Honestly, I would be lying if I said I wasn't excited about this meeting. First, because I would be meeting my own fictional children, and second, I would witness the awkward side of Akram, handling his fans for the first time. This idea alone was priceless!

I chuckled inwardly.

‘Well, he wants to be a famous pianist. He better get used to this,’ I thought.

I couldn't stop smiling when I reached the small café of Mrs. Chandra Charan. Just as I expected, a long line of girls formed outside the glass door of the café. The clamor of the eager mob increased with each step I took. The girls looked antsy and completely impatient.

“Hello dear ones!” I said, waving my hand in a quick greeting.

“SWEET PINEAPPLES! IT'S MOSTA!!” Someone screamed among the crowd and all hell broke loose.

I only had a glimpse of the cheering girls before I felt something - or someone- slamming into me until I fell on the ground.

“Ow!” I yelled.

“Oops! Sorry, Mosta. I couldn't help it.” The petite girl in a SpongeBob t-shirt giggled and got off the ground. She handed me a small paper bag. “Here’s a cupcake for you.”

“Thanks, Mickey.” I rolled my eyes and got up, sweeping my hands over my clothes and adjusting my glasses. “So, what's up?”

“The sky.”

“Ugh!”

“They won't let us in.”

“Why?”

“There's a 'closed’ sign on the entrance.” Mickey pouted.

“Hmm!” I pursed my lips. “Let me take care of it.”

Marching towards the entrance, I recognized most of the girls who attended my birthday party a few days back; Rama, Poorna, Anku, Vani, Ash, Amalia, and many more. Some were familiar and some I'd never seen before.

“You're silent readers, right?” I winked at the unknown people. They averted their faces and ignored me. Wow!

I shook my head and pushed the door open.

Inside the café was quiet... Suspiciously quiet.

“Hello? Anyone here?” I called out.

“Shhhh! They'll hear you!” Someone hushed from behind the counter.

looking over the front counter, I found a small girl with an extremely long ponytail, long-lashed dark eyes and cute dimples.

“Hello, Asha! It's Most_bay.” I greeted her with a simple smile, extending my hand.

“Most_bay! Finally!” Asha bounced around the counter, her hair swaying back and forth. She shook my hand quickly and dragged me to some unknown destination.

“What's going on? Where are the kids?” I asked, looking around for any sign of Akram and Melody being here.

“Melo is having a panic attack in the kitchen and Super… uh, Akram is consoling her,” she reported in her chirpy little voice.

“Oh dear!” I face-palmed myself.

We entered the kitchen to find the couple sitting at a kitchen counter, smiling at each other and eating something from a huge bucket.

Asha halted and gasped. “What are you doing? You'll finish up our stock of chocolate ice cream! Auntie's going to kill me!”

Melody blanched and dropped her spoon. She looked so pale and shaken that I felt sorry for her.

Akram leaned in and whispered to his girl. “It's okay, sweetheart. Don't worry,” then he turned to glower at Asha. “It helps her calm down, Asha. I'll pay for it.”

“No!” Melody objected. “Take it from my paycheck, Ash.”

Akram sighed. “Alright. If it makes you happy.”

I smiled proudly at the cute exchange. 'I love these guys!’ I thought to myself.

Akram got up and walked gracefully in our direction. He was taller than I'd imagined, much taller than me, and I must admit, he was extremely attractive. I'd described him many times in the story, but I couldn't fully visualize his good looks.

“Hello, son.” I held out my hand, staring at my favorite fictional creation.

“Hey, you're not that old.” Akram flashed a dashing smile and shook my hand. “Welcome to New York, Most_bay.”

“Nice grip!” I noted. My boy had really strong hands.

“Thanks ” He chuckled, flexing his fingers. “Piano muscles.”

I strode forward to greet Melody. She'd been slumped on a kitchen stool, but she got up and smiled weakly.

Sweet girl, she is.

“Hi, Melody. I hope you're feeling better.” I shook her hand.

“I'm fine. Thank you.” she nodded.

Akram appeared out of nowhere and held her hand gently.

“Guys! Enough melodrama .” Asha jumped in the middle of the kitchen, her hands on her hips. “Remember the girls waiting outside?”

“Oh my, I almost forgot!” I gave myself another facepalm. “Please let them in.”

“Are you sure they're not dangerous?” Akram frowned.  He shoved his fingers through his hair and glanced at Melody beside him. He looked tense and nervous.

“Relax, man,” I encouraged.

“I guess I'm rubbing off on him,” Melody added, tucking her hair behind her ears.

Akram chuckled and his posture seemed to loosen up a bit.

“Okay, Most_bay! If auntie killed me for this, my ghost will haunt you for the rest of your life!” Asha said and stomped her way out.

“W-what is this all about, most_bay?” Melody asked, fiddling with her fingers.

“Well,” I began, wiping my glasses with my shirt . “When I told them to stand in line, I had no idea the girls would literally line up to see you guys.”

“Wait! You planned this?!” Akram glared.

“Oh no! I'm not a planner... The idea just popped up.” I defended, holding my hands up.

“And what's that idea?” Melody asked and started biting the tip of her thumb. She'd been doing this whenever she was anxious, which was most of the time.

“Uh… well… they want to interview Akram.”

“All those girls want to interview him?” Melody narrowed her eyes and glanced up at Akram’s face. His eyes widened.

“And you too, of course.” I blurted out. I didn't want to start something and get my favorite girl jealous.

“Thank you, Most. Thank you very much!” Akram murmured, kneading his forehead.

I gave him the most innocent smile. “You're welcome, son.”

****
A/N

Get your questions ready for the next chapter!!!! (Not there yet.)
First comment gets the first interview. 😉

Aren't we excited???? :D
I KNOW I AM!!

You might be disappointed I'm not updating Melody yet while I've started a new book... Or books. But I just hope you understand this is actually helping me get back into writing mode. It really helps to engage more with the characters and connect to them on a more personal level.

Anyway, I really hope you enjoy it so far until we get to the interview part. ;)

Much love

Most_bay