Arohi's POV

I let out a few deep breaths looking into the mirror. I could hear my heartbeats loud and clear. I was hella nervous today. This was the first conference I was attending for my first international album. That too with the great world-famous Rohan Nanda. There are tons of reporters with tons of cameras and their thousands of questions ready to fire at us and especially at me. I don't know if I would be able to do this confidently.

This is new to me. Everything is. I smiled nervously at Shradz as she was finished with my make-up. She gave me an assuring smile knowing my messed up mood. I brought my girls with me for this very day as I don't trust anyone else nor I am comfortable enough. And today I need someone who knows me and will do the work without me telling anything as I am not in the state.

I tapped my legs rapidly getting reckless as I heard my phone buzz. I took it right away unlocking it and a small smile formed on my face seeing Jenny's message.

All the best, Aro. Go and kill that bloody conference. Tell them you are not the nightingale of the nation but of the world. Yaaas! Go, Aro!!!

I smiled widely as I typed my thank you reply for her for cheering me up a little.

Rohan kept his promise of starting the Album again though he didn't start it right away as he told but took a couple of more weeks. I left for London again with him after our quick tour of India just to inform my parents about the wedding. They have already started with the preparations along with Ahana's parents.

Rohan and I finished the album in just a month working day and night. More than half of it was already done decades back. Yes, that's what I can say as it took me time to adjust to it yet again. Thanks to Mr. Arrogant who halted it because of some stupid reasons. But that was kind of needed at that time.

Rohan also added the duet version of the song I sang for him at the party saying he loved it which made me happy. We haven't yet started with promoting anything as it got completed just last week. Ben held the conference right away saying we need some time off to prepare for the wedding. So, promotions might not happen in full-fledged besides, who needs promotions when there is Rockstar. People will buy anything he puts out. But that holds a lot of responsibility. Just one mistake and respect and trust is gone forever.

Gladly, that hasn't happened with him yet and I will pray that it won't ever. People love him and respect him and I hope they will keep that forever. Just like today.

I heard a gentle knock on the door. I took a deep breath coming to reality.

"Come in." I said looking at the door impatiently. Raghav got in with his widest smile. I smiled back at him.

"All ready?" He asked. Vivek was present but he went along with Rohan to check something. I don't know and I didn't bother to ask.

"I guess." I said with nervousness. He chuckled.

"Don't worry. You will be fine." He said but I still wasn't convinced.

"Sara was going crazy hearing those songs and she loved it." Raghav said again. I gave him a look. Of course, she will say that.

"Trust us. We won't lie." Raghav said again reading my mind. He was right actually. Why would they lie? I should be confident in myself. I have always been. I don't know what happened today.

"I know, Raghav but still I am really nervous." I said with a pout. Raghav let out a laugh.

"That's fine as it's your first. Every first is nervous and special." He said as I gave him a smile with a nod.

"That's true." I said nodding a little.

"I was nervous on my first Hindi recording as well that I locked myself inside one studio room until Rahul came to get me." I said laughing a bit as I remembered that incident and Rahul. He must be proud of me. At least, I hope so.

"And you have us here. So don't worry." Raghav said taking me back from my thoughts.

"I guess." I said letting out a small sigh and smile. I nodded and got up carefully not to mess with my lehenga.

I thought of wearing something Indian today but instead of wearing total Indian Tanya thought of giving me some Indo-Western look. So, she particularly chose this black saree style lehenga with black georgette crop top which has sequin work on it. A matching dupatta and black heels completed my look. I loved how the outfit had a quirky Indian touch to it. Shradz and Nikki did a great job with the make-up and hair perfectly complimenting the dress.

Shradz did minimalistic make-up with  smokey eyes. Nikki did my hair in a sleek wavy style making the look more elegant. I wore a hoop earrings as the only accessory for this look. I felt confident in my look and all the credit goes to these girls who dress me up and make me look pretty. I'm glad I got them who knows my likes and dislikes when it comes to fashion.

Don't get me wrong. I still don't know much about fashion and the little amount I know now is because of them. But I do have my comfort when it comes to dressing, makeup and hair. These girls know that and it becomes easy for us to work together.  

"And by the way, you are looking gorgeous." Raghav said as I made my way towards him. I gave him a slight smile.

"Thanks." I said. He nodded and gestured me to walk ahead.

