"Words in double quotes" - Talking

'Words in single quotes' - Thoughts

(Words in braces) - Telephone conversations

Chapter 8 - Problems

#Next Morning#

"Abhi....Abhi lets go. We all are done packing" said Pragya, as she came to call Abhi. The rest were already waiting beside the vehicles and were ready to leave. However, Abhi was standing before the lake, gazing at the flowers.

"One minute Pragya. Its so beautiful here that ..... that my heart wants to stay back."

Pragya smiled softly "I know. Its so peaceful here. Away from ruckus of the city, the artificial world, the hypocrites of the society....."

"And most importantly, I can be myself here. Out in the city, I have to put the mask of The Rockstar. But here.... here I can be just Abhi, a boy who is just like any other, who wants to enjoy life and not worry about the media and fame."

"Abhi...... if you want, I can ask Maya to allow you to come along when we come here next month. I'm sure she will let you come if I request her."

Abhi snorted "As if. I saw how she treated you yesterday. There is no way she would listen to you"

"Maya isn't so bad. In fact, she even apologized to me and Swara."

Abhi looked up to her, wide-eyed "She did?"

"Yes. Although she didn't need to. We already knew she didn't mean to lash out at us"

"You forgive to easily Pragya"

Pragya shook her head. "No Abhi, trust me. Maya isn't so bad. She is someone who buries her emotions. When we were all inquiring about her injury, we forgot that you boys were there too. And Maya refuses to show weakness in front of anyone. Her father used to behave harshly with her if she ever cried or showed weakness. She was only a child then"

"What the...you can't expect a child to be cold and emotionless. Children get hurt and their parents are supposed to console them, show them care"

"Exactly. But instead of that, Maya got harsh words and loneliness. At an age when she needed love of a family, she got darkness with no one to show her the light. If....if our parents hadn't adopted her , I fear what would have happened to her" Pragya looked down in sadness.

Abhi nodded. He now understood Maya better. Maybe....maybe one day, he would even be able to call her a friend.

He went near Pragya and held her hands "Its okay now. She's safe with you all" Pragya smiled at him.

"Hey lovebirds! Are you planning on staying here forever?" shouted Sanskar from near the car.

Both of them blushed and moved towards the rest.

#Mermaid Cafe#

The boys helped to unload the things. During their trip, Tanuja had left Tina and Dia in charge of her cafe.

"We managed quite easily yesterday and I'm sure we can handle today's work too Tanuja. You may take a holiday today."

"Thank you Dia"

Tanuja welcomed the boys to their home across the cafe and made coffee for everyone. After chatting for a while, the boys left.

*phone ringing*

"Hello?"

(Tanuja beta, how are you all?)

"Maa. So nice to hear your voice. We are all fine Maa."

At the mention of their mother, Ragini rushed to the phone and stole it from Tanuja's hand. The rest of the girls were glad to hear from their mother after two days. Even Maya had a smile on her face.

"Maa! How are you? Why didn't you call these two days? Are you okay!? When will you be back? Are you bringing presents!? Please tell me you are bringing presents. Did you-" whatever she was going to say next was muffled by Swara's hand covering her mouth.

"Let her answer at least one of your questions!" Swara stole the phone from Ragini.

(Hahaha..its okay beta. And we all are fine. The phone battery had run out and as the village had some electricity problems, I couldn't charge it.)

"When will you and Baba be coming back Maa?" asked Swara.

(We'll be leaving after two days)

Pragya came near Swara and spoke loud enough for her mother to hear her over the phone "Maa, how is Masi?"

(Your Masi is fine. She has packed some gifts for you all with me. These are handmade jewellery. I'm sure you girls will like it)

"Waw! I can't wait!" Their mother, Sumi, smiled hearing Ragini shout on the other end of the line.

(By the way, where is Maya?)

"One minute Maa" Swara handed the phone to Maya.

"Hello Maa. How are you?"

(I'm fine beta. What about you?)

"I'm good"

(Good to here. I hope your sisters aren't troubling you and Tanuja a lot)

"Dont worry Maa. Me and Tanuja are managing them quite well"

(Hahaha. Okay dear. I hope you will be able to handle them for two more days without me)

Maya turned to her little sisters with a smirk "Don't worry Maa. I know how to handle them. You just enjoy your trip."

