Paakhi POV

"I ship you guys, and want to see little Arhaan and Maanya running around." I endorsed to lighten the mood.

I saw Maanu openmouthed and then looked at Arhaan to see a sparkle in his eyes.

As my work here was done, I sauntered towards the gates and luckily saw a cab driving pass-through.

Sitting in the cab, I gave the driver the address of our apartment and slumped back while slipping in my earphones and listening to my favorites.

Listening to some soothing tones gives a clear mind to entertain my thoughts.

My mind was full of everything, From Janmashtami to Arhaan and Maanya, to Sana, to Aunt Savy crying today, to Viren.
Wait Viren?! Why am I thinking about him?

'Maybe because your new best friend didn't contact you the whole day.' My conscience answered back.

Ya, I don't know what I was expecting, It's not that he was serious about us being friends.

I started thinking about our evening together and how connected I felt with him.
One thing that struck me
was that he's grieving. His eyes are the window to his soul, but he Always keeps his curtains draw and never let anyone peek in.
But the times when the curtains swayed and let me in, I saw a broken man.

"Ma'am"

"Ma'am!" I heard my driver call me.

I immediately yanked my earphones and asked him what happened.
"Your phone has been ringing for a while now."

I instantly looked at my lock screen to see Two missed calls from Adi.
I called her back and shook my head when I heard her caller tune, Boss bitch by Doja cat.

"I thought you were killed or something." Was the first thing that I heard after that bizarre song.

"I always knew you were waiting for me to die so that you can seize all my properties.
But For your information, I'm not mentioning you in my will." I joked.

"Ya, your will that includes labor work and all those half-empty shampoo bottles and your oh so favorite worn off black hoodie? No thank you!" Adi fired back.

"You don't have to be rude about it." I scowled.

"Okay, okay, let me say what I earlier called to tell you before I forget." She went on.
"So, both of you come to Uncle Abby's house. Today we are having dinner with them." She said.

"Okay, but Maanu is not with me," I said.
"What do you mean? Where is she at this hour?" She asked curiously.
"With Arhaan," I replied.
"Yess...Finally, Now it's just you, who's left." She sounded so silly.
"Excuse me, stop your gutter thoughts. They are just talking." I reprimanded.
"How do you know?" She inquired.
"I don't know, but I think and I'll tell you everything but later. Right now I'm coming towards Abby's house and getting our favorite Ice cream bucket." I said urgently and hung up before I can hear a squeal.

"Just pull over," I requested the driver when I saw the grocery store near my apartment.

"Do you want me to wait for you?" He asked.
"No thank you," I said handing him my cab fare.

Exciting the cab I walked inside the grocery store to see Rajesh Uncle on the counter.
"Hello uncle, " I greeted with a big smile.
He shortly looked up from his computer and greeted me.
"Oh Paakhi dear, So good to see you."

"You too Uncle, So how's your health?" I asked walking towards the ice cream counter.

"Same as always." He replied nonchalantly walking towards me.
"I hope you are taking your medicines on time." I queried.
"Yes dear, I'm. Now tell me what owes me your divine presence?" He said bowing dramatically.
"Haha...Uncle please, stop behaving like Adi." I said recalling Adi's dramatic moments.
"That girl is crazy. But awesome crazy." He said excitedly.
"Ya, I know she's your favorite among us," I said with a laugh while deciding on a butterscotch flavor.
"No dear, I can't choose one among you guys because each one of you is different from others and hence make a most significant team," he said appreciatively.
"Aww Uncle now you gonna make me cry, " I said emotionally.
"Before I say anything else, give me a pen and paper, so that I can jot down the things that we need day after tomorrow," I said hurriedly.

"Another event?" He simply asked.
"Yes, and that too in Singh mansion," I said grabbing a pen and notepad from his hand.

