Randhir (still sitting on his knees and holding her hand): Then Will you be my 'Plus One' Chashmish?

Sanyukta (finally leaving her inhibitions): Ok fine!! I will be your 'Plus One'.

Randhir (standing up and hugging her tightly in excitement): Oh my God! Thank you so much Chashmish.

Sanyukta (getting conscious in front of their parents): Ummm Randhir......

Randhir realized that he was hugging her in front of their parents and so he backed off and scratched his nape as he was a little embarrassed.

Randhir (covering up his embarrassment): So Chashmish, wake up at 6 AM tomorrow and meet me in the backyard.

Sanyukta (raising her eyebrows): 6 AM? Why should I meet you so early in the morning? The party is in the evening, right?

Randhir: That's right Chashmish but there is no harm in getting up early in the morning. Right?

Sanyukta: Yeah but....

Randhir (interrupting Sanyukta): Oh, come on Chashmish! Stop being a lazy cat. (Stroking her nose and chuckling) Lazy cats often turn fat!

Sanyukta (angrily): Randhir you!!

Randhir (Running to his room and giving flying kiss to her): Good Night Chashmish! I will come in your sweet dreams.

Sanyukta (shouting): I am not meeting you at 6 AM tomorrow Randhir!

By that time Randhir had already entered into his room and only his laughter could be heard in the house. On the other hand, Sanyukta's parents were pleasantly surprised on seeing their ever so shy and innocent daughter reacting in such a different manner. Now they really believed that a person's company can bring a lot of change in his/her personality, just like Randhir unfurled different layers of Sanyukta's personality which she herself was not aware of. Everyone wished good night to each other and went to sleep.

Wednesday, 5:30 AM

Sanyukta was peacefully sleeping in her room. She had a slight smile on her lips and her hairlocks were falling on her face. The first rays of the sun were touching her face and were providing her solace in her sleep. Suddenly, she felt that sunrays were not falling on her face anymore and she felt a very soft touch on her forehead and cheeks as if someone was removing hairlocks from her face. She really liked the soft touch on her face. She felt that it must be her mom who is caressing her so lovingly in the morning.

Randhir (stroking her hairlocks and admiring Sanyukta): Chashmish is looking so peaceful in her sleep. Maybe I should let her sleep!

Randhir was about to get up when Sanyukta held his hand in her sleep and kept it under her head.

Sanyukta (in sleep): Mom don't go na! Please sit here for a few minutes na!

Randhir was awed seeing Sanyukta's cuteness and innocence. The strict professor who is always immersed in her work is actually a child in her real-life who seeks solace in her mom's warmth. She was cute as a toddler!

Randhir (suddenly realising something): Wait! What! Did she just hold my hands thinking I was her mom!

Randhir suddenly pulled his hand from under her head and Sanyukta's head softly fell on the pillow and she whined....

Sanyukta (whining): Mom....

Randhir (jerking her shoulder): Get up Chashmish.....I am Randhir and not your mom!

Sanyukta (hearing Randhir's voice and opening her eyes): Randhir tum! What are you doing here so early in the morning? (Angrily) Don't you have manners that you shouldn't enter someone's room, especially a girl's room without knocking?

Randhir (smirking): Chashmish before you deliver a lecture on manners to me, let me tell you that "you" were tightly holding "my" hand in your sleep.

Sanyukta (embarrassed and looking away): I thought that it was Mom!

Randhir: Exactly! How can you think of me to be aunty? Let me remind you that I have rough man hands and not soft womanly hands. At least you could have compared it to your dad but no you compared it to your mom! Wow!

Sanyukta: Oh, hello its not my fault that "you" came and started caressing my face like this early in the morning. Did you not caress my forehead!

Randhir (not realizing what he is speaking): Yeah, I did caress your face but......

Suddenly they realized what they were discussing and widened their eyes. Suddenly the air turned awkward and both were embarrassed.

Sanyukta (thinking in her mind): Why am I getting embarrassed? He was the one who came and caressed my forehead, not me. Let it be! I will sleep. This is the only way to avoid awkwardness right now!

Sanyukta pulled her bedsheet up to her face and lied down on her bed again. Randhir was surprised to see Sanyukta ready to sleep again.

Randhir (waking her up): Chashmish why are you sleeping again? Come on get up now!

Sanyukta: Randhir I am very sleepy! Please go. I wanna sleep. Anyway, party is in the evening? Why are you waking me up so early in the morning?

Randhir: Chashmish lets go for a walk na! Come on get up!

Sanyukta: Randhir, why don't you go alone. There is such a big backyard in the house! Go for your jogging session.

