Paakhi POV

"I think he is not coming," I whine for the second time in 20 minutes.

"What is your problem today?" Maanu chides scowling at me.

"I'm hungry!" I utter with a pouty moue.

"You just had these snacks, can't you wait for some time?" She asks looking at me strangely.

I look at her and then the empty plate in front of me. What can I say, when I'm nervous I eat.

And right now, the anticipation of seeing him has intensified my hunger.

"This did nothing..." I casually reply.

She rolls her eyes at me and I see Arhaan and Shaurya stifling a smile.

"Is there something funny?" I riposte to them.

"You!" Arhaan says and bursts out laughing, soon Shaurya joins him and they laugh together at me.

"What was so funny in that statement?" I implore.

"You look so cute when you pout," Shaurya acknowledges causing a blush to spread on my cheeks.

"So you just laughed?" Aditi asks amaze and laugh when Shaurya nods his head.

A contagious smile stretches on my face seeing them all laughing.

"I'm sorry, I hope I didn't keep you all waiting." My eyes instantly meet with the piercing gaze of the devil.

"Oh no welcome, come, have a seat," Aditi rejoices and makes him sit in front of me.

Now we are settled on a rectangular plastic table with both the couples on the longer side of the table, Whereas I and Viren are on the opposite, smaller sides.

"Now you can order Paakhi." I hear Arhaan snicker.

I pass him a glare and look towards the counter to call for someone's attention.

But I didn't have to do much, because as I turned, my gaze meets with cheerful orbs of Shyam.
He comes jogging towards us.

"Hello everyone!" He greets cheerfully.

"Hi, Shyam. How are you?" I ask putting an arm around his shoulder.

"Awesome, just came back from a vacation at my Nani's house," he tells excitedly.

"Hey Dude, any new girlfriend?" Aditi asks him.

"Unlike you, I focus more on studying." He retorts causing Maanu and me to chuckle.

"Ouch!" She proclaims with a loopy smile.

I love how Shyam and Adi chatter. They always do this insulting kinda greeting.

"What?! We talk like this only!" She explains defensively when Shaurya gapes at her.

"Shyam please get Paakhi her usual before she burst with hunger." Maanu comments.

"Oh yes, please," I utter with exhaustion.

"Okay, so can I get your orders?" He asks looking at Arhaan, Shaurya and Viren. His gaze lingers at Viren though.

"I don't know, why don't you recommend?" Arhaan voices out confuse.

"Their Mexican rice is superb, you should try it," Viren answers before anyone else could.

"And how do you know so? I don't think you have ever visited this place," Arhaan asks inquisitively.

"I have," Viren answers directly.

"With whom? Because I know you would never come to someplace like this." Arhaan proclaims curiously.

Hearing it a murmur leaves my mouth 'of course he doesn't.'
Instinctively I cover my mouth and see everyone staring at me.

I meet everyone's gaze but couldn't control my eyes to rest on the beautiful face of that devil.

"Are you okay? Or this starvation has caused you to lose your mind." Maanu taunts.

What can I do, when Arhaan mentioned that Viren would not visit a place like this, I recalled our conversation at that tea stall this morning. Where he was uncertain about that stall and how his face turned worried.

"He had come here earlier with Paakhi Di." Comes a voice from beside me.

"Ohh, so he ate here with Paakhi?!" Shaurya acknowledges with a smirk.

"Were you two on a date?" Arhaan asks.

"No!" "Yes," comes a simultaneous reply.

I glare at Viren and say, "No!"

He stares back and says, "yes!"

"What was it? Date or not?!" Aditi asks leaning forward.

"It doesn't matter. What matters is, that Shyam you go get us all a plate of Mexican rice." I ignore everyone and ask Shyam. He bobs his head and sprints off.

"So that date-"

"Did you bring your medicine?" I cut off Shaurya and ask Aditi.

She scowls at me for cutting him in between. But I maintain my stare causing her to huff and reply, "But I don't have water."

"Wait, I'll get you some," Shaurya responds and stands up to go ask for a bottle of water at the counter.

