Happy Birthday Vigi...its for you...Have a superb day...love you :))
Part 5
Shaina ears perked up hearing Arjun's name announced while Rashi had that silly grin on her face. "Is Arjun here?" Shaina asked and leaving behind whatever they were looking through, they came out from the shop. Rashi went to the rail and looked down to two smirking guys standing in a corner looking in a particular direction. Arjun was marching towards them with a grin. Frowning she looked where Aryan and Rajveer looking and found the reason. Arohi furiously was tapping her fingers on the reception and looking around to find someone and she got it. Shaina by now was standing beside her and frowning. "What is Arohi doing down their at the reception? She was supposed to be with us" She mumbled making Rashi quickly angry. Constant monitoring of Arohi by Sharma's was getting on her nerves now. Before she could open her big mouth and spat few words, her mobile rang. "Rashi, we are outside...We will go home from here...Come outside if you are done" Rajveer told her. "But this..." She was about to ask for announcement when Rajveer cut her in between. "Don't ask anything...just come outside asap...we will tell you then" Rashi in response just said a yes and cut the call. "Is Arjun here?" Shaina asked next. No matter how irritated Rashi was getting just with the presence of Shaina, she controlled her emotions and nodded. "Yeah, actually they planned to go out on a lunch and stopped to pick me up...They are waiting outside...I think we should leave" Shaina nodded. They both came down to Arohi whose eyes were still wandering around.
"Can you please tell me who asked you to make that announcement?" She had asked receptionist who looked around but couldn't find both men and shook her head. "I can't see them around here now Maam...May be they have found their friend and left" She suggested and went back to her work. Arohi stomped her foot but somewhere she got a hope in her mind. "Arjun is here...May be he has found me.. May be he is here to take me away" Her heart wished. She had to put a hand on her heart to calm it down. Is it wishing for too much? She wondered.
"Arohi...what are you doing down here?" Shaina inquired with a raise brow as she approached her. Arohi got baffled with the question. It feels like years when she did something on impulse. "I...I was looking for the ladies toilet" She made an excuse. Shaina though was not convinced but though to let it go. Her mind was already somewhere else. "Ok let's go...We are done" She said and went to exit. "Where is Rashi?" Arohi asked as she followed her keeping a distance. "Oh...she left with her brother...they planned a lunch so he came to pick her up" Shaina mumbled as she went towards parking. "I wonder why Arjun didn't came to meet me up...at least he should had say a hello" Shaina said to herself but Arohi's ears got alert on hearing the name once again. ARJUN. "Arjun...? Who Arjun?" She licked her dry lips. Her heart beat fast waiting for that one answer. "Rashi's brother Arjun. Arjun Punj...We met him last night with his friends in the party...there he suggested that Rashi needed some help with shopping as she wasn't aware of this surroundings and Grandpa put me up to help her..." Shaina keep on narrating the events of last night, not able to keep it within her as she started the ignition of the car and put it back on the road but Arohi just went into a daze hearing the very first line. "Rashi's brother Arjun...Arjun Punj" She had told and Arohi was lost in her own world. "Arjun was in the party last night" And then she remembered Rashi's words from last night. "Actually my brother and his friends are off to the same party" She had told her. OMG...I MET RASHI...THIS WAS THE SAME RASHI...MY BEST FRIEND" Arohi covered her face with her palms in absolute relief. A beautiful smile formed on her lips inside. "What happened to you?" Quickly hiding her emotions, she placed a somber look on her face as she looked at Shaina. "Nothing...just feeling tired" Shaina didn't say anything as her mind was already occupied with some other thoughts and Arohi too took time to went through her emotions.
