❝ Some hustle with an ample of bustle, a city that never sleeps yet only dreams.

No pause is enough for the struggle is real, still a sweet home to many millions. ~ Mumbai❤️❞

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MEERA'S POV

" Please fasten your seat belt. We're about to take off." The air hostess announced.

I looked around.

Where the hell was Kush? Is he gonna ditch me again?

There is no way I'm travelling to Mumbai on my own. Not a chance.

" Ms. I'd request you..."

" He's late... " I panicked, standing up.

" Please sit, ma'am..."

" My friend. He's late. I can't go without..."

" Meera... Meera. Relax." Suddenly, he came from the cockpit.

There was no reason to panic but hearing his voice I settled down, fastening my belt. I saw him gesture the hostess to leave. He sat next to me.

" The pilot is my old man's friend. I owe him a 'Hello' " Why was he referring to his father an old man? So weird each day. I nodded.

He handed me a tissue.

" Wipe your forehead, Meera..." I obeyed as a child. I was profusely sweating.

We're about to take off. It was an eight seater Beechcraft Premier I, private plane owned by one of the many companies that Samar Kapoor owned. Suddenly, it struck me. Kush is actually so rich.

Along with Kush and me, there two more officials travelling with us. From their appearance they looked as Kush's bodyguards. I had never seen him surrounded by one but today I wasn't given any brief introduction by him so I was allowed to assume things.

" You really called me 'Your Friend'." He said after we were in air and I was comfortable in the fluffy push back chair.

" Huh?"

" I heard you, Meera..." He smiled.

" But, you really thought I was gonna let you go alone?" He asked.

" Hmm.. I-I don't know. You can... "

"... do anything, isn't it? So, I would've abandoned you on a trip back home?" His frequent use of the word home was increasing my anxiety levels.

" No. I'm just nervous for meeting Mr. Patel. I can't do that on my own. " He knew I was lying and now that had become so often. Hiding my feeling from him, knowing the fact that he's well aware of everything. Even after so many years.

He nodded powering up his laptop.

" Yeah. Here's the schedule. " He landed his MacBook Air to me.
And I was in awe looking at the 5 day schedule.

It was blank expect for the 4 hours occupied to meet Mr. Patel. I expected it to be packed with meetings.

The day we land, i.e it will be Tuesday afternoon around 3 in Mumbai, we'll be checking in our hotel. The schedule is clear for the entire evening and night to adjust the jet lag.

Next morning we have a meeting with Mr. Patel in his office and a on-site meeting till 4. After that for the next 4 days, there's nothing to do.

" Kush? What's this?" I asked pointing to the blank spaces.

" What's wrong with it?" He definitely gets good acting skills from his father although he denies the very fact that he's definitely, most importantly not an actor.

" Don't you act with me. When I asked for the 5 day schedule Zoe didn't email me one. Now, on a 5 day trip there's only a day's work. What are you planning to do the rest of the time?" I was definitely furious.

Was all this his new way of spending time with me? If it's a trick, I'm not being a party to it.

" Meera, It's been months since I met Mom. I've been working hard. She's in the town and so is Dad. I want to spend some time with them." His explanation sounded genuine.

It's true that work's being cruel on us. And being without a family, there's no one knowing the pain better than me.

" And, I wanted you to give yourself a small break, Meera. You've worked hard. Why not chill in the place where you grew up?" He said.

" Catch up with old pals and..." He stopped. I looked over, wanting him to complete himself.

"... and Family." He said it.

There's Mom, Dad, a couple of close relatives and friends and ofcourse some cousins, who probably think I don't exist anymore.

" Well, I don't know. I'll see." I answered as nicely as possible. I don't think so he knows that my relationship with my parents has gone from Best to Worst and there's no plan or a reason that I should let them see my face.

"Meera, It's a chance, right?" He said after a long moment of silence.

" Uh-huh?"

" I think you've a lot of time. If you want I can arrange a car to drop you home." That thought made me shiver.

" No... It won't be necessary... I'm fine with your arrangements. " I said, promptly.

But, it's kinda surprising. He has his house in the city. Why live in a hotel?