"He's taking care of you," I say admiringly.

"Yes, something I'm not comfortable with." She replies exhaling.

"He cares for you and your child," Arhaan admits with a smile.

"I know but I'm not used to it, " she honestly lets out.

"Give it some time and everything will come along." Viren confide.

Aditi glance at him and nod. How did his one-sentence induced her to agree? As much as I know Adi would have reacted if I would have said that.

"I thought you were coming here with Neel," Maanu utters abruptly, causing me to gape at her.

"Neel?" Aditi asks confuse. "Why would I come here with Neel?"

"Because-" Maanu responds.

"Umm...it is nothing let it be, look Shaurya is here." I hastily interfere.

"Did I miss anything?" He asks taking his seat and diverting everyone's mind.

"Na, we were just chatting," Arhaan responds passing me a smile.

I huff and grab one of the glasses from the stack in front.

"By the way, why are you out of bed? As much as I know earlier this morning you were ill and now look at you." Viren implores leaving his phone for a second.

"The fact that I feel good and refresh should answer your question," Shaurya responds.

"Okay then," Viren mutter, distracted by the steaming hot rice.

"Enjoy your food." Our waiter says setting our dish in front of us.

"Where is chutney?" Aditi whine looking around the table.

"Here!" Shyam calls out placing it on the table.

"Thanks, buddy." She thanks and he walks off.

"This smells delicious." Arhaan
Exclaim.

"It tastes too," Shaurya admits with food in his mouth.

I taste mine and almost moan. The flavours explode in my mouth causing my earlier crankiness to decapitate.

"I need to ask you something," Arhaan talks.

I look at him to see he's talking to Maanu.

"Yes?" Maanu replies stuffing her mouth.

I chuckle seeing her puffy face.

Arhaan chuckles and waits for her to chew her food.

"I have to attend this party tomorrow and was hoping you could be my date." He asks after she gives him a head nod.

"A party?" She asks appalled.

"It is more of a business association meet-up..." Arhaan explains hopefully.

"But tomorrow we have an event," Maanu replies dejectedly.

"So what? We are free after afternoon." I interject when I see Arhaan unhappy.

"Are you sure?" She aks hopefully.

"Of course." I nod excitedly.

She smiles and enthusiastically nods towards Arhaan.

"Good be ready at 6." He replies with the same excitement.

So cute!

"Do I have to go too?" Shaurya asks Arhaan.

"I guess you should, as you are stepping into the business world, people should know." He responds.

"Okay then," he says and turns to Aditi.

"Will you be my date?" He aks adorning a charming smile.

"You can't say no to that smile." I assert.

"Definitely not, just look how cute he is," Maanya says backing me.

We high figh and look at Aditi with expectation.

"Oh God, what did I get myself into." She mumbles and says, "okay, but on one condition."

Shaurya becomes tense.

"I hope she doesn't say something to spoil this." Maanu mumble in my ear.

I nod but stay focus on Aditi and Shaurya.

"You will not tell anyone that I'm pregnant." She asserts.

"Of course, I understand. And I will not do anything to mess it up." He exclaims leaning towards her.

I wait for them to kiss when I hear, "Are you a creep? Staring them kissing." From across the table.

How did he know what I was thinking?

I scowl at him and assert, "I was not staring."

"Ya right, " he declares teasingly.

"Okay, guys stop," Arhaan let out causing me to dive my attention to him.

"Viren what about you? Will you be attending this party?" He further asks Viren.

"Na, I'm busy." He replies.

His reply hurts. I thought he would ask me to accompany him.

"Okay!" Arhaan replies and gets back to chatting with Maanya.

Why does it hurt? Did I expect too much? I want something that he can't give me.

"Paakhi! Did you hear?" The excited voice of Maanya causes me to look at him.

"Huh?" I ask confuse.

"Arhaan is taking me to the same party we are organizing!" She exclaims delightedly.

"Really, that's nice." I acknowledge with a smile that I had to muster up.

"I thought you were not organizing anymore events for Yash Singhania." He asks Maanu. Something about his tone is different.

