Paakhi POV

"That's it! If he calls me one more time, I'm blocking his number." Maanu huff and chug her phone on the sofa.

"He is just worried about his sister," I try convincing her.

"I understand that but calling every 20 minutes is irritating me." She exclaims and collapses on the couch.

I laugh at her dramatic antics when we hear a door open. We
both instantly look towards the foyer to see Sana stepping into the living room.

"Come, take a seat." I propose and scoot over a little.
She looks at Maanya and then at me.

I promptly push Maanya's legs down causing her to tumble over.

"Ouch! " she shrieks and instantly I feel a whack on my head. I glare at her and say, "Don't you know your manners? Sit properly."

"You could have asked," she grumbles and takes a seat on the couch.

Our attention shifts to Sana when we hear a melodic slow laugh.
I see Sana smiling looking at us.

"Please excuse us, This is our daily routine," I mumble embarrassingly.

"Hi, I'm Maanya!" Maanu cheers and puts her hand forward.

"Hi, Maanya." Sana smile and shake her hand.

"How are you feeling?" I ask Sana.

"Good, Thankyou for that painkiller, it helped a lot." She comprehends.

"So? What about some tea? I'm craving it." Maanya exclaims and rushes towards the kitchen without giving us time to answer.

"Let me help you, I'll make some snacks for us to munch on," I announce.

"Umm? I'm sorry we have this box tv, if you want to watch then here is the remote. Or you can come with us to the kitchen?" I suggest.

"Ya, I think I will come with you guys..." She says.

I nod and accompany her to our kitchen.

"So Sana? What would you like to have with tea? Pakodas? Bread rolls? Cutlets?" I ask her.

"Only tea is fine." She answers embarrassingly.

"Oh no no, in this house, only tea is never an option. You my lady are among the most Bhukkad people. " Maanya exclaims calling us the most greedy foodies.

"Yes, and therefore we are making cheese cutlets," I announce and hear Maanu holler.

"I want to help too, "Sana imply after 20 minutes of listening to our chatter.

"Sure, take these to the balcony," Maanu exclaim and pass her the tray with cutlets.

She too grabs the tray and guides  Sana to the balcony.

I stay and grab a glass of water and look at the time when the doorbell ring.

I saunter towards the door and open it.

"Thank you sooooo much!" Aditi draws out and gulps down the glass of water that I fetched for her.

I smile at her and urge "Get freshen up and meet us at the balcony, Tea and cutlets are waiting. And we have a guest." I add just before she slams the door.

"Did you ask her to be quick?" Is the first thing Maanu utter as I step on the balcony.

"Yes but it's Aditi! Let's start. She'll join." I urge.

"No that will be rude." Sana comprehends.

Maanu chuckle and replies, "waiting for her means lousy food."

I nod in agreement and pick up my cup.

"Wow Paakhi, these are delicious." Sana appreciates taking a bite out of the cutlet.

"I'm glad you like it," I comment.

"You guys never wait for me..." Aditi whine grabbing her tea.

"Hi Sana, good to see you." She greets and takes a seat.

I smile at her, I expected her to act surprised but she played it cool.

Sana smiled and replied to Aditi's question.

Our tea time was spent by Aditi telling us about her peculiar customer today.

Sana laughed here and there making each one of us happy.

"Okay, so tell me what do you want to eat for dinner?" I ask when I see it's almost 7 pm.

"You guys did so much for me, can I make dinner for you guys?" Sana asks expectantly.

"Oh no no, you must be tired. Take some rest. We got it." I instantly request.

"No please, let me do this." She pleads.

I look at both Maanu and Aditi for help.
But they are both in the same dilemma as me.

"Okay sure, If you insist." Aditi answer for us.

A smile instantly takes over her face causing all of us to smile.

"Okay then, tell us what you want to eat?" She asks excitedly.

"Anything! We eat everything." Maanya proclaims.

"Umm...okay, I'll make something simple first," Sana explains embarrassingly as if remembering something.

"Anything made with love always tastes amazing," I confess squeezing her hand.

Her smile returns when Maanya excitedly drags her towards the kitchen.

"Come let's walk," Adi asks.

I nod and walk towards the corner of the balcony away from the balcony door.