"These are the things that we'll need," I said shoving the pad towards him.
"Okay, I'll get everything." He said walking towards the ice cream counter and bringing back the butterscotch tub.
"Thank you," I said and grabbed
a 200 bill from my pocket and tried handing it to him but he refused as always.
"Paakhi you know I always refuse your money, so why do you even try this again and again?" He scolded.
"I just want you to accept it," I whined.
"Paakhi, you know this shop and my family is running just because of you. I can't thank you enough for helping me in the time of need." When I saw his eyes glistening, I moved towards him and held his hands.
"Never say this again, I remember those days when we moved here and didn't have a penny on us and spent two-three days drinking water and nibbling on biscuits. But when one day Adi came to steal from you, You didn't call cops on her instead you were the one who understood our problem and gave us groceries to support."I said recalling those days when we moved to Delhi and didn't know anyone. And then it was as if God answered our prayers that we met Nonna and she gave us this house but we didn't have any money to buy food and couldn't ask Nonna for it. So our crazy Adi
Decided to steal some items from Rajesh Uncle's shop and when she was caught, I thought that she's going to end up in jail instead Rajesh Uncle and his wife made us a meal and talked about our crisis.
And gave me a part-time job in his shop to earn some money. From that day Maanu and Adi too started doing different jobs to earn money. We also helped in the cafe from time to time.
" But you gave all your savings to save my shop from selling. And on top of that, you started giving me orders for your event so that my shop gets back in business." He exclaimed.
"Let bygones be bygones," I stated before I start crying and grabbed my ice cream tub from the counter packed inside a bag full of ice.
"Now, Don't forget about those listed items, okay!" I announced scrambling outdoor.

I trotted towards the cafe because one, I was damn hungry, and second, My hands are freezing holding this ice cream tub.
After reaching the cafe I took a right turn to view an ostensibly simple wooden door.
I pressed the doorbell and shuffled the ice cream bag from one hand to another.
"Welcome, Paakhi dear." Said Aunt Savy.
"Hey, gorgeous. Thanks for having us."I said walking straight towards the kitchen.

In the kitchen, I saw Adi leaning over the counter munching on a piece of cucumber and Uncle brewing his famous recipe.
" Hey, " I announced walking towards the refrigerator and kept the ice cream tub inside.
"Paakhi dear, How are you?" Uncle Abby asked adding some spices in his dish.
"Awesome! We got another event from Singh's " I exclaimed.
"Really?! That's awesome. So what is it? Did they finalize the wedding date?" Uncle asked distractedly.
"I wish, but this time it is Janamashtami celebration," I announced grabbing a piece of cucumber from the salad bowl.

"It is in two days," Uncle exclaimed.
I nodded and again nudged my hand towards the salad bowl to grab another piece when someone swatted my hand. I looked up to see Aunt Savy glaring at both Adi and me.
"This is to munch with our meal." She reprimanded and took it away from us.
I shrugged and turned around to see Adi now munching on a piece of Paneer.
"Stop eating and start helping them," I exclaimed.
"I'm helping bro." She replied with an eye roll.
"Really? And how is it?" I further pried.
"By staying away from the kitchen" she replied with a smile.
"Oh yes, it is really the biggest help." Uncle laughed out loud.
Aunt Savy and I both joined him.

"Haha...laugh as much as you want," Adi said humourlessly and departed towards the dining table.
"So where is Maanu?" Aunt Savy asked retrieving some plates from the cupboard.
I instantly looked towards Adi to see her shrug.
I glared at her for leaving me to answer their question.
"Umm...She's out with a friend." I answered while taking the plates from her hand and stacking them on the dinner table.
"Maanu? out with a friend?" Uncle asked skeptically.
I nodded and prayed to God so that they stop asking me about her whereabouts.
"Who is it? Where did she meet her?" Uncle asked while plating our food.
"It's not her it's him." Adi corrected him.
I whipped my head in her direction and swatted her hard.

Her "ouch" was followed by the sound of a spoon dropping, I slapped my forehead before turning around.

"She's with a 'him'?" He asked while concentrating on word him.

"She..ummm..she.." I don't know what to say.
Before I could say anything, Uncle ran past me somewhere, and in a few seconds, he returned back with a broom in his hand.

"What is this Abhay?" Aunt Savy asked amusingly.

"I'm going to beat this 'him' for dating my daughter." He announced angrily.
"Dating? Who said she is dating him? They could just be friends." Aunt Savy tried pursuing him.
"Look at their faces,"  uncle asserted pointing towards me and Adi." They are fretting, especially Paakhi" he said referring me.
I immediately brushed my hand on my face to see any trace of sweat.
"Ha, look she's even checking it." He said as if I'm caught red-handed.
"Stop it you guys, let's eat before all the food gets cold." Aunt Savy announced.
Adi followed her to the kitchen but I was held back by Uncle Abby, who whispered "Don't even think that I will let this go." In my ears and imitated the action of pointing his two fingers towards his eyes and then on my eyes saying 'I'm watching you'.

I amusingly stared at this playful goofy man in our lives.

"Abhay!!" Aunt shouted his name and he left me standing there watching his retrieving back.
I chuckled to myself and followed him to the dinner table.

We all took our seats and started devouring our food. Luckily, because of Aunt Savy's glares talk on the dinner table just consisted of the menu on the Janamashtami event and the cost details.

