"Hey guys." I said entering the café where my favorite couple had waited for me. "Hi Aaru, come sit." Manav bhai stood up and pulled out a chair for me to sit on. "Gentleman behavior bhai, great!" I complimented him.

"Par uss gadhe k behavior ka kya Aaru?" He called out, indicating Akshit. "What? Why?" I asked while Yuku passed me some fries. I resigned and ordered a pumpkin latte for myself.

"Have you not seen how absurd he has been acting from the past few days, after Rakhi?" He pointed out that resulted in me letting out a quick giggle as I remembered his antics which he thoroughly explained even though he was embarrassed.

"Now why are you laughing? Aren't you concerned about him?" He cautiously asked. "That's not it bhai, I know why he has been acting odd, so I laughed." I said but Manav bhai cut me off and said, "Aree it's not the call incident." He said that made my eyebrows raise in curiosity.

"Then what?" I questioned but he stayed quiet until Yuku broke the silence, "He doubts that there's someone else whom Akshit is dating beside you. Or you can say, "He is cheating on you." Her statement made my head spin.

"Stop kidding, guys." I said. "Yuku is right Aarohi, I've been sensing changes in his way of talking and sharing things with me from the last few days." He replied.

I was out of words when he continued, "Everyday, while we are on the way to home after coaching, he keeps on texting someone. When one day, I asked who he was texting, he refused to tell me."

"It can be anyone. Why does it necessarily have to be his other 'girlfriend'?" I questioned as I didn't want to doubt my partner's loyalty.

"Because I tried to peek once and the contact name had a girl's name with a heart." The 2 kept their eyes fixed on my face. "But-" Before I could say anything I saw Akshit entering the café.

He saw us and came to our direction with a pleasant smile on his face. "I knew you guys were pranking on me." I said but none of their faces budge.

"Is there a group party going on without me?" He asked and took a seat close to me. 'Oh, so he doesn't know what's going on here?'

"What happened, Ms. Govind? Are you alright?" He asked, tapping on my arm lightly. "Ye-yeah. Everything's alright." I glanced at my just served drink. Yukti and Manav bhai played a different character when Akshit was around.

But the moment he left to receive a call, they started to get back to their previous demeanor. "I suggest we should eavesdrop on him." Manav bhai said. "What's wrong with you bhai?" I complained but Yuku just held hands and took me out with them.

I tried to retard and kept on declining their stupid idea until, "Aree, please don't say that. Don't you know, I love you more than anyone." Akshit said to someone over the call.

'Meri zindagi ka title "Har din, Nayi pareshani" hona chahiye tha.' I thought to myself and went back inside.

(The title of my life should be "New problems, every moment.)

2 more days passed by and the couple kept on pressuring me to have a talk with Akshit but I just couldn't. I don't know why but my heart said Akshit wasn't guilty at all.

"Didi, suno zara." Ayushi said while barging into my room. "I wanted to ask if I can go to Prerna's house for Janmashtami puja tomorrow?" She asked. I closed my books and looked at her in confusion.

"Hein? But why, every year you, mumma and I do the puja in our nearby temple na, then why Prerna's house this year?" I questioned. "And and and, why are you asking me? Mumma ne naa bol diya?" I added.

"Aisa nahi hai, par agar aap han bol doge toh mumma mujhe mana nahi karenge." She said and showed her grinned smile. "Han bete, kaam ke waqt he yaad kar bas mujhe." I teased her sarcastically.

(It's not like that, but if you will agree then mumma won't deny.

Good going dear, remember me when you need your work to be done.)

Then she managed to convince me you can say I agreed with her because in the past few days I've been noticing the changes in her behavior. I thought spending time with her friends would cheer her up.

Janmashtami ka din

"Radhe Radhe" I greeted my friends who were waiting for me at the canteen. "Radhe Radhe" Yukti and Manav bhai responded. "Where's Akshit?" I asked, marking his absence.

"Aagaya aagaya! Sorry I received a call from home, so I got late." He explained. The conversation went on but today I noticed that there was something off with his overall demeanor.

"Ms. Govind, have this paratha. It is very delicious." He offered me, passing his lunch box. "Did you forget? I'm on fast today." I mentioned as I saw his face turn pale in nervousness.