"Ya, but it's a great deal." She exclaims and I nod in agreement.

"So you'll be at the party?" Aditi ask me.

"Yes, but as an assistance," I confirm.

"Good, we'll get you a handsome man to dance with." She exclaims excitedly.

I look at her bizarrely, why would she say this? It is so unlike her, she never engages in this girly stuff.

"You know what? I think I should come to the party and meet with other businessmen, It will be beneficial for our company." I hear Viren proclaim.

"Ya sure..." Shaurya acknowledges with a sly smile, same as Aditi's.

What are they both up to?

"Who will you bring?" Arhaan asks.

"My secretary!" He instantly asserts.

For the second time today, he hurt me. I feel my emotion smearing so I stand up and announce, "I need to wash my hands." And walk off from there.

"Paakhi don't, you have to stay strong," I mumble to myself.

After loitering for 5 minutes, I return to the table with the intention of not letting this Khadoos man spoil my mood.

"Where is everyone?" I let out when I see our vacant table.

"Did they leave me?" I proclaim looking around.

"They are towards the parking area," I hear a whisper close to my neck. The warm breath propelled my knees to tremble.

Not turning around, I walk towards the parking area because if I will turn around, I would want to kiss him and right now that's not what I should even consider.

"Did you run here?" Maanu asks noticing my ragged breathing.

"Can we go home?" My voice comes out shaky.
When I see the concern on her face, I take a deep breath and with a normal tone, I say, "I'm tired..."

"Oh, for a second I thought you are hurt." Maanya laugh.

I put a smile and laugh with her.

"Let's take you girls home."

Arhaan announces putting a hand over my shoulder and guiding me to his car.

"Are you okay?" He whispers in my ear.

I nod and enter the car.

Seconds later, Aditi joins me in the back seat and Maanya in the passenger.

"Today was fun." Maanya acclaim.

"Totally, we should do it again," Arhaan replies entering from the driver's side.

"You know Shaurya is still sulking about you not going with him," Arhaan informs Aditi.

"He'll get over himself, and it was the logical reason to come with you." She replies nonchalantly.

"You are one tough woman," he acknowledges laughing.

"Thanks!" She exclaims.

We reach our apartment block within 10 minutes.

"Thank you for the ride," I thank Arhaan.

"Thanks, man and Maanu we'll see you upstairs," Aditi announces and we both leave them alone.

"So what happened?" Aditi asks me in the elevator.

"Nothing," I reply exhausted.

"Did he say something?" She asks curiously.

"No, and that is the problem. He acted as if nothing happened between us a few hours ago. It was this morning he said he loved me and now what? He acts as of we're just acquaintances." I blow up.

"Why don't you ask him the reason. Because as much as I can see, he loves you Paakhi and not just to have sex with you, kind of way. " she rationalizes while fiddling with the apartment keys.

"How am I supposed to do that? I always think that everyone should be given time to open up." I rant entering the apartment and taking off my shoes.

"Don't pry him, just incite him to confess." She exclaims falling on the sofa.

"I don't know..." I say thinking about her words. I did say that I will not let him go. I'll fight for us. But now and then this pain I feel compels me to halt.

"Now go, gave some rest. You didn't sleep yesterday too." She shoos me away with a flick of her hand.

I walk to the washroom, change into my pyjamas all in the thoughts of Mr.Khadoos.

I unfold my mattress and grab two pillows from the bed, leaving two for Sana before switching off the lights and laying down.

Just as my head touches the pillow, I'm out. Lost in the remembrances of Viren.

__________________________________

"Why is she smiling?" I hear a whisper.

"Must be thinking about some guy!" Someone murmur disturbing my sleep.

"Is it Yash?" A voice that seems familiar asks.

"No, it's someone else." Now what I realize is Aditi's voice.

"Do you know who?" The other person asks.

"Oh yes, it is- ouch!!" Aditi shriek as I head bump her.

As soon as I realized that the other voice belonged to Sana and Aditi was about to tell her Viren's name, my sleep vanished.

