After two days 

Saanvika’s pov

"And …CUT." 

The director yelled out and announced the happiest news which every artist wants to hear after a tiring shoot . 

Yes, no brownie points for guessing ..it's  "PACK UP." 

I grinned and handed over the microphone to the nearest person. I was done for today.

Currently I am working as an anchor in a dance reality show. 

Yes, I have worked as an anchor before as well but it was for small shows.

 But This is my first time as a host in a very popular reality show and by God's grace, my work is getting good response. 

After I was done with a bit of chit chatting with my colleagues, I walked out of the studio. 

Spotting the vanity van which was given to me during this shoot, I walked towards it.

" Oh God, it's 10 pm already. I just want to go home and r…aahh." I was murmuring to myself when all of a sudden the door of the van opened before I could touch it ,shocking me to the core. I yelled out in fear.

"That's why you should be attentive…don't stay in your own bubble." My brain chided at me. I couldn't help but agree .

I smiled sheepishly looking at the people who were inside the van . They were shocked but then laughed.

Then I noticed the Van which made my smile wipe off and made my jaw drop. The whole van was beautifully decorated with balloons.

"Happy Birthday in advance." My PA and also manager Divya wished me. 

One by one my team which includes my stylish, my makeup artist everyone wished me. 

"Tomorrow is your birthday and you have three days of holiday ,that's why we decided to celebrate the Birthday today itself." Divya said with a smile.

Yes, today is Saturday and till Tuesday I am free . 

Besides being my PA and manager, Divya is my college friend as well. We studied together and we have been friends since then. 

No..not best friend because I have only one best friend and that is Niyati. She is like a sister to me.

No we are not diaper buddies, we met each other much later.

The story goes back to 7 years ago when we both met at a yoga centre. From there our journey of Friendship started. Niyati was an introvert so when I first met her ,I judged her as a very uncool and boring person. But when we talked and started to get to know each other, I came to know that she is one with the purest heart and the most amazing person to be around. 

So from there our bond grew and here we are today — the best buddies and we are soul sisters. 

"Come on, Cut the cake." Divya said and dragged me towards the table where a delicious looking cake was present.

They started to sing the birthday song when I cut the cake. 

One by one everyone fed me the cake and I did the same with them as well.

The cake was yummy.

In between some pictures were also clicked.

I divided the cake into portions and distributed them to my team.

"What are you doing?" Divya asked me when she saw me cutting some portions of the cake and packing it in my tiffin box.

"Oh…this. Actually Niyati loves cake so I decided to pack some for her. Also some for Uncle ,Aunty – I mean her parents, Parthiv uncle and Sadhika aunty. Not to forget  , I am also included in the list." I said to her with a chuckle.  

"Wow, you think so much for your friend. She is lucky to have you in your life…I mean one you are a celebrity and Secondly you are so caring. I am sure that she boasts to her other friends how you , a celebrity ,gives so much importance to her. " Divya said with a chuckle.

I frowned as I found her words odd.

" Divya, Niyati is a gem of a person. More than her, it's me who is lucky to have her. I was alone in this city but the way she and her whole family always made me feel, I can surely and without a doubt say that I am not alone anymore because I have a family Here..that's Sehgal family.

As much as I care for her, she and her family care for me a thousand times more.

Moreover, we have known each other since the time when I wasn't famous at all. So this 'celebrity' and shit tag don't work between us. We are beyond that." I said to her clearly. 

"And she is my best friend…never forget that before speaking anything about her." I said to her sternly.

"Why are you getting angry? I was just saying normally…no hard feelings for Niyat. " Divya said.

I smiled back at her.

"Now let's go. It's already 10:30 pm. Everyone needs to reach home." I said to her.

Then we started to clear the Van and it was 11 pm when we left for our individual houses.

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Bandra, Mumbai.

"Finally. " I said with a sigh as soon as I reached my home.

This three BHK apartment was gifted to me by my parents when I was 22 years old, which means 7 years ago. Before that I used to stay in a rented apartment. 