Randhir: Chashmish, right now the sprinklers are on in the backyard and the whole ground is wet. I don't know any parks here. You can take me to some nearby park na!

Sanyukta: Why don't you look for nearby parks in google maps of your phone. Make some good use of technology and let me sleep now!

Randhir: Wow Chashmish! You are a smart-ass in your sleep as well. Wow (sarcastically clapping)

Sanyukta (sternly with closed eyes): Randhir Language!!!!!

Randhir (threatening her): Chashmish, if you don't get up in 5 seconds, then I will throw bucket full of water on you right here.

Sanyukta (opening her eyes with a jolt and looking at him): You wouldn't dare to do that!

Randhir (looking intensely at her and coming near her face): Believe me Chashmish, I can dare to do a lot more than you think!

Sanyukta was lost in his intense eyes for a moment, when he suddenly pointed at his watch and started counting.

Randhir: 5....4.....3.....2....

Sanyukta immediately got up from her bed.

Randhir: Good girl Chashmish! Now get freshen up fast and meet me at the door in 10 minutes! Alright?

Sanyukta just looked away angrily!

Randhir (while walking out of her room): and don't you dare to sleep again Chashmish!

Sanyukta (stomping her foot angrily): What does he thinks of himself! Arrrggghh!

She went to the Washroom, got freshen up and was ready in her tracks. She reached the door exactly within 10 minutes.

Randhir (smirking at her): I am impressed Chashmish! You are very punctual. Good job!

Sanyukta (sarcastically): If you are done praising my punctuality, then can we move?

Randhir (Being Sassy): Come on Chashmish! Don't be so angry in the morning. It badly affects your skin. I am taking you for a walk to get fresh air, which will help you keep calm all day.

Sanyukta: Fresh air! Where is it? I am sorry, I couldn't see anything beyond the pollution fogging my spectacles!

Randhir (nodding his head): You can continue your social commentary on environmental issues later Chashmish. Let's go now!

They moved out of the house and started walking while chatting with each other.

Sanyukta: Where do you wanna go?

Randhir (being flirty): On a date!

Sanyukta (glaring him): Randhir!

Randhir (smirking): What's my fault Chashmish? You are only asking where do I wanna go? We are out for a walk, so obviously we should go to a park. Its common sense you know!

Sanyukta (thinking something): There is no good park nearby!

Randhir (raising his eyebrows): Really? But google maps is showing that there is a park within one kilometre of your house?

Sanyukta: When you had already seen the location on google maps then what was the need to ask me, or for that matter bringing me here?

Randhir: Chashmish, you only advised me to check on Google maps and now when I followed your advice, you are getting angry. I was just testing your knowledge about the area but it seems....

Sanyukta: I very well knew that there is a park within 1 km of my house- The City Park.

Randhir (shockingly): So, you lied to me?

Sanyukta: I did not lie. In fact I never lie. I told you that there is no "good" park nearby. I don't find that park "good". So, I did not lie to you.

Randhir: Really? Then I definitely need to see this park. Let me also see this "not so good park".

Sanyukta (talking to herself): Wow! What kind of psychology teacher am I? I very well know that Randhir's brain works in reverse direction. When I say that something is bad, then he will definitely go for it. Should have applied reverse psychology on him!

Randhir (smiling): There's no use crying over spilt milk now Chashmish!

Sanyukta (getting startled): Did I say that out loud?

Randhir (smiling slyly): Yeah, you did! Now stop wasting time and start moving.

They walked for around 1 km and reached the park. Randhir was curious to see as to what was wrong with the park. As soon as they entered the park, Randhir understood that why Sanyukta did not consider that a "good" park. Each and every corner of that park had love drenched couples who were very much involved in Public Display of Affection (PDA).

Sanyukta was feeling embarrassed in such an environment. This was city park for namesake. It was just another lover's point within the city. Randhir noticed Sanyukta's awkwardness and thought to tease her.

Randhir (looking around and pretending): Wow Chashmish! Its such a beautiful park. Why do you dislike this park? (Teasing and Smirking) Look each and every corner is filled with scenic beauty (suppressing his laughter).

Sanyukta (nodding her head disapprovingly): Randhir, only you can find such scenarios "Scenic beauty". I don't understand that why can't people get a room for all this?

Randhir: Chashmish what's wrong in expressing your love publicly? This is just an expression of love, you know.....

Sanyukta (raising her eyebrows and looking at him): It seems that in Mumbai, you also express your love in this way, that is why you are defending all this.....

Randhir (realising something): Tum mera chhodo and tell me, when did you explore this park? (Teasing) You also came here with someone for.....

Sanyukta (being sassy): Yes, I did come here with someone! (Smiling slyly) How do you think I came to know about this park?

