PAAKHI POV
"Where is Maanu?" I intend to ask Aditi who just ignores me when Shaurya leads her to god knows where.
This place is so huge and enormous that it overwhelms me.
"So crazy girl, what will you have?" Viren walks towards me and takes a seat on this enormous couch.
"Except Alcohol, because you guys can't handle it" He teases.
"What made you say that?" I ask offended.
"Don't you remember what happened yesterday?" He asks with amusement in his eyes.
My ears perked up in attention.
"What did we do?" I inquire.
"Oh God, you don't remember what happened?" He grins, enjoying my torment too much.
I jab him in the stomach when he kept smiling at me without answering.
He didn't even flinch, stupid muscles.
"You..." He whispers, leaning closer to me.
The amusement in his eyes gets replaced by seriousness. Making me anxious about what I did.
" What??" I ask impatiently.
He leans closer making me hold my breath. We are so close, I'm afraid if I'll exhale our lips will touch.
I look into his eyes remembering our moment earlier.
"Are they going to kiss?" I tug back when I hear this.
We look beside us to see Arhaan, Maanya, Shaurya, and Aditi standing there with amusement in their eyes.
I blush, realizing how this might look.
"Oh, you guys are here, I was just telling Paakhi about your drunk adventure yesterday." I see Maanya and Aditi widen their eyes in surprise.
Maanu looks towards me but I just shrug, because I'm as clueless as her.
"Storytime!!!" Shaurya shrieks like a girl and settles in one of the seats. Maanya takes a seat beside me on the white couch and Arhaan follows suit.
Aditi like Shaurya takes one of the armchairs.
I laugh at his antics, but immediately stop when he starts speaking.
"So yesterday afternoon..."
__________
"I can't imagine!" Maanya utters after Shaurys explains everything.
I see Singh Brothers laughing holding their stomachs.
"Are you sure we did not Kill that Kidnapper?" Aditi asks excitedly. I look at her with a 'Do you think this is cool' look but as always she didn't understand and proceeded with her rubbish questions.
"Is Maira okay?" I ask after, Shaurya and Aditi stop bickering about what type of drunk Aditi is.
"Yes, She is thanks to you guys," Viren exclaims.
"You won't let this be? Huh?" I ask embarrass.
"I don't want to, but you girls saved our sister, so we owe this to you," Arhaan assures.
I smile at how smart, understanding, and sensible he is. Unlike someone, I know.
I glance at Viren and see him staring at me. But when our eyes meet he turns.
I don't know why but his behavior is very annoying.
"Are we going to sit here or watch a movie?" Aditi asks after throwing a cushion at Shaurya.
"I think it is already late, we should leave." I declare looking at the time.
"Noooo!!!"Aditi whine like a baby. But thankfully Maanya agrees and stands up.
" Hey, it's not that late and We will drop you, I promise. " Arhaan pleads.
"And after what happened today, I think we all deserve some fun," Shaurya suggests.
I agree, we all deserve some fun.
"Okay then, Thankyou," I reply.
"Come on, you take them to the theatre room and I'll check on the food," Arhaan calls out to Shaurya.
"Theatre room? How can I not expect that!" Aditi exclaims. I chuckle and follow them.
I expected Viren to follow us but he kept sitting on the sofa.
I hesitate for a moment but then follow others.
Shaurya leads us to towards the archway and on the right side, we see a door.
Shaurya pulls on it and a beautiful theatre room comes into view.
I expected it to be enormous like a real theatre but this one has a small cozy feeling with a long couch in the middle and A bean bag in the corner of the room.
Green plants added a charm to this somewhat dark room.
The best part is the screen. At home, our second-hand 32-inch smart tv broke and we had to replace it with a box tv after which we all didn't watch many movies on it because of its poor quality but now I think I can leave everything and have a marathon.
"Does anything in this house not has a wow factor?! " I chuckle hearing Aditi.
"What can I say? I have such a wow taste." I shrug their childish conversation and follow Maanya towards the couch. I'm as excited as a child on Christmas.
"What should we watch?" Maanya asks taking a seat in the middle of the couch. I follow her but sit towards the corner.
" The Hangover?" I suggest.
"Yess!!! I can watch that movie in a loop. Who would want to miss Phil, Alan, and stu?" Aditi answers taking a seat beside Maanya.
"What are you girls talking about?" Arhaan asks walking in with a helper behind him carrying a tray full of mouth-watering dishes including Cheeseburgers, Veggie pizza slices, french fries, nacho salad, and drinks.