**************

I walked along with Raghav to see Rohan, Vivek, and Ben along with two-three other people already discussing something. I nervously stood alongside Rohan gaining attention from everyone around.

"Beautiful, that's all I can say." Ben said making me a little shy as I looked at Rohan who smiled back at me.

"I will say thanks on behalf of her." Rohan said as others let out a laugh.

"Shall we then?" Ben asked as everyone apart from me nodded and walked off.

Rohan stood beside me along with Vivek and Raghav as I took some deep breaths calming my racing heart down.

"What's up with you? Since when Arohi Shirke started getting nervous?" Rohan asked chuckling. I frowned at him.

"I am nervous, okay?" I said getting reckless and breathing deeply.

"Okay." He said and looked at me with worry.

"Just calm down. It won't help you otherwise." He said making me understand. I shook my head.

"What if they ask something..." I said getting reckless, "Like before... I mean."

"Don't worry. I will be right beside you to handle everything." He said assuring me. I still kept looking at him.

I knew this would happen to me. That's why I insisted on the duet album first as I don't want to look stupid, alone on stage with my panic state.

"So, just calm down." Rohan said giving me a small smile. I smiled back at him.

"Alright now?" He asked as I shook my head gently.

"I guess." I said and looked at Vivek who gave me his wide smile which was assuring.

"Let's go then." Rohan said extending his hand forward. I happily held it and he started walking with me following behind.

************

The stage was grand with the poster with me and Rohan along with the album name at the back. We chose the simplest name without using any brains and it looked just perfect for us.

The name of one of the songs in the album - 'You & I'. Straight and simple that it is just about us and tells our story.

I got seated in between Rohan and Ben with two more people, one on Ben's other side and one on Rohan's. There were many reporters who were sitting before us ready with mikes in front of them and behind stood all the cameras capturing every move of us.

And, it started with a little introduction about me and then Rohan talking about the album. Then they played the romantic music video Rohan and I shot just a couple of weeks back for the title song of the album.

I smiled widely as to how stunning the camera work looked on the big screen with us so much into each other. Okay, I know it doesn't make much sense for me to say this but we looked amazing together with that silent soothing song without the use of many instruments. This is my one of the most favorite song from the album for sure.

The lights went on as there were loud claps of appreciation from everyone around. Ben whispered to me about how amazing I sounded and I couldn't be happier.

We took our seats again as the host announced that the platform is open for questions. The nervousness surpassed me again.

One lady with specs and blonde hair took the mike. She gave us a small smile.

"Hello." she greeted and looked at me, "My question is for Arohi."

I expected this. I won't be even surprised if all of the questions are for me and only me. I gave her a gentle smile and nodded my head.

"First of all congratulations on your first international album." She said with a smile.

"Thanks." I said.

"My question is how was your experience of working with Ro and then about making the music out of India?" She asked. I looked at Rohan who gestured me with his eyes with a small smile.

"Umm..." I took a deep breath before starting.

"About music, it has no barriers. It is the form of expressing yourself that is understood no matter what language you sing in. You should be able to feel the emotions and if you do that then it's a success. I personally was a little nervous before starting the album but it went well." I said putting a confident smile. I was surprised with myself. She nodded at me with a smile.

"I am happy and excited to try out something different this time and I wish to explore many more genres in the coming years." I said and looked at Rohan who gave me an impressed smile.

I chuckled looking at him and looked back at the reporter.

"Working with Rohan was the best experience. I am glad I started off with someone like him. He made me feel comfortable and confident, was patient with my progress and I am basically thankful that he gave me this huge opportunity." I finished with a smile as Rohan gave me a look of adoration. Everyone clapped and I was proud of myself for pulling this off so well.

The fear was long gone now as I got comfortable with my surroundings.

"You have got a very melodious voice and those lyrics just add to everything making it a treat to ears. I loved it personally and I wish to see more of you." She continued as my smile widened. Acceptance, that was what made me reluctant the most.

I was worried if they will accept me and my voice and my style but seeing this just makes me happy and proud of myself.

"Thank you." I said with a nod.

"And you are so gentle and you are looking gorgeous in Indian wear." She said and I saw others smiling along. Rohan chuckled.

"Thank you." I said getting a little shy about my appearance.

