Rey walked into his cabin and sat at his desk. Sharon and Swayam looked up from their work at him and then at each other. Both saw the confusion written on each otherβs face.
βTujhe kya Taani ke jaane ka ghum lag gaya?β Sharon chuckled.
βAise engagement ke next day hi fiancΓ©e kat legi toh bura toh lagega hi na.β Swayam joined her.
βTum dono ka hogaya ho toh kuch kaam kare?β He looked at them with a blank face.
βSore topic? I can understand.β Sharon shook her head apologetically.
βShar mein mazak ke mood mein bilkul nahi hoon!β
βHe is right Sharon. We should focus on completing out project.β Swayam stopped Sharon from retorting back at Rey.
βItna time kyun lag raha hai? Sab ready tha na?β Rey asked annoyed.
βDonβt ask! They started with finishing the cabins first.β Swayam shook his head.
βPehle rehearsal halls khatam karne bola tha. Our cabins are not the priority!β Rey gritted.
βMaterials ka kuch issue hua tha. Isiliye they started working on the cabins. Just do-teen din pehle AB ne Abhi se urgently voh shipment mangwaya. So, donβt worry time pe hojayega sab.β Sharon informed him.
βWe have gone way over our time!β Rey reminded her.
βKal se kahan gayab hai tu?β Sara barged in shouting at Rey.
βSara yeh office hai, behave!β Sharon reprimanded.
βSorry.β She rolled her eyes. βWhere were you?β She snapped her fingers in front of Rey.
βRaat ko I came in late after you had slept aur subah jaldi nikal gaya tha.β Rey answered.
βBullshit, you didnβt come home last night.β
βTaani ke saath hoga na voh.β Sharon teased.
βShe left early morning on the tenth. Today is eleventh! Uss din yeh chup chap aake sogaya tha. Kal pata nahi kahan tha?β Sara looked at Rey who was engrossed in his laptop.
βArre phone pe honge dono. Room mein baat karne aata toh tujhe disturb hota aur phir tu usse shanti se baat karne nahi deti.β Sharon explained.
βOhh.β Sara chuckled. βWhen did she reach?β She asked him.
βTujhe kyun itni panchayat hai?β Rey sneered at her.
βAbhi seedhe muh poochu toh bhi problem hai?β Sara rolled her eyes at him.
βEnough now!β Swayam silenced them. βSara, you can move to Sharonβs old place. Tere room ki padding complete hogayi. Abh tu aaram se so sakti hai wahan.β Swayam told her.
βFinally! Iske saath abh room share nahi karna hoga!β She did a victory dance.
βOld place? I thought she was moving in your house.β Rey looked up at Swayam.
βAnd catch them making out around the house? No thank you!β Sara raised her hands.
βShut up!β Sharon hit her.
βWhatever! Iβm happy ki mujhe mera room mil gaya!β Rey got back to his work.
β¦
βPhone kyun nahi kiya?β Tanya scolded Taani.
βMumma mein bohot thak gayi thi, toh so gayi. Which I shouldnβt have done as abhi mujhe neend nahi aane wali.β Taani huffed.
βBola tha jet lag ko avoid karne ka best way is follow udar ka time on plane. But Iβm sure tu koi stupid si movie dekhte baithi hogi.β Sid taunted.
βHaan, meri engagement ki horror story.β Taani got lost in her thoughts.
Since the time Rey walked out on her, sleep had evaded her. Every time she closed her eyes, his face came up in front making her uneasy. They hadnβt spoken after that night. She wanted to explain him her reason but his action had made her numb. She rubbed her ring finger which a couple of hours ago adorned her ring.
βKahan kho gayi?β Sid waved his hand in front of her.
βKuch nahi.β She shook her head.
βAtcha abh khane ka kya kar rahi ho?β Tanya asked her.
βAapne jo pack karke diya hai voh easily one week tak chal jayega. Uske pehle toh Siddo aa hi raha hai yahan.β
βTheek hai abhi tu kuch kha le. Mujhe yahan thoda kaam hai. Iβll talk to you later.β Tanya left.
βSiddo bhai kahan hai?β Taani asked when she didnβt see Shivam.
βUsko koi naya project mila hai. He is off to work already.β Sid informed.
βSo abhi tu akela hai ghar pe?β Taani asked him.
βNahi. Bhabhi Geet ke saath room mein hai and mom aur maasi bhi toh hai.β He narrowed his eyes at her. βKyun?β
βMujhe tujhse kuch baat karni hai.β Her voice was serious.
βHaan bol na.β He went in his room. βAbbe yaar Shivam ko bola tha uske kapde leke jaane. Abhi tak yahi pade hai.β Sid groaned.
βJodhpur chale gaye teeno?β Taani asked.
βHaan kal subah hi they left. But yeh pagal ka samaan abhi tak yahin hai. Agar yeh galati se mere bags mein pack hogaya toh phir voh mujhe hi chillayega!β
βPacking shuru?β
βHaan teri tarah last minute karni nahi pasand mujhe. Aur madam tune bataya kyun nahi ki teri flight engagement wale night ki hai.β He sneered.
βMeri uss din ki nahi thi. Mein tere saath aane wali thi.β She informed.
βPhir?β He saw her face turn sad. βWhatβs wrong?β
βWhy donβt you tell me?β She glared at him. βTu meri engagement todne aaya tha?β
βWhat? Yeh kisne bola tujhe?β He widened his eyes.
βIβm heading out to work. Iβll be back late.β Taani heard and looked away from the phone to the door.
βTy?β Sid squinted recognizing his voice.
βYes Sid, itβs me!β Tyler walked over to Taani.
βWhen did you come back?β Sid asked. βTaani I had no idea that he was going to be there.β
βI came back early. Oh by the way congrats man!β Tyler smiled at Sid.
βFor?β Sid asked.
βYou stopped her from getting engaged!β Tyler looked at Taani.
Taani stared blankly at Sid. He looked at her horrified.
βAnyways I gotta go, Iβm running late. Bye!β Tyler left.
βLet me explain.β Sid said as soon as Tyler left.