Right now at this moment, I feel in bliss, with Mouthwatering food, and my favorite movie on display, what more can I ask?
"Let's start," Shaurya said and sat beside Aditi.
I look around but when I don't see Viren, I ask "Is Viren not joining us?"
Arhaan smiles at me and tells "He doesn't watch movies."
I nod but feel a little disappointing.
"Here" Maanya pass me a plate And Shaurya play the movie.
I fill my plate with a burger and some fries. I lean back and enjoy the Vegas trip with Phil, Stu, and Alan.
I laugh out loud when I see Stu with a missing tooth.
Everyone is enjoying the movie but I feel a little distracted because of my Khadoos.
I excuse myself with a bathroom break and Leave to find him.
Don't ask me why? Maybe because he's my best friend.
I walk in the direction of the living room predicting his presence there but I don't find him. Instead, I see the helper who carried in our food earlier.
"Hello, ma'am? Can I help you? " she asks in such a slow voice that I had to predict her words.
"I'm looking for Viren..."
"Oh, sir is on the terrace, let me take you there." She said leading me towards the grand staircase.
I follow her upstairs and the first thing I see is a beautiful balcony.
The city view from here is amazing.
"Thank you " I mutter to the retreating servant.
I walk forward to see Viren Standing near the handrail.
"Couldn't stay away from me?" He asks coyly.
"Not you, this beautiful sight. It enticed me here. " I reply walking towards him.
"Can't protest on it. This view is esoteric." He acknowledges.
I nod, still enjoying the view when he asks "why are you like this Paakhi? "
I look at him confuse and ask "like what?"
"I don't know, I never met someone who forgives someone so easily. You were hurt earlier because of Maanya and now you guys are talking like nothing happened. I mean I don't mind you guys talking at all. But how do you do this?" I see confusion, anxiousness, and much more in his eyes.
It is as if he wants me to tell him that there is still good in this world it's just us who have to look for it.
"It is easy, we often get hurt and upset by people who we love because they matter to us. And when there is love there are misunderstandings. Most important is we talk them out.
You know the saying, 'Somewhere between love and hate lies confusion, misunderstanding, and desperate hope.' So never give up on your loved ones. Always stand by them, no matter if they hurt you or not." I describe my beliefs.
"Is it so easy to just forget? And move on?" I hear a tremor in his voice as if he's remembering something.
I think for an answer and then reply, "Nope it isn't, In a world where being out for revenge seems to be more at hand, and appears to bring more satisfaction, they say it takes courage and strength to forgive. And I couldn’t agree more. Forgiveness is about letting go of the past, understanding, and moving on. It’s about taking care of your mental health and setting yourself free. Selfish? Maybe, but it’s the kind that does well to others too. So I just let the past be and move on."
He chuckles slowly and shortly embraces me, I stand still for a second, but then I too curl my hands around him.
"You are a blessing to this world crazy girl. Always stay the same. And thank you for coming into my life." He murmurs.
I smile, feeling happy.
"Are you guys dating?" I hear Aditi.
Once again I tug back and blush hard when I see everyone standing there.
I see Shaurya and Arhaan smiling but Maanya is looking at me weirdly.
"Why do I always find you guys in an awkward position?"Aditi questions.
I blush hard when everyone starts laughing.
Everyone stops when Viren's Phone rings.
He picks it up and signals everyone to hush.
" Hello, yes Ma?" He answers on the phone.
"What? Why? I thought everything was okay?" He asks in distress.
"Give her the phone. Break the doors. " He declares on the phone.
I see Shaurya and Arhaan anxiously looking at Viren for some answers.
"What?! Right now?" He asks perplex looking at me, Maanu and Aditi.
I look at him in confusion, What is it? Why break the doors?
"Okay, I'll ask them." He cuts the call.
"What happened?" Arhaan inquire.
"Riya locked herself in her room. And now she's calling Paakhi and the girls to meet her." He explains.
I look at him confused? Why would she ask for us?
"Let's go then." Aditi declares running downstairs.
We all follow her and towards the elevator to the ground floor.
I automatically sat in Viren's car without giving it a thought.
"I hope everything is okay," I utter, feeling anxious.
Viren doesn't answer, he just rushes past cars. A Few times I thought I'm going to crash into the car ahead.
We reach the Singh mansion in just 10 minutes. I see Arhaan and Shaurya, parking beside us.
All three brothers exit the car and shuffle inside.
I exit the car and stand beside Aditi and Maanu who were looking as confused as I'm.
We decide to go in.