Randhir (shocked): What???? You....I mean "you" -"Chashmish Aggarwal" came here with someone to.....

Sanyukta (smirking and playing around): Why is that so surprising for you? (teasing him) Or are you jealous that I came here with someone?

Randhir (Stammering and looking elsewhere): Why....why would I be jeal....jealous? Its just difficult to believe that.....(looking at her) wait.....you aren't lying to me na?

Sanyukta (moving ahead and starting jogging): You know that I don't lie Randhir!

Randhir was dumbfounded with the revelation that Sanyukta "Chashmish" Aggarwal can come here with a guy and get involved in PDA. He was totally shocked, when something struck him.

Randhir (jogging and catching up with Sanyukta): Chashmish! Tum yahan kiske saath aayi thi? (Whom did you visit this park with?)

Sanyukta (widening her eyes and trying to avoid the question): It's none of your business Randhir. I came with somebody and that is the truth.

Randhir: Come on Chashmish.....tell me na.....please please please.......

Randhir continued to nag her for a long time when finally Sanyukta got frustrated.....

Sanyukta (irritated): Ok fine! I came here with a friend and her date.......

Randhir (laughing loudly): Hahaahaaahaa....!!!! I so knew it that the innocent Chashmish cannot be involved in PDA but you came with a friend and her date.....haahaahaaahaaa. Chashmish tum kabab main haddi banker kya kar rahi thi.....when they were you know.....hahahaha....

Sanyukta got irritated and started jogging ahead of Randhir. She knew that he won't stop teasing her now, so she started to avoid him. Randhir caught up with her pace and was continuously teasing her but when he saw that she was not reacting at all, he thought to stop teasing her.

Randhir (stopping Sanyukta by holding her hands): Hey Chashmish!.....I am sorry yaar! Ok I won't tease you now.....please don't avoid me. I came here to have fun with you while walking.

Sanyukta just looked elsewhere ignoring him!

Randhir (holding his ears with a puppy face): I am sorry Chashmish.....ok I will do sit-ups until you won't forgive me.

Sanyukta (getting melted by his sweet apology): It's Ok Randhir! I forgive you. Now stop doing sit-ups.

They didn't realize that all the couples in the park were looking at them only. They started moving ahead when they heard a girl talking.

Girl: See Rohan. He is such a sweet boyfriend......so cutely he was apologising to his girlfriend and look at you. You apologize to me as if you are doing a favour on me. Huh!!

Randhir and Sanyukta heard the couple misunderstanding them as boyfriend and girlfriend but none of them spoke anything and continued jogging in the park. They were jogging and randomly talking to each other. After 10 rounds, Sanyukta was tired and stopped for breathing and sat on a bench.

Randhir: What is this Chashmish? You are tired in only 10 rounds? I have not finished even half of my workout yet.

Sanyukta (huffing and frowning): Randhir, I never wanted to come for jogging in the first place.....and for a person like me who doesn't exercise at all, completing 10 rounds itself was very challenging for me. You know what .....you should be thankful to me that giving up my sleep, I am here in this lover's park with you at 6 in the morning. You can continue your workout alone.....I am going home.

Randhir (nodding his head disapprovingly): You are such a spoilsport Chashmish! At least you can wait for me till I finish my workout.

Sanyukta: Fine....I am sitting here......you continue.

Randhir started jogging again while Sanyukta bought a newspaper and started reading it. After half an hour, Randhir had completed his jogging and he began his exercise session. He saw Sanyukta reading the newspaper and started talking to her.

Randhir (while doing push ups and smirking): What is so interesting in the newspaper Chashmish that you are missing an opportunity of seeing the "hot" Randhir Singh Shekhawat working out ....haan?

Sanyukta(still busy reading the newspaper): Well Randhir....my world goes much beyond the "hot" Randhir singh Shekhawat working out. So, I feel its important to know about my political, economic and social surroundings rather than gawking at you working out like the other girls in this park.

Randhir (finally getting up after finishing his workout): Wow!!!!.....you just said that your world goes beyond me, yet you have the time to notice other girls of the park gawking at me. Seems contradictory attitude Chashmish. (Smirking)Green colour doesn't suit you Chashmish!

Sanyukta (folding the newspaper and started walking home with him): I was not noticing other girls, it just came to my observation. (confusingly) By the way I am wearing a black t-shirt and not green, Randhir.

Randhir (stroking her nose and smiling): I was not talking about the T-shirt Chashmish.....

Sanyukta (confused): Then?

Randhir(smiling and entering the house): You are very naïve and innocent Chashmish.