"So tell me." She asks eagerly.

"I was working in the cafe when I was informed that someone wants to meet me-"
I immediately stop when I hear footsteps behind me.

"I gave her all the ingredients and after that, she asked me to leave," Maanu informs us when she steps towards us.

"Then?" Aditi prod.

"You are so impatient," I remark irritate.

She just shrugs, I shake my head and continue, "So as I was saying, I looked everywhere in the cafe for that person but then I was told she was in the garden. So when I strode there, I was surprised to see her sitting on the bench. I took a seat beside her and she started crying. I instantly hugged her and consoled her. When she calmed down, she told me that she can't go to the Singh mansion, I didn't know anything else. So I asked her to come here." I explain everything.

"You made the right decision. " both Maanu and Aditi comprehend.

"But why didn't she wanted to meet her family? " Aditi questions.

"I don't know, but what I know is that now she is our responsibility. " I instruct.

"Don't worry." Maanu answers.

"Now let's clean this table and I'm doing the dishes from lunch." I proclaim and help them carry the dishes to the kitchen.

As we enter the kitchen, a delightful aroma enters our nostrils.

"Wow, something smells so delicious here." Aditi comments.

Sana promptly looks at her and smiles, "I hope it tastes as good as it smells." She replies nervously.

"Let's wait to see," Aditi remarks while stealing a piece of cucumber from her.

I smack her hand and exclaim, "stop disturbing her. Go and do something else."

Aditi stomps off like a child leaving chuckling Sana behind.

"They are cartoons!" I confess when both of them leave and move over to the sink.

"You have a beautiful family." She comments thoughtfully.

"You too." I instantly reply.

"Yes...but I hurt them." I hear a sniffle.

I rush to her side and hug her.

"I love them so much. But my mistakes are too dense to ignore them and move forward." She confesses.

"They are family Sana, they don't judge you for mistakes. They love you and will always stand by you. Just look at Arhaan for example. As much as I know him, he would never raise his voice on anyone but he did for whom? You! And Shaurya? Viren? Your Uncle!

Everyone stood for you! Now it's high time you stand for yourself. It will take time but let things flow around you. And meanwhile, you have us." I try to assure her.

"And we are pretty amazing." Aditi holler from the living room.

"Indeed you guys are," Sana sobs smile.

"Now let me tell you one thing, we don't like burnt food..." I said indicating towards her charring masterpiece.
Sana immediately gets hyped and saves her food.

I return to washing dishes and hear Sana mumbling things.

__________________________________

Arhaan POV

"What is wrong with you? You didn't even eat your dinner tonight." I hear Viren asking me.

"Why don't you knock before entering?" I reply agitate.

"I would have if Maanya would have been inside." He speaks nonchalantly.

"We didn't even get a second to spend together till we start dating, something or the else always comes up," I whine.

"Patience my brother, you have all your life with her." He exclaims.

I'm surprised to see Viren talking like this, "Aren't you going to repeat your Love is a waste of time monologue?" I query.

"Not with the right person." He comments. This is a single line but with deep meaning.

"She changed you," I confess to myself.

"So why are you sulking in your room?" He ignores my comment and asks.

I take a deep breath remembering Sana at Girl's apartment.

"Sana left that douchebag..." I state slowly.

"What?! Where is she?" He asks stunned.

"With girls! I saw her earlier this afternoon with Paakhi. They came home together. " I tell.

"Why is she with them? Didn't you ask her to come home?" He reprimands me.

"Paakhi didn't even let me step towards her. How can I talk to her? " I scowl remembering how she shoved me back.

"If she did that then it is for better." His anger instantly calms.

"Just because she did something that means it is fine?" I ask smugly.

"You know what I mean..." He shutters.

"No, I don't?" I fake innocence.

"Whatever, I came here to ask for swimming, are you up for it?" He again deviates from the topic.

I chuckle knowing whenever he is uncomfortable in any situation he changes the topic.

"Sure, It will calm me down," I reply and walk towards my closet to change into trunks.

As I'm changing, I hear my room door shut, Implying Viren left.

Seeing my brother back to his normal self makes me happy. I just hope everything gets better soon. He and Paakhi get what they deserve.

