new fanfic part 26 on page 38

Setting: Arohi's family is from Buffalo, New York. Arjun's family is from Scarborough, Ontario, Canada.

Sudhir Aluwalia- My dad; the most wonderful person alive. India se hum 15 saal pehle aaye. He studied so much but had to work as a convenience store owner to start earning as soon as possible. He is always working but you can see love in his eyes if you look deep enough. He regrets not being able to spend more time with his family but he can't express himself. Dad is very open minded and has given me all the freedom in the world but he trusts me and I will not break that trust.

Amrit Kaur Aluwalia- My mom; the most caring mother alive. She graduated university and got married. Her nani amma brought the rishta and before she knew it she was in this unbreakable bond. She wanted to study more but she had kids and took up the job as a homemaker instead. Something I will NEVER do.. i mean don't get me wrong, I'm all for my parents choosing my potential mate and all, but to sacrifice my whole life.. ya i don't think so! But my mother is one of a kind. She loves us so much! When either one of us kids are sick, you will see her up worried non-stop. Unfortunately she often gets sick too. She suffers from diabetes as well as hypertension, so you never know with her mood swings..lol My dearest mother has taught me everything in hopes that god forbid something happens to her, she falls sick, i can take care of the basic needs for my family.

Rajveer Aluwalia- my older brother. we are a year apart and best of friends. I love this guy. Growing up with a rare disorder must be hard but he keeps a smile on his face never the less. Though he is bound to a chair, he is very full of life. He may be 3 feet tall, but you can't help but look up to him. What I wouldn't do for that one smile across his face!

Arohi Aluwalia- I am arohi aluwalia and this is my story. I am 18 years old and graduated from high school. I am the angel of mom and dad. They spoilt me so badly but I know my limits. My family depends on me and all the responsibility is on me too. Every day when I get back from school, it was my responsibility to either cook the rice if we were having daal or to make roti's if we were having salan. Everyone's medications is also my responsibility. I clean the house and do the laundry too. It seems like I am the servent but no, they all love and respect me so much. My parents spent a lot on me: I am a black belt in karate; I am an excellent swimmer; I sing and dance. Secretly, mom's opinion in everything means a lot to me! I don't want to leave home but its time to be a lttle bit independent. I got accepted to Edinboro University; I am going there and that is final!

Raj Aluwalia- mera chota pra! i love this kid. He is 10 years old, my lil baby. I am like his second mother, my mom says to us; after all, I helped raise him too. Out of all of us, he is the most spoilt and respects me the most. f there is something that needs to be done, arohiii tell raj [...] He does everything I tell him to but it also depends on his mood. He is so mischief. It gets annoying at time but then we realize that he too had to grow up at a tender age so we try to overlook some of his naughty acts. O and he loves food!!!

Savita Singhaniya- my maasi. Well, not really. I just call her maasi; Actually she is my mom's best friend! They used to live together as tenent and owner; the two would fight all the time but because maasi was older, she would always win. After maasi married hari maasa and moved to another city, mom realized how much she missed her and since then they are inseparable. After we moved to New York, maasi moved to Canada and we have been visiting each other at least once every year.

Hari Prakash- maasa is so sweet. taklu maasa we use to call him younger [he's bald u see] and he would just laugh! he plays a big role in spoiling us. I admire him so much. Financially they are not stable but every time we'd visit, he'd do everything in his power to make our stay memorable. He'd stay awake all day with us and go to work all night. How he pulled it off is beyond me but I commend him for that effort.

Arjun Singhaniya- I honestly don't know much about him. He is about six years older than me. I remember as kids we tried to be friends but it didn't work out too well but I always looked up to him. He is the only person in this world that I can't lie to. He aspires to become a doctor because hari masa has hepititus (via blood transfusion he had as a kid). Rajveer can tell you more about him because they are BEST of friends.

