Chapter 18 - Kiss Everyone To Your Right

We had to call Officer Charan and his people back in Shravan's house and tell them about my phone problem. Manan, Shivani, Preet, Rahul, and Shravan's parents sat with us, listening.

"Do you remember any of those police officers' names?"

Stressing my mind, I immediately said, "Awasthi! Manoj Awasthi!"

Shravan nodded.

"We'll check that name for validification," nodded Officer Charan. "Did you have some sort of a passcode on your phone?" I nodded, feeling somewhat relieved. My phone couldn't be hacked.

"Yeah; zero-one-one-zero." The words flew out of my mouth just as the officer raised a hand for me to not say anything.

Great job, idiot.

Officer Charan let out an exasperated sigh, confusing everyone.

"Deewaron ke bhi kaan hote hain (be careful when sharing secrets; someone maybe behind the walls listening to you)." He stood up and told his team to start moving. Understanding the officer's warning, I crossed my arms. We didn't know who the enemy was and me stating aloud my password so clearly could land me in trouble.

But the people in the room were pretty reliable.

As soon as the police left the house, I scratched my temple. People always say everything happens for a reason, but what was the reason of my situation? We landed at Thakur's place, escaped, and now, back to Thakur again.

All our hopes lied with the police.

We proceeded through the day gloomily. Generously, Manan offered me his phone to call my brother and tell him about losing my phone, but Laksh didn't pick up. The police had no leads as well because apparently, the people who we thought were police officers helping Thakur Vijay were putting up a charade. In reality, Manoj Awasthi and the others didn't exist in that area or in the UP police.

I asked about Anchal's funeral, but due to the Forensics team needing more time testing on his body, my friend's body wasn't getting cremated anytime soon.

Two days of nothing happening was somewhat of a relief, but I was still nervous.

Laksh didn't answer any of my calls.

To make matters worse, the aunty who tried to bring me and Shravan close had invited us to her daughter's mehndi (henna) and music ceremony. She wanted us there for sure. Even though Shravan and I tried to make excuses, we were forced to attend the function with Manan and Shubham. We didn't even have Rahul or Preet for the company because they decided to leave for Dehradun to visit Rahul's family.

We arrived at the ceremony in ostentatious outfits and plopped aside from the rest of the guests. The only person who left and knew other people was Manan. Shravan stood to the side with a flat expression, not bothering to exchange a single word with anyone. It could've been because of his future brother-in-law who always intimidated him with his presence.

"Go get henna on your hands," Shubham nudged me.

I elbowed him in reprisal. "Why?"

The tough guy, for once, loosened his stern expression and gently said, "I've noticed you stressed and upset since the whole Thakur thing. Your friend's death, nightmares, losing your phone, etc. Right now, it's a great opportunity to get your mind off things."

At first, I was taken aback by his words and even saw Shravan scowling at Shubham.

I smiled. It was nice to have someone show concern for me.

"Thanks. Maybe I will," I said. "I can't spend all my time with Shravan." I really couldn't either. Unless it was during our investigation, I wanted to maintain a safe distance from him. Spending too much time with someone had bitter consequences when that someone was already in a commitment.

I excused myself and joined a group of girls applying henna to the bride's hands.

One of them asked me if I wanted henna as well.

"Thanks. But none until my own marriage," I said, hiding my hands behind my back. "A little thing I'm saving for an idiot out there." The girls giggled and looked at Shravan. Immediately, I regretted my word choice.

I was Sanya right now, not Ahar!

Fortunately, the women resumed what they were doing. The DJ played a mixture of latest songs mixed with old ones to keep all generations of people happy. People were dancing here and there. I even saw Manan drag Shubham to dance to "Desi Boyz." I laughed, enjoying the unsynchronized moves. They even dragged Shravan with them to dance to "Badan Pe Sitare (Covered With Stars)."

Shravan pleaded with his eyes and clasped hands for me to save him.

I shook my head with an evil grin.

"He's so cute," one of the girl sighed.

"He is," I agreed.

My smile fell as I realized what I was saying. How dare I call a grinch cute? Okay, maybe if his attitude was eliminated from the equation, Shravan was cute--or even handsome.

Playing Sanya was definitely affecting my mind and thoughts.

I clapped along with the girls and the excited bride until Shravan ran over to us with the guys and pushed everyone to dance.

No.

I'm not dancing.

I tried to sneak out of the group, but Shravan pulled me back by my elbow.

Giving him a pleading look, I said, "Please spare me."

"Hmm." His lips held a mischievous smile.

That was a no.

First, the crowd danced to "High Heels," but then Manan told everyone to form a chain, holding hands with people we liked. I stood between Shravan and Shubham (naturally, not by choice). The DJ put on "Chuma Chuma Dede (Give Me A Kiss)."

"Kiss everyone to your right!" Manan yelled. "Like Dominos! Don't break the chain!" There was an outcry of disapproval. "C'mon, share the love. Just a little pappi (kiss) on the cheek." The song resumed and then people began the kissing streak. The situation was funny until I realized I had to kiss Shravan.

I tried to get out of the chain, but Shravan shook his head. The old people were keeping guard to allow no line breakers.

If I stepped out, that'd definitely gain me attention.

"Don't you dare let Shubham kiss me," Shravan whispered.

He was worried for himself?

"But he can kiss me?!" I whispered back.

"He's your brother."

"Alright. But it's okay if I kiss you?"

