ARVI FF: Jiska Mujhe Tha Intazaar (Ch. 8- Pg. 18) - Page 5

Chapter 4: "I want to be with you…"

MUMBAI, INDIA

1O:OO PM

EUPHORIA NIGHTCLUB

"Arjun, dance with me na!" Purvi tugged his arm.

"Purvi, I'm not a dancer! I'll step all over your feet. I just come for the drinks!" he shouted over the blasting music.

"It's okay, yaar. There's a first time for everything." she winked.

Arjun shrugged his shoulders in agreement and walked onto the dance floor with Purvi. As they made their way, the DJ played "Promiscuous" by Nelly Furtado. Arjun awkwardly held Purvi by her waist as she fist-pumped in the air and laughed. He merely smiled at her frivolity.

"Kya hua Arjun? You don't feel good?" she cupped his face and put her hand on his neck to see if his temperature was high. "Oh God, you're temperature is very high! I think you have a fever!" she panicked.

"I'll be fine." he assured her as he downed a shot given to him by a passing waiter. "It's just hot in here." he winked and twirled Purvi around.

She blushed and continued to dance. As time passed, the two merely swayed back and forth, staring into each other's eyes. Eventually, Arjun's eyes became heavy and he rested his head on Purvi's shoulder. "Chalo, Arjun." Purvi pat his head.

She guided him out of the club and walked down neon light filled streets. The latest Bollywood songs blasted and late night snack vendors filled the air with the aroma of Indian spices. Though Arjun was nauseous, he couldn't take his eyes off Purvi. The tip of her nose and cheeks were becoming red. Wind tussled through her tresses as she inched on with each clack of her pumps. He hooked onto her arm tightly, conveying a sense of security.

"Arjun?" Purvi paused along their path, noticing his incessant stare.

Instantly, Arjun embraced her tightly and pecked her cheek. Purvi was startled, but returned the embrace with two awkward hands touching his shoulder blades.

"Purvi, what are you afraid of?" Arjun whispered into her ear.

"The dark. Is something wrong?" Purvi chattered.

"Yes."Arjun buried his nose into her shoulder and held back tears.

"Arjun, bolo na." she loosened herself from the uncomfortable hold.

"I'm afraid of dying alone." he professed and began wailing.

"Arjun?" Purvi laughed. Before she could begin, he threw up on the curb side.

"Oh boy," Purvi exclaimed, "We better get you home."

"No," Arjun began, "mujhe ghar nahi jana. Mujhe tumhar saath rehna hai."

He was terribly ill and needed proper rest and she couldn't drop him on the street like this. If he brought her to the hospital, the staff might get the wrong impression about her. Aaji would lose her top if she saw Purvi brought a boy home. She didn't know his home address either. Purvi concluded that she would just drop him in a hotel and tend to him till he felt better.

MUMBAI, INDIA

11:22 PM

RASGOS LODGE

"Room for 2?" Purvi asked, embarrassed, at the counter. She hung one of Arjun's shoulders around her neck and held onto his body.

Skeptically, the owner handed her a key with 3C engraved on. She nodded in thanks and went up to the third floor in room C. She laid Arjun on the bed and removed his shoes, loosened his tie and removed his blazer. She called room service for antacid and some Nyquil. Arjun slowly awoke.

"Purvi, it's very warm." he removed his collar shirt and socks.

"You have to sweat it off, Arjun." Purvi wrapped a blanket around him.

"No," he pushed the blanket away, "open the window, Purvi."

"No." she took off her shoes and undid her ponytail.

She began a hot towel treatment on Arjun's forehead till he seemed to have fallen asleep. After what seemed like a shift at the hospital, she threw back in a recliner in a corner of the room and began to drift into sleep.

"Purvi," Arjun called.

"Ha?" Purvi awoke with a spasm.

"I miss my parents." he began.

"Toh phir inhe phone kijiye." she readjusted herself.

"Voh marchuke hain." the room shook.

"Oh, I am sorry Arjun. I mean kese? Kab?" Purvi questioned, worried.

"Ab woh sab important nahin hain," Arjun stated with a lump in his throat, "Phirbhi, if they met you, Purvi, I think they would like you."'

"Thanks." Purvi blushed. "Ab soh jao!"

Purvi pushed her recliner towards Arjun's bedside and continued to admire him as her eyes grew droopy.

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