βPlease. Kyunki mein soch soch ke thak gayi ki why?β
βSee this was when I didnβt know who the groom was or how you felt about it. Tu jab New York aayi thi tune kuch bataya nahi tha iss baare mein. Fir jab maasi ne bataya ki teri engagement ho rahi hai, I just felt ki itni jaldbaazi kya hai. I mean you had just completed your graduation. Toh mein aate waqt soch ke aaya tha ki Iβll come there and straighten all your minds. Phir jab meine dekha ki tu Rey ke saath khush hai toh I realized ki I was wrong.β He explained. βAnd Ty is my roommate. He had seen me freak out on the news. I had discussed it with him and had told him that whatever happens I wonβt let you get engaged so soon. But usne aisa kyun bola? I mean why did he congratulate me?β He questioned.
βBecause.β Taani showed her empty hand.
βTu ring ghar chod ke gayi hai?β He asked.
βActually..β Taani narrated what happened at the night of her engagement.
β¦
βYou started wearing dog tags again?β Swayam looked at Rey who was fidgeting with the metal pieces hung around his neck.
βHaan bas mann hua.β Rey quickly hid it inside his shirt hoping that Swayam didnβt see it.
βWhat are you hiding?β He asked Rey.
βNothing.β Rey disregarded it.
βKal se dekh raha hoon, you donβt seem yourself. Aur yeh Taani ke jaane ka ghum nahi hai. So speak up.β Swayam shut his laptop and looked at Rey.
βKuch nahi hai yaar Swayam. Iβm just stressed!β Rey tried to open his laptop but Swayam stopped him.
βKuch nahi hai toh tu yeh ring necklace pehen ke kyu ghoom raha hai?β Swayam pulled it out. βYeh toh?β Swayam widened his eyes as he recognized the engagement ring.
βTaani gave it to me for safekeeping.β Rey pulled it out of Swayamβs hand and hid it under his shirt again.
βStop lying Rey. Kya hua hai? Taani ki ring tere paas kya kar rahi hai?β
βBola na kuch nahi. Aur yeh Sharon kahan gayi?β Rey asked looking around.
βMujhe kyun dhund raha hai tu?β Sharon walked in the cabin.
βKaam ke beech gayab hogi toh dhundna hi padega na.β Rey taunted.
βShut up. Meine mera kaam kar diya. Materials site pe pahuch gaye. So abhi mein ja rahi hoon. You guys continue.β Sharon announced.
βGhar pe kaunsa kaam hai tujhe?β Swayam asked her.
βSara ko help karne ja rahi hoon!β Sharon left.
βMake sure she doesnβt steal anything from me!β Rey shouted behind her.
He then opened his laptop and got engrossed in his work. After sometime, without realization he was playing again with the ring around his neck.
βAagayi apne boyfriend ki yaad? Aur voh bhi itni subah?β Rey teased Taani on answering her call.
βYou have been the one ignoring me!β She taunted.
βI was working yaar.β
βHaan jaanti hoon. Atcha Iβm keeping the phone. I donβt know why I had called you.β She pouted.
βArre?β He furrowed his brows.
βBye Rey.β She giggled.
Rey shook his head smiling at her.
βMeri bra kahan phenki tune?β Sara yelled at Rey as he disconnected the call.
βBed pe tera sab samaan pada hai. Udhar hi hogi. I havenβt touched anything!β He glared at her.
βAaj ke dress ke saath sirf wahi ek pehen sakti hoon. Kahan gayi?β She started tossing her clothes.
βSara, Iβll kill you! Room ka kya kabada banake rakha hai tune!β He looked around the mess in the room.
βShut up! I know tune hi kahi phenki hai!β She glared at him.
βWhy would I? Aur tu yeh bata tere bags abhi tak yahan kyun pade hai?β
βToh kya naachti rahoon yahan se wahan? I canβt go home to sleep jab tak voh kaam khatam nahi hota. There is no other place where I can sleep peacefully except your room! Aur yeh mess abhi bas kuch aur din ke liye. Itne saal mujhe jhela hai tune, kuch aur din jhel le.β She mocked him. βOh mil gayi!β She found her bra peeping from under her dress.
βHow easy was it for you to assume that I was cheating on you? And after all this time? I thought I had told you loud and clear that I had no one in my past. Why is it so hard for you to believe? And you got engaged just for the sake of your family? Why did you have to pretend to be happy all night long? Seedha aake bolti ki Rey I need time to think over all this. I canβt get engaged today!β Rey thought staring at his laptop screen.
βMila voh mail?β Swayam asked Rey.
On getting no response from him, Swayam looked at Rey and saw him lost in his thoughts. He walked up to him.
βWhatβs wrong?β Swayam placed his hand on Reyβs shoulder.
βKya hua?β Rey asked startled.
βYouβre seriously worrying me. Kya hua hai?β Swayam sat across him.
βKuch nahi yaar. Tu tension mat le.β Rey shook his head.
βTu nahi bata raha?β
βSwayam..β
βFine, you stay in your dreamworld mein uske ghar jaake pata kar lunga!β Swayam got up and started to leave.
βShe said she needs time.β Rey spoke.
βTime?β Swayam came back and took his seat.
βShe is unsure if she wants this. She needs time to decide.β
βAur yeh engagement?β
βYeh huyi kyunki sab iss se khush the. Voh nahi.β Rey closed his eyes and leaned on the backrest.
βBut atchanak hua kya?β Swayam asked.
βI canβt tell you the reason. Iβm sorry.β Rey clenched his jaws.
βYou lied to me Rey! I donβt know what to believe these days Rey, your words or my eyes!β Her words rang in his ears.
βGhar pe bataya?β Swayam asked. He didnβt want to force the reason out of Rey. He could see Rey struggling with it.
βNahi. Aur tu bhi kisiko mat batana.β Rey instantly sat straight.
βEngagement tooti hai. They need to know. You canβt keep this from them.β Swayam widened his eyes at Rey.
βEngagement kaha tooti hai? She just said she needs time to think.β Rey tried to calm him down.
βAur yeh ring?β Swayam pointed.
βWe had a heated argument aur phir meine gusse mein aake uske haath se ring kheench li thi!β
β¦
βTu pagal ho gayi hai?β Sid shouted as soon as she was done explaining herself.
βSiddo yaar. Please donβt disparage me now!β Taani whined.
βIβm not, but you could have talked to him. Ya mujhse aake baat karti.β Sid passed her a sad smile. βI shouldnβt have triggered you to go to that pub.β
βDonβt take this on you now!β She immediately warned him.