Gauri Singhaniya- Gauri is also 18 years old. She's going to Goerge Brown for fashion. Gauri and I have been best friends for a long time. As kids we use to hate each other but I remember Arjun telling me that I was older and had to overlook her attitude. He said our moms are best friends and if we don't want to break their hearts, we'd have to learn to be each other's friends. Eventually I realized that maybe Arjun was right. He can be Rajveer's friend and I'll be Gauri's friend; after all, she hated the fact that I spent time with her brother. Today Gauri and I are inseparable. The difference is that I am more traditional and keep my parents in mind first. She tries to be more modern and what not. Nevertheless, we are good friends.

Billu Singhaniya- Jitna Billu ke bare mein bolein utna hi kam. Arjun ka chamcha hai yeh.- very close to him; apni jaan bhi hazar hai arjun ke liye! Par meri har baath maanta hai- so I guess I can't complain. He is 13 years old and best friends with Raj.

SIDE CHARACTERS:

SHEFALI AND ROMIT'S PARENTS. HARI MAASA'S BROTHER AND SISTER-IN-LAW. THEY ARE NOT IMPORTANT IN THE STORY SO NO NAME. THEY USE TO LIVE IN CANADA BUT A FEW YEARS BACK MOVED TO INDIA BECAUSE THEIR DAD WORKS THERE.

Shefali Singhaniya- Taklu maasa ke bhai ki beti; mine and Gauri's age-fellow is she. Though Gauri and her are good friends, Shefali and I are tight. We fight but when its time to dance, everything is forgotten and we dance! People laugh at our relationship.

Romit Singhaniya- Shefali ka big bro aka baalon ki dukaan! He's about 21 years old and is very close to Arjun. Shefali and him do not get along too well but what can you say, there is no doubt that they are related.

-aafiya-

-vrshn-

...Sheher...

...vibha...

..anshita..

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Arohi: Hey Bri.. Here are the notes..

Bri: Thanks Ro, you alright?

Arohi: Yeah... kind of. You see, I need a ride to Canada... or at least Erie. From there, I'll Greyhound. Know anybody going...

Bri: Well, Tay's going...

Arohi: But she's not from Erie...

Bri: But her boyfriend is. And because her sister is here, she is going to Erie first to introduce him.

Arohi: You think she'd let me tag along...

Bri: You did help her pass her test...

Arohi: Right! Oo, I see her right there... I'll catch up with you later.. I got important work to do!

Bri: See ya latz!

Arohi: Tay! Where you going? I need to speak with you.

Tay: I'm here. Whats up?

Arohi: Hear you're going to Erie Thanksgiving Weekend?

Tay: Oh, yeah... why?

Arohi: I need a ride...

Tay: You're going to Canada. I can't drop you there!

Arohi: Don't be stupid! I need a ride to Erie. I'll Greyhound the rest of the way.

Tay's sister: O yeah sure.. we're going there as it is so no problem!

Arohi; Thanks guys! (and they left)

Now it was Friday and I was done with class, all packed up, waiting for Tay to be done with class so we could leave. I went to get a drink and was shocked at what I saw. Arjun was here? Nah, it's probably my imagination but then why would I be thinking of him; probably because I'm staying at his place. I turn to walk back to my place when he calls out to me.

Arjun: Arohi!!

Arohi: Arjun. App yahan? What ...

Arjun: Mom thought it'd be best I got you since she thinks its stupid for your family to drive from Buffalo to Edinboro, back to Buffalo to get to Scarborough, but it's perfectly fine for me to drive past Buffalo to get to Edinboro just to go back again!

Arohi: Sorry you had to go through the trouble for me (a little offended)

Arjun: No, no. I didn't mean to sound that way. I'm just a bit tired, that's all. Lets go now.

Arohi: Tum araam karlo, phir jayeinge. Tab tak, main ghari mein samaan rakh leti hoon.

Arjun: Jaise tumhari marzi. Thanks for understanding.

