Days went like crazy; where Swayam and Sharon didn’t show up to the rehearsals at Bharat’s garage from the day of their unofficial breakup. And they completely avoided each other at college. It was badly affecting the team. SDC dates were almost closer and they didn’t have a perfect routine to practice. Rey was juggled between Sharon and Swayam who were not ready to talk about each other. Irrespective of Rey’s constant efforts to bring them on board to the practices, they just requested time for few days to settle in. He didn’t force them from then on. He spoke with Taani every single day as she was the only sane thing in his life right at the moment. Everything was pretty messed up and he didn’t had any plan to get over it. And to add on his last frustration, Kunal showed up during one of his face time video call with Taani and he couldn’t keep quite. Seeing him around her like a frigging leech, suffocated him. He had cut the call on Taani’s face confusing her to the core at his abrupt behavior. She wouldn’t understand. Especially, not the jealousy he was feeling. It wasn’t like he didn’t trust Taani or even Kunal to be honest. But it just made him mad. He wasn’t a kind of person who liked to share his GF even with her closest friends, though it sounded like a psycho love. He controlled himself most of the times hoping he didn’t nag her.
Taani shared everything she did in Bangalore. She had finalized the interior decorations for her new boutique and the team had already started the work at Mumbai. She was now preparing for the exhibition and she cooed while showing all the beautiful designs she had designed. She was very much excited yet was kind of nervous and wished to have Rey with her. But then, she had realized that his requirement at college was more important as he and the gang prepared for SDC and NDC. She may have been in bad terms with the gang, but she always wished the best for them. She had spoken to her brother only twice from the day she moved to Bangalore. He sounded sad. Nonetheless, he assured her that he was fine.
Whenever Taani spoke about Swayam with Rey, he easily diverted the topic. He would have told her the truth if she wasn’t occupied with her own deadlines at work. If he confronted the truth of Swayam and sharon’s break up now, she would blame no one but her. And he didn’t want her to have any distractions. Two more days were left for her exhibition and then she would be back.
******
“Mein toh Taani ko bahut miss kar rahi hun…” Zoya mused, as she brought a plate of snacks to Wahi and Rithwik who were snuggled on the couch along with Leo at Swayam's place. Leo was barking at both for playing with his pedigree. “Mein bi…” Wahi raised the biscuit higher and Leo jumped catching it like a pro. “Aur mein bi…” Rithwik responded, patting Leo on his fur for the unmissable catch.
“Waise… Hina ko bi bulana chahiye ta na… Hum sab yaha hai… Taani nahi hai bolke wo aajkal humse bi nahi mil rahi hai...” Rithwik complained, making Wahi’s posture to straighten. Suddenly, his emotions welled up wanting to burst louder than ever. But he was holding up. He hadn’t shared his heartbreak news with anyone. Not even Rithwik. He was too guilty to share the news knowing how dreadfully he pursued him to move on. Moreover, the thought of falling for someone who was already in love with someone else made him gag. He simply couldn’t understand the way Hina behaved with him prior and post his confession perplexed him. For once he knew in his heart that she had feelings for him. But why would she even bluff if it was otherwise?
“Pata nahi… Meine bola ta Hina ko ghar ane ke liye… Okay bola ta usne… Aur jab mein bola tum dono bi aa rahe ho… usne bola ki usko kuch kaam yaad aa gaya… aur wo baad mein milegi humse…” Zoya frowned. Rithwik scrunched his brows realizing Hina’s dejection at their presence. But the minute he saw Wahi’s face, he found it fishy. Wahi may have thought that Rithwik didn’t notice. But he observed everything, including the lessened conversations or no communication between Hina and Wahi as before. He thought Wahi would confront him without asking but he was wrong. Wahi would open his mouth to talk about everything but not her.
“Aur sach bolu toh… aaj kal kaam bi bahut zyada hai office per… Waise tum logonko pata hai… Hume ek naya project mila hai… Harshad sir” Her voice adored taking his name which went noticed by Rithwik and Wahi who exchanged a glance at each other. “mein, Hina and Taani will be going to Kashmir for a week.”
