SS: Dheere Dheere Se - ArDhika + NeSam ~ 2/13/16 p63 - Page 14

Originally posted by: ArthunaAlive

Ticklishly funny update . Thoroughly enjoyed reading this remarkable piece of story telling .👍🏼

Originally posted by: Nonie12345

Awesome Chapter Grace

I love that song❤️

Thanks for the link⭐️

Originally posted by: Asheley

I loved this part

Arjun and Neil become waiter to crash Mehandi function

Arjun introduced radhu as his GF

Poor Arjun that aunt is pinching his cheeks

Waiting for next update

I laughed so much while reading this

Thanks for PM dear

Sorry for late reply

Originally posted by: esprit_00

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival - wishing you lots of moon cakes 😊😛

Originally posted by: iheartChai

Hi Everyone!

So sorry for taking this long to post something up. I sort of got lost in this chapter 😆 but I somehow found my way out. Also, didn't help that I got distracted by my One Shot: Snapshots

Anyways without further ado the next chapter...

Please excuse any spelling or grammatical errors.

**No copyright infringement intended. I do not own the characters but storylines are my own.

Chapter 7: Dil Dhadakne Do

Neil paced back and forth underneath the covered walkway rubbing the back of his head trying his hardest to think of a solution to the problem. "Yaar, anything?" Amit said with hope. They had seen the trail of colorful saris, lenghas, and anarkalis enter the tent several feet from where they had set camp. The fathers had known long before dinner even started that tonight's primary mission was to crash the Mehendi celebration. The marriage week had revived their own precious memories of their own weddings. They could sympathized with Amit's plight as they had been in that situation once before and gave their full blessings and consent.

"Can't we send Papa and Uncle?" Amit's younger brother, Sunny suggested.

"Your mother would know in an instant what we would be up to," Mr. Singh replied. "She'll go and warn everyone."

Arjun stood in the back silently listening to the brainstorming session as various ideas were being thrown around.

"Why don't we dress up like a dance troupe?"

"And where exactly would we find clothes at this hour?"

"You want to wear a lady's sari?"

"If we do, we have to make boobs...water balloons?"

"How do you put on a sari? You twirl like this?"

"No, you wrap it around the waist and then tuck it in and then twist this and throw that back..."

"Wait, how do you know how to put on a sari?"

"Can't we wear lenghas? Those would be easier wouldn't they?"

"I'm not putting on makeup."

"Then you'll look like a really sorry looking girl."

"Hairy looking girl. Someone has to shave Mohan!"

"All we need is one person to get in and then he can let the rest in," Arjun declared loudly stopping the chatter. He was tired of hearing all the inane ideas. "Why not dress like hotel staff...a waiter?"

Neil's eyes lit up and he bounced over to him with a grinned. Holding the back of his neck in a lovingly manner, "That's my cousin! That's it! A waiter...they will be serving food and refreshments in that tent...we just grab a couple of outfits. I'm sure the hotel staff wouldn't mind if we borrowed a few. Probably wasn't the first or last time they helped the groom's men crash the bride's Mehendi Party. So who will volunteer?"

"I think we found them," Amit said pointing at Neil and Arjun.

"Us?" the cousins said with surprise.

"Everyone is family down there. They know all of us. You guys are new. They have no idea who you are and you will be able to blend in better than we ever could."

"That's it decision made," Mr. Singh grinned patting the two young men on the back. "Neil and Arjun."

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Arjun begrudgingly put on the crisp white linen jacket and sharply buttoned it up. "I can't believe I'm doing this."

Neil glanced in his direction and smirked, "You don't have to be so sour about it. It was your idea after all."

Arjun wanted to retort but knew what he said was right. "I should have just kept my mouth shut," he sighed.

Placing his arm around his shoulders, "Come on it will be like old times. Remember when were were like 8-9 years old and we were sneaking into Mr. Patel's kitchen to steal some jalebis that he was making for the shop? Little Ridhi...she had a crush on me and she'd help us take a few?"

"You were 10...I was 11 and Ridhi had a crush on me. Her sister Ritu liked you," Arjun corrected.

