8. Jahaan aap, waha mein (I am, where you are.)

Ps. ready for some 90's romance?

•°•

I took a step forward, standing beside her. Bhai's eyes drifted over me and he looked away.

I found his reaction strange. They seem to be acquainted. Then why would he speak those words about her? Did he have a first hand experience of her personality? I looked at her, noticing the practiced professional smile plastered on her face. It took me aback. Maybe because now I know what her real smile looks like.

Well, I get why Bhai said what he said. He seems to be on the other end of her spectrum. The business spectrum. Where there's no room for anything more than professionalism. Now I feel bad about blowing up on Bhai like that. He was just looking out for me. And I, due to my jealousy, told him off rather harshly. I should apologise to him later.

"This is such a pleasant surprise," she said with an even tone. The shakiness in her voice I had just witnessed inside the room a few minutes seems to have vanished into the thin air. "How are you?"

Bhai nodded, forcing a smile at her. Wow, he really dislikes her. "Fine. What about you?"

"Good. I had no idea Aditya was your brother." She spoke so courteously, it reminded me of the first day I met her.

"Yeah," Bhai nodded. "He is my younger brother."

"You know each other?" Dad interrupted, speaking my words and I think everyone's as well, considering how we all had our eyes fixed on them.

"Are you two friends?" Meghna asked curiously.

"Uh," Bhai spoke up first. "Yeah-"

"No. We're just business acquaintances." Priya smiled at her.

Bhai fell quiet.

Ouch.

"I had hired his services when I first started my Event Management company. He helped me explore the idea and guide me through it until I was capable of handling it on my own." She added curtly.

"He helped you with your business?" Mom leaned forward in her seat.

Priya looked at her. "No. I paid him for his services."

Mom sat back looking awkward.

"I always wondered what he actually does to be earning so well. Thanks to you, now I got a better idea." I chuckled, another miserable attempt to diffuse the tension.

"Now you know," Priya met my eyes.

I nodded. "Now I do," I whispered back.

Someone cleared their throat.

We both looked away from each other. I don't understand why people love to make others embarrassed. We didn't even stare for that long.

"I thought you said you'll come home late tonight?" Mom got up from the couch, immediately tending to his needs. "This is my elder son by the way," she smiled at the Upadhyay couple. "Avinash." She introduced. "And Avi, this is Priya's family. That's her uncle, Mr. Mahesh Upadhyay and that's her aunt, Mrs. Ragini Upadhyay."

Bhai joined his hands and bowed his head a little. "Namaste."

"Namaste, Beta," the couple replied.

"And that's Preeti, her younger sister. That's her cousins. Ketaki and Saransh."

"Hi!" The pair of siblings waved at him.

Bhai smiled back. "Hi,"

"Hey," Preeti nodded with an uplift of her lips.

Bhai nodded back.

"Well, now that everyone's here and the introductions are done, let's get started with the dinner?" Mom announced.

Everyone got up, chattering among themselves as they moved towards the kitchen. Priya and I stayed back, letting others go inside first. It wasn't intentional, so don't get the wrong idea. We just have the same thought process in some cases, I guess. Sharing an awkward smile, we followed the rest of them. I noticed the two chairs, adjacent to each other, left empty for us. Meghna met my eyes and winked with a teasing smile. Sometimes I wish to punch her in the face. But strangely, not today.

I pulled a chair for Priya. She sat down with a thank you. "Welcome," I said softly, occupying the chair beside her.

"I was breaking a sweat this morning, wondering what to make for dinner tonight. Finally, I settled on the safe choice, Paneer Masala." Mom chuckled. "Please help yourself," she opened all the casseroles, letting the aroma escape the confines.

Her Aunt was the first to lean in, serving herself and her husband. Then her kids, followed by Preeti. Just as Priya lifted her hand slightly, Meghna grabbed the spoon and served herself. Priya pulled her hand back. I watched as her hesitance repeated every time someone else was quick to grab the spoon, causing her to sit back until everyone had served themselves.

I frowned when she didn't lean in again. Looking down at my empty plate, I realised she was waiting for me to end the queue. To hide my smile, I bent over and brought the casserole closer. "Help yourself," I turned my head, our eyes connecting.

She blinked slowly, tearing her eyes off me before finally grabbing the spoon and filling her plate. In the meanwhile, I made sure everything on the dining table was within her reach. When I was done and relaxed back in my seat, I realised everyone was staring at me. With a clear of my throat, I filled my plate after she was done and dug in instantly.

