshad. It really did."

"I know that's why I'm so sorry. I behaved like an idiot,"

"Yes you did." Maya frowns and hugs herself.

"Ma—"He doesn't say anything and walks closer to her, making her instantly walk back until she hits the wall.

"Why?" She whispers. "Why were you behaving like that?"

"I just, I couldn't see you like that." He says running his hand through his floppy hair.

"See me like what?" She asks again.

"With someone else, talking and laughing so much," He admits slowly. "I don't know what came over me." He slowly puts both his hand on her face, cradling it in his palms. "I've never felt such jealousy in my life."

"Why?" She asks again her voice in a whisper. "Why were you jealous?"

They both knew he was about to say something they had each wanted for a long time but when he spoke the world stood still. "I—I think I'm falling in love with you Maya,"

So I kinda get the feeling I butchered their "confession," not that Maya's said anything back to him of course...but still! 😛 Let me know how good/bad it was! 😛

Love you loads,

Rushvi & Meera😳

Part 20

Rushvi's sprawled out on her bed when her phone suddenly rings. Without even checking the ID she knew who was calling.

"Hello," She greets him happily.

"Did you know it was me?" He asks her.

"Nope—this is how I greet everyone." She giggles.

"Right—missed me?"

"More than you know." she whispered. "Oh—and before you think I'm psychic, I'll have you know pictures from your arrival to LAX are already up on your site,"

"Wow—people are fast, and I've missed you too." he sighs. "Are you free anytime soon?"

"I thought you wouldn't ask," Rushvi smiles at her reflection in the mirror.

"How about tomorrow afternoon? At the park?"

"Sure," Rushvi agrees.

They talk a bit more until Robert finally has to go and so they hang up and Rushvi goes to sleep feeling happier than she had in the last week.

In Darjeeling

Maya didn't know what to think. Could what he said be true? She closed her eyes not wanting to look into his eyes afraid of getting too lost in them; but then she felt his fingers slowly tugging at the end of her braid. He started taking off the elastic and let her hair unravel in his hands and he started running his fingers through her hair while keeping his face close to hers.

"Harshad, I—" Maya starts saying right as a knock sounds on the door throwing them both apart from each other. "Who could it be?" she whispers to him.

"Just go check," He gently places his hand on her lower back and pushes her forward.

Maya makes a face as she opens the door and sees Sushant.

"Took you long enough!" he says when she opens the door. He sees Harshad there and shakes his head. "Where've you been man? We were all really worried,"

"I was thinking...about some stuff." Harshad answers, while looking at Maya who just looks down at the floor.

"Anyways come with me—I need to sort out some stuff with Rinki and you need to be there too," Sushant says dragging Harshad out of the room with him.

Maya sighs as the door shuts behind them and just collapses on the sofa clutching her head with both hands. "What was that?" She couldn't help but think that it was just a dream, there's no way Harshad would ever feel that way about HER could it? She shakes her head trying to clear her thoughts when she goes out to her small balcony.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Remind me again WHY you need me here?" Harshad asks for the fourth time while Sushant's on the phone, planning things with Rinki.

Sushant covers the mouthpiece and glares at Harshad. "Before your sister decides to come out of the phone to slap you—shush!"

Harshad just shakes his head. "Then you shouldn't have brought me here."

"And what were you doing in Maya's room anyways?"

"He was in Maya's room?" Rinki asks Sushant on the phone. "Why?"

"Your sister wants to know why you were in Maya's room."

"I had to talk to her," Harshad says simply.

"Hmmm—" Rinki says to Sushant.

"What's that supposed to mean?" He asks her.

"Tell him to go away and then I'll tell you."

"Got it." Sushant smiles at Harshad. "I need you to go,"

"What? Why? You're the one who brought me here." Harshad looks at him with a confused look.

"Just go please? It's private talk."

Harshad just shakes his head and walks out to the balcony and as he turns to his right he sees the person he wanted to talk to desperately. She looked so lost—just looking up at the open sky.

~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Thinking about someone?" Maya turns as she hears a voice coming from the darkness. When she turns left she sees him.

"What are you doing out here? I thought you were with Sushant." Maya says in an accusing tone.

Harshad gestures inside. "He's talking to Rinki so I've been banished."

"Hmm," Maya stares back at the view of the garden in front of her which had now lighted up with dozens of lights hanging from the trees.

"You never answered my question," Harshad leans on the railing between their balconies. "Were you thinking about someone?"

Maya nods and turns to him, and leans on the railing the same way he was. "I'm thinking about something a friend said to me,"'

"What'd they say?"