I smile and let him relax for an hour after I put my stuff in the car. I found Tay outside and told her she's off the hook. It was pretty funny because she thought the gas money would've helped. She tried to convince me to go with her as gas would've been cheaper. Arjun ki aisi ki taisi if he tries to split gas with me! I didn't tell him to drive all the way here! Anyways here he comes.

Arjun: You ready?

Arohi: Yep.

Arjun: Mom said you were bringing a friend...

Arohi; A friend will come but not with us. Actually uske paas ek night class hai so voh greyhound lekar...

Arjun: I see. No problem. Lets go or we'll get late.

It was a quiet ride when we left till Arjun spoke up.

Arjun: So...

Arohi:hmm...

Arjun: How was school? Exams and all?

Arohi: Not bad. I mean tough but I got through it. Hows med school going?

Arjun: That's good. I start rotation soon. What about you? Kept in touch with family. Hows Little Raj doing? You didn't even get to see him get back from camp. Raj and Billu were really excited yet sad when they got back; sad because they didn't want it to end.

Arohi: Yeah, Raj told me all about it when I went home. I saw pictures on Billu's Facebook too.

Arjun: And how are maasi and uncle?

Arohi: They're good... (Silent) Arjun, is there something you want to ask?

Arjun: Have you talked to them?

Arohi: Them?

Arjun: Your parents... about what happened since September...

Arohi: (Silent)... No. I don't want to tell mom and dad anything till anything is final. I mean, I'm confused with the status as it is; I don't want to mess with their heads.

Arjun: (smiles) I am glad. The thing is nobody at home knows a thing either.

Arohi: Maasi ko bhi nahi?

Arjun: Yeah, she doesn't know either. I think she's going to wait till there is an announcement, and if not, then she'll just assume nothing worked out.

Arohi: Haha, just let me know if she brings someone else to the picture then.

Arjun: Haha, don't worry. Be rest assured, I'm not in a hurry!

And we quietly went on for Scarborough.

A WEEK LATER: We're back home.. well Arjun's home... Mama and Rajveer are already there waiting for me. Billu and Raj are still at camp.

We get back home and Rajveer surprised me by using his walker. He never uses that thing, except sometimes at home! I was so excited yet so tired. We give all the gifts we got and the stuff sent from the wedding couple, who are now enjoying their honeymoon! I felt bad for keeping them but oh well, We did travel half way across the world for them so too bad!

The phone rings and mom gives it to me.

Arohi: Hello..who is it?

Caller: Guess!

Arohi walks to her room.

Arohi: Omg my jaane jigar!

Caller: Well Duhh, kaise ho?

Arjun is walking past his room

Arohi: What do you think? I miss you love!

Arjun stops when he hears this and continues to listen

Caller: I know!! (talk talk talk)

Arohi: AHH!! MY JAANE JIGAR

Caller:(Arjun can't hear)

Arohi: JAANE MAAN!

Caller: (Arjun can't hear)

Arohi: OMG I can't wait to meet up! You owe me a whole day! Bye!

Excited she walks out, missing Arjun completely. Arjun gets whatever he went inside for and comes outside.

Rajveer; What took you so long?

Arjun: Oh nothing. I couldn't find it. Rajveer, who was on the phone?

Rajveer: One of our friends... I don't think you know them. Why?

Arjun: Just curious... Arohi looks really excited, like her boyfriend's coming after a long time.

Rajveer: Boyfriend? No, they're more like siblings if anything... Not that aunty likes that!

Arjun: Oh.. wierd.. anyways,

Savita interupts: Arjun beta, ek kaam karoge?

Arjun: Ji ma... what's up?

Savita: Dekho, neeche ek kamra liya hai. Sab teek hai na?

Arjun: Kamra..for what?

Savita: Woh, Amrit ke dost ke bachey aa rahe hain. Humare ghar mein jagey nahi hai tho isliye unke liye ek kamra. Humare hote vey ek hotel mein tho nahi reh sakte na!

