New Arshi FF: This Journey Called Life -Ch1B updt

Author's Note

1. This is the first time that I'm writing an FF and am a bundle of nerves. I would love to hear what you think about this concept. So do comment, like, criticize.

2. The main protagonists ' Arnav & Khushi and some other characters used in this FF belong to 4 Lions productions and Star Plus. Some character traits and instances might also remind you of IPKKND, obviously because that's where the inspiration comes from. Other than that the story is my own work.

3. This story is a culmination of the various things I've seen, heard, observed, and learnt in life. So some instances/situations might come across as similar. It is not intentionally copied.

4. Please like or comment if you wish to receive a PM.

I will be putting up the Index and the first chapter shortly!

Ch 1: The Tale of Two Cities - Part 1

23:00hrs, Barasti Beach Bar, Dubai

Girl my body don't lie,I'm outta my mind,

Let it rain over me

I'm rising so high, Out of my mind

So let it rain over me

Ay ay ayAy ay ay

Let it rain over me

Ay ay ayAy ay ay

Let it rain over me

(song: Rain Over Me by Pitbull, link to the full song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmM0653YvXU)

Two girls amongst the vast crowd of tipsy and semi drunk people were dancing enthusiastically to the music. Their bodies swayed with the rhythm, they danced naturally with such grace, that a lot of heads turned appreciatively to look at them.

They danced like there was no tomorrow, like nobody was watching, they had no care about the world, nor the eyes of the boys around them!

Barasti was one the most popular beach bars in Dubai, strategically located in Jumeirah- at the heart of the city, overlooking the beautiful Arabian Sea. The drinks were not too overpriced, the food delicious and the crowd not too dressy. It was a perfect place to unwind for the weekend, which explained the throngs of crowd. And if the music got too much, you could just walk out to the adjoining beach, a drink in hand and admire the beauty of the stars, the sparkling lights of the ships at distance or just sit in silence and listen to the waves crashing on the shore. You simply could never get enough of the place.

Finally one girl turned to the other, 'Khushi', yelled a voice, 'I'm done dancing for the day. Would you like to grab some drinks?'

'Whatever you order Payal, get one for me as well!' came the reply.

'By the way, said Payal, that guy with the grey shirt sure has the hots for you Khush. Thinking of giving him a chance?'

'What's the point, you know I won't take it beyond a few dates. And by the looks of him, he would rather sleep with me that get to know me. I thought you were getting drinks for us? Khushi replied changing the subject.

Payal sighed and made her way to the bar, she would have to do something about Khushi's love life and her commitment phobia- and fast! She knew somebody had broken Khushi's heart but that was many years ago! Despite the fact that she vehemently denied, Payal was sure that had been Khushi's first love. She had never looked at anybody seriously after that, not even after so many years.

'There you go Khush , two cosmos for the pretty girls', exclaimed Payal, pointing at the both of them. Let's make a toast to - to our friendship.

Khushi & Payal always made it a point, to meet up with each other every Thursday and Barasti was one of their favourite hangout spots. This place had vibrancy and energy; it was difficult not to catch it!

Khushi simply rolled her eyes in mock exaggeration and raised her glass - to friendship. Truly, Payal was one of the best things that had happened to her when she shifted to Dubai all those years ago. They had joined the same yoga class and had partnered each other during various asanas. They hit it off instantly - Payal was like a breath of fresh air to Khushi's perfectly structured life. A little crazy, but she had taught Khushi to live life without worrying, to let go and get adventurous. What would she do without this chick, she smiled to herself.

'If you're done talking to yourself Khushi, maybe you can talk to me', Payal said, eyes twinkling. 'What's happening on the work front? Are the rumours true then?

'I guess so, replied Khushi, from what I've heard, our agency will be taken over by a big advertising giant - a classic case of big fish eating the small one- the management will change completely but most of the staff will be retained, at least as of now. But we're in for a big change and NK reckons this change will be for the greater good.

'Hmmm, so do you want to continue working there, or will you look around for something else?

I don't know Payal, I think I'll stick around for a bit and see if NK's opinion holds true. Getting good work was difficult, especially in Dubai.

The girls continued chatting for some more time, talking about insignificant things until the DJ belted out the last track for the night. Taking the cue, Khushi & Payal rushed out of the club hoping to avoid the long queue that was inevitable outside any major club, bar, restaurant in Dubai. They saw a lone cab coming their way and rushed to hail it, just as Payal opened the door, somebody opened the door of the same cab from the other side.

'Excuse me, but we have hailed this cab mister, you can get another cab down there, said Payal pointing towards taxi queue sign.

