Chapter 23- "Anything For You."

"You will get off that bed and come with me, right now." I said, crossing my arms.

"Ha! In your dreams asshole!"

"What the hell? Now you are going to throw everything down the drain for one mistake? What happened to friendship these days?" I squinted my eyes.

"Don't you dare talk about friendship. In the past few weeks, did you even bother to check up on me?" Gaurav hollered.

"Hey, don't shout! And are you on your cycle or what? Because I-" Before I could finish the sentence, Gaurav hurled a pillow straight at my face. "Ouch dude!"

"Don't dude me. Unless and until, you have a proper explanation, I have three words for you."

"I forgive you?" And I knew that I was hoping too much but can't a guy dream?

"Get. The. Hell. Out." Gaurav turned back to the television, which was showing an extremely gory murder mystery.

"But that's four words and-"

"Oh my god, Raghav, get out!" He yelled.

"Okay, okay, I am sorry." I said and went to sit next to him. "Listen, I know you are hurt and I am sorry I didn't reach out when I should've and I've been a terrible friend but I need your help and I-"

"It's always about help and manipulation with you, isn't it? Did you care to ask me what I've been through? You and Mira just walked off the production. But what about me and Rhea?

Mira just changed managers without a second thought and I lost two huge clients because of you! People started pointing fingers and saying that if I can't handle the golden boy's reputation, who is also India's Sweetheart, how will I manage theirs?

It's easy for celebrities to act out. But for us, the real people behind the scenes, it gets tough. All your drama, acting without a second thought, mistakes, tantrums, everything is borne by us! And yet, it is us who get the least respect because come on, how can Mr. and Ms. Sweetface do anything wrong?" Gaurav ended and scooted away from me.

I sat there on the bed, unable to speak. Gaurav was right. We never give them enough respect. They are on the clock 24/7 working and fixing our mistakes. Something that we should be fixing. But instead of us, it is them who spend more than two decades of their lives mending someone else's lives.

I held back tears as I reached out a hand to hold his. "Gaurav, I am so sorry. I never understood what you really went through. But now that I understand, I want you to know that I never meant to make you feel that way.

You are my best friend and I am ashamed I never thought about what you must be going through. You don't have to come back to work or help me. Take some time off. Indefinitely. Come back whenever you feel like because I will wait for my best friend."

Before he could say no, I interjected, "Please, I insist." I smiled ruefully and stood up. I walked towards the door and was about to step out when Gaurav called out. My heart full of expectation that he will say he understands and that he will come back immediately, I turned.

"I just have one question."

"Anything for you."

"Are you sure you don't love me?" Gaurav broke into a grin.

"You asshole, I actually thought you were going to say you were sorry too!" I laughed and pushed him out of the bed.

"Sorry? Why should I be?"

"For being upset with me, of course!"

"Raghav, you know that people don't apologise for being upset right? Or are you still in kindergarten?"

I rolled my eyes and changed the channel to a happier movie. "So what was this really urgent thing you needed help with?" Gaurav asked, still sitting on the floor.

"Oof, I thought you'd never ask. So, I just received an invitation for Hailey's party and I think I know how to get the project back on track."

"I'm listening."

"So, Dhruv and the executive producers are meeting up with Mira's new manager today. I'm pretty sure it's not going to go well. What with Mira's strong headedness. Also, her new manager sounds like a bitch anyway." I shrugged.

"And why do you think so?" Gaurav looked at me quizzically.

"Because she let Mira drop the project. Moving on, Hailey's party is about a week from now. On the 20th of this month. And judging by the bitchy manager's stupid judgement, she will encourage Mira to attend. Network and flirt your way in. That's what these idiots say all the time anyway."

"Dude, network and flirt? Are you kidding me?" Gaurav burst out laughing. "What exactly are you trying to say?"

Slightly annoyed by his sudden laughter, I said, "I am trying to say that we stage an ambush!"

Gaurav looked at me for a good fifteen minutes. His eyebrows rose, eyes dilated and the corners of his mouth twitched. A sign that he was going to make fun of me. I braced myself for yet another onslaught of mockery because honestly, the plan did sound a bit dry.

"An ambush?" Gaurav repeated. "Hmm, an ambush. What exactly are you going to do in the said ambush?"

"Um, you know like walk up to Mira and give her a piece of my mind. She should've known that I would've eventually realised my mistake. She should've known that I would've apologised. There was no need for rash decisions at all.

She could've stopped talking to me but she hurt you, Rhea, Dhruv, the whole production. And it's not fair that other people should pay for my mistakes. Now see where we have landed. Pregnancy rumours are doing the rounds!" I said, frustrated and dragged a hand over my face.

"Okay that one was hilarious. I mean, really? Mira and Raghav stop shooting because they are having a baby? Of all things! You two haven't even called each other baby and the press is talking about a real one!"

We both laughed at that. Finally it died down and I asked him. "So, will you help me?"

A slow smile made its way on to his face. He nodded and said with utmost sincerity and confidence, "Anything for you, you asshole."

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A/N

I missed you guys so much! Wish me luck for my boards people. I'll be needing it because instead of studying, here I am, updating my book lmao.

LOVE, HUGS AND AN AMBUSH,

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