Arhaan POV

"Arhaan?" I hear mom mutter beside me.

"Yes?" I ask staring at the tv.

"Are you more interested in watching the tv? You guys don't have any time for your old mother." She whispers sadly.

"Mom please, why do you always have to talk when there is an exciting match going on," I whine noticing us losing the match.

"Because I just want to spend some time with my boys, But I guess they don't have time for me " she responds innocently.

"Okay fine, what do want to know mom?" I ask looking at her but still peeking at the screen.

"You know Dhruv right?" She asks enthusiastically.

I nod and she continues, "He had a baby girl yesterday. And she is so cute-"

"Dhruv is married? " I ask surprise.

She stares at me weirdly,

"Huh? which Dhruv are you thinking?" She asks confuse.

"Viren's driver?" I state.

"Oh no, Not our Dhruv, Lavi Aunty's son Dhruv," she asserts.

"Oh okay," I say but flinch when we lose another wicket. England is playing well today.

"So as I was saying, Lavi is so happy and bragging about her granddaughter," she tells.

"So it is good right," I respond.

"It is, but I want to brag about my beautiful grandkids and, I can't ask Viren but You, Arhaan please get married." She asks.

"I have this beautiful Saree I want to wear on your marriage," she reminisces.

"Just because you want a grandkid or want to wear a Saree I  should get married?" I ask disdainfully.

"And why not Viren?" I ask irritated.

"Don't talk to me like that, and I don't have to tell you why, You tell me do you have a girlfriend? If yes let's go talk to her parents." She urges clinging to me.

"Woman please, Don't start with me, I'm not ready for marriage right now." I huff and walk away, glancing at the score on the television.

"I'm your mother and I will find out who she is," I hear her call after me.

"What did you do?" Dad halts me and asks.

"She's again nagging me for wedding, handle your wife," I complain to him.

He cracks a smile and assures me, "She loves you, son."

"I know, but she didn't even let me watch the match." I groan.

"IND vs ENG? It was today?" He asks excitedly.

"Ya, but don't get excited we are losing," I inform,

"Uff, Why don't you guys inform me about these matches earlier?" While he is complaining, I notice furious Viren walking upstairs.

"Next time I will, " I say and excuse myself.

I rush upstairs and towards his room, but it is empty.

Where is he? I ask myself.

"Hey dude!" I hear a shriek from Shaurya's room and scramble there.

What I see is terrifying.

"Oh, my poor eyes!" I exclaim covering my eyes.

"Don't you both know how to knock?" He accuses Viren and Me, Struggling to wear his trousers.

"You!" Viren glares at Shaurya, "Remind me to never ask you to help me." And yell at him.

"I expected a thank-you, not your wrath," Shaurya comments unhappy.

"A thank you for a clingy date?" Viren taunts, "Where did you even find her? she won't shut for a second and her laugh, it was the most awful thing I have ever heard. " he complains.

"So I guess it didn't go well," I comment leaning on the door.

"For a second it was good, but then when I get to know she was on a date with Yash I lost it." He answers.

"Yash? He was her date?" I ask shock.

"Yes," he answers painfully.

"If you saw Yash you should be angry and not hurt. So what else happened?" I state my observation.

"Nothing!" He shouts possessively.

"Now you have me intrigued," I make a statement.

"Here!" I watch Shaurya offering him a glass of water.

He takes it and gulps in one go.

"I-" he exaggerates and inclines on Shaurya's bed.

"I hurt her, she was crying because of me. I don't know why it hurts, I'm not a saint I have made many girls cry over me, but when I saw tears in her eyes, I lost it. It felt like someone was clutching my heart." He confesses.

"Why was she crying?" Shaurya asks taking a seat beside him.

"She is hurt that I ignored her for a few weeks and then out of the blue kissed her." He narrates.

"You kissed her?" I ask amuse.

"That was not the point, the point is she is hurt." He warns.

"First of all that is a big point and second of all she likes you, and she is hurt because of your ignorance," I advise.

"You know why I ignored her," he blurts frowning.

"I do but not her, imagine me ignoring Maanya unexpectedly for few weeks, she'll be hurt right?" I state.

"But it is different for you guys, you both love each other." He scowls.

"My dear brother you need a wake-up call, Paakhi is hurt because she feels for you, she is hoping you will confess your feelings for her," I explain to my ignorant brother.

"You mean she loves me too?" He questions excitedly.

"Therefore the kiss was special, it was magical." He whispers.

I smile understanding what that feels like, Maanya makes me feel the same sparks when she touches me.