Though I wanted to buy this apartment with my hard earned money, Dad opposed it. He said that I should save the money and it was he who had already booked this apartment for me.

I didn't oppose his decision because I knew that he wouldn't listen to me.

Then I decided that I would save the money . 

When mom and dad will retire, I will buy a house for them on my own.

I immediately rushed towards my bedroom and took a bath.  After taking a relaxing shower, I had my dinner which I bought on my way back home.

After finishing my dinner, I kept the dish in the kitchen and returned to my bedroom. 

"Ahh….finally." I sighed as soon as my body touched the soft mattress.

In no time I slipped into dreamland.

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It was 9 am when I woke up. I sat up with my back resting on the headboard.

A smile graces on my lips as today is my Sunday and most importantly my birthday. 

I took my phone and opened it with excitement to see the birthday wishes. 

My social media accounts were flooded with wishes from various people known to me and from my fans as well. 

But what I noticed was that neither my parents nor Niyati wished me. I pouted sadly. 

I have told everyone who is close to me to never wish me at midnight because I love my sleep and It won't be possible for me to attend the calls at midnight.

So everyone wishes me in the morning itself.

Before I could ponder over the lack of wishes from my favourite persons, the doorbell rang, breaking my thoughts .

"Maybe the maid." I murmured and got down from the bed. 

Walking towards the main door, I opened the door only to be surprised. The emotions named shock, happiness and excitement ran through my body when my eyes fell on the gorgeous people…yes, my parents — Soniya Arora and Samrat Arora.

"Happy Birthday, Princess." Both of them wished me. With a squeal, I pulled them into a tight hug. I closed my eyes in satisfaction. 

"Aare let them enter or you don't want to." Hearing the voice ,I opened my eyes to see my idiot best friend standing behind my parents. I was surprised again. 

"Oops…please come. " I let them enter. 

"Mom, Dad, what a pleasant surprise!! How are you here? Why didn't I know anything about it ?" I asked them with a happy grin .

" We wanted to celebrate your birthday . 

 A week back Niyati called me like she always does to know how we were doing. I told her about the visit. It was her idea to surprise you and she told us not to tell you as it would be great to see you this much happy . She was right.

So Today she went to pick us up and here we are." Dad said to me.

I walked towards my best friend and hugged her with tears in my eyes. 

"Thank you so much." I said. 

"You don't tell me but I know how you miss them. So we decided to give you this surprise. " She said to me .

See, that's why she is special. 

I wiped my tears and broke the hug. That's when I noticed a big bag in her hand. 

I looked at her with wide eyes which shone with excitement and she nodded with a grin.

"Thank you ..thank you so much." I said with a squeal.

Now you guys will ask me why I am jumping like a monkey. The reason is that Niyati has baked her famous chocolate cake which she brought with her.

"Let's cut the cake." Mom said. 

Soon the cake was placed on the table. I told Niyati to click a picture of mine with the cake .

After that I cut the cake with my favourite people who I call my family singing the birthday song.

Then the feeding session started along with dozens of selfies and pictures. 

"Let's order some food..what does the birthday girl want to eat?" Dad asked me.

"Today it's my official cheat day…so let's order paneer Paranthas and Lassi. It's been a while I had it." I said with a grin.

"Niyati beta, what do you want?" Dad asked .

"Anything will be fine by me ,Uncle… Paneer paranthas and Lassi for me as well." She said with a smile.

"And my beloved ,what's for you?" Dad said to mom dramatically which made us giggle and mom shook her head smiling at him.

" Same same but I am ordering it." She said,

Dad shrugged and said, "Good thing . Mere paise Bach Gaye. (My money got saved.)" 

"Oh ho, Mister. Tomorrow we are going for a day out. And the whole expenses will be on you. So don't be so happy, my husband. " Mom said with a sass which made Dad sulk.

We laughed seeing their bickering. 

This is a regular scenario . Dad loves teasing Mom and Mom gives it back like a queen which makes Dad speechless.

I love them. 

"I wish one day me and Sathvik will also be like my parents. " I smiled and bit my lips to hide it. 

