This is for the people that comment and tell me that they can't wait for the upcoming chapters. I myself get so caught in writing this FF that I honestly don't want to stop!!! 😃Thank you guys, you guys make writing a whole lot more fun and worth it. 👏
-Esha ❤️
Recap: Arjun takes a sleepy Purvi home 😆, Soham's double connection to Purvi, Teju reveals all the plans to Arjun; worrying him. 😕
Chapter 8: Different Faces, Different Times
March 26th, 2012: Mumbai, 10:00 a.m.
The adrenaline kicked in as I raced through the streets on a freshly refilled Laila. I had to get there before they got back to my house. They want help—I know it. Ever since I connected that my angel Purvi was that Purbi—the one who was Sid's younger sister—I was desperate to find them. To see a grown up Seher. It seems like Purvi is everyone's little sis huh? Mine, Sid's…. Naakul's, Parth's and Viren's younger sister—not to mention my blood brother and blood sister's little sister too—if I'd ever see them. Go figure.
I didn't go into detail, but it was 4 years ago when Varsha Mausi returned me back to my Aai. It was 7 years ago when Seher was born. Sid was 2 years older than I was but let's face it—Seher is still an illegitimate child. Not only were her parents not married when they had her—but they were under 18 too. Seher would be 7 now. I wanted to see her—see who she took after more. I want to see if Anushka was the same, shy, scared girl. I knew that deep down; I wanted my old life back—the less complicated one.
I got off of Laila and ran—okay jogged as fast as I could to the entrance. This is where they had been taking shelter—an abandoned farmhouse just outside of the busy streets. I walked in—and spotted him—Sid; that Sid who promised not to leave me—even though he did. I hid behind some hay because Anushka came in. I could tell—just by the way she walked that she wasn't the same. Actually, she wasn't what we thought she was. She was acting the whole time. I felt like an idiot almost instantaneously—though it wasn't the first time.
Anushka: Sid, don't you have to go to work?
Siddarth: Yes, I do. Where's Seher?
Anushka: Still sleeping, Sid. You should get going—Mr. Siddarth Kelkar. *giggles*
Siddarth: Don't run your tongue Anu… Don't run your tongue.
Anushka: I know Sid. Bye….
Siddarth: Bye.
I watched Siddarth walk out—Siddarth Kelkar? What kind of game is this? I don't have too good of a feeling. I don't know why, but I feel like I'm being played—like a violin. I ignored the fear that crept up slowly on me, and made my entrance. Anushka looked up—and stood up too. She flashed a smile but then looked intent. That feeling came back. Oh how I hated it.
Soham: Get straight to it.
Anushka: He's back—uncle is. He wants Seher. I know it—I can feel it.
Soham: So why did Sid take Seher to my house yesterday? More importantly how did you guys find me?
Anushka: Bishnu—
Soham: Nahi… Vishnu nahi—Soham. My real name is Soham Deshmukh, Anushka. Don't call me that again. It brings back too much.
Anushka: I'm sorry. Soham—we've lived here for 7 years. We had to leave the comforts of home to get away from uncle. Siddarth had to change his name and got a job. We used our resources to track you. Once we found you though; we went to your home. Sid ran away because he heard your Mai—your real one. He figured you didn't want to tell her anything. I don't have a lot of time—but just please—please take Seher with you. Please—for the sake of Sid.
Soham: I will. But…. What do I tell—
Anushka: I have it all figured out.
I had to admit, she really must be really scared—or a great actress. She told me what to say to Aai when I got home. I then took Seher—who seemed to not care that a stranger was taking her on his bike and we drove around town for the day. I wanted to wait 'til Purvi got home. While I protected Seher, I would use her to maintain Purvi's happiness. I just hope nothing goes wrong. I hope.
****
March 26th 2012: Kirloskar Residence, 4:00 p.m.
Arjun let me go home early on the pretext that I get the house into order. We still hadn't even unpacked properly. But the minute I got home, I threw my things and dialed Tej. I was going to get her. I was going to get her good for messing up the plans I made.
Teju: Hello?
Riya: What is this Tej? When you call someone, you don't just start talking! You should have at least waited for Arjun to talk!
Teju: Riya, I'm so sorry! But you know I'm a blabber mouth!
Riya: Well…. How did he seem to react to the fact that we were throwing him a surprise party?
Teju: Again, I'm sorry Riya. He seemed… like himself. I guess…
Riya: Well what exactly did you tell him?
