Arohi's POV

"You ready?" Rohan asked, settling on a stool with guitar in his laps.

"Yeah...I'm ready! Let's get started!" I said with both excitement and nervousness visible in my voice. We were going to rehearse the song we wrote yesterday.

I sat on a stool, facing him and took a deep sigh in order to release the nervousness that was building up inside me. Even though I've recorded one English song, I still feel nervous when I sing one. It's never the case with Hindi songs though.

I looked at Rohan and nodded my head with a smile, gesturing that I'm ready to start, finally. He smiled back at me and closed his eyes, and started to play the guitar.

I found a love for me
Oh darling, just dive right in and follow my lead

His voice was so soothing, so smooth. It was peaceful to listen to him. I just kept looking at him with a small smile.

Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet
Oh, I never knew you were the someone waiting for me

He opened his eyes and looked at me with a smile, which I returned. He sang the next lines without taking his eyes off me and his hands playing the chords perfectly.

'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up this time
But darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own
And in your eyes, you're holding mine

I could sit and listen to him singing, all day and all night. There was just something in him and his voice that keeps you rooted to your place when he sings and you just listen to him. He again closed his eyes, while continued singing effortlessly and I found myself adoring him singing with a faint smile playing on my lips.

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight

He opened his eyes and gestured me to continue further. I came back to my senses and started singing my part.

Well I found a man, stronger than anyone I know
He shares my dreams, I hope that someday we'll share a home
I found love, to carry more than just my secrets
To carry love, to carry children of our own

I started off with nervousness but then Rohan gave me an assuring smile by nodding his head. That somehow did the trick as I gained a little confidence and I continued with the singing, as I closed my eyes.

We are still kids, but we're so in love
Fighting against all odds
I know we'll be alright this time
Darling, just hold my hand
Be your girl, you'll be my man
And I see my future in your eyes

I opened my eyes to look at him, to see his reaction. I needed feedback from him and I was happy to see him smiling at me, playing his guitar. I then knew, I sang well, a smile spread across my lips and I was so happy that I didn't let him down, I stood up to his expectations.

I continued with the singing.

Well baby, I'm dancing in the dark, with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass,

Rohan joined me in the middle.

Listening to our favorite song

And he took off alone.

When I saw you in that dress

I joined him for the next line.

Looking so beautiful, I don't deserve this,
darling, you look perfect tonight

A big smile crept across my lips as we sang together, I was enjoying this on and off singing. He chuckled at me and played the chords while humming and I did the same.

Then we sang the last stanza together, smiling at each other.

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark, with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, while listening to our favorite song
I have faith in what I see
Now I know I have met an angel in person
And she looks perfect, And he looks perfect
No I don't deserve this, You look perfect tonight ...

The song ended with him playing the guitar. He smiled at me and kept the guitar aside. I still had that big smile on my lips. It was really exciting and I did well too. And also Rohan looked happy with my singing. I'm so loving this!

I thought working with him will be tough but it was the exact opposite. He was so comfortable to work with, he always helped me when I couldn't get the notes right, encourages me when I'm nervous and made me feel good about my singing skills in English. But of course, he can be annoying too but let's not even go there, I'm in a too good mood to even think about that.

I'm loving this phase of my life, being in London, making new friends, getting to sing in this big album, having fun with Raghav, spending time with Rohan, jamming with him, listening to him singing, just talking to him. Everything! I'm loving everything that's happening in my life right now...

***********

"Rohan..." I called him looking out of the window.

"Yeah.." I heard his lazy voice answering me. I turned around to find him sitting on the couch comfortably with a notebook before him and chewing on the back of the pen, thinking.

"Let's go out in the garden and finish the remaining work there," I said with a wide grin being enthusiastic. It was such a beautiful evening.

He didn't respond at all, he was looking at the notebook, so engrossed in his thoughts.

"Rohan!" I raised my voice a bit louder to bring him back to reality.

"What? I heard you." He said with a boredom dripping from his voice, still not taking his eyes off from the notebook.

"Then respond! How am I supposed to know? I can't read your mind." I said frowning at him. He again didn't pay attention to me. I rolled my eyes and walked up to him.

"Let's go then!" I said snatching his notebook.

"Arohi!" He said irritatedly looking up at me. I knew he didn't like being bothered when he is working but I can't help it, he should have responded to me earlier.

"Let's go out and work there," I said in a plain tone, walking out of the room with his notebook. He sighed as he got up and followed me out.