If they are meant to be, then no one can stop them.

__________________________________

Maanya POV

"Scoot over," I ask Paakhi while poking her in the ribs.

"Do you want me to fall over?" She groans in sleep.

"But this is my bed, and I need my space." I groan and yank my blanket from her.

"Stop being a prude and let me sleep." She again groans.

"But..."

"I will do whatever you want tomorrow, but just let me sleep." She promises and tugs the blanket over herself.

"Anything?" I ask excitedly and return to sleep, thinking about what can I ask Paakhi to do for me. This is a rare opportunity I can't miss.

I close my eyes and tug my blanket and get lost in my thoughts about Arhaan...

"Ouchhh...." I hear a loud thump and cry simultaneously.

I instantly sit straight and look beside me on the floor, where Paakhi is sprawled.

Her face is contoured in pain.

"I should have slept in the hall only..." She whines.

"Told you!" I exclaim and chuckle at her irritation.

She glares at me and stands up, "Your bed is terrible, my backache." She groans and walks out.

"Wait I'm coming too, You just spoiled my slumber," I remark and follow her.

"First make your bed and then come." She demands.

I moan and walk back to my room and straighten up my bed. And plug-in my phone on charging.

And scramble off to the balcony.

"I just love our morning liturgies, a cup of hot water, beautiful garden view, chirping birds. The only thing I hate is Delhi's pollution." I express.

"Hmm..." Paakhi mumbles.

"Are you okay?" I ask concern.

"Oh yea, just thinking about calling Surya bhai for any event," she tells.

"Hmm..." I reply nonchalantly.

"So what about breakfast? What are we having?" I ask her.

"Do you mind making today, I have to water the plants." She utters while checking on her beloved plants.

"Sure, but what?" I ask while grabbing her empty cup.

"Ask Adi and Sana," she replies, engrossed in plucking dead leaves.

I huff and leave her with her beloved plants.

"Hey, good morning!" I chirp when I see Sana in the living room.

"Hi, good morning. " she greets back.

"So what do you want? Water? tea? Coffee? Milk?" I ask her.

"A tea please." She pleads.

"Of course, and what about breakfast? Are you fine with French toast?" I ask while boiling some water for the tea.

"Sure, do you need help with anything?" She asks.

"Oh no, I have it under control, you can go to the balcony though, Paakhi is there," I suggest.

She nods and walks to the balcony.

I add some tea leaves and ginger slabs to the boiling water and grab some eggs from the refrigerator.

I gather all the ingredients and settle them on the kitchen slab.
Passing the living room, I look at the watch and instantly rush to my room.

I pull out the charging cable and smile seeing the text from Arhaan.

Cuddling with you would be perfect right now.

-Arhaan❤

Before I can reply, my phone rings.

"Hi beautiful, good morning." I hear on the call.

"Good morning to you too." I greet him.

"You know I miss seeing you every morning I wake up." He whines like a child.

A tingling feeling surge through my body relishing his affection.

"I miss you too, Arhaan. " I confess.

Before anything else could be said the doorbell ring.

"Who is it?" He asks curiously.

"Let me check, probably it would be uncle Abby or Nana, they usually drop by unexpectedly to check if we have guys over," I explain laughing at how they snoop around finding someone who doesn't exist.

Arhaan chuckle on the other end as I reach the front door. I yank it open to see a guy dressed in a crisp navy blue suit, He extends his hand and says, "These are for Ms.Paakhi, "

"Umm...who is it from?" I ask curiously looking at the bouquet of roses and a card in his hands.

On the other hand, I hear Arhaan asking who is it? And disturbing me, So I put my phone an inch away from my ear and deal with the stranger.

"From Boss." He answers and leaves when I take a hold of the bouquet and card.

"And who is your boss?" I exclaim at his back but he is gone.

"Maanya? Maanya??" I hear Arhaan calling my name.

I balance the flowers and card in one hand and my phone with the other.

"Yes?" I exclaim and walk to the dining table.

I set the flowers on the table and examine the pink colour card.
It is beautifully embroidered with white engravings.

"Who was it?" Both Arhaan and Paakhi exclaim at the same time.

"From Boss," I reply, referring to the stuff.