When we step inside we see an empty foyer and a living room. I look around for someone and then I see Mr.Dev walking towards us.
"Thank you so much, girls, for coming here. We didn't expect you so soon."He acknowledges.
I realize that this might seem abrupt, as we live 45 minutes away from the Singh mansion. And we are here in 10 minutes.
" We were here nearby. When we got a call from Mr.Viren, we rush here." I apologize to god for lying.
He nods in understanding and asks us to follow him.
We follow him upstairs and turn right, to see everyone hustling around a door.
I hear Viren and Arhaan shouting through the door.
We move forward, I smile at Mrs. Tanvi Singh and stepped beside Viren.
I knock on the door and call out, "Riya! It's me. Please open the door."
We wait for a few seconds and then hear a click of the lock. I try turning the knob and enter when the door unlocks. Aditi and Maanya heed after me.
We see Riya walking to and fro in her room in a disheveled shape.
Her hair is out of her bun and her face is red due to crying.
"Hey?" I walk towards her and she hugs me. I soothingly caress her hair.
"I'm sorry for disturbing you girls, but I didn't know who to call. I just thought you can help me," she mumbles.
I look at Maanya and Aditi to see them caressing her back, signifying their support.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
I ask her.
She tugs back a little and replies, " I think I'm pregnant."
I look at her in surprise.
"You think? Didn't you take a test?"
"I'm scared," she whispers.
"We are here with you! Your family is there for you Riya." Maanya react.
"It is not my family, I'm scared of, it is my brothers." She responds. I understand her fear, and tell her that her brothers love her and would never be angry with her.
"Ya, I'm lucky enough Arhaan bhai has someone who can calm him down." I smile looking at Maanu, who just blushes.
I look at Riya to see her smiling towards me. Weird?!
"I just wish Viren bhai too finds someone. But right now, I cant tell my brothers about this, they will kill Abhi." She confesses.
I nod in understanding, "Do you have a test with you?" I ask her.
She shortly denies it.
"Now how do we confirm the news?" I voice out my concern.
"Don't you guys have one for emergencies? " Riya ask us.
Aditi laughs out loud causing me to glare at her.
"Darling, these two are good for nothing, they don't even know the thrill of action. " Aditi declares causing me to look down embarrassed.
"Shut up! Do you have one?" Maanya scolds Adi.
Adi shrugs and looks in her sling bag.
"Here!" She hands one to Riya.
Riya step towards what I assume is a washroom and close the door behind her.
"This room is cozy." Maanu comments. I look around to notice a beautiful room, the best thing is the cute Panda on the Ottoman.
"She doesn't know yet, that Viren has found someone too." I hear Aditi, I look at her, and before I could deny it, Riya walks out.
"We have to wait for some time." She calls out.
I nod and tug her to sit on the bed.
"Everything will be okay!" I say when I notice her nervously wringing her hands.
We hear a knock on the door followed by "What is happening inside?"
"Everything is okay, we'll be out soon." Maanya answers.
"You guys better be out in two minutes, Or I'll break this door down." I smile at his typical Khadoos behavior.
"I think it is time, we should check the Test," Aditi calls out.
We all nod and stand up together, Riya walk in and then come out with tears spilling down her face.
We rush towards her and hug her, "Shh.."
"We are with you Riya, don't cry, it is not good for the baby." Maanya whisper.
"Haha...I'm not pregnant." She chuckles.
I look at the test in her hand to see, negative.
We all chuckle together, but our laughter is cut short when the door to the room bang open.
We look towards the door in pure horror to see, Viren dusting off his shoulder.
"I told you for 2 minutes." He shrugs.
I shake my head at his abrupt behavior and turn towards Riya, "Now we have to leave, Take care."
"Thank you so much for coming." she hugs me and discretely hands me her test to hide.
I plop it in my jean pocket and turn to leave.
"Not before you tell us what happened!" Viren declares.
"Bhai please, I... It is something between me and my friends. " she pleads.
I see Viren is about to disapprove when I secretly shake my head, indicating don't.
And surprisingly he doesn't say a word. And just hug his sister.
We leave the room, closing the door behind us.
"That is so cute. I want a brother too." Aditi chuckle.
"We have Arhaan, now," I speak.
Aditi smile and high five me.
"Thank you for coming girls, Come let us have a coffee together." Mrs. Tanvi invites us.
"Thank you so much, Mrs.Singh but we have to leave, "Aditi confesses.
" We want to thank you girls, for saving Maira. And now Riya. You girls are like a blessing to us." We see Mr.Singh walking towards us.