"Something that startled me."

"In a good way or a bad way?" He asks.

Maya shrugs. "I'm not sure yet."

"Anything he can do to persuade you?" He offers.

Hearing him say that prods Maya to raise her eyebrow at him and walk back into her hotel suite.

"So at least she didn't get mad," he mumbles to himself.

On the other side of the glass wall Rinki was trying to decipher the motive behind Harshad's behaviour while Sushant was patiently lending his ear.

"So—you said he was in Maya's room and they both looked kinda startled?" She asks.

"Yes Rinki. Seriously can we stop discussing this on the phone? We can talk about it easily when we come back." Sushant offers. "Abhi wedding ki planning kare?"

"Right!" Rinki laughs as she starts telling him about more guests who have rsvp'd.

In Los Angeles

Rushvi didn't know why she felt such apprehensiveness. It was only Robert yet there was a part of her that had her doubts—as if this trip would change things between them; that was when she saw him and all her nervousness left.

"Hey," he smiles as he embraces her.

"Hi," She smiles as they break apart. "How was your trip?

"Horrible. I missed you—and it just got tiring with Kristin and Taylor."

Rushvi couldn't help but smile. "Not according to some reports,"

"Don't believe them," He pulls her closer to him by her waist. "I've got some news for you."

"Oh?" Rushvi asks.

"My sisters are coming to town,"

"Oh! You must be so excited!" She smiles up at him.

"In a way." He tilts his head making her smile. "Well I want them to meet you,"

Rushvi was stunned the minute he revealed his ulterior motive. "Are you serious? You don't think it's too fast?"

Robert shook his head. "I really like you Rushvi—I want to see where this is going to go; but really if you don't want to, it's fine too."

"I'd like to," She smiles at him.

"Besides that gives us more time together," He winks at her while she shakes her head as they keep walking along in the park. "So now tell me about the stuff you heard,"

"It wasn't very interesting, and in all honesty—not fun to read."

"I'm sorry." He pulls her close to him and just lightly brushes his lips across her forehead.

"What if someone sees?" Rushvi asks, suddenly remembering that they were in a public place.

"Rushvi—don't worry about it,"

"How are you so nonchalant?" she asks, baffled.

"Remember the last time we met? My driver driving around the Hollywood Hills right now." He tells her.

"You're crazy,"

"About you,"

Rushvi's heart slammed in her chest. These were words that she longed to hear in this last week but his velvety voice just made it all sound 100x better.

In Darjeeling At The Shoot

The next morning Maya had woken up with a smile on her face. She wasn't sure if that was because of what Harshad had said the night before or because of the glorious morning outside her balcony. She quickly got ready wearing her white swishy skirt and her blue beaded tank top over it. Her hotel phone started ringing the minute she stepped out of the washroom and so she ran for it. "Hello?"

"Hi—you sound out of breath." Harshad's voice greets her.

"I'm—uhh I just stepped out of the shower," Suddenly that seemed like an intimate detail to tell him and she could feel the awkward silence clouding over their conversation.

"I—uhh just wanted to make sure you're coming to the shoot today?" Harshad asks.

She couldn't help but smile. "Yeah Harshad, I'll be coming. It IS why I agreed to come on the trip na?"

"No other reason?" She could hear the hinting in his voice.

"No," She teases back until a knock sounds at his end.

"Sorry someone's here. I'll see you in a bit?"

"Yeah," She sighs as she hangs up the phone.

When she walked onto the set for the shoot, she was overwhelmed with the romantic feeling oozing from each corner. The only light emitting was from the candles that were lit around the room with flowers strewn around the bed, and put in patterns around the candles.

"Isn't it nice?" she turns to see Harshad standing too close to her.

Consciously she stepped back. "Yeah,"

Harshad puts his hands in his pockets as he leans against the wall. "Mujhe lagta hain ke tum mujhe avoid kar rahi ho. Kyun?"

Maya shrugs as she walks towards the desk set up for her to view the shooting from and then sees him follow her there. "Kal kisi ne mujhe kuch kaha aur tabse woh peeche para hua hain.. Kyun?" She raises her eyebrow at him while still smiling when she sets her laptop bag down and starts pulling it out.

Harshad just steps back from her and shakes his head while still smiling. Tumhari 'kyun' ne to meri jaan hi leli,"

Slowly Maya looks up and sees him gone from there and so she relaxes when Additi comes to greet her.

"Hey Maya."

"Hi Additi. Nervous ho?"

"Bahot," Additi sighs dramatically. "Aise aise scenes diye hain tumne."