Arjun: Ji.. Main Rajveer ko bhi lekar ja rahoon.

They came back 20 minutes later making sure everything was alright. An hour passed when a phone came.

Arjun: Hello.

Caller: Can you open the door?

Arjun: Who is this?

Caller: Love

Arjun: Excuse me! (a little loud)

Gauri: Let me see...

Caller: Can you open the door now? (a little impatient)

Gauri: Sure. (She pressed 9 to open the door and hung up)

Arjun: Who was it?

Gauri: I don't know but they wanted in so I let them. Probably want to surprise their family, no worries..

Arjun just shakes his head and five minutes later you hear a knock on the door.

Gauri: Omg, you don't think their after us!

Arohi: Oh shut up Gauri! (and opens the door).

AHHH!!!!!!!!!!!! Arjun runs to the door surprised at the view.

You see an unknown male figure twirl Arohi around while she has her eyes shut tight laughing her heart out. Arjun had no idea what to make of that.

Hearing the screams, everyone came running, even Rajveer with his walker.

Knock Knock! I open the door in hope of making a new friend or two.

Arohi: Hi.

Person: Hey. I saw your mom leave so I thought I'd introduce myself. I'm Sabrina.

Arohi: Hi Sabrina, I'm Arohi. Come on in.

Sabrina: Actually, some of us girls are going to Rose to eat and get to know each other if you want to come.

Arohi: Oh yeah, sure. I was getting hungry anyways.

At Rose:

Sabrina: So this is Sam, Taylor, Rachel and Bryanna. Guys, this is Arohi.

Sam: Are you out of state too?

Arohi: Yeah, I'm from Buffalo.

Sam: Cool, half of us are in-state while the other half is out-of-state.

Taylor: I'm from Ohio

Bryanna: I'm from Long Island.

Arohi: Cool.

We talked for a while and got to know one another. It was pretty cool. Sabrina was the only upperclassman at our table but her first year to be on campus. She is epileptic and so her parents did not allow her to live on campus till now. We became pretty tight and promised to look out for one another. I think I'm going to like this place after all! As we were about to walk out of Rose, we were given a flyer. It was to encourage free-style dancing in the Student Center. It was happening right now so we all decided to go. It was so much fun! Some people lets just say don't know how to dance but you gotta respect them because at least they were man enough to try! Some of them were really good. I didn't I dance because I was just too tired. We walked back to Earp talking about how much we enjoyed it and how good some of them were. As I entered I noticed a bulletin up. Mandatory Floor Meeting tomorrow at 8pm. This should be interesting. It's Sunday and all I did was unpack and sleep! It's 7:45pm and I literally hear a bullhorn outside of my room "Mandatory Floor Meeting in 15!" UGHH, WAS THAT NECESSARY! My RA can be such a pain sometimes, who btw is Kyle and very cute... I don't see the girls back but I leave for the meeting 10 minutes later. I sit down and see someone laughing with a group. He walks up to me and gets into a seat next to me.

Person: You a freshman?

Arohi: Excuse me?

Person: Well, I saw you yesterday and thought I 'd talk tonight but I didn't see you today.

Arohi: I was unpacking not that it's any of your business but what does that have to do with me being a freshman?

Person: Tryin to make conversation...

Arohi: Then you should've asked for me where I live.

Person: Well..

Arohi: Anyways, too late for that. Well are you that dancer yesterday? You had some great moves.

Person: Yeah, you remember... I can teach you.

Arohi: Of course you can!

Before he could say anything my RA came in and told us the rules. After that we had to go in a circle and tell us about ourselves. (i'm going to cut it short and introduce the more important characters only)

Hi I'm Arohi. I'm from Buffalo and I am going to study Psychology.

Hi. I'm Rey. I love to Dance and I'm majoring in Business.

Hi. I'm Mike. I'm from Michigan and am an English Major.

We were dismissed to our lives and everyone got up.

Arohi: So your name is Rey.