"What are you both doing?" I ask rubbing my head.

"We were here to wake you." Sana reply sheepishly tilting away from me.

"Why?" I groan.

"Nona called twice, she wants to see you before Maanu and you leave for that event decoration," Aditi explain.

"By getting into my face?" I chide.

"It's not our fault you were smiling like a fool in your sleep." She taunts.

I blush remembering I was dreaming about Viren and My kiss.

"Brunch is ready, you go and change," Sana calls out from the door.

I acknowledge with a yawn and stand up, fold my mattress and tuck it under the bed.

Then I grab some clothes from the cupboard and walk towards the bathroom.

Just as I reach the bathroom doors, it opens up to reveal Maanya already dressed.

"I will leave for the hotel and you can join me after your chat with Nona." She informs me.

"Ya okay," I acknowledge and rush inside to get ready.

After my bath, I scramble around collecting my essentials and rush out of the apartment.

"Wait! Take this." I hear Aditi yell after me.
When I look at her, she passes me a sandwich.

I thank her and turn to leave when I hear, "I'll keep something ready for you too. So don't worry."

I sigh in relief because I totally forgot about my clothes. I blow her a kiss just as the elevator doors close.

Reaching the cafe, I walk directly to the kitchen and see Aunt Savy and Uncle Abby cooking together.
I always admire the bond they both share. They are best friends before being a couple.

"Paakhi dear!" Abby cheers walking towards me and hugging me.

"Nona asked me to meet her," I answer his unasked question.

"She's in her office. Come I'll take you to her." Aunty notifies me.

I follow her towards the office room, which consists of an old leather armchair, a table and three chairs.

Inside is totally opposite of the cafe outside.

"Nona! Nana!" I greet enthusiastically.

Nana is the first one to grab me in a hug and then comes Nona.

"How are you dear?" She asks smothering me with kisses.

"Good! What about you?" I reply.

"Fine," she replies walking towards her chair and taking a seat.

"Paakhi, I know you are busy, but I need to talk to you." She announces intensely.

"Is everything okay? Is there any problem in the cafe?" I ask anxiously.

"No, no, don't worry everything is okay," Nana replies squeezing my shoulder.

I nod but my anxiety surges.

"Nona, tell me..." I plea troubled.

She takes a deep breath and says, "You know we are not rich, we earn our money through this cafe only. And if not for you girls it would have been closed way before." She expresses.

I'm still confused, "Arhaan belongs to a rich family, and we are middle-class people, how are we going to prepare everything for their marriage?" She lets out.

"Aww Nona, Arhaan and his family will never ask for dowry," I explain.

"My child it is not about dowry, we know they won't. But what about the gifts and preparations? We can't let them down, it will affect Maanu's marital life." Aunty deciphers with a similar tension as Nona.

I ponder over their sayings, they are right. We need money for preparations, gifts and clothes.

"We didn't want to worry you but you should know," Nana confesses.

"I know, and thank you for that. You guys don't worry, I will see what I can do. And most importantly don't tell Maanya about this. We have an even today and I can save most of its pay." I announce with a cheerful smile.

Internally I'm more worried than before. I have to save for Maanya's wedding and Aditi's child without them knowing.

God help me!

"Really? Now I'm relaxed." Nona says with a gentle smile.

"Now I have to go before Maanu kills me for being late," I announce and scramble off.

Seeing a taxi, I get in and give the address to hotel Madison.
On the way, I call my agent,

"Bhai, Paakhi this side," I say when he picked up the call.

"Yes, Paakhi?" He asks.

"Bhai any new event?" I ask hopefully.

"I'm trying but you know these 2-3 months no weddings will be happening as wedding season is over." He tells apologetically.

"What about birthdays or any corporate event?" I pry desperately.

"No sorry Paakhi, if I get anything I will tell you." He says and hangs up.

Dejectedly I put my phone back in my bag. I need new jobs and that too soon. We need money to pay bills and now I need to save for Maanu and Aditi.

I feel like crying because my mind is clouded with worries.

I feel helpless.

"Ma'am we are here." The driver announces.