Everyone went back to their dinner, throwing compliments at my mother once in a while.

"I was thinking of matching their horoscopes." Mom chimed in the middle of the dinner.

"Uh," Mrs. Upadhyay hesitated. "Actually, we don't have her Kundli -"

"It's okay. Just let me know her birth date and time and I'll have it made." Mom assured.

"We only know her birth date." Mrs. Upadhyay smiled apologetically.

"Oh," Mom whispered. "Then what about you?" She turned to Priya. "Do you know the time you were born?"

Priya shook her head.

"Is it necessary?" I asked my mother. "To match the horoscope, I mean?"

She shrugged. "Not really. I don't believe in it. But your Dadi does, so I thought we'll have something less to hear about from her." She sighed.

Priya lowered her head, understanding the hidden meaning of mom's words. I swear mom can be so heartless sometimes.

"Do you have a vague idea of your birth time?" I asked softly.

She bit her lower lip, looking thoughtful. "My memories are rather faded. But I think, Mumma said it was around ten in the morning." She whispered.

"Ten am," I said to my mom.

"Is that a guess?" She looked at Priya who nodded in response. "Wouldn't that create an inaccurate -"

"You don't believe in it. Neither does everyone else. It's just for my mother's sake. Let's not put more thought into it." Dad interrupted her rambling.

She sighed in defeat, humming in acceptance.

"I have a suggestion," Mr. Upadhyay spoke with a smile.

"What is it?" Dad asked.

"Kids have started their winter holidays. So we're heading to Mussoorie next week for five days. I think it'll be a great way for both the families to get to know each other and form a bond. I know everyone in your family is an adult and might have their own commitments, but if possible, we'd love to have you spend some quality time with us." His smile broadened by the end.

"Mussoorie!?" Meghna shrieked.

Everyone looked at her with a deadpanned face.

She cleared her throat and forced a smile. "I mean, wow."

"Well, you can certainly say that adults in our house don't really act like one." Dad joked.

"Dad!" Meghna whined.

We all laughed at her expense.

"I'll think about it," Dad said to him.

I nibbled on the inside of my cheek. Couldn't he have just said yes? I can afford a few days off from my office. The thought of spending five days with Priya, under one roof, thankfully in the presence of our family (because God knows I'll be a mess if left alone with her), sounds tempting to me.

"Do you often go on these vacations?" I asked Priya in a whisper.

She looked at me to shake her head.

I frowned. "Then will you be not going this time?"

"Uh, if you and your family come along, then I'll have to." She mumbled, focusing back on her plate.

"If you come along, then I'll have to."

I smiled wide.

Post dinner, everyone shifted back to the living room. Meghna and Mom served everyone the ice cream for dessert.

Priya and I sat back in our previous spot, silently watching others conversate with each other. I twirled my spoon in my empty cup, my eyes settling on Priya who stared at her bowl absent-mindedly.

I want to talk to her.

"Why don't you take Priya out on a stroll, Adi?" Dad suggested, catching everyone's attention.

I looked at him with a sparkling smile. Dad nodded back with a knowing look. "Show her around. Go."

Hurriedly putting the bowl down, I got up and looked down at her expectantly. She looked at her Uncle for his opinion. He nodded softly at her. She put the bowl down, in the company of my lone one and got up from her seat.

"Let's go," I said to her, taking the lead. She followed me with little rushed footsteps. I wore my slippers and waited as she strapped on her heels. Once she was done, I opened the door and gestured at her to step outside first. She walked past me and waited outside. I followed her after closing the door. We took the elevator to the ground floor. It was an awkward ride, very quiet where we both tried not to make the awkwardness obvious. The doors finally opened with a ping, revealing the waiting occupants outside the elevator. Pari noticed me first and a smile bloomed on her face, then her eyes went to Priya causing her smile to fade a bit as confusion replaced it.

Priya and I stepped out first. "Hi," I greeted Pari.

"Hi," she murmured. "Who is she?"

"Hi, I'm Priya Mathur." Priya introduced herself.

"She is my- uh, friend? Sort of." I explained pathetically.

Priya looked at me in confusion, Pari did too. "We're seeing each other with marriage in mind." She told Pari.

That was easy. I need a better vocabulary.

