Hi there. Finally back with an update. Hope you like!

Moving on...

"Words in double quotes" - Talking

'Words in single quotes' - Thoughts

Chapter 25 - Unlikely Turns

*sigh*

Ayaan slammed his hands against the table and stood up in frustration, making Arjun look at him with a raised eyebrow.

"Don't give me that look bro. I'm sick and tired of hearing Lucky sighing every 10 seconds!" he glared over at the window sill where Laksh sat like a lost puppy. "Just look at him. It's like he's rehearsing for his role at Devdas part 2."

Arjun chuckled and stood up himself. "Let's go and ask, shall we?"

"Hai!"

Laksh sighed...for the unkempt time it would seem. He had been doing that a lot lately. Ever since the previous week after his argument with Ragini.

He looked up as he felt a pat on the shoulder.

"We're your brothers. And what are siblings for if not to share the heart's sorrows and loneliness, eh?"

Laksh looked at Arjun in disbelief. "I can't believe you said that Arjun. Could you be more sappy?"

"Cut the crap. Just spit it out. I have had it with your piss-poor face all week. What happened?" Ayaan huffed out. "It's not like Ragini broke up with you or something that you're this sad."

Her name itself was enough to make Laksh's frown turn into a sad pout. "But she might if I don't watch out what I say in future."

"Eh? Explain please."

Laksh sighed.

Again...

"You see, Ragini thinks that I would have left her if mom didn't like her. I woudn't! Yeah, maybe I would stop meeting her if Maa asked me to. And maybe stop calling her. But I would give my best to convince mom that Ragu is the one for me. There is no way I would give up on her!"

"Let me guess. You said that you would stop meeting and calling her to her face?"

"Yeah, but I also explained the rest! I me-ow!" Laksh rubbed the spot on his head where Arjun hit him. "What was that for!?"

"I can't believe you're my brother, but you're this idiotic. You don't just say things like that right up at a girl's face. You're not supposed to praise your mother more in front of your girlfriend and you're not supposed to gush about your girlfriend in front of your mother."

"Yep. Even I know that much." Ayaan said with a chuckle. "You messed up bro. I can see why Ragini is mad at your words. Right big bro?" he questioned looking at Arjun. However, Arjun seemed to be busy in his thoughts. "Oi, oi! Earth to Arjun bhai!"

"Huh? Oh yeah. Yeah, you're right."

"Man! What is wrong with you two?"

Arjun ignored Ayaan's comment and turned to Laksh with a serious face. "You know, Maya is close to Ragu. And if she's really mad, Ragini might let out her frustration on others. She can get childish sometimes. You and I both know that."

"What are you tryi-" Laksh's eyes widened in realization. "Oh no! Maya might get angry enough to say something hurtful! Damn, Maya's so harsh!"

"Hey, watch it. Maya has her reasons for being the cold persona she is." Arjun defended. He was tired of people mistaking Maya for a cold hearted and ruthless person. There were reasons why she turned cold.

Diamonds are formed only after it undergoes harsh conditioning. And after what he discovered about her true parents, the Malhotras, Arjun knew Maya was just as vulnerable as any other human being with a heart.

"Who's Maya?"

The three brothers looked up at their mother's voice.

"Maya is the fourth eldest sister among the Gadodia sisters."

"Oh. I see." Vandana nodded. "I've served breakfast. Come ha-"

"Later Maa! I've got to go to Ragini!" Laksh shouted as he rushed towards his room to change. 'If Ragini and Maya fought, I'm definitely at fault. I must meet up with Ragu! Besides, it's been a week. I'm sure her anger has left by now. She'll listen to me.'

"Forget him. His absence means more food for me!" Arjun hopped off the window sill and hummed as he walked towards the kitchen.

Ayaan was about to follow him, but his mother stopped him.

"Ayaan, who's Maya. Can you please explain a bit in detail. And why did Arjun seem so defensive of her?"

#Mermaid café#

"Here's your order. A hot cup of coffee and a juicy omelette."

