Part 30 Party

Arnav was discussing the last shot of the movie with the director. That's when Akanksha came to him and smiled at him. Arnav responded to her smile.

"I have been arranging for a party as we have completed the movie shoot. I hope you will take part in it, forgetting all the differences between us." She said politely.

"In fact, I have forgotten all of them already. I will surely take part. When is the party?"

"Tonight..."

"Tonight? No way... I'm really sorry. I can't join you guys. You just carry on." He said simply.

"But why? I think you don't forget what happened between us."

"No... nothing is like that. I have another personal plan for tonight. So please..."

Arnav left the place, leaving Akanksha to fume. She went to the producer Gangadhar.

"I'm sorry sir, I don't think this movie will get box office." She said sadly.

"Why are you talking negatively? Don't you know this movie is my future?"

"Of course, I know. That's why I'm working for you rearranging my schedule."

"What's your point?"

"Arnav is not getting participated in my party."

"But why?"

"Who knows? If he doesn't join us, I don't know what the media people will write about it. Already people are celebrating Arnav and Khushi's pair. Adding to it, he does not give heed to my party. Then people will lose interest in this movie. To create on-screen chemistry, off-screen friendship is important. Then how people will get interested in the movie?"

Gangadhar thought said nothing. Akanksha is not wrong. He knew people's mentality. He had enough experience in judging people. A film needs good chemistry between the couple to get succeed. Aman beautifully created good chemistry between Arnav and Khushi which made Akansha out of focus who had been the best pair of Arnav until then. But he can't let it happen. Before Aman's movie gets released, he has to release the movie. Then only he can gain profit. If people liked Arnav with Khushi, they won't accept any other heroine with Arnav as they are getting married. To make people like Arnav and Akansha pair, a few build-ups are necessary, just like this party. Arnav should be a part of this party no matter what. He doesn't want to give food to the media people. He thought something and decided what to do.

Talking with Arnav about it won't be a wise idea. He won't change his mind because tomorrow is Khushi's birthday. He would like to be with her at 12 o'clock as this is her first birthday after their love progressed.

Gangadhar called Khushi. She attended it without delay.

"Happy Birthday in advance Khushi."

"Thank you so much, Sir. I hope you completed the movie..."

"Yes, almost all the work is completed. There is a party tonight..."

"Ohh, that's nice."

"But, there is a problem," he said miserably.

"What problem sir?" she asked with concern.

"Arnav."

"Arnav? what he did?"

"He is not joining us at the party."

"But why?"

"Don't you know? Tomorrow is your birthday... how would he be with us at the party instead of being with you?"

Khushi was silent. She knew Arnav is planning something on her birthday.

"This movie is my life, Khushi. I'm expecting this movie a lot. I have sold my family property to finish the movie. If Arnav doesn't join us, media may create problems to get TRP which will surely affect the movie..."

Khushi understood why Gangadhar is telling her all these.

"Arnav will join you, sir."

"Are you sure?"

"He is not a man who won't understand your problem. He will be there at the party..."

"Thank you Khushi... thank you so much."

"Just for you, sir..."

Khushi disconnected the call. Though she promised Gangadhar she doesn't know how much Arnav is going to fill her ears. Compromising him in this matter is next to impossible. And she had no idea about what he is planning for her birthday.

Making herself, she dialed Arnav. As expected he answered in a first ring.

"Hi, going to be birthday baby..."

"What are you doing?"

"Almost I completed my entire schedule. Only one day will be enough to finish rerecording."

"Hope Gangadhar sir is happy..."

"Yeah..."

"Are you sure?"

"hann, I'm sure."

"No Arnav. He is not happy. In fact, he is worried..."

"But why?"

"Because of you."

"Whaaat? What did I do? In fact, I adjusted everything in the sets you know."

"I know... you are so adjustable hero in the field. That's why you are the producer's first choice. But, apart from the work performance, there is something which makes the movie hit or flop."

"What do you mean Khushi?"

"Not being part of the unit party will give negative results, Arnav."

Arnav rolled his eyes. Gangadhar would have spoken to Khushi.

"Don't get irritated Arnav. Just think of the reality. You readily agreed to work for Gangadhar Sir. What's the use if the movie didn't get hit?"

"Khushi, I have given my best to Gangadhar sir and it's over. I have a personal life too and it's more important than anything to me."

"I will be with you forever, Arnav. We can celebrate my birthday every year."

"Stop it Khushi... don't try to reschedule my plan."

"Ok... I don't. but you can wind-up the party sharp 11... why not you just join them formally? Posing for some pics, you can leave whenever you want... ignoring it won't be the right choice, baby."

Arnav sighed.

"I'm disappointed you know."

"You don't have to... I will be with you after the party. ok?"

"Mmmm..."

"Don't make face... smile..."

"I will send my grinning pic... bye."

He disconnected the call. Khushi smiled nodding no. She should not have done this. He is upset. She has to make his mood. But joining the party is also important for Arnav. Khushi sighed.

Party

Arnav joined the party half-heartedly. He was not at all interested to be there. But he couldn't disappoint Khushi. She should have promised Gangadhar. This film industry people are so cunning. They get what they want by hook or by crook. But not everyone does that selfishly. Gangadhar like good people are exemptions.

Akanksha was literally hopping, seeing Arnav at the party. She know Gangadhar will make it for sure.

"Thank you for being a part of my party... I'm honored." She grinned at him.

Arnav nodded yes.

"Have something, Arnav," she called a bearer who was having a DRINKS tray.

"No... I won't drink." Arnav denied.

"Yeah, I know. Wait. I will send you a mocktail." She left the place not waiting for his reply.

She waited for Rohit but she didn't show it on her face. At last, Rohit entered the party hall sharp 8o'clock. Her face brightened, seeing him.

Rohit handed her a small packet. She fisted her hand to hide it. She saw Arnav talking with Gangadhar, sitting in the corner. This is the good chance. Arnav won't deny the drink if Gangadhar gave it to him.

Akanksha ordered the bearer to prepare two mocktails.

"Make it fast...."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"It must be good in taste. It's for ASR." She insisted.

"Ok Ma'am."

The bearer fastened the action. He prepared a two glasses of mocktail.

"You can go."

The bearer nodded yes and left to serve the drinks to the guests.

Rohit stood, hiding the tray whereas Akanksha mixed the drag in a glass. She herself carried the tray to the place where Arnav and Gangadhar sitting.

"This is for you, sir..."

She extended the tray towards Gangadhar, slightly turning the tray leftwards. So that he will take the glass without drug. And Gangadhar took the glass. Then she handed the drugged glass to Arnav.

"Thank you..." Arnav smiled at her.

Akanksha left the place and stood with Rohit to watch the scene.

"Arnav's story is coming to an end," Rohit said sarcastically.

"I want to see Khushi's face tomorrow... this is the birthday gift which I'm going to give her," Akanksha said with venom-filled eyes.

"But what are they talking, without drinking?" Rohit asked irritatingly.

"Thank you for being with us, Arnav." Gangadhar thanked him.

"It's ok, sir. I will leave the party at 10 o'clock."

"No problem... you joined us. It's enough."

Arnav nodded yes and sipped the drink.

To be continued...

The next part is available on Inkitt

Spiked Drinks

Arnav finished half of the spiked drink. Akanksha and Rohit were delighted, seeing him drinking. Suddenly, Arnav's facial expression changed. He stood smilingly and rushed towards the entrance with the drinks glass. Akanksha and Rohit became confused, seeing him running all of a sudden. They looked at the entrance and horrified, seeing Khushi standing with a gorgeous smile. Half white, fish cut gown and a simple diamond necklace made her damn stunning.

The