"Oh, nice to meet you," Pari smiled at her. "I'm Pari Shah. His colleague at the office."

"Nice to meet you," Priya smiled back at her. "Shall we?" She looked up at me.

"Ah, yeah," I nodded. "See you around, Pari."

She hummed. "Bye."

While Pari stepped inside the elevator, we made our way outside the building compound. A minute into the walk and I realised Priya had never taken a stroll before. She was marching like she was in a parade. "Priya!" I called out from behind.

She halted, at least ten feet away from me, and looked beside her, noticing my absence. Her eyes found me over her shoulder. "Uh? Why aren't you walking?"

"You- you weren't walking? You were almost running." I jogged to catch up with her.

She looked down at her feet, seemingly embarrassed. "Sorry, I just, I've never walked without a purpose before." She explained softly.

"Who said we're walking without a purpose?" I asked her.

"Isn't this a waste of time?" She gestured around with her hands.

"No," I stated. "It's calming. A pause we all need from the everyday rat race."

She nodded, though she didn't look convinced. "I'll try to walk slowly."

I hummed and we resumed walking.

Five minutes later, we ended up with five feet distance between us.

"Priya!"

She put a brake on her steps abruptly. "Uh?" She looked confounded after noticing the distance between us. "I was careful though." She murmured.

I chuckled and ran up to her. "Have you never taken a walk before?"

She shrugged. "I'll try-"

"Our feet just don't coordinate." I cut her off.

She twisted the end of her dupatta meekly.

"I have an idea!" I beamed at her. She frowned up at me. "Can I have that?" I pointed at the corner of the dupatta she was holding. She looked at me confused, obliging with my wish. Since her dupatta was now pinned, I wasn't afraid of it falling. Hooking the corner into my watch, I secured it tight so they wouldn't let go of each other. "There," I smiled up at her. "Now every time you try to put distance between us, I'll hold you back." I held up my wrist as proof.

She stared at me stunned.

"Does that make you uncomfortable?" I rubbed my nape self-consciously.

Maybe you're getting too comfortable, Adi?

Where is this confidence coming from?

Crawl back into your shell damnit. You're making this awkward.

"It's okay, we can just walk," I said, reaching forward to undo the entanglement.

She pulled at her dupatta, causing my hand to unwillingly follow her. "It's okay. I think it's smart."

"Oh," I smiled. "Really?"

She nodded, turning around to resume walking. I joined her. We walked in silence, watching the pedestrians meander in distance like us, and the vehicles that drove by.

"Did you grow up here?"

I looked at her, unexpectedly struck by her question. "Yeah. I think Bhai was three when Mom and Dad moved here. I was born two years later."

She hummed and the silence returned.

Should I start a conversation?

But what should I say?

I can't ask if she has dinner yet. I know she did.

Ugh, why is being social so damn hard?

Maybe I should-

I gasped feeling a sharp tug at my wrist. We both halted abruptly, lifting our gazes to realise her dupatta hadn't let us put any more distance between us. I raised my wrist, and she touched her shoulder where the dupatta was pinned before turning around to face me. Her dupatta pulled me close, causing me to stumble forward with rushed steps.

"Uh," I chuckled nervously.

She watched me quietly.

This is awkward.

"I didn't realise we were....." I trailed off, trying to find the correct words.

"Tied together." She completed it for me.

"Yeah," I smiled. "By the way, I'm getting major Shah Rukh Khan vibes now." I laughed, realising just how stupid it was to have the end of her dupatta hooked to my watch.

"Why?"

I stuttered. "You- you know who Shah Rukh Khan is, right?"

She nodded.

"Then do you not know his iconic scenes?"

She frowned.

"Have you watched Om Shanti Om?"

She shook her head.

I cupped my mouth in shock. "How are you alive and still not watched Om Shanti Om?"

"Why? Is it that important?"

I nodded. "It's my favourite film of him. Very unreal."

She tilted her head to the side. "If it is unreal, why would you like it? Don't people like relatable things?"

"The only genre people enjoy when it's relatable is humor. Not romance." I stated. "Romance has better stories to tell in fiction."

"I thought you believe in love," she mumbled, backtracking to fall in step beside me. We resumed walking.

"I do."

I walked around to keep her on the other side of the road kerb.

"I don't believe in love."

"I know." I chuckled.

"Why would you want to marry me then?"