“Kashmir! Kyun?” Wahi wondered, throwing his sullen mind to divert off topic. “Kyunki… There is a business committee at Kashmir where several fashion industries will be joining. And we have been invited too. Saath mein… Humne humara company ka tender bi dala hai… If in case, our company bags the tender, we will be life-long partners with international brand.” She smiled widely. “Wow…” Rithwik was mesmerized. Here, they were still in college, struggling with dance bans, student treachery, lectures and what not. And these people were going to have their finest moments at Kashmir. He was definitely happy for Taani, Hina and zoya. And even for Harshad. That man was another level of intelligence. Wahi just looked at him, reflecting his own feelings. They were going to miss out all the fun.
******
Whole gang was huddled at Bharat’s garage for the evening practices as usual, even in the absence of Swayam and Sharon. Rey had taken the lead to motivate them while Surbhi had the opportunity to choreograph them.
“How long are these two going to avoid the practice, Rey?” Simmi asked him. Everyone stopped on their tracks and looked at her. The same question was in everyone’s mind. “Haa Rey… Sharon ne kud SDC ke bare mein bola ta... aur ab wo kud hi gayab hai..” Vicky scowled. “Hum jaante hai… uska aur Swayam ka break up hua hai, Rey… Per how can they make team suffer?” He was aggravated. Rey had no answer, except the hope that Swayam at least would show up even if Sharon continued being melancholy for longer.
“Ye sab na Taani ki wajah se hua hai.” Simmi inflamed. Rey’s face flinched at the sudden involvement of Taani's name in the chaos. Others looked abashed at her defamation on Taani. “Ye tum kya bol rahe ho, Simmi?” Kriya questioned her before anyone could. Simmi looked at Rey instead of her. “I’m sorry to say this, Rey. Per aaj tak Swayam aur Sharon ke beech kabhi aisa nahi hua ta… Hua toh bi unka kuch personal problems ki wajah se ti… Lekin abi ye jo bi kuch ho raha hai… It’s all because of Taani. Agar wo us din Sharon ke upar itna nahi chillati toh… Swayam aur Sharon ek saath hote... Aur hum sab milke SDC ka practices rock kar rahe hote…”
Rey’s jaw tightened to the extent it would probably have cut open if Bharath wouldn’t have involved. “Abe… hum andhe nahi hai.” He interfered. “Yaha pe sab logone deka ki pehle Sharon ne start kiya ta…”
“Self respect matters the most, Simmi.” Surbhi neither defended nor objected either one.
“Not to be rude, Simmi… Sharon humara bi dost hai… Lekin usne jaise Swayam aur Taani ke saath behave kiya ta… Wo sahi nahi ta…” Vicky almost defended Taani, which made Rey’s eyes lit up.
“Hum sabne pehle bi Taani ke saath bahut galat behave kiya hai… Wo aaj bi humare wajah se… college se suspend bi ho chuki hai… Aur tum bol rahe ho, ye sab Taani ki wajahse hua hai…” Neha always liked Taani irrespective of not so good bond with her due to gang. But every time something happened, people blamed her.
“I can’t believe tum sab log humare hi dost ke bare mein itna galat soch rahe ho…” Simmi flared as everyone defended Taani instead of Sharon. “Calm down, Simmi” Nil intervened. “Hum koi bi Sharon ke against nahi hai. Lekin hum sab jaante hai ki she acted impulsive. Ladai toh uske aur Taani ke beech ta… Sharon should have not involved Swayam in all this. That was absolutely wrong.” He may agree for certain things but not with everything. There may have been a cold war between Taani and Sharon but Sharon had no rights to demean Swayam in front of everyone. And tagging him to be the disloyal BF was not right. Because whole gang and even college is witness for the loyalty Swayam carried for Sharon. Everything aside, but blaming Swayam for no reason had undid Nil. He couldn’t quite get over with the worse attitude of Sharon.