"Who is this Boss?" They both speak simultaneously.

"I don't know, there this card for you," I tell Paakhi and nudge it towards her.

She looks at her hands coated with mud.

"Ya of course I can read it for you," I exclaim excitedly and tore open the card envelope.

"I was about to say, that I can see it later." She mumbles.

"I have no problem helping you." I grin.

"To dear Paakhi,

I hope you didn't forget your promise of having dinner with me. I know you are a woman of your words.

So be ready by 6 and my driver will be waiting for you.

-Your Admirer."

I read the letter and scream happily. In my haste of happiness, my phone slips off my hand and on the floor.

"This is Yash, right? So romantic?!" I gush.

I see the apprehension on her face.

"You are not thinking about backing right?" I ask alarmed.

She takes a deep breath and says, "Sana is here, how can I leave her?"

"Aditi and I can take care of her." I declare.

"But this would be rude..." She objects.

"You know I'm here only, and I don't need babysitting," Sana exclaims hurt.

"Oh no, we didn't mean it like that," Paakhi instantly apologize.

"Then why are you not going on this date?" Sana asks sadly, she sneakily winks at me. I grin and play along.

"Ya Paakhi, why not?" I pry.

She looks at both of us with irritation and exclaims, "okay fine, and Sana you too joined her team! This is so unfair. " she whines.

"Yipeeeeee!!!!" I jump at her and tug Sana for the hug too.

"A group hug without me?!" I hear Aditi exclaim and see her rushing towards us.

"Nooooooo!!!" Both Paakhi and I exclaim when Aditi dives at us.

Her force caused all of us to topple over the sofa.

"Why do you always do this?" Paakhi asks Aditi.

"Because it is fun. Duh! " she replies causing Sana and me to chuckle.

"Please explain what part of falling over is fun to you?" Paakhi chides.

"The part where I get to jump at you and see the expression of atrocity on your face." Aditi's remark, spur Sana and me to laugh harder.

"You!!" Paakhi remark and pull a cushion from behind her and whack Aditi on the face.

For a second Aditi just sat stunned, but then a war cry is heard.

Paakhi immediately stands up and rushes behind the couch. I take a hold of Sana's hand and tug her into the kitchen.

"It's always safe to stand aside when the war cry is heard," I whisper to her and get back to making breakfast.

I see that the water I kept for 4 cups of tea is now 1 cup remaining, So I add extra water and start cutting some fruits.

I flinch when I hear a wail of Pain from Paakhi, she messed with the wrong person. Aditi is brutal when she takes her revenge.

"Are you allergic to any food?" I ask Sana who is standing in the kitchen archway and fascinatingly watching Paakhi and Aditi.

"No," she replies distracted.

I chuckle to myself and beat some eggs and add black pepper, Cinnamon, a pinch of sugar, milk, salt and oregano to the batter.

"Yummy...This smells so good." Sana proclaims taking a whip of the sizzling toast in the pan.

I smile at her, flip the toast, prepare the plate for her and while handing her, I say, "For you Madame." My British accent made both of us laugh.

"Wow, both Paakhi and you are excellent cooks." She mumbles bringing another bite to her mouth.

"Oh look who is talking, your Dal Makhani made all of us lick our plates." We both laugh remembering how embarrassingly we ate yesterday.

"I learned from Tanvi Ma, she is a great cook," Sana confesses.

I prepare two more plates and exclaim, "you two kids come here, breakfast is ready."

"Paakhi and I learned it from Rags, the one Paakhi met outside the restaurant," I explain.

Remembering our time with Rags always leave behind a bittersweet pain.

"She is brutal, " Paakhi exclaim, examining her elbow.

"Oh no," I screech and walk towards Paakhi.

"You idiot she has a date today, and you scratched her?" I reprimand Aditi.

"How would I know?" She chides back.

"Wake up early and you will know what is happening in this house." I condemn and grab an ice pack from the freezer.

"Don't ask me to do something that I can't." She exclaims and takes a big bite out of her toast.

"What I worked an appetite after this much exercise." She announces when she sees all of them looking at her.

"Hold this still," I order Paakhi and get back to making breakfast.

Paakhi obliges and sits beside me at the kitchen counter.

