That I'm not a princess, this ain't a fairy tale
I'm not the one you'll sweep off her feet,
Lead her up the stairwell
This ain't Hollywood, this is a small town,
I was a dreamer before you went and let me down
Now it's too late for you
And your white horse, to come around
In no time, weekend came. The Guptas had a family tradition of putting behind all their work and spending it with the family. Seeing as the parents were busy with work and Khushi and Adin busy with studies, weekends proved to be the perfect getaway.
"Titaliya, dinner is ready!" Garima said through the intercom.
Having a big house had its disadvantages. You can't shout for people.
"Coming!" Khushi replied while pulling Adin's sweatshirt over her head which easily reached her mid-thigh.
For Guptas, they would know the chill has started when Khushi's fuzzy socks and beanies get out of the drawers.
Khushi was the first one to pull out her woollens in winters.
On her way downstairs, Khushi pounded on Adin's door across the hallway reminding him of the dinner being served downstairs.
"Be down in 5!" Adin yelled over the music playing in his room.
Sighing, Adin switched off his music player and pocketed his phone.
Adin was beyond happy when Khushi had come down for the breakfast as her usual self the next day. He was very worried about her. His Khushi was very fragile. She sure was fierce and vicious but she was equally sensitive.
Even though Khushi was smiling and talking normally, he had taken her to his room and grilled her if she was okay. Up until the point that Khushi had to shove a pillow on his face to stop his mouth from forming anymore words.
Adin knew he was protective and possessive over his sister, but this incident had fuelled his instincts 10 times.
He was still descending down the stairs while he smelt the best aroma of Dal Makhani. His weakness!
Just by the way it smelt, he knew his mother had prepared it. It was very rare that Garima cooked, given her busy work schedule. But when she did it was pure heaven.
"My baby boy! I misses you." Garima pulled Adin into a fierce hug and squished his cheeks after releasing him from the death grip.
"Mom." Adin yelled trying to pry her hands away.
Khushi giggled quietly from beside her father.
"You find it funny?" Adin asked with a glare which soon turned into a wicked grin.
"nuh-huh. Whatever you're think don't do it. I know that look." Khushi said snuggling into her father for protection.
"What? I'm not doing anything." Adin said feigning innocence. But Khushi knew he was far from innocence.
He stalked towards Khushi slowly, as if taunting her and lurched on her wiggling his finger on her tummy right under her ribs.
Khushi squealed loudly. She was ticklish and Adin knew exactly where.
He tickled her until her face was flushed red and she was panting out of breath.
With a lazy smirk Adin got off the couch and went to sit on the dining table, hungry for the delicacies his mother had prepared.
As the dishes were brought in by Garima and the house help, everyone gathered around the table to devour the feast.
They all said their grace and settled in a comfortable silence.
"The food is amazing mum!" Khushi moaned at the taste.
"Thank you!" Garima replied happily.
Everyone hummed in agreement to Khushi. Adin was so busy eating like a pig that he has less knowledge of what was happening around him.
Shashi cleared his throat, catching everyone's attention.
"So I have been thinking of doing this last year and everything is planned but I just need all of your consents to go ahead with it." He said nervously yet excitedly.
"What is it?" Khushi asked curiously.
"Next Saturday, You and Adin are turning 18." Shashi said smilingly.
Adin chocked on his food surprised.
"I totally forgot!" He exclaimed after recovering.
Everyone laughed at his antics but brought their attention back to Shashi.
"So as I was saying, I wanted to throw a party for the both of you. A ball, if you may say." He finished of excitedly as if it was his birthday party they were talking about and not his children's.
"A ball? Why?" Adin was as confused as a mole.
"Because, I am opening a new in London named Khuhsin' and your birthday will work as a launch party." Shashi waited for the reaction he has been looking for.
"WHAT?!" Khushi and Adin exclaimed happily.
"You named a hotel on us?" Khushi was in awe.
"Awesome!" If Adin's face was an emoji, it would look like the heart-eyed one.
"Yes. And company is not only named after you but you both hold 45-45% of shares each. Meaning you both are half half owners of that hotel. The gift seemed fit for you birthday, I suppose." He ended smilingly.
"wohoo!" Adin hollered loudly.
"Sis, we're rich!" He exclaimed looking towards Khushi.
"We already were, you doufus!" Khushi laughed at his overreaction. But she couldn't blame him. It was going to be the best birthday ever.
"Hey kids, Arnav Singh Raizada studies at your school?" Garima inquired.
Suddenly, the tablecloth seemed more interesting to Khushi.
"Why?" Adin asked through clenched teeth.
"Oh, the Raizadas are going to be our special guests as they have taken the contract of the construction of our new hotel." Shashi said happily, unknown of how the Raizada prince had terrorized his daughter.
"Great! Just what we needed for the birthday." Adin cheered sarcastically.
Khushi was anticipating as well as dreading the party. As she was sure to come across him and she didn't know if she wanted too.
But If Arnav did cross paths with her, she will be ready!
~
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