Ray: Yeah, I'm Rey. Arohi.. strange name isn't it.

Arohi: Nope, beautiful and unique. That's why I love it! It means evolving you know. Well, I'm at my room almost. I'll see you later.

And who knew that would be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Next morning was first day of class, aka mandatory for attendance. PHEW! Psychology and World Geography are over! Last class is English and I can go back to sleep!

I go to class almost five minutes early. Not bad. There are a lot of people already sitting but I recognize one person. I think I've seen him before... wonder who it is. My professor comes and starts saying names. His name is Mike. Wait, why does that name sound so familiar? Oh well, I'll find out sooner or later right.

Like all the other professors, the first thing this professor does is pass out a syllabus and tells us to discuss it with our groups. The class was divided into two groups and I was on the left group. I honestly had nothing to say but read the syllabus and listened to the others. They too didn't really discuss the syllabus either, more how we're all freshman's and how we are spending the week and what not. One stood out to me though... Mike. He was an intellectual. The way with words, his views on life, everything. I tried not to look too much but every time I'd glance over, I'd see him looking. It was awkward but for the first time in my life, it felt good. Like dil mein kuch kuch hota hai. I don't know how to explain it though...

Anyways, everyone was discussing about green pictures at the library after class.

Arohi: So can I join you guys?

Mike: Sure. I remember you. The girl from Earp. Sorry, I can't recall your name.

Arohi: Hi Mike, I'm Arohi.

Mike: So you remembered?

Arohi; Nope, but the prof did call you name. I tend to pay attention.

By this time, the prof dismissed class.

Mike: Well, I'll meet you guys at the library; I wanna clean up first.

Arohi: Well, if you're going to Earp, can you take this bag with you. I'll get it when I go back.

Mike: Sure, no problem.

After class, I spotted Rey, Bri (Bryanna), Sab (Sabrina), Tay (Taylor), Rach (Rachel), and Sam.

Bryanna: I was just about to text you but I guess you got the news.

Arohi: Yeah, these guys are from my English class.

And we got in line all started talking. Within half an hour Mike reached the library, and by that time we got close to the front and we let Mike cut in. I had so much fun taking these pictures. Who would've known that the girl who spends every second of her life with her family would make so many friends within the first week of university, that too by attending class, joining tennis and psych club, not to forget just hanging out in my dormitory. More than anybody, I got close to Rey and Mike. Rey was like my best friend whom I could share anything with while Mike was... I don't know...

Well, its almost the end of September and I only went home once this month. I'm doing good. The Earp group decided to watch a movie at the Boro Theater in the Student Center. It was pitched dark when we headed out and worse it was raining. Rey, Bri and Sam left early while Sab, Tay, and Rach left with their boyfriends. It was Mike and me in the rain... This was not good but I couldn't let him know I was afraid.

Mike: Here, take my jacket. I'm wearing a hoodie so I won't need this. The jacket will keep you dry.

Arohi: Umm, thanks. I'll give it back when we get to the dorm.

We both kind of walked, quietly, looking around awkwardly. Slowly, our fingers would brush against each other. It made the butterflies in my stomache react even more viciously than before!

BOOOM!!!

AHH!!! I crashed against a building. Darn, it was locked! I have a bad habit; when there is a thunderstorm, I look for hide out! By this time I was drenched against a building with a guy whom I've been trying to maintain a distance with! As he stepped closer, my heart would beat faster. As he was an inch away from me, all I could do was stare in those mysteriously dreamy eyes.

His face was almost an inch away when I heard my mother's voice. I snapped out of it. I couldn't deceive my parents this way! I slipped away and ran as fast as I could leaving him standing alone.

As I ran towards the lobby, I saw Bry chatting with the RA's on duty, Kyle and Chris.

Bri: Hey girl! You're drenched!

Arohi: Ha. Do me a favor, give this jacket to Mike. He lent it so I wouldn't get wet but I guess that failed.