"By the way, who are you going on a date with? Did that Viren finally asked you?" Aditi asks nonchalantly.

But the clatter of the spoon and coughing beside me made me realize this was not as nonchalant as I thought.

I turn to Paakhi and slap her back continuously.

I see Sana looking surprised and at Paakhi and her spoon lying on the floor.

"Umm...what are you saying?" Paakhi asks Aditi. The blush that creeps her face made me wonder what is happening.

"It is Yash!" I announce.

Aditi nods her head and returns to her food.
I access Paakhi for few seconds.

"What?!" She asks irritate.

I just shake my head and return to my work.

After we all ate, Sana went to the bathroom, Aditi is washing the dishes and Paakhi is cleaning the living room.

"Why did you say that Viren asked Paakhi on a date?" I pry Aditi.

"Because I think he likes her," Aditi comments whistling to her favourite songs.

"The Viren Singh? That arrogant man? Do you think he has a heart to like someone?" I ask chuckling. Aditi is delusional, there can not be anything between them, he is not perfect for Paakhi. And if there would be something like that she would have told me.

__________________________________

"No never." Paakhi shriek angrily

"Yes!" All three of us exclaim.

"It is too romantic." She exclaims in horror.

"So? It is a date right? This is perfect." Aditi proclaim brushing carefully a beautiful black dress, it is a strap dress with a net neck and a long slit.
All in all the lush material of the dress makes it romantic.

"No, it's not a date, I just promised a dinner." She exclaims.

"But this dress looks beautiful, please try it on for me. " Sana pleads.

Paakhi huff and say," You are using my fondness for you."
Sana just smiles cheekily and holds the dress in front of her.

Paakhi yanks it from her hands and walks outside.

"Don't forget to wear a fresh pair of undergarments." Aditi yell.

I laugh, "Don't irritate her."

"Now for the shoes! Who is convincing her?" Aditi asks.

"Why?" Sana asks confused.

"Paakhi doesn't like wearing heels" I explain.

"No don't look at me, I have done a lot. " Sana proclaims instantly when she sees us looking at her.

"Then who?" Aditi implore.

"I have an idea!" I smile smugly.

"What?" Aditi asks excitedly, "just wait and watch. You just do her makeup without her knowing." I request.

Aditi accepts instantly and walks over to her dresser.

"I'm done, And yes I like this dress but no I'm not wearing it." Paakhi exclaim standing at the door.

My eyes widened in admiration. She looks gorgeous.

"If you like it then why not?" I inquire.

"Because I don't want to give Yash any ideas." She stress.

"Okay, don't fret over it now, just see how you feel after this date." I try to convince her.

She is reckoning when Aditi pulls her to her dresser and pushes her on the seat.

"Think here, " she orders her and starts executing her magic.

"No Aditi, I'm not applying makeup." She shrieks.

"You have no choice." Aditi grin implying towards the rope she tied Paakhi to the chair with.

"I will see you guys," Paakhi warns.

Sana and I sat back and enjoy the bickering between Aditi and Paakhi.

"Okay, guys? are you ready for it?" Aditi asks us.

We exclaim excitedly, "Ta-Da!"
She swivels Paakhi towards us.

"Wow!" I exclaim, Aditi did a marvellous job. She didn't apply many products just accentuated Paakhi's features.

"So?" She asks Paakhi.

"I love it! " Paakhi blurt admiring herself in the mirror.

"But that still doesn't mean I forgive you." She adds. Aditi just rolls her eyes and walks towards her dresser.

"Now, what about her hair?" I ask.

"Got it handled," Aditi proclaims and grabs the roller from her stand.

Till Aditi is doing her hair, I grab the black heels from under the bed and slide them towards Paakhi.

"Do you remember yesterday you said that you will do anything for me?" I utter immediately when I see her glare.

She continues to glare at me but slips her feet into the heels.

"Perfect, now come let's take a picture before your ride is here." Aditi drags her to the living room.

"A perfect click!" Aditi exclaim. I grab her phone and see the picture.

"Wow!! You have to post this one." I exclaim.

Just as we are discussing the caption, our doorbell rings.

"P, enjoy it okay, leave your tensions for later. Just give him the chance." I request her and hug her.