"Maria is like Aditi to me and Maanu, We would never let anything happen to her. And about Riya, she only said we are friends, and we are always there for our friends. So there is nothing to thank us for." I explain.
"May God bless you, girls." Mrs.Singh blesses us.
"A Car is waiting for you outside, and before you object I insist ." Mr.Singh let out.
I nod in acknowledgment and we walk outside to see a car parked in front.
We enter in and settle down.
The car just leaves the Singh mansion, when my phone rings.
I look at the screen to see Our agent calling.
"Hello, Dev bhai ?" I answer.
"Paakhi, I have an offer for you." He informs.
I instantly perk up hearing that, because after the Navratri function we didn't get any work and our bills are piling up. This is like a golden opportunity.
"What is it?" Is so.
"I don't know much about it, but I think it is something related to marriage." He enlightens.
"Okay, client detail?" I ask.
"Don't have much, just fixed a meeting with them tomorrow at 1 pm, at Madison blue." He informs.
"Thank you so much bhai," I say excitedly and hang up.
"What is it?" Maanya asks chuckling, probably elicited by my smile.
"I don't know much but we have to go to Madison tomorrow for the meeting with the client," I state.
"Thank God, we need this." She smiles.
"This calls for a party!!!" Aditi shouts.
"Nooo!!" Maanu and I together shriek recalling what happened yesterday.
Aditi laughs at our expression.
I hit her when she mimics my expression and we both laugh when Aditi hit Maanya instead of me.
__________________________________
"Mannnuuuuu....we are getting late for god's sake came fast. " I shout, looking at my watch.
"Sorry, I woke up late " she smiles sheepishly.
I shake my head at her and walk out of the apartment.
"Cab is waiting for us downstairs. Did you bring your memo pad?" I ask stepping down the stairs.
"Yes, and please don't worry. "She mutters irritated.
" I know, But I can't help it, we need this Job to pay our next bills, and I don't want to ask Nona for help," I confess.
"I know, just relax." She murders distracted by her phone.
Probably messaging Arhaan.
I let her be and look outside the window, hoping for the best.
"Ma'am we have reached." I hear the driver saying. I exit the cab to see a glass building, not sure if I like the design of the building, it's just a huge glass tower, but it definitely stands out. It has become a famous landmark in the city for the young crowd and it's an easy place to meet people because it's so distinctive and easy to find.
"The message says, we have to go to the 23rd floor." Maanya leads the way, and I follow.
The most interesting thing about Madison blue is that there is a bar/restaurant on the 23rd floor which has spectacular views of the city; it's definitely the best vantage point because there are no walls, only huge windows, so you can look out over the city in any direction.
"May I help you?" A young man in a crisp black suit asks us.
"We are the event planners, here for a meeting," Maanya explains.
He nods his head in understanding and intercom someone, after a small conversation he asks us to follow him.
We follow him outside the restaurant and towards a big foyer. The foyer is beautifully ornated with chandeliers and vases.
He leaves us in front of an oak door with a beautiful golden knob.
I knock twice and shortly the door opens to reveal a dark Lavish décor, warm ambiance, dazzling lights that create an aura of elegance. There are a hookah zone and a bar with a variety of wines and liquor to choose from.
"Welcome, welcome..." A voice resonates, just like a cliche horror movie.
I look around but don't see a being in this dark room.
"Finally, I get to have you guys alone..." The deadly voice spoke again. I don't know why but the voice seems so familiar and creepy.
Maanu instantly grabs my hand and I assure her.
"Stop scaring the girls, " Now I hear a different voice scolding the first one.
How many people are in here?! And where are they?
Then I see a man step forward into the beam of light.
His chiseled jaw and sharp nose give him a very handsome look.
His hair is tied in a man bun and he's adoring a White shirt with a dark shade of pants, I can't decipher.
"Hey, Welcome to Madison Blue. I'm Yash. " he walks towards us.
I step forward and greet him.
The strange thing was how he assessed me.
"This is my friend, Saurav."
He refers to someone behind him.
I tilt a little to see a figure stepping beside him.
When his face came into view, the night of the Janamashtami celebration came into my mind.
His face reminded me of how he tried to touch me and when I confronted him, he apologized saying he thought it was his wife.
I hate the vibes he emits.
"Hello girls, remember me?" He asks in his ominous voice.
I try to portray my anger through a piercing glare but thanks to this dim-lit room this dim wit can't see it.
I don't answer, in fact, Maanu doesn't answer too, making me a little happy.