Bri: Miserably! Sure, why don't you just wait here. I'm sure he'll be back soon.

Arohi: Yeah I know but I'm tired. I'm heading to bed.

I ran in my room and cried! What if something happened! I wouldn't be able to face my family!

Knock...Knock... It's me Rey. Open up.

I made sure I was not crying and opened the door.

Arohi: What's up.

Rey: I wanted to say I'm going home tomorrow. Wanted to say bye if I don't see you tomorrow.

Arohi: When you leavin?

Rey: @5. I live only half an hour away remember!

Arohi: Then why are you saying bye now!

Rey: Well, you've been so busy with Mike nowadays I wasn't sure.

Arohi: Nah, I'll be here. Just make sure you see me before you leave.

Rey: Good, I'll introduce you to mom too.

Arohi: Yay!!! Now if you don't mind, leave! I am dead tired!

Rey: Night.

Arohi: Yeah, night.

I changed and sat by my desk when my eyes landed upon something shiny. I got an idea! Finally, I can go to sleep. I check my messages and got a voicemail from mom. It says Maasi's coming to visit tomorrow. She'll be here by 6pm and is staying till Sunday. (Tomorrow is Friday). I'll look into that tomorrow, right now I'm too tired!

Its 8am and I have one hour to get ready for class. I'm preparing myself for 1:00- my english class. I hope i don't choke in front of Mike. No I have to be strong. I get dressed and leave for class. Time flies by and its already 1:00pm. As I rush in, I see everyone is seated and she is taking attendance.

Prof: I want everyone to do exercise A on page 320 and switch with somebody to proofread it.

We get started and as I finish, I see a shadow coming towards me. As I look up, I see Mike.

Mike: Can you check my paper.

Arohi: Sure, here's mine.

I handed the paper with my left hand and saw him confused. Fifteen minutes later, we are both done and I walk up to him to switch back. Again I use my left hand to make the switch except this time, Angela (girl who sits next to him) catches my hand.

Angela: Oh my! That is gorgeous! When did you get this?

Prof: Excuse me girls, want to share what you are saying?

Arohi: Sorry, I'm just switching back the paper. (To Angela) We'll talk after class Angie.

Saying this I left back to my seat and waited for class to be over. As she dismissed us, I saw Angie and the group come towards me.

Angie: So spit it!

Arohi: What?

Angie; What is that, on your finger? Where'd you get it from!

Arohi: What are you, blind? It's a ring.

Angie: Mike, you didn't!

Mike: No, I'm only 18!

Arohi: Look its not a big deal. I'm getting late, have guests coming. Later.

It worked! They think its an engagement ring. Little do they know its just a diamond ring my uncle gifted me for my graduation present. Let them believe it; it'll act like a barrier for me. After all, it can't harm me right?

Arohi: Solution?

Maasi: Tum jhooti angooti pehen rahi ho.. Asli kyun nahi pehen thi?

Arohi: Asli? What do you mean?

Maasi: Why are you lying to everyone? Why not wear a real ring...

Arohi: Maasi, it's a real diamond...

Maasi: But its a fake engagement ring...

Arohi: And where do I find a real guy?

Maasi: ...Arjun

Arohi: Kya!

Maasi: ...kahan hai, Arjun?

Arohi: He's in my room.

Maasi :Tho chalein? He's probably getting worried.

Arohi: But solution?

Maasi: Leave that to me...

Just as we walked out, my RA stopped me.

RA: Yo, there is a random guy in your room. He's looking for you... Should I be worried?

Arohi: Oh, haha.. no its fine. We're going there right now.

RA: Okay. Catch you later.

As we walked in my room, we saw Arjun sitting on the edge of my bed confused.

Arjun: Oh, there you guys are.

Arohi: Sorry we took so long. Want to eat breakfast now?

Arjun: Yeah, I'm starved.

We went to Rose again and everyone got breakfast. I paid from my meal and flex and we sat down at a table.