"Is it?" Neil pondered out loud. "Well, we had fun. So just go with the flow tonight and considering you left me this morning to go on some nature hike...doing this is the least that you could do."

"By the way why were you dressed up in a toga?" Arjun inquired as curiosity finally got the best of him.

Neil felt his face go warm as he recalled the pictures that had been on Asha's phone. Then maintaining his composure despite the sudden feel of moisture collecting on the back of his shirt he stated calmly. "No reason."

Arjun cocked his head to the side and repeated, "No reason..."

Neil turned him around and cleared his throat loudly as he pushed him out of the restroom, "We're getting late."

They walked silently side by side coming from a back angle to the grand tents that had been set up by one of the water fronts. They could see hotel staff walking in and out carrying trays, glasses, and other items. Neil coughed into his fist, "Sec-cuirty..." as they got closer.

"Well, that's it," Arjun mumbled as he attempted to do an u-turn and walk away. He was immediately prevented by Neil's hand that had caught a hold of the back of his outfit. "Let me go..." he hissed.

"Keep walking," Neil whispered back. "They'll get suspicious."

"I feel suspicious," Arjun grumbled.

"This was your idea remember?" Neil pushed him forward and then nervously laughed, "Sooraj the service tent is here. Quickly they need us for the party."

They both offered a prompt grin at the guard and pointed at their name badges. His stance remained firm as he glanced at their name tags. "You may proceed," he grunted. They both nodded and hurriedly rushed inside.

"Ah, there you are!" They were greeted by a short bald man with glasses. "Jaldi, pick up those serving trays," pointing at Arjun, "Sooraj, you go over to the appetizer table and start serving food," pointing at Neil, "You go over to the bar and serve drinks."

"Yes sir!" they both replied and hurriedly went off to do what they had been ordered to do.

"We need to find a good place where we can let everyone in," Neil whispered to Arjun as they grabbed their serving trays. "We'll meet up in 5 minutes." Arjun simply nodded and then lifted the curtain and entered the main tent area.

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Radhika giggled along with Shreya and the girls as they watched Asha got her mehendi. The intricate design was soon forming on the palm of her right hand. "Hide that A really well," Sam advised as she came with a large plate of appetizers.

"Ji Madam," the mehendi lady replied.

"Thanks Sam!' Shreya said with glee as she took a fork and started stabbing at the paneer tikka.

"Hey, leave some food for the bride," Sam ordered as she saw the rest of the girls pounce on the food.

"Mmm...this is sooo good," Radhika moaned, "You have to try this," stuffing a piece of paneer into Sam's mouth. Her eyes lit up at the taste and happily chewed. "Okay, on second thought Asha we'll get you another plate just for you. Someone hand me fork please."

Toral handed her one and then sighed, "Wish we had drinks. Anyone seen a waiter?"

"I'll go to the bar and get some," Radhika offered. "What do you guys want?"

"Water," everyone replied.

"After last night water is all I'm drinking tonight," Bani said as she gently pushed her glasses back up on the bridge of her nose.

"Okay that's seven waters coming up."

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Neil scanned the room as he stood by the bar trying to figure out the best place to have Amit and the boys crash in. He was leaning towards the back service entrance despite the fact that there was a guard standing there. They could distract him long enough so the group could come rushing in and over take the party by surprise. Neil smirked to himself content that he had a plan. Now all he needed was a willing accomplice to be the distraction. His was pulled from his reverie when he heard a deep cough. He looked up and saw a tall heavy built man staring at him. "Are you going to stand there," squinting his eyes looking at the name tag, "George? Or are you going to go and serve people drinks?" Neil gave a nervous smile knowing that if he didn't do what the body builder waiter told him to do he would be thrown to the ground in a body slam. He quickly started to put various drink glasses on the serving tray. He breathed a sign of relief when he heard someone calling and the waiter left him to go attend to the matter. "Okay, now I got to find Arjun before someone sees me..." Neil muttered to himself. "Excuse me?" Neil froze in place as he recognized the voice behind him. "Excuse me, Sir?"

