"Bhavesh - where are you?" Avneet scurried around impatiently.

"What's up?" I asked her, sitting down on the stool.

"I'm trying to find Bhavesh. Whenever I try and find him he's never there." Avneet rolled her eyes.

"Well, he's been so busy trying to catch up on the rehearsal times. Maybe you didn't realize." I hinted slightly.

"But where is he now?!" Avneet placed her hands on her hips.

"He probably doesn't know that you planned a rehearsal so last minute."

"Alright, I don't have my phone but can you call him and ask?"

"Yeah. Bhavesh? Hi... it's Reem. Yeah, err, Avneet planned a rehearsal - like, right now. Can you come? You can? Okay great. See ya.
He's coming."

"Yasss."

"But, Avneet - if you don't mind me saying...."

"Uh huh?" She asked me, gazing at her nail art dreamily.

"You should have made this plan before. He seemed busy."

"It's okay, chill. He can make it right? That's the important thing." She marched off, engaging with the reception preparations.

I was confused on how to tell her that her attitude was really not helping anybody. How I wished that she would realize.

"Bhavesh?"

He came behind me, carrying a large plate of Jalebis.

I picked one up with two fingers. "Wow, they're nice."

"Avneet asked for them."

"Oh...." my chewing slowed down. "She's asking for you down in the studio. You guys are rehearsing for the duet right?"

"Oh of course! Here, I'll get going." He handed me the plate and I almost stumbled with how heavy it was.

"Good luck!" I cried back.

💓

A beautiful melody was audible from downstairs as I was about to enter the kitchen which was one floor above the studio.

"They're soundin good ain't they?" Roshni bounded behind me.

"I know right! I'm gonna go pop in to see if they need anything."

"I'm coming! After all, I want to see this Adi guy. I mean, he's gotta pass the 'hot or not' test doesn't he?"

We both chuckled and made our way into the studio, being careful not to creak the door hinge and interrupt them.

Bhavesh was sitting on his stool looking delightfully joyful while strumming the strings of his guitar. He was playing some intensely difficult chords.

Suddenly, I noticed splashes of red dripping down his guitar, until I realized his hands were getting cut.

"Hey! Stop! Bhavesh your hand's bleeding."

"Oh my gosh!" Avneet ran up to him and quickly rummaged through her bag to take out an emergency plaster.

Bhavesh looked at her dreamily as she got engrossed in applying the plaster carefully to his fingers.

Just then, Adi came strutting through the door with Sidd and Faisal.

"Hey girls! Ooh, hey Avu."

"Avu? Ewww!" Roshni whispered in my ear, scrunching up her face.

He went up to her and leaned down to the crook of her neck, making her shuffle away from a disappointed Bhavesh.

She pushed him away slightly, a little embarrassed as she saw Sidd and Faisal whispering and laughing.

"Okay, so guys - show us what you did." I said quickly, eyeing Bhavesh carefully. His expressions were crooked.

"Ahh, yes - Adi, go sit there. Come on Bhavesh, we're gonna slay."

"Alright then." Bhavesh picked up his guitar enthusiastically.

"No, I think you should rest those fingers a bit, Bhavesh. They're already wounded."

"No I'm f...."

"He's fine, Reem. It's okay." Avneet flicked her hair and positioned herself in front of the microphone stand.

I thinned my eyebrows.

After their duet, I could clearly see the pain in Bhavesh's eyes but all he was concerned about was Avneet; her practice; her life; her.

"See ya guys." Bhavesh quickly exited when he saw me looking at him suspiciously instead of clapping like everyone else.

I followed him out.

"You love her don't you?" I said, panting with breath by trying to keep up with the pace.

Bhavesh turned round suddenly.

"No. I don't have a right!"

"What?"

"I just don't. Why would she love a failure like me?"

"But how can you be a failure Bhavesh, you go to Oxford?! You earned such a reputable position and you're in medical school!" I stared at him disbelievingly.

"No Reem! That's all fake! No I'm not reputable, no I'm not smart, no I'm not a true member of Oxford. My parents are so rich that they bribed me into getting a place, for their own reputation. I'm a bar musician. That's it." Bhavesh smirked with sorrow and broke into sobs. His little secret had been poured out helplessly.

I gasped.

"But we can tr...." I trailed off as he left me and continued his angry march up to his bedroom.

I heard the door slam.

"Hey, what's up with him?" Sidd came up from behind me.

"Oh, nothing. He's just a bit hurt."

"Ahh, the poor lad. Anyways - come and eat some jalebis. Mom has just made them.

"Okay."

Sidd pulled my arm but my head stayed in the direction of Bhavesh's room.

We were all busy laughing and eating in a large gathering together. The women brought out different recipes while we played cards and teased each other.

Suddenly, Bhavesh came in through the door.

"Guys. I'm leaving tomorrow night."

......