I stepped out in the garden, barefoot. The grass tickled against my feet. A cool breeze brushed past me, playing with my hair. I smiled at the feeling and walked towards the bench placed in the garden. Rohan was walking right behind me.

I always believed the best ideas come to your mind when you are in nature. It always inspires me. Besides, I hate being shut in a room for too long, I feel suffocated and restless. We have been in that music room since morning and I just wanted to get out of that room, to get some fresh air and feel fresh. And that's exactly why I wanted to come in the garden.

Raghav was already there watering the plants. "Oh look who is here! The new lovebirds! Today in the garden? Someone's getting really romantic." He said as soon as he spotted us with a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

What the heck is he saying? Lovebirds? Seriously!?

"What???!!!" I almost shouted, still being confused by his words. Why would he say that? He has been acting weird since breakfast.

"What? I know what's going on between you two. After yesterday, you can't deny that, Arohi. You two were getting naughty in the living room." He smirked and winked at me and my mouth fell open.

"What are you talking about Raghav? It's nothing! We were just playing around, nothing else." I was moving my hands in the air trying to explain him all the things but he wasn't responding to that and was still laughing, looking at me. And it was irritating me so much so I turned around to look at Rohan for some help but he was not bothered by anything. He was comfortably sitting on the bench with the same notebook in front of him, again thinking something looking in the notebook.

"Rohan, aren't you going to say anything?" I said with my voice louder enough for him to hear. I was expecting him to back me up here because of course there's nothing like what Raghav is thinking. I don't know why I wanted to give an explanation to Raghav because I know he is just doing this to annoy me. Rohan looked up at me from his notebook as soon as he heard me and his famous smirk formed on his lips. Oh No! How can I even expect him to help me? After all, he enjoys annoying me even more than Raghav.

"What happened, baby?" Rohan said with a fake concern and turned to Raghav. "Raghav! Don't you dare say anything to her! I'll throw you out! You understand?!" He then again looked at me, "Don't worry, baby. He won't say anything to you from now on. If he does, just tell me. Alright, sweetheart?" He was trying to suppress his laugh. I just stood there looking at both of them like a fool.

"What the hell Rohan..." Before I could finish, I was interrupted by Raghav's loud laughter. What's wrong with him? I gave him an annoyed expression.

"Oh look Arohi! You even learned his language just like a perfect girlfriend." He managed to say in between his laugh.

"Girlfriend?! Seriously?! You two have lost your mind. Shut up, alright! Both of you!" I shouted at both of them. They are really getting on my nerves. Why they have to be so annoying! And why is it always happening with me??

"Ok then, I'll be leaving you lovebirds alone in this beautiful weather to enjoy." He said putting down the pipe in his hands. "You both were going lovey-dovey last night and I interrupted your session. And trust me I really felt guilty about it but it's not totally my fault. You should have gone into the room. Anyway, I'm not disturbing you guys more by staying here." He said with a puppy face.

"Yeah, get the hell out of here," Rohan said looking at Raghav and then turned to me. "Give us some alone time. We need to finish few things." He winked at me with a mischievous smile.

I looked at both of them in disbelief and they were just smiling widely at me. I can tell, they are really enjoying this irritation game. But I'm not!

"There's nothing between us Raghav!" I said sternly.

"Why are you lying to him, Arohi? It's OK, baby. There's no need to hide it from him." Rohan said acting all innocent.

"What?" I frowned at Rohan and shook my head in despair, as I saw him smiling teasingly at me.

"Don't listen to him, Raghav." I turned to Raghav, "He is just kidding around. You know him better, right?" I still don't know why I'm trying this hard because they aren't gonna stop anyway.

"Yeah, that's what I thought. I thought I know you both well...but..." He said taking a deep sigh and looked at me with faking a sad expression.

"Seriously Raghav! Just stop it already!" I said being irritated than ever.

I rolled my eyes at them who were smiling at me like idiots. I ignored them and took the pipe lying on the ground and started watering the plants. Again my idea backfired on me. Great! Why can't I just learn my lesson? I better should have stayed in that closed music room than coming out in the garden and getting annoyed by these two idiots. I thought I will feel refreshed but No! instead, I got a headache. But Rohan and Raghav surely entertained themselves thoroughly.