(Thank you dear.)

Sumi heard Ragini shout again "Maa! I got a boyfriend. Tanuja di too!"

All the sisters looked at her wide eyed. Tanuja, who is a usually a kind girl, felt like becoming violent and hitting Ragini.

(What? Maya...What did I hear just now? Is it true?)

"Maa, you know Ragini and her pranks. She's just kidding" Maya tried to sound as convincing as possible.

"But I-" before Ragini could say more, Pragya and Swara put their hands over her mouth.

(I see. *sigh* When will this girl learn to be serious?)

"Probably never" Maya remarked with an eye roll.

(Ok Maya beta. Your father is calling me. Bye)

"Bye Maa" Maya cut the call and turned to the rest "Maa will be here in two days."

Ragini broke free of Swara and Pragya's grip "Hey! Why did you tell her I was lying?"

"Because there is a time for everything. But now was not the time to tell Maa about me and Rishi. She needs to hear it from me, in person" Tanuja said, as she came near Ragini and hit her on the head.

"But Maa thinks I started with my pranks again because of you all!"

"Quit your drama. Its not like we lied. You constantly keep pulling pranks."

"That's no the point. Ugh! Whatever! I'm going to my room" 😣 Ragini left for her room and closed the door with a loud 'thud'.

"We.... we weren't too harsh on her, were we?" 😕

"Its okay, Tanu di. Ragini is just acting." Pragya went near Tanuja "Besides, I'm sure she won't be able to hold her anger against us when I tell her that we are going shopping!"

"We are?"

"Yes Swara. We need to look our best at the party"

"What party?" enquired Maya.

Pragya smacked her head "Dhat! I almost forgot to tell you all. Abhi gave me invitations for the party where he will be releasing his new album. Celebs will be there. I still can't believe that we'll be going there!"

"Among such famous personalities.... Pragya are sure you want to go? I... I mean, what if we embarrass ourselves in front of them?"

"No we won't. Maya is a famous business tycoon remember? She has experience of such parties. Since she will be with us, we need not fear anything. Right Maya?"

"Who said I will come?" Maya asked with a raised eyebrow.

"You won't? But.... but I was hoping that we would all go together" Pragya made a sad face. 😟

Maya looked at her pointedly. Pragya continued looking at her like a lost puppy. At last, Maya sighed "Fine fine. I'll go with you all"

Pragya smiled and hugged Maya "Thank you so much!"

"Ugh... whatever. Leave me now" although Maya sounded cold, she had a smile on her face. 😏

Tanuja looked distressed "I...I still don't know if-"

"O Tanu di. Calm down. Let's go get ready for shopping"

"I'm not going shopping. You guys select something good for me" Swara spoke.

Maya looked at her quizzically "Swara, among us, you are the one who's always most excited to go shopping. Why won't you go now?"

"I'm not feeling well. I think I'll rest at home today. Besides, someone needs to stay back and look after the house, no?"

"Okay. If you say so Swara. Tanu di, Maya, go get ready. I'll go tell Ragini" Pragya said, as she moved towards Ragini's room.

#With the Boys#

(Laksh, Arjun and Rishi are riding in Arjun's jeep. Sanskar and Abhi in Abhi's car)

Rishi couldn't wait to break the news to his family. His brothers, Manpreet and Yuvraj, already knew about his love for Tanuja. Now, he will tell the news to the rest of the family. He was sure they would like Tanuja.

"Rishi, if you keep smiling like that, your face is going to get stuck in that way. You've been smiling since we left the Gagodia residence" 😒

"So what Arjun? I have a reason to smile. I'll smile as much as I like" 😊

"Quit smiling, or I'll surely break your face." 😡 Laksh said, with a sour face.

"Wow. Why are you so angry Lucky?" asked Arjun.

"In case you have forgotten, I got a new girlfriend, that too, against my wishes."

"Ragini is a nice girl. I don't see why you are complaining" Rishi spoke.

"Rishi, shut up. That girl is a walking, talking 'trouble'."

"You're saying that Arjun because she outsmarted you."

"Did not! I let her win because she's like a little sister" 😣

"Hahaha. Whatever you say Arjun" 😏 Rishi said, amused.