Luckily nobody noticed my mushy-mushy state as they were busy in conversation. 

After that we had our breakfast.

I sent Mom and Dad to the room which was kept only for them. They needed to freshen up and rest as well.

 Niyati spent an hour with me after that and then decided to leave.

"I should leave now . I will see you in the evening. " She said and stood up.

"Oh wait…there is something for you." I said and rushed out of my bedroom ignoring her questions. She followed me to the kitchen.

I took the tiffin box and gave it to her.

"Here, yesterday I saved some cake for you and uncle ,aunty, Sanjay and Mansi." I said .

"Did you keep it for yourself and uncle, aunty?" She asked and checked the bowl which had the remaining cake. "Good." She said after seeing  the cake.

"Happy ?" I asked her with a smile. She nodded with a grin. 

" What?" I asked her when I saw her looking at me.

"Give me today's cake also." She said.

"Zyada uro mat. Woh mere Akele ke liye Hai. (Don't fly much…that is only for me.)". I said, narrowing my eyes.

She laughed and said, "I was joking. I made it for you only." 

I laughed and said, "Good girl." 

" Listen, come early for the party in the evening. I have already texted you the address of the hotel. Don't be late otherwise I will thrash you tomorrow. " I warned her.

Tonight I have arranged a birthday party . 

" Zaroor Zaroor, Rajkumari ji, jo agya ho apki. (Sure sure, Princess,  whatever you wish.)" She said and bowed down in front of me dramatically which made me chuckle. 

Then she left from there telling me to inform my parents as they were sleeping.

I sighed and went to my room to take a bath. 

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Sathvik's pov 

I was working on my laptop on some designs when the door was knocked. 

"Aajao .(Come in.)" I said.

"Hey Bhai. What the!!! Aap ab tak ready nahi hue?"

(Hey bro. What the !!! You didn't got ready?”  

I looked up to see Prisha looking at me with a shocked expression on her face. She was already done with her dress and all.

I looked at the time. It was 7 pm.

"Do I really have to go?" I asked her. I really didn't want to go.

"Definitely bhai…Saanvika di invited us with so much love. We should definitely go. Everyone is ready including Chote papa and Choti ma. So you better be ready within 5 minutes." She said to me flipping her ponytail. 

I raised my perfect eyebrows and said, " What do you mean by 5? You take 2-3 hours to get ready and you want me to be done by 5 …injustice it is, my dear sister!!" 

She rolled my eyes and said, "Oh please, we need to do so many things to look gorgeous so we need time. But you guys only need to wear a dress and set your hair. So it doesn't take time." 

I nodded and said, " So you mean that you need to look good, that's you need time ... .Hmmm... But unfortunately you are still looking like a monkey." 

As expected she fumed in anger. I bit back my smile.

"You… just wait.  I am going to tell Choti ma." She warned ,glaring at me. 

I laughed and mocked her, "Haan Haan…woh hi toh karti hain hamesha and kar sakti hain..Choti ma ki chamchi!!! (Yes yes…do what you always do and you can do…    )" 

She stomped her foot and picked up the remote near the TV.

"Put it down.. " I warned her but she already threw it at me and left the room yelling "Choti ma".

It took the remote which fell near my leg and got up.

"Let's get ready." I said and yawned.

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"Finally, the prince has arrived. How blessed we are!!" I chuckled hearing Mummy's taunt as soon as I reached downstairs. 

Mummy, Papa, Akshat bhai, Avyaan, Prisha  were present there. They were ready. 

Bade papa , Badi ma , Dada and Dadi are not at home. They went to Punjab two days back and would return tomorrow along with two headaches — Badi Dadi and her daughter.

"Please Help me with this blazer and this shit." I said and walked towards Mummy.

"Language. " Mummy warned , glaring at me . Then she helped me to wear the blazer. 

"What's the need for a blazer? You could have worn a t-shirt only." Prisha said.

" I have a reputation…I need to always look good, you know." I said .

"Yes, he will search for a girlfriend tonight. " Akshaat bhai joked. I chuckled.