Sanyukta(suddenly realising the meaning of his words and entering the house behind him): I was not "jealous" watching other girls gawking at you Randhir!

Randhir (smirking): You were getting green as chillies Chashmish. You should have looked at your face.

Sanyukta: Stop giving yourself so much importance Randhir. I wasn't jealous!

Randhir (still teasing her): Yes, you were....

Sanyukta: No! I was not!

Randhir: Yes you were!

Sanyukta: NO, I wasn't.

Randhir (smirking): No you weren't

Sanyukta (continuing to oppose his words in a flow): Yes, I was......(suddenly realising his trick) Randhir....you cheater!

Randhir: Come on Chashmish.....now you yourself accepted it....

Before they could continue fighting more, they heard some coughing sounds. They saw their parents looking at them fighting like toddlers.

Randhir and Sanyukta (simultaneously): He/ She started it!

Their parents laughed at their camaraderie, while they went to their rooms giving looks to each other.

After getting freshen up, all of them were having breakfast together.

Randhir (while eating): Chashmish.....lets go out for Delhi Darshan today......It has been such a long time and I have not even explored Delhi properly yet.

Sanyukta: Yeah OK......we "all" will get ready after breakfast and head out for Delhi Darshan!

Randhir(Choking on his food): All?....ummm....I mean mom dad and uncle aunty went for an outing yesterday right? They must have already explored everything already. They will get bored by seeing the same places again.....(looking towards his mom and signalling something) Right mom?

Randhir's mom (understanding that Randhir wants to take Sanyukta out alone): Yeah.....Sanyukta beta, he is right. You both go and enjoy. We went to many places yesterday and moreover Anjana and I have to select our saree and jewellery for tonight as she is going to the dinner.....and I and Harsh have to attend the wrap up party with you guys. So, you guys go and enjoy a day-out but be back on time to get ready for the party.

Randhir: yeah mom!

Sanyukta: Ok.....

Randhir smirked on successfully executing his plan of taking Sanyukta out.

After breakfast, Randhir and Sanyukta left for their day-out.

In the car,

Sanyukta: So where do you wanna go first Randhir.....Connaught place, red fort, India gate or....

Randhir (interrupting her): You just wait till we reach their Chashmish. It's a surprise!! (in mind).....maybe not a pleasant one though!

Sanyukta (chuckling): Surprise??? That too for me! Randhir, if you have forgotten, then let me remind you that I am born and brought up in Delhi.....so a place in Delhi is not really a "surprise" for me. It maybe a surprise for you but not for me.

Randhir (smirking): We will see that Chashmish!

Sanyukta: Anyways, you don't even know the roads and directions of Delhi. Where exactly are you taking me?

Randhir: Chashmish....today morning, in your sleep only you gave me the super genius and super obvious idea of using GPS. So, I am taking the help of GPS system. So, just wait and till that time listen to some romantic music sweetheart.....

Sanyukta: And the Shameless flirt is back.....!!!! Is flirting also a part of your daily session.

Randhir (smirking): You know me so well Chashmish.....

Bantering with each other, they drove for half an hour more when finally the GPS system announced their destination.....

GPS: Take a left and drive for 500m and you have reached your destination.....The Pacific Mall.

Sanyukta (confusingly): Why are we entering the mall Randhir? We were going for Delhi Darshan right?

Randhir didn't reply to her and parked the car in the parking.

Sanyukta (angrily): Randhir????

Randhir: Chashmish I am sorry I lied again but I know that if I would have told you that we are going for shopping and not Delhi Darshan, then you would have straight away denied to come with me.

Sanyukta: But....

Randhir (interrupting her): Before giving me another lecture on honesty, you tell me that would you have come with me, if I had told you that I was taking you out for shopping.

Sanyukta: Ummm.....no.

Randhir: See that is why I lied, and before you ask anything more, I would like to tell you that we have come here to shop exclusively for you and it would have been seriously awkward in front of our families, if I bought things for you.

Sanyukta: First of all.....I don't want to buy anything and second of all is that you are not even paying a penny for anything that I even eat today.

Randhir: Come on Chashmish.....don't be a spoil sport. It was me who proposed you to be my plus one, (huskily)so its my duty that I should buy something for my extremely beautiful date.

Sanyukta: Randhir.....you very well know that such cheesy lines do not work on me. So, don't even try flirting with me. Moreover, you should have asked me first that if I need to shop for anything tonight. I have clothes.....

Randhir(before interrupting her): Yeah Chashmish..... I very well know your clothes. Those are all casuals and work wear clothes. You don't attend parties....and the few fancy dresses that you have are for wedding functions, not for parties.

Sanyukta (shockingly): How do you know about my wardrobe so much?