"Ro, my question for you." Another journo raised his hand as Rohan gave him a shake of the head.

"Is this your way of announcing your impending wedding to the gorgeous lady beside?" He asked making me blush hard. Rohan and Ben chuckled beside me.

"Well, this is the song we wrote the last and were proud of. So, we thought why not keep it as a title? I have expressed my fondness and love for her many times in the past but yes you can say that." He said casually talking as if they are his friends. I envy this attitude and confidence he holds and I wish to be like that.

He is free, confident, knows what he is doing. He doesn't ever doubt anything about him. Even when he has a session with composers and people about the songs he wrote, I haven't even once seen him reluctant or questioning anything. He just go with the attitude that he is the best and not in an overconfident way. He does take other's advice and edit his music whenever needed but yes, he is something like that.

"This album is basically for all the people regardless they are single or in a relationship. I promise that you will fall in love." He said making people laugh. I smiled a little.

"This is the first time you have gone to silent music else you have always been up for rock music." Another person asked him. Rohan nodded.

"I wanted to try as this elderly person sitting here told me many a time that I should try something different and surprise the audience else no one will give a fuck about me in coming future." He said jokingly and making everyone laugh. Ben shook his head with a smile.

"But you broke hearts of millions of girls out there." A lady reported said and I looked at Rohan.

"I can't marry all of them. Come on, guys." He said and people started laughing again. I chuckled.

"But, I love all of you still the same girls and women." He said putting his hand up in the air with his famous smirk as that lady blushed. I let out a laugh.

"Arohi, so any plans for the future career-wise?" The same lady asked looking at me. I looked at Ben as I remember him telling me not to speak anything about my solo album.

"We will discuss that later as I will be holding a press soon to announce something special." Ben said as she nodded and looked at Rohan.

"What about you, Ro?" She asked as he shrugged.

"I will be leaving for a world tour in the next few months." He said as she nodded again.

"Arohi, you will be leaving Bollywood after marriage?" One dude from the back asked me by shouting as no one passed the mike to him.

"No, my country will always come first for me and I won't ever forget the roots which gave me the wings so that I will be able to stand on this stage today." I said with a smile. People clapped on my answer and I looked at Rohan cluelessly who gave me a teasing smile.

"About the controversies, Ro. How is your equation with Eric now?" Someone from the crowd asked.

"It's still bad and we hate each other." Rohan said right away and I was shocked not to see any reluctance. I am impressed with his attitude. I have seen his few interviews but this was the first time I saw him live.

"Where and when is the wedding happening?" I stopped moving my gaze long back as there are many people.

"You need to guess." Rohan said putting a smirk.

"Okay, guys. That's enough for today. We will stop here." The host announced and those reporters started with the chaos.

"Thank you for coming." Host said finally turning off the mike.

"Ro and Arohi, we need you two on the stage for photos." Camera people shouted.

"Sure." Rohan said with a nod.

The tables and chairs were moved away from the stage as Rohan extended his hand towards me. I took it as we walked at the center of the stage. He slid his hand around my waist and pulled me closer to him. That was much more closely so I tried to push him away but he was strong.

We gave some common posed standing beside each other until Rohan held me closer to me and kissed me on the cheek. I widened my eyes blushing as people shouted. Shameless Nanda winked at me.

They asked us to give the cozy poster pose and I was reluctant as always but the man on my side made me feel comfortable asking to just have my eyes on him. It made me feel a bit better as we posed away. Those people again shouted about how gorgeous and beautiful we look together and we smiled looking into each other's eyes.

Ben asked us to sing the same song and we were given mikes in no time.

I figured it out
I figured it out from black and white
Seconds and hours
Maybe they had to take some time

Rohan started by looking at me. the lights got dimmed with the spotlight on us. He came closer to me.

I know how it goes
I know how it goes from wrong and right
Silence and sound
Did they ever hold each other tight
Like us? Did they ever fight
Like us?

He sang smirking at me and putting slight pressure on the fight. I smiled slyly looking at him with a little blush. He came even closer and looked in my eyes straight. I took my mike up to sing the chorus with him.

You and I
We don't wanna be like them
We can make it 'til the end
Nothing can come between
You and I
Not even the Gods above
Can separate the two of us
No, nothing can come between
You and I

We sang and I took the mike down as he alone sang the next line.