"Aah...yes...um...uhh...um..." Neil coughed trying to mask his voice. He then then lowered his tone and replied, "Yes?"

"I need seven glasses of water, please. If you could serve them where the Bride is sitting...by the stage."

"Of course..." coughing loudly in almost a gagging sound.

"Are you okay?"

"Uhhh...ha...yes...yes, I'm okay. Seven waters coming, Madam," Neil replied as he desperately wished for this exchange to be over with.

Radhika gave a confused and worried expression. Should this waiter be serving if he has this horrible cough? She turned around then paused trying to decide if she should make a change to her request. She turned around again and then utter in shock, "Neil?"

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Arjun stared at his serving tray of food and silently wondered why and how he was still here following his cousin's orders. All of this was just plain silly. He eyes glazed a little as he started to people watch those in attendance to the Mehendi function. Satisfied with one corner of the room he switched his gaze over to the other side. That's when he felt his stomach take a dive and the formation of a lump in his throat. Sam was walking towards his direction. He needed to get out of there fast before he was caught. He turned around and raised the tray up high in an absurd way trying to hide his face. He spotted a group of aunties and decided to offer the appetizers to them.

"Ladies," he greeted. "Paneer tikka or cocktail vegetable samosas?"

Meanwhile, back at the bar Neil was rubbing his neck nervously. "Heh-he fancy seeing you here Radhika."

"What are you doing here? You know what Asha said," she warned.

"Please," clasping his hands in front of him, "Don't tell anyone. Yaar, it's all in the wedding games...you know that...it's just for fun. Please Radhika please don't tell anyone."

"Where's Amit?" Radhika inquired as she looked about the room.

"He's not here. It's just me and Arjun..."

"Arjun?"

He cringed when he realized what he had said. He then noticed how she was searching the room. "Why do you seem so interested?" Neil seriously probed.

"No reason," Radhika replied. "Is he dressed up as a waiter too? I just can't see him doing these types of things. He just seems so..."

"Serious?" Neil filled in for her. "He didn't always act that way," sighing, "He use to be a lot different."

"Different..." Radhika repeated with a pondering look.

"So, you won't tell anyone about this right?" Neil pleaded again.

"About what?" Radhika inquired and glanced at his name tag. "What are we talking about George?"

Neil grinned brightly, "You are awesome! Too sweet! Really...I will owe you one."

Radhika glanced about her then said, "You better do what it is you are going to do fast before someone else sees you." Neil nodded his head in agreement. "And you're right it is a lot more fun when the boys crash the party."

Neil chuckled, "I'm glad we see eye to eye on this matter."

Radhika then shooed, "Go.."

Neil quickly took off from the bar and disappeared into the crowd to look for Arjun. He found him surrounded by a group of aunties serving appetizers. Neil stifled his laughter when he realized what was actually happening to his dear cousin.

Arjun smiled politely as his cheek was pinched for the third time that night. He never thought in his 27 years of his life that he would ever be in a situation where he would be hit on by someone who could very well pass as his own mother. He sighed in desperation wondering where was Neil and how he was going to get out of this situation.

"Oh Sooraj..."

"Ji?" Arjun replied with nervousness.

"May I have some more paneer tikka?"

"Of course," Arjun nodded and offered the tray of food to the woman to his right. She had been hitting on him for the past five minutes.

"Sooraj, how do you find my dress?" She twirled around to let him see the full range of the black and cream color sari she was wearing.

"It's very nice...it suits you," Arjun politely complimented. He nearly dropped the tray of food when she twirled a little too far and grabbed his shoulder to steady herself. Anyone could see that she had done it on purpose. Her friends who were in the circle with them were all laughing and giving her looks that she was just being too much and to let the poor boy go.

"It's a design that Priyanka Chopra has worn."

"Oh, is it? It's um, very nice..." Arjun respectful said.

Finally feeling pity for him, Neil walked up and loudly order. "Sooraj? There is a group over there that needs some appetizers."

Arjun smiled in relief when he saw his cousin. "Ji Sir," he quickly replied and walked away from the group. When they were well enough away he dump the tray of food off at an empty table. "What the heck took you so long?" rubbing his cheeks with a sour expression.