Randhir (smirking): Come on Chashmish......you forgot that I personally came to select a dress for you for our day-out to adventure island. Then, when I stole the script of your book, then also I had to search for it in your wardrobe. Now, since I had already seen your wardrobe for 2 times, so I opened it and searched for a dress for you today early in the morning without being hesitant.....and so I came to the conclusion, that you need a dress for the party. (smirking)And believe me, a guy's memory is such that he can forget anything but the scenario of a girl's wardrobe.

Sanyukta (extremely angry): Randhir you cheapster.....how dare you to touch my wardrobe without my permission? Don't you have manners. Ugghhhh......You know what, I can't even breathe the same air as you. I am going back home....(sternly) on my own.

Saying this Sanyukta came out of the car.....

Randhir (hitting the steering wheel): Oh shit!!..... Chashmish is really angry. I have to stop her anyhow.....

Randhir also came out of the car and ran behind Sanyukta who was going towards the lift lobby to reach the ground floor and exit the mall. As they came near the lift lobby, there were around 5-10 people waiting for the lift. Seeing the crowd, something struck Randhir's mind and he started executing it.

Randhir (running behind Sanyukta): Sanyu baby! Please listen to me sweetheart!

Sanyukta's feet froze hearing Randhir calling her "Sanyu baby". Her anger was now on the 9th cloud as Randhir began another drama.

Randhir (holding her wrist in front of the lift): Baby I am really sorry that I got late for our date yesterday but we will go today baby and that's why I brought you for shopping. (making a puppy face) please baby.....I can even do sit ups for you....

Sanyukta (whispering angrily): Randhir stop all this drama. You are embarrassing me. People are watching us!

Randhir (whispering): Come with me for shopping and I will stop this.

Sanyukta (angrily): You know what.....you keep doing sit-ups and making fun of yourself.....I am going.

Randhir: Sanyu....if you will not forgive me na then.....

Sanyukta(angrily): then what?

Randhir (stammering): Then...then

Sanyukta turned and began to go.....

Randhir: Then I will keep sitting on the basement floor waiting for you to forgive me.

Sanyukta: your childish tricks will not work on me Randhir!

One girl from the crowd: Awww......he's so cute. Please forgive him na sanyu baby!

Sanyukta was about to tell the girl to mind her own business when an old lady started speaking.

Old lady: Beta he is making so much efforts for you, forgive him na.....

Sanyukta was silent and was cursing Randhir for embarrassing her. The whole crowd was looking at her expectantly.

Sanyukta (finally giving up): Ok I forgive you.....(fake smiling) now lets go for shopping Randhir.

Randhir (happily): Aww thank you baby!

He came forward towards her and was about to hug her when Sanyukta whispered angrily.

Sanyukta(whispering angrily): If you are fond of your hands then keep them away from me.

Randhir immediately withdrew his hands and the entered the lift. The lift stopped at the ground floor and they came out of it. Sanyukta started walking ahead and Randhir was following her.

Randhir: I am sorry na Chashmish but why are you getting so angry? I just want to pamper my friend. That's all!

Sanyukta: Pamper me or you are simply ashamed of taking me because of the way I usually dress.

Randhir (seriously): Chashmish, if I was ashamed of you, I wouldn't have asked you to be my "plus one" in the first place! Its Ok that you don't wanna buy something but you don't have any right to judge me!

Sanyukta (realizing her words): Randhir, I didn't mean that. Its just I feel that all this is wastage of money!

Randhir: Wow! After honesty, I knew the next moral science lecture would be on saving money!

Sanyukta: Randhir I am not joking!

Randhir: I am also not joking Sanyukta. I knew you would come up with this and so I have prepared a full budget for you to understand. Suppose, I buy a dress for you, let its cost be Rs. 5000. You are not like other girls, who does not repeat her clothes, so I know that you will at least wear that dress for 4-5 functions or parties. So, the cost of that dress would be around Rs. 1000 per function, which mind you is less than the cost of a plate of food in hotels. So, the point is that we are not wasting money but utilizing it. And anyways, I am not forcing you to buy something, you can buy anything of your choice, be it traditional or western and as far as me buying it for you is considered, then consider it as a "good bye" gift from my side. After 4 days, I am going back to Mumbai, then I don't know when we will meet.

Sanyukta (Comprehending his words and getting a little emotional on his last line): Randhir....

Randhir (pleading): Please say Yes Chashmish!

Sanyukta (sighing): Ok....Ok fine lets go for shopping!

Randhir (moving his fist in the air victoriously): Thank you so much Chashmish.....lets go!

They went towards the mall floor plan and saw that the women's section was on the first floor.