I pay the fare and hurry to the ballroom where the event tonight will be taking place.

Just as I open the doors, a scene of chaos reveals. Everyone is running around, but when I see my surroundings I see no work is done.

"Oh thank God Paakhi you're here. This is a mess."  Maanu rambles jogging towards me.

"What is happening?" I ask agitated.

"You fools, this is a big event for me and if anything goes wrong I will fire each one of you." I hear a booming voice from the end of the room.

I watch keenly to see that voice belongs to none other than Yash. But he looks dishevelled.

"Maanu? What is happening?" I ask inquisitively.

"The head organizer and his two mates are in hospital for food poisoning and his team is lost without him." She informs.

"Do we have everything else?" I ask assessing the area.

"Yes, everything is here from decorations to caterers to workers." She informs evaluating her notepad.

"Okay then, let's get this done and take you home before Arhaan arrives," I declare walking towards the platform.

"Everyone!!!!" I clap my hands to gain everyone's attention.

"Please stop what you are doing and listen to me," I order when some disobey.

"So as you'll know your supervisor is not here but this event is still on. So we need to buckle up and get this done. You all know your work and do your best. If you need any help, I and Maanya over here. We'll help you. " I announce and further add, "If you don't want to do it for me, do it to save your job."

Some chuckles resonate in the room and everyone gets back to work.

"Thank you so much," Yash confesses stepping forward.

"I'm just doing my job," I exclaim hoping down the platform.

"Your job was just to add your touches but now you have to look after everything." He says apologetically.

"Yash please, I love doing this, and You don't worry. Maanu and I will look after everything. You go and do whatever you have to do." I tell him and lightly push him towards the exit.

"Okay boss!" He salutes and marches out the doors.

I chuckle at his antics.

"You guys are so cute," Maanu mumbles with a grin.

"Focus on work!" I scold with a suppressing smile.

"Okay boss!" She mimics Yash's actions.

"Ms.Paakhi?" A girl in a chef's coat asks.

"Let's go," I announce and walk towards the kitchen, ready for a long and hectic day.

"This looks amazing, " Maanu acknowledges admiring our 5 hours of hard work.

"It does," I reply admiring the magnificence.

The beautiful white flower arrangements on each side of the staircase give this room a fairytale vibe.

"Should we sprawl a carpet on the staircase?" I ask accessing the staircase.

"Ya, why not pure white? It will vibe with the ambience." She suggests.

"Ya right." I agree excitedly.

"Ms.Paakhi?" I hear a soft voice behind me.

"Yes?" I ask turning around and facing the person.

"Mr.Yash would like to speak to you in his office." She notifies.

"Like right now?" I ask annoyed.

"Yes," she replies.

"Go it might be related to the event. While I'll look for the carpet." Maanu pursues me.

I nod and follow the girl to the elevator.

I take the elevator to his floor and knock before entering.

"Hi Paakhi," he greets me just as he notices me.

"Hi, you asked for me?" I ask agitated to go downstairs back to my decoration.

"Ya actually..." He says nervously standing up and walking towards me.

"And that would be?" I inquire feeling weird.

"My PR team just said that I should take a date with me to the event tonight. And who else better than you. So will you be my date?" He asks.

My heart starts thumping erratically. Why me?

"Yash..." I take a deep breath.

"I don't want to give you any false intentions, I'm not ready for a relationship." I say the one thing that has been in my mind.

"But why? Don't you like me? Is there anything wrong with me?" He asks dejectedly.

"Oh no, no, it's not that, right now, I have priorities and a relationship doesn't come in that." I try to explain.

"So you ain't for a relationship with anyone?" He asks hopefully.

What a weird question?

"Yes, no relationships." I assert.

"Okay then, come as my colleague, you did work hard today, and you with me will only boost your work profile. I will introduce you to businessmen." He suggests.

"But-"

" Please Paakhi, I promise I won't do anything to upset you." He cuts me in between and announces.

I can't see him begging me, so I accept his offer.

"Okay, fine," I say and instantly I'm pulled in a hug.