"OK, OK! Don't get upset Arohi. I'm leaving. Enjoy your garden time with your boyfriend." Raghav said from behind. He was trying to suppress the laugh as he talked. I ignored him anyway there was no point in talking further. It will just entertain them and irritate me further. But then another idea popped in my head.

OK, that's it! You want to irritate me, Raghav. Fine then!

I thought with an evil smirk. I immediately turned around with the pipe in my hand to throw water on him. But it seems that he sensed my move and immediately jumped to the side. I missed him and instead ended up throwing the water on... Yeah, you have guessed it right! Rohan. He instantly threw the notebook in his hand aside so it won't get wet.

"OH MY GOD, AROHI!" Raghav said in between his laugh. He was laughing so hard holding his stomach. I looked at him trying to keep myself from laughing. I then turned to Rohan to find him completely drenched. I was still holding the pipe in the same position with water flowing from it with full force onto him. I was still processing the whole scene that I forgot about putting the pipe away. Rohan got up from the bench with an unknown expression. I was too busy in controlling my laughter.

As soon as Rohan got up from the bench, I saw Raghav running, he ran past Rohan and gestured me to run too. I stayed rooted to my position, not moving an inch. I tried not to laugh but I failed miserably this time. Rohan started taking steps towards me.

"I'm so..so.. sorry!" I managed to say in between my laughter looking at him.

"Oh no! That's fine darling." He said coming closer to me. Now I knew it was not safe to stand idle, I immediately threw the pipe away and started running. Rohan followed right after me. Within no time I found myself in his grip. He caught me by my waist and pulled me back towards him, my back collided against his hard chest. He held both of my hands close to my stomach, holding me in a tight grip. I was completely locked in between his arms and his hard body. I couldn't even move, let alone escape from his grip. He was way too strong and bulky for me.

He placed his head on the crook of my neck and I could feel his breath hitting my sensitive skin. I shivered at his touch. I felt butterflies in my stomach and my heartbeat raised, I couldn't figure out if it was because of the running or him.

"Now you are not going anywhere." He whispered in my ear, his lips brushing my ear sending shivers down my spine. I was motionless as I was just too affected by his closeness.

He then turned me around to face him and I couldn't do anything to get off his grip. I was like a puppet in his hands right now. He passed me a mischievous smile and shook his head to either side making the water droplets from his hair hit my face, I turned my head to the side, trying to avoid the droplets hitting my face. I couldn't use my hands as they were held tightly against my back by Rohan. I blushed in different shades of red.

In the next instant, Rohan loosened his grip on my hands and bend down. He picked me up on his one shoulder. It all happened so fast that it took me some time to realize that I was being carried on his shoulder.

"ROHAN!!!! PUT ME DOWN!" I shouted hitting his back with my fist. It didn't affect him at all and I'm not surprised.

"Just a minute, sweetheart. We are almost there." He said walking fast. Within few seconds I found myself being put on the ground and before I could come to my senses, a splash of water hit me hard.

"ROHAN!!! WHAT THE HELL???!!!" I shouted at him. He was laughing, holding the pipe in one hand, shoving the water on my face and another hand holding his stomach.

"JUST STOP!! I SAID SORRY! IT WAS A MISTAKE!" I managed to say as I was trying to breathe and avoid the water from getting into my nose or mouth.

I felt the force of the water slowing down and it finally stopped. By now I was completely drenched with my t-shirt sticking to my body like a second skin. I was so embarrassed. Thank God there was no one around other than him otherwise I would have been even more embarrassed. But he was unaffected, just laughing his ass off, holding his stomach.

"Oh look at you Arohi. That's what you get when you mess with Rohan Nanda." He said in between his laugh.

I got myself up from the ground and threw him an angry and irritated look before marching into the house.

*********

I finally came to the conclusion now, I need to stop with my brilliant ideas. I got my lesson on that dinner night and still, I decided to implement my idea and got myself into trouble.

This morning I got up with a headache and cold. So I need to really stop with these 'brilliant ideas' of mine!

I didn't talk to Rohan after yesterday's incident. I acted like I was angry at him, which I was initially but I'm over with it now. I know, he did it just for fun. Although I still believe that he shouldn't have splashed water on me at that time. Because whatever I did happened just by mistake and also, after getting drenched, I had my clothing sticking to my body and I was really embarrassed. I hope he didn't see or notice anything.