“Seiously, Nil? Tum bi… Tum bi Sharon ko hi blame kar rahe ho? Agar Taani Sharon se panga na leti… Toh Sharon kyun kuch bolti… Aur kamal ki baat ye hai ki… Swayam bi uski behen ki side liya… jabki he knows very well Sharon would be very hurt. I don’t understand Swayam ko Taani kabse Sharon se zyada ban chuki hai…” Simmi threw a disgruntled frown. She was just too vexed that even her friends were doing Taani-jaap. She didn’t hate her. But she didn’t like her either. She didn’t like the importance people gave to a wannabe non-dancer like Taani. She just hated the fact that, she was over ruling the craze of D3 team who were the only brand ambassadors of St. Louis. She had her new friends, own career, Rey and…
“Enough, Simmi…” Rey was quite only because he wanted to know whether all his friends still disliked or the least hated Taani, even after knowing her for two years. But to his surprise, it seemed except Simmi, none had problem with Taani. Though Amar and Rinni were mute, he noticed them nodding their heads at Vicky and Neha’s statements. Surbhi had a little misunderstanding with Taani because of her insecurities, but everything was vanished the moment Karan made her understand about it. She always liked Taani. Infact, loved her. But the circumstances were truly against them. And Kriya… She just watched Simmi with a disgusted face. She was flabbergasted at her nuisance.
“Jab dekho… Taani Taani Taani… Sab kuch Taani hi karti hai… Ukraine aur Russia ka world war bi ab Taani ki wajahse hi ho raha hai.. Haina?” He had enough of this. He loved his team very much. But times like this made him to slap them to snap out of their dreamland. He didn’t understand her obsession with Taani. Taani was somewhere doing her own work and people didn’t let a chance to scapegoat her. His friends or not, he wasn’t going to stand by and watch all the nonsense spoke about his girl. She had done so much to these people and still Simmi questioned her actions. Surbhi held a chuckle at Rey’s comparison though he didn’t look funny at all. Rather he looked dead serious. “Had ho gaya hai yaar… Jab bi kuch humare team mein kuch galat hota hai… You find ways to blame Taani instead of owning up to it… Kabhi toh apna galati bi deko… Humara doston ka galati ko bi pehchano… And PLEASE…” He stressed. “Stop bringing Taani in every freaking conversation. Wo bandi toh tum logon ko itna chahti hai… She always look upto your friendship and tum… You just disappointed me, Simmi…” By saying so, he picked the bag and walked out of the door.
Simmi stood motionless watching everyone leave the room one by one except for Nil. Wrong or right, he couldn’t leave her as he was the closest to her.
******
One small stall was occupied by Taani among the thousand stalls in the place they have chosen for the exhibition. She and Kunal had taken extra time to decorate the stall so that it attracted customers to the great extent. Kunal may be a doctor, but he was a born artist. He had lit the stall with colorful paper balloons and bright lights. Series of mannequins were displayed on which Taani's designer clothes were put on. She wondered how her clothing section would be even noticed among the ocean of web. Because there were nearly so many gorgeous stalls with fantabulous collections among within.
"Taani…" Kunal yelled for the third time, seeking her help to dress one of the mannequin. "Sorry..." She pouted, aiding him to fit the material perfectly. "Tum itna kyun dar rahe ho?" He asked unaware of the depth of her nervousness. "Tumhe Kya lagta hai… itni beed mein koi ayega bi Kya yaha…" She glowered, pulling the straps on the mannequin properly.
"Kyun nahi ayenge?" A voice boomed from behind and Taani's eyes went wide. Kunal smirked at the abrupt presence of someone he least expected.
"Rey…" Taani screamed, running into his arms. She threw herself on to him not caring that Kunal had his two pupils dedicated to their antics. "REY…" She giggled, hugging him fiercely. He scrunched her as she squeezed him the longest. After several minutes, Kunal dared to cough to point them that he was still with them. They slowly broke the hug, in shy yet not leaving each other's eyes. Taani's chuckle wasn't stopping. "Aap… aap yaha?" Taani beamed.