Her question caught me off-guard. Should I tell her I'm hoping for love with her? Wouldn't that be too straightforward and embarrassing? It's clear she doesn't believe in love. Moments like this make me want to rethink my decision of marrying her. I'm trying to win a woman with love and affection that no longer cares about emotions like love or affection. Are all my attempts going to end up in vain?

"Do you have a crush on me, Aditiya?"

I stunted. "Huh?"

"Do you have a crush on me?" She asked again.

I swallowed. "Isn't that-" I chuckled bashfully. "Isn't that obvious at this point?" I scratched the back of my head.

"What if someday your crush wears off and you realise this isn't working for you?"

"Will I-" I paused, and she did too. She had to. Because of the entanglement. "Will I be the only one trying in our relationship?"

She looked down at her feet. "I'll do my best."

I smiled. "Then that's all that matters. C'mon!" I tugged at her dupatta, calling her to join me.

Our walk back home was spent in comfortable silence. I didn't feel the need to speak anymore. Maybe because she was finally walking alongside me, subconsciously, looking around the scenery and enjoying the night. There were a few times when she forgot she was ambling but her dupatta always reminded her of me. And she would slow down, looking absolutely demure because I couldn't hold back my chuckle.

"Thank you," I said when we entered the elevator.

"For what?" She asked looking clueless.

"For taking a walk with me. Mom and Dad love to take walks at night. So I don't find it comfortable to ask them to take me along. Bhai is always busy and Meghna would rather turn into a potato than move her feet."

She chuckled at the last comment.

"Is my sense of humor that great or I'm just extra sensitive to your smiles?"

"Your sense of humor is great." She smiled up at me.

Ha! Take that, Vikram!

The elevator pinged, opening the door at my floor. We stepped outside, walking alongside to the door of my house. I rang the doorbell and Mom opened it, ushering us inside stating that the guests have to leave.

Hearing her, Priya walked past me, gasping when my watch held her back.

Shit.

I completely forgot about this.

"Oye hoye!" Meghna exclaimed loudly.

Preeti whistled at us.

I heard the sound of the shutter and looked at the two women, who giggled at each other as they looked at the photo.

I avoided everyone's stares and quickly undid the knot tying us together. Dropping her dupatta, I shoved my hand in my pocket. She quickly rushed towards her family, standing behind her uncle coyly.

A few weeks ago if someone had said to me Priya Mathur can get shy, I would have laughed at their faces. Yet, here is the moment, and I'm the witness to it.

"Itna wakt? (That was long.)" Bhai stepped beside me.

"I was teaching her how to take a stroll." I chuckled.

He hummed. "While you were gone, everyone was talking about getting you two engaged by the end of this month."

I looked at him in surprise.

"I had the same reaction. It's too fast. Maybe try talking to Mom? She'll understand if you need some time to rethink your decision."

I laughed at him, shoving him on the shoulder. "Are you nuts? That's like aa bail mujhe maar. (Provoking a bull to come and hit me)" He looked at me in confusion. "I don't have a problem getting engaged to her tomorrow and you're asking me to push the dates even further?" I chuckled shaking my head. My eyes went to Priya who bent to take blessings from my parents while they prepared to leave.

"You're being too desperate, Adi." He said steeply.

I scoffed out a chuckle, hurt at his abrasive words. "At least I'm marrying the woman I like, unlike someone else." I walked off briskly.

I don't understand what his problem is. If he is simply worried, he can let me know or express himself in gentler words and actions. Did he have to be so rude? I ignored him for the time we saw the guests off for the night.

After they were gone, we settled in the living room, discussing Mr. Upadhayay's suggestion over another bowl of ice cream. I was in for the idea. And by the looks of it, so were Dad and Meghna.

"I can take a few days off," Dad nodded at us.

"So can I," I added.

"Yeah, even I," Meghna said and I burst out laughing. "What!?" She looked at me offended.

"Yeah, even I!" I mocked her. "You don't even have a job."

"I'm a freelance graphic designer!"

"Yeah, and that's no job!" I rolled my eyes.

"Shut up! At least I make more than you!" She scowled.

"Oh please!" I copied her expression. "If that was the case, why were you in my room that morning, begging me for money?"

"That's- that's because I'm not getting enough gigs this month! And I blew off the last month's earnings in shopping and other stuff. Just you wait. Next month I'll get back on track."