βBut somewhere it is my fault. I was purposely trying to make you jealous. Agar mein voh sab nahi bolta toh shayad tere dimaag mein yeh sab aata hi nahi.β Sid sat holding his head.
βSiddo, this isnβt your fault. Yes I was jealous but you had no part in the decision I took. I had other reasons why I did this.β
βLet me guess your other reason. Sara, right?β He eyed her.
βI know that they both are close, but..β She left her thoughts hanging.
βIsnβt he close to everyone else as well?β Sid asked.
βSid.β Aruna knocked on his door.
βHaan mom?β He looked at the door.
βAbhi tak phone rakha nahi?β She asked looking at him.
βHaan bas I was explaining her some things.β Sid smiled at Aruna. βAapko kuch kaam tha?β
βHum sab lunch ke liye baith rahe hai. Tum phone rakh ke bahar aajana. Usko bhi sone bol. Thak gayi hogi voh.β Aruna left.
βSiddo.β Taani grabbed his attention as soon as she heard the door close.
βKya hua?β
βGhar pe please kuch mat batana.β She pleaded. βAur agar Rey ke ghar se call aaya toh please handle it. I donβt have it in me to tell mumma ya bhai about this. Please.β
βYou donβt worry, Iβll handle everything before I leave.β He disconnected the call.
βMaasi Taani ka kya samaan hai which she forgot to take?β Sid walked into the house and found Juhi and Rey seated in the living room with Tanya.
βTum nikal rahe ho?β Juhi asked him.
βHaan kal raat ki flight hai.β He smiled awkwardly at her.
βMeine uske room mein nikal ke rakha hai. Ruk laati hoon.β Tanya got up.
βMaasi relax. Iβll get it myself.β
βTaani bhi na hadh karti hai. Engagement ke raat ki ticket nikali aur kisiko bataya bhi nahi usne. Packing toh dhang se karne aati nahi usse. Thankfully yeh ja raha hai.β Tanya cursed Taani.
βHaan Rey ne bataya mujhe sab.β Juhi said and Sid stopped in his tracks.
βHere we go. Rishta cancel in three, two..β Sid shut his eyes close to face it.
βI was so mad at him. Par aise bhagne ki aadat isse bhi hai. Toh yeh kya usse samjhata.β Juhi shook her head at him.
Sid opened his eyes and furrowed his brows in confusion.
βYeh sab apne mann ki hi karte hai. Humari kahan sunte hai kuch.β Tanya sided with Juhi.
βAunty agar hum aapki koi baat nahi sunte toh aaj yahan nahi hote.β Rey said.
βBohot meherbani ki humpe engagement karke.β Juhi rolled her eyes at him. βAbhi thodi aur bhi kardo aur shaadi bhi jald se jald kar lo.β
βItni bhi nahi sunni hai aap sabki. Shaadi ka topic bhi mat nikalo abhi.β Rey stopped her.
βRey ne bhi kuch ghar pe bataya nahi hai.β Sid smirked. βMatlab baat itni bhi nahi bigdi hai.β He smiled and went into Taaniβs room to pick up her stuff.
On his way out he looked at Rey and mentally smirked as an idea popped in his head. He quickly went next door to his room and dialed Armaanβs number.
βSid what is wrong with you? Voh apni academy chod ke wahan kyun jana chahega?β Armaan asked annoyed over the phone.
βI know yeh uska dream project hai but samajh na Taani wahan hai, dono ki abhi just engagement hui hai. Wouldnβt he want to spend time with her?β Sid pleaded hoping Armaan would agree.
βHaan par..β
βHe got you your love. Tu bhi kuch kar uske liye.β
βFine. Iβll do something.β Armaan agreed.
βGreat!β Sid grinned.
βTu kyun itna khush ho raha hai?β Armaan was suspicious.
βTaani meri behen hai yaar. And she is lonely there. Usko company mil jayegi.β Sid made up an excuse.
βArenβt you leaving tomorrow?β
βHaan par Rey ki baat alag hai. Plus I have a project on which I have to work as soon as I reach there. And I might have to travel to a different state for that. So please meri behen aur tere bhai ke liye kuch jugaad laga de.β
βBas bas, hojayega kuch.β
βWaise how are things going on with Riri?β Sid asked.
βGood. Mom is really happy.β Armaan smiled.
βOf course, she is!β
βAaj dinner pe bulaya hai usse.β
βWedding bells?β Sid chuckled.
βMay ring soon.β Armaan joined.
βThatβs great man. Please advance mein bata dena. Chutti ka jugaad karne.β
βSure.β
βYou start arranging work for Rey. Iβll get back to packing.β Sid disconnected the call.
βRey?β Sara entered Reyβs room.
βSara? Kya hua?β Rey got up.
βTujhe kya hua? Sleeping so early?β She questioned.
βJust tired. Tu bata.β He sat straight and patted next to him.
βI have a favor to ask.β She sat next to him and spoke softly.
βUncle ko mana liya, he wonβt stop you from going back to Paris. Abh aur kya?β He side-eyed her.
βYeah thanks for that. Sharon was clearly no help with it.β Sara rolled her eyes. βBut only you can help me with this. Please.β
βWhat are you up to now?β He squinted.
βNew York Fashion Week is coming up aur mujhe voh attend karne jana hai.β She told him.
βHaan toh go! Whoβs stopping you?β
βDad! He is like abhi toh aayi hai aur abhi ghumna bhi hai tujhe? Ugh!β She groaned.
βHe is right. Youβve come back after four years and that too just for a month. Usme bhi tujhe New York jana hai?β
βHaan toh yahan se NYC and then back to Paris. I am staying here for a month, just chaar din pehle nikalungi yahan se. Usme bhi problem hai sabko!β She pouted.
βHow am I supposed to help with this?β Rey asked.
βItβs simple.β
βExplain.β
βTu NYC jaane ka plan bana and Iβll tag you along. If dad asks Iβll say ki tere saath time spend karne nahi mila so this. Simple!β She grinned.
βMera toh yahan kuch kaam hi nahi hai na jo tere liye New York aau.β He glared at her.
βYaar, tu Taani se mil lena. Come on I know you want to.β She coaxed.