"Now you need to decide either letting her go or winning her." I declare.

The smile on his face vanishes hearing me.

"What did you do?" I ask worriedly.

"I let her go..." He mumbles standing up and leaving the room.

"Is this over? They are just going to forget each other? " Shaurya asks in shock.

"After so many years I saw him smile and live, he started talking to us for more than 15 minutes now. He scolded me and Pranked me just like an elder brother. I can't lose all of it." He confesses sadly.

I can comprehend what he is saying, Viren is more of himself after Paakhi came into his life, his smile brightens up his whole face. But the forlorn look he just expressed cause me to fear.

"I'm going to talk to her, make her understand-" he declared.

"We can't interfere Shaurya, it is their journey, we can just hope their paths cross because their heart already chose each other but now it's time for their mind to obey." I ensure and leave his room.

I look at the time and decide to take a shower before bed.

After my long shower, I crave some coffee.

Seeing staff will be in their quarters, I have to prepare it myself.

I exit my room and walk down the hall towards the stairs.

I'm passing Viren's room when I hear a thud and clutter inside his room.

So I knock and enter,

"Sorry heard some noises, thought I should check," I say when he looked at me expectantly.

"Thanks but everything is fine, I toppled my pen stand." He replies standing and tidying up.

I discern him massaging his scalp once in a while.

"I was heading down for some coffee, do you want some?" I ask him.

"Ya, I could use a cup." He answers and puts on his slippers.

We walk to the kitchen together and I brew us both a cup.

"You know today was India vs England and we lost it,"  I tell him, attempting to distract his mind.

I smile when he asks more about it.

I tell him all about the match and then the topic shifted to my talk with mom today.

"So tell her about Maanya," he advises grabbing the mug from me.

"Ya as if it is so easy?" I taunt and together we walk upstairs.

"What is the problem? You both love each other and are almost like a husband and  wife." He teases. Instead of going to our rooms, we take a route to the terrace.

"I know, but I'm confused if Maanya is ready for it or not?!" I confess reckoning her past.

"Umm, I just know what that bastard said about her past and that cliff incident and summing from that it is bad." He confides.

"Hmm...these girls are actually aspiring women, Take Paakhi for instance, how she fought her bullies. And then there is my Maanya a strong and caring woman." I say bursting with fondness for them.

"I agree, we have met so many women in our lives but never someone with dignity, etiquettes and self-sufficiency." He proclaims.

I nod in agreement,

"By the way thanks for the coffee, I'm feeling relaxed now." He endorses and stands up to leave.

But the instant ting from our phones stopped him.

I grab my phone and see a new message on the family group.

"Now what did she share?" I groan remembering Riya always sending decoration or dress ideas to the family group.

I take a sip of the coffee and click open it.

The coffee flares out of my mouth when I read what she just texted.

"What the fuck?!"  I shout.

"This girl is a trouble maker." Viren hiss.

"Oh my God...Did you just -" Shaurya exclaim sprinting towards us. Noticing that we already know he sulks.

"And look Aunt just texted a heart emoji." He announces amuse.

"Just call that girl and ask her to delete this message before mom sees it," I exclaim worried because if mom sees this she will think I'm dating Paakhi.

"She is not picking up her phone," Shaurya notifies attempting to call Riya.

"I can't let mom know about it, She will plan my wedding tomorrow..." I announce terrified.

"Chill dude," Viren asks nonchalantly.

"Do you realize the girl in this situation may become my wife? Your Paakhi? We may then have to give grandkids to mom?!" I explain passively.

He comes bustling towards me and grabs me by my shirt.

"Hey, hey, I'm just telling you, I don't have any interest in doing any of this. Paakhi is like a sister to me." I say gross by thinking about Paakhi like that.

"Better!" He exclaims and steps back.

"Now what?" He asks agitated.

"I don't know, we have to stop mom from reading that message." I fright.

"What about others? They might tell her?" Shaurya asks.

"We can manage others but not mom!" I exclaim hysterically.

"So what's the plan?" They ask curiously.

"Grab mom's phone and delete the message," I instruct.

"But she might be asleep right now!" Viren proclaims inspecting his watch.

"So we go to her room quietly and delete that text," I instruct.

They both nod and We walk towards mom's room.

"You stay here and we will go in!" I instruct Shaurya, not trusting him to come inside.

"Why am I going in?" Viren whispers growling.

"Because it's your girl in this mess with me!" I whisper yell and tug him close to our parent's bedroom.

"What if they are doing the deed?" I ask curiously.