"Oh, I'm really sorry, Ms. Govind. I completely forgot about it. How have you been? Did you feel weak or anything?" He anxiously asked. "It's alright and I'm doing fine, don't worry." I said, with a plain smile.

The day went by as the Dahi Handi program took place between each house of our school. Now as the evening arrived, I got busy with all the work related to today's Puja.

We were supposed to do the puja during midnight but later maa talked with a priest and he suggested we should do it earlier by 7 or 8 pm.

When all the preparation was once finished, the priest came and started the puja. That's when I got another surprise. I saw Yuku's, Akshit's and Manav bhai's mother entering.

I knew Yukti had planned to visit the temple along with Manav bhai so she might have ditched to come home but what about Akshit?

"Radhe Radhe" Supriya aunty said, breaking me out of my trance. I grinned and welcomed them while helping them to place their offerings in front of the idol. After the prayers, we did the Abhishekam, the Shringar of Laddu Gopal and sang the Aarti.

After all the rituals, I keenly waited for everyone to take their places and offered them Prasad. "Thank you bachhe." Mamta aunty said, patting my cheeks.

"The halwa tastes very good, Sarika." Meenakshi aunty complimented. "Indeed. You know it's made by Aarohi." Mumma mentioned that brought the spotlight to me.

The aunties went on praising me and telling me how I was so involved during the recital and all the rituals. Also, mentioning how pretty I was looking in the white lehenga.

This was halted when I received a call from Yuku. "Hi Rohi, jaldi se tere ghar ke pass wale mandir mein aa ja. Yahan Raaslila ho rahi hai. Manav, I and Akshit are waiting for you." She said, more like ordered and hung up the call.

'She always makes last minute plans and asks me to be prepared whenever she wants. Sometimes, I just wonder how I even befriended her?' I sighed but then another thing caught my attention.

'Wait, what is Akshit doing there?' I was confused. But still, I took permission from maa to which he agreed and asked Bhavin bhaiya, our neighbor, to drop me there in our car as I was wearing a lehenga.

As I reached there, I rang Yuku's number. "Where are you?" I asked, as I held my purse in one hand and my phone in the other. "Near the fountain, by the Rishi Bhavan. That's where the Raslila is going on." She replied.

As I was practically speed walking my way towards the place they were in, I noticed a figure much similar to Akshit's, surrounded by a group of girls. 'Abb yeh titliyan mere gulab ke phool k pass kyun mandra rahi hain?'

(Why are these butterflies roaming around my rose?)

I frantically stopped and gave him a 'look' as he bid goodbye to those girls and forwarded his steps towards me. 'Oh, look how he bid them first rather than coming running to you.' My subconscious brain mocked.

I was then furious so with a heavy huff I went towards the venue. There I saw the couple; where Manav bhai was clicking Yuku's picture. "Hayee, nazar na lage mere jiju aur bhabhi ko" my emotion immediately changed upon seeing them.

(Hayee, may no evil eye be on my jiju and bhabhi.)

"Jiju aur bhabhi saath mein?" Yuku asked. "Aree Ooo logic ki devi, chal andar chalte hain." I said as we went inside while Manav bhai followed us.

"Manav please help me bhai." I heard Akshit say but I didn't pay attention and continued to enjoy the bhajan going on inside the Bhawan. "Go call them!" We heard a weak yet audible mumble as a hand patted my shoulder.

"Shall we go?" A girl in a beautifully worn blue lehenga asked us. "Go, where?" I questioned but was dragged by Yuku and the mentioned girl. Turned out Yukti had planned for my performance in the temple as a part of Raslila.

"What will I do? I can't dance without knowing the choreography and neither can I think of steps on the spot like you." I resisted but Yukti made me dance with her and said that I would know all the steps without even practicing.

Before our performance could start I heard Akshit's voice as he was on a call with someone. "But Meeru, how can I come right now? Please try to understand." 'Now who is this Meeru? Hey Krishna what is happening in my life?'

I was again frustrated, though that didn't last longer as the girls started to pull my hand to get on the stage with them. Yukti passed me a subtle wink before the song started to play.

Once the music started I recalled the song, it was 'Radha Kaise Na Jale'. I know the choreography to this song because we had once performed the same in our annual function. But this time it was more like a one to one conversation.