Arjun: Tho app dono ki baatein ho gayi thi?

Arohi: (Fake laugh) How did you know we wanted to talk.

Arjun: Instinct. So what did you need to talk about?

Maasi: Actually I need to talk to you too beta. Yaad hai kuch saal pehle maine tumhe kuch poocha aur tumne kaha ke tumhe kuch waqt chahiye.

Arjun: Ji... Maa ap jab bhi booleingi.. App ko main kabhi nahi mana kar sakta...

Maasi: Meri pasand Arohi hai

We both had some drink in our mouth which almost came out, no jokes!

Arjun/Arohi: Kya!

Arohi: Yeh hai apka solution?

Arjun: Solution? Kis baath ki solution?

Maasi tells him everything about Mike and the fake ring.

Arohi: Technically its not fake. It's a real diamond, just not an engagement ring. I got it as a graduation gift.

Arjun: So you think you should get married.

Arohi: Arjun... Its complicated.

Maasi: I think I should leave you two alone. I want to rest.

I spotted Bri and asked her if she can take Maasi to my room and continued to talk to Arjun.

Arohi: Honestly, I don't know if I should get married. You saw me in India. I was totally against this right now, but after this Mike episode I don't know what I should do. You know my family. We're conservative people and the whole relationship is plain wrong, not to forget to an non-indian. Look, I never had the urge to be in a relationship and neither do I now but I will never forgive myself if something happens to mom and dad because of me! Please Arjun, ab tum batao, kya karoon main

Arjun: Tumhe lagta shaadi karne se tumhari problem khatam ho jaye gi.

Arohi: I'm 18 years old Arjun. I don't want to get married but I don't know what else to do. By the way, this shaadi wala idea is your mom's idea, not mine! Arjun I haven't thought of it but mere bhi kuch armaan hai. I too have expectations of what I want from my married life, my man. But at the same time, Maasi is not wrong.

Arjun: Look, I'm not going to lie. I have only one goal in life and that is my parent's happiness. If mama likes you, then I have no problem, no matter the age difference but I want you to think about this as its a question of your life time.

Having said this we both got up and left for my room without saying another word.

As we pulled up to the building Arjun started again.

Arjun: I forgot to mention, Dadi is here.

Arohi: Dadi? She came back. Ab tho maza aayega.

Arjun: No. She is very sick right now. She can barely get up.

Arohi: Don't worry. We're here na, to nurse her back to health.

Arjun smiled and we went up to the apartment.

Arohi: Maasii!!!!!!

Savita: Puttar, tu aagaya? Kab se intezaar kar rahi hoon. Aa jao, your in time. I just set the table.

Arohi: Good, because I'm hungry. Where's mama?

Savita: They're arriving tomorrow. Aaj Rajveer ki appointment thi na?

Arohi: Oh, okay. Then I'll just call them later. Acha app batayein... Where's dadi?

Savita: Sleeping. It's almost time for her meds.

Arohi: Acha, mujhe dedo; I'll give them to her.

Savita: Beta, are you sure.

Arohi: Of course Maasi. I love her just as much as you guys do!

Maasi showed me the routine and I went in and did exactly the same. Dadi was so excited to see me; I was relieved as we hadn't seen each other in a long time. My nani had alzhiemer before she passed away, hence get scared meeting an elderly family member; I get scared they will act like they don't know me or something.

Dadi and I talked for a bit and then she fell asleep, so I slipped out and talked to everyone about the plans.

Savita: So puttar, your friend?

Arohi: Actually, voh classes thi so...

Savita: Tho bus lekar aayegi?

Arohi: Yea, aise hi kuch.

Savita: Well, no problem. Actually iski bua ke ghar ajj get together hai.

Arohi: That should be fun! Actually maasi.. if you don't mind, can my friend stay with us?

Savita: You think I'd let you drop your friend at a hotel?

