Arohi's POV

Two Months Later...

I was sitting in the living room sipping my tea when Indu came and handed me the newspaper.

'Are the plagiarism charges against Rohan Nanda true? Hearing in few days!' the headline read as soon as I opened the newspaper. I folded it again and put it on the teapoy. I don't want to read any more made up stories by the media. The Rohan-Eric war is the headline of every entertainment portal for these past 2 months. They are not even sparing me from this. I even did an interview as it was getting on my nerves. But it didn't end there. I'm still getting calls from the journalists asking me to give my opinion about it. But Vivek has asked me not to comment anything on this matter for now. I don't even know when it is going to end.

I talked to Raghav few times in between but that's it! He is also busy with the ongoing thing so much that he doesn't even have much time for chit-chat. About Rohan, he didn't call or text me even once since I left London. That was pretty much expected I guess. But still, I felt sad about it. There wasn't a single day gone without the thought of talking to him or getting worried about him. I thought of calling him many times a day but I was unsure. I didn't know if he wanted to talk to me or not. So I just ended up casting those thoughts away. Right now, Vivek is keeping me updated with Rohan's case. And I? Well, I'm just busy with my regular life like recording songs, attending meetings and I'm thankful for that, at least that keeps me away from all those worries.

I glanced at the clock. It was past 8 AM already. I have to reach the studio by 10 AM. I should go and get ready. I finished my tea and went to the kitchen to put the empty cup in the sink.

"What should I make for breakfast?" Indu asked as soon as she saw me.

"Anything light Indu. I don't have much appetite today!" I said and turned back, leaving for my room.

I took a quick shower and got dressed up in a kurta and palazzo. I let my hair open and put on the lip gloss and I was ready. I grabbed my watch before closing my bedroom door behind. I went downstairs, wearing my watch in the process of climbing down the stairs.

I went to the dining area where Indu came hurriedly and served me breakfast. I ate as fast as I can as it's already 9 and I need to leave now to reach the studio at 10 considering Mumbai's traffic.

It was 5 minutes past 10 when I finally reached the studio.

"I'm so sorry. I got stuck in traffic." I said apologetically entering the studio, feeling guilty as I made people to wait for me.

"It's ok, Arohi. you are just 5 minutes late." Arjun, music director said and gave me a smile. I smiled back at him.

"OK let's start then," I said putting my purse on the couch, behind and walking towards Arjun.

"Just breath Arohi," he said vividly.

"Ah, no worries. I'm all good." he handed me a copy of the song. I went through it once and studied the tune of the song one last time before going into the recording booth.

I have been so much busy working on this song for past few days and today is the final recording. I took a deep breath and started singing.

*****

"That's it! Well done Arohi!" Arjun said through the microphone and gave me thumbs up. I came out of the booth and stood beside him.

"Was that ok? Or should we do it again?" I asked looking at Arjun as I wanted to make sure if he is happy with the song or not. He looked up at me and gave a wide smile.

"That was more than OK, Arohi. No need to do it again. And besides, I don't even have to double check when it comes to you!" Arjun said optimistically and I can't help but smile.

"Thank you, Arjun. It always feels good working with you." I said genuinely. Arjun is one of the most successful music directors we have today!  He is so talented and always makes an effort to bring out something new. Also, he utilizes the maximum potential of his singers and brings out the best in them. His friendly and supportive nature makes him more popular amongst his colleagues. So, these are the main reason why I always look forward to work with him and grabs every opportunity whenever I get it.

"Pleasure is all mine, Arohi. And, it felt really good working with you after so many months." He said grinned at me, I nodded my head and gave him a slight grin in return. "So, how was it working with Ro?"

"It was nice... actually really good!" I said as a smile found its way to my lips on hearing Rohan's name.

"I heard a lot about it by the way." He said giving me a knowing smirk.

"Huh?" I frowned at him, unsure of what he was really talking about.

"You know, about how you handled my arrogant best friend." He said with a mischievous look.

"Oh... that? Raghav must have told you?" I asked remembering Raghav's words when he told me about it.

"Yes of course! who else?" I smiled and thought of grabbing this opportunity to ask him about Rohan and the case. I doubted for a second and then went against it as maybe I'll never get an opportunity like this.