Madhuban mein jo kanhaiya, kisi gopi se mile
Kabhi muskaye, kabhi chhede, kabhi baat kare
Radha kaise na jale, Radha kaise na jale
Aag tann mann mein lage
Radha kaise na jale, Radha kaise na jale

I maintained eye contact while dancing but he suddenly disappeared as I took a turn and went to my position in the center. And then,

Madhuban mein bhale kaanha, kisi gopi se mile
Mann mein to Radha ke hi
Prem ke hai phool khile
Kis liye Radha jale, kis liye Radha jale
Bina soche samjhe
Kis liye Radha jale, kis liye Radha jale

He entered the stage wearing white kurta and a safa on his head. And sang the lyrics as if he was upset because I didn't trust him but he broke my trust first.

O, Gopiyaan Taarein
Hain, Chaand Hai Radha
Phir Kyoon Hai Usko Biswaas Aadha
O, Gopiyaan Taarein
Hain, Chaand Hai Radha
Phir Kyoon Hai Usko Biswaas Aadha

He danced with the male crew, while pointing at me as the other members too glanced and acted through the choreography.

Kaanhaji Ka Jo Sadaa
Idhar Udhar Dhyaan Rahe
Radha Bechaari Ko Phir
Apne Pe Kya Maan Rahe

I was firm with my words as each member of the girls troop now paired up with a male from the other troop.

Gopiyaan Aani Jaani Hain,
Radha To Mann Ki Rani Hai
Gopiyaan Aani Jaani Hain,
Radha To Mann Ki Rani Hai
Saanjh Sakhaare, Jamna Kinaare
Radha Radha Hi Kaanha Pukaare

He countered himself and circled around me with a hand held out in a 'calling out' manner like the rest of the guys did around their partner.

The song went on and once it got completed I rushed out, not wanting to talk with Mr. Choudhary. "Ms. Govind please stop." He called. "No no, you please continue to have a conversation with that girl, what was her name? Meeru, right?" I stated bitterly.

"Uffo Mohatarma, ek dafa meri baat sunn toh lijiye." He said in a voice that I can't stop myself from falling for. I stopped near a sparsely populated area. "Abb kya kehna hai aapko?" I asked, crossing my arms.

(Uffo Mohatarma, please listen to me once.
What do you have to say now?)

"All the incidents that took place was all a prank; more like a bet, which I didn't agree to but got involved indirectly." He said. "What!?" I was confused as hell.

He then explained how one day Manav bhai saw a reel that said 'It is easier to make your girl jealous if she's older than you.' So Manav bhai wanted to try this on us and forced Akshit to bid into the plan.

Even though he said it was stupid and he didn't wanna test anything because of a stupid reel, Manav bhai made a situation that would make me fall for his plan.

"You remember the day café, I later came to know that you guys heard my conversation that I was having with.." "Meeru?" I cut him off. "Yes. Meeru or Meera, my niece." I was dumbfounded for a moment.

"Well, she is my cousin's daughter, and not someone whom I am dating or cheating on you with." He explained. 'Gadhi!! Kaha tha na Akshit kabhi tujhe dhoka de he nahi sakta.' My subconscious brain responded. "Shut up!"

(Stupid! I told you, Akshit would never cheat on you.)

Maybe I said that out loud as Akshit was now staring at me with hurtful eyes, expressing a sense of dissatisfaction with my words. "Please ignore that, and no need to justify. I get that I'm the only girl that you are dating." I mentioned it hurriedly.

His expressions changed subtly and were now more relaxed. He then picked up his phone which has been ringing for a while now.

He showed me the name 'Meeru ♡' flashing on it. And put the phone on speaker as a soft voice spoke from the other end.

"Chachu, agar aap nahi aaoge toh main aa jaungi! Fir aap jano aur papa jane." She threatened him cutely, as I couldn't hold my giggle.

(Uncle, if you won't come then I will. Then, whatever happens, you know and dad knows.)

"Aaj toh sab mujh jaise masoom bachhe ko dhamka he rahen hain." He mentioned and again I let out a low giggle upon seeing him pout. "Chachu, aapke saath koi hain kya?" She asked curiously.

(Today everyone is threatening such an innocent kid like me.
Uncle, is there someone with you?)