'I could say the same thing to you missy, said a gentle but firm voice, I hailed this cab as well.'

'What exclaimed Payal, the nerve of this guy? How dare you argue with me? I hailed this cab, I opened the door first and I'm going to take it.

'Really, shouted the guy, he had grey eyes Payal noticed, I hailed this cab, I opened the door and guess what, he slid beside the driver's seat in the front, I sat in it too!'

Khushi noticed the crowds spilling out of the club and since this guy had already sat in the front, there was only one way that this matter could be sorted.

'Hey there, which part of Dubai would you be going to? Khushi asked him, 'Jumeirah Beach Residence, he replied. An idea had formed in Khushi's head.

Would you mind Mister emm, 'Akash, said the grey eyed man, right Mister Akash if we shared this cab. Since clearly both of you'll hailed this cab from two different sides and since we ourselves also have to head to JBR,

'No problem ermm, 'Khushi, she said extending her hand towards him, ' clearly you seem to be the sensible person out of the lot', Akash joked glancing towards a fuming Payal.

Before Payal could protest or Akash could change his mind, Khushi pushed her into the back seat of the car and together they went, towards their destination, each one silent and deep in their own thoughts.

Little did they know that their paths would cross with each other ' time and again!

Ch 1B: The Tale of Two Cities ' London

20:00hrs, Saatchi & Saatchi HQ, London

A man was typing away furiously on his laptop. The humming and drumming of key was the only sound in the otherwise silent office ' it was past working hours in London. After a few moments of contemplation, he hit the send key. This was it, this email would make or break his career. But he had to take a call, he had worked at the same level for the past three years ' despite winning the 'performer of the year' award twice in a row ' he had not seen any movement from the management to promote him.

He had decided to take things in his own hands finally. He had written to his regional head asking for a more strategic role. What was the worst that could happen? He would be denied! Well, he had lived through worst times in his life. "Everything's well in the end, if it's not well then it's not the end".A smile appeared on his face as he thought of the person who had told this to him, a long time ago, in another lifetime!

Before he could delve deeper into his thoughts, he was brought back to reality by the shrill ringing of his phone. As soon as he saw the caller ID, he knew he was dead meat.

'Chotay' said a very annoyed voice on the other end of the phone, 'you were supposed to reach home by eight. Might I remind you to take a look at the clock? When will you learn to take it easy? We're leaving tomorrow and the one day I ask you to come home at a decent hour..

Rolling his eyes at the drama, he cut in before she could continue, 'Di, I'm on my way home. I will reach in about 20 minutes. There's no need to get so emotional. I'll see you soon.'

Anjali and Shyam Jha, stood at the balcony of their modest two bedroom apartment. Leaving London was a difficult decision for both of them. They had spent eight years in this beautiful city, which they now called their home. They had first met at their college, gone on to become close friends and by the end of their post graduation, knew that they would be soul mates for the rest of their lives.

As soon as Shyam had gotten a job with Nestle, one of the biggest FMCG conglomerate, he had popped up the question to her ' complete with violin and champagne and a beautiful solitaire ring. She had accepted without any hesitation. Despite all that she had gone through, she still believed in the power of love. She knew and believed that Shyam would be the one, who would fulfil all her dreams and fill her life with happiness.

Anjali has decided to stay at home and take care of her husband and brother. She had insisted that Arnav take an apartment in the same building as hers. She had to take care of him, somewhere between Mumbai, New York and London, she had lost her Chotay. All she saw was ASR ' Arnav Singh Raizada, the workaholic, social life devoid, emotionally empty Creative Head for S&S.Her heart went out for him, he was such a happy, cheerful boy. But all those things had affected him very badly. He had grown wise beyond his years. The sound of the doorbell brought her to the present. She wiped away her tears, as Shyam made to open the door.

Dinner was a quiet affair as all of them made small conversations about insignificant things, nobody wanted to talk about the elephant in the room. Talking about it would make it final, irreversible. Finally Anjali spoke up, looking at Arnav, while Shyam squeezed her hand in reassurance, 'Chotay, we're going tomorrow but we're only changing cities. Both of us will always be there for you. I will not be around to look after you, to remind you to eat, to shop for you, you will have to, take care of yourself. Most importantly Chotay, I want you to start living life a bit, enjoy the little moments, we only have one life, allow happiness to seep inside your life Chotay.'

'Di' said Arnav, his voice a little choked, with suppressed emotion and enveloped her into a big tight hug. There were so many things he wanted to say, but as always words failed him. As usual, he hoped his Di would understand his emotions.