"Thanks Rishi-future-jiju!" Ragini giggled as she accepted her omelette and started cutting it into bits.

"Welcome future-saali-saheba." he responded enthusiastically. However, the coffee before Maya was untouched. She was instead glaring at him. "What's wrong? The coffee is great, trust me! Tanuja taught me well."

"I know that. But what I'm sorry about is my eyes."

"Eh?"

"They are being unable to bear watching you wear that pink apron on top of your suit. Please take off that abomination."

Rishi chuckled and flushed. "Haha...I didn't want my suit ruined while helping Tanuja bake the cookies."

"You could off chosen a blue apron then."

"Eh? But Ragu said th-" he looked over at Ragini who sat beside Maya with an innocent look. She diverted her eyes and kept chewing her food refusing to meet his eyes. 'Aish that girl! She gave me this pink bunny apron on purpose. Man! There goes the shreds of my male pride before Maya. Unbelievable!'

"Maya here." Tanuja came and placed some cookies on the table. "Have these with coffee while you work. I know you're gonna skip breakfast for it again, aren't you?"

"Arre, Tanuja sit down. You should eat too before we leave for shopping. We'll be gone all day!" Rishi made her sit with her sisters. "Let me handle the rest of the baking."

"It's oka-"

"No ways. I'll help. You relax and chat."

"Hey everyone!" Pragya came in with a big smile on her face. "Who wants cookies?! I'm all set to bake!"

"Awesome. You can be my helper then. Let's go!"

"Sure Rishi jiju. Let's go!" she grinned and followed him towards the café kitchen.

However, her chirpiness seemed off to the three sisters. They knew her moods.

"Pragya di only bakes if she's very happy or extremely sad."

"You're right. And judging by how depressed she's been these days, I bet it's the second. She's only acting she's happy."

Maya gripped the cup tighter in her hands. "It's my fault Tanuja. I was too harsh that day with her."

Ragini scoffed. "I may not have been there when you argued. But Sanskar filled me up. He said he didn't know what was the matter with you, but you seemed frustrated. So Arjun spoke for you against Pragya di accusing of slacking. That's nothing to be this depressed about."

"But she hasn't been the same ever since that day."

Tanuja placed a hand on Maya's shoulder. "Ragu's right. I too think there's something else. But if it's troubling you, you should go apologize to her."

Maya looked at her with a hesitant look. "I'm not good with apologies. You know that."

"I know. It isn't like you to apologize, even if it's us. And I won't force you to do it. But Maya, I want to ask you one thing. What's more important to you? Your ego at the cost of your bond of sisterhood? Or Pragya and her happiness?" Tanuja questioned. "Are you willing to risk your bond with Pragya for a simple argument?"

Maya sighed in defeat. "Sometimes I hate it when you sound absolutely correct and rational."

Tanuja chuckled and grabbed Maya's coffee. "I'll have this. You go to Pragya."

"Yeah." Maya stood up with a determined look. "The Poison Tree it is."

Ragini, who had gone silent, nodded to herself as Maya left. "The Poison Tree it shall be."

Tanuja looked at her with a smirk. "I never knew you read Blake. Aish, my sister has secrets I see."

"Stop teasing Tanuja."

"Hahs.. Couldn't help it."

Ragini sighed. "I need to sort things out with Swara too."

"Yeah, about that. I've seen you tiptoe around each other the entire week. Did something happen? What did you do?"

Ragini groaned with a pout. "Why is it that you always assume I did something?!"

"Hahaha...okay okay sorry. But what happened?"

"That's what I wanna know! She just started accusing me of things and being rude to me. I didn't do anything!"

"It's not like I doubt your honesty. But are you sure you did nothing?"

Ragini hesitated and avoided meeting her eyes. "Well, I may have kind of...um...said a harsh comment because I was pissed at Laksh."

"Aha! There you go."

"But it wasn't that bad that she should behave so rude! She didn't even apologize till now!"