Randhir: Chashmish.....lets go to the first floor. Women's section is there.

Sanyukta: Yeah but the men's section is on the ground floor only, so lets shop for you first.

Randhir: What? Chashmish we are here to shop for you and not me!

Sanyukta: Why? You will be wearing leaves instead of clothes tonight?

Randhir: Chashmish but....

Sanyukta: No buts and all Randhir. (Dragging him to a shop) Come on now....let's shop for you!

After that Randhir and Sanyukta went to the shirts section and started selecting shirts for him. Sanyukta was roaming around, while Randhir was getting confused.

Randhir: Chashmish.....come help me na. I am getting confused here!

Sanyukta went towards him to help him select shirts.

Sanyukta: Randhir.....is there any theme for the party.....as in any colour theme or something?

Randhir: That toh I don't know......wait let me ask Parth!

Sanyukta (picking out a few shirts): Ok!

On Call,

Randhir: Hey buddy! What's up?

Parth: Randhir, I was about to call you only. I have a surprise for you. Where are you now? Can we meet?

Randhir: Woah! What surprise dude? We are meeting at the party tonight, right? So, lets meet there only na....

Parth: No, I want to meet you now! Where are you now? Tell me....I will come there.

Randhir: Ok.....I am at the Pacific Mall....

Parth: Pacific mall....Ok I will reach there in half an hour or so. Bye!

Randhir: Parth listen.....

By that time Parth had already hanged up. Randhir nodded his head disapprovingly and went back to Sanyukta.

Sanyukta(handing him 2-3 shirts): Randhir go and try these shirts......

Randhir: Nice choice Chashmish! I will go and try them....

After a few minutes, Sanyukta was looking for some T-shirts for Randhir, when she heard a few gasps from surrounding sales girls. She turned around and saw Randhir coming out in a black shirt, with top two buttons open, looking absolutely handsome. For a moment, Sanyukta was lost in checking him out....

Randhir: So, what do you think Chashmish?

Sanyukta came out of her trance and immediately went towards him and closed one button of his shirt.

Sanyukta: Randhir, buttons are there on a shirt to put them on and not to show off!

Randhir(rolling his eyes): Its called style Chashmish! And what is the use of working out if I don't even show off a little. Anyways, now tell me....how am I looking?

Sanyukta: Very handso.....umm good....you are looking good!

Randhir: Chashmish.....complement me properly na.....you changed your words....I want your honest opinion.

Sanyukta: Ok you are looking very handsome......bas now go and try these denims also.

Randhir: now that's like my Chashmish! I will go and try them.

After trying a few things, Randhir selected some of them and went back to change his clothes. By the time Randhir was changing, Sanyukta made the payment for his clothes. After a few minutes Randhir came out wearing his own clothes.

Sanyukta (holding some bags): Come on Randhir, Let's go!

Randhir: Yeah Chashmish. Just let me pay for the clothes and then we will leave!

Sanyukta: I have already paid for them....now lets leave!

Randhir: But Chashmish, you shouldn't have paid.....

Sanyukta: Randhir, I don't want any arguments on this. I agreed to you, now you have to agree to me.

Randhir: Alright Chashmish....no one can win from you!

Sanyukta(smiling): I am a born winner you know....!

After that they went towards the lift and were waiting for it, when Randhir saw the time and realised something! The lift came and Randhir pressed the button for third floor.

Sanyukta: Randhir, why did you press 3rd floor button? We were going to the 1st floor na?

Randhir: Umm......actually

Before he could complete, the lift opened and they reached the 3rd floor and got out. Randhir started walking and Sanyukta followed him.

Sanyukta: Randhir where are we....

Suddenly Randhir stopped and saw the shop in front of her. The board read " XXXX Saloon".

Sanyukta: Randhir.....why are we going to the saloon?

Randhir(hesitantly): Chashmish.....actually I have booked an appointment for you here.....

Sanyukta(sternly): Appointment for me?.......Now I am sure Randhir that you are embarrassed to take me out.

Randhir: No way Chashmish......I just wanted you to relax and I just wanted to pamper you......nothing else. If you don't wanna go, then its OK.....I have just given the advance payment but that's fine if you don't wanna go.

Sanyukta felt really special for a moment when Randhir mentioned about pampering her but suddenly the phrase "advance payment" struck her ears.

Sanyukta: What? you made advance payment? God Randhir...you

Randhir(emotionally blackmailing her): Its Ok Chashmish.....its a little part of my hard-earned money going to waste....you know but that's alright.

Sanyukta: Ughhh Randhir.....I seriously hate you.....