"Sorry baba lekin zaroori hain script ke liye." Maya responds.

Then Harshad comes and slides his arm around Additi's waist. "Chale? Sir bula rahe hain," He takes her away swiftly with Maya silently watching. She starts up her laptop and starts typing her storyline with her fingers pressing down the buttons super hard, so hard that Sushant came up to her.

"Ki hoya?" He raises his eyebrow and then puts his hands on hers and takes them away from her laptop. "What's wrong?"

"Kuch nahi. Why should anything be wrong?" Maya says her eyes still focused on Harshad and Additi who were laughing away.

"Okay," JC called. "Shoot shuru karte hain," The clap boy comes and adjusts the surroundings for the scenes. "Harshad, Additi yaad hain na? Kya karna hain?"

"Ji sir." Additi and Harshad both respond.

"Action!" He calls out.

Maya watches as Harshad slowly comes closer to Additi who was standing by the window and slips his hands around her waist. "Mere baare mein soch rahi thi?"

"Main kisi aur ke baare mein kabhi soch sakhti hoon?"

He turns her around and keeps his hands on her waist, while slowly bringing his face closer and closer to hers until a certain crash sounds from outside the shot and everyone turns to face Maya whose foot got tangled in all the camera cords along with her laptop cord. "So—sorry," Harshad couldn't help but smile when he saw the embarrassment come onto her cheeks with a deep shade of red.

"Chalo—sab break for two minutes," JC calls while he takes his assistant director to sit with him to watch however much of the scene they got.

Harshad takes this minute to come near Maya. "Aaj mujhe jaalne ki boo arahi hain. Kyun?"

Maya looks up at him, while still trying to take her foot out of the tangled mess. "Aaj subah se koi meri hi paas aa raha hain. Kyun?"

"Hogaya?" He asks her and so she shrugs. He quickly takes her by the wrist and moves her behind the corner.

"Harshad—what are you doing?" she takes her hand out of his, and stops talking when his finger lightly brushes against her lips. "Sssh!"

"Nowadays I get the feeling I'm somewhere, yet my heart is somewhere else. Kyun?" He whispers to her.

"I can't sleep all night—aur din mein kuch hone lagta hain—kyun?" Maya whispers back and then suddenly comes back. "Harshad, whatever's happening here between us—it's not right."

"Between us? What's happening between us?" He teases her.

She pushes him away from her. "Haan. Nothing's happening between us." She stalks off back to where they were shooting, leaving him smiling after her.

It got kinda long I know...and too Maya-Harshadish but it'll go back to the more exciting love story soon! 😃 Hope you guys liked it! 😃 Yes the whole, "kyun, kyun" thing was inspired by a punjabi movie but I just loved it so much! 😃

Love you loads,

Rushvi and Meera😳

Part 21

"And that wraps up this entire shoot!" JC claps. "Kya baat hain Mr. Harshad? Aaj to sab ek take mein ho raha hain?"

Harshad shrugs before glancing at Maya. "I've never been more focused on my work."

Maya rolls her eyes in response while she puts her laptop back in the bag. "JC, can I catch an early flight tonight? I need to help my friend with her wedding preparations."

"Isn't that his wedding too?" JC nods towards Sushant who grins. "He should leave with you."

"I'll go too," Harshad adds quickly. "She IS my little sister,"

Maya puts her hand over her mouth to keep from smiling.

"Alright, you three can leave tonight," JC tells them.

"Thanks," the three of them say together.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Guess what?" Serena jumps on Rushvi the minute she walks into class.

"What?" Rushvi asks.

"Guess!" Serena laughs.

"Hmm...You're looking SO excited; gotta be something to do with Jai?" Rushvi guesses.

"You're brilliant!" Serena exclaims.

"I know," Rushvi props her collar and laughs. "So tell me!"

"Right!" Serena laughs. "Well after you 'deserted' me at the mall yesterday he did end up calling me and we met for coffee."

"And??" Rushvi prods as they sit down on their seats.

"He FINALLY ASKED ME OUT!" Serena whispers loudly to her.

"WHAT?" Rushvi eyes go wide hearing that. "How??"

"I was kinda dropping hints about seeing this new movie, but not having anyone to see it with, and he just offered." Serena giggles. "Isn't that awesome?"

"I'm so happy for you!" Rushvi grins. "Meant to be!"

"So you tell me; heard Rob's back in town?" Serena asks.

Rushvi nods. "He called and then we met up yesterday,"

"And?"