βTeri behen mere sar pe chadhke baithi hai. Usko yeh pata chala na maar hi dalegi mujhe.β
βUsko mein mana lungi, tu dad ko pata na. Please.β She got down on her knees and begged him.
βWhatβs up?β Armaan knocked on Rey door.
βBhai dekho na yeh Rey kitna sadu hai. New York jaane ka plan bana raha hai and when I told him ki mujhe bhi le chal for the fashion week toh maan hi nahi raha.β Sara complained.
βBhai yeh jhoot bol rahi hai.β Rey looked wide eyed at Sara.
βJhoot kya? Arenβt you missing Taani?β Sara retorted.
βWhat I think is Taani wahan jaake tujhe bhool gayi hai.β Armaan chuckled. βAaj kal tujhe koi call nahi aate.β
βExactly, Isiliye toh jana hai isse NYC.β Sara winked at Rey.
βDono jao yaar yahan se!β Rey huffed.
βArmaan, you should help him out.β Riri entered and stood next to Armaan.
βYou too?β Rey looked at her.
βYou are miserable here and clearly missing her a lot. So just go and spend some time with her.β
βI have a lot of work to complete here!β Rey opposed.
βI agree with Riri. Rey, tujhe jana chahiye!β Swayam joined them. βIdhar ka kaam hum handle kar lenge.β
βTum sab ghar pe kya kar rahe ho?β Rey asked annoyed.
βI live here!β Riri said.
βRiddhima ko lene aaya hoon.β Armaan informed.
βTujhse milne aayi hoon.β Sara said.
βTerese baat karni thi.β Swayam said.
They all spoke all at once making Rey stare at them.
βMere room mein kya kar rahe ho?β He glared at them. βNiklo yaha se!β He started pushing them out.
βMein kahin nahi ja rahi.β Sara ducked under his hand and went and sat on his bed.
βSara?β
βAre you gonna help me or what?β
βEven if I agree, teko entry kaise milegi? Visa hai?β He folded his arms.
βHain mere paas visa. Tu uski tension mat le.β
βAnd tickets to that stupid thing?β
βFirstly thatβs not stupid. That is what I study! Aur tickets ke liye mere college ke kuch contacts hai. Discount mein miljayegi!β She grinned.
βIf I do agree, Iβm going for work purpose. Chutti pe nahi aanewala mein. Pata chala mujhe bhi kheech li tu udhar!β He rolled his eyes.
βHayye, love you!β She hugged him.
βI havenβt agreed yet.β He pointed out but she knew his answer was yes.
βDonβt worry Luv, iske liye kuch kaam nikaal lunga mein.β Armaan winked at Sara.
βThanks bhai and stop calling me Luv.β She pouted.
βToh aur kya bulaye? That is your name.β Swayam chuckled.
βBye!β Sara huffed and left making them all laugh..
βKaun tha voh idiot?β Swayam looked at Rey.
βLuv Khanna!β Rey chuckled.
βDono namoone the.β Swayam shook his head.
βYou guys carry on. We have to leave.β Armaan turned to leave.
βBhai agar koi kaam hoga toh hi mein jaa raha hoon.β Rey stopped Armaan.
βKaam ke beech tu Taani se kaise milega?β Armaan teased.
βThat is my lookout. But agar kaam ka bahana nahi hua toh Sara mujhe pakka voh stupid shows mein ghumayegi. So please, help me out!β
βMein dekhta hoon kuch. Abhi hume dinner pe jana hai.β Armaan forwarded his hand to Riri and they both walked off.
βAbhi tak tune nahi bataya na?β Swayam asked Rey after they left.
βBatane ke liye kuch nahi hai Swayam.β Rey brushed it off.
βItβs good ki at least Sara ki wajah se tujhe Taani se milke sab sort out karne ka chance milega.β
βSaale! Tune Sara ko yeh idea diya na?β Rey widened his eyes at Swayam.
βI had to. Everyone has started to doubt that there is something off with you. You canβt hide this news for a long time. Uske ghar se bhi kisine kuch kaha nahi hai. Which only means that usne bhi ghar pe bataya nahi hai. So mend things before itβs too late!β Swayam made him understand and left.
β¦
βMom what is all this?β Armaan asked looking at the dinner table.
A roasted chicken sat in the middle of the table surrounded by puff pastries, pies, salad, breads, crisps and dips.
βI didnβt know what all Riri likes. So, I made all this.β Ananya smiled at Riri.
βIsse normal khana pasand hai. Yeh sab kya hai.β Armaan shook his head.
βAunty you didnβt have to do all this.β Riri smiled awkwardly at Ananya.
βDonβt be so formal yaar.β Muskaan shook her head at Riri and sat at the table.
βYaar bohot bhook lagi hai.β Rahul came out of his room. βYeh kya hai?β He asked looking at the table.
βMom ne Riri ke liye banaya hai.β Muskaan chuckled seeing his face.
βKya baat hai!β He sat next to Muskaan. βMujhe toh kisine ghaas bhi nahi daali thi.β
βAbhi daal rahe hai na. Kha!β Armaan served him salad.
βTum sab ek saath shaanti se nahi baith sakte? Aur agar kisiko koi problem hai toh order kar lo kuch.β Ananya scolded them.
βGreat! Raool, pizza khayega?β Armaan looked at Rahul.
βArmaan!β Riri widened her eyes at him.
βKya? She just said order something.β He defended.
βAunty thank you so much. But you really didnβt have to do all this for me.β Riri smiled at Ananya and sat at the table.
βAt least one person is happy with the food.β Ananya mocked serving herself.
βOf course she will be. Bachpan se yahi ghaas-phus khate aayi hai yeh.β Armaan pointed out taking a bite of the chicken.
βRiri, Iβm asking you again, why him?β Muskaan asked looking at Armaan.
βExactly! You are so quiet and held together. And look at him, all over the place!β Rahul said.
βWell brother-in-law, havenβt you heard of the term opposites attract? Which makes me wonder how are you two together?β Armaan mocked.
βSo Riri, ya Riddhima? Kaunsa naam prefer karti ho tum?β Ananya asked her.
βWhatever you feel comfortable with. Mera koi preference nahi hai.β Riri answered.
βMera hai, Riddhima.β Armaan answered.