Stomping her foot, she went inside the saloon and enquired about the amount he had paid. Randhir tried convincing her to get whatever she wants to get done and that he will pay the rest of the amount but Sanyukta was stubborn on not listening to him and just got ready to get her nails and hair done. Randhir also went to get his hair set from a nearby men's saloon. After they got everything done, they came out and met each other in front of the lift.

Sanyukta wouldn't admit but she really enjoyed the hair spa. She got her hairs curled and got her nails done French style as she liked it natural. Randhir appreciated her but he really liked her pin straight hair. However, curls also suited her well.

Sanyukta(while in the lift): Randhir.....Thank you!

Randhir(smiling): your most welcome Chashmish.

After that, they went to the first floor and started looking for clothes for her.

Randhir: So Chashmish, what do you wanna buy?

Sanyukta: Randhir I am thinking to buy.....

Suddenly they were interrupted by the ringing of Randhir's phone. Randhir saw that Parth was calling him.

Randhir: Chashmish.....I have to take this call.....you look for something.....I will finish this call in 5 minutes and come back.

Sanyukta: Ok.....

After that Randhir came out of the shop and started talking to Parth

Randhir: yeah Parth...

Parth: Randhir, I have reached the Pacific mall....where are you?

Randhir: Umm.....I am on the first floor in front of XXXX shop.

Parth: Ok you wait there....I am coming

After 5 minutes, Randhir saw Parth coming.....

Parth: Hey buddy......

Randhir: Parth....what was the urgency to meet me right now? We were meeting at the party, right?

Parth: Arre....urgency toh thi and believe me you will thank me for giving this surprise before the party.

Randhir(irritated): What surprise?

Parth(pulling someone standing behind him): Well meet your "Plus One" for the night......Ayesha aka the leading lady of Sadda Haq casted opposite you.

Randhir(surprised): Ayesha!

Ayesha (hugging him tightly): I missed you so much Randhir.

Randhir(pulling back from the hug and smiling): Ayesha....I didn't know that you auditioned for this show. I thought you were more interested in films.

Ayesha: well, I still want to do films but then I got a call for this show and (flirting by putting arms around his neck)I couldn't resist the offer of working with the "hot" Randhir singh Shekhawat after we did our first add shoot together.

Parth: And you should thank her timing and me Randhir because I brought you a "Plus one" at just the right time. I know if Ayesha wouldn't have come here today to attend the party in Delhi with the rest of the cast na, then you would have definitely "compromised" and brought any girl you found in some Delhi club. (Patting his back) Now you don't have to "compromise" buddy. I have your "Plus One" right here.

They were talking and laughing with each other when an "innocent soul" just came out of her dream castle by learning that she was nothing more of a "compromise", or to be more precise a "Second option" for the person, who had become an integral part of her life.

Sanyukta had come out of the shop to call Randhir but then she saw him talking to Parth and a girl. She heard each and every word of their conversation. Suddenly she went inside the shop, kept the clothes she was about to buy and left the shop from other exit and went to the lift. She reached the ground floor and walked to the nearby metro station and boarded the metro for her house.

The whole time, she was feeling emptiness. Recalling the whole day, she realised that how Randhir had made her feel so special......but right now she felt as if she is a nobody. She couldn't comprehend as to why was she feeling so sad. She didn't even want to go this party at the first place and when finally, Randhir was going to take some other girl, a girl worth standing beside him, she was feeling bad.

She reached home with all these thoughts in her mind and rang the bell. Their house-help opened the door. She told Sanyukta that others have gone out. Sanyukta was feeling terribly lonely. She went inside her room and saw her reflection in the mirror. Suddenly she felt an irritating sensation on seeing herself like that. Those curly hairs and her undiscovered pampered girly personality were irritating her. She went to the washroom to get freshen up, meanwhile her phone kept vibrating, indicating that someone was getting restless about her.

As soon as Randhir finished his conversation with Parth and Ayesha, he went inside the shop and started searching for Sanyukta. He couldn't see her anywhere. He stopped a saleswoman to ask about her.

Randhir: Umm excuse me....have you seen Chash....umm I mean can you tell me where is the girl who came with me. She was standing in front of that section. Did she select something or is she in the trial room?

Saleswoman: The girl who was wearing spectacles?

Randhir: yeah...

Saleswoman: Sir, mam was shortlisting a few pieces but then she went to call you I guess, but after sometime she kept those clothes and left from the other exit.

Randhir (in mind): Chashmish left....that too without informing me! I can't believe this.

Before leaving the shop, Randhir asked the salesgirl about the clothes Sanyukta had shortlisted. Randhir picked out the Black Saree that she had selected and bought that for her.

Salesgirl: Sir, what is mam's size? Actually, we have only limited sizes in blouses for this saree.