" I don't know why are you averting the thought of going home. I really don't know. I want to accompany you hence I thought of making reservations at the hotel."

" But you never asked me where I'd like to live?" I protested.

" You never mentioned for once that you'd love to go back and live with your parents. Even though you know we are going to Mumbai. "

" They're maybe out of town, Kush. But you can go home. Don't push yourself for me. "

" Maybe? Did you not call them? "

" What are you, my action's monitor? I don't owe you any explanations. " I was pissed off, more on myself than on me.

" Yeah! True! Agreed.... But, you definitely owe one for yourself for your actions..."

" What the... I don't get it. Why everyone around me wants to tell me what do I owe to whom? I know that, Okay. I don't take orders and definitely not from you." It was loud enough to be categorized a shout.

" It wasn't an Ord.. "

Pulling the headphones, I completely ignored Kush. It was rude. And mean too. I was never like this. I never wanted to be like this but my actions were taking a toll on me. I felt like crying but my heart wasn't weak anymore.

Through the corner of my eyes I saw Kush's calm face. My behavior wasn't poking him one bit, instead it was hurting me. After that outbreak at the hospital when I told Kush he needs to see somebody and he said he was seeing someone, it clearly depicts that he has made peace with all the facts. And I'm the one who needs a therapist.

Aarghhh....

I clenched my teeth and closed my eyes, letting the slow music calm me down.

🌟🌟🌟

When I forced my eyes open, it was dimly lit around. I felt as if I slept hours. I was covered in a warm blanket and my chair was inclined and then I realised my hand had a strong grip of someone's waist. My eyes adjusted and it had to be Kush. He was sound asleep while I was holding him tight. His right hand was holding mine and I saw a tissue firmly held in his palm. I don't remember falling asleep. I even had my headphones on but now they weren't there.

I moved gently releasing my hold as I felt my cheeks were wet. I touched and looked in the reflection of the window. There were tiny bits of tissue around the hem of my t-shirt. I was crying in my sleep and Kush was the one comforting. I don't even remember what the nightmare or the dream was. I don't even remember crying. All I remember is sleeping in the most comfortable embrace after a long time.

I looked at Kush. I pulled the blanket to cover him and requested the air hostess to give me some water. She was about to serve the food when Kush woke up.

We didn't speak. Just pushed something down for our stomachs and occupied ourselves. I fell asleep again but this time I made sure I didn't cause him trouble.

I woke up when the pilot announced that we'll be landing in 3 hours. I used the washroom and washed my face. It was bright outside and the clouds made the sky look like a bouncy castle in the heaven. I noticed that Kush wasn't around. He returned after some time. He had changed into a white V neck black t-shirt from his blue shirt. His hair wasn't messy anymore and all gelled up.

" Sir, The protocol..."

" Jackie... I know the protocol. I was away just for some months." He answered.

" Not for you, sir. For Ms. Mathur..."

" Huh?" I choked on water. What now?

" Oh! Yeah... I forgot. Sure. Meera, lend your ears to him." He said, moving sideways and checking his phone.

" Ma'am, you'll be escorted away from Sir when we land in a separate car to your hotel. "

" Why? Kush? Are you going home?" I asked surprised.

Kush gestured him to leave.

" No. I'll accompany you. But, not from the airport, there the scene may be different. Indian Media knows the unknown and you can expect the unexpected. Since, Dad is in the town we've to expect it. Also, rumors travel fast you know. " What did he mean by that?

" Please Fasten the seat belts." My question left answered.

And before I could know what would happen, I was escorted away from Kush. I looked at him and he smiled at me, a assuring smile that we'll meet soon.

The entrance of the airport in Mumbai was really packed with reporters. It left as if they were waiting since eons to pounce on him. I was about 30 steps from him, no one bothered. No doubt Kush groomed himself, a perfect airport picture on its way.

Wow!

Kush was indeed a celebrity back home. He wasn't an actor though, but being a Superstar's son had it's own pros and cons but through the breathing gap, I saw how warmly he treated the Media Guys. If I was in his place, I'd be pissed off. After almost 14-15 hrs of travel, such a welcome bombarded with questions is too much to say. He was taking his time, answering all the questions asked patiently.