After dinner, I helped Aunt Savy cleaning up and served 4 bowls of ice cream and took it to the balcony.
"Ice cream!!" Uncle Abby leaped up from his chair and grabbed his bowl.
"Abhay, stop behaving like a child"Aunt Savy scolded him and softly took her bowl from the tray.
After taking a seat beside Adi and across our lovely couple. I started eating my ice cream.

" So how's life girls?"Aunt Savy initiated the conversation.
"Same as always gorgeous, " Adi replied nonchalantly, more interested in licking her bowl.
"Really? No boyfriends?" Aunty asked sadly.
Adi and I both shook our heads to which Uncle Abby said "Thank god, for Awhile I thought I have to beat three boys."

I just laughed at him and we started teasing him.

After eating ice cream I checked my watch to see it is around 9:50 pm.
"Adi we have to leave now. I have to wake up early and go shopping." I said getting up and collecting the empty ice cream bowls on the table.
"Shopping?!" Adi exclaimed happily.
"Shopping for decorations and stuff," I said bursting her bubble
"Boring." She said and followed me to the front door.
I grabbed my bag and replied, "work-related things are always boring for you."

"Come back soon." Aunty Savy said while hugging me.
I then hugged my uncle and answered back  "Next time I'm cooking for both of you!"

"Sure." She replied and came to see us at the front door.
After bidding our goodbyes we strolled towards our apartment building.

"Now tell me everything," Adi asked while hitting a small pebble on the road.

"So today Riya and her cousin Sana visited our cafe. After their meal, Riya asked us to meet at her house. So I and Maanu visited............"
I told her everything and waited for her reply.
"So they have gone for their first makeup sex." Was the first thing I heard from her gutter mouth.
"Does everything in your life include Sex?" I asked amusingly.

"Sex and Shopping." She corrected me.

Before I could reply we reached our apartment building and saw a car parked outside.

Before I could think what to do.
I saw Adi knocking on the driver's side window.

"Adi!" I shrieked embarrassed.
"What?" She asked as if knocking on an unknown car is pretty normal.
"Come here. What are you even doing knocking on an unknown person's car?" I whisper yelled.
"It's not an unknown person inside, look!" She said and thumped on the window.

Shortly the passenger side and driver side door unlocked and Arhaan and Maanya came out.
"You crazy girl, what are you doing?" Maanu exclaimed.
"Young lady, this is an area with respectable people. Don't do things like these in a car on a road. Okay!" Adi imitated an old lady's voice.
"We weren't doing anything," Maanu said flustered.
"Ahan!As if I don't know what happens during makeup sex."Adi proclaimed.

I shook my head and started making a circling motion of the index finger at the side of my head signifying crazy when I saw Arhaan looking at me.

He chuckled and just nodded his head seeing both Maanu and Adi still arguing about a stupid topic.

"Shut up." I rumbled."Arhaan doesn't have to see your madness." I bestowed.

Both of them immediately shut up seeing that they are not alone, Mannu then moved towards Arhaan, and he instantly wrapped his arm around her waist.

Seeing this I instantly smiled and thanked God for giving my friend a man like him.

"So Arhaan why don't you  come up for some coffee?" I asked.

He opened his mouth to reply when Maanu interjected "No!" All of us looked at her weirdly. So she rectified her statement and said "He has to leave, Aunty Tanvi called him on our way, to come home soon."

I glanced at Arhaan to see him looking hurt. I almost yelled at Maanu for acting stupid.
But I saw her whispering something in his ear and his expression morphed into a mixture of terrified and amused.
"Okay girls, see you." He said and hugged all of us goodbye.
After his car rode past us, we walked inside and I curiously asked Maanu "what did you whisper in his ear?"

She smirked at me and said, "That if he doesn't leave now, Adi will give him a detailed talk on 'birds and the bees'."

I chuckled remembering his expression and entered our apartment.
"Adi first change your clothes and then sprawl out on the couch," I said seeing her sprawled shoe on.

She grumbles but finally saunters towards her room.

"Maanu, Tomorrow we'll leave early okay. So be ready on time." I announced departing to my room.

"Okay" was the last thing I heard before I shut my door.

--------------------------------

The next day, I woke up early to go to the wholesale market for shopping.

"Maanu!!" I yelled from the kitchen.

"Coming." She yelled back.

I set out the plate of vermicelli Upma and Sat down to eat it when I heard the clicking of heels and looked up to see Adi emerging from her room with a hand full of her dirty laundry.

"I'm not doing them." I glared at her.
"Please.." She said making her puppy dog face.