"So Mr.Yash, why do you need an event planner, when you have a successful event team, handling your events. " I ask remembering his name written on the door beside this room, before we were entering, I saw a door with his nameplate on it.
"How do you know, I own this place?" He asks astonish.
"She searches about all the rich men near her" Saurav chuckles as if what he said is too funny.
"No, before entering, I saw a door beside this room and your nameplate on it and your designation. And one more thing, " I say looking at Saurav.
"Only someone important may know that there is this private room here because nobody knows about this." I accentuate.
"Impressive, "Mr.Yash acknowledge.
" To answer your query, we have 3 events together after 2 days, and my team is handling 2 of them, but I need a new team to handle my other event which is a bachelorette." He explains.
"A bachelorette?" I ask startled.
"Yes! Is there any problem?" He asks.
Yes, the problem is we never organized something like this and I'm afraid of what to do? Because a birthday and a wedding are easy, you play with traditional decors but a bachelorette is something wild...
Before I could say that, Maanu agreed and they started talking about the budget and staff.
"You guys have to be there." Saurav , the dim wit utters, I never dislike someone but this guy, he irritates me to no level. He cheats on his wife, and I have a speculation that Sana is being a victim of domestic violence.
I don't know what made me think that but how scared and Timid she is, makes me believe my theory.
She has 3 brothers and a big family then why doesn't anybody see what I see?
"Let's go!" I hear Maanya whisper to me. I follow her still in my thoughts.
"Call Uncle Abby, " she orders me.
I reach into my pocket to grab my phone but notice that I have left it on the table when we were talking.
"I left my home inside, you go wait for me in the cab," I ask her and step towards the oak door.
I don't knock and enter quietly to hear something wary.
"Now Viren will know who he messed with." I hear Saurav gleefully expressing.
"Yes, but I like her, she's different." I hear Yash reply.
Shortly I feel guilty for overhearing their conversation and therefore enter with a knock.
"I'm sorry, I left my phone here," I utter embarrassingly.
"It is nice working with you Ms.Paakhi."
Mr.Yash, assert.
I nod and leave immediately, I mean I can't stand that creepy Saurav anymore.
"What took you so long?" That is the first thing I hear when I enter the cab.
"Nothing, let's go to the cafe," I say distracted.
Still trying to decipher what I just heard.
"Mr.Saurav is so funny," Maanya comments.
"Funny? He's an assailant, stay away from him."I assert.
" Why? You never say something like this about anyone." Maanya remark.
I shrug, "Don't shrug me off, tell me" She demands.
"It is nothing," I reply.
"Paakhi tells me or I won't talk to you at all." She blackmail.
I take a deep breath and tell her how he tried to touch me at the Janamashtami celebration.
"He tried to assault you?" Maanya asks in shock.
"He said he thought I was his wife and later apologized but still I don't feel good in his company," I explain.
"I know why now" she mutters in understanding.
"So should we reject this event?" She asks.
"No, we can't, the last event we organized was the Janamashtami celebration at Singh mansion and now the bills are piling up, we don't know when Riya will get married..." I confess.
"Hmm...but still when do you think she will get married." She consults.
"Maybe when Abhi will return, he's still on his business trip." I acknowledge.
She just nods in understanding and looks outside the window.
I follow her action and gaze out of my window to see what is happening outside. The heavy traffic, as usual, is ceaselessly flowing up and down the massive expressway. Vehicles of all shapes, sizes, and colors bustle by, creating quite a din. Occasionally, the traffic police are busy tearing after speeding vehicles.
"You know I think, Sana is a victim of domestic violence." I confide.
"What made you say that now?" She asks cautiously.
"I don't know, whenever I see her, I see a scared and timid girl." I express.
"Maybe she is a timid girl, Paakhi." She scolds me as if whatever I said is rubbish.
"No, I see something in her eyes, something that speaks volumes, and still her mouth doesn't," I confess.
"Then why doesn't her family see that? She has three brothers for god's sake." She inquires.
I just shrug, confuse, scared, and nervous about the event we are going to plan.
Everything seems so confusing...
It feels like this day is the beginning of the adventure, I'm not ready for.
__________________________________
Let's start this year by thanking God for another day, a beautiful day for beautiful beginnings.
Let's thank those people who made our last year.
Let's thank those unsung heroes who stood for us.
Let's thank God for giving us family time.
Let's begin this year with new hope and new blessings.
HAPPY NEW YEAR GUYS!!!
Thank you for reading!
Share your views.
Comment and Like.
Have a nice day Ahead.