Arohi: You're the best Maasi! (got up and hugged/kissed her)

We got up to leave for Arjun's bua's house. They lived right below us but we had to go as a family. Do you have any idea how long Gauri takes for her make up. Poor us, we had to wait. My make up took no more than 10-15 minutes "Just the way it should be" commented Arjun. Awkward, if you ask me! Well, everyone was finally out and we left!

Oh Gosh, everyone was there giving me weird looks. Arjun's bua and her 2 boys--not important, her sister-in-law and her 3 kids (Payal, Khushi, and Shyam), her sister's 2 kids (Simmi and Jay)! Omg, my jaan Love is here too.. which probably means Salil Bhai bhi hoga! i go to them first.

Arohi: Love!!!!

Lovedeep: Aro!!!! kaisi hai tu?

Arohi: Fit and fine but you here?

(We went to the side)

Love: I have something to tell you... but wait what is this?

Arohi: What?

Love: That rock on your hand. You realize that's why people are staring?

Arohi: Oh, we'll talk about that later, what do you have to say?

Love: Look (showing her hand to me).

Arohi: Omg seriously! Who, what, when, where, how, and WHY? you're like 20! Itni jaldi bhi kya hai?

Love: Tumhe kya jaldi hai?

Arohi: LOVE!

Love: Acha acha. He's nice; you know him. And Mom and dad like him too. Actually he's mom's choice. We talked. Liked each other. and then one day he proposed. I really think I'll be happy with him.

Arohi: Acha aur voh hai kaun...

Love: (Shying and looking down) Romit.

Arohi: ROMIT! Kumud aunty likes Romit for you!

Love: Ro, chill! So what, usme kya kharabi hai?

Arohi: Acha tho yeh bata, who'd she choose for Salil... Bhai.

Love: I love how you added bhai in the end, like you already know!

Arohi: I always call him bhai...

Love: But this time there was a pause. You sure this ring isn't from him?

Arohi: Eww, you know I love that kid like a brother.

Love: I'm just kidding. She likes you but he said no! Anyways, sisters get married first according to Salil. He refuses to even think about this topic for a couple of years. Enough about me, what about you?

Arohi: What about me?

Love: That ring... Arohi, where did you get that from?

Arohi: What do you mean?

Love: I know you got a diamond ring at your party but you refused to wear it and now...

Arohi: I changed my mind...

Love: Don't give me that! I know there's more! Aro, please! Don't ruin your life. You're only 18. You'll meet more guys.

Arohi: Love what do you think?

Love: You leave home and meet a guy and fall in love. The truth is sweety, you are not in love.

Arohi: How could you think that Love. That I would go against my mother's wishes and elope with the first "man" I see!

Love: Tho kya kar rahi hai tu!

Arohi: And even if I am, you're only 20! Who died and made you Love Guru!

Love: Aro, I have more experience than you and my mom wanted this!

Arohi: Love, one thing you never have to worry about is me going against my family Okay! Can we talk about this later please!

Love: Arohi, all I want you to know is that I am with you no matter what! I don't want this but if its your decision, I will be with you.

Arohi: Thanks love. I really need that; to know you will be by my side whenever I need support. (They hug and disperse-- mingle with everyone else)

Turns out Arjun's bua's relatives consist of my old friend (Shravan) from Europe. He came with his siblings (Sandy and Nidhi) and he is getting engaged. I was so excited! I only hung out with Shravan because Sandy and Nidhi were busy with Payal, Khushi, and Shyam. It was perfectly alright with me as I didn't really know Sandy or Nidhi. Eventually, we were sitting in a circle where the adults wanted the younger adults and kids to entertain them. Shefali and I looked at each other and an idea clicked! I finally found a way I could tease Shravan without making his engagement public (he didn't want anyone finding out yet). Shefu and I sang/danced to "Bhatke Panchi". It was funny because Sandy decided to play Shravan in our act while some verses were done by me and others by Shefali. What happened afterwords though was not!