"Ha Rey… tum yaha?" Kunal knew Rey disliked him to the core. And he didn't mind at all. Because he liked the kind of attention he showered upon him. "Kyun? Nahi aa sakta Kya?" Rey glared him. "Ya tumne soch raka ki Sara lime light tu hi Lega?"
Taani looked in between them as Rey threw daggers at Kunal and inturn Kunal stood smirking. "Hayeee… ab aap dono ko Kya ho Gaya..." She asked. Rey turned to her, faking a smile as if they were all cool. "Bas tera big day per mujhe Tere saath rehne ka man Kar Raha ta… toh mein chale ayi…" He concluded not going much into details. It was true. He had already planned to visit her when she accidentally stated that she would have been so confident if he had been with her. He had always given his extra time to his friends and dance while making Taani wait for her own time. It was his time to redeem it. She deserved all the love, care and his attention as well. Also, he kind of missed her. It was one week already and he just wanted to meet her in person. This long distance wasn't a thing he enjoyed. He always craved to have her closer by.
Then he looked around the stall watching her designer clothes gleaming like a bright sun in the day sky. He wandered around taking in all the details. He probably underestimated Taani before. Because the kind of presentation she had made was super cool. Even though there was a plethora of stalls having the variety of clothes for exhibition, he couldn't help but notice Taani's stall standing out. Not just with the way stall was decorated to be fascinated for the customers. But also for the hard work and dedication Taani had shown in her work. She had chosen various color coordinations, designing indo-ethnic fusion for the exhibition unlike other stalls who had either complete modern collections or traditional one.
"Kaisa laga?" Taani was behind him already dragging Kunal along. "Tumhara designs toh bahut acha hai.. They are damn good…" He grazed her cheek, just like that making Taani shiver even amidst of the hot summer. "Aur stall ka design and decorations?" She asked excitedly. "Bolega teek taak hai…" Kunal commented, understanding Rey too well. "Sahi kaha tumne… sirf teek taak hi hai…" Rey paused. "Rey…." Taani's face sulked. She and Kunal sat in his hospital cabin working on this whole night. And she saddened at his dismissal. "Are baba… Mein mazak Kar Raha ta… Everything is extraordinary… Lekin…" His eyes roamed on the mannequins. "Kuch toh Kam dik raha hai…"
"Kya?" She bemused while Kunal rolled his eyes. "Tumhare paas kuch artificial jewellery hai Kya?" He asked her. Kunal twitched his brows but went and brought a box of oxidized jewellery which Taani had kept on a side note to use it if necessary. Without disclosing his idea to them, he chose few pieces of breathtaking jewellery and clasped it on the mannequins. Understanding Rey's idea, Kunal was quick to grab some women wigs, styling it according to the clothes it plastered on. Rey gave him a appreciative nod. He didn't thought about it. But that added a nice picturisation. Taani stood dumbfounded at the way both these men worked. The final result was mesmerizing. Probably, everyone in the web of stalls, had quite similar clothing section. But Taani's stall stood high because of the eye candy representation of it.
Sooner, her stall was buzzed with people. Initially, not so many invaded in. Whenever Taani was disheartened at the fewer people at her stall, Rey was beside her, squeezing her shoulder to chin up. It wasn't about the number of people always. It was about the beginning of a revolution she was creating in her life. Every success story started with one. And her story had just began.
Kunal was giving tour to the onlookers while Taani took the orders for the people who were willing to buy it. Rey watched her. Her whole face scintillated as she handed over the bundle of coupons along with the orders. She was giving out free coupon gifts for all the customers who preordered few other designs which were in the brochure she had prepared.
Rey couldn't help but even appreciate Kunal who was being so helpful for Taani. For once, his attendance didn't irritate him.