"Hopefully you get a permanent one, my boy." Papa said, patting my back.

"Oh Papa ,no. Not this soon…I am too young for this." I said. 

"But I won't mind a temporary one ." I smirked with a wink.

Mummy slapped the back of my head and said, "Shut up!! How young!! And what temporary, huh!!!  I am fed up with your lifestyle now.

After Avyaan's marriage, it will be you. I will search for a suitable girl." 

"As if he will listen." Papa said with a chuckle but stopped immediately after Mummy glared at him.

"Okay okay ,Let's go . We are getting late." Avyaan said, interrupting the coming storm which meant my Mummy's anger.

I looked at him with a grateful look to which he winked. 

Then we left for the party.

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"Welcome, welcome. Thank you for coming." 

As soon as we entered the hall, we were greeted by the birthday girl herself. She immediately touched the feet of my parents and hugged four gorgeous young ladies of my family.

Yes, my Mummy is also young. Didn't you see her ? How beautiful and gorgeous she is!!! 

After all, whose mother she is ... .The handsome Sathvik Malhotra.

The party was in one of the five star hotels in Bandra ... .luckily with zero paparazzi. 

Then Saanvika led us towards a couple . 

" Who are they?" I asked Prisha in a whisper.

"Her parents.  Remember we met last year. Did you really forget?" She whispered back.

I smiled sheepishly at her to which she rolled her eyes.

Mummy and Papa greeted them and we, the juniors, touched their feet. 

Soon Niyati and her family joined us.

The elders left, leaving the young people to have fun.

" Saanvika di , you are looking so pretty….like a princess. " Prisha gushed at Saanvika.

She was wearing a red gown  which was an one shoulder one . She paired it with a pair of diamond danglers and red heels. Overall she looked nice .

Saanvika looked at me for a second and then smiled at Prisha

 I sighed.

"But did you guys see my bhabhi (wife of brother )? She is stealing the show. What do you say, Avyaan?" Prisha said with a wink. 

Niyati looked good in a body-hugging royal blue dress.

She smiled shyly and looked around.

I smiled a bit  but frowned when my eyes fell on Avyaan who looked at her with his jaw clenched. He nodded stiffly at Prisha.

What happened now?

Some time ago he was smiling…just before Niyati came to meet us.

 I rolled my eyes seeing his mood swings.

Soon the birthday girl was called to cut the cake and we followed her.

The cake cutting started . 

"Did you bring any gift for her?" Prisha whispered .

Oh shit!! I forgot.

I shook my head and she looked at me as if she saw some ghost.

"Are you insane?" She yelled at me in a whisper. 

"Aare, I didn't have any plans to come. Moreover I forgot the gift. 

Relax,I'll send something to her later." I said to my sister.

" Shut up, you always do this.

I have brought a gift already. I knew that you would do something like that. We will give this together. " She said glaring at me. I rubbed the back of my head with a sigh.

She is telling the truth . Except for my family, I don't remember anyone's birthday…not even my best friends. 

And this gift thing, I have done this before many times. I went to a birthday party or any marriage but forgot to take the gift.

So every time  either Prisha, Akshaat bhai or my best friends handled the situation just like Prisha did today.

After the gift session was done, the most important part started. 

Selfies and clicking pictures.

As there were some TV artists at the party, people were busy clicking pictures with them. I knew some of them as well . 

Ladies were clicking pictures of each other and not to forget the selfies. They forced Niyati to join them . She looked reluctant. 

Mummy, Papa was busy talking to Niyati's and Saanvika’s parents.

Avyaan, Akshaat  and I were talking to each other. 

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Niyati's pov 

Saanvika introduced us to her colleagues.

We were talking and having fun . Saanvika being the life of the party ,immediately made the atmosphere lively with her jokes . 

Not to forget, Sathvik, who was busy flirting with a girl who was a model . The scene made me roll my eyes. 

What could have I expected more from him!!! 

Everything was going well. Me and Vedik were talking ,the people were enjoying and not to forget the good food…everything was perfect.

But as they say, not always good things last till the end.