"You are home...How was the shopping?" Grandpa greeted Shaina with a warm hug as Arohi took out the bags from the car. "It was nice .." "You know Arjun came to the mall too" Shaina hugged him as he led her inside. "Really? You talked with him?" Grandpa got excited too. "Nahi...actually we didn't get to meet...He just came too pick Rashi up..." Shaina face fell as she explained. Arohi heard them quietly and left to put bags in her room. "Awww...My doll...don't be sad..." He was thoughtful for a moment before he gets a smile and said "How about we invite Arjun and his friends on the dinner tonight?" Shaina looked up with a big smile. "I take that as an approval...Let me call this chap" Akshay called Arjun and he took it up after three rings. "Hi, Arjun ...Its Akshay Sharma here". Arjun who just came out from the restaurant got a smirk. "Yes Mr. Sharma" Aryan, Rajveer and Rashi, who followed him out, hear the name and stopped making noises. "Actually I wanted to invite you to dinner tonight. I will really like if you, your sister and friends will join us." ITS WORKING MORE QUICKLY THEN I EXPECTED. Rashi asked him what's up in a whisper and in reply Arjun mouthed DINNER. "Mr. Punj?" "I am so sorry Mr. Sharma...But I don't think we can make it tonight. We already have plans" Arjun made an excuse dampening Akshay's mood and seeing his dull face, Shaina's face dulled too. "But we can make it tomorrow if thats ok?" Arjun continued making his friends confused and Akshay smile. "Ofcourse...Ofcourse tomorrow is just as fine" Akshay replied happily. "Ok then...see you tomorrow Mr.Sharma" Arjun wished him bye and cut the call. "Oye, why you said No for tonight...We don't have any plans" Aryan complained. "Yeah I know" Arjun took a deep sigh, slipped his mobile in his pocket, took out the keys and walked towards his car. Aryan, Rajveer and Rashi looked at each other and then rushed behind him. "Bhai...Arjun" They shouted and approached him. Aryan holds him from his hand and stopped him. "Why you said No for tonight...We all do know that how anxious you are to meet Arohi...Now when you have chance, why are you putting that meeting on hold?" Aryan questioned his seriously. "Aryan...I am not putting the meeting on hold...I am delaying it a bit" He turned around and got lost in his thoughts. "Till now, I do think Arohi must have known that I am here. She might be thinking too that I am here in search of her. My intentions must be clear. But tonight, I want her to discover her own feelings. I know that..." He cleared his filled up throat. "She misses us...She remembers us...I want her to have this night to conjure up her thoughts...I don't want to get overwhelmed ". The friends understood and didn't prompt him further.
After being done with her daily chores, when Arohi finally retired to her room, she quickly took a bath. Later she took out a wooden box from under her single bed and crossed her legs as she sat on the bed along with it. Slowly opening the box she took a deep breath. Always before, whenever she opened this box it always was due to hurt, loneliness, she used to feel around. But today, she opened this box holding her old bitter sweet memories, with a broad smile. She carefully took out a small rubber ball with which she had hit Arjun so many times in their school days. A pen, which Rashi gifted her on her 11th birthday. A green busted balloon, that they had blown to celebrate Arjun's success in his 12th standard when they arranged a small party for him in his house. A bracelet, in which butterfly, hearts, stars and half-moon was hanging. Gifted by Arjun before she went to stage to perform in annual school Dance Competition. "This is a good luck charm Arohi...these butterflies, will help you fly...hearts will make you feel that you are loved by many people and these stars and moon will be your target in life...Just go up and fill the stage with your colors" He had told her and she did it. Though she came 2nd, but she wasn't disappointed and worked hard next year to be the winner and she did it. Coming out from her thoughts, Arohi once again wore that bracelet and kissed it. "Your shadow, the feeling of your existence around, never let me feel alone Arjun...But now, when you are here...I want you. I want you and Rashi beside me...Please come and take me away...Please" A tear traced her cheeks but today, she didn't break down. She just kept her lips pressed to the bracelet fill wrist and went to sleep with a smile. Happiness was just about to knock her door.