" Ma'am... This way." The other bodyguard guided me.

As I was about to turn I saw Tom standing next to Kush. He saw me, and smiled. I returned the smile and followed the bodyguard out.

The checking out was a tedious process. After half an hour, I was in a BMW enroute to the hotel. The sun was shining brightly and the humid climate felt like home. The streets were bustling with people and hawkers on the footpaths. Suddenly, I realised that I did miss the place a lot than I think I did. It was good to be back. Normally, Auckland isn't this crowded. And Mumbai, Ahh Damn... The air smells different and the people, all of them makes me feel home.

A soothing wave of relief couldn't make the traffic sane. It was traumatic as usual. I closed my eyes letting that feeling to seep deeper.

After 1 hr I was in ITC Central. The suite was humongous. As if it was like a private villa with a swimming pool. There was another suite as big as mine opposite to the swimming pool. The table had a basket full of sweets and fruits along with a welcome note.

It said:

Ms. Mathur,
Welcome To Mumbai.
It's ITC Central's pleasure to have you here. Hope to serve you with our best hospitality.

Regards,
Manager.

It was surrounded by sweet smelling candles. My luggage was already in the room. I unpacked it and had a good long shower. I needed it. The sequence of things placed in my head. It drifted to Kush. Life was so different for him here. No wonder he can be a gloater at times.

Here, he was a different man. His father was a public figure with millions of fans. I don't expect to see Kush until tomorrow. He's gonna be busy as a bee now.

After a nice shower, the clock showed 6 in the evening. The sun was touching the horizon. I took a walk around the hotel. I hadn't heard from Kush neither from his bodyguards. It seemed as if everyone had lot of work to do while I was the only one with nothing to do. I went back to the 9th floor. I assumed that he must have gone home. I sat on the wooden porch watching the sun go down. I checked my phone, wanting to call Mom but twice I couldn't make myself do that.

The weird part was I wasn't having a jet lag. Normally, I would feel super uncomfortable but being back in the city had a different familiar vibe. I don't regret coming back at all. I had received a text from Alan and one from Tara. I replied them that I'd reached safely and so had Kush.

I still had The Times Of India app installed. 5 years changed a lot of things but not all. The notification caught my attention.

Samar Kapoor's prodigy, Kush Kapoor back in the city.

I clicked on the notification to view the article. It was the headline in the Entertainment Section.

Sources say that one of his female colleague from Auckland accompanied him on the flight back here. She wasn't spotted on the airport with him. Her name's not out yet. But, the duo will surely be spotted together soon if they are here for business.

I let a sigh. Once we're out in public, it's gonna be difficult not to be spotted or clicked together. I know there's nothing to worry about. Kush works with thousands of women, not every one has an affair with him. I just hope he has made the necessary arrangements for the same. I don't want to be a part of this industry party.

Somewhere, I was aware that he's popular but being so popular and all his movements were under a constant scanner wasn't something I'd imagined.

I worked on the presentation for an hour until it was 8:30 pm when I heard some sounds outside my room, coming from the poolside. I opened the french windows. The scene was beautiful. The pool was dimly light and the lights reflected like stars in the pool. In the middle of those stars I saw Kush. I didn't expect him. He was swimming lengths across when he noticed me.

He was only in his swimming shorts when I went towards the him. He stopped and swimmed closer. The water was dripping down his hair and face and his perfect body was definitely a treat to watch. I bent down while he rested his arms on the boundary of the pool.

" Did I disturb you?" He asked.

" I thought you went home." I replied.

" I said I won't leave you alone. I had a press conference to address just after we landed. It was regarding the announcement of our new project. I thought you must be sleeping. Jetlag and all" I was still on my knees.

" Naah... No jetlags for me. What about you? "

" When you're home, your clock's back to normal. Right?" He smiled.

" Wanna take a dip? It's refreshing... " He splashed some water around me.

" You never said that we were coming on a vacation. I packed for a business trip. I don't have a swim wear... " I shrugged.