"Like I said Ragini. It's upto you. Is it important who started the argument? Or is it important to reconcile with your sister?"

Ragini let out a sigh and nodded. From the corner of her eyes, she saw Swara come out of the storeroom which she had been cleaning.

As Swara went out of the front door, Ragini stood up and decided to go after Swara and apologize.

#Outside#

Swara put the last of the plastic bags in the trash can and sighed. She was done cleaning the storeroom.

Which meant she didn't have any chores then.

Which meant she would start to think back again on how she behaved rudely with Ragini because of her silly doubts and hurtful jealousy. She wanted to apologize to Ragini many a time. But she was too embarrassed and guilty to face Ragini. That was why she avoided talking to her and even appearing before Ragini as much as she could.

"Swara..."

Swara broke out of her thoughts and turned around abruptly.

Ragini stood there with a soft smile, as if it was peace offering.

'She shouldn't feel guilty. I was wrong to doubt her!' Swara mentally chided herself. Nevertheless, she smiled back and nodded. "Yes Ragini. You needed something?"

Ragini flinched involuntarily. It hurt to hear Swara call her Ragini instead of Ragu.

"I um...I just wanted to um..."

"Ragini? Ragini!"

Both sisters looked towards the road to find Laksh standing beside his bike. He looked distressed.

Ragini couldn't help but huff in irritation as she saw him approach her. "Here comes our Mama's boy."

"Eh? Something wrong between you two?"

Ragini sweatdropped. "It's nothing Swara. Just a silly thing by the silly creature named Laksh Sharma."

"I see you haven't forgiven me yet." Laksh uttered as he heard Ragini.

"I uh...I think it would be best if I leave you two to chat. You seem to have some unsolved matters. Bye!"

Ragini cursed in her mind as she saw Swara walk inside the cafe. 'There goes my chance at apologizing.' she turned to glare at Laksh. "Good timing jerk."

"Okay. Now this is going too far." he replied in irritation. "Here I came thinking maybe you fought with Maya which is my fault."

"Your fault?"

"Yeah. You might have taken out your anger on your sisters and Maya might bite back harsh words. So I ju-"

"Huh. I'm surprised your mother let you come here." she replied sarcastically.

"Hey! I said I'm sorry already. Come on Ragu. You know how much I love you!"

"Yeah I do. It's till when your mother says 'ok Ragini' and ends when she says 'no more of Ragini'."

Laksh smacked himself in the head. 'How do I make this stubborn girl understand?' Laksh sighed. "You don't...okay listen. I was wrong. I know that now. And I thought about what I said all this week. And..."

"And? Stop pausing. I don't have all day you know."

Laksh glared."I'm saying something heartfelt. Could you please pay attention?"

"Aww...are you angry?"

Laksh grabbed her wrist and pulled her forward, making her stumble into his chest with surprised eyes. "I was wrong. Because I thought I could live without you if Mom asked me to. But this single week...with no contact with you made me realize what life would be if you're not there. I can't...I don't think I can go on living a life without you. And I promise you Ragu, if Mom or anyone refuses to let me marry you, then I'll search through Heavens to make them accept you. I won't leave your side come Hell or High water! I promise you."

As she kept staring into his eyes, she felt like she was peering into his very soul. She knew he meant what he said. His words rang in her mind and echoed in her heart. She had liked him because of how cool and supportive he was. Then, as she got to know him better as a person, she fell in love with him. And now...now she was only falling deeper into the abyss of his love. There was no turning back.

"Laksh I...that was..."

Laksh smiled at her and rubbed away the single tear that escaped her eye. He could understand what she wanted to say without spoken words. But, he wanted to hear it. "Yeah?"

"Ragini! Yo Ragu!"

Both Ragini and Laksh sighed in irritation at the interruption. Nevertheless, they moved apart and straightened up.

"What is it Sanskar?"

"Eh? Cranky right in the morning? Is Lucky troubling you?"