"Did you visit Rohan? I mean Raghav said you were going to be with Rohan." I asked in a low voice still not sure if it was OK to ask him this question. I mean, I just have talked to him about work till now and this was rather some personal question.

"Yes, I was in London only. Just came 2 weeks back." He said looking quite concerned, then he looked up at me. "Anyway, sit." He gestured towards the empty chair beside him. I got seated comfortably in the chair and looked at him ready to ask my next question.

"Is everything OK there?"

"Yeah, I guess!" he said looking at the papers in his hands.

"Is Rohan OK?" I shot another question, almost immediately after his reply. Because, to be honest, there were so many! And I was concerned about Rohan as I haven't met or even talked to him for the past 2 months also Raghav was too busy to update me on things there. The main source of information for me was the media which I don't want to believe because it's all made up story with no truth to it. So, this was my golden chance of getting to know more about him and the situations there considering Arjun is the closest person to him.

"Hmm... Rohan. Well, that guy sure acts like he is tough and rough. But deep down I know he is disturbed too. Don't worry. He sure knows how to handle the stuff." He said still looking at the paper zoning out to Rohan I guess and then looked at me, flashing a small smile.

"Yeah, I guess you are right about that. he never shows his true emotions." I said plainly.

"Yeah, he is just like that." He shrugged his shoulder at me, giving me a weak smile.

"I hope this ends soon," I said in a low voice, now, looking down at my hands.

"Yeah, it will!"

"So, you and Rohan started career together?" I asked after a small silence trying to change the topic as it can be distressing to him as well and I don't want to ask anything further about it to him.

"Not started together as such. I was senior to him, as in, I got into the industry before him but I was still struggling artist when I met him. We got along really well once we got to know each other. Later things started getting better with our career and we worked together for some time till he went to London." A smile formed on his lips reminiscing those old days, looking at nowhere in particular, he then fixed his gaze on me. "It seems you are looking forward to going back again. I guess the album is coming out pretty well then."

"Yes, it sure is! Besides, I really enjoy experimenting with the music and it's something completely new to me too!" I said excitedly meaning every word.

"Yes, it sure is. I'm glad you are trying something new and different now." He gave me a small smile as I went on with my excitement.

"Did you hear any song?"

"Not yet. Rohan was pretty much occupied with the ongoing thing that he didn't really get time for it. You know how he is, right? He was already frustrated so even I didn't ask him anything." Of course, how stupid am I! How can I even possibly ask this stupidest question? I felt embarrassed at my idiotic behavior. I moved my gaze from Arjun and looked at everywhere but him. I don't know if he found that but I heard him chuckle and then he continued further. "But I will make sure to hear it when this mess gets clear! It will be my first priority. As it has both of my most favorite singers after all." I looked at him again and just gave him a small smile not knowing what I should say after that embarrassingly stupid question.

"But, I'm surely impressed with Rohan as he made a right choice by selecting you for this album. I know you will kill it there too." He said again and I chuckled to it.

"Thanks, Arjun. You are being too sweet."

"I'm just telling you the fact, Arohi." He said casually shrugging his shoulders.

"You should definitely teach your best friend 'How to be sweet to others' too," I said playfully with a grin. He threw his head back and laughed at that.

"He is not bitter, Arohi. It's all about the circumstances in your life that lead you where you are and who you are today. Rohan was never like this before. I mean, of course, he was arrogant before too." He smiled a little and continued further. "But he wasn't anything like this."

"Yeah, I know Arjun. He is not what he shows. I don't know why though." I said mentally debating if I should ask the next question or not. At last, I took a sigh and went for it. "I don't know if I can ask this or not, but..."

"Ask me anything you want. I will answer if I can." He gave me an assuring smile.

"What made Rohan like this?" I asked looking at him with uncertainty. His smile died off as he moved his gaze away from me. He looked at me again after few moments.

"About that... umm...why don't you just ask him instead?" he said dryly and I let out a sigh.

"I did but he didn't tell me anything."

"Well, for now, all I can say is that..." He was cut off by a cheerful voice which came from behind me.

"Hello!!!" Arjun looked past my shoulder, surprised. I turned my head in the same direction to see who it was.