Oh, you and I

He pulled me closer and pecked on my cheek lightly as people clicked the moment and clapped for us with shouting a little. I blushed hard.

I figured it out
Saw the mistakes of up and down
Meet in the middle
There's always room for common ground

I sang confidently as he left me and moved a little backward giving me the spotlight.

I see what it's like
I see what it's like for day and night
Never together
'Cause they see things in a different light
Like us, but they never tried
Like us

I gave him a smile to get a smile back. Not for once, I moved my eyes away from his orbs. I don't want to miss any emotions in them. They were holding so much love and adoration for me and just me which was making me feel butterflies.

You and I
We don't wanna be like them
We can make it 'til the end
Nothing can come between
You and I
Not even the Gods above

We both sang together to again gain some clapped and shouting with never-ending flashes.

Can separate the two of us I sang.

Two of us he sang looking into my eyes.

'Cause you and I

I sang with a wide smile.

We can make it if we try
Oh, you and I

Rohan finished the song looking at me as I smiled right back at him. The lights went on with thunderous clapping.

Rohan held me from the side and pecked on my forehead. That was a simple gesture but spoke tons of words with me. It was just his simple way of saying how proud he is of me. I giggled looking ahead as I heard some praise for me and my voice. This has to be one of the best days of my life.

I blinked a few tears away from my eyes with Rohan holding me tight and close. Ben came at us clapping as he hugged me tightly.

"You are the best and I am blessed." He said as I shook my head unable to speak anything.

I just stood there between two of them as I kept on taking the moment inside me and storing safely into my memory so I can cherish it for years to come.

*************

After doing some promotional stuff by giving some interviews with some famous people and singing the same song for more times, I sat inside my vanity van to take some rest.

It was tiring but I loved it. My first ever project! Just the thought gives me so much happiness.

I remembered how the day started as a nervous ended up being the most beautiful day of my life. I was thankful that Rohan stood right there beside me everywhere making me feel comfortable.

That thought reminded me of someone who was just the same. A smile formed on my lips with tears taking in my eyes. I took my bag on my laps and took out the wallet keeping it back on its place.

I opened the wallet and there he was. Smiling at me. I smiled back at him. There are these most important days of my life when I especially remember him a little more. Whatever I am and wherever I am is because of this man. He recognized my voice and brought me out of that mess. He loved a girl like me regardless of being the big star he was. Just he recognized my worth and gave me the chance. I won't ever be able to understand the way he gave up his life.

I wish he would have trusted himself a little more. I wish he would have held it on a little more. We might have succeeded.

A tear slid through my eye and I wiped it as I looked beside sensing something. I widened my eyes to see Rohan standing at some distance. But I didn't hear the door making any voice. How did he get it? Was I too engrossed?

He gave me a gentle smile and came forward as he took a seat beside me.

"Remembering someone?" He asked with a gentle smile. I looked down at the wallet.

"Yeah! Just..." I said in a low voice.

Even though he understands me more than anyone and listens to everything I say, I still sometimes don't feel right mentioning Rahul to him. I know he doesn't mind and won't ever but I don't know, he has done much for me, and talking to him about my first love just doesn't feel right. I felt guilty for some reason.

I took a deep breath and wiped the tear and started closing the wallet when he held my hand.

"Wait." He said as I gave him a confused look. He looked in my wallet at the photo of just Rahul smiling widely.

"I also want to tell you something, Rahul. I am pretty sure she must not have." He said giving me a glare. I kept looking at him. Rohan moved his gaze back to the photo.

"As we both know how she gets shy when someone praises her. She won't let you praise her and neither she will say it." He said shaking his head a little.

"So I am saying this on her behalf that she killed it today and people are already loving her and her soft voice." Rohan said with his widest smile. I smiled along a little with tears in my eyes.

"I don't know exactly if you like me or not but I will keep her safe and sound until she meets you again maybe. You gave me her in this lifetime so I guess I could do that much for you." He said with a small smile.

The tears flowed down my eyes as I looked aside and wiped them. No words could explain how much I adore this man on my side.

Rahul loved me and my music but this man has accepted me with my unconditional love for someone else without any complaints. He is the one who has understood me the most in my life till now. He kissed my flaws and have made me stronger today. I respect him with everything in me and I would do anything so he could have that smile on his face forever.