"He wants to introduce me to his sisters," Rushvi smiles, hoping to control the blush that was coming to her cheeks.

"That's great!" Serena says happily. "So now when do I get to meet him?"

"That will be based on judging how well this whole sister meeting goes." Rushvi winces.

"It'll be fine!" Serena reassures her.

"I sure hope you're right," Rushvi sighs, looking down at her watch quickly realizing it was in a mere 11 hours that she was going to meet them at 7pm.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"I can't believe we're here already," Sushant stretches after getting off the plane.

"Go get our luggage," Harshad mutters under his breath.

"What? No. I'm supposed to be getting respected Harshad. I'm marrying your little sister; you get the bags, I'll go freshen up." With that Sushant walks off to the restroom leaving his hand luggage with Maya and Harshad.

"So...." Harshad starts before Maya interrupts.

"Saman kaun layega Mr. Chopda?" Maya raises her eyebrow.

He rolls his eyes as he reluctantly goes to get their luggage. When he gets back he sees Maya laughing on her phone. "No Rinkz...yeah he's back one second." She silently hands the phone to Harshad.

"Rinki?" Harshad asks.

Maya nods. "She needs to talk to you,"

"Hey little sis," Harshad greets her as he single handed puts one the bags on the cart while Maya shakes her head and swats him away putting the suitcases on herself.

"Hi--are you coming straight here?" She asks.

"No, I need to drop off Sushant and Maya first na?" Harshad points out.

"No, I want you to just drop Sushant off." Rinki tells him. "Or actually bring him over too; I've decided that Maya's going to stay with me for the duration of the time for the wedding now."

Harshad almost wanted to leap for joy. ALMOST. "That sounds okay....did you talk to her?"

"Na.....I figure we'll just hold her hostage or something."

Harshad saw Sushant come and help Maya with the suitcases and smiles. "Sounds like a plan; I'll see you in a bit."

Harshad hangs up Maya's cell phone and walks over to help with the suitcases.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Come on," Harshad says as he pulls in at the gate at his house.

"You guys live in a bungalow by the sea?" Maya asks looking around.

Harshad nods. "Our bua owns it but she's not staying here anymore."

"Wow," Maya exclaims as she steps out of the car and feels the salty air from the ocean breeze.

"Yes. Very nice. Ab chale? Rinkz mera intezaar kar rahi hogi."

"Haan haan," Maya laughs. "As if you're not dying to see her either."

As if sensing her name being mentioned Rinki threw open the door. "You guys are back!" She rushes up and hugs Sushant while waving to Maya and Harshad.

"Don't you just love her?" Harshad glares at her retreating back while she goes into the house with Sushant.

"I do," Maya smiles as she grabs his arm. "Come on! Show me around the place!"

He nods as he leads her into the house. They both see Sushant and Rinki curled up together on the coach.

"Seriously..." Harshad shakes his head while he takes Maya along. "Living room, kitchen, and bathroom." He says while pointing out various parts of the house. He takes her upstairs and shows her the two guest rooms and then Rinki's room.

"Which one's the master?" Maya asks.

"My room,"

Maya could feel the atmosphere change around her. Should she want to see his room or would that be too intimate.

"Do you want to see?," his voice got softer as if he knew what he asked seemed different now.

Maya silently nodded as he led her towards the last room and just opens the door and lets her walk in herself.

The first thing that hits Maya's eyes is the bright sunshine coming through the huge wall to wall window with a window seat overlooking the view of the ocean. Then she steps inside and sees the large poster bed against the wall with two night tables on either side and two closed doors on the other side of the wall.

"What are those doors for?" She asks.

"One's the ensuite bathroom and the other one; go check." He answers with a tinkle in his eyes.

Maya slowly goes and opens the door and her eyes widen. Harshad smiles seeing her reaction and goes to open the balcony.

"Umm...wow!" She exclaims a few seconds later. "How is this whole walk in closet not filled?" she asks finally. The entire thing was empty except for a quarter of it.

"I don't have that many clothes," Harshad tells her.

"No kidding! I'd probably fill up the entire thing," she says then bites her tongue. "I mean--uh..."

"It's okay." He says to her.

"Maya! Harshad! Come down guys," Rinki calls up the stairs. They both quickly rush down the stairs only to see Sushant with his hands wrapped around Rinki's waist while his chin rested on her shoulder.

"What's up?"

"I was wondering what we should do for dinner?" Rinki asks.

"Actually I should get going now," Maya says slowly.

"What? Why?" Rinki asks.

"I need to get some work done...."