βBohot saalon se Riri sunne ki aadat ho gayi thi toh abh Riddhima thoda ajeeb sound karta hai. But I do like it.β Riri smiled.
βJo bhi ho tumne mujhe bohot khush kiya hai. I feel so happy to call you a part of this family.β Ananya grinned.
βThank you. I was so nervous when I came here.β
βArmaan ne hi tujhe faltu ka daraya hoga.β Rahul mocked. βIski bohot purani aadat hai yeh.β
βKya baat hai Raool? Why are you bringing up the past today?β Armaan raised a brow at him.
βWell I was wondering since morning ki detective kiske peeche lagana chahiye, tere ya Riri ke? Why should I be the only person who experienced the fun?β Rahul smirked.
βSaale!β Armaan laughed. βKya din the yaar voh. I had so much fun whooping your ass.β
βFun?β Muskaan scoffed. βYou had made my life a living hell!β
βOh come on it wasnβt all bad.β Armaan chuckled.
βMom even you didnβt take my side.β Muskaan pouted.
βHaan toh tumne mujhe thodi kuch bataya tha Rahul ke baare mein.β
βToh aapne by default Armaan ki side li thi?β Rahul asked her. βMom, Iβm very hurt. I thought I was your favorite son.β Rahul mimicked wiping tears off his face.
βNext time glycerin use kar lena. Impact thoda jyada hoga.β Ananya suggested making them laugh.
βAunty dinner was amazing. Thank you so much.β Riri told Ananya.
βChale?β Armaan looked at Riri.
βRuko.β Ananya stopped them.
βKya hua?β Armaan asked her.
βChalo mere saath.β She led them to the couch and made them sit together.
βWhatβs going on?β Riri whispered to Armaan.
βI have no idea.β He whispered back.
Ananya brought the pooja tray with her. She applied vermilion on the centre of their foreheads and said prayers to ward off any evil from their lives.
βWow, that escalated fast.β Rahul chuckled.
βI know.β Muskaan joined. βArmaan congrats, tera roka ho gaya.β
βMom what is all this?β Armaan looked at her.
βTujhe shaadi ke liye manana apne mein hi bohot bada kaam hone wala hai. Toh abhi ke liye let me be happy with this.β Ananya hushed him making Riri giggle.
βActually mom, Iβm ready. Iβve been ready for the past couple of months.β He looked at Riri. βI was just waiting for her to say yes.β
βReally?β Riri widened her eyes at him. βAnd what the f.. what was I need time to heal crap about?β
βI need time to forget all that not time to decide if I want to marry you. I had made my decision long back when I was going to propose you.β
βMatlab tum dono ready ho?β Ananya asked them and they nodded.
βNow thatβs some love story!β Rahul chuckled making them all laugh as well. His eyes met with Riri who immediately stopped laughing when she saw him.
After some time, Rahul approached Riri who was sitting alone while Armaan and Muskaan were running behind Ananya to stop her from calling wedding planners and relatives and announcing the date of the engagement.
βHey.β He sat next to Riri.
βHi.β She smiled at him.
βCongrats, looks like mom tum dono ki shaadi kal hi kara dena chahati hai.β He chuckled looking around the house.
βShe looks really happy with the news.β Riri smiled.
βThat she is. Itna khush meine mom ko sirf ek baar dekha hai iss se pehle.β
βOn your marriage?β
βNo! Tabhi toh everyone hated me.β He chuckled. βIt was when Kiara was born.β
βHated?β Riri asked.
βMuskaan had kind of ran away from her family for me. Toh thodi animosity toh thi shaadi ke time pe.β
βYou must really not like me.β She looked down.
βWhy do you say that?β He was puzzled.
βRahul, I know what you had to go through to get your love while it was basically a cakewalk for me. I mean everyone just accepted me without any questions.β
βWell, you do have an advantage over me.β
βWho, Rey?β
βThat and you are basically an orphan.β He bit back his smile. βAbh tumhare childhood ke baare mein pata chalne ke baad toh koi kyun tumhe accept nahi karega?β
βIβm really sorry.β Riri apologized making Rahul alert. There was not a thread of sarcasm in her voice.
βI was joking Riri. I agree I had to fight for my love but it wasnβt a cakewalk for you. You too fought for your love. You had your different struggles. So please donβt compare yourself with me and please never take me so seriously.β
β¦
βHow was dinner?β Rey knocked on Ririβs door.
βIt was good.β She smiled and gestured him to come in. βCan I ask you something?β
βGo ahead.β
βWhy did you go to such drastic ways to make sure that Rahul was fit for Muskaan?β She questioned.
βBecause I didnβt want her to break her heart.β
βAnd what about me? Didnβt you have the same concern for Armaan?β
βI knew you. I knew what kind of a person you were.β
βBut you didnβt know anything about me. I hadnβt told you about my past.β
βCall it a hunch then. But why are you asking all this?β
βAaj dinner pe Rahul sounded upset. He told me it was nothing but.. I donβt know.β
βUpset? Over what?β Rey squinted and then it struck him. βHave you lost your mind? And what the hell did that idiot tell you? Usko abhi theek karta hoon mein!β
βHe didnβt say anything.β She calmed him. βBut tell me one thing, if I wasnβt an orphan would your family have accepted me like they did?β
βWhat has that got to do with you being an orphan? Tum sab ladkiyan pagal ho! Kahin ki baat kahin bhi jod leti ho. Iβm sure that idiot has said something!β Rey held his head in frustration. βJust get one thing clear, tera aur bhai ka case is completely different than Rahul and Muski. Donβt you think ki usko humne torture kiya toh even you deserve it. We learnt our lesson then that it was not right of us to do all that, so repeating that on you was out of question!β
βBut is he..β
βHe wouldnβt be siting here with us and joking about it if he wasnβt okay with it.β He cut her question.
βOkay relax. Iβm sorry. I was just feeling guilty ki itni easily Ananya aunty ne mujhe accept kar liya aur aaj roka bhi ho gaya.β
βRoka?β He widened his eyes at her.
βYeah I know tum log mein voh proper roka ceremony nahi hoti but it was kind of that today.β She smiled.
βIβm so happy!β He hugged her. βKitne dino baad aisi khush khabri suni hai!β
βYou just got engaged a week ago.β She reminded him.