Taani was literally pleased to see so many people arriving at her stall. Though it made no difference in the sea of stalls, she was indeed glad that she was having a share of her own success to see. The exhibition's main purpose was to get sales for her new boutique. Through pre-orders, her goal was accomplished to an extent though not 100%. Her collections had made decent amount along with required publicity. Many had taken pictures and videos to publicize the stall which was in the name of ZENO Boutique. Rey was really delighted to see the joy on her face at something she had accomplished on her own. This was the kind of happiness he always wanted to see on her face. He made a mental note to ask Taani about chosing the brand name. Because he generally thought it would be her name or something related to names. But she had opted an unique name which was catchy yet aesthetic in its own way. He also joined her, helping with the new customers. Taani couldn't thank him enough for all the efforts he had taken to come over to her. He was proving every second of his worth. And that was enough to proudly call his supportiveness to be the best so far. Her lips bowled wider at his miscellaneous chivalry in fascinating people to turn giddy over his talks. He was truly her's alone. And he had proved it infinite numbers.
******
"Oh dude… Did you see that girl… She simply believed that the cloth was made of silky gold…" Kunal raised his hand to Rey as he reminscinced Rey's naughty antics to bluff the beautiful golden kurta to a confused girl. "Yeah dude…" Rey slapped his hand and both burst into laughter. Taani watched in between surprised at the ease they shared. Before hours, they had eyes over each other to kill and diffuse but all of a sudden they were sharing the same plate of food and gossipping around. "Kya hua? Aise kyun dek rahi ho Hume?" Kunal asked as he popped a French fries into his mouth. The exhibition wound up late night and all three went to have something for dinner as Kunal and Taani were starving from morning. During which Rey and Kunal were dubiously gelling up together.
"Yahi ki tum dono ek dusre ka gala na pakadke… haath mein haath dalke baiti ho…" She averted her pupils at each other. That was when both realised that it was actually true. Rey skidded away from Kunal as Kunal straightened his spine. "Tum dono na..." Taani chortled at their childish rivalry. "Waise… Kunal… Rey ko tum aaj Tere saath lekar jaona…" she requested. Suddenly, Kunal stood up. "Oh Teri…" He looked between them. "Mein tumhari kaam mein guske Mera kaam hi bul Gaya hun… Mujhe na hospital mein urgent kaam hai Taani… Jaana hai…"
"Sach bolna be… tujhe mujhe lekar jaana pasand nahi hai…" Rey taunted. Kunal hit his own head but balanced it out as Taani caught his action. He moved closer to Rey's ear whispering something, to which Rey's eyes dilated. "Whatever buddy…" Kunal mocked Rey as he leaned backwards. "See you, Taani. Kal milta hun… Bye…" he pecked her cheek and ran as Rey protested in his seat. Taani rolled her eyes between the two as they behaved abnormally twisted.
******
Since Kunal ditched Rey and Taani, she had no option but to take him into her hotel room. Actually, Rey did tell her that he would manage another room as she looked uncomfortable. Actually, she was kind of freaked out to have him in the same room knowing things were going to heat up as soon as they would step inside their room. But still, she couldn't accept his offer. It was post midnight and it would be sheer torture to find another empty room for Rey at that time. Especially in that busy hub City. So, she had convinced him that she was fine to have him along with her.
Rey and Taani entered her room as the silence welcomed them. Suddenly, Kunal's words echoed in Rey's mind.
"Bewkoof… Taani akeli rahegi… Go spend time with her…"
Rey couldn't help but be amazed at Kunal. Here he was getting all those jazziness at him where as Kunal wanted them to have their own privacy. He left the place purposefully so that these two can spend time together. Taani frizzled her fingers through her wet hair as Rey had gone to freshen up for the night. A deaf silence was erupted in the room as she watched the single bed in the room.
Bathroom door clicked shut as Rey entered shirtless with a towel hung around his neck and thankfully but not so thankfully with the knee length free shorts.