"Umm woh.." "Kahin, Chachi toh nahi? Hmm hmm." She teased him and the flustered Akshit then looked more red because of the blush arising on his cheeks.

I was about to say something but then I heard a male's voice who apologized to Akshit and hung up the call. My curious self jumped to ask but before I could, he answered, "That was Arjun bhaiya, my cousin and Meeru's father."

Later we talked out everything and both Yukti & Manav bhai apologized for their stupid plan.

I lectured both of them thoroughly because it was much needed as it could have created trust issues between us if we wouldn't have sorted things out.

Then the 4 of us clicked pictures and went inside the Bhawan to listen to Bhajan and Kirtan of Lord Krishna. The night started to fall deeper and before I could register it was 10:30 in the night.

Mumma
+91 xxxxxxxxxx

Mumma
Aarohi, when will you return home?
Papa was asking about you.

I was wishing to stay back till midnight because of how pleasant and spiritual it felt here. And also because it was someone's birthday tomorrow. (obviously you know who's)

I couldn't think of any excuse, so I told her that Yukti will drop me home in a few minutes. I told the rest about it as they expressed their disappointment.

"Please stay, Rohi." Yukti said. "Yeah Aaru, I'll drop everyone in my car. No matter how late it gets." Manav bhai added.

But he stayed silent, acknowledging my situation. Though he finally spoke up and said, "I would love it if you stay." He paused. 'Wish I could.' I thought to myself while looking at him.

"But it is more important for you to be at home right now. So I'll drop you off; myself." He replied and took out his keys from his pocket, gesturing to Manav bhai that he will come back in a while.

Yukti gave me a saddened hug and asked me to text her once I reached home. I bid them bye and followed Choudhary ji's lead. "Ms. Govind, you are looking very beautiful." He complimented me out of the blue.

"Umm, thank you and hey, did you notice that we are twinning?" I said as he turned around and glanced at my outfit and then his.

"Oh, you are right. I must have missed it because I was too occupied to gaze my eyes on your pretty face."

"Excuse me, aap mujhpar maska toh nahi maar rahe?" I asked as he rubbed his nape and said, "Han thoda sa, par sach keh raha hoon." I giggled at his honesty. We reached where he had parked his scooty at.

(Excuse me, are you buttering me?
Maybe a little, but I'm telling the truth.)

He took out the side stands of the scooty, saying it would help me sit comfortably. I sat on the vehicle and placed my hands on his shoulder because the ride was a little bumpy.

"Ms. Govind, I think you have got a great reason to hold my shoulder, don't you?" He questioned as I blushed a little and held his shoulder a bit more firmly without replying to anything. He understood it too and gave me a smile through the side mirror.

As he stopped in front of the gate of my abode, I loosened my hold and got off the vehicle. "Thank you for dropping me off." I said. "Mhmm, thank YOU for making today so special." He replied.

"Radhe Radhe, Ms. Govind. See you tomorrow." He said as I went inside and locked the gate behind. I then quickly went to my room after informing mumma that I was home.

After changing into comfy clothes I opened my laptop in search of my unfinished video edit. Yes, it was a birthday edit for him.

It was my way to convey what he meant to me and in this video I have added a little bit from his childhood as well; thanks to Mamta aunty.

I checked the time again and again, hoping I would be the first one to wish him. As the clock ticked to 11:55 pm, I rang his number.

"Hello." I said. "Yes ma'am, are you alright? Did you forget something?" He asked hurriedly. "Maybe." I replied. "What? I'll bring it as we are still at the temple and not gone back yet." He stated.

"Mera dil." I replied while he went quiet. "C'mon it wasn't that bad! Or was it?" I asked. "No no, it's just that, it has been a long time since you flirted with me so I was just flustered." He replied.

"Oh ok. By the way, make sure to check my text sharp at midnight." I ordered him while he chuckled. "Jii, aur kuch Mohatarma?" He asked playfully.

(Okay, anything else, Mohatarma?)

"Nope!! Here, the countdown begins...5, 4, 3, 2,1, Happy Birthday Choudhary ji" I cheered as the video file also got sent just in time. "Thank you, Ms. Govind." He replied that the video I sent also got a double blue tick.