Laksh's eyebrow twitched in irritation. 'You're the one ruining our sweet moment. I really wanna strangle you!' Laksh growled low in his throat. "Swara's inside. So shoo and let us have our moment. Hurrr."

"Oh, I'm not looking for her. I have to ask Ragini something." he grabbed her hand and waved at Laksh. "We'll be going then. Bye!"

Laksh grabbed Ragini's other wrist and glared at Sanskar. "But I'm discussing something important with her. You can't take her away right now. Right Ragu?" he questioned, turning to smile at Ragini.

Ragini smiled back and nodded. "Ther-"

"But Ragini, this is more important. Remember?!" he widened his eyes for extra effect.

"What is this 'this' you're talking about Sanky?"

"Ragini! That thing?! That! That thing!" Sanskar replied, widening his eyes further if possible. "Think!"

At first Ragini looked confused. However, suddenly she gasped. "Oh right! I almost forgot!" she at once broke free of Laksh's grip. "I promise to call you once I'm back. Please let me go. I must go. Bye!"

Laksh was surprised by her words. He dared to try and grab her again. However, he stumbled and ended up losing his balance, thus falling on his butt. "Ow!"

However, Ragini and Sanskar had already reached Sanskar's car by running.

Laksh watched as they didn't even look back, but rush out of there in the vehicle. 'I just confessed my heart to her. But...but she left with him? What could be more important than my love for her? Is Sanskar that important to her?'

"Italian Souvenir. One piece costs about 3000. The texture is unique and really rare in India."

Laksh looked up at Maya's voice. Rishi and Tanuja were standing beside her. He blinked cluelessly at her. "What?"

"The tiles you're sitting on currently. I know it's so amazing that you want to sit there. But please get off. It doesn't want you."

Laksh stood up with a pout, feeling insulted. "Excuse me! I fell. You should be concerned about me. Moreover, your tile should be thankful such an awesome footballer sat on it."

"If I'm not wrong, you lost that day to your juniors. 0-3 it was."

"Rishi!"

"Oho, you two. Stop teasing him." Tanuja chided. "It's not his fault he couldn't resist Maya's tiles." she added however, making Rishi laugh and Maya smirk.

"Man! Tanuja di, I thought at least you would support me. No one loves me. Not you, not Rishi not my Ragu, an-"

"Eh? You got into an argument with Ragu or something? What did you do?" Rishi accused, with hands on his hips.

"What the...why does everyone assume I did something? It's not always me who's at fault."

"Are you telling me you aren't?"

He looked down with a morose look. "Well, I um...kinda was. But that's not the point!"

Maya rolled her eyes. "Shut it. Whatever it is, solve it soon. I'm giving you some time. Because if I happen to see Ragu cry, I'll make a tile out of you and fit it in the front porch."

"Aish! Stop with the death threats already."

"Whatever. Were gonna be late. Let's go." she nodded towards Rishi and Tanuja who decided to drop Maya at her office since it was on the way to the mall. "And here. Give this envelope to your brother."

"Eh? What's in it?"

"Nothing much. Just an invitation to a party. Its being organized for the leading fashion brands all over the world. I'm sure Arjun can bring a good presentation of his photo collection for the presentation. That'll get him a good contract."

Laksh gapped. "You call that nothing much?! Maya, you're basically giving bhai an opportunity to become a renown professional photographer. I...I can't imagine how happy he will be!" Laksh grinned. "You really care for his happiness, don't you?"

"No. I just think he is that good that he can make a good pho-"

"Oh hush! We all know you love him."

"Wh-what?!" Maya hit him lightly on the head. "Stop fantazing stories in that tiny brain of yours."

"But I'm right." he grinned

"In your dreams!" Maya shouted in embarrassment. Fortunately, she quickly got back her composure.

"Oi, oi! What 'in your dreams'?" Arjuna shouted as he came near them, Abhi close behind.

Abhi simply greeted them and moved inside, no doubt to look for Pragya.

Arjun stood before them with a smirk. "I hope you aren't dreaming about other guys when I'm there Maya darlo. You dear are mine."