"You're my girlfriend," he reasoned.

Fake one!

Before I could reply, I felt a pair of lips lightly brush against my temple. Shubham. He gave an apologetic and helpless look. Obviously, we had to conform to the dominos game.

My eyes turned to Shravan, knowing full well everyone was waiting for me to kiss him.

The last "guy" I had kissed in my entire lifetime was a distant cousin of mine during my childhood. Even if it was just a peck on the cheek. In this situation, I didn't know why but I panicked.

To kiss or not to kiss?

That is the question.

People were gaping at me and urging me to kiss my boyfriend.

He wasn't mine rather Sanya's. How would I react if a random girl kissed my boyfriend or fiancé?

Seeing no movement from my behalf, Shravan sort of hit his cheek against my mouth before planting a kiss on top of an aunty's head on his other side.

He turned back to me, immediately.

I was still staring at him, wondering what just happened.

Although Shravan kept his mouth shut and pretending nothing weird had occurred, his silence told me he was definitely going to bring my lack of action later. Turning away, I found Shubham eyeing me.

"What?" I asked.

"Sanya would be glad you are her replacement, not someone else." He shrugged.

I was glad I had brotherly support from him.

The chain broke apart and the three of us decided to leave. It was already midnight and frankly speaking, we all wanted sleep. When paying our humble goodbyes, we received boxes of sweets from aunties and uncles. My hands along with Shubham and Shravan's were overloaded with sweetness. One of the aunties who Shravan had kissed earlier gave him a giant kiss on the cheek.

Manan came running with his cell phone.

"Call for you," he told me. "It's your Mom, I think." Just hearing her name brought me happiness.

"Put it on the speaker! Let us all talk to her!" said one of the aunties.

Shoot.

All of us paled at her demand. The aunty grabbed the phone and answered it. "Sat shri akal bhenji (Hello)," she yelled, after putting the phone on speaker. "The kids are here at a function. Sorry for the loud background noises."

"Who is this?" Mumma asked.

I bit my lip, nervously. If she said my name, the entire charade would be up. I tried to take the phone from her, but the woman moved away. We were goners.

"It's Mansi Chaddha. We're Shravan's distant aunt and uncle," she explained. I don't think even Sharavan knew he was related to her.

"Who's Shravan?" Mumma asked.

Everyone turned confused.

"She has a memory problem," Shubham lied.

One of the aunties laughed and yelled into the phone, "Your daughter's fiancé, hor koun (who else)?"

I was so dead. Mumma joked about a son-in-law with me, but now, these women were confirming it.

"Really?" Mumma asked. "May I please talk to my daughter, then?"

The woman turned the phone my way, but wouldn't allow a private conversation.

"Mumma, how are you?" I asked, trying not to ask risky questions.

"Same old same old," she replied in a wary tone. My mood deflated, realizing she probably wasn't fine. "Betaji (sweetheart), who's Shravan?" I knew that tone. That tone that Mumma used when she confronted me about something I hid.

I glanced at Shravan.

If I didn't lie to Mumma, his entire plan would be ruined.

"We'll talk later," I said. "When you're feeling better."

"No, we'll talk, now. Who knows when I might get a chance again?" That was true. "Who's Shravan?" The aunties all waited for my answer, believing that my mother had memory issues.

Begrudgingly, I replied, "My fiancé."

There was a moment of silence.

"If you were near me right now . . . " she trailed off. I knew very well, she would slap me if I told her this face-to-face. "I wish I could hug you right now," Mumma said in a joyful tone. Her words caught me off guard. "Happy birthday, Ahu. What a surprise, meri jaan (my dear)."

The birthday wish buzzed around the gossip ladies and everyone started wishing me.

I didn't even know it was my birthday!

What the heck?

"Thanks," I mumbled. In all the chaos I have been through, I forgot that I lived for another year.

"Come and visit me, if you get a chance. I miss you," Mumma said. "We need to talk. Bring along my damaad (son-in-law), too. Promise me."

"I promise," I said without thinking.

She bid goodbye saying she was tired. A lump formed at the back of my throat as I controlled my tears. It was my first birthday so far away from her. Shockingly, Shravan put a consoling arm around my shoulder. It meant far more than any words.

The aunties kept congratulating and hugging me as being alive was the greatest thing in the world. Nevertheless, the love they showered upon me was sweet. If only they hadn't landed me in a tough situation.

Now, I had to visit Mumma . . . with her son-in-law.

Saying our goodbyes, the guys and I rushed towards the car.

"Did you guys like my game?" Manan asked excitedly. "And I even got Ahar to talk to her mom on her birthday."

Duffer.

He ruined everything and now asked how it went.

"Pull a stunt like that again and I'll make sure you disappear from this planet," Shubham warned.

Needless to say, the ride back to the Sethi mansion was peaceful.

___________

A/N

I'm aware the update is late. I have been giving thought to my real life than wattpad. Naturally, I can't spend my one and only life on wattpad. Jk. I have just been watching the World Cup (Kohli's seriously amazing) and old Hindi movies (Rajesh Khanna's the best).

Now, I have an upcoming test. It's so crucial that it'll literally decide my future/career.

Anyways, how was the chapter?

Ahar's birthday and it's got a good start, right?

Manan's amazing, isn't he?

Do check out Husband For Hire which is updated and my last story on wattpad "Don't Mind My Heartache," if you have time.

--K-K-Kiran