"Oh. He hasn't told you yet has he?" Rinki asks as Harshad shakes his head.

"Told me what?" Maya asks cautiously.

"You're staying here for the next 10 days till the wedding!" Rinki says happily, clapping her hands.

"I what? Rinkz I can't."

"Actually you can. We've put all your luggage in the 2^nd guest room next to the master and I've also arranged it with Nivi for you to do all your work on your laptop and just send it to her."

"You're insane," Maya says two minutes after just looking at her unbelievingly.

"I know, but you still love me." Rinki grins.

Yes Maya's gonna stay with them now! 😛 And don't worry the next part will have more Rushvi-Rob! 😃 I miss writing about them 😳

Love you all loads,

Meera😳

Part 22

"Hey," Robert greets Rushvi as he takes her hand and gives her a quick kiss. "I'm so glad you're here."

"I'm nervous," Rushvi bites her lip as Robert laughs.

"Don't worry about it. They'll love you,"

"We'll see about that," Rushvi winces.

"Hey." Robert slowly places his hands on her cheeks. "Listen to me; if for some stupid reason they don't see how wonderful and amazing you are--it doesn't matter to me."

Rushvi sighs. "Robert, I want them to like me."

"And they will." Robert smiles at her. "When they see how much you mean to me; they'll realize it."

"Fine...well let's go?" Rushvi says, slowing placing her hand back in his.

"Hey girls I have someone I'd like you to meet," Robert says coming up to a table with two girls sitting with their designer bags on the table who immediately look up. "This is Rushvi."

Both the girls look up at her with sharp analyzing eyes and Rushvi backs up moving a little closer to Robert, but then she feels his hand squeezing hers and feels the confidence from the smile on his face and so she smiles at them. "Hi,"

"Hello," both of them reply as they get up and overwhelm her with a hug. Once they both back away and smile Rob introduces them.

"This is Lizzie," Robert points to one of the girls, "And this is Victoria," He slowly pulls out a chair for Rushvi who smiles up in gratitude as she sits down across Lizzie.

"So how did you guys meet?" Lizzie asks smiling a warm smile at Rushvi.

"I told you this Liz," Robert asks her with a confused look.

"I want to hear a girl tell the story Rob, problem?" Lizzie raises her eyebrow.

"No." Robert leans back in his chair and nods at Rushvi. "Your turn to tell the story,"

Rushvi gives him a glare as she launches into their story. Talking about how the first time they talked was through the radio and then how she entered the contest and won, and how things went on from that. She waited silently as Lizzie and Victoria both looked from her to Rob with an expressionless face.

""I think that's honestly adorable!" Victoria exclaims. "Really sweet."

"Thanks," Rushvi smiles and quickly glances at Robert.

Lizzie smiles and nods in agreement. "Has he sung for you yet?"

Robert runs his hand through his hair; and a small smile appeared at his lips. "Shut up,"

Victoria makes a fake shocked face. "You haven't?"

"I'd rather hear you sing Lizzie," Rushvi smiles. "I heard your music on your myspace page and you're fantastic!"

"Thanks," Lizzie smiles.

"A lot better than Rob right?" Victoria laughs.

"I don't wanna choose," Rushvi smiles at Robert who smiles back, happy that his sisters are getting along with the girl he has grown to love.

In Mumbai

The next morning Maya, still groggy in her sleep rolls over and expects to land on the ground, just like she would in her bed but she sat up and took in her surroundings. She was at Rinki's house, And Harshad's she told herself mentally.

She quickly pulled on her gown to cover her shorts and tank top and tip-toed to the kitchen.

"Sneaking away?" A voice calls her in the lobby she turns and sees Harshad leaning against the door frame wearing long shorts and a white muscle shirt while holding a large oversized coffee mug.

"In these clothes? I'd hardly get far." Maya smiles. "I was going to the kitchen," she admits.

"This way," He comes and takes her hand leaving her skin feeling tingly.

What they didn't know was that Rinki was watching them from the banister while shaking her head. "The sparks are flying but not interacting," she makes a face and then smirks. "This is where I come in, to FIX things."

That's it for this part, I think it's the shortest one I've written so far! 😊 Anyways I hope you guys liked it! 😃

Love you all loads,

Meera & Rushvi

Originally posted by: Anhdara13

I WANT ALEKH!

(And I love MayaHarshad. They are awesome. And is the sneaking around going to blow up in RushviRob's faces? I hope not, I like them.)

Love,
Radz

We know! *sighs* It's old news now! 😳

I know aren't they? 😛 You think? 😳 We'll see! 😛