Arjun, Rashi, Rajveer and Aryan were standing infront of Sharma Mansion, wearing sleek dresses. the men looking hot in their business attires and gelled hairs while Rashi flowed her half sleeved bottle green colored gown, graciously on her slender figure. Arjun turned and looked at his four bodyguards who were standing in the side. "You know what you have to do...Right?" "Yes Sir" All said at once and nodded. Arjun took out a letter from his pocket and put it in Roy's hand. "Make sure you place it in a right place". He warned. "Don't worry Sir...I will do it as you instructed". Roy replied. "Good...you all had the equipments checked and tested...we don't want any problems" Aryan inquired. "Everything is under control Sir" Rajat, the head of security replied with assurance. "Let's move then..." The four body guards moved ahead of the invited guests and on instructions, rang the bell. A minute later, the door was opened by a maid and Akshay greeted them along with Shaina. "Welcome...Welcome..." He hugged the young men and patted Rashi's head. "Its such a pleasure that you all came to our home...Come inside" Akshay get on a side to let them in but they retorted. "I am sorry Mr. Sharma...But we have a small issue...My bodyguards will like to check this house before we enter" Arjun said with a smirk. His hands were tucked in his black pant pockets that gave him such a raw and ambitious look. Akshay was sweating for the second time in the company of Arjun. "But this house is perfectly safe...No issues around" Akshay tried to convince Arjun. "No Mr. Sharma...Actually we had our earlier bad experiences with these formal dinners...We really don't want to take any risks this time" Akshay looked at Shaina who was equally confused but nodded in reply to go ahead. As if waiting, the body guards get in the house. "Let's go and sit in the garden for the mean time" Shaina suggested and all agreed. While Shaina and Rashi shared a hug and pleasantries, Akshay inquired about the earlier experiences. "I mean, what happened that made you so conscious?" He inquired as they took seats on the metal fancy chairs. The lamps and bulbs were providing enough light in the darkness of the night. "Actually, once we went over on some business dinner and Rashi was caught up with severe food poisoning. That's why we like to take precautions. Also, in the field we work, secrets got leak really quickly. Once one of my associates hid a microphone in the room, me and Aryan were discussing a deal and he manipulated the numbers on files and made another company win the deal. From then on, I avoid believing blindly on people" Akshay nodded his head in approval. "That's a fair thought...It's hard to believe on people now a days...You really can't tell who is in your favor and who is not" YOU ARE SO RIGHT MR.AKSHAY SHARMA. He thought and smiled inside.
"Show me your rooms...We need to check around" Roy got attention of maids as he get into the kitchen. "But why? Are you from police?" One of the maids asked. "No, But the guest Mr. Sharma have for tonight, is my boss and he don't enter anyone's home without a throughout checking. I will really like you to cooperate or else I have to complain to Mr. Sharma" The maids looked at each other and took him to their room. Roy was done with the last room when Arohi came out from her's. Roy, who was feeling anxious, finally took a sigh of relief. "What's going on here?" Arohi inquired with perplexed expression. "Arohi Maam, Let him check your room for a minute. He needs to b assure that there are no..Bombs in your room" Roy looked at the young maid with dagger eyes but turned to look at Arohi. "Maam please..." Arohi hesitated but let him in. Roy checked around to just show her...and carefully put the note in a safe place where she can find it easily and left the room.
"Arohi...Please serve the dinner" Shaina came into the kitchen and asked her. "Shaina, who are these guests...Grandpa just told me that they are coming and you were out in the whole day" Arohi asked as she put the dishes and glasses onto the serving trolley. Shaina got excited to think that Arohi don't know. "Stella, you go and serve the dinner. Arohi, you come with me" Shaina hold Arohi's wrist and took her own into the corridor, keeping a safe distance from others. "That man in grey suit, is Rajveer... "Shaina whispered to Arohi, pointing at him with her finger. "This irritating man in navy blue is Aryan..." Shaina tilted her head to get a look of Arjun who was hiding behind Aryan but couldn't get his look. "You know Rashi right...she is sitting with Aryan and..." Shaina took a pause as Arjun get up to put his now empty glass on the front coffee table. Arohi's eyes open wide seeing him as Shaina whispered. "And that's Arjun...Arjun Punj". Shaina's all dreamy look and tone was ignored by Arohi as she was lost in Arjun's look.