Maya felt relieved that her bangs were long. It was helping to hide her blushing cheeks. However, she knew Tanuja saw and hence was giggling like a child. 'Ugh Tanuja! Stop it already!' Maya shook her head and glared at Arjun. "Biggest bluff of the century. Your imagination is too much."

"Oh you don't know what I imagine about you and me." Arjun replied with a wink.

Maya gritted her teeth to stop the squeak that wanted to break out in surprise at his unabashed confession of his feelings for her. "Wh-whatever! You're making me late for office. Let's go Rishi."

"I'll drop you off. Besides, I work with you now remember? As your lead photographer, I shall be with you during work."

"Maya wouldn't want to go with a shameless flirt with you. She'll come with us. I don't trust you with her." Rishi chided. He really was overdoing his role as a big brother-in-law.

"It's okay Rishi. If he wants to be my driver that bad..." Maya tossed the keys of her car to him. "Then be it. Let's go driver."

"I'm ready to be your cook, laundry man, anything. Just accept me. Oh, just accept me-he-he!" Arjun sang as he followed her.

"But...but..." Rishi watched as they left.
He sighed and turned to Tanuja and Laksh to voice his objection. However, they gave him looks of hopelessness.

"With all due respect, you're an idiot." Laksh snorted and walked inside the café.

"Eh? What did I do?"

"Anyone could see Maya actually wanted to go with Arjuna except you Rishi." Tanuja chuckled and linked her fingers with his. "But don't worry my silly boyfriend. You might be an idiot sometimes. But you're my idiot."

Rishi's frown at once turned into a wide smile and he followed her to his car like the puppy in love he was.

#Inside#

Pragya blew at the cookies which she had just taken out of the oven. "You seem delicious."

"Yeah. After all they were baked by you."

Pragya looked up as she heard Abhi.

He grinned and waved at her.

However, in response, she just nodded silently, without much enthusiasm.

Abhi found it weird, but let go. He came closer and leaned on the counter beside her. "So you free today?"

"No. I've got work."

"What? But Laksh told me the Academy is closed today because of the exhibition."

"Yes. But have something to take care of. So, I'll be in my office."

Abhi frowned. However, a sly grin broke out at his lips. "Aww...are you mad that I hadn't contacted you this week? So sorry Prags. You see, I was so busy with promotions and all th-"

"It's okay."

"I really was so bu-"

"I said its okay Abhi. I understand you're a public figure and have responsibilities."

Abbi blinked in surprise at her cold behavior. He grabbed her arm lightly and turned her towards himself. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"It's not nothing. Te-"

"Just leave Abhi!" Pragya shouted, breaking out from his grip. "Don't you have any duties? Why don't you be more responsible, huh?! Instead of working on your career, you're here with me. I'm just a fan! So go and select your priorities. I hate a man who is willing to sacrifice his dreams so easily. How could you be so trivial?!" she shouted all in one breath.

Abhi remained frozen, looking on with wide eyes filled with hurt and disbelief. "Pragya why...why are you being like this? This isn't like you at all."

Pragya turned around to hide her tears. It pained her to see him hurt. But she needed to do it.

It was better for him if he left her. She was holding him back.

Swara saw this all from the door. She could see both of them in pain. 'But both of them are idiots who don't realize how much they are meant for each other!'

"Swara?"

Swara turned around and hushed Laksh. "Quiet."

"I can't when your boyfriend is being a male bitch!"

"Eh?"

Laksh nodded and pointed over at a table. "Come with me."

Swara bit her lip. Whatever she was about to hear didn't seem good. Her and Sanskar's relation was something she herself was unsure of nowadays. She just hoped it didn't hurt her already fragile heart more.

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

A lengthy one. It's really hard to shorten the chapters of this fic since there are 5 pairs. Hope it didn't bore. 🤗

Please leave a vote if you liked. Comments are most welcome. Thanks!

-🌹 Mona 🌹