Taani's mouth dried. She herself had changed into her comfortable PJ's. But still felt like she was exposed as his gaze touched her body. She smiled at him wishing she didn't behave awkward. He smiled back sensing her anxiety. "Tumhe neend nahi aa Raha hai?" He asked her as he occupied the mirror setting his wet hair, mainly to ease the tension between them. Taani was busy in watching his neatly combed hair. "Taani…" he breathed slowly, making her snap at his attention. "Haa…" She mouthed, not even listening to the question. "Lekin mujhe neend nahi aa Raha hai…" he looked petulant, as he pulled his towel around his neck. Instead of throwing it away, he put it around her waist and pulled her onto him. She easily landed on his chest. Her eyes fluttered as his fingers laced in her wet hair, combing it to the down. He just loved playing with it. "Hume so Jana hai… Aap Tak Gaye honge…" She whispered not really meaning it. "Okay…" he smirked, his thumb caressing her neck. Her whole body was on fire. And even he was losing his sanity. He then slowly let her free yet watching.
Taani walked to the bed as she placed pillows in between them. "Really Taani?" Rey stood behind her. And she jumped back. "Pillows?" He was unable to hold the laughter bubbling up. She shied away not realizing what else to do. He shook his head, dropping onto one side of the bed. His body was tired. He had taken the immediate flight to reach Bangalore and whole day went with work. There was no time to recover from his jet hangover also. And the fluffy bed called him to hug it. He watched Taani who was staring him with those bouncy eyes. It held mysterious research. She was gawking at his upper body making his self control to wither. As she caught his eye, she smiled awkwardly, dragging onto the other side of the bed. Both positioned themselves on the bed onto the opposite sides against each other. After few seconds, both turned towards each other, gaping into each other's eyes. Rey dropped his hand on her face, drawing some doodles on her skin. It made her want to embrace him. His slow circles sent chills down her spine. She dared to peek at him and his eyes burned with hunger for her. She ruffled his slight wet hair making him frown and smile simultaneously. Only she could do that. His precious hair! He hated people messing it up. But with Taani… he just loved and awaited that she would fist those curls and make it freckly. Then her fingers tiptoed on his forehead beating upto the tip of his nose, then jaw, his throat and landing finally on his bare chest. His thumb caressed her side of shoulder which was visible because of the strap tank top she wore. "Mujhe samaj nahi aa Raha hai… ki tumne ye pillows kyun raki hai humare beech…" he whispered, not invading the privacy she created. If she thought of having a boundary between them, he respected it, though he always controlled his hormones to not exceed at the cost of making her uncomfortable or the trust Swayam kept on both.
Taani mused for few moments, as she removed the pillows between them, making Rey's eyes wide in surprise. She didn't hesitate even a second before snuggling onto him. "Ab teek hai?" She craned her neck to see his reaction, as she hugged his bare body across. He watched her adoringly. She was just the girl he always wanted. She never got tired of amazing him. Her gestures like this made him want her like never before. His hormones and emotions always stuck a thin cord and it took lot of self assessment to hold on to it. His lips broke wider. He never imagined to have such a blissful moment. Her in his embrace. The comfort level was growing deeper and attachment towards each other was unfathomable. He held her neck, dipping his lips. His lips just brushed her lips assuring her that he loved having her so close. She closed her eyes, dropping her head closer to his chest. She could hear the calm heartbeat. It usually went wild with all the erratic wildness. But for the first time, they were finding warmth in the proximity. Rey dropped his hand across her waist pulling her even closer onto his chest. His jaw fell on her head as both drifted into peaceful sleep. Probably this would be the serene sleep of their life.
******
Author's Note:
Firstly, sorry for the late update. I was held up with work. Secondly, even today I had office and trust me when I say that I have written half of the chapter sitting at my office desk out of the requests for asking updates😹😹😹. The crazy things I'm going through to write this story will be always memorable 😹😹😹 And thank you all for the literal love you guys sprinkle upon this story.
P.S: The name for Taani's boutique was suggested by Bhoomi, my buddy... during 9th chapter of this story. I still remember she took time to lend me three meaningful names for Taani's boutique and I can't thank you enough for that Bhoomi...😻 Finally... Taani's own brand ZENO boutique is going to launch sooner.