βYeah I know, you donβt have to remind me that!β
βAll good?β
βGreat! Iβm going to meet her in a few days.β
βSort out whatever it is with her.β
βWhat?β
βYou canβt fool me Rey! You donβt look happy at all since your engagement.β
βYou noticed?β
βYour sullen face is hard not to notice. Why do you think Armaan is ready to make up some shitty work for you? Ghar pe sab baat kar rahe the. Bas tu khud ki duniya mein jee raha hai.β
βSo everyone knows?β
βThat you fought with Taani? Yes!β
βOh!β
βGo and get her back!β
βYes I will!β
βOh look, you decided to come back!β Tyler taunted as Sid entered the apartment.
βI had to comeback before you corrupted my sisterβs mind with your bullshit!β Sid retorted. βWhere is she?β
βIn her room.β Tyler answered.
βGood!β Sid walked to him. βNow I can finally punch you for telling her everything!β Sid closed his fist.
βHey relax man!β Tyler started running away. βThe last conversation we had about her was you telling me that she canβt get engaged this soon and then I saw her without a ring and put two and two together.β
βSiddo?β Taani came out of her room.
βThanks T, you saved me!β Tyler sighed.
βT?β Sid looked at him.
βYeah, T and Ty have become the best of friends in your absence!β Tyler said.
βUmmm..β Taani scrunched her nose.
βOkay not best but good ones at least?β He asked her and she nodded.
βSo you werenβt bored here?β Sid asked Taani.
βNo, Ty is fun. He is taking me to his pub tomorrow.β Taani grinned.
βHis pub? He works there. He doesnβt own it!β Sid taunted.
βDonβt be mean.β Taani reprimanded.
βLet him be. He is paying for himself!β Tyler smirked at him.
βWhat about me?β Taani asked.
βIβll take care of you.β Tyler smiled at her.
βI donβt need to pay as Iβm not coming.β Sid said.
βWhy?β Tyler asked.
βIβm leaving for Boston tomorrow morning. Will be back late almost the next morning.β Sid informed.
βSid!β Taani whined.
βI have to go Taani. But you guys have fun.β
βWe will!β Tyler sneered.
βTy, I think we should go some other day. I donβt drink.β
βNeither do I drink on job. Iβll be working. You can sit across me. I can hook you up with someone amazing. I can be your wingman tomorrow.β Tyler persuaded.
βNo hooking her up with anyone.β Sid opposed.
βI thought you were my cool brother.β Taani pouted.
βFine!β Sid rolled his eyes. βJust donβt get into any trouble.β
βDonβt worry, Iβll be with her.β Tyler assured.
βWe might turn into best of friends.β Taani chuckled.
βSure but why did you just lie?β Tyler asked Taani.
βWhat lie?β
βYou said that you didnβt drink. You had two glasses of wine with me the other day.β Tyler pointed out.
βWere you trying to get her drunk?β Sid sneered at Tyler.
βI was cold. The wine helped.β Taani giggled. βAnd that was the second drink I ever had.β
βIf you want you can get drunk tomorrow. Iβll be there to look after you.β Tyler smiled at her.
βTry karna hai kuch? Kuch hua toh Iβm here.β
Reyβs words resurfaced in her memories and her smile faded. Sid and Tyler noticed the change immediately.
βNot again T! You promised me that you wonβt let his memories haunt you.β Tyler looked sternly at her.
βWhen did this happen?β Sid asked.
βNothing happened Siddo. I was just feeling alone the other day.β Taani explained.
βAnd you arenβt allowed to feel that way in my presence, right Sid?β Tyler looked at him.
βRight!β Sid agreed. βAlso, trust me Iβll be done with my work in a day.β
βSiddo relax. Iβm fine. Ty is here with me, Iβm not alone. You donβt need to rush.β Taani assured him.
βEven if you are not, youβll be fine once Rey gets here.β Sid thought.
β¦
βSo what are your plans for today?β Rey asked Sara.
βYou tell me. Kahan ghoomane le ja rahe ho mujhe?β Sara asked back.
βMein yahan kaam pe aaya hoon.β Rey reminded her.
βTera kaam kal se chalu hota hai. Aaj kya karna hai bol?β
βTu bata kidar jana hai?β Rey asked.
βCentral park, Brooklyn bridge, Times Square pe photos and of course Upper West Side, Carrie Bradshawβs apartment and F.R.I.E.N.D.S building!β Sara grinned.
βCarrie Bradshaw?β Rey narrowed his eyes.
βSex and the City!β
βPehle teen samajh sakta hoon but kisike ghar ke saamne jaake photos kyun lene hai tujhe?β
βDekh pata nahi yahan wapas aana hoga bhi ya nahi. Toh mujhe jeene de!β
βLast three mein se ek jagah pakka tujhe leke jaunga if I get to caption that pic of yours. Chalega tujhe?β Rey smirked.
βI can let go of the other two, but I need to go there. So whatever it takes!β Sara agreed.
βYou will not beg me to take it down later?β
βI need to see that F.R.I.E.N.D.S wali building. Baaki sab bhaad mein jaaye!β
βSo we have a deal then!β Rey smirked.
βI know what your caption is going to be and I donβt give a f*ck about it!β
βGood! Letβs go then. That is our first stop.β
βYou know I love you, right?β Sara pulled his cheeks.
βWe have a deal Sara.β
βIβm not breaking it. Iβm just telling you how much I love you for this.β She hugged him.
βChal abh.β He chuckled.
βTu bhi bol sakta hai that you love me.β
βWhat?β
βYaar pehle kitna flirt karta tha mere saath tu, abh kya hua?β
βKuch bhi, you always flirted with me. Mein kabhi kabhi respond karta tha.β
βVoh toh bas teri sexuality check karti rehti thi. You hardly showed interest in girls. Closet case lagta tha tera. Toh bas check karna padta tha ki teri setting Sid ke saath karni chahiye ya Aashi ke saath.β Sara laughed.
βAashi ka chapter close huye che-saat saal hogaye. Get over it!β
βClose? Matlab kuch tha?β
βSara!β He gave her a side look.
βBas general knowledge badha rahi hoon apna.β She giggled.