"Hey! What are you doing here, Jenny?" Arjun asked with the same expressions getting up from the chair.

"That wasn't the question I was hoping for! And why do you look not so happy? Can't I come here?" Jenny asked raising her eyebrows, giving a questioning look at Arjun.

"Why would I look unhappy, Jenny? It's not called 'being unhappy'. It's called 'being surprised'." Arjun said the matter of fact as he walked towards Jenny.

"Whatever!" Jenny rolled her eyes at him before giving him her bright smile and throwing her hands around his neck, hugging him as tight as she can. I guess he would possibly choke too if she holds him longer. But it made me happy seeing them so happy together. I smiled admiring their bond, their love.

"So, did you miss me?" Arjun asked with a smirk pulling away from Jenny, his hands loosely wrapped around her waist.

"Of course, I did. That's why I'm here! So that we can have lunch together." Jenny said smiling widely at Arjun. Arjun gave a quick peck on her lips and turned to face me.

"Jenny, look who is here. You wanted to meet her badly, didn't you?" He said gesturing at me. I got up looking at them with a smile on my face. Jenny looked at me and her smile widened even more.

"Oh My God! Arohi. Finally, we met. I can't believe!" She said dramatically, letting go of Arjun and squeezing me tight with excitement. And for some reason, I didn't feel like I'm being hugged by a stranger. She has something in her which made me feel so instantly comfortable with her. There was so much warmth in it. Also, Jenny was no stranger to me after all those stories told by Raghav, I felt like I knew her.

"You have no idea how much I was dying to meet you ever since Raghav told me all those stories about you." She said pulling back still the excitement visible in her voice.

"Yeah, actually Arjun just told me about that. In fact, Raghav already introduced me to you both back in London itself. He was really in the awe of your cooking. I was looking forward to meeting you too." I said flashing a smile at her.

"Oh god! That guy always exaggerating things. I'm not that good, you know." She said shaking her head in despair.

"I don't know about that. I definitely can't wait to taste the food you make." I said with a wide smile.

"Yes, same here Arohi. He was all impressed with your cooking skills too." She winked and elbowed me in arms.

"Girls! Girls! I'm here too, you know. In case you have forgotten." Arjun said dramatically throwing his hands in the air. We looked at him and started laughing together while Arjun just rolled his eyes at us.

"Aww!! I know you are here, Jaan. How can I possibly forget you?" Jenny said buttering and side hugging him. He again rolled his eyes and I can't help but smile looking at the cute lovebirds in front of me.

"Talking about Raghav. He must have taken care of you?" Arjun asked once they were over with their PDA.

"Yes, he did. He is really sweet. He made me feel like home." I said remembering about Raghav and smiling a little. God! I miss that guy so much and his continuous blabbering and teasing.

"Yeah, he sure is one sweet Idiot!" Jenny said giving a small laugh. "What about Rohan? He sure has given you hard time." She said with a teasing smile. I laughed to that.

"To be honest, yes he did. But eventually, he was all nice later."

"Really? That's so unlike him. So Mr. Nanda finally getting better with people, I guess." Jenny said in a surprised tone and then looking at Arjun to see his reaction.

"He has to Jenny. After all, Arohi is no less. Am I right, Arohi?" Arjun said raising his brows and ginning.

"Of course, She sure is. We have heard countless stories about you. And you have no idea how much they kept us entertained." Jenny nudged me playfully to which I giggled.

"Anyway, let's talk over lunch. What say?" Arjun said clapping both his hands and looking at Jenny first and then at me.

"Yes. Else I'll go on with my chattering and they will call me for the shot. And I can't really work with an empty stomach. So, it's better if we go now. Come on Arohi, let's go." Jenny said holding my hand and almost pulling me with her.

"Umm...no, actually you both carry on. I should just get going now." I stopped her with force as I refused to move from my position.

"Oh, come on! It won't take long." Jenny said making a puppy face.

"Or you are running away as you didn't like our company?" Asked Arjun raising his brows, tricking me into having lunch with them.

"What? No..." I was saying when Jenny cut me in the mid-sentence.

"Well, if that is the case then you can go. I won't force you." She said pouting at me. I chuckled at her behavior. They seemed adamant about taking me to have lunch with them and I didn't fight back that much as I also wanted to spend time with them and get to know them more. 