"Let me see the video and call back in a while?" He asked and hung up the call when I replied with a hum. 'It's alright Aaru, it's his birthday, he must be receiving numerous texts and calls.' I thought to myself.

After a span of 15 minutes I received his call. "Ji farmayen, kaisa laga humara tofa?" I asked in a flirtatious tone. "Bohot zyada acha par, banane wali se thoda kam." He replied in a similar tone.

(Yes tell me, how was your present?
Very very good but not better than the one who made it.)

"Thank you & thank you but it was not THAT good so stop buttering me." I replied. "I'm really telling the truth, Ms. Govind. The video is really very good. Also, those pics from my childhood brought up beautiful memories from the good old days." He complimented.

"And remember the birthday celebration list we made a while ago, I've to do all those together ok?" I reminded him. "For sure madam, not just that, I'm eager to fulfill all your wishes and plans." He replied sweetly.

"Aww don't make me emotional now." At this point I was feeling empty. I truly wished I could meet him and wish him personally but that wasn't possible. "Wish you were here." I mumbled absent-mindedly.

"Did you say anything?" He asked but I denied and continued the conversation but minutes later I heard some random sounds as if metal were colliding.

He then said, "Well Ms. Govind, the main gate of your home is not tall enough, someone like me can easily jump over it in like 2-3 tries." I was confused.

"Hey, is the window through which light is propagating out yours?" He passed another confusing statement. "Are you like, spying on me or something?" I finally spoke.

"Ms. Govind, zara khidki ke bahar toh dekhiye." And it was my cue to jump out of my bed and hop onto my window sitting place. "What are you doing here?" I whispered as I saw Akshit standing right below my window.

(Ms. Govind, please look out from the window.)

"Ms. Govind, why are you whispering?" He asked in a normal tone while I shushed him, hoping that no one had heard him. "Answer my question first! Why are you here?" I questioned.

"Tumne bulaya aur hum chale aaye~" He sang. "Mohammed Rafi Sahab k Parr Parr Pote ji jaldi yahan se jayiye warna na aap bachenge aur na main." I alerted him but who was I kidding?

(Mr. Great grandson of Sir Mohammed Rafi, can you please go away or else neither you nor I will be spared.)

I forgot that he was literally the boyfriend of Aarohi Govind, best friend of Manav Gupta and to be devar ji of Yukti Sharma.

"Akshit!! What are you doing now?" I asked semi furiously as I saw him searching around for something.

"I'm searching for something on which you can land on." He said as if it was the most normal statement ever. "What! Why!?" I asked. "Because you are coming with me to celebrate my birthday." He replied nonchalantly.

"Did you hit your head somewhere while coming here? Stop playing dumb and go back to your home." I stated. "I'm not going anywhere without you." He affirmed and hung up the call.

I looked down to get a sight of him but he was not there. I tried to ring him but he didn't pick up my call nor replied to my texts. Then I had to go downstairs to check if my idiot was alright or not.

"Akshit, are you there?" I whispered while opening the gate. "Akshit? Aksh-" a cold hand then closed my face from behind. "Ms. Govind, It's me, don't worry." He whispered back.

He then practically lifted me up in a bridal manner and ran out. "Yeh 'ghar se bhagana' toh nahi tha humari list mein." I said as he chuckled and put me on my feets. "Let's go then?" He asked but I resisted as it felt wrong to sneak out like this.

"Ms. Govind-" "It's not right Akshit, please try to understand." I replied. He paused for a bit and said, "Okay, I get it. Sorry for being so obnoxious."

"Now, we don't make the birthday boy upset on his special day, do we?" I said and wide opened my arm for him to join for a hug which he did gladly. "Happy Birthday My Pookie." I wished him, hiding myself in his broader frame.

"Thank you, My Love." He replied. A sudden rush of warmth embraced my body as his fragrance tingled my heart a little, reminding me of the comfort around him.

And just like that I sent him off and went back to my room, not before locking both the main gate and gate of our home. 'What a great evening it was!' I sighed in gaily while covering myself under my sheets.

♡

Sushi's note: Hey readers, hope you liked and enjoyed this chapter!

200k+ reads purey hogye guyz,
wowowowowo ♡

Chapter kaisa laga batana zaroor. A long chapter for you guys who waited so long for this.

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