This feels weird, Why can't I like Yash? He is a more gentle and understanding kind of person.

"So'll see you in 2 hours?" He asks.

"I'll meet you here and then we can go together," I suggest instead. I don't know why out my heart just put up these walls around it whenever Yash is involved.

"Okay sure." He replies unhappy.

Feeling the awkwardness I leave his office to go downstairs.

"So what do you think?" Sen aks referring to the carpet which accentuates the decor.

"Awesome," I exclaim in glee.

"Great work, Team!" I acclaim out loud. Causing a row of claps to echo.

Everyone is happy to see the view at the end.

"Shall we leave? Aditi is calling me for the last 2 hours. " Maanu utter tiredly.

"Yeah sure, I need to find a dress myself." I proclaim depressingly.

"But you said you will not wear a dress as it comes in between your work." She repeats my earlier words.

I grab my stuff and reply, " Now I have to attend the event as Yash's date."

"What?!" She shouts causing people to look over.

"Can you control?!" I chide feeling embarrassed.

"Okay, but tell me what did he say?" She asks excitedly following to the doors.

"Nothing much, he said he needs a date for tonight and I said yes," I explain briefly.

"Nothing else?" She asks disappointedly.

"What else did you expect? A bouquet?" I joke.

But when She nods her head, a snort leaves my mouth.
Thankfully we have exited the hotel otherwise I would have been extremely ashamed.

"These men are clueless about how to woo a girl!" She exclaims dramatically, entering the cab.

I follow her and nod my head in agreement.

"I just hope, Aditi has something for me," I murmur again.

"Of course she will have, her closet is full of such stuff." Maanu blurt.

I laugh and lean back in the seat, the only thing bugging me today is how to earn money? Maybe I should look for some jobs. But where? Who will hire me?

"We are home in two minutes," Maanu yells on her phone.

"Yes, and one more thing, Paakhi needs a dress too. I'll tell you later but be prepared." She speaks up, surely to Aditi.

"She is angry with me for being late! Can you believe her?" Maanu exclaims annoyed.

I chuckle knowing how pressurizing Aditi can be when it comes to her fashion.

Reaching home, the first thing I do is walk towards my room to see if it is as I have left it earlier.

"Aditiiiiii!!!!" I yell her name.

"Just behind you." She replies sassily.

"What did you do to my closet?" I ask looking at my clothes lying all over the room.

"I was looking for a dress?" She justifies.

"Did you do the same to my clothes?" Maanu asks panic.

She rushes to her door and opens it.

When I feel Aditi slipping past me, I know what is about to happen.

"You?????!!!" Maanu screams and runs after Aditi.

Aditi let out a scream and trot towards the living room.

It is then I remember Aditi is pregnant and she can't run.

I rush towards the living room when I hear Aditi yell, " I'm pregnant, you can't hurt a pregnant woman."

"Are you going to play that card now?" Maanu asks amazed.

"For the next nine months, yes!" Aditi exclaims with a Cheshire smile.

I chuckle at her tricks.

"If you guys don't want to get late, then I suggest we hurry up," I announce when my eyes notice the time on the wall clock.

"Oh shit," Aditi yell perplexed.

"Both of you take a short shower and meet me in my room." Aditi orders scurrying away.

"Are you hungry?" I ask her.

"Ya, let me make us some sandwiches," Maanu exclaims walking towards the kitchen.

"No!" I yell.

"I mean, You can't let Arhaan wait for you. So you go take that shower first." I insist in my normal tone.

"You can't do this to me. She'll use me as her puppet." She whines.

I pass her a sly smile and shout," Aditi! Maanu is wasting time standing here."

Seconds later came a reply I was hoping for, " Maanya move your ass before I come out and tie you to the chair," hearing this Maanu run towards the washroom causing me to laugh hard.

I love these moments between us.

And for their happiness, I have to soon think of a way to earn money.

On top of this all, this event tonight has me worried.

__________________________________

Hey, lovelies...

What's up? Guys please stay safe and stay strong.

How was the update?

Please do vote and comment.