"Eww, don't you have better things to think?" He frets and tries the doorknob.

He slowly swivels the knob and it is locked.

"Shit," I mumble and we step back.

"Now what?" I beg.

"There is one more way!" Shaurya announces and enters the guest room beside their room.

We follow him and Reach the guest room balcony.

"Why are we here?" I ask annoyed.

"We can jump over to their room. Mom always sleeps with the window open." He announces proudly.

"You are the best younger brother, the smartest among all." I praise him.

"Are you really acknowledging his idea?" Viren asked exaggerating.

"Hey, my ideas are the best!" Shaurya answers defensively.

"Okay, we can discuss this later, " I exclaim and walk to the balustrade and peek down.

"Tell me how are you going to reach their balcony?" Viren taunts.

I see their balcony is 5 feet away from us.

"We jump," I exclaim worriedly.

"I have no interest in breaking my bones." He exclaims and steps back.

"Think about Paakhi! Will you be okay seeing her with me?" I poke him.

"Shit," he sighs and steps up on the balustrade, he takes the support of the wall and leaps forward.

I hold my breath for a second and Sigh when he reaches safely.

"Now you go!" Shaurya whisper yell and push me forward.

I swivel back and punch him, "don't push me." I exclaim and follow Viren's actions.

I too reach safely and sigh in relief.

"Let's get this over with," I mumble and step through their open window.

Viren doesn't follow me but just stands on the porch.

Slowly and gradually I tiptoe towards my mom's bedside and see her phone on the nightstand.

As I reach forward to grab it, my mom turns, I immediately roll under the bed.

From here I see Viren hide behind the curtains.

I wait for few seconds and then try reaching the nightstand.

My hand is almost on the phone and I start dragging it to the edge.
I don't know what happened but I accidentally knocked off the glass from the table and it fell with a thud!

Thankfully the rug concealed its blow and didn't shatter.

"Darling, I told you to not keep your glass at the edges." My dad mumbles in sleep, Mom apologizes and grabs the glass.

She put it in its previous position and go back to sleep.

I look at Viren and ask him to make sure she's asleep.

He peeks through his hideout and indicates a thumbs up.

I crawl a bit forward and hastily grab her phone.

Luckily mom doesn't have a password, she always says it is useless to put a password on the phone as she is an open book.

I thank God and click on WhatsApp and then the group.

I instantly delete the message and put her phone back.

I tiptoe towards the window and jump off the balcony.

"We did it!" Viren exclaims in triumph.

"Sorry bro I did it! You were just standing behind the curtains like a simp." I accuse.

"But I did come with you." He signifies.

"Okay, relax. I did one more thing till you guys were busy. I called Riya and asked her to delete it and only Palak Aunt read that message so requested her to not tell mom." He announces.

"After I played with my life, she decided to delete the message?" I ask troubled.

"We have morons as our Sisters and Brother," Viren comments and walks out of the room.

I follow him,

"You know she sounded drunk, but one thing that I speculate is how did she even though Paakhi and Arhaan are together?" He asks confuse following me.

"Let her come back and we will know," I reply and spin towards my room too tired to think.

I see my bed calling for me and dove in face first relieved mom won't know about it.

__________________________________

I woke up to the blaring of my alarm, I snooze it and grab my phone to message Maanya.

Every morning I cherish sending her cheesy texts.

I see it did not deliver yet, maybe her net is off.

So I choose to dress up for the office and have breakfast with everyone.

After my shower, I walk towards the dining hall expecting to see everyone there but to my surprise, no one is there.

"Ms. Rosie," I call out to our head maid.

"Yes, Arhaan dear?" She asks.

"Where is everyone?" I ask her speculative we are having breakfast at the terrace.

"Mrs. Palak and Tanvi ma'am are out early in the morning and Your Dad left for the office." She informs.

"Where did mom and Aunt go?!" I yell.

Getting a light slap on my cheek for that.

"My beautiful Rose, did he hurt you?" I see Shaurya snuggle her and ask.

"I'm sorry," I apologize seeing her glare.

"What is happening here?" Viren asks entering the dining hall.

"Rose just slapped Arhaan," Shaurya exclaims delightedly.

"Don't make fun of him, otherwise I'm going to smack you too." She scolds him and walks off.

"I'm sorry," I exclaim again and take a seat at the table.

Rosie is like our second mother, she is our nanny, caretaker or whatever you wanna say. Every child in this house has been nurtured by her. We all take her decisions very seriously.

"What happened?" Viren questions, grabbing a toast from the basket just set by Rosie.