βYou know what, ghoom jidar ghoomna hai tujhe. Iβm not interested in being your guide!β
βWhatβs wrong with you yaar? This is not the first time mein tujhe chidha rahi hoon. Par tu aaj kal itna kyu chidh raha hai? I know youβre engaged but tujhe yeh sab baato se itna farak kyun padne laga hai?β
βI donβt know what to believe these day Rey, your words or my eyes.β
Taaniβs words rang in his ears and he sighed. βI canβt tell you the reason. I canβt tell anyone the reason.β He thought.
βAtcha theek hai I wonβt ask any questions, par tu plan cancel mat kar. Aaj hum ghoomenge, kal tu mere saath show chalega aur phir hum party karenge.β Sara said sheepishly.
βOh hello? What show?β
βHaan theek hai na mein show attend karungi tu office jayega aur raat ko party! Happy?β
βBetter!β
β¦
Taani was surfing through her Instagram in the morning. Sid had left for his project and Tyler was sleeping in his room.
βArjun and his moods!β Taani rolled her eyes laughing at the post.
βThese two?β Taani quickly pulled open the comments where everyone was congratulating them. βItβs official! Wow!β She scrolled further.
βYeh kaun hai?β Taani wondered looking at the post. βSara Luv waiting for her Luv Sara to arrive. The Friends Apartment Building.β She read the caption. βRey New York mein hai Sara ke saath? And what is this caption supposed to mean?β
Taani opened the three comments. Two of them were of Sharon and Swayam with laughing emojis while the third one read βWhat the hell man? #nostalgiaisabitchβ from iamluver.
βYou are still in contact with Luv?β Sara asked Rey.
βDekha comment?β Rey chuckled.
βHaan. Pehle toh kal ka photo aaj upload kiya aur upar se bohot ganda caption tha.β She rolled her eyes.
βI was tired yesterday. Tujhe NYC ghoomana bohot mehnat ka kaam hai.β Rey said. βAbout the caption, you both were our very own versions of 'Princess Consuela Bananahammock' and 'Crap Bag'. I had to write Sara Luv and Luv Sara!β Rey laughed.
βWhat were we smoking? I canβt believe that we were thinking of changing our names to Sara Luv and Luv Sara after watching that episode! Thank you for stopping us.β Sara shivered at the memory.
βAbhi lagta hai ki karne dena chahiye tha. Kya maza aata.β He laughed more.
βPrick!β Sara rolled her eyes at him. βAtcha abh sunn. Mein evening ko nikalungi for the show aur tujhe seedha pub mein milungi. Tu nine-ish wahan pohoch jana. Okay?β
βYeah. Now Iβm leaving, office jana hai.β
βSeedhe bol na Taani se milne ja raha hai tu.β
βOffice ja raha hoon!β He repeated himself.
βTaani ke naam pe bhadak kyun jata hai tu?β Sara asked annoyed.
βSara Iβm getting late. Bye!β
βOne Jameson with coke please!β Rey ordered.
He heard a sweet sound of laughter coming a few feet away from him and turned in that direction.
βTy, stop it! You are my date for tonight. Donβt spoil my mood!β Taani giggled at Tyler.
βTaani!β Reyβs lips curved into a smile.
βOkay, Iβll stop.β Tyler raised his hand in the air. βYou want another one?β He looked at her empty glass.
βNo, Iβm good.β Taani replied.
βGive me a minute I need to serve someone there.β Tyler excused himself.
'I know it breaks your heart
Moved to the city in a broke down car
And four years, no calls
Now you're looking pretty in a hotel bar
And I can't stop'
βExcuse me, a vodka with cranberry for the lady.β Rey ordered pointing at Taani.
The bartender prepared her drink and place it in front of her.
βI didnβt order.β Taani told him.
He looked around and pointed at a table. βHe did.β
βThanks.β Taani smiled at him and looked at where he pointed.
Rey raised his glass and smiled at her. She returned the smile and turned, facing her back to him. Her heart raced seeing him in front of her.
'You look as good as the day I met you
I forget just why I left you, I was insane'
She got up from the stool with the drink in her hand and walked over to him.
βHey.β
βHi.β
He gestured her to join him. She obliged. They both finished their drinks in silence.
βDance?β He forwarded his hand to her.
βSure.β She got up.
Rey held her hand and put the other one on his shoulder. He led her. She swayed in his arms.
βYou look.. happy.β He said looking into her eyes.
βAnd you donβt.β She pointed out.
βI lost my happiness.β He looked away.
βRey..β She said softly making him look at her.
βItβs okay. You donβt have to say anything.β He smiled.
βNo. You need to know the reason.β
βI know. You needed time away from me.β
βThatβs not the only reason.β
βI know that as well.β
βPlease let me explain.β
βNot now.β He pulled her closer and put her arms around his neck while his hands locked on her lower back.
βT?β Tyler interrupted them
βTy!β Taani was startled seeing him.
βI left you for a minute and you disappeared on me.β He rolled his eyes at her. βDo you mind?β He looked at Rey.
βNo.β Rey stepped back and watched as Tyler took Taani away.
Dejected, he went and sat back at his table.
βNot long ago you told me to stop hooking you up with people and be your date and now you are already bored with me and hooked on to him?β Tyler asked Taani.
βItβs nothing like that.β Taani tried to brush it off.
βYou were literally in his arms.β He pointed out.
βAnd now Iβm in yours.β She removed his hand from around her waist and sat at the bar.
βSorry, Iβm late. Mera ek chu**ya classmate mil gaya aur uss se peecha choodane mein time lag gaya!β Sara came in running and sat across Rey. βHello?β She waved her hand in front of him to gain his attention.
βYou are just an hour late. No big deal for you!β Rey taunted her taking his eyes off Taani.
βSorry bola na. Chal abh kuch order karte hai.β She looked around and called for the attendant.
βYou work here?β Rey asked surprised as Tyler walked to them to take their orders.
βYes, any problem?β Tyler asked back.
βIgnore my friend, he is crazy.β Sara butted in. βTwo Jameson with coke please. And can you get us the food menu.β
βIβll be right back.β Tyler left.
βShit!β Sara cursed.
βKya hua?β Rey asked.
βThat son of a b*tch followed me here!β Sara ducked down to avoid being seen.
Rey zoned out on what Sara was saying and looked at Taani. Taani looked back at the table to glance at Rey. She spotted Sara sitting across him and rambling about something.