"That is so not true, Jenny. Who won't like to eat with 'The Jennifer Fernandez'?" I winked at her and her eyes twinkled.

"Oh no! You sure know how to pamper people. I guess if that's the reason Rohan got along with you so well." She said as she nudged me and smirked a little.

"OK. Let's go before they call you for the shot." I said changing the topic. I don't want her to pull my leg now. I'm already tired of it.

"Oh yeah. Hurry Arjun. Why are you still standing here?" Jenny turned and almost shouted at Arjun.

"What me? Really, Jenny?" Arjun said both surprised and clueless but before he could say anything further Jenny marched out of the door pulling me behind her.

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

It was already evening when I came home. I unlocked the door and let myself in. I was feeling so freaking exhausted mostly, because of this burning heat. I went up to fridge and pulled out a water bottle and drank as much water as I can. I sat on the chair beside dining table, breathing slowly with the water bottle still in my hand.

Jenny and Arjun are really amazing people to hang out with. Though I knew them for so many years, in reality, I just got to know them now. I thoroughly enjoyed their company. Having lunch with them was not a bad idea after all. We chatted about everything literally, from movies, music, politics and what not. I'm glad they dragged me with them. Jenny also invited me to visit her house and offered me to shop and hang out with her and unlike me, I readily agreed to do so. I honestly felt so comfortable and happy with them. It was so easy to talk to them, to keep the conversation going, it has always been tough for me. I saw a scope for a new friendship with them, I don't have many friends anyway and I would love it if this friendship grows. And yes, I'm going to meet her again. I'm really looking forward to it.

So, Rohan Nanda not just gave me a big opportunity to explore the international music but also, he gave me some new people who I can happily call my friends. Talking about Rohan, should I call him? It's been two months since I heard anything from him. He won't call me ever considering how he is. Besides he is pretty much distressed too as Arjun said. I can at least ask him about how he is doing. I pulled out my mobile from the purse and scrolled through the contacts. I stopped at Rohan's name. I was still tossing about whether I should call him or not. At last, I pressed the back button and put the mobile on the dining table. I let out a sigh and shook my head. He might be busy. It's still afternoon there. I shouldn't disturb him.

I looked at my phone again and took it in my hands and went into messaging.

What should I type?

Thinking about it for some time I started pressing my fingers on the screen.

"Hey Rohan, it's been a long time. How have you been? Is everything OK there? Sorry, I'm messaging you just now. I thought about messaging or calling you earlier but thought you might be busy. But, I got updates from Raghav. Hope you are fine. :) " - A

I took a deep sigh and placed my phone on the table. I kept looking at it for some time. If any reply came or not. But no such luck for now. God! I'm acting like a 15-year-old girl who has messaged her crush and is anxiously waiting for his reply. I sighed again. I don't even know if he will reply or not. You definitely can't tell that about Mr. Nanda. It majorly depends on his mood. I again looked at my phone.

He might be busy, Right? He will reply after he gets free.

What is wrong with me? Why am I acting like this? I got up from the chair, took my mobile and purse and went to my room. I placed the phone on the side table and thought of taking a quick cold shower as I was really exhausted from this heat.

Well, my quick shower wasn't really quick one as I was in the shower for almost an hour or so. It was already gotten dark when I came out of the washroom. I quickly moved to the mobile and saw if I got any notification. But still nothing.

What is he even doing? Hasn't he even taken a glance at his mobile for so long? 

But again, how can I possibly blame him? Of course, he couldn't have gotten time. I again placed the mobile back on the table.

I ate my dinner in silence and then thought of reading my favorite novel "The Notebook" before sleeping. No matter how many times I read this book, I'll never get bored. I took the book from the shelf and jumped into bed. I pulled my comforters over and lay comfortably on the bed. I held the book in front of my face, all ready to read.

I started reading the book, but as I was reading those paras my mind continuously got drifted to Rohan. Earlier, whenever I read this story of Allie and Noah, I always have remembered Rahul and all those happy times we spend together every single time. But this is the first time that I was thinking of someone else than Rahul. Maybe this is happening because of that message. I shrugged off the thoughts and got back to reading again. After an hour or so when sleep came knocking my door I thought of finally closing my book and call it a night. 