"I don't know...you looked like you were enjoying yourself back there," Neil teased earning him a scowl. "Listen, so we are going to have to come up with a distraction that will make the guard leave his post and then we can get everyone inside."

"They are going to storm the back?" Arjun asked.

Smiling proudly, "Why yes I'm so glad you are catching on now!"

Arjun rolled his eyes, "And what distraction is going to do that?"

Their conversation was interrupted when a familiar voice squeaked in, "What are two still doing here?"

"Radhika..." Neil grinned wide as a sudden idea entered his mind while she looked at him uncomfortably.

Arjun spied the wine glass in her hand and arched one eyebrow, "Drinking again?"

"No, it's for Sam," Radhika replied. She then glanced over at Neil who was still wearing a goofy grin. "Ah.." she started as she shifted her gaze back at Arjun, "so, when are you executing your plan?"

Sensing how uncomfortable she was and his own growing annoyance at Neil Arjun reached over and smacked him in the back of the head, "Would you stop?'

"Hey!" Neil grumbled as he rubbed the back of his head. "Sorry, I zoned out there. I have the perfect distraction. Radhika..."

Shaking her head, "Don't get me involved in this. I let you go the first time."

"Don't worry. You and the girls prepared a performance right?" Radhika nodded in confirmation. "Perfect. All you have to do is dance. That's it and we'll take care of the rest."

"Right now?"

"Well, of course. You planned one so...if not now then when?" Neil encouraged. Holding his hands in front of him, "Please?"

"All right, I'll talk to the girls and see if they want to perform...no promises," Radhika replied and disappeared back into the crowd.

"So, they dance and what do we do?" Arjun asked. Neil grinned and motioned for him to come closer so he could whisper to him the plan.

*****************************************************************

Ten minutes later Arjun and Neil watched as the lights suddenly dimmed and the DJ started the song. A few spotlights turned on focusing on the girls as they started their dance. Arjun and Neil stood there for a few seconds smiling as they saw them groove to music. Neil then tapped Arjun's shoulder and motioned him to follow. Neil sent a text message on his phone before they exited through the back and were standing near the guard.

"So Sooraj can you believe it?" Neil asked rather loudly.

Arjun looked at him confused at what he should say and just replied, "No..."

"Yea, neither can I," glancing towards the guard to see if he was listening. "I don't care what you say I think she's hotter...Katrina..." The guard made no movement and continued to stand guard.

"Deepika is better," Arjun replied.

"No way...though Anushka?"

"Before or after surgery?" Arjun inquired. They both smirked when they heard a suppressed laughter.

"Whatever," Neil continued. "She doesn't count any more. Who's the hottest desi girl?"

"Priyanka." Neil and Arjun turned their heads and looked at the guard.

"You're a big fan?" Neil asked. "She's back there."

"What?" the guard replied in shock. "I would have heard about it."

"She's a good family friend on the Groom's side. They just came in today. It was a surprise for the Bride. If you don't believe us then go inside and look for yourself," Neil said trying to convince him to leave his spot.

"Yea Abhay," Arjun said with a forced smile.

"Abhi...Abbhi..." Neil said patting his shoulder trying to be friendly. He then chuckled nervously as Abhay gave him the do not touch me look. "Heh-heh...um, I mean Abhay...the more time you are arguing with us out here the less time you are going to be able to see her perform.

Abhay looked at them from side to side and then said, "You'll stand here?"

"Sure...of course...she's not my type," Neil replied. "I'm a Katrina kind of guy and," pointing at Arjun, "He's a Deepika kind of guy."

Abhay flashed a smile as the cousins nodded their heads in agreement. "Okay, I'll be back," pointing at them with threatening eyes, "Don't leave this post."

"Yes Sir," Neil replied as he saluted.

When Abhay disappeared into the tent. They both sighed in relief. "We don't have much time before he finds out its not Priyanka," Arjun warned. "Where is Amit?"

"Coming right now," Neil said as he waved his hand in the air. Arjun was taken aback as people started coming out of the bushes running into the tent.