"And the album is kickass and people are gonna love her. There won't be looking back for her now." He finished with a smile and looked at me. I sniffed and closed the wallet keep beside me.

"Now stop crying. How much you cry, Arohi?" He said cupping my face and making me face him. I sniffed again as he wiped my tears away.

"You make two people sad because of you." He said with a frown as I looked up at him.

"I love you." I said in a low voice. Rohan smiled looking down at me.

"I have told you this before but..." I said as a sob left my mouth. Rohan pulled me closer to him silently.

"I haven't said it all. As what you mean to me." I said looking up at him again.

"You don't have to. I already know." He said with a low voice.

"I was so broken after Rahul and you picked those pieces and made me whole again." I said shaking my head.

"And..." I couldn't just find the words to express myself. I was so short of words. I have never felt this before.

"I love you so much." I said and pulled him closer pressing my lips against his as that was the only way I could use at the moment to express myself through this kiss.

I poured all of the love inside me in that kiss. I just want him to know that he is not any lesser than what Rahul was to me. He holds a place in my heart which just belongs to him and no one in this world or outside it would ever be able to take it or replace him. He moved his hands on my back and pulled me closer as tears slid through my eyes hopelessly.

We pulled back and I know I am a mess. Rohan smiled at me gently and wiped the tears away as he kissed on my forehead staying there for a little longer. I closed my eyes and held his hands in mine.

He looked back at me and shook his head gently asking me not to cry anymore. I let out a small chuckled.

"Enough of crying, Arohi. How much will you cry?" He said looking down at me.

"I can't stop, Rohan. Why are you so nice?" I said sniffing as Rohan let out a laugh.

"Really? I thought I am a jerk?" He said with crooked eyebrows.

"That you are but you just..." I said wiping my face.

"Okay, I get it so stop crying. Look at you." He said. I frowned.

"You are a pure mess." He said wiping my face gently and carefully.

"It's okay as no one is here and I don't mind you." I said and moved his hand away as I got comfortable in his arms. I put my head on his chest and my tiredness from the whole day was gone in no time.

"I have decided a few places for the wedding." I said.

"Okay?" He said putting his hand around me.

"But before that I want you to ask you something." I said and moved back to look at his face and expressions.

"Go on." He said with a nod.

"You are doing this willingly, right? I can give you more time if you want." I said as Rohan shook his head.

"I don't need any more time. I was never reluctant to marry you. I knew I want to and there was no second thought. I wanted to just get over a few things and accept the rest. But I am all sorted and all yours now. Always have been." He said with a smirk and winked at me. I chuckled and put my head on his chest yet again.

"You know how to play with words, no?" I said playing with the button of his shirt.

"Have learnt from the best." He said and I hit him on the chest. Rohan chuckled.

"So what about the place?" He asked.

"Ahana already had Udaipur so I was thinking of Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Goa, or I don't mind going to mountains as well." I said getting excited with the though. I got up and looked at him.

"That would be unique, no?" I said as he just looked at me with a small smile.

"How amazing would be the photographs with snow-covered mountains behind us." I said dreamily. As of now, I was already in the mountains.

"I am fine wherever you want." Rohan said with a shrug.

"That's not fair. Am I only one getting married?" I shouted at him.

"Of course, I am a bachelor all my life." He said smiling sheepishly as I hit him hard. He winced and looked at me rubbing his arm.

"That hurts." He said with crooked eyebrows.

"It should, jerk!" I said when we heard a knock on the door. I got up and rushed inside to wipe my messed up face.

Rohan shouted to come inside. Raghav and Vivek made their way inside with smiling faces.

I joined the three of them soon after as we discussed the album hearing party Rohan has arranged in a couple of days by inviting 100 of his fans over his house. I am a hell of excited about that. I haven't experienced anything like this before.

There are so many preparations already going on as Raghav and Vivek together are watching everything closely.

Till then, I have decided to sit along with Rohan and decide on venues and other important stuff about the wedding before I go back to India again.

__________________________

Yes... Second love can not be like
the first one...

But it can be better than it
After all, it's not about the sequence
But the person coming in your life is important.

__________________________

So that's all for now. Let us know in comments as what you think.

Vote if you like it.

We will be back with new chapter soon.

Till then, bye.

Loads of love. ❤️