I was in the kitchen making myself haldi ka dudh. My mom always gave me it whenever I caught a cold. I smiled remembering her. It's been months since I saw her. This was my first time staying away from her for so many days. My thoughts were interrupted by footsteps coming near me. Well, I didn't even have to turn around to know the owner of those footsteps.

"What do you want now, Rohan?" I asked sneezing in between. I didn't bother to look at him.

"Take this medicine." He said putting a strip on the kitchen counter, before me.

"I don't want those," I said ignoring him and concentrating on my haldi ka dudh. "Besides these aren't the medicine I take, so you can take them back," I said glancing him and saw him rolling his eyes at me.

"Sure fine. And by the way, Whatever medicine you take, you won't find them here. So good luck with your sneezing." He said and turned around to leave when I sneezed again. Another one followed after it. Oh God! This is worst! He stopped in his tracks and turned to face me again.

"Just take them already!" He said being irritated. Oh so now I'm irritating him. Then that's great! I'm gonna irritate him more. I just have a mild cold and I'm perfectly fine. But I'm gonna use this reason to irritate him.

"No, I won't!" I said still ignoring him and pouring the milk into the glass.

"You are so stubborn, Arohi. I don't want to postpone my work because of you."

"Well, you should have thought that before drenching me badly in water," I said as I went and sat on the couch with the glass in my hand. Rohan came and stood in front of me. "Besides haven't you learned to say sorry?" 

"What for?" He asked being thoroughly irritated now. "You are the one who started it."

"I said it was a mistake and I apologized for it too." He rolled his eyes at me and took a deep breath. 

"Look, I don't give a damn about you, but I do care about my album and that's why I'm telling you to take this medicine."

"Well, I'll take care of myself, you don't have to irritate yourself. Just go and do your work. I'll be fine and don't worry, I'm not a crybaby to cry over this cold. I'll do my work." Just after I finished my attitude speech, I sneezed. So much for showing attitude. I facepalm myself inwardly.

Rohan closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh in order to calm himself. I was getting on his nerves now, which I'm really enjoying.

"Good luck with your sneezing then! I've put the strip on the kitchen counter. Take it if you want to." He said and was about to leave when his phone started ringing.

He took out his phone from his jeans pocket and answered the call.

"Hey, Ben! What's up?" He asked cheerfully. But then his face fell. What happened?

"What happened Ben? You are sounding tensed." He said running his hand through his hair.

"OK....I'll be there. I'm leaving now." He said and hung up the call.

"What happened?" I asked getting worried.

"Umm....hmm...I don't know. He sounded tensed and that's so unlike him. We need to leave now. Get ready and meet me here in 10 minutes. I'll call Raghav." He said with a serious look and I nodded my head in response.

I stood there as he climbed the stairs but then he stopped in between and looked at me.

"Are you sure though? I mean can you come?" He asked with concern clearly visible on his face.

"Don't worry about me. It's just a mild cold. I'm completely fine." I sneezed right after that. Really?! I smiled at him sheepishly. He chuckled at me. It's always good to see him smile like this.

He raised his brows at me with a small smile playing on his lips, questioning me.

"It's nothing, I'm fine," I said with an assuring smile.

"Good then." He smiled at me and left.

I got up from the couch and I went into the kitchen to put my glass in the sink when my eyes fell on the strip which Rohan had put on the kitchen counter. I smiled a little to myself, he sure acts as a jerk but I know he cares.......a lot, more than he will ever show. I took the medicine and went back to my room to get ready.

Some minutes later...

I came to the living room but no one was there. Did they leave me behind? Just then I saw Rohan and Raghav climbing down the stairs hurriedly.

"Let's go!" Rohan said without even sparing a glance at me. Sure, he was really worried and it was making me more nervous. I hope everything is fine.

I took a deep breath and followed them outside...

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Don't fall for sweet words.
Fall for sweet efforts.

______________________

People
who hide their feelings
usually care the most.

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That's it for now! Do let us know what do you guys think of this chapter. 🤗

swati1603 Here is chapter 8 just as we promised. Thank you for waiting for it. It really means a lot. Also, it motivated us to complete the chapter and make it ready to publish today itself. Else we could have dragged it till tomorrow. hehe... 

The song AroHan are rehearsing is "Perfect" - Duet by Ed Sheeran and Beyonce. It's there in the media section.

Do, VOTE and COMMENT. It will mean a lot.  

AroHan will be back with another chapter soon. ❤️💕

Till then, Bye. 🙋‍♀️

Love, Kritika and Ammu ❤️