"Quickly," Neil ushered.

"Yaar, thanks a lot man!" Amit smiled with gratitude as he stood between Neil and Arjun putting his arms around both in a brotherly manner. "Now, let's crash this party!"

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Sam breathed steadily as she ended in the middle of the stage with her finishing pose with the spot light still shining on her. The girls each had a little solo in the routine and she had just finished hers. As the lights went out she waited for the music to start again so the group could dance the finale. She was surprised when a different spotlight come on and Neil suddenly popped onto the stage lip-syncing, "My Desi Girl...Girl Girl Girl Girl..." (Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDIrpvH8MzE) Her eyes continued to widen when he grabbed her arm and slung her to the other side of him dancing to the rhythm of the old school party song. "Jhoomka girake, lo mila le agar, woh nazar se nazar mitade...Nachke dikhade, sabki dhadhkan, bhi kadam se kadam milade..." Sam was baffled at first but soon melted into the beat and began dancing along with him. "Lehron se chal ke jaal bicha de, dil ko ye behaat banade...Saare deewane maane, na dekhi koi aisi girl...Na dekhi koi aisi girl..."

The girls were off on the sides smiling and bopping their heads to the song not at all upset that they didn't get to finish their dance routine. Radhika felt someone push her forward and she stumbled onto the stage bumping into a hard chest. She looked up to see Arjun standing there wide-eyed as to how he even got onto the stage. Amit was laughing in the back as he had pushed him out there. Radhika moved her hands from his chest and looked down in embarrassment. Arjun made a quick exit from the stage while Neil danced over to Radhika encouraging her to dance with him and Sam.

"Dekhi lakh lakh pardesi girl...Ain't Nobody Like My Desi Girl...Dekhi lakh lakh pardesi girl...Sab toh soni n saadi desi girl...Who's the Hottest Girl in the World My Desi Girl...My Desi Girl..Thumka lagaike she'll rock your world...My Desi Girl...My Desi Girl..."

Amit soon bounced onto the stage with Neil and the girls and started to dance along with them. Arjun stood at the front with the rest of the crowd and watched as his cousin did the choreography from the song with Sam, Amit, and Radhika. A gentle smile formed on his lips as he watched how enthusiastic Radhika was dancing.

The crowd roared into cheers and whistles when Amit and Neil started to couple dance like John and Abhisek had danced in the film during the musical break. Radhika and Sam were laughing hysterically when Amit picked up Neil for the couple lift and then swung him around the dance floor.

A lone spotlight soon turned on from a corner of the stage and in strolled Asha with her sparkling yellow gold sari. "Jahan jahan bhi jaoon main, saari nazrein toh peche peche aiye..." Amit and Neil both followed behind staring at her with love lorn eyes. "Rukun zara mein jo yahan, thandi thandi saari saansein tham jaye...Sabki nigahon ne hai kaha, ke khwaabon mein hai dekhi meri jaisi girl...Meri jasis girl..." They then both pretended to faint as she swayed her hips to the rhythm.

Asha was soon accompanied by Sam, Radhika, and the rest of the girls dancing Priyanka's solo bit. "Dekhi lakh lakh pardesi girl...Ain't Nobody Like My Desi Girl...Dekhi lakh lakh pardesi girl...Sab toh soni n saadi desi girl...Who's the Hottest Girl in the World My Desi Girl...My Desi Girl..Thumka lagaike she'll rock your world...My Desi Girl...My Desi Girl..."

Neil soon appeared on Asha's left dancing Abhishek's part singing, "Jhoomka girake, lo mila le agar, woh nazar se nazar mitade..."

Amit then came in from the right and danced John's part, "Nachke dikhade, sabki dhadhkan, bhi kadam se kadam milade..."

The two guys then danced around Asha singing loudly, "Lehron se chal ke jaal bicha de, dil ko ye behaat banade...Saare deewane maane, na dekhi koi aisi girl...Na dekhi koi aisi girl..."