Sana and Aditi wish her and she departs.

We all take a seat and sigh in relief.

"I hope her date goes well..." Sana exclaim.

I agree with her and shut my eyes for a second.

__________________________________

Arhaan POV

Every morning I wake up, my eyes earn to see her beside me.
I grab my phone and send her a text.

Just as I see the two blue ticks. I call her.

"Hi beautiful, good morning," I say.

"Good morning to you too." She greets in her melodious voice.

"You know I miss seeing you every morning I wake up," I whine.

"I miss you too, Arhaan," she confesses making me smile.

Before anything else could be said the doorbell ring.

"Who is it?" I ask curiously.

"Let me check, probably it would be uncle Abby or Nana, they usually drop by unexpectedly to check if we have guys over," she explains laughing at the end.

I give myself a mental pointer to never be caught by their Uncle Abby or Nana.

I hear the doorknob twist and someone saying. "These are for Ms.Paakhi, "

"Umm...who is it from?" Maanya asks curiously, making me wonder what is it that they are talking about.

So I keep on asking who is it? But she doesn't answer

"From Boss." The guy answers.

Just a second later I hear Maanya shriek "And who is your boss?"

"Maanya? Maanya??" I call for her attention.

"Yes?" She exclaims.

"Who was it?" I ask.

"From Boss," she replies, what is from the boss but first who is this boss?!

"Who is this Boss?" I ask her.

"I don't know, there this card for you," she announces, making me realize she is not talking to me.

So I shut up and listen.

"Ya of course I can read it for you," I hear Maanya exclaim excitedly and something being torn.

"I have no problem helping you," Maanya utter probably answering someone.

"To dear Paakhi,

I hope you didn't forget your promise of having dinner with me. I know you are a woman of your words.

So be ready by 6 and my driver will be waiting for you.

-Your Admirer."

She read making me realize that it is a letter from someone to Paakhi and she is going on the date.

Instantly the line goes dead. I try calling her again but her phone is switched off.

It strikes me that I should probably inform Viren.

Tossing off the blanket, I rush towards Viren's room and slam his door open,

"Do you know how to knock?" I hear him mutter.

I shrug his non-sense aside and announce, "She is going on a date today at 6."

I catch him freeze mid-step, his tie now hangs loosely around his neck.

"Where?" He asks instantly.

"I dunno, the letter just said that her ride will be at the door around 6," I tell remembering what that letter said.

"Who sends a letter in this era?" He asks amaze.

"Romantic people," I answer in a duh tone.

"What is so romantic about a letter?" He asks defensively.

"The thing that is not about sending a 1sec text," I exclaim.

"What does that even mean?" He asks annoyed.

I look around embarrassed about my bluffing.

"The point here is not that," I assert.

"You are right! We have to know where she is going?" He proclaims.

I nod and wait for him to think.
Because honestly, I don't know why we are doing this.

"Let's call Shaurya," I suggest.

He nods and I call Shaurya and ask him to come over.

"Do you know what you are going to do?" I ask impatiently.

" yes, " he exclaims.

"Care to share?!" I pry.

"I need a girl first!" He announces.

"I think I can help you with it!" We hear Shaurya announce from the door.

"You are my real brother," Viren boost and pat Shaurya on his back.

I roll my eyes at their sudden brotherhood.

"And then? How are you going to find their date place?" I ask exaggeratedly.

"I will follow her." He exclaims deviously.

"Now you are turning into a stalker? For what Viren? Do you love her? Are you thinking about having a future with her?" I reprimand.

"I just want to know that the guy she is going with is decent or not?" He exclaims angrily.

"And who gave you this right?" I ask.

"You won't get it Arhaan, it is not easy to let go of someone who gave you happiness after so long,"  he shouts dejectedly.

For a second I see the pain in his eyes.

"I'm doing this, and I don't care if my brother is with me or not." He announces and walks towards the door.

"Paakhi dear Be aware, I'm coming..." I hear him mumble.

Oh boy, what is going to happen now?!

__________________________________

Hey guys, what's up?

So the reason I updated this today is that I want to wish my best friend 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' and she asked me to gift an update to her.
(So here it is!)

Let me know how was the chapter.

And please Vote guys. Please ❤