" You're not in a jungle, Meera. They've swim wear here... " It was obvious.

I didn't answer.

" C'mon. Trust me. You'll feel amazing. And it will make you feel famished too. " He laughed.

" Kush, I don't think... "

" Meera, for once let's forget we share a history together. Let's be just be you and me. Why not just relax for a while? For what's it's worth, not everyday is a Sunday and not every day you get to swim with a celebrity. " He said, laughing.

" Kush... I thought you told us to be us..."

" That's who I'm... " He splashed some more water.

" You're a Gloater... And a big one... "I stood up.

" Meera, C'mon... I'm sorry, Okay. "

" Let me change, at least... " I winked.

In 5 minutes, I had a swim wear. I chose a knee length one peice swim suit over a two peice bikini. I don't want to make myself or Kush feel awkward. And whatever the truth was, here in India he sure as hell was a big shot celebrity and like Jackie said rumors travel fast and I've no plan of getting involved in a celebrity scandal.

The water was mild and nice. Kush was correct. It was indeed refreshing.

" Meera, look here..." He called me after we swan for a couple of minutes.

As I turned to look at him, he covered me with water.

" Hey!" I shouted attacking back and moving closer.

" Stop, Kush. Now..." I shouted but his water attack was blocking my vision.

The area was also dimly lit. As I moved closer pushing water towards him, I slipped on the water drain, falling directly on him. And together we lost balance and fell into the water.

I held his shoulder while he held my waist as I struggled to get up. We were about to touch the floor of the 5 feet pool. My opened eyes were panic struck as Kush pulled me closer and in a swift moment turned us over so that he found his grip while I cluched him tight and he pulled us out towards the surface. My head was rested on his shoulder as I spat water and stared breathing heavily. He rubbed my back and I was still hugging him and spitting water.

It definitely wasn't a great idea.

In a go he lifted me and I was out of the pool sitting on the marble floor. My eyes were still closed and I was coughing water when I felt my body covered with a towel. Kush sat next to me.

That fall had done no shit on him. He looked so normal. It felt like I was the only one who had averted getting drowned.

" Meera..." He called and started laughing.

" W-What? I was about to get drown coz of you..."

" It's 5 feet only. Why the hell did you panic in first place. Because of that you inhaled water and lost your balance making both of us fall. You are a swimmer. " He justified.

" And this was a stupid idea. " I said trying to stand up but then I stumbled.

Kush held my hand.

" And you need a helping hand. "

" No.... I don't.." But before I could protest he lifted my weak self up and walked us to my room. He placed me on the bed.

I looked at him, his eyes and his wet hair. I can't deny that my heart rate wasn't the normal one.

He dragged his face closer and I don't know why my eyes closed instantly.

" The bed's getting wet, Meera. I think you'll have to sleep in my room..." He said in my ears.

What the...
What the hell was I thinking?
There was no way he was gonna kiss me and there was no chance I was gonna kiss him back.

I pushed him away and stood up.

" No chance, Kush. No chance. There's no way I'm allowing you to make a move on me. Just because Alan's not around..."

" Not him, again, Meera. Not him. " He stopped me midway. He walked towards the door.

" And FYI, you just did..." He winked and left.

What did I just do?

" Not only did you allow me, If I had kissed you you'd kiss back... " He said peeping again and answering my question.

Not a chance...

I was so furious now.

I wouldn't have kissed him. I'm sure of that but before I could justify he was gone.

Now, this made me look weak and there's no chance that he gonna have it this way.

But, first I need some fresh dry clothes and then Kush give get a taste of what it's like to play games with me.

Ah! What a start back home!

Mumbai, what more surprises do you have packed for me?

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Hey Guys!

Hope you and your loved ones, all are safe and healthy. Do take care of yourselves and others too in this hard time when all of us are fighting Covid-19 together.

Being in quarantine has helped me make time for this update.

Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter.

Next One - Sooner! 🤗

Do VOTE, COMMENT & SHARE

Kush and Meera still have few adventures left to go.

Keep up the Support.

Luv... ❤️
Vruksha.