All three of them then danced the signature dance move as the crowd sang along, "Dekhi lakh lakh pardesi girl...Ain't Nobody Like My Desi Girl...Dekhi lakh lakh pardesi girl...Sab toh soni n saadi desi girl...Who's the Hottest Girl in the World My Desi Girl...My Desi Girl..Thumka lagaike she'll rock your world...My Desi Girl...My Desi Girl..."

When the song finally ended Asha stepped on Neil's foot making him holler. "Hey! What was that for?"

"That's for crashing the Mehendi! I would strangle you if I could," holding her hands up in a threatening manner, "But I can't because of the mehendi."

"And what a pretty mehendi it is Baby," Amit said trying to sweet talk her mood down.

"Well, I didn't do it alone," Neil replied with a pout. "What about him?" pointing at Amit, "He's the Groom! He told me to do it!"

"So if he told to jump off a bridge you would do it?" Asha asked.

"Yes, because Neil Malhotra never backs down from a challenge...especially when the prize in return is a beautiful smile," Neil said tugging at his collar and giving a wink.

"Hey," Amit replied slapping his back warning him not to flirt with his fiancee.

Neil raised his hands up with a chuckle, "Joking yaar...joking. But did I not bring smiles on the faces of all the guest?"

Asha took a thoughtful moment and then sighed, "I suppose so," seeing how everyone was mingling and enjoying themselves. "Fine, I'll forgive you."

"Thank you," Neil replied and did a bow.

"Wow, that was so much fun," Sam squealed as she came over to the trio.

"You're a fabulous dancer Sammy," Neil complimented.

"Thank you, you weren't so bad yourself."

Neil smiled and then upon seeing Radhika he beamed, "And you, Miss Hrisikesh what grace...I knew we could count on you...thanks again..."

"Neeil!" Radhika warned with a strained voice. His eyes went wide and mouthed a sorry as he held his ears for his slip up.

"Oh? So you helped him?' Asha asked with a slightly threatening voice.

"It makes so much sense..." Sam said as she recalled what had happened a few minutes earlier, "Why you were telling everyone we should preform our dance."

Giving a nervous laugh, "Sorry..." and then ran off before Asha could do any bodily harm to her. She was in such a rush she didn't see where she was heading and bumped into someone. Her foot slipped and she flew backwards. Before she could hit the ground she was saved by a pair of strong arms. Radhika had closed her eyes waiting for the impact of the hard floor but when that did not occur she opened them and saw a pair of brown eyes staring back at her. There was a high pitch whistle followed by some hollering in the background courtesy of Neil and company that made Radhika very aware of her position. She instinctively gripped her savior's shoulders as he placed her back on her feet. "Sorry..." she breathed awkwardly.

Arjun simply distanced himself from her and then turned his head back looking for someone. His face went pale and he looked about him trying to decide what to do next. "Sooraj? Yoo-hoo..." He rubbed his forehead and muttered, "Why me?"

Neil saw what was happening and burst into tears of laughter making Sam, Asha, and Amit confused. "You'll see..." he breathed heavily in between his laughing. And sure enough they saw an aunty dressed in a black and cream colored sari waving her hands at Arjun.

"Isn't that Rishi's aunt?" Asha asked.

"Yeah," Amit laughed. "She's a bit of a flirt...likes them young...considers herself like a fashionista..."

"Oh my God, is this what Toral is going to be like later?" Sam asked making Asha crack up.

Radhika looked back and forth between the Aunty wearing the black and creamed colored sari and Arjun trying understand what was happening. "I think she's looking for you..."

"Nice of you to state the obvious," Arjun snapped.

Radhika was taken aback but then gave him a crossed look. "Well, maybe you should acknowledge her? It's bad manners---"

"Will you just shut up? I don't need your lectures about manners at this time!"

Radhika sighed and turned away having enough of his poor attitude. She didn't go very far because the next thing she knew he grabbed her arm and pulled her back to him. He then placed his arm around her shoulder and then forced a smile as Rishi's aunt came towards them. "Sooraj..."

"Ji? Oh," squeezing his hand on Radhika's shoulder, "Let me introduce you to my girlfriend Radhika." Radhika turned wide-eyed and stared at Arjun's profile as he continued lying about their relationship to some family related aunty on Asha or Amit's side.