She remembered his every word and their interaction from day before, too run through her mind. OH MY GOD!! She thought. "All through he was there in front of me and I was wishing and praying to have my friends back". But before she could get lost in more thoughts, Akshay called her. "Arohi, come here and serve them the food" Everyone turned to look at her. Arjun's smiling eyes met her one's for a small brief moment before she looked down and went towards the dining room where a maid was already laying down the dishes. "Who is she?" Rajveer asked just to make the conversation sound casual. "Though she is my Grand-daughter...actually step-granddaughter but is nothing better than a maid" the hatred was evident in Akshay eyes that made Arjun and Rashi's blood boil but but Rajveer changed the topic. "Let's move then..." "Yeah" Akshay lead them to the dining room where they all got seated and Arohi one by one started serving them. Arjun eyes were stuck on her, making her conscious of his gaze. Shaina promptly sit infront of Arjun and tried to divert her attention towards herself. Arjun though tried to show interest but miserably failed. It was Aryan who handled the situation and irritated Shaina to the extent by his answers that she stopped talking. "Can I have curry?" Arjun asked with a raise brow. Arohi felt chills down her spine hearing his voice. "Arohi...serve him" Akshay prompted her in a hard voice. Taking the bowl, Arohi round up the table and stood beside his chair. She bends a little to put a spoon full in plate. Arjun got the chance and inhaled her intoxicating smell by taking a deep breath. From the first time, he felt her too close and got a flavor of her smell, it wanted to feel it once again. "Lavender..as always...hmmm" He murmured so just Arohi could hear and she backed off immediately. He mentioned her perfume's smell. "He remembers that" She thought as from the early teenage days, lavender was her favorite smell. Just the thought made her hands tremble. The rest of the dinner passed in the same way. Making excuse of water, rice or curry, he kept making her get close to himself. By the end of the time, Arohi was sweating and butterflies made a constant room in her belly. When everyone was leaving to get back to the living room, Arjun made sure he is the last one and before Arohi could leave, he held her wrist and pulled her to himself. Her hairs covered half of her face due to the pull but using his two fingers, he removed the black veil away. "You are as beautiful as ever Arohi" He whispered. "Now, you know how I know your name?" She looked deep into his eyes to get her answers. "Arjun" She whispered back and he nodded happily. They stayed silent, letting their eyes take fill of each other's appearance. "Arjun...what happened?" Akshay's voice reached them and footsteps were hearable. Arjun let go of her wrist and turned to go back to the living room, leaving Arohi in a whirlpool of thoughts and feelings.
They all were now standing on the door once again. This time bidding bye. "Thank you for the dinner Mr. Sharma...it was indeed great..." Arjun looked at Arohi, praising her indirectly who smiled broadly in response. "Glad you liked our hostility Mr. Punj" Akshay was really happy that his guests were leaving happily. "Before we go...Can I ask you something Mr. Sharma?" Arjun started hesitantly. "Yeah yeah...sure. Anything" "Ummm..." Arjun looked between Arohi and Shaina and then back at his friends who knew what was coming up. Rashi's eyes were fixed on Arohi as Arjun asked. "Can I take Shaina out on lunch tomorrow?" the face that was filled with happiness by having her friends back, looked up at him with a shock. It was just so unbelievable for her to hear. But Arjun avoided looking back at her heart breaking face and kept his eyes fixed on Akshay. Akshay fumbled as he looked at Shaina in askance and seeing her blush and smile, he agreed. "Yeah sure...of course...I think you both have numbers of eachother...so why don't you both discuss the details of meeting with eachother" Shaina hugged Akshay tightly in happiness while Arohi backed away two steps before rushing inside to her room. Arjun cursed himself inside but didn't let his face show anything. Bidding bye to eachother, they get out from Sharma house. Before sitting into the car, Arjun gave a sad look to the house. "I am sorry Arohi...I am so sorry for hurting you"
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Ana
Edited by ..oneOone.. - 11 years ago