I made a gesture of meaningless chatter with my hand. She grunted and slammed a pillow at me.

"Argh! You dimwit!" I groaned as my ice cream fell on my lap.

"You're a dimwit!"

"And you're a-"

"Enough!" Mom snapped, stopping both of us.

Meghna looked down at her lap while I cleaned the mess on mine.

"I've no problem with the vacation. But if Avinash can't go, neither can I. Someone has to be here to take care of him."

I scoffed internally. He is not a child.

"I'll be fine here, Mom. You should go." He stated from his seat.

"See, he has no problem. Let's go now." I looked at her hopefully.

"No. Just because he is saying, doesn't mean my responsibility ends there. He is busy with work the whole day. He needs me to take care of his health." She shook her head.

Bhai didn't put up any more fight.

"Well, if your mother isn't going then how can I?" Dad shrugged.

My nose scrunched in displeasure.

Meghna huffed and rested back on her seat.

I looked at my brother in a rage. He felt my glare on him and tilted his head up. I nodded at him to convince our mother. He shrugged, playing dumb. I made a fist of my hand. He rolled his eyes and ignored me.

Ugh, is he taking revenge for the comment I made earlier!?

"Mummy, yar, please!" I begged mom.

"No." She answered, getting up and collecting our empty bowls. Just as she left the living room, we all looked at Bhai expectantly.

He stared like a deer caught in a headlight.

"Bhai, it's been so long since we've gone on vacation! Please agree!" Meghna clasped her hands together.

"Yeah, even I wish to spend some quality time with your mother. It's been a while." Dad smiled fondly, probably reminiscing old memories.

"Bhai, please. I'm sorry for what I said earlier. I know you are just worried for me." I said to him.

He blinked and looked down at his hands. "No, I'm sorry. I was rude."

"What are you two talking about?" Dad asked us.

"Did you two fight?" Meghna questioned.

"Nothing, Dad. Just a little tiff." I smiled at our father. "Bhai, please. It'll be a good opportunity for me to get to know her."

He met my eyes. "I've some important work-"

"Can't you put it off for five days?" Meghna suggested.

"Or you can take it with you there? Aren't you the boss?" I added.

"Okay," he sighed.

Meghna and I broke off into shrieks, sharing a loud Hi-Fi and startling Mom just as she entered the living room. "He agreed!" Meghna announced, doing a little weird dance. Adorable. Mom laughed, happiness shining in her eyes as she looked at me. I was beaming with excitement.

"Now you'll come right?"

She nodded with a smile.

"Yes!" I fist-pumped. "Dad! Call them and let them know!" I sat beside my father.

"Now?"

"Aur kab, dad? (Then when, Dad?)" Meghna deadpanned. "Call Priya's uncle and tell him we're coming along!" She plopped down on the other side of him.

"Okay, okay, calm down first." He settled us down like pets. We watched in anticipation as he fished out his phone and called Mr. Upadhyay. "Mahesh Ji, did you reach yet?" He asked. I wish he could just skip the pleasantries but then that would be rude. "Oh, that's a relief." He said then paused. "Yeah, traffic is usually high during weekends. By the way, I called to tell you that we would love to see Mussoorie with your family." He paused, hearing the response and then breaking out in a small laugh. "Yeah, definitely." He added. "Also, please let me know about the expenses -" he stopped abruptly. "Arey, kya, Mahesh Ji! Yeh ummeed nahi thi mujhe aapse. Kya ladki vale aur kya ladke vale. Kis zamane ki baatein leke baith gaye aap? (Seriously, Mahesh Ji? I did not expect this from you. There's no such thing as the bride's side and the groom's side. In which generation are you still living?)" He taunted. "I don't know anything, but we're sharing the expenses." He stated. "Yes. Okay, I'll let them know. Have a good night." He hung up with a smile.

"How did it go?" I asked.

Dad nodded. "This Tuesday. And we'll be traveling by train."

"Yes!" Meghna screamed.

"Uff, you're going to get me hearing aids before my age does." Dad winced.

I chuckled.

"Uh, bad news!" Mom broke our bubble. My stomach dropped at her expressions. She looked up from the phone at us. "Your Bua is asking me in the Family Group Chat whether it's true that you've chosen the other sister who's six years older than you."

I sat straight in alarm.

Oopsies! Family drama. I swear it is never-ending.

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