"Rules are rules, every Friday I wash clothes and if you don't Give them before that, then wait for next Friday," I said adamantly.
"But now I don't have any other pair," she whined.
"Not my fault," I replied shoving a spoonful of Upma in my mouth.

"I agree," Maanu said perching beside me.

"You guys always gang up on me." She whined again.

"Stop your whining and come eat your breakfast," I invited her.

She stomped off towards the bathroom while muttering some colorful curse words at us.

We chuckled at her behavior and hurriedly finished off our Breakfast.

After breakfast, we left for the wholesale market in Delhi.

"I'm not at all looking forward to those crowds and humping-bumping" Maanu exclaimed.

I chuckled at her word choice 'humping-bumping' but still agreed with her.
"I agree but all our resources work from there only."

"I know, But still I can whine about it. "She said joking.

I laughed at her and grabbed my notepad from the bag and started listing out the things we need.

The ride was around an hour and a half so we called all our contractors and informed them about us visiting.

Our contractors are small running businesses, so it really benefits us as they don't have many events and are available for us.

" you go to Ravi furnitures and I'll go to Gautam fabrics for curtains and table cloths," Maanu said after exiting the cab.

I nodded at her and parted my way towards Ravi furniture.
After greeting Ravi Bhai I started exploring swings for Krishna Ji.

Due to Janamashtami being tomorrow the place was packed and all the stuff left wasn't really appealing.
"Ravi bhai, I want something cheap, beautifu,l and durable," I pleaded.
"Paakhi, these are the only ones left." He answered.
"Bhai, We always come to you for our stuff, Don't make me go to Deepak's shop" I tried pursuing him.

Luckily hearing his Rival's name he said "okay wait, I have one in the godown. Let me check."

I danced in my mind and texted 'Check' for the swing to Maanu.

"Look, " he said showing me his mobile phone.
I grabbed it and saw a simple wooden swing but better than the others.
"Okay this is fine but I'll give you Rs.1500 for this," I demanded.
"No no it's worth is around Rs.2500" he exclaimed.
"Bhai you know I have to decorate it, so it should be Rs.1600" I exclaimed back.
"Paakhi this is not possible." He said adamantly.
"Okay, neither my nor yours, let's settle it on Rs.2000." I declared.
In the end, he accepted my offer, and I exited the shop adoring a cheeky smile.
I walked towards the fabrics store where Maanu must be and then together we started shopping for decorations.

------------------

It's been 2hours of our shopping spree and our hands are full of bags.
"Paakhi, let's eat something please" Maanu whined.
"Just a little further and then we can stop at a food stall," I replied staring around.
"No, No stall, please. I want to sit and give my limbs some rest." She begged.

"Let's go there."
She said pointing towards an expensive bistro.

"No, It looks expensive." I denied it instantly.
"Paakhi, please. We'll order a single dish and sit for a while."
She begged.

I was tired too and a glass of cold water sounded tempting.
"Okay, but we are ordering the cheapest item on their menu! Deal?" I instructed.

"Yes, whatever you say." She said cheerfully and sprinted in.

I followed her inside to see her talking to a hostess.
Before I could take another step, she turned around with a gloomy face.
"No tables are available." She replied to my unasked question.

I too felt unpleasant leaving from this chilled atmosphere behind.
We were about to exit when the hostess said "Ma'am, there is someone who is asking you to be escorted to their table." 

I looked at Maanu surprised and saw her smiling at someone behind me.
I turned around to see Arhaan, Shaurya, and Mr.khadoos looking towards us.

Seeing all of them at the same table I can say one thing and that is 'Tanvi Singh and Manav Singh do make beautiful children.'
It was no wonder why every girl was peeking at their table.

Consciously, I followed behind Maanu and deposited my bags Beside my chair and realized I'm seating just across Mr.Khadoos.
"Hey, girls what a pleasant surprise," Arhaan exclaimed happily.
I nodded with a smile and replied my greetings.
"So what would you guys order?" Arhaan asked us.
I looked at Maanu and saw her looking at me with the same feeling of 'now what to do?'

We can't order water or just a coffee as planned before.
"Umm..we were just stopping by for a drink, you know how hot it is outside," I said consciously.

"Ya, we are just dehydrated." Maanu backed me.

"Are you sure beautiful?" He asked her.
She nodded her head and I sighed in relief but then,

Then..........

_________________________________
Uncle Abby and Aunt Savy at the top-->

So what next????

How was the chapter? I know pretty boring but I want my readers to know-how normal my girls are.

Ty for reading my lovely readers.

Please don't forget to -

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