So me and  Avyaan were talking about something when Om walked towards us. He was a model by profession.

"Hello people," Om greeted .

"Oh hi, Om , finally you made it. " Saanvika said dramatically. 

I had heard about him from Saanvika. She has worked  with him.

"Yes. How can I miss your birthday? Just got late due to shooting.

For now tell me how are you all?" Om said. 

"We are good…you tell us ,how is life going ?" Saanvika asked him.

" Very nice…before that tell me, who are these two beautiful ladies? I haven't met them before. " Om said.

Saanvika laughed and said, "She is Niyati, my bestie and Avyaan's fiance. And she is Prisha , Niyati's  to-be sister in law." 

“ Well, nice to meet you two. And Avyaan,I must tell you, your fiancé is very pretty. You are a lucky man." Om said which made everyone laugh.

I blushed and was being awkward at the same time because the attention suddenly shifted at me.

"That I am . I agree totally ." Avyaan said as he circled his arm around my waist. I bit my lips to stop myself from grinning like a fool.

Soon we involved ourselves in conversation. Om was a nice guy and a jolly one as well. He continued to flirt with me and Prisha which didn't make me uncomfortable as it was a healthy one…but it definitely made me a bit awkward as I was not used to this much attention. 

But it was okay.

Soon everyone went to the dance floor except me ,Om. Avyaan didn't want to go but he was forced to go by Prisha.

We started to talk to each other. Mostly he was saying and I was listening.

" Excuse me , sorry but do you mind if I steal Niyati for a moment?" Avyaan said as he came  back after sometime when I was busy talking to  Om who was asking me about my profession and my hobbies in general.

"Sure, Man. But bring her back. She is very interesting to chat with. I don't want to miss that." Om said with a wink and went away when Saanvika called him.

Before I could ask anything, Avyaan started to drag me towards the corner of the hall which was empty while gripping my wrist tightly.

When I looked at his face, I frowned in confusion as I saw how angry he looked.

"What was that?" As soon as we reached there, he asked me.

"What? What are you talking about?" I asked him in confusion. 

He pressed my hand more tightly and said, gritting his teeth, "Stop acting like an innocent..I saw how you were flirting with Om. What were you doing? Did you forget that you are already engaged?" 

I hissed in pain even though his words shocked me.

"Leave my hand, Avyaan…you are hurting me." I said. 

His grip on my wrist tightened more which depicted how angry he was.

Instead of listening to me, he said with anger in voice, "Listen to me clearly, if I see you roaming around and flirting with random men like this and destroying mine and my family's reputation..I won't spare you. 

Or was it like you wanted to  make me jealous just because I don't like PDA or flirting much and when you see him being friendly with you ,you took the advantage and started flirting back ? 

Or just because you didn't get that from me, you are grabbing it from wherever you want…huh!! Attention is making you needy..huh?" 

He jerked my hand away with such power that I had to steady myself holding the wall so that I don't fall down.

My eyes became teary hearing his accusations. He was not giving me any chance to justify myself. 

Maybe I shouldn't have talked to Om at all.

"You are angry right now, that's why you are not in your senses. It was nothing like that." I said, trying hard to keep my voice steady.

"Shut up. Just remember one thing if…." 

" Hey big brother….I knew it , Niyati would be with you. " 

Avyaan stopped as Sathvik walked towards us. Avyaan took a deep breath to control his anger and I immediately wiped away my tears. 

"Why? What happened?" He asked Sathvik who stood beside him with his arm around his shoulders.

"Actually, Saanvika was searching for her..that's why I came here..as I knew where she could be ... .she would definitely be with you…after all who leaves his fiancé alone." Sathvik said with a wink.

I frowned in confusion. Why did I spot sarcasm in his tone? 

Avyaan didn't say anything, just glared at me.

"Aare..why are you still standing here ? Go go…otherwise your friend will launch a search party for you now. Go ..go." Sathvik said to me with a laugh.

I smiled awkwardly and left from there.

But the hurtful words of Avyaan continued to make me teary.

Here you go.

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