Arjun turned to Laksh "Lucky, just tell her 'no'. Tell her that you can't be her boyfriend"

"Ragini may get upset and that might make Tanuja angry at Rishi as I am his friend."

"Then tell her that you love another"

"Ragini is smart. She'll realize I'm lying"

"Then make someone your girlfriend and take her to the cafe tomorrow!" 😤

"Where am I going to get a new girlfriend in a day!?" 😲

"Then just behave rudely with Ragini. She'll leave you on her own"

"I ...I can't do that to a girl bhai"

Arjun narrowed his eyes at Laksh "You know Lucky, I think you are acting like you don't want to date Ragini, but inside you are happy."

Laksh looked at him with wide eyes "N-no, no way! No way at a-all! W-why would I want to d-date such an-an obnoxious girl!?" he stuttered out.

"Because like it or not, you're starting to like her" Rishi said with a smile "Aww....our Lucky is falling in love. Love is in the air! 🎶Do dil...mil rahe heii- ow! Hey wait-ow!" Before Rishi could complete his song, Laksh started hitting him.

Abhi and Sanskar, who were driving in Abhi's car beside the jeep, noticed them fighting.

"What do you think Rishi did this time?" Sanskar spoke. However, when he didn't get any reply, he turned to look at Abhi, who was in deep thought.

"Abhi, if you keep thinking so hard, you might drive us into a tree." 😓

"I'm not that lost in my thoughts, Sanky"

"What are you thinking about anyway?"

"About the drama that awaits me at home."

"Eh?"

Abhi sighed 😩 "You see, I left my phone in the car on purpose when we left for the camp. I wanted some time away from the life of a rockstar."

"Okay. So what's wrong? Did you miss an important call regarding your album?"

"Its not that. Its Tanu and Aliyah"

Sanskar rolled hi eyes "Those two? Don't even talk about them in front of me. Even their names are enough to ruin my mood" 😤

Abhi gave him an amused smile "You hate them that much?"

"No, I don't hate them. I totally, utterly despise them." 👿

"Hahaha... They aren't that bad" Sanskar looked at him with disbelief.

"Okay, they are bad to an extent. But still, they can be good if you make them understand"

Sanskar nodded. However, he was thinking something else in his mind 'Abhi...when will you realize that they only act innocent and confused in front of you. Your sister, Aliyah is a manipulator and your good friend, Tanu is a gold-digger. You're the one who is too innocent to realize their truth.'

"Anyways, as I was saying, I left my phone. When I switched it on today, there were 80 miss calls from Tanu and Aliyah. Not to mention the lenghty text messages. I'm sure Tanu is with Aliyah, in my house right now and they'll no doubt bombard me with questions when I get home."

"Well bro, can't help you with that. Drop me at the my house. I won't go with you to face them."

"Why? Scared they will harm you? After all, everyone knows how much they hate you and you hate them." Abhi teased.

"Scared they will harm me? No. But I'm scared that I may lose my cool and hit them" Sanksar spoke with a straight face. 😐

"Ooookay. I think it would be best if I drop you at your house" 😅

#Gagodia Residence#

Pragya, Ragini and Tanuja waved at Swara as they left in Maya's car, with Maya driving it. Swara came inside and looked up at the ceiling.

Although she said that she was feeling unwell, it was just an excuse. Actually, she wanted to think about what she was going to do about Sanskar. If she doesn't get him a contract through Maya, he would expose their secret place. However, she didn't want to give him any contracts. It would mean that he has won.

'Such a jerk doesn't deserve to win! But....but what should I do? I can't let our secret place become public, and neither do I want that arrogant Maheshwari to win!' She looked down in thought 'He thinks he has power over me because he has something to blackmail me with. If I can somehow find something against him...'

Swara jumped up from her seat 'If he can act like a jerk with me, there is no doubt that he acts similarly his father's office staff , since he believes every person to be below him. I bet I can find some dirt on him in the office!' Swara nodded to herself and moved out of the house. She was on a mission to outsmart Sanksar Maheshwari.

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To be continued...

Next chapter - The sisters go shopping, except Swara who goes to Maheshwari Industries. Disaster strikes as Sanskar arrives at the office.