βI agree we spent some amazing time in the past, par abh toh yeh gale hi pad raha hai. He says that he is in love with me. Matlab halwa hai kya pyaar?β Sara went on.
Taani looked away as her phone rang and flashed Sidβs name. She gestured Tyler that she is heading out to take the call.
βHere are your drinks.β Tyler served them.
βKya hua?β Sara asked as Rey got up and walked out of the pub behind Taani.
β¦
βYes Siddo, donβt worry and take your time. Tyler hai yahan. Iβm not alone.β Taani assured Sid and disconnected the call.
βTyler?β Rey asked.
βFriend hai.β She answered.
βKabhi bataya nahi iske baare mein.β
βTumne toh..β She stopped and inhaled deeply to stop from snapping at him. βHum recently hi friends bane hai. We are sharing an apartment.β She didnβt know why but she wanted him to know this.
βMeine toh kya?β Rey asked trying hard not to let the latter news affect him.
βWe should head back in. Sara must be looking for you.β Taaniβs tone instantly changed as she said Saraβs name.
βTum Sara se itni jealous kyun ho? It makes no sense!β
βWerenβt you jealous seeing me with Tyler? And donβt lie, I saw how you were looking at us when he walked me away from you.β
βThatβs the difference Taani. I was jealous. I didnβt doubt your love for me!β He snapped.
βI never did that!β Her voice raised.
βYou accused me of cheating on you. What was that then?β
βI just told you what I saw and heard.β She gritted her teeth.
βWhat about doubting my love for you?β
βI never did that! That was the only reason I didnβt back away from the engagement.β
βYou didnβt back out because you didnβt want your family to be unhappy! Iβm pretty sure no one knows exactly what happened that day.β
βWhy havenβt you told anyone? You pulled the ring out!β
βI had my reasons!β
βThen I had mine!β She shouted.
βWhat? Distrust?β He scoffed.
βYou were with Sara when you told me you were busy working. She was in your room that morning looking for her clothes.β
βShe was living with me for a week and tagging along with me to the office.β
βYou didnβt think it was necessary for me to know that? She was sleeping with you and you kept that away from me.β
βWe were sleeping on the same bed and not with each other. Iβm sure you know the difference between the two!β He held her by her shoulders digging his nails into her skin.
βBut why did you keep that secret from me?β She freed herself from his hold.
βBecause it had nothing to do with you!β
βShe called me her sautan. Iβm pretty sure this had a lot to concern me.β
βAnd I told you. There was nothing between us. She just likes to fool around. If you have no faith in me, you have no right to wear this ring!β He pulled his dog tag out from under his shirt.
βImagine if you call me tomorrow and you learn that Iβm in bed with Tyler, tell me what will you think?β
βTaani!β He roared.
βIf this image disturbs you then you too donβt have any right to wear this ring.β She held his hand and pulled the ring out.
βI have every right to wear the ring.β His voice was low which sent shivers down her spine.
βWhat the f*ck!β They turned to find Sara standing there. βYou broke the engagement?β She looked at Rey.
βStay out of it!β He said sternly.
βYouβve already pulled me into it!β
βSara listen..β
βI heard everything Rey. Kuch kahan kyun nahi tune?β
βIsse kisike saath kuch bhi share karne kahan aata hai.β Taani taunted.
βHaan par yeh bina kahe bhi bohot kuch keh deta hai. You just need to learn to listen to that.β Sara smiled at Rey and looked at Taani. βI can totally understand why you dislike me. I am very dependent on him, I have always been.β
βSara.β Rey tried to stop her.
βI met him when I had my first heart break and had moved in with Sharon for the holidays. He restored my belief in love and I found one soon enough, Luv Khanna. We were together for like six years and the break up was messy. He saw me through it. Agar Rey tabhi nahi hota toh I would have gone into depression. He just normalized it to a point that the mention of Luv doesnβt anger me anymore, it just makes me smile.β
βHe is the friend that everyone wants in their lives.β Taani smiled at Sara.
βToh tu kyun isse durr rakhna chahati hai?β Sara asked.
βMein yeh nahi chahati. But he keeps pushing me away! He knew that something was off on the day of our engagement par isne aake mujhse baat nahi ki. He just let things happen. And when I called him to talk he took my ring and walked away.β
βTumhe sab cheezein itni bother kar rahi thi toh engagement ke pehle kyun nahi kaha kuch?β
βBecause I knew I was being juvenile. When I told you I needed time, I meant I wanted to stay away and not talk to you for some time and get my thoughts together. I didnβt need a break, I just needed time to get a hold on myself.β
βAbhi time mila. Got a grip on yourself?β He asked.
βWhatβs going on here?β Tyler came out looking for Taani.
βRelax man, they are just talking.β Sara told him.
βT? You donβt look good. Are you alright?β Tyler went to her.
βIβm fine Ty.β
βYouβve been thinking about your ex, havenβt you?β
βEx?β Rey scoffed.
βHas he been troubling you T?β Tyler turned to Rey.
βWho are you? The bouncer?β Rey sneered.
βHer boyfriend actually.β Tyler answered.
βBoyfriend?β Sara looked at Taani.
βFYI, she is engaged, to me!β Rey glared at Tyler.
βReally? I donβt see no ring on both your hands.β
βWe both love each other. So pack your bags and go home!β
βI love her too and I have her brother on my side. Iβm sure her family will accept me too.β
βTy?β Taani tugged on his arm.
βTalk to Sid about this. He knows everything. And you.β Tyler pointed at Rey. βYouβve already hurt her enough. She has been upset since the day she came here. She is finally getting over you. Donβt come back in her life to ruin it!β
"I'm ruining your life?" Rey asked her softly in a broken voice.
βTy, I wanna go home.β Taani was trying hard to process the information that was thrown to her.
βYeah.β Tyler went to her and wrapped his hands around her.
Rey felt a pang in his heart seeing the two. He wanted to be the one with her, but her actions clearly told him that she didnβt want him.
Hello everyone!
Happy Valentines Dayπ
This update and has nothing to do with this day. I just wanted to wish you all.
I have a question to ask:
What is the one thing that you want to happen next? Just one.
Comment below!
Edited by 2111_shweta - 6 years ago
Web Series
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