Rohan might be busy so he will reply when he gets time. I shouldn't wait for it, I convinced myself. Sleeping seemed to be a better option. I leaned to the side a little to reach my mobile which was kept on the side table. I wanted to set an alarm as I have one important meeting tomorrow morning so I have to get up early. I unlocked my phone and saw one notification which came 10 minutes before. I felt my heart skipped a beat. I hurriedly clicked on it. It was from Rohan.

"Hey there! Sorry for the late reply. Was pretty much busy. Don't worry, things are going pretty well here. And yeah I know you have been in contact with Raghav." - R

A smile crept across my face and it widened with his every written word. I wasted no time in replying him back as I was just too excited seeing his text.

"Glad to know that you are fine. But is that case ending anytime soon?" - A

I was still holding my phone looking into it as I waited impatiently for few minutes before his reply came finally.

"Yeah! It seems like. Will let you know anyway. So, how are you? How are things going there? Are you missing me so much? ;)" - R

Oh yes! There he goes. I shook my head still smiling idiotically. But I must admit that I missed this so much. I rolled my eyes as I started typing again.

"Shut up Rohan! I'm good too! Thanks for asking though, I thought you might have forgotten me by now. Things are going well here. Nothing interesting as such." - A

His reply came instantly this time.

"Haha... Glad to know you are good too. And no sweetheart, how I can possibly forget you? Remember? We still have an album to complete. Forgetting you won't help. ;)" - R

Of course, he has to add something like this. I rolled my eyes, annoyed by his words. But then I smiled again, I was really happy to have heard something from him after two long months. From his words, I could guess he is feeling better now as he is back in his annoying self. I typed my message and pressed the send button.

"You won't change. Will you? I shouldn't have been worried about you. By the way, I recorded a song with your best friend today. Got to meet Jenny too. They are just too sweet. Just try to learn something from Arjun." - A

"Nah! I'm all good! He is just too sweet for my taste. ;) " - R

A small laugh escaped my mouth and shook my head a little, in despair.

"No point in arguing with you. Anyway, I just hope this ends soon on a happy note and you win the case. :) " - A

"Seems like you really are missing me too much. ;)" - R

I just want to tell one thing which I have been saying for so long now, no one can have a serious conversation with this guy! But, anyway I'm used to this, so it's all right. I can even let him annoy me if that can make him forget his worries and can make him happy at least for some time.

"Seriously?" - A

"haha... but on a serious note yes, I do hope it ends soon. I guess it's already late there!" - R

My smile faded a little as I guessed it's time to say bye. I wanted to talk for some more time though but nevertheless, he must be tired too. I should let him rest.

"Yeah, actually it is! Well then, Good night, Rohan. Take care." - A

"Yes, mam you too! And Good Night! " - R

I stared at my mobile smiling silently before setting my alarm and turning it off. I put it again on the side table and leaned back on the bed pulling my comforters above. I stared at the ceiling, so many thoughts running through my mind. All of them about just one person, Rohan. I was feeling so happy as I have talked to him now, after so long. I know it's just a text but to have got a reply from Rohan Nanda doesn't happen every day. That guy never keeps in touch with anyone, at all. I felt more relieved to know that he is fine, he didn't sound that stressed out or worried from those messages at least. So I hope things are going well there. Hmm...let it gets over soon, on a good note, of course!

I switched off the light and closed my eyes with a smile still on my lips. I turned to my side on the bed, pulling the cover more close to me and hugging my pillow as I slowly slipped into a deep and peaceful slumber after a long time...

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Miles separated them,
Yet they were always connected.
Sometimes by words,
Sometimes by silence.

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Surprise!!! An early update for all the awesome readers out there. We thought we can do this much for you as you have been showering us with so much love. 😁😘🤗

So, Arjun and Jenny are finally here too. Also, a small AroHan moment for all of you as you missed Rohan in the previous chapter. Tell us what you think about this one.

Do, VOTE if you liked this one and COMMENT too as they keep us going!!

AroHan will come back with next chapter in next week now!! 💕✨

Till then, Bye. 🙋‍♀️

Love, Kritika and Ammu ❤️