"Oh, that's nice," Rishi's Aunt smiled. "She's a very good dancer."

"Why thank you Aunty," Radhika politely replied.

'It brought memories of when I use to perform on stage," striking poses.

Arjun's face turned disgruntle as Radhika clapped and started praising her. This in turned encouraged Rishi's Aunt to continue talking about her stage experiences and other nonsensical things.

Covering her mouth as she giggled, "You're too sweet!' motioning her hand downward, "You've gotten me all off track," looking at Arjun, "Sooraj, can you get us more of that paneer tikka?"

"Oh, let me get that for you Aunty," Radhika said trying to cover for Arjun. She realized the aunt was mistaking him for the hotel staff because he was still wearing the waiter outfit. "Um, he's not actually a waiter..."

"I know. I suppose his real name isn't Sooraj either. I just didn't know what to call him. I know he's with that boy up on the stage over there...friends of Amit. They crashed the Mehendi function...they have to receive some sort of punishment even if it was grand entry," Rishi's Aunt explained.

Radhika giggled softly at her explanation and looked up at Arjun. "True."

Arjun's eyes narrowed while Radhika continued to smile at him. "Why don't you go get some paneer tikka for Aunty?" Arjun shifted his shoulder and continued to give a menacing look. "You were so hopeful earlier. I'm sure it wouldn't be much of task for you." When he saw her bat her eyes at him he wanted nothing more than to strangle her at that very moment. "Why yes, he was...very helpful," Rishi's Aunt said. Arjun bit his lower lip and gave a peeved pout. Before he could walk away to do as he was asked he received a tiny pinch to his cheek leaving him in shock once again. "Such a nice boy Sooraj..." Radhika covered her mouth trying her best to suppress her laughter. Now she knew why he was pretending to be her boyfriend. Rishi's Aunt just continued to give a loving smile. Neil, Sam, Asha, and Amit who had been watching the exchange held onto each other as they burst into hearty laughter. The look on Arjun's face was priceless.

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The rest of the wedding week and fun in Goa went by like a blink of an eye for Neil and he couldn't believe he was standing in the Mumbai airport again with his bags in hand. He watched as his cousin plucked his suitcase out of the carousel and strolled over ready to leave. As they walked through the automatic doors Neil saw Arjun already dialing another number on his phone. He frowned and asked, "I gave you my phone for you to call Aunt Nandini not to make business calls."

Arjun pulled the phone downward and replied, "I would have called from my phone if it hadn't been broken by Radhika. It's important that I get a copy of these files."

Neil just sighed and looked for their driver. He saw him a few feet away and walked towards the

parking lot. As they got into the black Mercedes E400 the car phone started to ring. "Ji Madam?" the driver answered.

"You picked up the boys?"

"Hi Aunt Nandini," Neil greeted.

"Hi Neil, how was your trip? You had fun?"

"Yes, I had a great time."

"Where is Arjun?" Nandini inquired.

"He's here...just on the phone again," Neil explained.

"Hi Bua," Arjun greeted as he hung up the phone. "Sorry, had to get a copy of the Arora file."

"Arjun, you've just landed and you're already making phone calls?" Nandini asked in disbelief.

"Ha! See, I'm not the only one," Neil shouted feeling vindicated. "He would have been on his phone the whole week if it hadn't drowned in the pool."

"It drowned in the pool? How did that happen?"

"It's a long story," Arjun simply replied.

"Well, we can talk about that over dinner then," Nandini said. "I'll be home soon. And I have some exciting news to share. See you soon. Bye!"

"Bye," Arjun and Neil both answered before the phone was hung up.

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Song Credits:

Title: Desi Girl (from Dostana)

Singers: Shankar Mahadevan, Sunidhi Chauhan & Vishal Dadlani

Song Lyrics: Kumaar

Written Lyrics: Bollywood Nook

https://www.bollynook.com/en/lyrics/11559/desi-girl/

Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDIrpvH8MzE

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for Chapter 8 😉