"I may or may not have yelled at her, unintentionally," I confess I grabbing an omelet and cutting into it.

"Why?" He asks again.

"Mom and Aunt Palak are not at home, I just wanted to know where they go..." I reply concerned that they went to Paakhi's house.

"Don't worry we deleted the message and Aunt Palak promised, and most importantly they don't know where she lives," Viren assures.

I hope what he said is true.

We eat in complete peace which is broken by the ping of my phone.

I wipe my hands and grab my phone to see an incoming message from Riya.

'Mom and Aunty Tanvi are here!'

-Riya

Here! Here where?

-Arhaan

'At Paakhi's House!'

-Riya

"What?!" I hastily stand up causing my spoon to fall.

"Relax man!" Shaurya grunt.

"Mom and Aunt are at Paakhi's house!" I exclaim and rush off.

"What are they doing there?" Viren inquires rushing behind me.

"God knows..."

__________________________________

Paakhi POV

" Paakhi and Arhaan bhai are dating and love each other."

"Paakhi and Arhaan bhai are dating and love each other."

These lines are reiterating in my mind from yesterday night. Yesterday was the worst day, first Mr.Khadoos spoiled my date and then Riya's text.

I don't even know how to comprehend my kiss with Viren.
It was the most blissful moment of my life. For a second I forgot everything and everyone around me.

The unknown feelings I had for him got a label yesterday, I freaking LOVE that arrogant man.

It is the worst and best feeling, best because I realized what it is to be in love and worst because I love the wrong person.

He doesn't reciprocate my feelings.  He doesn't even like me!

And there is Yash, a sweet caring person, why can't I love him?!

"Ahhhhhh" I groan slow.

"You are up early?" Suddenly I hear Aditi yawning beside me.

I have a fright for a second but then compose myself,

"Ya couldn't sleep, what about you? How is this even possible?" I tease referring to her early self.

"Me too." She replies stretching.

"Do you love Viren?" The utters out of the blue.

I hastily whirl towards her and gape.

"Don't act as if it is not true. I have read many posts about Viren Singh, the most eligible bachelor. He is not at all considerate, nor is he a friendly type, yet he made you his friend and the day when you went missing, he freaked out. Tell me does a random person care for someone who doesn't matter to them?" She says with her significant one eyebrow raise pose.

"He is not at all what those newspaper or magazines explain, he is a considerate and a dedicated man, he is a benevolent man. It's just that he is misinterpreted." I explain.

"Sheesh, why so possessive?" She laughs.

I blush to realize that a second ago I was criticizing him and now I'm defending him! What is wrong with me?

"Look, I'm not that gushing kinda woman, but just know that whatever your decision is I will always stand with you. I have seen tenderness for you in his eyes," she assures and steps towards the balcony door.

"And yes, never forget you are an understanding woman, you know everyone has a story of their own, maybe he has one too...So, please make your decision after knowing everything." She calls out and enters the house.

Sometimes the baby of our house talks like an adult.

I breathe in the fresh morning air and acknowledge that I need to fight for my feelings. I have seen him battling with himself, I need to confess my feelings to him and then if he doesn't like me, I will back off.

But first I should message Yash and apologize for yesterday.

I tug my phone from my pocket and click on his contact,

'Dear Yash,

I know what happened yesterday was not right, but I have no explanations for what happened.

I hope you have in you to forgive me. I'm sorry.

-Paakhi'

And send!

It as if a weight is off my shoulders.

I heave a sigh of relief and walk back in.

I see Riya, Sana and Maanya still passed out.

So I avoid them and Gather the alcohol bottles loitering around.

I clean the mess and fold up my mattress. I carry it to my room and make my bed. After satisfy, I walk to the kitchen and boil some water and then add fresh slices of ginger and the juice of half a lemon, to cure our hangover.

I carry the drink to the living room and have a seat on the sofa.

"Hey guys, Wake up," I speak lowly.

Maanya and Sana shuffle and sit up, Sana lovingly wakes up Riya and I pass them the drink.

"Have it, it will relieve some pain." I persuade Sana, who is massaging her forehead.

"Aditi!!" I yell her name.

"Essshhh" Maanya moans at my high pitch voice.

"Sorry" I apologize and sip my tea.

"Coming," she yells back and a few seconds later enter the room while dabbing her face.

"I thought why not use the washroom before the hustle." She exclaims proudly and grabs her cup.

I'm almost finished when the doorbell rings.

Because Aditi is at the side, she rushes towards the door and unlocks it.

"Paakhiiiii!!!!!" Aditi yells from the door.