Randhir was embarrassed by this question and he didn't know what to answer her. He just showed her his picture and told her to give the size accordingly. So, based on her assumption, she picked out a blouse and packed with the saree.

Randhir tried calling her but she was not picking up the phone. He was trying to call her for past 15 minutes but there was no response from her side.

Randhir even called his mom to know if Sanyukta reached home. But both their parents were not at home, so he did not inform his mom about her being missing. He immediately left the mall and started driving towards her home.

He reached home in half an hour and the house-help opened the door. He immediately went towards Sanyukta's room who was busy drying her hair in front of the mirror with a towel and was lost in her thoughts. Randhir suddenly felt really angry at her irresponsible behaviour and went and turned her towards him.

Randhir(angrily): What kind of an irresponsible behaviour is this Sanyukta? Why did you leave the mall without informing me?

Sanyukta(sternly): First of all, leave my hand Randhir. You're hurting me!

Randhir immediately left her hand and waited for her to speak.

Sanyukta (looking down): I left the mall because I was not "needed" there anymore. However, I should have informed you before leaving. I am sorry!

Randhir(softly): Chashmish why did think that you were not needed there anymore. I went there in the first place to shop for you.....

Sanyukta (coldly): Randhir please stop pretending OK! I know that you were taking me to the party because you didn't have any option but since now you have your "perfect" plus one with you, you should be shopping for her and not me.

Randhir: Chashmish but....

Sanyukta(interrupting him): Randhir, you are not obliged to take me just because you asked me first and you don't have to do any "compromises". When you have a better choice, then you should never compromise. You don't need to think about me. I anyways was not interested in attending this party.

Randhir understood that she heard his conversation with Parth and Ayesha.

Randhir(sternly): Chashmish, I think along with your spectacles, your mind is also fogged with presumptions. Who told you that I was taking you because I had no option? You think Randhir Shekhawat cannot get a date for himself? Why do you think that I was "compromising"? I never "compromise" Chashmish. Just because you heard someone speaking bullshit does not mean that you start having pre-conceived notions about me. As far as my "perfect" plus one is concerned, then I chose you Chashmish. Mind you, "You are my 'Priority' and not an option Chashmish" .

Sanyukta(looking in his eyes): But Randhir!

Randhir(interrupting her): I have told you everything Chashmish and I don't want to hear anything else. Now, its upon you ......whether you will come as my Plus one or not! Wait here....

He went back to his car, brought a bag and handed it to Sanyukta.

Randhir: If you make up your mind and decide to come with me, then get ready by 7 PM wearing this. I will be waiting for you! And if you don't want to attend this party with me then, I am no one to force you. I have no embarrassment in going alone also. Now the choice is yours Chashmish!

Saying this, he left her room and went inside his room leaving Sanyukta lost in her thoughts.

6:45 PM,

Randhir was ready in his black suit which he paired with a black shirt which Sanyukta bought for him. He wore his favourite Tissot watch and sprayed his perfume and he was all set. He didn't know if Sanyukta would join him or not but he was still very calm and cool about it. Its her life and so its her choice.

Randhir went down the hall and saw his parents were also ready for the party. Sanyukta's parents had already left for their dinner party. He saw the wall clock and it was exactly 7 PM. He knew that Sanyukta was very punctual and if she had not reached the hall by 7, then she was definitely not coming. He closed his eyes for a second, sighed and went downstairs.

Randhir's mom: My son is looking dashing as always!

Randhir(smiling half-heartedly): Thank you mom!

Randhir's dad: Rockstar.....(pulling his wife towards him) at least spare me my date tonight. Go and get your date and then we can leave!

Randhir (not responding to his dad and sighing): I am taking out the car, you guys reach the gate!

Saying this Randhir left disappointedly to take out his car!

My POV

We often don't admit but when someone pampers us, makes us feel special, and then suddenly we realise that we are nothing more than an "option" for them makes us feel sad. How much ever we deny it, but we feel very bad when someone makes us feel like the centre of their universe in one moment and treats us like an option in the other. Hearing Parth's words, Sanyukta went through the exact same feelings. However, Randhir did clarify to her that She was "his priority and not an option". Will Sanyukta understand Randhir's genuinity or will she cage herself in her presumptions? Will she be his "perfect Plus One"? For finding the answers to these questions, you have to read the next part......

This part was of around 6,750 words. I know this was more of a filler part and I am super later with the update again.....but trust me, "Small moments in the present leave a bigger impact on the future!"

Please vote, comment and continue reading my work. I would love to know what you think of my story........hope you are liking the updates guys......Have a great day and stay safe......!!