Teju: I told him that we were going to invite employees from the office, some of Baba's friend's, Nikhil—
Riya: YOU WHAT!?!?!?!?!
Teju: I invited Nikhil… what's so bad about that? He's Arjun's best friend.
Riya: Do you not remember the problem your dad has with Nik?
Teju: So? I honestly think that Arjun's happiness is more important than a stupid problem Baba has with Nikhil.
Riya: But you know how insecure Arjun is about getting your dad to like Nik… particularly since it was half his fault too…
Tej: Well they did—
Riya: Don't bring it up Tej.
Teju: Oops… Sorry Riya.
I finished my conversation with Tej and then thought about how Arjun must be feeling right now. Then I realized he was probably on the phone with Nik as I think about it…
****
March 26th, 2012: ADK Industries, 4:30 p.m.
….: Hello? Who's this?
Arjun: Nik!!! Where are you?
Nikhil: Arjun! Boss, I'm like at the London Airport. Is this like your new number for India or something?
Arjun: Yes, Nik it is. Why exactly are you in London if I may ask?
Nikhil: Bro, I'm like coming to India to congratulate you!
Arjun: Oh god. Do you know that—
Nikhil: Dude, I know I'll be with Manav Sir. I won't make a fool of myself or you. I got this. I also decided that I wouldn't leave until I got Manav Sir's acceptance, so I booked myself a one way ticket.
I have perfect timing. Either that or I love making a fool of myself because at that moment, in walks Miss Deshmukh—when I shout:
Arjun: YOU WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?
She stopped halfway through the doorway and looked at me. I felt really weird. Her mouth formed a perfect "O" shape. She gave me a slight nod and slid back out the door. I have to admit, though I hate the sound of her voice, she makes wise decisions. Sometimes.
Nikhil: Bro chillax! I got your back.
Arjun: Actually, more like other people and I got YOUR back Nikhil. I'm sorry, but you're that one person who says you'll do one thing, and does just about EVERYTHING else. I'm really excited Nik, I am—but please, just try not to make me mad on Saturday. Please.
Nikhil: I will yaar. I will. Bye Arjun.
Arjun: Bye Nik. Thanks.
I hung up and sat down. This was the least of my problems. Honestly. I had a long list of things to do, errand to run and—wait. I have Miss Deshmukh.
Arjun: *over intercom* Miss Deshmukh, you're needed in my office.
She walked in slowly, as if I was going to shout out at her too. I obviously wasn't going to though. I hope.
Arjun: Yes?
Purvi: I have the presentation completed, and Twin Tower company called to schedule a meeting on Saturday at 10:00.
Arjun: Ok. Hey listen…
Purvi: Mhmm?
Arjun: I have a few errands I need you to run for me tomorrow. You mind running them for me?
Purvi: Um, no?
She clearly looked confused. I gave her the thumbs up for Saturday and she left—leaving me to think about that one mistake Nik and I made years ago—in college.
****
March 26th,2012: Karanjkar Chawl, 7:30 p.m.
Purvi: Aai! I'm home on time for once….
Archana: Actually, I was beginning to think that I should label midnight as "on time". *laughs*
Purvi: *laughs too* Where's Soham dada?
Archana: I don't--
Soham: Here Purvi.
Archana and Purvi looked shocked.
Archana: Soham beta, whose this?
Did I mention that my son walked in with a 7-8 year old looking girl who looked as if she hadn't showered in days?
Soham: Aai, before you yell, I want you to answer my question. Can we please let her live with us?
Archana: Live? As in for more than a while?
Soham: Haan Aai. I'll explain later—just please say yes for the sake of this child.
Archana: Soham I—
Purvi: Here, let me get her cleaned up while you guys talk. She looks sick.
The little girl walked along Purvi, and she started to clean her up and then she realized that it would take more than just a towel and some water, so she took the towel and took her into the bathroom for a bath.
Soham: Aai, please. Don't ask any other question, but please answer mine. It's a dire emergency.
Archana: *in worried and confused thought.*
How was it? Please Like and comment. Sorry if it seemed too long. I couldn't find a stopping point… 😳
Some things to think about: What happened between Manav/Nikhil/ Arjun years ago? What will Archana say to Soham? Will Seher get to stay with Purvi and her family? 😲 What kind of errands will Arjun have Purvi run? Stay tuned for the next chapter if you want to know!!!! 😃
Don't forget someone's birthday on Monday, the 5th of November….. 🥳+ ❤️ + 😉