I scramble towards her, worried about an intruder.

"Mom? Aunty Tanvi?" Riya exclaims looking at two elegantly dressed women in our doorway.

"Sana? Riya?" Mrs. Palak exclaims back and rushes forwards to hug Sana.

Mrs.Tanvi follows her and steps in.

"Mrs. Tanvi, it is good to see you. please come in," I ask her and lead the way to the living room.

Aditi and Maanya hurry forward and pick up their mattresses and carry them to their rooms.

"Oh, so you girls had a party yesterday?" Mrs.Tanvi exclaims taking a seat on the sofa.

I smile embarrassingly and straight up the cushion beside me.

I look around to see Sana and Riya still at the foyer talking to Mrs. Palak and the girls in their room.

"You have a beautiful house," she comments looking around.

"Thank you, this room portrays each of us." I describe proudly.

"Really! How so?" She asks intrigue.

"Oh okay, so this wall behind us," I indicate to the wall behind me, "This Scandinavian design wall art celebrates simplicity, minimalism and functionality. Just like Maanu!"

"And this wall," I refer to the small wall against the foyer, " these pictures and frames define Aditi's nostalgic persona, she loves looking at these memories and remembering those times." I smile telling her about my girls.

"And these plant decorations define Our Paakhi, she is like a fresh blossom, Spread positivity, smile and inspiration." Maanya illustrates walking towards us carrying a tray.

She offers the water to Mrs.Tanvi and sits beside me.

"You guys are special, each one of you completes the other." She states admiringly.

Making Maanu and me nod in approval.

"And I'm happy my son found you." She state looking at me.

Maanya still beside me and I gaze at her, she read Riya's text!

Oh no!

"Mrs. Tanvi, actually..." I rack my mind to find the right words.

"Arhaan and I, we -" I halt when a pair of arms go around me.

"You are an angel, Thank you so much for looking after her." Mrs. Palak mumbles in my ear, sobbing.

I give her a reassuring hug and assist her to sit beside me.
"It is no big deal, girls and I are happy to have her with us," I confess smiling.

"I'm so happy Arhaan chose you." She too comments and hugs me.

I groan internally and cuss Riya in my mind.

I back off from the hug and see a sad look on Maanu's face.

I keep a reassuring hand on her hand but she just toss it off and stands up.

"I will make some tea for everyone, " she announces and walks off.

I look sadly at her back,

"I'm so happy!!! I always wanted a sister-in-law and having you will be a dream come true," Riya cheers and hug me occupying Maanu's place.

I gaze at her and smile, but internally I want to yell at her for making such a mess.

"Mrs. Tanvi, Can I talk to you for a second?" I ask her. She stops talking to Sana and nod towards me.

"Umm, can we please go to the balcony?" I ask again.

She again nods and follows me to the balcony.

"Wow, such a beautiful view from here." She compliments.

I smile in gratitude and take out a seat for her.

"Okay before you say something, let me tell you something first." She announces.

" I have always wondered if my boys will fall in love with the right woman or not? But Arhaan did, you both are so similar, smart, intelligent and caring, I'm happy he found a deserving woman. After Viren's case, I thought Arhaan will give up on love too, but I'm happy he still believes in it." She narrates.

When she mentioned Viren, my heart skip a beat, Viren's case? What was it? Is he afraid of love? Did something happen to him in past? All these questions give me hope. Maybe he loves me too, just afraid of his past.

More determined from earlier, I smile realizing my love may not go in vain.

"I love the smile on your face after I mention Arhaan's name." She comments. I kick myself for giving her the wrong idea again.

This is all happening because of Aditi and her game. If she didn't have asked us to drink then I may not have blurted things and Riya may not have interpreted them wrong.

Where is she anyway? I have not seen her after she went to her room to place her mattress.

"I think we should go in, otherwise everyone will think we mother and daughter forgot them." She laughs at the mention of mother and daughter and walks back in.

I slam my head in my hands and after a few seconds go back inside.

Just as I enter the room, our doorbell ring again.

"I'll go check," Riya proclaims and dance towards the door.

"Umm Paakhi?!" She calls from the door.

I walk towards it and stop mid-step,

"We got you girls breakfast!" Aunt Savy exclaims walking in.
Uncle Abby and Nona follow her with bags in their hand.

First Aunt Savy, then Abby and Lastly Nona, place a kiss on my cheek and enter the living room.

I'm about to pass out, this is an utter mess...

What will happen now?!

__________________________________

Hey, lovelies! What's up?

So what is going to happen now?!